Preoperative exercise to prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients

Effect of Preoperative Exercise on the Prevention of Secondary Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Asan Medical Center · NCT06421285

This study is testing if a special exercise program before surgery can help breast cancer patients avoid lymphedema after chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAsan Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Seoul, Seoul Special City)
Trial IDNCT06421285 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of preoperative exercise in preventing lymphedema in patients diagnosed with breast cancer who are scheduled for neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which will engage in a tailored exercise program including aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises, or a control group that will receive minimal flexibility training. The primary outcome will measure the incidence and severity of postoperative lymphedema, while secondary outcomes will assess upper extremity dysfunctions and quality of life. The intervention will last for at least three months during the chemotherapy period before surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are breast cancer patients aged 20 to 80 who are starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with medical contraindications to exercise or those with pain or musculoskeletal conditions limiting active exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of lymphedema and improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients post-surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with exercise interventions in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 20 or older and younger than 80 who were first diagnosed with breast cancer
* Patients scheduled for surgery and starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with medical contraindications to exercise intervention or pain or musculoskeletal conditions that may limit active exercise intervention

Where this trial is running

Seoul, Seoul Special City

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 Breast NeoplasmsPreoperative ExerciseLymphedemaBreast Cancer
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.