RELIEF-HNC

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Is Complete Decongestive TheRapy a fEasibLe and acceptable IntervEntion for patients with lymphoedema Following treatment for Head and Neck Cancer?

• IRAS ID

  344718

• Contact name

  Joanne Patterson

• Contact email

  joanne.patterson@liverpool.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Liverpool

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  Aim
  This research will explore the experiences of people living with head and neck cancer (HNC), their partners/carers, and health professionals in managing long-term side effects of treatment—specifically head and neck lymphoedema (HNL). HNL, a fluid buildup under the skin, can negatively affect quality of life (QOL), nutrition, hydration, appearance, swallowing, communication, breathing and social interactions.

  The goal is to improve swallowing for HNC patients with HNL by refining and testing a personalised treatment programme. The aim is to reduce the need for modified diets or feeding tubes by improving swallowing through better HNL management. Ideas to enhance care will be co-produced with patients, carers, and clinicians.

  Why This Research Matters
  Up to 90% of people treated for HNC may develop HNL. These long-term side effects can be just as damaging as the cancer itself. Despite this, we don’t fully understand how HNL affects swallowing or how treatments might help. The most commonly used treatment is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes skincare, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and compression. MLD involves gentle skin movements to help drain fluid.

  Method
  This three-year study includes:

  Systematic Review – To evaluate existing research on CDT for HNL and its impact on swallowing.

  Co-production – Three workshops involving patients, carers, and professionals to gather insights and adapt the treatment programme.

  Feasibility Study – To assess if personalised CDT is practical and acceptible with additonal participant interviews to explore experience of the intervention.

  Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)
  The study was shaped with input from The SWALLOWS charity, NHS patients, and carers. Ongoing involvement will ensure the research remains relevant and meaningful.

  Dissemination
  Findings will be shared through academic papers, social media, videos, podcasts, and charity websites in collaboration with co-production participants.

• REC name

  HSC REC A

• REC reference

  26/NI/0008

• Date of REC Opinion

  20 Feb 2026

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion