Using fat flap reconstruction to reduce neck injury after cancer treatment
Official title: The Safety of a Buried, Free Fat Flap to Reduce Neck Morbidity Following Cancer Treatment: A Pilot Study
Run by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05889091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new surgery using fat from the thigh can help people with head and neck cancer feel better and reduce neck problems after their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 16, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 16, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 16, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05889091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with HNSCC who require salvage neck dissection after initial treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with primary site mucosal recurrence in addition to neck disease may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the safety and practicality of the fat ALT flap procedure for reducing neck morbidity in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) following cancer treatment. It aims to address issues such as difficulty swallowing, neck or shoulder pain, and changes in appearance that can arise after radiation therapy and surgery. Participants will complete questionnaires to assess their quality of life before and after the intervention, allowing researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure in improving patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for patients recovering from head and neck cancer treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific fat flap approach may be novel, similar reconstructive techniques have shown promise in improving outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 18 years or older * Diagnosed with HNSCC (e.g., oropharyngeal, hypo/laryngeal SCC) * Primary treatment is with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy * Salvage neck dissection is subsequently indicated for persistent or recurrent, nonmucosal disease in cervical lymph nodes * At the time of salvage neck dissection additional flap coverage is indicated to improve carotid coverage or replace missing skin Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with primary site mucosal recurrence in addition to neck disease
Where it's running
-
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evan Matros, MD — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Evan Matros, MD
- Email: matrose@mskcc.org
- Phone: 646-608-8044
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.