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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 12 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2023
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 18 years or older * Diagnosed with HNSCC (e.g., oropharyngeal, hypo/laryngeal SCC) * Primary treatment is with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy * Salvage neck dissection is subsequently indicated for persistent or recurrent, nonmucosal disease in cervical lymph nodes * At the time of salvage neck dissection additional flap coverage is indicated to improve carotid coverage or replace missing skin Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with primary site mucosal recurrence in addition to neck disease
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10065, United States
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