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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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180 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2020
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
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.
- Ages
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18 to 75 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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 breast cancer patients 18-75 years of age * Patients consenting for unilateral ALND (prior history of SLNBx allowed if \<6 months from consent) OR patients consenting for unilateral SLNBx with possible ALND, with a clinically or radiographically positive lymph node OR a high likelihood of ALND per the Breast Surgeon * Identification of at least one transected lymphatic channel and at least one vein to be used for bypass at the time of ALND during surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Male breast cancer patients * Non-English speaking participants * Female breast cancer patients with axillary recurrence * Female breast cancer patients who have a history of ALND * Female patients requiring bilateral ALND for the treatment of their breast cancer * Female breast patients treated with SLNBx only
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Consent and Followup)
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Consent Only)
Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack (Consent only)
Commack, New York, 11725, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Consent Only)
Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Consent only)
Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Consent Only)
Harrison, New York, 10604, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a Decades-Old Anti-Inflammatory drug quiet the joint pain that drives women off breast cancer therapy?