Monitoring of Edema in Cancer Patients Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis - A Pilot Observational Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can effectively monitor local fluid retention, or edema, in cancer patients. The study includes two groups: breast cancer patients with lymphoedema in one or both arms after radiotherapy, and hospitalized cancer patients with fluid retention in one or both legs after chemotherapy. This observational study aims to improve how fluid buildup is tracked in these patients. Participants will undergo a series of measurements over a maximum of six days. Outpatients will complete three cycles of two consecutive days each, with home-based diet and fluid intake records and urine collection on the first day, followed by hospital assessments including BIA, blood sampling, weight measurement, and clinical palpation on the second day. Hospitalized patients will have up to six consecutive measurement days involving alternating days of diet/urine collection and clinical assessments. Additional measurements are taken around intravenous loop diuretic treatments if administered. During the study, participants will have their fluid levels, body weight, blood and urine markers, and edema volume assessed repeatedly. Data on diet, fluid intake, and various blood and urine parameters will be collected to understand fluid balance changes. The main outcome is change in total body fluid volume measured by BIA. Safety is ensured by excluding participants with conditions that could interfere with assessments. The overall participation duration varies but includes detailed monitoring over days or weeks depending on the group.

Measuring Fluid Buildup in Cancer Patients