A Study Comparing Quality of Life in Patients with Lymphedema Who Undergo Surgical Treatment Versus Non-Surgical Management

Launched by MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER · Aug 11, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is designed to compare the quality of life for patients with lymphedema who choose to have surgery versus those who opt for non-surgical treatments. Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling, usually in the arms or legs, due to a buildup of lymph fluid. The study specifically looks at patients who are between the ages of 18 and 80 and have certain types of lymphedema. If you're considering participating, you should be able to speak English and have lymphedema that fits within the mild to moderate stages.

Participants in this study will be divided into two groups: one will receive a surgical procedure called vascularized lymph node transfer, while the other will continue with non-surgical management. Throughout the trial, participants will fill out questionnaires to help researchers understand how each treatment affects their daily life and overall well-being. It's important to note that individuals with certain health issues, like clotting disorders or severe lymphedema, may not be eligible. If you're interested in learning more about how this study might benefit you or a loved one, please consider discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients aged 18-80 years
• • Primary and secondary lymphedema of the upper or lower extremity
• • International Society of Lymphology (ISL) Stage 1, 2, or 3 lymphedema
• • Proficiency in English language
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with clotting disorders, venous insufficiency, end-stage lymphedema unless they are on the non-surgical arm.
• • Additionally, if the patient refuses to complete questionnaires, the patient will be excluded from the study and replaced at the discretion of the principal or co-principal investigator.