Can common drugs stop radiation damage? new trial aims to prevent lymphedema

NCT ID NCT06494111

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether pravastatin (a cholesterol drug) or a combination of pentoxifylline and vitamin E can prevent lymphedema and fibrosis (swelling and scarring) caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. About 295 adults with oropharyngeal cancer who are scheduled for radiation will take one of the drug regimens. The study aims to see if these treatments can reduce long-term complications and improve quality of life.

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, and Vitamin E
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to prevent long-term swelling and scarring after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
What could go wrong: This is an early phase 2 trial with only 295 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drugs may cause side effects or fail to prevent fibrosis.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for FIBROSIS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Fibrosis lymphedema oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

FIBROSIS LYMPHEDEMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.