Actively Recruiting
Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Dextrose Prolotherapy for Persistent Chest Wall and Axillary Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Prospective Case Series
Led by Taichung Veterans General Hospital · Updated on 2026-03-20
15
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating ultrasound-guided dextrose prolotherapy in female breast cancer survivors who experience persistent chest wall and axillary pain and tightness that has not improved with standard physical therapy. This study aims to assess the safety, feasibility, and preliminary effects of this treatment on upper extremity function, pain levels, shoulder movement, and chest wall tightness. Participants will receive three sessions of ultrasound-guided injections of a 5% dextrose solution targeted at specific soft-tissue areas in the chest and axilla. These injections occur at four-week intervals. Throughout the six-month study, participants continue their usual rehabilitation program, including exercises for range of motion, stretching, and strengthening. During the study, participants undergo baseline physical exams and ultrasound assessments, followed by regular follow-ups every four weeks during treatment and additional check-ins at three and six months after the last injection. Researchers will measure functional ability, pain intensity, shoulder range of motion, and tissue tightness to evaluate treatment effects and response durability.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dextrose Hydrodissection for Post-Breast Cancer Chest Wall and Axillary Tightness.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- History of breast cancer surgery (mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery), with or without axillary lymph node dissection
- Persistent ipsilateral chest wall and/or axillary pain, tightness, or movement restriction lasting 3 months or more after surgery
- Clinically significant baseline symptoms: QuickDASH score 25 or higher and/or pain intensity 5 or higher on the Numeric Rating Scale
- Completion of at least 12 weeks of standard physical therapy without significant improvement
- Age 18 years or older
- Ability to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Evidence of local cancer recurrence or metastatic disease
- Active lymphedema requiring ongoing decongestive therapy
- Shoulder conditions causing symptoms (e.g., adhesive capsulitis or rotator cuff tear) as main cause
- Active infection, skin lesion, or unhealed surgical wound at the injection site
- Known bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants that contraindicate injection
- Known allergy to dextrose or injection components
- Pregnancy or medical conditions preventing participation
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening and enrollment visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 8 weeks
Participants receive three ultrasound-guided dextrose injection sessions targeting symptomatic myofascial and interfascial planes of the chest wall and axillary region. Sessions are spaced 4 weeks apart to allow tissue adaptation and clinical assessment.
3 injection visits spaced 4 weeks apart
Duration - Up to 6 months after treatment
Participants continue a standardized home-based rehabilitation program and are assessed for symptom improvement and function up to 6 months after the last injection.
Follow-up visits at approximately 3 and 6 months after the last injection
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Taichung Veterans Genetal Hospital
Taichung, Taiwan, Taiwan, 407
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Y
Yuchun Lee, M.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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