Monitoring lymphedema in women after breast cancer surgery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine the incidence of lymphedema in women following axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Investigators will analyze breast tissue samples to identify inflammation that may contribute to the development of lymphedema. Participants will also complete quality of life questionnaires to assess the impact of lymphedema on their daily lives. The study seeks to enhance early detection of lymphedema, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female breast cancer patients over the age of 18
* Patients consenting for unilateral axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (prior history of sentinel lymph node biopsy allowed if \<6 months from consent)
* Patients consenting for unilateral sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and possible ALND are eligible for initial entry into the study, but will become ineligible if ALND is not performed
* Initially consented patients, treated with SLNB alone, who were originally considered ineligible to continue on study, will be approached for re-enrollment
* Patients who self-identify as Black or White consenting for unilateral ALND or possible ALND will be approached for enrollment onto translational study (Cohort 3)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Male breast cancer patients
* Patients consenting for bilateral axillary surgery
* Patients with prior history of surgical excision of one or more axillary lymph nodes or SLNB, performed \>6 months from date of consent
* Patients with prior history of ALND
* Patients with no breast surgery performed at MSK

Where it's running

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Consent only)
  Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Consent only)
  Middletown, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Consent only)
  Montvale, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack (Consent only)
  Commack, New York, United States Recruiting
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Consent only)
  Harrison, New York, United States Recruiting
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Andrea Barrio, MD — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Study coordinator: Andrea Barrio, MD
• Phone: 646-888-5117

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Comparing two nerve-block options to reduce pain after total mastectomy.

  This test tries whether a PECS-II block given before surgery or a pectoral block given during surgery, using bupivacaine or liposomal bupivacaine, provides better pain control after total mastectomy for breast cancer or high-risk patients.

  Recruiting Phase 4 University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati, Ohio · NCT06574022

• Developing a treatment protocol for chronic lymphedema after breast cancer surgery

  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.

  Recruiting University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · Basel · NCT06374745

• Understanding why some breast cancer patients feel swelling without measurable lymphedema

  This study is trying to understand why some breast cancer patients feel swelling in their arms or chest even when tests show they don't have lymphedema, to help improve their care.

  Recruiting Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven · Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant · NCT06324721

• Program to prevent lymphedema after breast cancer surgery

  This study is testing a prevention program to help women who have breast cancer surgery avoid lymphedema by using treatments like lymphatic massage and special garments.

  Recruiting at 7 sites Phase 3 Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations · NCT06144164

• Upfront treatment for breast cancer with nodal metastases

  This study is testing if starting treatment with surgery and targeted therapy can help women with early-stage breast cancer that has spread to their lymph nodes live longer and have fewer recurrences.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 2 Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, California and 2 other locations · NCT06092892

• 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.

  Recruiting Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT05142800

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.