Investigating manual lymph drainage for lymphedema after urogenital cancer surgery

Lymphoedema and Nocturia/ Nocturnal Polyuria After Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection (LND) for Urogenital Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial (Pilot)

Not applicable Interventional Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · NCT05266157

This study is testing if adding manual lymph drainage to regular care can help people with mild leg swelling after surgery for urogenital cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven Academic / other
Locations1 site (Leuven, Vlaanderen)
Trial IDNCT05266157 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to explore the feasibility of adding manual lymph drainage to the standard care regimen for patients experiencing mild lower limb lymphedema following pelvic lymph node dissection for urogenital cancer. Participants will receive usual care, which includes skin care, exercises, and compression stockings, alongside the manual lymph drainage intervention. The study focuses on patients who develop lymphedema within the first year after their surgery, assessing the potential benefits of this additional treatment approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who have undergone pelvic lymph node dissection for non-metastatic urogenital cancer and are experiencing early signs of lower limb lymphedema.

Not a fit: Patients with evidence of metastatic disease or clinical signs of chronic venous insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the management of lymphedema, improving patients' quality of life and limb function.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of manual lymph drainage with standard care has not been previously investigated, similar approaches in managing lymphedema have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients included in the prospective observational study and developing lymphoedema within the first year after surgery
* Before inclusion, written informed consent must be given according to ICH/GCP, and national/local regulations.

Inclusion criteria of the prospective observational study were:

* Non-metastatic urogenital cancer (i.e. prostate cancer or bladder cancer)
* Pelvic lymph node dissection

Exclusion Criteria: same as for the prospective observational study:

* Radiological evidence of metastatic disease based on pelvic CT/MRI and bone scan
* Clinical signs of chronic venous insufficiency

Where this trial is running

Leuven, Vlaanderen

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.
Conditions Lower Limb LymphedemaUrogenital Cancermanual lymph drainage
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.