Lymphedema News and Research

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Lymphedema is a condition that can cause significant swelling of the upper and lower extremities due to the build-up of excess lymph fluid. This can occur when the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining excess fluid from the body and is a key component of the immune system, is damaged or altered. In breast cancer patients, this can occur after surgery, such as removal or biopsy of the lymph nodes, and/or radiation therapy. It is estimated that six percent to 40 percent of patients with breast cancer develop lymphedema, and that it often occurs within the first two years after surgery. For some cancer survivors and others at risk, a low level lymphedema can occur 10 years to 15 years following the initial primary treatment and develop into a condition that has a serious impact on overall health and quality of life.

A novel gene involved in primary lymphedema identified

The Human Molecular Genetics laboratory of the de Duve Institute (UCLouvain), headed by Professor Miikka Vikkula, recently identified mutations in a novel gene, ANGPT2, responsible for primary lymphedema.

10 Sep 2020

Renowned Harley Street hospital performs pioneering dual breast surgery

King Edward VII’s Hospital – located within the Harley Street Medical Area – have announced an achievement in breast reconstruction surgery, having performed their first DIEP flap reconstruction with Lymphatic Microsurgical Healing Approach for prevention of secondary breast cancer related lymphedema.

8 Sep 2020

Study: Breast cancer reduction efforts show mixed progress

The data is clear: for patients with early stage breast cancer, certain operations risk more harm than good - increasing the risk of medical complications, missed work and health care costs without increasing survival rates.

10 Jun 2020

Technology effectively detects harsh side effect of breast cancer treatment

Some 20 percent of breast cancer survivors will suffer from lymphedema, a potentially severe side effect of treatment that makes arms swell with lymph. The disease is often overlooked, but commercially available app-based technology now makes early detection easier, allowing for proactive treatment.

16 Mar 2020

Scientists develop new tool using machine learning to diagnose lymphedema

Scientists at the TSU Laboratory for Biophotonics, with specialists from the Tomsk Scientific Research Institute of Microsurgery, have developed a new tool for diagnosing lymphedema, a severe pathology that can develop after radical treatment of several oncological diseases.

17 Feb 2020

Using genomics to identify promising novel treatment for lymphatic filariasis

Using innovative RNA sequencing techniques, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Institute for Genome Sciences identified a promising novel treatment for lymphatic filariasis, a disabling parasitic disease that is difficult to treat.

3 Dec 2019

Older women with DCIS gain no benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy

Older women with a very early, non-invasive breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) gain no long-term benefit from undergoing a sentinel lymph node biopsy to see if the cancer has spread, new research by the Yale School of Public Health has found.

24 Oct 2019

Compression garments can ease lymphedema. Covering costs? Not so easy.

Every morning, Britta Vander Linden dons compression stockings, a cumbersome process she calls "putting on my legs."

23 Oct 2019

New guidance from oncology experts recommends tailored exercise prescriptions

New guidance from exercise oncology experts recommend systematic use of an "exercise prescription" by health care workers and fitness professionals in designing and delivering exercise programs that aim to lower the risk of developing certain cancers and best meet the needs, preferences and abilities of people with cancer.

17 Oct 2019

New recommendations outline specific 'exercise prescriptions' for cancer survivors

A recent review of research, conducted by an international group of experts led by the University of British Columbia, has resulted in the development of new exercise guidelines for cancer survivors.

16 Oct 2019

New guidance recommends systematic use of 'exercise prescription' for cancer patients

A global panel of exercise oncology experts today published new guidance recommending the systematic use of an “exercise prescription” to help cancer patients cope with treatment side effects and lower the risk of developing certain cancers.

15 Oct 2019

Mercy's Hoffberger Breast Center offers new device to make lymphedema screening quick and easy

The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy Medical Center now offers patient a new device designed to make screening for lymphedema-- a common side-effect following breast cancer surgery -- quick and easy.

19 Sep 2019

Scientists identify PoEMs that promote breast cancer metastasis

When breast cancer cells spread through the body, they do so mainly through the lymph system that normally removes excess fluid and waste products from our tissues.

28 Aug 2019

New cellular processes controlling the formation of lymphatic valves found

Lymphedema, resulting from a damaged lymphatic system, can be a debilitating disease in which excess protein-rich fluid (lymph) collects in soft tissues and causes swelling -- most often in the arms or legs.

28 Aug 2019

Propranolol's target in treating rare vascular syndrome and hemangioma discovered

The discovery of a new target for the blood-pressure medication propranolol may lead to the development of new and safer therapies for vascular diseases, according to new findings published in eLife.

31 Jul 2019

Bioimpedance spectroscopy better than tape measure for assessing woman's lymphedema risk

Bioimpedance spectroscopy is better than a tape measure for assessing a woman's risk for developing lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, according to interim results of a study led by Sheila Ridner, PhD, RN, Martha Ingram Professor and director of the PhD in Nursing Science Program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.

24 May 2019

Bioimpedance device better than tape measure for assessing lymphedema risk in women

Bioimpedance spectroscopy is better than a tape measure for assessing a woman's risk for developing lymphedema, painful swelling in the arm after breast cancer surgery, according to interim results of a study led by Sheila Ridner, PhD, RN, Martha Ingram Professor and director of the PhD in Nursing Science Program at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.

8 May 2019

Study provides new data on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic edema

Final results of the large, international LIMPRINT study have provided new data on the prevalence of chronic swelling and the devastating impact it can have on health-related quality of life.

26 Apr 2019

Study yields patient-driven recommendations to reduce breast cancer-related financial burden

A qualitative study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health yielded nine patient-driven recommendations across circumstances that include changes to insurance, supportive services and financial assistance to reduce long-term, breast cancer-related economic burden.

8 Mar 2019

Mercy Medical Center announces installation of premium Resona 7 ultrasound machines

Mercy Medical Center, a nationally recognized medical facility, has announced the installation of five premium Resona 7 ultrasound machines from Mindray for the hospital's Vascular Center, Paul R. Lucas, M.D., FACS, RPVI, Director, The Vascular Center at Mercy has announced.

23 Aug 2018