RecruitingACTRN12612000639820

Prevention of breast cancer-related lymphoedema following axillary lymph node clearance

Investigation of the use of manual lymphatic drainage in addition to skin care, compression garments and exercise in the prevention of breast cancer related lymphoedema in patients who have had axillary node clearance for breast cancer.


Sponsor

Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital

Enrollment

178 participants

Start Date

Oct 1, 2011

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Summary

To discover whether specialised arm massage, known as manual lymphatic drainage, is helpful in addition to standard measures in preventing arm swelling after axillary node clearance as part of surgical treatment of breast cancer.


Eligibility

Sex: Both males and females

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

After surgery to remove lymph nodes in the armpit as part of breast cancer treatment, some people develop arm swelling called lymphoedema. This study tests whether a special arm massage technique called manual lymphatic drainage can help prevent this swelling when added to the standard care patients already receive. You may be eligible if: - You are having surgery to remove lymph nodes in your armpit for primary (first-time) breast cancer - This is your first breast cancer diagnosis and treatment You may NOT be eligible if: - Your breast cancer has come back (recurrent) - You have had previous surgery in your armpit - You have had radiation to your armpit before - You have had a previous condition causing arm swelling Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Manual lymphatic drainage, performed initially by lymphoedema-trained physiotherapists who will also instruct patients how to perform manual lymphatic drainage, to be done on a daily basis, for less t

Manual lymphatic drainage, performed initially by lymphoedema-trained physiotherapists who will also instruct patients how to perform manual lymphatic drainage, to be done on a daily basis, for less than one hour for six weeks postoperatively. Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialised form of massage designed to assist drainage of the excess lymph fluid from the upper chest and arm. It is a very light skin massage (as opposed to deep tissue/sports-type massage) and hence can be performed by a trained physiotherapist but also by patients themselves.


Locations(1)

United Kingdom

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ACTRN12612000639820


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