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.

NYU researchers develop mobile self-care tools to mitigate onset of lymphedema

Each year, about 1.38 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have facilitated a 90 percent, five-year survival rate, among those treated.

30 Sep 2016

Study shows retinoic acid could prevent postsurgical lymphedema

A study conducted at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California showed that 9-cis retinoic acid (alitretinoin) could significantly prevent postsurgical lymphedema.

16 Sep 2016

Enzyme previously thought beneficial could pose threat to developing embryos

A pair of Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists have discovered that an enzyme previously thought only to be beneficial could, in fact, pose significant danger to developing embryos. The new research could have implications not only for prenatal development but also for treating lymphedema and liver damage resulting from acetaminophen overdose.

5 May 2016

Liposuction to manage lymphedema? An interview with Professor John Boyages

Lymphedema is persistent swelling of the arm and/or hand following biopsy or treatment of the axillary lymph nodes for patients with breast cancer. It is due to excess accumulation of protein‐rich fluid in body tissues.

4 May 2016

Scientists reveal mechanism involved in regulation of lymphangiogenesis

After an injury to tissues, such as in organ transplantation, the body grows new lymphatic vessels in a process known as lymphangiogenesis. A new study in Nature Communications reveals a mechanism involved in the regulation of this process, specifically in corneal transplants and infectious eye disease.

13 Apr 2016

ImpediMed introduces L-Dex system for clinical assessment of lymphedema in U.S.

ImpediMed Limited, a global provider of medical technology to measure, monitor and manage fluid status in patients, has announced the U.S. commercial launch of its L-Dex system to aid in the clinical assessment of lymphedema.

7 Jan 2016

New NYUCN study examines validity of symptoms for detecting breast cancer-related lymphedema

Many are aware that hair loss is a common side effect associated with chemotherapy. However, another albeit common late side effect of cancer treatment is the abnormal swelling of one or more limbs, known as lymphedema. Lymphedema is most commonly the result of an obstruction or disruption of the lymphatic system that occurs immediately after cancer treatment or 1-5, even 20 years after.

20 Dec 2015

Study explores link between obesity and breast-cancer related lymphedema

Each year, about 1.38 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. Advances in treatment have facilitated a 90% five-year survival rate among those treated. Given the increased rate and length of survival following breast cancer, more and more survivors are facing life-time risk of developing late effects of cancer treatment that negatively impact long-term survival. In particular, Breast cancer-related lymphedema is one of the most distressing and feared late effects.

18 Dec 2015

Better visualization in complex reconstructive surgery with ZEISS Opmi Pentero 800 surgical microscope

The capabilities of the OPMI® PENTERO® 800 surgical microscopes from ZEISS for reconstructive surgery have been enhanced by the introduction of the INFRARED 800 module.

From Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH 6 Nov 2015

ZEISS adds INFRARED 800 to OPMI PENTERO 800 for reconstructive surgery

ZEISS is now adding INFRARED 800 to its OPMI PENTERO 800 surgical microscope for reconstructive surgery. The new enhancements are tailored to the requirements of breast reconstruction, lymph supermicrosurgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Clinical specialists can benefit from the optimized package of ZEISS OPMI PENTERO 800 which provides intraoperative assessment of blood flow, higher magnification and effortless maneuverability required for complex reconstructive surgery.

4 Nov 2015

Advanced pneumatic compression device reduces cellulitis episodes, saves money for lymphedema patients

Lymphedema patients saw a nearly 80 percent reduction in their cellulitis episodes just by using an advanced pneumatic compression device at home, according to a study in JAMA Dermatology co-authored by Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Professor Sheila Ridner, PhD, MSHSA, FAAN, and University of Minnesota School of Public Health Associate Professor Pinar Karaca-Mandic, PhD.

8 Oct 2015

Weight training can make a big difference for breast cancer survivors

Weight training can be a big boost to breast cancer survivors who are trying to regain muscle and bone strength lost due to cancer treatment and physical inactivity, says a Florida State University researcher.

1 Oct 2015

ElastiMed raises $1 million investment

ElastiMed, a portfolio company of Trendlines Medical, announced this week that it raised $1 million, which includes an investment from Pix Vine Capital, a Singapore-based investment house.

24 Sep 2015

Innovative new device improves breast cancer treatment

A surgeon with the Breast Health Center at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, a Care New England hospital, is among the first in New England to adopt an innovative new device that improves the treatment of breast cancer by more precisely targeting radiation treatment and providing for better follow-up exams.

23 Sep 2015

Additional radiation to surrounding lymph nodes provides added benefit to breast cancer patients

A study has found no increase in overall survival but a reduction in breast cancer recurrence when additional radiation is given to the lymph nodes as well as the standard treatment of whole-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery.

23 Jul 2015

Study examines use of yoga therapy to address lymphedema

Cancer is bad enough. But cancer patients who receive surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may suffer from side effects that run from irritating to crippling — problems that are postural, musculoskeletal and respiratory, along with lowered self-esteem. Many suffer from lymphedema, swelling caused by retained fluid in a compromised lymphatic system.

6 Feb 2015

Ultrasound narrows which breast cancer patients need underarm lymph nodes removed

Which breast cancer patients need to have underarm lymph nodes removed? Mayo Clinic-led research is narrowing it down. A new study finds that not all women with lymph node-positive breast cancer treated with chemotherapy before surgery need to have all of their underarm nodes taken out.

4 Feb 2015

NQMBC recognizes Cancer Treatment Centers of America for providing quality breast cancer care

Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center has been recognized by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program as being among the top centers in the country for providing quality breast cancer care.

3 Feb 2015

New studies offer hope for breast cancer survivors struggling with cancer-related pain, swelling

Two new studies from the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania offer hope for breast cancer survivors struggling with cancer-related pain and swelling, and point to ways to enhance muscular strength and body image.

5 Nov 2014

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy have no negative effect on unborn babies

Children who are exposed to chemotherapy or radiotherapy while in the womb suffer no negative impacts on mental or cardiac development, international studies presented at the ESMO 2014 Congress in Madrid have shown.

29 Sep 2014