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.

Study shows safety of avoiding extensive lymph node removal in breast cancer patients

It is possible to leave most of the lymph nodes in the armpit, even if one or two of them have metastases larger than two millimeters? This is shown in a trial enrolling women from five countries, led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

4 Apr 2024

Unmasking the culprits behind long-term arm problems in breast cancer patients

A new review paper was published in Oncotarget's Volume 14 on December 1, 2023, entitled, "Risk factors for long-term arm morbidities following breast cancer treatments: A systematic review."

11 Dec 2023

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can eliminate need for regional nodal irradiation in breast cancer

For patients whose breast cancer converted from lymph node-positive to lymph node-negative disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, skipping adjuvant regional nodal irradiation (RNI) did not increase the risk of disease recurrence or death five years after surgery, according to results from the NRG Oncology/NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304 clinical trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, held December 5-9, 2023.

6 Dec 2023

Organ-on-chip model sheds light on lymphedema

In a new PNAS study co-authored by Boston University biomedical engineer Dr. Chris Chen, researchers say they're getting closer to understanding the mysteries of lymphedema -; a condition characterized by the buildup of fluid in the body due to a malfunctioning lymphatic system.

4 Oct 2023

Study identifies potential drug target for lymphedema

The human lymphatic system consists of a vast network of vessels that drain protein-rich fluid in tissues and transport it to lymph nodes.

3 Oct 2023

New study offers hope for women suffering from axillary web syndrome

Axillary web syndrome, also known as lymphatic thrombus, is a complication in the clinical manifestations suffered by many women after overcoming breast cancer, mainly affecting their shoulder mobility.

23 Jun 2023

New insights into lymphatic cell migration and lymphatic vessel remodeling

Lymphangiogenesis refers to the formation and remodeling of lymphatic vessels (a network of thin tubes that carry lymph in the lymphatic system), and it supports the transport of molecules and immune cells around the body.

21 Jun 2023

New treatment using nanoparticles can repair lymphatic vessel pumping

The human body is made up of thousands of tiny lymphatic vessels that ferry white blood cells and proteins around the body, like a superhighway of the immune system.

20 Mar 2023

Computational analysis of large genetic datasets reveals rare disease etiologies

Using a new computational approach they developed to analyze large genetic datasets from rare disease cohorts, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and colleagues have discovered previously unknown genetic causes of three rare conditions: primary lymphedema (characterized by tissue swelling), thoracic aortic aneurysm disease, and congenital deafness.

17 Mar 2023

Study explores work experiences and quality of life for Hispanic survivors

As a cancer nurse in the U.S. Army for more than 29 years, Elizabeth Anderson saw firsthand how chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries impact the body's lymphatic system, putting breast cancer survivors at greater risk for developing lymphedema, a chronic condition of swelling that may occur after surgical removal, chemotherapy treatment, or irradiation of lymph nodes.

13 Sep 2022

Exploring the impact of climate change on lymphedema symptoms

Flinders University studies to determine if people with lymphoedema experience symptom variations due to varying climatic conditions aim to provide better treatment outcomes for patients trying to cope with longstanding swelling in their limbs.

10 Jun 2022

Soft robotic sleeve for lymphedema treatment reduces cost, weight, and power consumption

Lymphedema often occurs in survivors of breast cancer, because they are at high risk for lymph node damage or removal during surgical procedures.

5 May 2022

Smart textile arm sleeve will be an effective and easy-to-use treatment for lymphedema patients

A ‘breakthrough’ smart textile arm sleeve will use electrical stimulation to reduce swelling and discomfort for patients with lymphedema.

30 Mar 2022

Older female cancer survivors face challenges with physical activity due to chronic lower extremity lymphedema

A new study has found that nearly one third of older adult female survivors of colorectal, endometrial and ovarian cancer have quality of life-impacting challenges with physical activity due to chronic swelling (lymphedema) in the lower extremities.

10 Mar 2022

Melanoma patients do better on immunotherapy than completion lymph node dissection

For years, surgery for patients with stage III melanoma -; melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes -; involved removing those lymph nodes along with the primary tumor.

4 Mar 2022

Five-day course of preoperative radiation therapy for sarcoma provides excellent local control rates

In a phase 2 single-institution study, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that dose-equivalent preoperative radiation therapy for extremity/trunk soft tissue sarcoma delivered in five days rather than over the conventional five weeks produced similar benefits and treatment side effects.

28 Oct 2021

Lymphedema News and Research

Further Reading

Study shows safety of avoiding extensive lymph node removal in breast cancer patients

Unmasking the culprits behind long-term arm problems in breast cancer patients

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can eliminate need for regional nodal irradiation in breast cancer

Organ-on-chip model sheds light on lymphedema

Study identifies potential drug target for lymphedema

New study offers hope for women suffering from axillary web syndrome

New insights into lymphatic cell migration and lymphatic vessel remodeling

New treatment using nanoparticles can repair lymphatic vessel pumping

Computational analysis of large genetic datasets reveals rare disease etiologies

Study explores work experiences and quality of life for Hispanic survivors

Exploring the impact of climate change on lymphedema symptoms

Soft robotic sleeve for lymphedema treatment reduces cost, weight, and power consumption

Smart textile arm sleeve will be an effective and easy-to-use treatment for lymphedema patients

Older female cancer survivors face challenges with physical activity due to chronic lower extremity lymphedema

Melanoma patients do better on immunotherapy than completion lymph node dissection

Five-day course of preoperative radiation therapy for sarcoma provides excellent local control rates

Study identifies Foxo1 gene as a potential treatment target for hereditary lymphedema

King Edward VII’s new approach reduces damaging side effects of breast cancer surgeries

New tool allows surgeons to pinpoint breast tumors more easily

Breast cancer treatment can be safely reduced in women over the age of 70

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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