Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis for Prevention of Upper Limb Lymphedema

Launched by TIANJIN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY CANCER INSTITUTE AND HOSPITAL · Jun 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new surgical technique called immediate distal lymphaticovenous anastomosis (ID-LVA) to help prevent swelling in the arm, known as lymphedema, which can happen after breast cancer treatment. Lymphedema is a common long-term problem for many women who have surgery and radiation to remove lymph nodes in the underarm area. This study will compare women who receive this special surgery right after their lymph nodes are removed with those who do not, to see if the surgery is safe and helps reduce the chance of developing arm swelling.

Women who might join this study are those 18 years or older with invasive breast cancer on one side of the body, who are planned to have lymph nodes removed from the underarm and follow-up radiation therapy. Before joining, they need to be free of arm swelling and other conditions that affect the arm’s lymph system. If they participate, their doctors will perform the new surgery immediately after lymph node removal or provide the usual treatment without it, based on the patient’s choice. The study is currently not recruiting yet, but it aims to find better ways to protect women from this uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age \>=18 years;
• • 2. Female;
• • 3. Pathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer;
• • 4. Unilateral breast cancer;
• • 5. Clinical stage T1-4 and N1-3 (post-neoadjuvant therapy staging for patients receiving neoadjuvant treatment);
• • 6. No clinical or radiographic evidence of distant metastasis;
• • 7. Scheduled to undergo axillary lymph node dissection with planned adjuvant radiotherapy;
• • 8. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Currently participating in other clinical trials that, in the investigator's judgment, may affect upper limb lymphatic drainage.
• • 2. No definitive indication for axillary lymph node dissection or adjuvant radiotherapy after neoadjuvant therapy.
• • 3. Pregnant or lactating women.
• • 4. Patients undergoing concurrent autologous tissue flap breast reconstruction or chest wall repair.
• • 5. Upper limb deformities, prior upper limb trauma, or surgical history that, in the investigator's assessment, may compromise lymphatic drainage.
• • 6. Pre-existing upper limb lymphedema at baseline.