Ultrasound may reveal who responds to lymphedema massage
NCT ID NCT07810036
First seen Sep 09, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
Researchers are testing whether ultrasound measurements of deep fascia thickness can predict how women with arm lymphedema after breast cancer surgery respond to manual lymphatic drainage. Forty-two women with stage 1 or 2 lymphedema receive 15 sessions of manual lymphatic drainage over three weeks, combined with compression bandaging, skin care, and exercises. The team measures subcutaneous tissue and deep fascia thickness by ultrasound on day 1 and day 15 to see if changes in these layers relate to each other and to treatment response.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- manual lymphatic drainage, a hands-on massage technique that moves lymph fluid
- What this could lead to
- If ultrasound fascia measurements track with treatment response, doctors could tailor lymphedema therapy to each patient and spot poor responders earlier.
- What could go wrong
- The study is small and early, so any link between fascia thickness and treatment response may not hold up in larger groups or change how care is delivered.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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42 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Finished
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Sep 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a government body.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
This study will include 42 patients presenting to the Istanbul Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital who have been diagnosed with post-mastectomy lymphedema.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18 years and older with clinically diagnosed upper extremity lymphedema * Stage I-II lymphedema according to the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) staging system (early to moderate stage, without advanced fibrosis) * History of breast cancer surgery including mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection * Lymphedema present for at least 3 months (stable chronic phase) * Anatomy suitable for ultrasonographic measurement of deep fascia thickness Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion Criteria: * Active infection or cellulitis of the affected limb * Stage III (advanced fibrotic) lymphedema * Lymphedema secondary to other causes (e.g., venous insufficiency, rheumatologic disease) * Systemic conditions that may cause edema, such as diabetic neuropathy, congestive heart failure, or renal disease * Severe trauma or surgery affecting the upper extremity other than the lymphedema-related surgery * Pregnancy * Contraindications to decongestive therapy (e.g., severe cardiac failure, impaired consciousness)
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
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