Actively Recruiting
Photobiomodulation in Head and Neck Cancer-Related Chronic Lymphedema
Led by Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · Updated on 2026-01-21
150
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
202 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Lead Sponsor
N
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) as a treatment for breast cancer-related arm lymphedema (BCRL) in 2006. The investigators conducted two pilot clinical trials. Results demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of PBMT for the treatment of chronic lymphedema in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. The objective of this study is to further investigate and confirm the positive effects of PBMT on HNC-related chronic lymphedema.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Photobiomodulation in Head and Neck Cancer-Related Chronic Lymphedema
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 18 years of age or older
- Biopsy-proven head and neck cancer
- No evidence of cancer at enrollment
- Between 12 and 60 months post-cancer treatment
- Chronic lymphedema lasting at least 6 months
- At least 2 sites of external lymphedema
- At least 1 site with moderate severity lymphedema per HN-LEF criteria
- Failed prior lymphedema therapy due to incomplete response, progression, or self-care difficulties
- Able to understand English and provide informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Women of childbearing age and potential
- Acute cellulitis in the head and neck soft tissues
- Chronic inflammatory diseases
- Venous thrombosis
- Carotid artery stenosis
- Requiring ongoing use of diuretics or corticosteroids
- Pre-existing skin rash, ulceration, or open wound in the treatment area
- Active lymphedema or physical therapy including hyperbaric oxygen or trental
- Allergic or other systemic skin diseases
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104
Actively Recruiting
2
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37232
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jie Deng, PhD
CONTACT
S
Sarah Latimore, MS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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