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

NCT ID NCT05182229

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.

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 cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms lymphedema

As listed by the trial registrant

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

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