Surgery to prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients

Lymfo-Veneuse Anastomosen Ter Preventie Van Lymphoedeem

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Ghent · NCT05601037

This study is testing whether a special surgery can help prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients who are having their lymph nodes removed.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Ghent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen)
Trial IDNCT05601037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) in preventing lymphedema in patients undergoing axilla dissection for breast cancer treatment. It is a blinded randomized prospective study involving 80 patients, where one group will receive LVA during their surgery while the other group will receive standard care. Patients will be followed for two years to assess the outcomes related to lymphedema development.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with breast cancer requiring axilla dissection and who have positive lymph nodes.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of lymphedema or a BMI greater than 35 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of LVA is gaining traction, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* lymph node + breast cancer requiring dissection

Exclusion Criteria:

* previous lymphedema
* BMI \>35

Where this trial is running

Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen

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, Breast Cancer
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.