Developing a treatment protocol for chronic lymphedema after breast cancer surgery
Official title: An Integrated Algorithm for Surgical Intervention in Chronic Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Treatment: The Basel Lymphedema Protocol
Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06374745 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to create a clear treatment plan for managing chronic lymphedema after breast cancer surgery to help improve patients' lives and make it easier for them to get insurance coverage for the care they need.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 2, 2015 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2035 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2035 |
| Registry record updated | February 10, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06374745 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals who have chronic lymphedema lasting over three months following breast cancer surgery.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not have chronic lymphedema or those who have not undergone relevant surgical procedures may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to create an integrated algorithm for the surgical treatment of chronic lymphedema that develops after breast cancer surgery. By retrospectively analyzing data from patients who underwent breast cancer-related surgeries, the researchers intend to establish evidence-based recommendations for managing lymphedema. The goal is to provide surgeons with a reliable protocol, known as 'The Basel Lymphedema Protocol', to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. This protocol will also support patients in obtaining insurance coverage for necessary surgical treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical treatment options and better quality of life for patients suffering from chronic lymphedema.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited literature on this specific approach, the study aims to fill a significant gap in evidence-based treatment for lymphedema, suggesting a novel and potentially impactful methodology.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * status post breast cancer or status post another type of cancer or status post no cancer * chronic lymphedema - lymphedema lasting over three months - present prior to surgical treatment * one type of surgical procedure for treatment of chronic lymphedema or a combination of surgical procedures for treatment of chronic lymphedema was performed * one or any combination of the following surgical procedures was used in each individual patient: Lymph Node-Vein Anastomosis (LNVA) , Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis (LVA), Tumescent Liposuction (TL), Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (VLNT) and/or Water-Assisted Liposuction (WAL) Exclusion Criteria: * inclusion criteria not met * loss to follow-up (data not successfully collected)
Where it's running
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University Hospital Basel
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elisabeth A Kappos, PD Dr. med — Usb
- Study coordinator: Elisabeth A Kappos, PD Dr. med
- Email: elisabeth.kappos@usb.ch
- Phone: 0041 61 265 25 25
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Screening for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema in Targeted Therapy
This study tests whether targeted breast cancer therapies are linked to lymphedema by tracking arm volume and symptoms in women undergoing treatment.
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Preventing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.