Evaluating post-operative care for women with irradiated breasts undergoing repeat surgery

What is Optimal Post-operative Prophylactic Therapy in Irradiated Breasts Undergoing Repeat Oncologic Surgery to Reduce Early Wound Complications

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT05823467

This study is testing if giving antibiotics or using a special wound device after repeat breast surgery helps women who have had radiation therapy avoid complications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05823467 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the need for post-operative interventions in women who have previously undergone breast surgery and radiation and are now facing repeat surgery. Participants will be randomized into three groups: one receiving post-operative antibiotics, another using a wound VAC, and a control group with no intervention. The goal is to determine if these interventions can reduce the risk of wound complications, which are notably higher in patients with prior radiation therapy. The study aims to fill the gap in existing guidelines regarding post-operative care for this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are females over 18 years old who have had previous breast surgery and radiation and require repeat breast surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are male, under 18 years old, or have specific medical conditions or allergies that exclude them from the study may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved post-operative outcomes and reduced complications for women undergoing repeat breast surgery after radiation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for significant improvements in post-operative care for this patient group.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female
* \> 18 years of age
* Previous breast surgery and ipsilateral breast irradiation
* Requiring repeat breast surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Male
* \<18 years of age,
* Currently on antibiotic therapy for other indications
* Known hypersensitivity to trimethoprim or sulfonamides,
* History of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia with use of trimethoprim and/or sulfonamides
* Documented megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency
* Currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and
* Marked hepatic damage
* Severe renal insufficiency
* Severe sensitivity or allergy to silicone adhesive

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta and 1 other locations

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 Breast Cancerradiationbreast conservation surgeryrecurrent breast cancerwound VACpostoperative antibioticspost operative wound complicationsrepeat breast surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.