Head and neck cancer survivors battling lymphedema now have a promising treatment option that not only expedites therapy initiation but also enhances overall quality of life. New clinical data unveiled at the ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting underscores the effectiveness of Flexitouch® Plus, a device developed by Tactile Medical, in managing this condition.
Rapid Access to Effective Treatment
The study, the largest of its kind in the United States, involved 236 participants across ten academic and community sites. Participants using Flexitouch Plus began their therapy in approximately 18 days, significantly faster than the nearly 30 days required for those receiving usual care. This swift access to treatment ensures timely intervention, which is crucial in managing lymphedema effectively.
Enhanced Clinical and Quality-of-Life Outcomes
Flexitouch Plus users demonstrated a notable reduction in swelling, as evidenced by digital photography and the Head and Neck Cancer Related Lymphedema and Fibrosis Grading scores. Additionally, 94.9% of Flexitouch participants received therapist-guided lymphedema treatment compared to 71% in the usual care group. Improvements were also seen in three of the six health-related quality-of-life subscales, highlighting the device’s impact on patients’ daily lives.
- Accelerates treatment initiation by more than 10 days.
- Increases the likelihood of receiving therapist-guided treatment by over 20%.
- Achieves significant reduction in physical swelling compared to standard care.
- Enhances specific quality-of-life measures, offering a more comprehensive patient benefit.
The data suggests that Flexitouch Plus not only matches the effectiveness of traditional treatments but also surpasses them in key areas that matter most to patients. By facilitating quicker access to therapy and providing measurable improvements in physical symptoms and quality of life, the device addresses significant gaps in current lymphedema management practices.
Tactile Medical’s commitment to advancing lymphedema therapy is evident through their substantial investment in clinical research. The promising two-month results pave the way for anticipated six-month data, which is expected to further validate Flexitouch Plus’s efficacy and support broader insurance coverage. This advancement not only benefits patients by improving treatment accessibility and outcomes but also holds potential for reducing overall healthcare costs through more efficient management of chronic conditions.
By providing a viable at-home treatment option, Flexitouch Plus empowers survivors to take control of their health, fostering independence and enhancing their ability to manage symptoms effectively. As the medical community anticipates the full six-month trial outcomes, the integration of advanced pneumatic compression devices like Flexitouch Plus represents a significant step forward in the treatment landscape for head and neck cancer-related lymphedema.
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