Robot-assisted versus endoscopic breast-conserving surgery for breast cancer

A Retrospective Analysis of Robot-Assisted Versus Endoscopic Breast-Conserving Surgery for Breast Cancer

Not applicable Interventional Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT07321145

This test compares robot-assisted and endoscopic breast-conserving surgery in women with a single breast tumor who want to keep their breast, to see which approach gives better surgical and cosmetic results.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexFemale
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT07321145 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a single-center retrospective comparison of patients who underwent robot-assisted breast-conserving surgery (RABCS) or endoscopic breast-conserving surgery (E-BCS) at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. The analysis examines operative metrics, margin status, complications, and cosmetic outcomes in women with unifocal breast cancer and a tumor-to-breast volume ratio ≤20%. The protocol highlights robotic system advantages such as enhanced dexterity, a magnified three-dimensional high-definition view, and high-resolution imaging that may improve precision in the confined operative space of the breast. Being a retrospective, single-center analysis, results will reflect local surgical expertise and patient selection and will help define areas for future prospective study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Women aged 18–80 with pathologically confirmed unifocal breast cancer, tumor-to-breast volume ratio ≤20%, desire for breast conservation, no distant metastasis, and eligibility for standard postoperative radiotherapy are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with diffuse lesions or microcalcifications unlikely to achieve clear margins, bilateral or inflammatory breast cancer, prior chest irradiation, pregnancy- or lactation-associated cancer, or inability to tolerate general anesthesia are unlikely to benefit from these techniques.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the comparison could show that robot-assisted surgery provides improved precision and cosmetic outcomes with similar or lower complication rates, supporting broader adoption for selected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Small case series and single-center reports have shown the feasibility and favorable cosmetic results of robotic breast surgery, but high-quality comparative and long-term outcome data remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female patients aged 18 to 80 years
* Pathologically confirmed breast cancer prior to surgery
* Sufficient glandular volume with a tumor-to-breast volume ratio ≤20%
* A unifocal lesion confined to the glandular tissue
* Clear desire for breast conservation and willingness to undergo R-BCS or E-BCS
* No evidence of distant metastasis, no involvement of the skin or chest wall
* Eligibility for standard postoperative radiotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* The presence of diffuse suspicious lesions or microcalcifications for which wide local resection was unlikely to achieve adequate negative margins or satisfactory aesthetic outcomes
* Bilateral breast cancer or inflammatory breast cancer
* After neoadjuvant therapy, requirement for additional concurrent surgical procedures
* Inability to tolerate general anesthesia or undergo surgery
* Contraindications to radiotherapy or a history of prior chest wall irradiation, pregnancy- or lactation-associated breast cancer
* Refuse to undergo R-BCS or E-BCS

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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 CancerBreast Surgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.