Assessing lymphedema in women treated for gynecologic cancer

Lower Limb Lymphedema After Gyneco-oncologic Therapy: Can we Prevent Irreversible Lymphedema?

NA · University Hospital, Ghent · NCT05469945

This study is trying to see how often women treated for gynecologic cancer develop swelling in their legs and if wearing special compression garments can help prevent it from getting worse.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment218 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent (other)
Locations2 sites (Ghent and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05469945 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to inventory the incidence of lower limb lymphedema in women diagnosed with and treated for gynecologic cancer. It will include 400 patients from diagnosis until two weeks after their first treatment, followed for up to two years to monitor the occurrence of lymphedema. Data will be collected on symptoms, quality of life, and associated costs, providing insights into the impact of lymphedema on patients. Additionally, patients developing early-stage lymphedema will enter a sub-cohort to evaluate the effectiveness of class II compressive garments in preventing progression to advanced lymphedema.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients aged 18 and older, recently diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and eligible for curative treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of treatment for gynecologic cancer or those with severe leg injuries or vascular malformations may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for lymphedema, enhancing the quality of life for patients recovering from gynecologic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies focus on upper limb lymphedema, this approach to lower limb lymphedema is less explored, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed informed consent (ICF)
* Female patient, recently diagnosed with gynaecologic cancer (cervix, endometrium, vulva, vagina, ovaries…) and candidate for curative treatment
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Understanding of the Dutch language
* Able to understand the informed consent and willing to comply with the protocol, including use of diary or app and timely completion of requested questionnaires.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of treatment for gynaecologic cancer
* Concurrent second primary tumor(s)
* Pregnancy or pregnancy planned within 2 years
* Known metastasized cancer at the time of inclusion (D0)
* Severe injury, surgery or deformation of the legs or groins in the past
* Vascular malformation of the leg or untreated venous insufficiency with oedema (CEAP C4 or more)
* Mental or psychological problems, inability to comply to the study protocol
* First treatment administered \> 2 weeks before
* Clinical signs and symptoms of lymphedema present (ISL stage 0 or higher) at the moment of intake

Where this trial is running

Ghent and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lymphedema, Genital Neoplasm, Lymphedema of the lower limb, Gynaecologic cancer, Sexual well-being, Quality of Life, Cost-investment, Time-investment

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.