Impact of a Surgical Sealing Patch on Lymphatic Drainage After ALND for Breast Cancer (NCT02311543) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 3
Impact of a Surgical Sealing Patch on Lymphatic Drainage After ALND for Breast Cancer
Switzerland142 participantsStarted 2015-03-18
Plain-language summary
Axillary lymph node dissection remains an integral part of surgical treatment of primarily node-positive invasive breast cancer. In order to reduce the incidence of clinically relevant seroma, a suction drain is routinely placed into the axillary cavity after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) by a separate stab incision. The pathogenesis of seroma involves the collection of lymph fluid caused by dissection of lymph vessels and exudate. All coagulation and fibrinolytic factors are produced and secreted by lymphatic endothelial cells and are involved in the sealing of lymphatic capillaries. Local hemostyptic agents may therefore reduce postoperative secretion from lymphatic fistulas caused by ALND.
We propose to conduct a multicenter prospective randomized control trial in Switzerland to evaluate the impact of TachoSil®, a ready-to-use, absorbable surgical patch (consisting of an equine collagen sponge coated with human fibrinogen and human thrombin) on axillary drainage after ALND for breast cancer. We hypothesize that the use of TachoSil® significantly and relevantly reduces the volume and duration of axillary drainage after ALND. This has the potential to increase patients' quality of life, as well as to shorten the length of hospital stay and reduce hospital costs.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
at registration
* Patient has given written informed consent before registration
* Female patients; eligible for primary ALND or sentinel lymph node procedure with frozen section and either:
* newly diagnosed
* or recurrent breast cancer in the conserved breast, chest wall or axilla
* Patients with histo- or cytology proven breast cancer UICC/AJCC stage I-III
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Fluency in either German, French, Italian, Spanish, Turkish or English
* The EQ-5D questionnaire has been completed at registration
* Patient with child-bearing potential, willing to use effective contraception, not currently pregnant and agreeing not to become pregnant after trial registration and during the 24 weeks after surgery
* A negative pregnancy test within 14 days prior to inclusion is available for all women with child-bearing potential
Inclusion criteria at randomization
\- ALND indicated according to clinical standards, either as single procedure or in combination with breast conserving surgery
Exclusion Criteria at registration:
* Known hypersensitivity for TachoSil® or fibrin sealant
* Patients with mastectomy (simultaneously or within 1 month before registration); patients undergoing completion mastectomy at a later day will remain eligible and are evaluable for analysis according to intention to treat. If the axillary drain is still in place at the time of completion mastectomy and a separate drain is inserted underneath the skin flaps, only the axillary drain…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Total volume of axillary drainage
Timeframe: until drain removal (2 - 10 days after surgery)