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LymphedemaNCT04797390

A Study Evaluating an Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device Versus Usual Care for Treatment of Head and Neck Lymphedema

A study testing Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD) in people with Lymphedema and Lymphedema of Face, run by Tactile Medical at 10 sites in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

To compare the effectiveness of an APCD to Usual Care in the management of lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD)
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
236 participants
Where
10 sitesUnited States
Study dates
23 Sep 2021to 3 Dec 2024
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • Pathologically confirmed cancer of the HNC (larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, paranasal sinuses, major salivary glands, and HNC of unknown primary)
  • Completed curative intent cancer therapy with no evidence of active cancer at time of study enrollment
  • A diagnosis of either internal or external head and neck lymphedema
  • At least one core lymphedema associated symptom of ≥ 4 out of 10 at the time of study screening
  • Must be able and willing to participate in all aspects of the study and provide informed consent prior to study participation
  • Must be able to speak and understand English

Who cannot join

  • Previous APCD or Usual Care treatment for HNC LEF
  • Acute facial infection (e.g., facial or parotid gland abscess)
  • Known carotid sinus hypersensitivity syndrome
  • 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)
  • Internal jugular venous thrombosis (within 3 months)
  • Patient is pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Trial locations and contacts

10 sites in 1 country.

10 sites in 1 country

United States10 sites
  • University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109

  • Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21205

  • University of Alabama

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35924

  • Rush University Medical Center

    Chicago, Illinois, 60612

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute

    Detroit, Michigan, 48201

  • Advanced Head & Neck Rehabilitation Center of Texas

    Fort Worth, Texas, 76104

  • University of Louisville

    Louisville, Kentucky, 40202

  • Vanderbilt University Medical Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232

  • Richmond University Medical Center

    Staten Island, New York, 10310

  • Montefiore Medical Center

    The Bronx, New York, 10467

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Randomized Trial of an Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device vs. Usual Care for Head and Neck Lymphedema

To compare the effectiveness of an APCD to Usual Care in the management of lymphedema and fibrosis (LEF) in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors.

Read the detailed description

Aim 1:

To compare the short-term and long-term effectiveness of self-administered APCD therapy versus Usual Care in HNC survivors with treatment naive LEF on anatomical measures of internal and external LEF. Baseline measures will be obtained at the start of therapy. Short-term effectiveness will be evaluated at 2 months and long-term effectiveness will be evaluated at 4 and 6 months. Hypothesis: the APCD therapy will be associated with greater short-term and long-term reduction in anatomical measures of LEF.

Aim 2:

To compare the short-term and long-term effectiveness of self-administered APCD therapy versus Usual Care in HNC survivors with treatment naive LEF on patient reported biopsychosocial outcome measures impacted by LEF. Outcome measures will include: 1) symptom burden, 2) symptom burden and functional impairment, 3) quality of life (QOL), 4) work and activity, 5) perceived self-management capacity, 6) body image, and 7) diet modifications. Baseline measures will be obtained at the start of therapy. Short-term effectiveness will be evaluated at 2 months and long-term effectiveness will be evaluated at 4 and 6 months. Hypothesis: the APCD therapy will be associated with greater short-term and long-term improvement in patient reported biopsychosocial outcomes.

Being tested
Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD), Usual Care
Keywords
Head and Neck Lymphedema
Medical subject headings
Lymphedema, Neoplasm Metastasis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD)Device

    Also called Flexitouch, Flexitouch Plus

    Once daily treatment with Flexitouch Plus.

  • Usual CareOther

    Also called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

    Usual care consists of a two-phase CDT. Phase 1 includes consultation with a lymphedema therapist, patient education, MLD, compression garments or bandages, skin care techniques, and a program of exercises and postural recommendations. Phase 2 consists of ongoing self-care, where patients conduct a life-long program of disease management that mimics the program in phase 1.

Study groups in NCT04797390
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD)Active comparatorDaily self-administered treatment with the Flexitouch® Plus system (FT)
Receives: Device: Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD)
Usual CareActive comparatorComplete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) directed by a lymphedema therapist and any additional adjunctive measures as prescribed by the lymphedema therapist
Receives: Other: Usual Care

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Internal Lymphedema - Endoscopy

    The change in average site score from baseline assessed via endoscopy using the Modified Patterson Scale. The range for each site was 0-3: Normal, Mild, Moderate, Severe. A lower score means a better outcome.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  2. Internal Lymphedema - CT Imaging

    The changes in fat stranding using the CT Lymphedema and Fibrosis Assessment Tool (CT-LEFAT). The range for fat stranding includes 0-2: Normal, Mild Changes, Advanced Changes. A lower score means a better outcome.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 6 months

  3. Internal Lymphedema - CT Imaging

    The changes in epiglottic thickness, and prevertebral soft tissue (PVST) using the CT Lymphedema and Fibrosis Assessment Tool (CT-LEFAT). Epiglottis and PVST are measured in mm. A lower measurement means a better outcome.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 6 months

  4. External Lymphedema - Head and Neck Lymphedema and Fibrosis Grading

    The presence of swelling and inflammation as assessed through grading of external lymphedema via the Head and Neck Lymphedema and Fibrosis Grading criteria (HN-LEFG). A total of 9 sites are evaluated for the presence of lymphedema and graded from 1 (mild) to 3 (severe) at each site. The number of sites ranged from 0-9 with a total severity score ranging from 0-27. A lower score indicates a better outcome. A greater negative value indicates a greater reduction in swelling.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  5. External Lymphedema - Digital Photography

    The presence of swelling and inflammation are assessed by digital photography. A lower value means a better outcome. A greater negative value indicates a greater reduction in swelling. Three views are scored each with 30 grids. The percentage of views with visible swelling was determined. The score ranges from 0-100%.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  6. Symptom Burden - Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey

    Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Head and Neck (LSIDS-HN) assesses the measurement characteristics of a symptom burden for participants with head and neck lymphedema. Each symptom is rated on intensity and distress using a 5-point scale (1-Slight to 5-Severe), then added together. The values represent the mean score change from baseline. Score range: 0-10 (0 = symptom not present). A lower score means a better outcome.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  7. Physical Function - Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey

    Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey plus General Symptom Survey (VHNSS plus GSS) assesses symptom burden and functional impairment. Values represent a median score change from baseline. Score range: 0-10. A lower score indicates a better outcome. A more negative value indicates a greater change from baseline.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  8. Quality of Life - Linear Analog Self-Assessment

    Quality of life is assessed using the Linear Analog Self-Assessment. The overall well-being score ranges from 0-10 (0-As bad as it can be to 10-As good as it can be). The value represents the change from baseline. A positive change indicates an improvement.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  9. Work and Activity - Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire

    Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAIQ) PRO assessment asks questions about work and activity impairment due to lymphedema and other health problems. The values represent the difference from baseline percentage. A greater negative number indicates a greater reduction in impairment. Total score range: 0-100%

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  10. Perceived Self-management Capacity - Perceived Medical Condition Self-Management Scale

    The 8-item Perceived Medical Condition Self-Management Scale (PMCSMS) is intended to measure patients' belief that they are capable of carrying out the self-management behaviors required by their medical condition. The scale is composed of four positively worded items and four negatively worded items, each rated on a five-point Likert scale (1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree). Negatively worded items are reversed scored, yielding a total score ranging from 8 to 40, with a higher score indicating stronger belief of perceived self-management competence.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  11. Body Image - Body Image Quality of Life Inventory

    Body Image Quality Life Inventory (BIQLI) assesses participants' body image using 7 point scale ranging from -3 (very negative) to +3 (very positive). Score range: -57 to +57. The values represent the change from baseline. A higher score indicates a better outcome.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  12. Diet Modifications - Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool

    Diet modifications will be assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24). The ASA24 is a tool from National Cancer Institute (NCI) that enables multiple automatically coded self-administered 24-hour recalls and food records. Changes in total caloric intake will be evaluated.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

  13. Diet Modifications - Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool

    Diet modifications will be assessed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24). The ASA24 is a tool from National Cancer Institute (NCI) that enables multiple automatically coded self-administered 24-hour recalls and food records. Changes in total fat, carbohydrate, fiber, sugars, and protein will be evaluated.

    Measured: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Mar 2021
  2. Study start23 Sep 2021
  3. Primary completion3 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion3 Dec 2024

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
236 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04797390
Sponsor's protocol ID
8030
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
5 Mar 2021
Last updated
2 Mar 2026
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Murphy BA, Smith DK, Kline-Quiroz CM, Jensen KM, Sukari AW, Bhayani MK, Mehta V, Quon H, Shah JL, Willey CD, Dunlap NE, Lee HK, Aulino JM, Ridner SH. Short-Term Outcomes of Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device Versus Usual Care Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Multi-Site Randomized Clinical Trial. Head Neck. 2026 Apr;48(4):1077-1087. doi: 10.1002/hed.70155. Epub 2026 Jan 23.

    PubMed 41574713

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Advanced Pneumatic Compression Device (APCD) in people with Lymphedema and Lymphedema of Face, run by Tactile Medical at 10 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 10 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 2 Mar 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Internal Lymphedema - Endoscopy (time frame: Change from Baseline at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months). The study lists 13 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04797390, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Mar 2026.

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