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

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.

NCT Number	NCT07154043
Lead Sponsor	Pamukkale University
Conditions	Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, BCRL
Enrollment	45 participants
Start Date	2025-09-15
Primary Completion	2026-12-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-04