Plain-English translation of NCT04671511 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing a new surgical technique called Targeted Axillary Dissection that helps surgeons find and remove only the lymph nodes that contain cancer, rather than removing many nodes as a standard approach would. The technique uses a radioactive marker placed in a cancer-positive node before surgery, combined with standard sentinel node biopsy, to help the surgeon pinpoint exactly which nodes need to be removed. The goal is to remove cancer while reducing side effects like arm swelling and numbness that can come from removing too many lymph nodes.
Currently, women with breast cancer that has spread to a few lymph nodes under the arm often have many nodes removed to make sure all the cancer is gone — but this can cause lasting problems like pain and swelling. This trial wants to see if using precise targeting techniques can remove just the right amount of tissue, eliminating cancer while keeping patients healthier after surgery.
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Before surgery, you will have an ultrasound of your armpit and a radioactive marker will be placed in the cancer-positive node that your doctor identified. At the time of your breast surgery (whether that's removing just part of the breast or the whole breast), the surgeon will use the radioactive marker plus standard dye techniques to precisely locate and remove the affected lymph nodes. You will recover from surgery as you normally would, and your removed tissue will be carefully examined in the lab to see how well the new technique worked.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 3, 2026 · Not medical advice
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