Lymphedema Prevention with Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients
Official title: Lymphedema Prevention Through Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11381868 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant tests a surgical approach to help people with breast cancer reduce lymphedema after surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,507,875 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA292908-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381868 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with inflammatory breast cancer undergoing axillary lymph node dissection and at high risk for lymphedema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing axillary lymph node dissection or those with contraindications to surgical reconstruction may not benefit.
What this research studies
For patients with inflammatory breast cancer, the study explores placing lymphatic vessels in a way that may prevent swelling after lymph node surgery. It builds on prior findings that immediate lymphatic reconstruction can lower lymphedema risk, now focusing on IBC and tracking long-term outcomes and potential biomarkers. The research combines surgical techniques with follow-up assessments to understand which patients benefit most and how to monitor improvement over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer swelling symptoms and better quality of life after breast cancer treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies suggest ILR reduces lymphedema in general breast cancer patients, but this project focuses on IBC and long-term outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schaverien, Mark V — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Schaverien, Mark V
Related research
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A 5-year, multi-site trial tests a light-based therapy to reduce long-term neck and jaw swelling in people who survived head and neck cancer.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.