Preventing Lymphedema in Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer Through Vein Reconstruction (NCT07694726)
Lymphedema Prevention With Facial Vein Preservation or Reconstruction During Neck Dissection for Operable Head & Neck Cancer
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
\* The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if facial vein reconstruction after neck dissection works to reduce rates of lymphedema in adults getting surgical treatment for head and neck cancer. This is a trial which aims to improve the rate of lymphedema for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. Our aim is to re-establish venous flow across the facial vein to improve lymphatic drainage after neck dissection. * The investigators will also evaluate lymphatic flow before and after facial vein reconstruction to determine if there is evidence of lymphedema. * The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. Does facial vein reconstruction after neck dissection improved lymphatic flow in head and neck cancer patients? 2. Determine if there are changes in lymphatic flow before and after facial vein reconstruction? After the study is completed, the investigators will compare rates of lymphedema and quality of life in patients with facial vein preservation/reconstruction as compared to previous patients treated for head and neck cancer without facial vein reconstruction. Participants will undergo the following: 1. Oncologic and reconstructive surgery as normal. No changes in cancer treatment will occur due to the study. 2. When necessary, participants will undergo facial vein reconstruction immediately after neck dissection 3. Visit the clinic once every 3 months for routine checkups and tests. This is typical for most patients treated for head and neck cancer including those not enrolled in the trial. 4. Fill out short questionnaires to help understand quality of life after head and neck cancer treatment 5. Undergo lymphography in the OR and at the 1-year mark in the office. This is a simple test performed without radiation exposure. It requires 3 very small skin injections to perform the test.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and UPMC Shadyside Hospital — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Facial Vein Reconstruction (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and UPMC Shadyside Hospital — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (412) 647-2130
Email: sridharans2@upmc.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Head and Neck Cancer
- Window Study of Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity — Boston, Massachusetts
- Imaging With a PET Agent for Detection of Cancers of the Head and Neck — New York, New York
- Study of Proton Versus Photon Beam Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer — Miami, Florida
- ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) Study in Recurrent Head/Neck Cancer for Patients Who Have Failed at Least Two Lines of Therapy — Miami, Florida
- ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) Study in Patients With Recurrent Head/Neck Cancer — Bethesda, Maryland
- "QUAD SHOT" Radiotherapy With Pembrolizumab in Patients With Recurrent Head & Neck Cancer — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Explore by condition: All Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.