Reliability and Validity of Ultrasound for the Assessment of Structural and Mechanical Properties of Soft Tissues at the Upper Limb Region in Women After Breast Cancer Treatment

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Other
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY

After 1 year, more than 50% experience upper limb (UL) complaints after treatment for breast cancer. These complaints are disabling and cause limitations in daily life and this leads to a decrease in the patient's quality of life. The cause of these UL complaints is complex and multifactorial. Due to breast cancer treatment, the structural (tissue composition and volume) and mechanical (tissue stiffness) properties of the soft tissue may change. These changes can occur in the muscle, skin and surrounding fascia and especially in the soft tissue around the breast and axilla where that treatment is localised. Ultrasound with specific 'add-on' techniques can objectively assess these features and provide a picture of their role in UL function after breast cancer. The first aim in this study is to investigate the reliability and validity of conventional 2D ultrasound for 1) soft tissue composition and 2) soft tissue thickness at the level of the breast and upper limb. The reliability and validity of shear wave elastography, a specific complement to conventional 2D ultrasound, to assess tissue stiffness will also be examined.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: Female
Minimum Age: 18
View:

• Healthy women (QuickDASH \<15) age-matched with a breast cancer patient from the main study

• Comprehensive of the Dutch language

Locations
Other Locations
Belgium
Universiteit Antwerpen
RECRUITING
Antwerp
Contact Information
Primary
An De Groef, Prof.
an.degroef@uantwerpen.be
003216376668
Backup
Kaat Verbeelen
kaat.verbeelen@uantwerpen.be
Time Frame
Start Date: 2023-05-02
Estimated Completion Date: 2026-05-02
Participants
Target number of participants: 90
Treatments
Women after breast cancer with UL dysfunctions
Women after breast cancer without UL dysfunctions
Healthy volunteers
age- and gender-matched control group
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Collaborators: KU Leuven
Leads: Universiteit Antwerpen

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov