Effect of Digital Combined Decongestive Therapy in Patients With Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: a Follow-up Study

Bezmialem Vakif University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Treatments: Behavioral: Digital Combined Decongestive Therapy

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07014657

Lenfödemüst2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of digital combined decongestive therapy in breast cancer-related lymphedema. Limb volume and quality of life (Lymph-ICF) were assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 12-week follow-up.

Full description

This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a digital combined decongestive therapy (CDT) program in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. After an initial face-to-face training session on self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care, patients followed a 4-week digital CDT program with remote guidance. Compression garments were used during the maintenance phase. Limb volume was measured using circumference method. Quality of life was assessed with the Lymph-ICF questionnaire. Assessments were repeated post-treatment and at 12-week follow-up.

Enrollment: 29 patients

Sex: Female

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) within the last 6 to 60 months.
• Voluntarily agreed to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of active infection.
• History of bilateral breast surgery.
• Severe breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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29 participants in 1 patient group

Digital Combined Decongestive Therapy Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received digital combined decongestive therapy including self-bandaging, self-manual lymphatic drainage, decongestive and breathing exercises, supervised remotely through telecommunication technologies for 4 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy with compression stockings.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Digital Combined Decongestive Therapy