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

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Lymphedema of the Head and Neck
Interventions
Behavioral: In-Person LEF-SMP
Behavioral: Telehealth LEF-SMP
Behavioral: Usual Care
Registration Number
NCT06125743
Lead Sponsor
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Brief Summary

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.

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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
204
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

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
In-Person LEF-SMPIn-Person LEF-SMP-
Telehealth LEF-SMPTelehealth LEF-SMP-
Usual CareUsual Care-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in severity of lymphedema and fibrosisBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

This outcome measure will be assessed via Head and Neck - External Lymphedema and Fibrosis Assessment Criteria (HN-LEF Assessment Criteria). The total severity score of lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) is calculated by summing the severity score (normal = 0, mild =1, moderate =2, and severe =3) of each anatomical site affected by head and neck LEF. Higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in severity of symptom burdenBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

This outcome measure will be assessed via Head and Neck - Lymphedema and Fibrosis Symptom Inventory (HN-LEF Symptom Inventory). The severity score of symptom burden is dependent on the number of self-reported symptoms \[overall score range: 0 (no) - 5 (severe)\], and higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Changes in degrees of jaw range of motionBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

This outcome measure will be assessed via Jaw Range of Motion Scale. Higher degrees of jaw range of motion mean a better outcome (criteria for trismus: mouth opening \< 35mm).

Changes in degrees of cervical range of motionBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

This outcome measure will be assessed via Cervical Range of Motion Instrument. Higher degrees of cervical range of motion mean a better outcome.

Changes in quality-of-life scoreBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

This outcome measure will be assessed via European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). This questionnaire includes a global health-related quality of life scale, 5 functional subscales, 3 symptom scales, and 6 single items. Scores for all scales and single items are linearly converted to range from 0-100, and higher scores signify a higher quality of life.

Changes in LEF-related knowledge scoreBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

LEF-related knowledge will be assessed via HN-LEF Knowledge Test scale. The scale asks participants to answer 35 true/false questions. The total score (score range: 0-35) represents participants' knowledge level related to head and neck LEF, and higher scores mean a better outcome.

Changes in LEF-related skillsBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

LEF-related skills will be assessed via HN-LEF Skill Checklist. Study lymphedema therapists use this checklist to evaluate participants' LEF self-care skills.

LEF-related self-efficacy scoreBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

LEF-related self-efficacy will be assessed via Perceived Medical Condition Self-Management Scale \[8-item, each item score 1 (strongly disagree) - 5 (strongly agree)\]. Higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy.

LEF-related self-care adherence statusBaseline, 3-, 6-, and 9-months post-intervention

LEF-related self-care adherence will be assessed via LEF Self-Care Checklist. Higher scores indicate greater better adherence to LEF self-care activities (i.e., full adherence: ≥ 5 days; partial adherence: 3-4 days; non-adherence: \<3 days).

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Barbara Murphy

🇺🇸

Nashville, Tennessee, United States

University of Pennsylvania

🇺🇸

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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