Home vs. clinic: which lymphedema therapy works best for cancer survivors?

NCT ID NCT05182229

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two approaches to treating lymphedema (swelling) in people who have had head and neck cancer. One group gets all their therapy in a clinic, while the other starts with a few in-person sessions and then continues via video calls at home. The goal is to see if the home-based method is just as effective at reducing swelling, easing symptoms, and improving daily function. The trial involves 240 survivors who are within two years of finishing cancer treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: complete decongestive therapy (CDT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that a home-based hybrid approach works as well as clinic visits, making lymphedema care more convenient and accessible for survivors.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-sized trial comparing two existing treatments, not testing a new drug. The home-based method may be less effective for some patients, and results may not apply to everyone with lymphedema.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms lymphedema

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER LYMPHEDEMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Asplundh Cancer Pavilion Jefferson Health

Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, 19090, United States
Jefferson Cherry Hospital Jefferson Health

Cherry Hill, New Jersey, 08002, United States
Jefferson Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
Jefferson Torresdale Hospital Jefferson Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19114, United States
Temple University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140, United States
University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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