New surgery aims to stop lymphedema before it starts

NCT ID NCT04241341

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a surgical technique called immediate lymphatic reconstruction can prevent lymphedema (arm swelling) in breast cancer patients who need lymph node removal. About 180 women will be randomly assigned to receive either standard lymph node removal alone or with the additional reconstruction. The goal is to see if the extra procedure reduces the chance of developing lymphedema and improves quality of life.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (surgical procedure)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a way to prevent chronic arm swelling after breast cancer surgery, improving quality of life.

What could go wrong

This is a single-center trial with 180 patients, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure requires finding suitable lymphatic channels during surgery, which isn't always possible.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer Breast Cancer Lymphedema lymphedema prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Consent and Followup)

    Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Consent Only)

    Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack (Consent only)

    Commack, New York, 11725, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Consent Only)

    Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Consent only)

    Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Consent Only)

    Harrison, New York, 10604, United States