New surgery aims to stop lymphedema in cancer patients

NCT ID NCT03428581

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a surgical method to prevent lymphedema (arm swelling) in people having lymph nodes removed for breast cancer or melanoma. The technique, called axillary reverse mapping with lympho-venous bypass, aims to preserve arm drainage while removing cancer-affected nodes. The trial was terminated early, so it's unclear how well it works.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: surgical procedure (axillary reverse mapping with lympho-venous bypass)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could reduce the risk of chronic arm swelling after lymph node removal, improving quality of life for cancer survivors.
What could go wrong: The trial was terminated early, so results are limited. The procedure is complex and may not work for everyone. It also requires a skilled surgeon, limiting widespread use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast cancer breast neoplasm melanoma lymphedema prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

BREAST CANCER LYMPHEDEMA MELANOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic in Florida

Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States
Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

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