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Lymphedema, SecondaryNCT06082349

The N-LVA Study: RCT Comparing LVA vs. Sham Surgery in Cancer-related Lymphedema

A study testing Lymphaticovenous anastomosis in people with Lymphedema, Secondary and Lymphedema of Upper Limb, run by Maastricht University Medical Center at 3 sites in Netherlands.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) with sham surgery for patients suffering from unilateral cancer-related lymphedema in either the upper or lower extremity. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis
Type of treatment
Surgery or procedure
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
110 participants
Where
3 sitesNetherlands
Study dates
18 Dec 2023to 1 Mar 2029
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Treated for cancer and underwent treatment of either axillary or inguinal lymph nodes or radiotherapy;
  • Early stage lymphedema (ISL I-II) in the upper or lower extremity, and diagnosed by lymphoscintigraphy for the lower extremity;
  • Unilateral lymphedema;
  • Viable lymphatic vessels as determined by indocyanine green (ICG)Lymphography (stage II-III);
  • Refractory lymphedema that underwent at least three months of conservative treatment;
  • Informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • History of lymphatic reconstruction in the past 10 years;
  • Late-stage lymphedema of the extremity (ISL classification ≥ II lymphedema) with evident fat deposition and/or fibrosis;
  • Patients with active distant metastases, treated with palliative intent;
  • Patients with the active treatment of primary cancer, i.e. surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. Note: patients receiving adjuvant targeted and/or endocrine treatment are eligible;
  • Edema due to venous insufficiency, evaluated by venous duplex ultrasound of the deep and superficial venous system;
  • Active infection in the lymphedematous extremity;
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Bilateral lymphedema;
  • Lymphedema present in genital or breast area only;
  • Primary lymphedema;
  • Non-viable lymphatic system as determined by ICG Lymphography (stages IV and V).

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Netherlands3 sites, 3 recruiting
  • Maastricht University Medical Center

    Maastricht, Limburg, 6229HX

    Tanya Wolffenbuttel, MSc, +31(0)433877481, t.wolffenbuttel@erasmusmc.nl/tanya.wolffenbuttel@mumc.nl

    Shan Shan Qiu Shao, MSc, PhD

    Recruiting
  • Radboud University Medical Center

    Nijmegen, Gelderland, 6525GA

    Tanya Wolffenbuttel, MSc, +31(0)433877481, t.wolffenbuttel@erasmusmc.nl/tanya.wolffenbuttel@mumc.nl

    Stefan Hummelink, MSc, PhD

    Recruiting
  • Erasmus University Medical Center

    Rotterdam, South Holland, 3015GD

    Tanya Wolffenbuttel, MSc, +31(0)433877481, t.wolffenbuttel@erasmusmc.nl/tanya.wolffenbuttel@mumc.nl

    Dalibor Vasilic, MSc, PhD

    Recruiting

Other trials in Netherlands

About this study

Official title: Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis for Cancer Patients Who Suffer From Chronic Peripheral Lymphedema: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) with sham surgery for patients suffering from unilateral cancer-related lymphedema in either the upper or lower extremity. It aims to answer whether LVA is more effective than sham surgery in terms of improvement in Lymph-ICF score.

A total of 110 participants will be allocated randomly into two groups at a 1:1 ratio. The first group will receive lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), while the second group will undergo sham surgery.

Read the detailed description

One of the most debilitating side effects of cancer treatment is cancer-related lymphedema (CRL), with an overall incidence of 15.5%. To date, there is no definite cure for lymphedema. Conservative therapy, namely complex decongestive therapy is the golden standard for the treatment. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) might be a promising treatment modality for patients with CRL, but available studies are small and the quality is lacking. No large-scale prospective or randomized studies have been published on the efficacy of LVA.

The main objective of this randomized controlled trial is to assess whether LVA is more effective than sham surgery in terms of improvement in Lymph-ICF score, volume reduction, reduction of complex decongestive therapy, and cost-effectiveness.

The study will take place in three centers in the Netherlands: Maastricht University Medical Center, Radboud University Medical Center, and Erasmus University Medical Center.

The patients will be randomly distributed into two groups: the LVA group or the Sham group. Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia. Patients in both groups are subject to minor surgical complications (wound infection, bleeding, wound dehiscence). Special care will be taken to prevent damage to lymphatic vessels in the Sham group, to allow a future LVA operation once the study ends. The follow-up moments will be at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Additionally, a subset of patients will partake in an annual extended follow-up, ongoing until the start of the analysis. Each follow-up moment will last 45 minutes in total. The patient also receives two digital questionnaires at each follow-up moment.

Being tested
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis, Sham surgery
Keywords
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis, Sham surgery, Microsurgery, LVA
Medical subject headings
Lymphedema, Neoplasm Metastasis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Lymphaticovenous anastomosisProcedure or surgery

    Also called LVA, Lymphaticovenular anastomosis, Lymphovenous bypass, Lymphatic-venous shunt

    Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) involves connecting a lymphatic vessel to an adjacent vein of similar size, thereby facilitating the outflow of lymphatic fluid in patients suffering from secondary lymphedema

  • Sham surgeryProcedure or surgery

    Also called Placebo surgery, Simulated surgery, Surgical placebo

    Sham surgery involves the process of surgery, including local anesthesia and incisions, but no LVA is made.

Study groups in NCT06082349
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA)ExperimentalPatients in this group will undergo lymphaticovenous anastomosis at one or more locations on the affected limb, and the procedure will be performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, patients will be blinded using a noise-canceling headphone and blindfolds. Incisions will be made at the sites where lymphatic vessels are obstructed, ensuring no harm to the viable part of the lymphatic system. The locations will be determined prior to the surgery using ICG lymphography. The LVA(s) will be made in the subdermal plane with the aid of a surgical microscope. Generally, 1 to 4 LVAs are made. The LVA(s) is made using a surgical microscope and the operation will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Receives: Procedure: Lymphaticovenous anastomosis
Sham surgerySham comparatorPatients in this group will undergo sham surgery at one location on the affected limb, and the procedure will be performed under local anesthesia. During the operation, patients will be blinded using a noise-canceling headphone and blindfolds. The locations for LVA surgery will be determined prior to the surgery using ICG lymphography. However, the incision for the sham procedure will be made 2 centimeters medial or lateral to the predetermined site. This is done in order to avoid damage to the lymph vessels as to allow for future LVA surgery. After the incision, no LVA is made. Rather than performing the actual operation, the plastic surgeon will simulate the procedure by applying pressure in the surgical area. To mimic the approximate duration of a regular LVA procedure, the sham operation will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Receives: Procedure: Sham surgery

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change from baseline in the Lymph-ICF Score at 12 and 24 months

    The Dutch version of the 'Lymphedema Functioning, Disability, and Health" (Lymph-ICF) questionnaire is used. There are two versions of the Lymph-ICF; one for the upper extremity and one for the lower extremity. The questionnaires assess the impairments in function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of patients with lymphedema. It is a validated, disease-specific questionnaire, consisting of items across 5 domains. Each item is scored on a VAS, ranging from 0 to 100.

    Measured: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

Secondary outcomes (6)
  1. Change from baseline in excess limb volume

    The excess limb volume will be measured with BioImpedance Spectroscopy (BIS). With a bioimpedance device, the volume of the extremities can be measured together with the fluid in different compartments of the extremities.

    Measured: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

  2. Change from baseline in extremity circumference measured by the Upper and Lower Extremity Lymphedema (UEL and LEL) indices

    The extremity circumference will be measured using measuring tape according to the fixed measuring points of the UEL- and LEL-indices. The UEL- and LEL-indices are corrected for BMI.

    Measured: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

  3. Change from baseline in the use of conservative treatment

    Discontinuation of conservative treatment, being complex decongestive therapy, will be assessed with a patient diary to record the frequency of treatments received (i.e. skin therapy visits, number of compression garments, etc.).

    Measured: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

  4. Postoperative complications

    All postoperative complications for both treatment groups will be recorded to monitor safety. SAEs will be directly reported to the sponsor.

    Measured: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

  5. Patency of the LVA

    The patency of the LVAs will be measured with ICG lymphography

    Measured: 12 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

  6. Patient costs, QALYs, and incremental cost-effectiveness

    Patients costs are registered by the patient in the patient diary. The QALY will be calculated using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The EQ-5D is a questionnaire responsive to changes in health in cancer-patients after the conclusion of treatment.

    Measured: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Oct 2023
  2. Study start18 Dec 2023
  3. Primary completion1 Mar 2029 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Mar 2029 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Multicenter, double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
110 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06082349
Sponsor's protocol ID
NL84169.068.23
Other IDs
2021038374, METC23-023
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
3 Oct 2023
Last updated
16 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The results will be published under an Open Access license, making them accessible to everyone at all times. Requests for sharing individual participant data (IPD) will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, assessing them for suitable research purposes following the trial's completion.

Publications

  • Kleeven A, Jonis YMJ, Tielemans H, van Kuijk S, Kimman M, van der Hulst R, Vasilic D, Hummelink S, Qiu SS. The N-LVA Study: effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for patients with cancer who suffer from chronic peripheral lymphoedema - study protocol of a multicentre, randomised sham-controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2024 Apr 15;14(4):e086226. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086226.

    PubMed 38626967

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Lymphaticovenous anastomosis in people with Lymphedema, Secondary and Lymphedema of Upper Limb, run by Maastricht University Medical Center at 3 sites in Netherlands.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 10 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Netherlands. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Tanya Wolffenbuttel, MSc (+31(0)433877481, t.wolffenbuttel@erasmusmc.nl/tanya.wolffenbuttel@mumc.nl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change from baseline in the Lymph-ICF Score at 12 and 24 months (time frame: Baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-operatively and afterwards annually during the extended follow-up, lasting up to the start of the first analysis (maximally 3 years extra or 3 additional visits).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06082349, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jan 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.

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