Comparing two surgical approaches for early-stage uterine cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT04073706 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This trial compares two surgical approaches for women with early-stage uterine cancer. One group will have surgery to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, plus a procedure called sentinel node biopsy (where a few lymph nodes are identified and removed to check for cancer spread). The other group will have the same surgery without the lymph node removal. The trial wants to see which approach gives better long-term outcomes and quality of life with fewer side effects.

Doctors are not sure whether removing and checking lymph nodes during surgery for early-stage uterine cancer actually helps patients live longer or better, or whether it causes more harm (like swelling in the legs) without clear benefit. This trial aims to find the best surgical approach for these patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a woman over 18 years old with uterine cancer confirmed by biopsy
your cancer appears to be confined to the uterus (stage I disease)
you are healthy enough for laparoscopic or robotic surgery (minimally invasive techniques)
you have no signs of cancer outside the uterus based on physical exam and imaging
you are willing to be followed for at least 4.5 years after surgery

You likely don't qualify if…

you have signs that cancer has spread beyond the uterus to nearby organs or distant sites
you have enlarged lymph nodes seen on imaging scans
you have a life expectancy of less than 6 months
you have had previous radiation treatment to the pelvis or prior retroperitoneal surgery
you are allergic to indocyanine green dye (used to identify lymph nodes)

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to one of two surgical groups. Both groups will have minimally invasive surgery to remove the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes — the difference is whether lymph nodes are also removed and checked. After surgery, you will be seen in the hospital and then return for follow-up visits, including assessments at 12 months and then periodically for 4.5 years. During these visits, your doctor will check your recovery, any side effects like leg swelling, your quality of life, and whether your cancer has returned.

Comparing two surgical approaches for early-stage uterine cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(19 sites)