Recruiting

Light therapy to reduce head and neck swelling after cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06837480 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT)—a treatment that uses special light to reduce swelling—for people who developed chronic lymphedema (fluid buildup and swelling) in their head and neck after cancer treatment. The light therapy has already been approved by the FDA for similar swelling in the arm after breast cancer, and early research suggests it may help head and neck cancer survivors too. This study will confirm whether this treatment really works for head and neck lymphedema.

Many head and neck cancer survivors develop chronic swelling that doesn't fully improve with standard treatments like physical therapy. This medication offers a new option that has shown promise, but we need a larger, carefully controlled study to prove it works and determine the best way to use it.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you were diagnosed with head and neck cancer and have completed treatment between 1 and 5 years ago
you have chronic swelling in your head and neck that has lasted at least 6 months
you have swelling in at least 2 areas of your head and neck, with at least one area being moderate or severe
you have already tried other lymphedema treatments that didn't work well enough

You likely don't qualify if…

you are a woman of childbearing age who could become pregnant
you currently have an active infection or open wound in your head or neck area
you have a blood clot, carotid artery narrowing, or certain chronic inflammatory conditions
you are currently taking diuretics (water pills) or corticosteroids regularly
you are receiving active physical therapy or other lymphedema treatments right now

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one that receives light therapy twice a week for 6 weeks then placebo once a week for 6 weeks, one that receives light therapy for the full 12 weeks, or one that receives placebo sessions for all 12 weeks. Each visit will involve coming to the clinic for treatment sessions. You'll have your swelling measured and complete questionnaires before, during, and after the treatment period to help researchers see if the light therapy helps reduce your symptoms.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 21, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee