The Robot-LVA Study: Robot-assisted Microsurgical Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema

Launched by MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 30, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Robot-LVA Study is looking at a new way to treat lymphedema, which is a condition that can cause swelling in the arms, particularly after breast cancer treatment. This study focuses on a surgical technique called lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), which helps to reduce swelling by connecting lymph vessels to veins. Researchers want to compare how well this procedure works when performed by an expert using traditional methods versus using a robot-assisted approach.

To participate in this trial, women aged 65 to 74 who have had early-stage breast cancer and are experiencing mild to moderate swelling in one arm may be eligible. Participants will undergo the LVA procedure and will be monitored to see how effective it is in reducing their lymphedema. It’s important to know that this study is specifically for women with certain conditions and excludes those with more severe lymphedema or ongoing cancer treatment. If you or someone you know fits this description, it could be a good opportunity to help advance treatment options for lymphedema.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Female gender;
• • Treated for primary early stage breast cancer;
• • Early stage lymphedema of the arm (stage 1 or 2 on ISL classification);
• • ELV \> 10%;
• • Suffering from unilateral disease.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Male gender;
• • Stage 3 lymphedema of the arm;
• • Receiving current breast cancer treatment;
• • Distant breast cancer metastases;
• • Current substance abuse;
• • History of marcaine or indocyanine green allergy;
• • Non-viable lymphatic system as determined by near infrared imaging;
• • Previous LVA (\<10 years) in the arm with lymphedema.