Home-Based Photo-Biomodulation for Management of Lymphoedema and Radiation Fibrosis in Patients After Head and Neck Cancer: A Single-Arm Feasibility Trial

NCT ID: NCT07139782

Last Updated: 2025-08-24

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 30 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-09-04
• Study Completion Date: 2026-10-31

Brief Summary

This feasibility trial will test the use of photo-biomodulation (PBM) therapy, predominantly self-delivered in the patient's home for 12-weeks, following completion of radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer.

The primary objective is to establish feasibility of recruitment (uptake). Secondary objectives are to assess safety, additional elements of feasibility (adherence to the intervention, return of the device and attrition at the 3-month follow-up appointment) and acceptability of the trial to patients.

Secondary measures will be performed to assess trends in effects of the intervention (pre-post intervention, within-group measures) for managing lymphoedema and radiation fibrosis.

Conditions

Head and Neck Cancer

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NA
• Intervention Model: SINGLE_GROUP
• Primary Study Purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Intervention

RIANCORP

1. The therapist will complete 5 minutes of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) prior to photo-biomodulation (PBM)

2. The therapist will apply the device for 60 secs each at 14 - 25 points on the face and neck. Most patients will need application of the device at 15 to 20 points The Riancorp runs for 60 seconds, providing 1.5 j/cm2 in 60 seconds. The Riancorp has an in-built timer that signals the end of 60 seconds.

HANDYCURE PROTOCOL The Handycure device will be used at home by the patients, in addition to the usual care. Education, including written instruction sheets in how patients are to perform MLD, and use of the device will be provided.

The device is to be used once/day on the prescribed days (Wks 1-6 3x/wk; Wks 7-10 x2/wk; Wks 11-12 x1/wk)

1. Patients will complete 5 min of MLD prior to PBM

2. They will then apply the device for 5 minutes at each point.

Telehealth physio (wks 1, 6 and 9) post baseline will check usage, adherence and monitor safety.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Riancorp LTU-904 Laser and Handycure® (Medical Quant)

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Riancorp: At the first intervention session the therapist will apply the device for 60 secs each at 14 - 25 points on the face and neck. Most patients will need application of the device at 15 to 20 points The Riancorp runs for 60 seconds, providing 1.5 j/cm2 in 60 seconds.

Handycure: used by patients at home once/day on the prescribed days (Wks 1-6 3x/wk; Wks 7-10 x2/wk; Wks 11-12 x1/wk) 1. Patients will apply the device for 5 minutes at each point as instructed by the physiotherapist.

Interventions

Riancorp LTU-904 Laser and Handycure® (Medical Quant)

Riancorp: At the first intervention session the therapist will apply the device for 60 secs each at 14 - 25 points on the face and neck. Most patients will need application of the device at 15 to 20 points The Riancorp runs for 60 seconds, providing 1.5 j/cm2 in 60 seconds.

Handycure: used by patients at home once/day on the prescribed days (Wks 1-6 3x/wk; Wks 7-10 x2/wk; Wks 11-12 x1/wk) 1. Patients will apply the device for 5 minutes at each point as instructed by the physiotherapist.

Intervention Type: DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. Patient has provided written informed consent using the HOME-PBM patient information and consent form

2. Patient is referred to the Lymphoedema Clinic for the management of head and neck lymphoedema and/or radiation fibrosis

3. Previously received curative-intent treatment (surgery and/or [chemo]radiotherapy) for mucosal head and neck cancer

4. Patient is able to attend appointments in person

5. Adults aged 18 years or older at Screening

6. Patient able to speak and read English

Exclusion Criteria

1. Patient has cognitive impairment that in the opinion of the Investigator would interfere with their ability to participate in the trial (e.g., complete outcome measures, perform the intervention)

2. Residual or recurrent disease within the head and neck

3. Has a diagnosis of photosensitive disorder (cutaneous porphyria, xeroderma pigmentosum, etc.)

4. Patient has tuberculosis or another form of virulent bacteria

5. Patient has a contraindication to receiving PBM treatment

6. Patient has no internet enabled device for telehealth video follow-up appointment

• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Locations

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Countries

Australia

Central Contacts

Megan Howard

Role: CONTACT

megan.howard@petermac.org

61 3 8559 5000

Lara Edbrooke, B App Sc (Physio), GDEB, PhD

Role: CONTACT

lara.edbrooke@petermac.org

61 3 8559 5234

Facility Contacts

Megan Howard

Role: primary

megan.howard@petermac.org

61 3 8559 5000

Lara Edbrooke, B App Sc (Physio), GDEB, PhD

Role: backup

lara.edbrooke@petermac.org

8559 5234

Other Identifiers

115976

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id