Not yet recruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Sarcoma Surgery Wound Complications Comparing Usual Versus Negative Pressure Dressing

This study aims to find out if a special type of wound dressing, called Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), is better than standard dressings after surgery for sarcoma. Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can develop in bones and soft tissues. When someone has sarcoma surgery, wound complications can sometimes happen, which can be difficult for patients and delay other treatments. Researchers want to see if NPWT dressings can help reduce these problems, such as infections, and make recovery smoother. They will also look at the economic impact for both patients and the NHS. Around 94 patients will take part, being assigned by chance to receive either the standard dressing or the NPWT dressing. The study will look at how wounds heal over four months and how this affects a patient's overall recovery and ability to return to daily activities. This research is important because while NPWT is often used, there isn't enough strong evidence yet to show if it's truly better for sarcoma patients.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2027

Sarcoma Negative Pressure Therapy Wound Complication

What is this study about?

When people have surgery to remove sarcoma tumours, an important part of their recovery is how their wound heals. Sometimes, wounds can have problems like infections or opening up, which can be worrying for patients and might even delay other important treatments like chemotherapy. These complications can also be costly for the NHS.

This study is looking at two different types of dressings used after sarcoma surgery: the usual absorbent dressings and a special type called Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT). NPWT involves a machine that creates gentle suction over the wound, which doctors hope might help it heal better and reduce complications. While some doctors believe NPWT is helpful, there isn't enough clear evidence to prove it works better than standard dressings for sarcoma patients. This study aims to gather that evidence.

Researchers will carefully compare how wounds heal with both types of dressings over four months after surgery. They will be checking for any signs of infection or other problems. They'll also look at how quickly people recover, how well they can use the affected body part, and the overall cost impact of treatments and recovery for both patients and the healthcare system. By doing this, the study hopes to find out if NPWT dressings truly offer a better way to manage wounds after sarcoma surgery.

Key takeaways

Compares two types of wound dressings after sarcoma surgery.
Aims to see if special 'negative pressure' dressings reduce wound problems.
Will assess recovery and potential costs for patients and the NHS.
Around 94 people aged 16 and over will participate.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two dressing groups.
Study duration for each participant is approximately four months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be at least 16 years old and be having surgery for a sarcoma tumour located on your arm, leg, or body (torso). You must be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part, as well as be willing to attend all scheduled appointments.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've already had surgery on the same area where the sarcoma is being removed, or if your doctors have decided that surgery isn't the right treatment for your tumour. You also wouldn't be able to join if your sarcoma has spread to other parts of your body, or if you're allergic to the sticky part of dressings.

Finally, if the study doctor feels you might not be able to come to all the follow-up appointments, you wouldn't be able to participate. These rules help make sure the study gathers reliable information and is safe for everyone involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 16 years old or older?
Are you having surgery for sarcoma on an arm, leg, or your body?
Have you not had previous surgery on the same area?
Can you attend regular follow-up appointments?
Do you understand what the study involves and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be assigned by chance to receive either the standard wound dressing or the special Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) dressing after your sarcoma surgery. You'll wear this dressing for a period of time as part of your recovery. Over four months after your surgery, the research team will regularly check your wound for any signs of problems like infection.

Before your surgery and again four months later, you'll complete some questionnaires. These will help the researchers understand how well you're recovering and how the surgery and dressings might be affecting your daily activities and quality of life. There will also be questions about any costs you've experienced related to your recovery, such as time off work. The total duration of your active participation, including follow-up, will be about four months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer benefits by helping researchers understand which type of dressing leads to better wound healing and recovery after sarcoma surgery. While there's no guarantee of a direct benefit to you personally, your involvement will contribute to valuable knowledge that could help future patients. As with any medical procedure, there's always a risk of side effects or complications from the dressings themselves, though these are typically mild for both standard and NPWT dressings. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can grow in different parts of your body, like your bones or soft tissues such as muscle, fat, or blood vessels.

What is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)?

NPWT is a special dressing system that uses gentle suction on your wound through a small machine. Doctors hope it helps wounds heal better and prevents problems.

Why is this study needed?

Doctors want to know if NPWT dressings are truly better than standard dressings for people recovering from sarcoma surgery. There isn't enough strong evidence yet to prove it.

Will I get to choose my dressing?

No, you will be randomly assigned, like flipping a coin, to receive either the standard dressing or the NPWT dressing. This helps make the study fair and scientific.

How long will I be in the study?

Your active participation, where researchers check your wound and you fill out questionnaires, will be for about four months after your surgery.

How to find out more

Eileen Soulis, MA

eileen.soulis@glasgow.ac.uk +4401413017184 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.