Clinical Outcome of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in Patient With Axillary Web Syndrome

Last updated: September 2, 2025
Sponsor: Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

N/A

Condition

Breast Cancer

Lymphedema

Cancer

Treatment

Low energy ESWT

Clinical Study ID

NCT05082597
CF21163B
  • Ages 20-65
  • Female

Study Summary

Axillary web syndrome(AWS) is common complication of breast cancer surgery. Overall, AWS affects more than a half of the patient receiving axillary lymph node dissection. The symptoms of AWS include pain, limited function and range of motion. Geater risk of secondary lymphedema was found if the patient developed AWS during the first postoperative year.

ESWT was used for treating myofascial pain for decades. Low energy ESWT combined with complex decongestive therapy had a benefit on shoulder joint ROM and skin thickness improvement in patients with BCRL in recently studies. Investigators wonder if ESWT can also be applied to patients with axillary web syndrome for increasing ROM and relieving pain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of low energy ESWT in patients with axillary web syndrome.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Axillary web syndrome patient

  2. Unilateral breast cancer and received related operation(mastectomy/ALND/SLND)

  3. Completion of beast related chemotherapy or radiotherapy

  4. Age with 20-65 years old

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Ongoing metastasis or recurrence of the breast cancer

  2. Other cancer history

  3. Lymphatic transplantation or reconstruction

  4. Wound, infection or trauma over affected arm

  5. Coagulopathy or poor circulation

  6. Pregnancy

  7. Oral anticoagulant using

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Low energy ESWT
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 13, 2021
Estimated Completion Date:
March 31, 2025

Study Description

Although the anticipated enrollment was 30 participants, the study was completed with 20 participants due to early attainment of statistical significance and recruitment feasibility.

Connect with a study center

  • Taichung Veterans General Hospital

    Taichung, Republic Of China(R.O.C) 40705
    Taiwan

    Site Not Available

  • Taichung Veterans General Hospital

    Taichung 1668399, Taichung City 407219
    Taiwan

    Site Not Available

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