Can old drugs stop Radiation's lingering damage? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT06912763

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests several medications—including pravastatin, pentoxifylline, and others—to see if they can treat or prevent lymphedema and fibrosis caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors. About 250 participants who have finished radiation at least 6 months ago and have swelling or tissue hardening will be randomly assigned to one of the drugs or standard care. The goal is to find the safest and most effective option to ease these long-term side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Pravastatin, Pentoxifylline, Ketoprofen, Pirfenidone, Tocopherol

What this could lead to

If successful, this could identify an effective drug combination to reverse or prevent painful swelling and tissue hardening after radiation, improving quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial with multiple drugs, so it is unclear which, if any, will work. Side effects like muscle pain or liver issues are possible, and results may not apply to all patients.

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.

Fibrosis 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

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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

    Contact