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

NCT07154043 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 45

Last updated 2026-03-04

No results posted yet for this study

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.

Conditions

  • Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
  • BCRL

Interventions

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Pamukkale University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Oya Topuz, Professor · Pamukkale University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
65 Years
Sex
FEMALE
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-09-15
Primary Completion
2026-12-01
Completion
2026-12-01

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07154043 on ClinicalTrials.gov