NCT05115799

Brief Summary

ABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, with more than a million new cases annually. One of the most frequent surgical and post-actinic sequelae and well known is postmastectomy lymphedema. The axillary web syndrome is another sequel that limits the functionality of the patient and delays the protocol times of application of treatments cancer, and in many cases this sequela is misdiagnosed. This surgical sequelusually disappears spontaneously after the third month of appearance, but this implies a long period of discomfort and limitations for the user, at the same time that it may delay the application of Radiotherapy within the indicated protocol deadlines (due to the need for a body posture with abduction and flexion of the affected upper limb for its application and with the lymphatic thrombus is impossible to get). With the present quasi-experimental study, the investigator intend to show that the application of Kinesitherapy and stretching from the beginning of the appearance of the cord, in a controlled and scheduled way by the physiotherapist, it is possible to reduce the time in which the lymphatic thrombus is present, and therefore, recover functionality, mobility, reduce pain and be able to apply the patients´ treatments within of the established deadlines. The investigator intend to apply this therapy in the intervention group and compare thrombus evolution times with the control group.

Trial Health

57
Monitor

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Trial has exceeded expected completion date
Enrollment
46

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable breast-cancer

Timeline
Completed

Started Dec 2021

Typical duration for not_applicable breast-cancer

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

October 6, 2021

Completed
1 month until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

November 10, 2021

Completed
21 days until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

December 1, 2021

Completed
2.8 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

October 1, 2024

Completed
2 months until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

December 4, 2024

Completed
Last Updated

May 8, 2024

Status Verified

May 1, 2024

Enrollment Period

2.8 years

First QC Date

October 6, 2021

Last Update Submit

May 6, 2024

Conditions

Keywords

mastectomybreast cancerlymphedemakinesiology appliedthrombosishealth educationrehabilitation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

  • Shoulder Range of Movement (ROM) in the limb with Axillary Web Syndrome

    The investigators will use Goniometry of both shoulders. It is a continuous quantitative variable. Goniometer is the standard instrument for measuring the range of movement. The patients were asked to move thir arms in flexion, extension, abduction and external and internal rotation of the shoulder. It was considered that the maximum range of motion for the flexion and abduction was 180Âş, for extension it was 45Âş, 100Âş for internal rotation and 80Âş for external rotation. Finally, a single index was calculated as the percentage of global movement ().

    3 Months

  • Quality of life. Barthel Scale

    The investigators will use the Barthel Scale. The Barthel index or Barthel scale is an instrument used by social and health professionals for the functional assessment of a patient and to monitor their evolution. In the case of Social Workers, they value the independence or dependence of the person in each of the activities of daily living (ADL), obtaining as a result the level of performance of the person and carrying out a rehabilitative / compensatory intervention and / or maintenance according to the results obtained. Promoting and / or maintaining the independence of the person. The scale measures the ability of a person to perform 10 activities of daily life, which are considered basic, in this way a quantitative estimate of their degree of independence is obtained. 100 points is the highest score and the best result in the patient's functionality. 0 points is the worst result and shows the worst functional status.

    3 Months

Secondary Outcomes (3)

  • Shoulder Functionality tested with DASH Scale

    3 Months

  • Shoulder Pain. Visual Analogic Scale (VAS)

    3 Months

  • Shoulder Functionality tested with Constant Scale

    3 Months

Study Arms (2)

Patients with Axilliary Web Syndrome and manual therapy and scar massage.

EXPERIMENTAL

These users will come from the first moment of the diagnosis of the thrombus in our unit, to receive manual therapy by the physical therapist. They will receive 15 sessions of manual therapy by the physiotherapist, 5 days a week, each session being approximately 40 minutes long. The session will begin with pendulum exercises of the shoulder to warm up the joint and give proprioceptive stimulation to the joint capsule. The physiotherapist will perform passive stretches looking to put tension on the cord lymphatic, never exceeding grade 6 VAS pain. Mainly the shoulder will be worked affected, and if the cord reaches the crease of the elbow or thumb, the extension-supination of the elbow, and ulnar deviation of the wrist. Scar massage will be done in the area where the lymphatic cord originates at the proximal level while maintaining the tolerable tension of the lymphatic cord (during the massage also pain grade 6 VAS will be exceeded).

Other: Manual Therapy, Physiotherapy, Kinesiology, Scar Massage

Patients with Axilliary Web Syndrome and health education and kinesiotherapy.

OTHER

These users will be instructed in hygienic-postural care and active auto-kinesitherapy assisted to perform daily for 30 minutes. The investigators will value following the instructions every 30 days

Other: Kinesiotherapy, Physiotherapy, Health Education

Interventions

The physiotherapist performs passive kinesitherapy on the mastectomized patient with lymphatic thrombus, and scar massage when the arm maintains its greater range of mobility. The patient will never present pain during the rehabilitation session above 5 in Pain Scale Analog Scale.

Patients with Axilliary Web Syndrome and manual therapy and scar massage.

These users will be instructed in hygienic-postural care and active auto-kinesitherapy assisted to perform daily for 30 minutes. The investigators will value following the instructions every 30 days

Patients with Axilliary Web Syndrome and health education and kinesiotherapy.

Eligibility Criteria

Age18 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsAdult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

  • Patient over 18 years old.
  • Mastectomized patients (either radical or conservative surgery).
  • Patient with lymphatic thrombus in the upper limb ipsilateral to the surgical intervention.

You may not qualify if:

  • Significant psychological alterations that would prevent the retrieval of the information necessary for the investigation.
  • Significant neurological alterations that would prevent the retrieval of the information necessary for the investigation.
  • Patients in a situation of legal dispute that would affect their intervention in this study.
  • Metastasis not treated with chemotherapy treatment.

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Jesús Baltasar González Rubiño

Algeciras, Cádiz, 11201, Spain

RECRUITING

Related Publications (32)

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  • Yeung WM, McPhail SM, Kuys SS. A systematic review of axillary web syndrome (AWS). J Cancer Surviv. 2015 Dec;9(4):576-98. doi: 10.1007/s11764-015-0435-1. Epub 2015 Feb 15.

  • Furlan C, Matheus CN, Jales RM, Derchain S, Sarian LO. Vascular Alterations in Axillary and Brachial Vessels in Patients with Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery. Lymphat Res Biol. 2018 Jun;16(3):287-293. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2017.0037. Epub 2017 Sep 29.

  • Leduc O, Fumiere E, Banse S, Vandervorst C, Clement A, Parijs T, Wilputte F, Maquerlot F, Ezquer Echandia M, Tinlot A, Leduc A. Identification and description of the axillary web syndrome (AWS) by clinical signs, MRI and US imaging. Lymphology. 2014 Dec;47(4):164-76.

  • Jacob T, Bracha J. Identification of Signs and Symptoms of Axillary Web Syndrome and Breast Seroma During a Course of Physical Therapy 7 Months After Lumpectomy: A Case Report. Phys Ther. 2019 Feb 1;99(2):229-239. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzy110.

  • Koehler LA, Hunter DW, Haddad TC, Blaes AH, Hirsch AT, Ludewig PM. Characterizing axillary web syndrome: ultrasonographic efficacy. Lymphology. 2014 Dec;47(4):156-63.

  • Baggi F, Nevola Teixeira LF, Gandini S, Simoncini MC, Bonacossa E, Sandrin F, Sciotto Marotta M, Lanni G, Dadda P, Colpani D, Luini A. Axillary web syndrome assessment using a self-assessment questionnaire: a prospective cohort study. Support Care Cancer. 2018 Aug;26(8):2801-2807. doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4123-3. Epub 2018 Mar 5.

  • Huang HC, Liu HH, Yin LY, Weng CH, Fang CL, Yang CS. High Incidence of Axillary Web Syndrome among Breast Cancer Survivors after Breast Reconstruction. Breast Care (Basel). 2020 Aug;15(4):366-371. doi: 10.1159/000501928. Epub 2019 Nov 12.

  • Ramirez-Parada K, Garay-Acevedo D, Mella-Abarca W, Petric-Guajardo M, Sanchez-Rojel C, McNeely ML, Leao-Ribeiro I, Fernandez-Verdejo R. Axillary web syndrome among Chilean women with breast cancer: incidence and possible predisposing factors. Support Care Cancer. 2020 Jun;28(6):2941-2947. doi: 10.1007/s00520-019-05190-5. Epub 2019 Nov 25.

  • Koehler LA, Blaes AH, Haddad TC, Hunter DW, Hirsch AT, Ludewig PM. Movement, Function, Pain, and Postoperative Edema in Axillary Web Syndrome. Phys Ther. 2015 Oct;95(10):1345-53. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20140377. Epub 2015 May 14.

  • Yao Y, Chu Y, Xu B, Hu Q, Song Q. Radiotherapy after surgery has significant survival benefits for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Med. 2019 Feb;8(2):554-563. doi: 10.1002/cam4.1954. Epub 2019 Jan 10.

  • Hickey BE, Francis DP, Lehman M. Sequencing of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for early breast cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Apr 30;(4):CD005212. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005212.pub3.

  • White JR, Meyer JL. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for breast cancer: advances in whole and partial breast treatment. Front Radiat Ther Oncol. 2011;43:292-314. doi: 10.1159/000322461. Epub 2011 May 20.

  • Xu HP, Bronsart E, Costa E, Krhili S, Logerot C, Bazire L, Fournier-Bidoz N, Belshi A, Fourquet A, Kirova YM. Patterns of locoregional failure in women with early-stage breast cancer treated by whole breast irradiation in the lateral isocentric decubitus position: Large-scale single-centre experience. Cancer Radiother. 2019 Apr;23(2):116-124. doi: 10.1016/j.canrad.2018.08.002. Epub 2019 Mar 29.

  • Fourie WJ, Robb KA. Physiotherapy management of axillary web syndrome following breast cancer treatment: discussing the use of soft tissue techniques. Physiotherapy. 2009 Dec;95(4):314-20. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2009.05.001. Epub 2009 Jul 29.

  • Cho Y, Do J, Jung S, Kwon O, Jeon JY. Effects of a physical therapy program combined with manual lymphatic drainage on shoulder function, quality of life, lymphedema incidence, and pain in breast cancer patients with axillary web syndrome following axillary dissection. Support Care Cancer. 2016 May;24(5):2047-2057. doi: 10.1007/s00520-015-3005-1. Epub 2015 Nov 5.

  • Ryans K, Davies CC, Gaw G, Lambe C, Henninge M, VanHoose L. Incidence and predictors of axillary web syndrome and its association with lymphedema in women following breast cancer treatment: a retrospective study. Support Care Cancer. 2020 Dec;28(12):5881-5888. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05424-x. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

  • Wariss BR, Costa RM, Pereira AC, Koifman RJ, Bergmann A. Axillary web syndrome is not a risk factor for lymphoedema after 10 years of follow-up. Support Care Cancer. 2017 Feb;25(2):465-470. doi: 10.1007/s00520-016-3424-7. Epub 2016 Oct 4.

  • Fisher MI, Capilouto G, Malone T, Bush H, Uhl TL. Comparison of Upper Extremity Function in Women With and Women Without a History of Breast Cancer. Phys Ther. 2020 Mar 10;100(3):500-508. doi: 10.1093/ptj/pzaa015.

  • Celik D, Kaya Mutlu E. Does adding mobilization to stretching improve outcomes for people with frozen shoulder? A randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin Rehabil. 2016 Aug;30(8):786-94. doi: 10.1177/0269215515597294. Epub 2015 Jul 30.

  • Budtz CR, Andersen JH, de Vos Andersen NB, Christiansen DH. Responsiveness and minimal important change for the quick-DASH in patients with shoulder disorders. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2018 Dec 10;16(1):226. doi: 10.1186/s12955-018-1052-2.

  • Vrotsou K, Avila M, Machon M, Mateo-Abad M, Pardo Y, Garin O, Zaror C, Gonzalez N, Escobar A, Cuellar R. Constant-Murley Score: systematic review and standardized evaluation in different shoulder pathologies. Qual Life Res. 2018 Sep;27(9):2217-2226. doi: 10.1007/s11136-018-1875-7. Epub 2018 May 10.

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  • Arraras JI, Asin G, Illarramendi JJ, Manterola A, Salgado E, Dominguez MA. The EORTC QLQ-ELD14 questionnaire for elderly cancer patients. Validation study for elderly Spanish breast cancer patients. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol. 2019 Nov-Dec;54(6):321-328. doi: 10.1016/j.regg.2019.05.001. Epub 2019 Jun 30.

  • Gonzalez-Rubino JB, Martin-Valero R, Vinolo-Gil MJ. Physiotherapy protocol to reduce the evolution time of axillary web syndrome in women post-breast cancer surgery: a randomized clinical trial. Support Care Cancer. 2025 Mar 28;33(4):326. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09373-1.

  • Gonzalez Rubino JB, Vinolo-Gil MJ, Garcia Munoz C, Martin-Valero R. Randomised clinical trial of a manual therapy programme to reduce the evolution time of axillary web syndrome in women affected by breast cancer: study protocol. BMJ Open. 2022 Sep 21;12(9):e063305. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063305.

Related Links

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Breast NeoplasmsLymphedemaThrombosisMovement DisordersHealth Education

Interventions

Musculoskeletal ManipulationsPhysical Therapy Modalities

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neoplasms by SiteNeoplasmsBreast DiseasesSkin DiseasesSkin and Connective Tissue DiseasesLymphatic DiseasesHemic and Lymphatic DiseasesEmbolism and ThrombosisVascular DiseasesCardiovascular DiseasesCentral Nervous System DiseasesNervous System DiseasesAdherence InterventionsMedication AdherencePatient CompliancePatient Acceptance of Health CareTreatment Adherence and ComplianceHealth BehaviorBehavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Complementary TherapiesTherapeuticsRehabilitation

Study Officials

  • RocĂ­o MartĂ­n Valero, Physiothera

    Malaga U

    STUDY DIRECTOR
  • MarĂ­a JesĂşs Viñolo Gil, Physiothera

    Cádiz U

    STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Jesus G Physiotherapist, Physiothera

CONTACT

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
INVESTIGATOR
Masking Details
The randomization of the sample is done through the Excel program, where the "randomization" function distributes the numbers from 1 to 46 (number of research members) in the control group or intervention group. As patients with this health problem arrive, they are distributed in order of arrival in both groups as determined by randomization
Purpose
TREATMENT
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Model Details: Randomized Clinical Trial
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

October 6, 2021

First Posted

November 10, 2021

Study Start

December 1, 2021

Primary Completion

October 1, 2024

Study Completion

December 4, 2024

Last Updated

May 8, 2024

Record last verified: 2024-05

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will share

1. Publication in journals indexed in the Journal Citation Report (JCR), in the field of Oncology and Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy. 2. Dissemination of results in national and international Congresses of Oncology and Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy. 3. Dissemination to the public, press releases and explanatory brochures of the project. 4. Dissemination on the website of the A.G.S. Campo de Gibraltar West.

Shared Documents
ICF, CSR
Time Frame
In two years. In October 2023.
Access Criteria
Open file

Locations