A Prospective Study of Quality of Life in Adults with Upper or Lower Limb Lymphedema Comparing Surgical Treatment with Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer Versus Non-Surgical Management

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the long-term quality of life outcomes in patients with lymphedema who either choose to have surgery using vascularized lymph node transfer VLNT or opt for non-surgical management. The study aims to compare these two groups to better understand the impact of surgical versus non-surgical treatment on patient well-being. This observational study is sponsored by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and focuses on adults with primary or secondary lymphedema affecting the upper or lower limbs. Participants are divided into two groups based on their treatment choice those who undergo VLNT surgery and those who receive non-surgical care. There is no additional treatment or intervention during the study follow-up period the research simply observes and assesses quality of life over time. The study uses established questionnaires such as the Upper Limb Lymphedema ULL-27, Lymphedema Life Impact Scale version 2 LLISv2, and LYMQOL-Leg to evaluate patient outcomes. During the study, participants complete quality of life assessments up to 40 months after enrollment. There are no therapeutic procedures administered as part of the study itself. The research team monitors patient responses to these questionnaires to measure the impact of different treatment choices on daily living and overall health. The study includes adults between 18 and 80 years old who speak English and meet specific lymphedema stage criteria.

A Study Comparing Quality of Life in Patients With Lymphedema Who Undergo Surgical Treatment Versus Non-Surgical Management