Breast Cancer Survivors, Join Our Study!
Researchers at BIDMC are conducting a NIH funded study to learn more about breast cancer survivors. You may qualify to participate!
Breast Cancer Survivors, Join Our Study!
Researchers at BIDMC are conducting a NIH funded study to learn more about breast cancer survivors. You may qualify to participate!
Conducted in Boston, MA
Up to $500 Compensation Provided
History of breast cancer
Fast Facts
Treated with ALND
No Chronic Lymphedema
Study Background
Breast cancer related lymphedema, a disease that causes swelling in the arms or legs, affects 1.2 million patients in the U.S. and is one of the most significant cancer survivorship burdens. Our proposed research study aims to identify normal variations in lymphatic anatomy using routine imaging techniques.
Your participation in this study may help healthcare professionals improve the treatment offered to patients suffering from lymphedema or those who are at-risk for developing the disease. Contribute to research and join our paid study today!
Your participation in this study may help healthcare professionals improve the treatment offered to patients suffering from lymphedema or those who are at-risk for developing the disease. Contribute to research and join our paid study today!
Study Background Breast cancer related lymphedema, a disease that causes swelling in the arms or legs, affects 1.2 million patients in the U.S. and is one of the most significant cancer survivorship burdens. Our proposed research study aims to identify normal variations in lymphatic anatomy using routine imaging techniques. Your participation in this study may help healthcare professionals improve the treatment offered to patients suffering from lymphedema or those who are at-risk for developing the disease. Contribute to research and join our paid study today! |
Additional Information
The goal of this study is to identify normal variations in lymphatic anatomy and function that predispose women to lymphedema by using routine imaging techniques.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female
- 18 years or older
- Underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) to treat breast cancer more than 2 years ago
- No history of chronic lymphedema
- Lymphedema
- History of a chronic inflammatory condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, scleroderma)
We expect you will be participating in research study activities on 2 days. These 2 days will occur within a 1-2 week timespan.
You will first be asked to undergo several straightforward measurements performed by a physical therapist who specializes in treating lymphedema. Once they determine you meet our criteria for participation, you will undergo imaging studies:
Study Visit 1: You will have your arms injected in several places with small amounts of indocyanine green (ICG) dye that will allow the researchers to take pictures of the lymphatic system in your arms. Then you will undergo ultrasound and an advanced imaging study with a CT scan, called a SPECT/CT scan. After having a different tracer dye injected, we will take scans to see where the identified lymphatics lead to in your armpits/upper torso.
Study Visit 2: You will receive additional tracer dye injections and another SPECT/CT scan to observe different patterns and distributions of your arms’ lymphatics from what was studied on the first day.
After both days of imaging are complete, your participation in the research study will end.
You will first be asked to undergo several straightforward measurements performed by a physical therapist who specializes in treating lymphedema. Once they determine you meet our criteria for participation, you will undergo imaging studies:
Study Visit 1: You will have your arms injected in several places with small amounts of indocyanine green (ICG) dye that will allow the researchers to take pictures of the lymphatic system in your arms. Then you will undergo ultrasound and an advanced imaging study with a CT scan, called a SPECT/CT scan. After having a different tracer dye injected, we will take scans to see where the identified lymphatics lead to in your armpits/upper torso.
Study Visit 2: You will receive additional tracer dye injections and another SPECT/CT scan to observe different patterns and distributions of your arms’ lymphatics from what was studied on the first day.
After both days of imaging are complete, your participation in the research study will end.
You will be compensated up to $500 for your participation. Additionally, you will be reimbursed for lunch, parking, and travel expenses up to $50.
There is no cost for you to participate in the study.