ESWT added to standard lymphedema care for breast cancer patients

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 interventional study compares complete decongestive therapy (CDT) alone versus CDT plus extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in women with unilateral upper-extremity lymphedema due to breast cancer. Participants receive either CDT alone or CDT with ESWT and are evaluated before, after treatment, and at 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Primary outcomes include limb circumference, volume, and ultrasound-based tissue thickness; secondary outcomes assess arm function, quality of life, and pain. The trial focuses on patients with less than 4 years of lymphedema duration and Stage II disease, aiming to determine if ESWT provides additional benefit and effects on tissue fibrosis.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:Female patients with unilateral upper-extremity lymphedema related to breast cancer.

At least 2 years have elapsed since the diagnosis of breast cancer, cancer treatment has been completed, and cure has been documented during oncology follow-up.

Stage II lymphedema according to the International Society of Lymphology classification.

Duration of lymphedema of less than 4 years.

Voluntary participation in the study. -

Exclusion Criteria: Poor general health status.

Open wounds, sensory deficits, or other conditions in the treatment area that may constitute a contraindication to treatment.

Active infection.

Presence of metastasis.

Bilateral breast cancer.

Bilateral lymphedema.

Use of anticoagulant therapy or presence of a coagulation disorder.

Cognitive impairment that may prevent completion of study assessment procedures.

Physical therapy, including electrotherapy or exercise therapy, ESWT, or regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs within the previous 6 months.

Systemic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

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Where it's running

• Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: sibel ünsal delialioğlu, MD — Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital
• Study coordinator: şebnem över, MD
• Email: sebnemfahli@gmail.com
• Phone: 05422477954

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Effects of physiotherapy on sleep and quality of life in women with lymphedema after breast cancer

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• Using light therapy to manage lymphedema in breast cancer patients

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• Predicting lymphedema risk in breast cancer patients

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• Gentle Touch therapy for arm lymphedema after breast cancer surgery

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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.