Health Trials

About this trial

Up to one out of five patients with breast cancer will develop lymphedema in the upper extremity after cancer treatment. Patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) suffer from pain, heaviness, tightness, and a decreased range of motion. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is a non-invasive therapy based on the application of visible and/or near-infrared light produced by a laser diode or a light-emitting diode. The scientifically proven biologic effects of PBM are improved wound healing, and a reduction in pain, inflammation, and oedema. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT on the management of BCRL.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Diagnosed with breast cancer

Underwent ipsilateral lumpectomy or mastectomy + sentinel lymph node biopsy +/- lymph node dissection

Underwent radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy

Diagnosed with BCRL (i.e. International Society of Lymphology (ISL) lymphedema stage I or higher)

Disqualifiers

Metastatic disease

Pregnancy

History of surgery or trauma to the arm

History of arm infection in the past 3 months

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT)
  • Manual Lymphatic drainage

Treatment groups

104 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Locations

2
Hasselt University3500, HasseltLimburg, Belgium
Jessa Ziekenhuis3500, HasseltLimburg, Belgium

Sponsors and collaborators

Jessa Hospital

Lead sponsor

Hasselt University

Collaborator

Source ClinicalTrials.gov