First Patient Recruited to the TADPOLE Study in NHS Grampian

Our breast cancer team has recruited its first participant to the TADPOLE study, an important UK-wide research trial looking at ways to improve treatment for people with early breast cancer. The study is investigating whether a less extensive type of surgery could reduce long-term side effects while remaining as effective at treating cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. For some patients, the cancer has spread to a small number of lymph nodes in the armpit, known as the axillary lymph nodes. Current treatment often involves removing many of these lymph nodes through an operation called axillary node clearance. While effective, this surgery can sometimes lead to long-term side effects, including arm swelling (lymphoedema), pain and reduced shoulder movement.

The TADPOLE study, which stands for Targeted Axillary Dissection versus Axillary Node Clearance in Patients with Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes in Early Breast Cancer, is comparing the current standard operation with a more targeted approach. This newer technique removes only the lymph nodes known to contain cancer, along with a small number of key lymph nodes that drain the breast. Researchers want to find out whether this approach can reduce side effects without increasing the risk of the cancer returning.

Recruiting the first participant is an exciting milestone for the research team and marks the beginning of NHS Grampian's contribution to this national study. By choosing to take part, the participant is helping researchers gather evidence that could improve treatment and quality of life for future patients with breast cancer across the UK.

Local Principal Investigator for this study and NHS Grampian Consultant Breast Surgeon Miss Beatrix Elsberger commented: ”Research studies such as TADPOLE are only possible because of people who volunteer to take part. A huge thank you to them. Every participant provides valuable information that allow us, doctors and researchers, to develop safer and more effective treatments to benefit future generations of patients”.