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Education and Exercise to Prevent Lymphedema
Untitled Document
Name of the Trial
Randomized Study of Education With or Without Exercise and Counseling in Preventing
Lymphedema in Women With Stage I-III Breast Cancer Who Are Undergoing Axillary
Lymph Node Dissection (CALGB-70305). See the protocol
summary.
Principal Investigator
Dr. Electra Paskett, Cancer and Leukemia Group B.
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Dr. Electra Paskett
Principal Investigator |
Why This Trial Is Important
Surgery for breast cancer may include the removal and examination of
lymph
nodes in the underarm area near the affected breast (called axillary node dissection).
This procedure allows doctors to determine whether cancer has spread to the
lymphatic system. A common side effect of axillary node dissection is lymphedema,
a swelling of the arm and/or hand on the same side as surgery caused by the
buildup of lymphatic fluid. Lymphedema is often debilitating.
There is no known cure for lymphedema, but some measures can make it easier
to live with or possibly prevent it. Women who undergo axillary node dissection
should receive education about how to recognize and possibly prevent lymphedema.
This study compares a lymphedema-prevention education program to the same education
program supplemented with an exercise regimen and counseling in women who have
been newly diagnosed with breast cancer and who will undergo axillary node dissection.
Researchers want to see if education, exercise, and counseling will help prevent
lymphedema or limit its severity if it develops.
"As many as one third of women who undergo full axillary node dissection
will experience lymphedema," said Dr. Paskett. "These women may suffer
serious physical, social, and psychological effects because of this condition.
We hope these interventions will help breast cancer survivors enjoy a better
quality of life."
Who Can Join This Trial
Researchers will enroll 560 women aged 18 and over newly diagnosed with stage
I-III breast cancer who will undergo an axillary node dissection with 10 or
more lymph nodes removed. See the list
of eligibility criteria.
Study Sites and Contact Information
Study sites in the United States are recruiting patients for this study. See
the list
of study contacts or call the NCI's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER
(1-800-422-6237) for more information. The toll-free call is confidential.
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