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Comparing Home-Based and Clinic-Based Lymphedema Management for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

This study is comparing two ways to manage lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid buildup) in your head and neck after cancer treatment. One approach is "Home-based CDT," which involves some in-person therapy sessions followed by virtual sessions. The other is "Clinic-based CDT," where all your therapy sessions are in person at a clinic. We want to see which method is better at reducing swelling, improving your symptoms, and helping you with daily activities. You might be able to join if you are over 18, had head and neck cancer treatment within the last two years, have head and neck lymphedema, can do self-massage, and have internet access and a device at home. The study is looking for 240 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a randomized clinical trial, meaning participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. It aims to enroll 240 participants.
What's involved
You would receive therapy sessions two times per week for either five or six weeks, depending on your assigned group. There will also be follow-up visits immediately after treatment, and then at 6 and 12 months.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for 12 months after their intervention ends.

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NCT05182229

Comparing Two Ways to Manage Head and Neck Lymphedema

Active, Not Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
~240 participants
Updated 2026-05-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Home-based (a hybrid model) CDTClinic-based CDT

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 6 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Changes in severity of lymphedema
Measured over Baseline, Immediately after End of Intervention (an average of 6 weeks), 6-Month Post-Intervention, 12-Month Post-Intervention

Conditions

Head and Neck Cancer
Lymphedema

Explore related trials

LymphedemaMalignant Head and Neck Neoplasm

Where it's being run

6 sites across 2 states
Pennsylvania5
New Jersey1

Who to contact

This trial hasn't published a contact. View it on ClinicalTrials.gov

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

\>18 years of age
\<=24 months post-HNC treatment
Diagnosis of head and neck lymphedema and referral by their oncology providers
Able to perform self-manual lymphatic drainage
Having an electronic device (a computer, tablet, iPad, laptop, or smartphone) and internet access at home

Exclusion

Active infection in soft tissues in the head and neck region
History of moderate or severe carotid artery occlusion
Significantly severe lymphedema (e.g., severe periorbital swelling)
Conditions impacting the safe delivery of lymphedema therapy

What this trial measures

  • Changes in severity of lymphedemaBaseline, Immediately after End of Intervention (an average of 6 weeks), 6-Month Post-Intervention, 12-Month Post-Intervention

    Compare the effects of clinic-based and home-based CDT on changes in the severity of lymphedema. This outcome measure will be assessed via Head and Neck - External Lymphedema and Fibrosis Assessment Criteria (HN-LEF Assessment Criteria).