Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction After Lymphadenectomy in Melanoma Patients: a Parallel Cohort Pilot Study

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Mar 14, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a procedure called lymphatic reconstruction can help prevent a condition known as lymphedema in patients with melanoma. Lymphedema can occur when lymph fluid builds up in the body after surgery to remove lymph nodes, which is often necessary for treating melanoma. The trial aims to find out if performing this reconstruction during the initial surgery can be more effective than waiting until after lymphedema has developed.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old and diagnosed with melanoma, planning to undergo a specific type of surgery called axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) or inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND). Participants should also be able to give their consent to join the study. However, individuals who are pregnant, have a very high body mass index (BMI over 50), or have taken blood-thinning medications within a week before surgery will not be able to participate. If you join the study, you can expect to receive close monitoring and care throughout the process to help researchers understand the benefits of this new approach.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participants greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
• • 2. Participants willing to participate.
• • 3. Participants able to complete informed consent.
• • 4. Participants with a diagnosis of Melanoma undergoing ALND or ILND.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Participant staking anticoagulants within 7 days prior to surgery.
• • 2. Participants that are known to be pregnant at the time of surgery.
• • 3. Participants with BMI greater than 50.0