Scientists map hidden lymphatic highways in Women's arms
NCT ID NCT05253352
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses special imaging to map the lymphatic system in the arms of healthy women and breast cancer survivors who did not develop swelling (lymphedema). The goal is to learn how these alternate pathways work and why some people avoid lymphedema after lymph node removal. About 142 women will participate, helping researchers better understand the body's natural drainage routes.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 142 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Women with a history of breast cancer treatment including axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) more than 2 years prior to study participation, who did not develop lymphedema.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Female * History of breast cancer treatment including ALND - defined by removal of \>=10 lymph nodes - more than 2 years before study participation * Ability to understand the protocol and willingness to participate * At least 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Prior history of bilateral lymph node surgery * Prior history of other surgical procedures of the affected upper extremity besides the axillary management for breast cancer treatment * Prior history of chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) * Prior history of filarial infections * Prior history of lymphedema * Patient-reported pregnancy * Patients who are breastfeeding * Iodine allergy * Prior history of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis * Prior history of congestive heart failure * Prior history of venous thoracic outlet syndrome * Current active cancer
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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