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Is complete decongestive therapy a feasible and acceptable intervention for patients with lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer?

Cancer treatment for head and neck cancer can sometimes cause fluid build-up and swelling in the neck and face, known as lymphoedema. This can make everyday activities like swallowing, eating, and speaking uncomfortable. The RELIEF-HNC study explores whether a gentle physical treatment called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) can help ease this swelling and improve swallowing. First, patients and carers will help design the care programme in friendly workshops. Then, a small group of patients will test the programme for three months at home, supported by hospital visits in Coventry. The goal is not only to see if the therapy reduces swelling, but also to learn if it is easy and comfortable for people to fit into their daily routines. Taking part helps NHS teams design better, more supportive care for people recovering from cancer.

At a glance

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
University of Liverpool
Enrolment target
57
Start
01 May 2026
Estimated completion
31 Dec 2027
Head and neck cancer

What is this study about?

Treatments for head and neck cancer, such as surgery and radiotherapy, are vital and life-saving. However, they can sometimes damage the delicate lymph vessels that drain fluid from the neck and face. When fluid builds up, it causes a condition called lymphoedema. This swelling can feel tight, heavy, or uncomfortable, and it often leads to difficulties with swallowing, eating, and drinking, which can deeply affect a person's quality of life.

This study, called RELIEF-HNC, is looking at whether a specialised treatment called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a practical and helpful way to manage this condition. CDT usually combines gentle massage, skin care, exercises, and sometimes special support garments to encourage fluid to drain naturally. Researchers want to find out whether this therapy is easy for patients to do at home and whether it truly makes swallowing and daily life easier.

To make sure the treatment suits real lives, the study is divided into stages. Before testing the therapy, researchers are holding workshops where patients, their loved ones, and healthcare professionals work together to shape the programme. By listening directly to people who live with the condition, the team aims to create supportive, practical NHS care that tackles both visible swelling and hidden swallowing difficulties.

Key takeaways

  • The study tests whether a therapy called CDT helps relieve neck swelling and swallowing problems after cancer treatment.
  • Patients and carers can help design the treatment plan through hospital workshops in Coventry.
  • The practical trial involves learning a personalised therapy routine to practice at home for three months.
  • Taking part involves three hospital visits for measurements, support, and routine swallowing checks.
  • Participation is entirely voluntary, safe, and will not affect your standard NHS care.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join the workshops if you are an adult aged 18 or over who has finished treatment for head and neck cancer and now has lymphoedema symptoms. Carers, family members, and healthcare professionals who support people with head and neck cancer are also warmly invited to take part in these discussion sessions.

To take part in the practical testing part of the study, you must have both lymphoedema and swallowing difficulties following your cancer treatment. You need to be at least eight weeks past your surgery or chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Your radiotherapy must have included a standard high dose to the neck area.

You will not be able to join the testing trial if your cancer is currently active or has returned, if your swelling is caused by something other than cancer treatment, or if you have other medical conditions that make these therapies unsafe for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. I am aged 18 or older.
  2. I have finished treatment for head and neck cancer at least eight weeks ago.
  3. I am currently experiencing visible swelling (lymphoedema) in my head or neck.
  4. I have difficulties with swallowing, eating, or drinking.
  5. My cancer is not currently active or returning.
  6. I am able to travel to appointments in Coventry or Warwick.
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

What taking part involves depends on which part of the study you join. If you attend the patient workshops, you will join two or three group meetings at University Hospital Coventry to share your views and help review treatment guides. If you join the treatment trial, you will be placed by chance (like flipping a coin) into one of two groups: one receiving Complete Decongestive Therapy at University Hospital Coventry, and the other receiving lymphoedema support at Myton Hospice.

If you receive CDT, you will attend three hospital visits. At your first visit, a therapist will measure your swelling, assess your swallowing, take photos, and teach you a personalised treatment routine to do at home. Your second visit involves a standard swallowing X-ray. You will then carry out your gentle therapy exercises at home for three months. At your third visit, the team will repeat the measurements to see how you have got on. You may also be invited to a 40- to 60-minute interview to share your personal thoughts on the treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not directly cure your symptoms, but you could see improvements in your swelling, comfort, and swallowing. Your feedback will also help shape better NHS care for future cancer survivors. The physical therapy is designed to be gentle and safe, and the swallowing X-rays used are part of routine medical care. Sharing personal experiences of cancer can sometimes feel emotional, but the study team is there to offer guidance and support throughout. You are completely free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will never affect your usual NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.
  • University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust
    City only
    Coventry, England

Common questions

Do I have to pay to take part?

No, taking part in this NHS-funded research study is completely free.

Will taking part interfere with my regular cancer check-ups?

No, this study is designed to run alongside your routine NHS appointments and follow-up care.

Can my partner or family member join the workshops with me?

Yes, carers, partners, and family members who support you are very welcome to attend the design workshops.

Is the home treatment painful or tiring?

The therapy is designed to be gentle and manageable. The study team will teach you the techniques step-by-step to make sure they are comfortable for you.

What happens if I decide I want to stop?

You can step down from the study at any point. You do not need to give a reason, and your ongoing medical care will continue as normal.

How to find out more

Alison Smith

alison.smith3@uhcw.nhs.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

Interested in taking part?

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Share your details and the research team for "Is complete decongestive therapy a feasible and acceptable i…" will contact you if you may be eligible. Always speak to your GP before agreeing to take part.

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