Can a fat flap reduce neck pain after cancer? small study aims to find out

NCT ID NCT05889091

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a buried free fat flap surgery can safely reduce neck problems like pain, stiffness, and swallowing trouble in people treated for head and neck cancer. Twelve adults who need a salvage neck dissection will receive the fat flap procedure. Researchers will track complications and measure quality of life through questionnaires.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

buried free fat flap (surgical procedure)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a new surgical option to reduce long-term neck problems like pain, stiffness, and swallowing difficulty after cancer treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 12 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The surgery itself carries risks like infection, blood clots, or flap failure.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-••••

Locations

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••