Dextrose injections to loosen chest wall and armpit tightness after breast cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This prospective case series uses ultrasound-guided 5% dextrose hydrodissection to separate adhered fascial planes in the ipsilateral chest wall and axilla of female breast cancer survivors. Participants undergo a baseline physical and ultrasound exam and then receive three targeted injection sessions at four-week intervals. Primary outcomes include upper-extremity function measured by QuickDASH, with secondary outcomes of pain intensity (NRS), active shoulder range of motion, and pectoralis minor muscle length. Safety, feasibility, and preliminary clinical effects will be recorded.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* History of breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery), with or without axillary lymph node dissection
* Persistent ipsilateral chest wall and/or axillary pain, tightness, or movement restriction lasting ≥ 3 months after surgery;
* Clinically significant baseline symptom severity, defined as Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire ≥ 25 and/or pain intensity ≥ 5/10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS);
* Completion of 12 weeks of standard physical therapy with no significant improvement, defined as a change in QuickDASH score from baseline to completion of therapy below the minimal clinically important difference (MCID; \<15 points ) and/or pain improvement \< 2 points on the NRS .
* Age ≥ 18 years;
* Ability to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of local cancer recurrence or metastatic disease;
* Active lymphedema requiring ongoing decongestive therapy at the time of enrollment;
* Shoulder pathology, including intra-articular or peri-articular conditions (e.g., adhesive capsulitis with marked capsular restriction, or acute rotator cuff tear,) judged by clinical assessment to be the dominant cause of symptoms.
* Active infection, skin lesion, or unhealed surgical wound at the intended injection site;
* Known bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use contraindicating injection;
* Known allergy to dextrose or any components of the injection protocol;
* Pregnancy or other medical conditions precluding participation.

Where it's running

• Taichung Veterans Genetal Hospital
  Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Yuchun Lee, M.D. — Taichung Veterans General Hospital
• Study coordinator: Yuchun Lee, M.D.
• Email: lyczoj@vghtc.gov.tw
• Phone: 886423592525

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.