Using shock wave and electromagnetic therapies to treat lymphedema
Effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Lymphoedema
This study is testing if shock wave and electromagnetic therapies can help people with lymphedema reduce swelling and improve their condition over a year.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kaohsiung City) |
| Trial ID | NCT06041958 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and pulse electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) on patients suffering from lymphedema, a condition characterized by limb swelling due to lymphatic fluid accumulation. The research aims to explore the therapeutic benefits of these treatments, which have shown promise in other medical applications. Participants will undergo these therapies and be monitored for changes in their condition over a 12-month period. The study seeks to provide insights into effective management strategies for lymphedema, which currently lacks definitive treatment options.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 and older with lymphedema resulting from breast or gynecological cancer treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with open wounds, acute infections, or severe clotting abnormalities in the affected limb may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer new therapeutic options for patients with lymphedema, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for similar therapies in treating lymphedema, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be at least 20 years old and have no significant cognitive, language comprehension, or communication issues, be able to understand and follow instructions, and sign the informed consent form. * Individuals with lymphedema after treatment for breast cancer or gynecologic cancer are eligible (lymphedema is defined as a circumference difference of \>2 cm in the same location on both limbs). * You must be able to attend follow-up appointments at specific times during the 12 months of the trial, referred by a rehabilitation physician in the outpatient department. Exclusion Criteria: * The affected limb has unhealed open wounds, acute infections, or other conditions unsuitable for contact-based treatment. * The affected limb has metastatic tumors. * The affected limb has untreated deep vein thrombosis. * Severe clotting abnormalities.
Where this trial is running
Kaohsiung City
- Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital — Kaohsiung City, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Zheng Yu Hoe, MD.,PhD. — Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital.
- Study coordinator: Zheng Yu Hoe, MD.,PhD.
- Email: jhoe@vghks.gov.tw
- Phone: +886935517631
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.