Can common drugs stop radiation damage? new trial aims to prevent lymphedema
NCT ID NCT06494111
First seen Feb 15, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 21 times
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.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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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.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.