The BEACON Trial: Diagnostic Tools for Breast Lymphedema After Treatment for Breast Cancer

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Mar 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The BEACON Trial is a study aimed at understanding how well two different tools can measure breast swelling (called breast edema) after women have undergone surgery for breast cancer. The researchers want to see if participants are willing to join the study and if the methods they are using are practical for both the participants and the research team.

To take part in this study, women between the ages of 18 and 85 who have had breast-conserving surgery and completed their breast cancer treatment at least three months ago may be eligible. Participants will attend one appointment lasting about two hours, during which they will fill out questionnaires about their symptoms and surgical scars. The research team will also perform some examinations and measurements, including using ultrasound to assess breast swelling. It’s important to note that not everyone will qualify; for example, those with certain medical conditions or who are currently pregnant will be excluded. This trial is not yet recruiting participants, but it could provide valuable insights into managing breast edema after cancer treatment.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• All participants must meet the following inclusion criteria:
• • Be a female between the ages of 18 and 85 years.
• • Have undergone breast conserving surgery +/- LN removal (sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND)
• • Have no residual cancer in the breast after definitive breast surgery
• • Have been treated with radiation therapy and have completed breast cancer treatment (excluding Herceptin and hormonal treatments) at MGH greater than or equal to 3 months ago.
• • Be able to read and understand English
• • Understand the proposed study and be willing and fully able to comply with the study procedures
• • Be a willing participant and be capable of giving and has given informed written consent for entry into the study
• • EXCLUSION CRITERIA
• Participants will be excluded if they:
• • Have bilateral BC
• • Have metastatic or inflammatory BC
• • Will be excluded from the SOZO measurement of the study if they have implanted cardiac devices or neurostimulators
• • Have any medical condition that may result in breast swelling;
• • Uncontrolled congestive cardiac failure,
• • Arteriovenous haemodialysis,
• • Current infection or cellulitis of either breast.
• • Be pregnant or currently breast feeding.
• • Have a known over-active thyroid or known benign thyroid tumour