Evaluating new MRI techniques for lymphedema

Development and Optimization of Novel MRI Techniques on Evaluation of Therapeutic Effects for Lymphedema Secondary to Breast Cancer Treatment: An Integrated Study of Pre-clinical Animal Models and Clinical Follow-up

Observational National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05804643

This study is testing new MRI techniques to better understand and track lymphedema in breast cancer patients to improve their treatment outcomes.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment210 (estimated)
Ages20 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT05804643 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates advanced imaging methods for assessing breast cancer-related lymphedema. It includes three sub-projects: one focuses on developing a pre-clinical rat model and novel MRI techniques, another optimizes clinical MRI methods for mapping lymphedema severity, and the third evaluates post-surgical therapeutic effects. The study aims to create a comprehensive imaging database for future reference and improve the understanding of lymphedema treatment outcomes through longitudinal monitoring.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Not a fit: Patients under 20 years old, pregnant individuals, or those with contraindications for MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and monitoring tools for patients with lymphedema, enhancing treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving imaging techniques for lymphedema assessment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adults with breast cancer related lymphedema

Exclusion Criteria:

* children younger than 20 years old
* pregnancy
* patients who have absolute contraindications regarding MRI scanning:

  1. The cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices.
  2. Metallic intraocular foreign bodies.
  3. Implantable neurostimulation systems
  4. Cochlear implants/ear implant: bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) cochlear implant type can be scanned on a 1.5-tesla scanner only after the patient removes the battery. Cochlear implant wrapping scheduling must take place before the patient's MRI appointment.
  5. Drug infusion pumps (insulin delivery, analgesic drugs, or chemotherapy pumps): If possible, the patient has to remove the device.
  6. Catheters with metallic components (Swan-Ganz catheter)
  7. Metallic fragments such as bullets, shotgun pellets, and metal shrapnel
  8. Cerebral artery aneurysm clips
  9. Magnetic dental implants
  10. Tissue expander
  11. Artificial limb
  12. Hearing aid

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lymphedema of Upper LimbLymphedemasupermicrosurgical techniqueaxillary procedurespre-clinical animal modeldiffusion MRI
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.