Clinical trial · Interventional
Acupuncture for Lymphedema Secondary to Breast Cancer Treatment
Rehabilitation of Breast Cancer Treatment Related Lymphedema Using Electro-acupuncture: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Source
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- Retrieved
- Sep 8, 2026
- Layer
- normalized (units and labels harmonized; values unchanged)
- Run
- ING-CLINICALTRIALS-20260908-000001
Why stopped (as posted): The study Principal Investigator relocated and the grant funding the trial expired.
Summary
Brief summary (as posted)
This study is being conducted to determine if electro-acupuncture can reduce swelling of the arm due to breast cancer treatment (commonly referred to as 'lymphedema'). Research conducted on animals suggests that such treatment might be used to improve circulation leading to reductions in swelling. Previous research in humans with lymphedema suggests that treatment may be safe to use, although results regarding its efficacy in the reduction of swelling have not yet been established. This research will use sophisticated, non-invasive assessment methods to determine if a single session of electro-acupuncture treatment can be effective for reducing lymphedema. Results may be used to further develop our understanding of how electro-acupuncture can be used in the management of this condition. Electro-acupuncture may provide a promising complement or alternative to conventional lymphedema treatments such as compression bandaging, massage therapy or surgery.
Conditions
Conditions (1)
Free-text conditions as registered, with the CancerIndex entity they were reconciled to and the match type.
| Condition (as posted) | Mapped entity | Match | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lymphedema | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
Interventions
Interventions (1)
| Intervention | Type | Mapped drug | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture + Electrical Stimulation | Device | — | UNRESOLVED |
Design
Arms and outcomes
Arms (2)
- type
- EXPERIMENTAL
- label
- Acupuncture + Electrical Stimulation
- description
- Acupuncture needles are inserted beneath the skin and electrical stimulation applied for 20 minutes.
- interventionNames
- Device: Acupuncture + Electrical Stimulation
- type
- NO_INTERVENTION
- label
- Control
- description
- Participants who are randomized to receive no intervention will still receive physical assessment.
Primary outcomes (1)
- measure
- Change in amount of arm tissue water determined by Bioimpedance Analysis
- timeFrame
- Before and after a 20 minute period at a single scheduled appointment
- description
- Bioimpedance analysis devices take readings using 8 electrode pads that are placed on top of the skin of the arms. The electrode pads are connected to a computer that transmits a small amount of electrical current between the electrode pads. The process of taking readings takes less than 1 minute and is painless (participants may not be able to feel it working).
Eligibility
Eligibility (as posted)
- Sex
- Female
- Minimum age
- 18 Years
Show eligibility criteria text
Inclusion Criteria: * \>1yr following the conclusion of breast cancer treatment * Lymphedema of the upper limb: unilateral (one-side) Exclusion Criteria: * History or evidence of hormone-receptor positive cancer * Previous nodal dissection or radiotherapy to other regions * Contraindications for acupuncture or electrical stimulation * Pre-cancer or bi-lateral lymphedema * Evidence of active cancer * History of contralateral cancer, radiation or surgery * Edema of the neck/midline/torso * Pregnancy * Allergies to nickel, chromium, or silicon * Seizures (epilepsy) * Tremors (shakiness) that may interfere with treatment * Infections, scarring, open wounds, or broken skin at needle sites * Infections, open wounds, or broken skin on the upper limbs (electrode \& landmark sites)
References
Publications (0)
Data not yet available