RecruitingNot Applicable

Lymphovenous Bypass Procedure Before Underarm Lymph Node Surgery in Preventing Lymphedema in Patients With Inflammatory or Locally Advanced Non-inflammatory Breast Cancer or Melanoma

United States252 participantsStarted 2018-08-14

Plain-language summary

This pilot trial studies whether a procedure called lymphovenous bypass would prevent lymphedema (arm swelling) in patients with inflammatory breast cancer or non-inflammatory breast cancer that has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes or melanoma. The lymphovenous bypass procedure creates a path for lymphatic fluid to flow away from the arms. It is usually done after a diagnosis of lymphedema. In this study, giving lymphovenous bypass before underarm lymph node surgery may help prevent lymphedema from forming.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

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: * Patients greater than or equal to 18 years of age. * Patients willing to participate. * Patients able to complete informed consent. * Patients will be eligible for inclusion if they fall into one for two groups: * Patients with inflammatory breast cancer, and those with locally advanced non-inflammatory breast cancer that are undergoing ALND and are anticipated to receive radiation therapy * Or: Patients with a diagnosis of melanoma (including unknown primary) that will undergo ALND will also be eligible for inclusion in the study as a comparator group. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients taking anticoagulants within 7 days prior to surgery. * Patients that are known to be pregnant at the time of surgery. * Patients are available for follow-up less than 18 months or do not undergo measurements within the scheduled period. * Patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 50.0.

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

Volumetric diagnosis of lymphedema

Timeframe: 18 months

Incidence of lymphedema

Timeframe: 18 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03941756

SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-01-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Anatomic Stage III Breast Cancer AJCC v8 trials