Lymphedema
Conditions
Interventions
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is performed 3 times a week during 30 minutes,
completed by multilayered compression bandages. It is performed by certified
edema therapists, according to the Dr. Vod
Sponsors
Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Untreated lymphedema in one arm, developed after treatment for breast cancer. An increase in the volume of the affected arm >= 20% compared with the non-affected arm. Lymphedema developed >= 12 weeks after surgical treatment for breast cancer (axillary lymph node dissection and/or axillary radiation included).
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Bilateral lymphedema. Breast cancer recurrence. Active clinical infection. Deep venous thrombosis. Pre-existent lymphedema.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| The primary outcome measure will be percentage reduction in the excess limb volume. The normal limb acts as the patient*s own control. Inverse water volumetry (gold standard for measuring limb volume) will be used to quantify limb volume. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Health care costs will be measured and evaluated. For this we refer to the HTA-methodology study. The quality of life will be measured by means of two validated instruments at the time of enrolment, after completing the treatment, and at 6 months after inclusion: functional assessment of cancer therapy (FACTB) with the FACTB Plus 4 subscale, and the EuroQol-50. | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Outcome results
None listed