New device may ease swelling in head and neck cancer survivors
NCT ID NCT04797390
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tested whether an advanced pneumatic compression device (Flexitouch Plus) could reduce swelling and symptoms in 236 head and neck cancer survivors with lymphedema. Participants either used the device daily or received usual care like manual drainage and compression garments. The trial measured changes in internal and external swelling, symptom burden, and 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
- Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (Flexitouch Plus)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a more effective way to reduce swelling and improve quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors with lymphedema.
- What could go wrong
- This is a completed trial, but results may not apply to all patients. The device is an add-on to usual care, not a standalone cure, and benefits may vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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236 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2021
- Finished
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Dec 2024
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥ 18 years 2. Pathologically confirmed cancer of the HNC (larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, paranasal sinuses, major salivary glands, and HNC of unknown primary) 3. Completed curative intent cancer therapy with no evidence of active cancer at time of study enrollment 4. A diagnosis of either internal or external head and neck lymphedema 5. At least one core lymphedema associated symptom of ≥ 4 out of 10 at the time of study screening 6. Must be able and willing to participate in all aspects of the study and provide informed consent prior to study participation 7. Must be able to speak and understand English Exclusion Criteria: 1. Previous APCD or Usual Care treatment for HNC LEF 2. Acute facial infection (e.g., facial or parotid gland abscess) 3. Known carotid sinus hypersensitivity syndrome 4. Symptomatic carotid artery disease, as manifested by a recent transient ischemic attack (within 30 days), ischemic stroke, or amaurosis fugax (monocular visual ischemic symptoms or blindness) 5. Internal jugular venous thrombosis (within 3 months) 6. Patient is pregnant or trying to become pregnant
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Advanced Head & Neck Rehabilitation Center of Texas
Fort Worth, Texas, 76104, United States
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, 21205, United States
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Karmanos Cancer Institute
Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States
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Montefiore Medical Center
The Bronx, New York, 10467, United States
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Richmond University Medical Center
Staten Island, New York, 10310, United States
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Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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University of Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama, 35924, United States
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University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Five days of radiation instead of weeks: a new test for head and neck cancer
- Can an online program ease the burden on cancer caregivers?