NCT07154043

Comparison of IPC Therapy as an Alternative or an Adjunct to MLD Within CDT for BCRL

Comparison of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy as an Alternative or an Adjunct to Manual Lymphatic Drainage Within Complete Decongestive Therapy for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Pamukkale University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and lymphedema is one of its most significant complications. Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) may develop shortly after treatment or even years later, causing physical and psychological burden, functional impairment, and reduced quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which includes manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression, skin care, and exercise, is the standard approach. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has been proposed as an additional option, and current consensus reports emphasize the need for studies evaluating IPC in combination with MLD. Previous studies comparing IPC and MLD, either alone or in combination, have shown inconsistent results. Some reported no significant difference between treatment groups, while others suggested additional benefits of IPC, particularly in reducing limb heaviness and tension. However, there is still insufficient evidence to clarify the exact role of IPC within CDT. The aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of using IPC instead of MLD, or in combination with MLD, on arm circumference, arm volume, shoulder range of motion, and quality of life in patients with BCRL.

Detailed description

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most important complications of breast cancer treatment. It may occur due to lymphatic system damage caused by surgery and/or radiotherapy, or as a result of tumor-related lymphangiogenesis, leading to interstitial fluid accumulation. BCRL can develop immediately after treatment or months to years later. BCRL is associated with swelling, heaviness, discomfort, weakness, increased risk of infection, and progressive chronicity, which together result in upper extremity dysfunction and reduced quality of life. Compared with women without lymphedema, patients with BCRL report more frequent pain, decreased shoulder mobility, reduced upper extremity strength, impaired daily activities, and sensory disturbances. The standard treatment for BCRL is complete decongestive therapy (CDT), which consists of manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression, skin care, and exercise. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has also been proposed as a treatment option, and the 2023 consensus report of the International Society of Lymphology emphasized the need for further studies evaluating IPC in combination with MLD. However, the number of studies directly comparing IPC with MLD, or evaluating their combined use, is limited and results remain inconsistent. Some trials reported no significant difference between MLD and IPC in terms of limb volume reduction, while others demonstrated additional benefits of IPC in relieving heaviness and tension. The role of IPC in CDT, whether as a replacement for MLD or as an adjunct, is not yet clearly defined. The purpose of this study is to investigate the acute effects of using IPC instead of MLD, or in combination with MLD, within CDT on arm circumference, arm volume, shoulder range of motion, and quality of life in patients with BCRL.

Conditions

• Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
• BCRL

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)	Manual lymph drainage, multilayer bandaging, skin care, and exercise. 75 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week, for 3 weeks.
PROCEDURE	CDT + Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC)	Complete decongestive therapy program including manual lymph drainage, multilayer bandaging, skin care, and exercise, plus intermittent pneumatic compression at 20-50 mmHg for 40 minutes per session. Total duration: 115 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week, for 3 weeks.
PROCEDURE	CDT without Manual Lymph Drainage plus Intermittent Pneumatic Compression	Complete decongestive therapy consisting of multilayer bandaging, skin care, and exercise, with manual lymph drainage replaced by intermittent pneumatic compression at 20-50 mmHg for 40 minutes per session. Total duration: 75 minutes per session, 5 sessions per week, for 3 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-15
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2025-09-04
• Last updated: 2026-03-04

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)