Lymphovenous Bypass for Skin Cancer
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) at least 7 days before surgery.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) for skin cancer?
How is the treatment Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) unique for skin cancer?
Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB) is unique because it is a surgical procedure that connects lymphatic vessels to veins, helping to prevent or treat lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid buildup) often seen after lymph node removal in skin cancer patients. Unlike other treatments, LVB directly addresses the lymphatic system's drainage issues, offering a targeted approach with a low complication rate.12678
What is the purpose of this trial?
To learn if LBP can help to prevent lymphedema when it is performed at the time of surgery rather than after a patient has already developed the disease.
Research Team
Ashleigh M Francis, MD
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for melanoma patients who are undergoing lymphadenectomy, a surgery to remove lymph nodes. It aims to see if performing Lymphovenous bypass (LVB) during the surgery can prevent lymphedema, which is swelling due to lymph fluid buildup.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Surgery and Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction
Participants undergo lymphovenous bypass (LVB) at the time of axillary or inguinal lymph node dissection
Post-operative Monitoring
Participants are monitored for wound complications and time to drain removal within the first 30 days post-surgery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for lymphedema occurrence and quality of life at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-surgery
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Lymphovenous Bypass (LVB)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor