Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Preventing lymphedema through immediate lymphatic reconstruction during surgery

Official title: Lymphedema Prevention Through Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction (LILY) Trial

Run by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06989099 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new surgery technique called immediate lymphatic reconstruction can help prevent lymphedema in patients with invasive breast cancer after they have lymph nodes removed.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 24, 2024
Main results expectedAugust 1, 2028
Study endsAugust 1, 2029
Registry record updatedSeptember 25, 2026
Trial IDNCT06989099 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are female patients aged 18 and older diagnosed with invasive breast cancer who are scheduled for ILR during their axillary lymphadenectomy.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have pre-existing lymphedema will 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 observational study aims to evaluate whether immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) performed during axillary lymphadenectomy can reduce the risk of developing lymphedema in patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (IBC). The primary objective is to assess the freedom from lymphedema rate two years post-surgery. Secondary objectives include estimating the persistence of lymphedema at two years, identifying anatomical or functional characteristics that may increase lymphedema risk, and evaluating changes in inflammatory mediators and immune cell function related to lymphedema development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of lymphedema in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in reducing lymphedema risk through surgical interventions.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Participants diagnosed with IBC.
2. Participants who have been scheduled for ILR/pLVB by their treating physician/surgeon at the time of their axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer
3. Participants willing and able to comply with the study protocol requirements and all study-related visit requirements.
4. Female subjects at least 18 years old and capable of providing consent to participate.
5. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test within 36 hours prior to study drug administration and agree to use a medically accepted method of contraception for a period of one month following the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients known to be pregnant or breast-feeding.
2. Patients with known or suspected iodine or ICG hypersensitivity.
3. Patients unable to remain stationary for one hour.
4. Active cellulitis.
5. Subjects with a preoperative clinical lymphedema diagnosis.
6. Subjects undergoing bilateral ALND.
7. Subjects requiring immediate chest wall reconstruction with a pedicled or microvascular flap, or those that have received preoperative radiation therapy.
8. Patients with BMI \>45kg/m2.

Where it's running

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Mark Schaverien, MD — M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
  • Study coordinator: Sara Hull, MHA, BA, BSN, RN, CCRP
  • Email: sehull@mdanderson.org
  • Phone: 713-794-1247

Similar studies

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

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.