Self-Management for Head and Neck Lymphedema and Fibrosis [PROMISE Trial]

Purpose

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized lymphedema and fibrosis self-management program (LEF-SMP) to improve LEF self-management and reduce LEF-associated symptom burden, functional deficits, and improve quality of life in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Condition

  • Lymphedema of the Head and Neck

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • >18 years of age - Post HNC primary treatment - No evidence of cancer (NED) - Completion of initial lymphedema therapy for head and neck lymphedema - Unable to obtain lymphedema therapy due to barriers noted above - History of lymphedema on the face and neck, with or without fibrosis - Ability to understand English in order to complete questionnaires - Ability to perform self-care activities for LEF management - Ability to provide informed consent - Having an electronic device (a computer, tablet, iPad, or smartphone) and internet access at home - A valid email address

Exclusion Criteria

  • Recurrent or metastatic cancer - Any other active cancer - Acute infection - Acute congestive heart failure - Acute renal failure - Cardiac or pulmonary edema - Sensitive carotid sinus - Severe carotid blockage - Uncontrolled hypertension - Venous thrombosis - Pregnant people - Incarcerated patients

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Other
Usual Care
  • Behavioral: Usual Care
    Participants will conduct self-care activities prescribed by their treating lymphedema therapists.
Experimental
In-Person LEF-SMP
  • Behavioral: In-Person LEF-SMP
    Participants will receive the in-person LEF-SMP intervention.
Experimental
Telehealth LEF-SMP
  • Behavioral: Telehealth LEF-SMP
    Participants will receive the telehealth LEF-SMP intervention.

Recruiting Locations

Barbara Murphy
Nashville, Tennessee 37232
Contact:
Barbara Murphy, MD

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Study Contact

Jie Deng, PhD
2155732393
jiedeng@nursing.upenn.edu

Detailed Description

In HNC survivors with lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF), the investigators will: 1) compare the effects of in-person LEF-SMP, telehealth LEF-SMP, and usual care on LEF severity; 2) compare the effects of in-person LEF-SMP, telehealth LEF-SMP, and usual care on LEF-related symptom burden, functional impairments, and quality of life; and 3) compare the effects of in-person LEF-SMP, telehealth LEF-SMP, and usual care on LEF-related knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, and self-care adherence.