Collaborative Projects

The PLAN study is a randomized, multi-site trial examining whether intravenous lidocaine can reduce the incidence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome. PLAN has multiple Canadian and international centres, and SPHERE is one of the participating sites—at the Foothills Medical Centre. Adult patients scheduled for a lumpectomy or mastectomy will be randomized to receive an intravenous lidocaine bolus of 1.5 mg/kg with induction of anesthesia, followed by a 2.0 mg/ kg/h infusion until the end of surgery, or placebo solution at the same amount. Pain levels are recorded post-surgery, with follow-up assessments at three and twelve months to determine the presence of post-mastectomy pain syndrome.

This trial aims to provide evidence on an intervention that could potentially prevent persistent pain after breast cancer surgery. If successful, lidocaine infusion would be incorporated into the standard care for breast cancer management. This inexpensive, readily accessible, and easy to administer intervention has the potential to alleviate pain and suffering in patients, reduce the high costs associated with chronic pain management, potentially lessen opioid use, and enhance patients' overall quality of life.