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.

Devon Medical Products gets FDA marketing approval for extriCARE 3600 NPWT pump and foam kit

Global medical device designer and manufacturer Devon Medical Products today announced substantial additions to its Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) wound care product line after receiving Food & Drug Administration 510(k) clearance to market its extriCARE 3600 NPWT pump and foam dressing kit.

24 Jun 2014

Physician describes ways to combat post-cancer pain

More and more people are surviving their cancer. Unfortunately, sometimes survival can come with pain. Although many people won't feel any pain after their cancer treatment, some may have chronic, bothersome pain.

23 Jun 2014

African American women with invasive breast cancer less likely to receive invasive technique

African American women with early stage, invasive breast cancer were 12 percent less likely than Caucasian women with the same diagnosis to receive a minimally invasive technique, axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, even as the procedure had become the standard of surgical practice, according to research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

19 Jun 2014

New technology can non-invasively image human lymphatic system

The human lymphatic system is an important but poorly understood circulatory system consisting of tiny vessels spread throughout the body.

4 Jun 2014

New program appears to be effective in reducing risk of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors

Viewed as one of the most unfortunate outcomes of breast cancer treatment, lymphedema is characterized by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the interstitial spaces of the affected limb, leading to chronic ipsilateral limb swelling causing psychosocial distress and physical challenges for patients.

29 May 2014

Researchers use bioelectrical impedance analysis ratios to assess Lymphedema in breast cancer patients

Viewed as one of the most feared outcomes of breast cancer treatment, doctors struggle detecting and diagnosing breast-cancer related Lymphedema--a condition affecting the lymphatic system and causing psychosocial distress and physical challenges for patients.

13 Nov 2013

Tactile Medical launches ambulatory device to heal venous leg ulcers

Tactile Medical (formerly Tactile Systems Technology Inc.), a Minneapolis-based developer and provider of home therapy devices, launched a first-of-its-kind ambulatory device for patients with chronic wounds. The ACTitouch Adaptive Compression Therapy system combines two proven therapies - intermittent and sustained compression - in one device to heal venous leg ulcers.

7 Sep 2013

Research finding could lead to potential treatment for lymphedema

The molecule interleukin-7 is an important immune messenger protein which ensures that a sufficient number of T cells are present in our body for immune defence. Researchers from ETH Zurich have now demonstrated that IL-7 has another important function: it enhances the drainage function of lymphatic vessels, which collect fluid that has leaked out of blood vessels into the body tissue and return it to the bloodstream.

27 Aug 2013

Innovative microsurgery technique helps prevent lymphedema in patients with breast cancer

A team of surgeons and members of the breast cancer program of the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center is conducting a two-year pilot study of an innovative microsurgery technique coupled with imaging technology to not only prevent lymphedema but also potentially detect and treat it early.

24 Jul 2013

Devon Medical gets ANVISA certification for extriCARE 2400 NPWT system

Devon Medical, a global medical device manufacturer, designer, and distributor, announced today that it has received medical device registration and approval from the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA - Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) for its extriCARE 2400 Negative Pressure Wound Therapy pump.

2 Jul 2013

Research shows overabundance of mast cells delays wound healing

Like most other things, you can have too much of a good thing when it comes to wound healing, and new research proves it. According to an article published in the July 2013 issue of the Journal of Leukocyte Biology, wound healing can be delayed because the body produces too many mast cells, which normally promote healing.

2 Jul 2013

UCSF study evaluates genetic predictors of lymphedema in women

A new UCSF study has found a clear association between certain genes and the development of lymphedema, a painful and chronic condition that often occurs after breast cancer surgery and some other cancer treatments.

17 Apr 2013

Trends in patient worry and risk-reducing behaviors in women undergoing breast cancer treatment

Women who have had the lymph nodes under their arm surgically removed during breast cancer treatment are warned to avoid certain practices that can cause lymphedema-a condition that causes chronic, painless swelling in the arm.

26 Feb 2013

African American women less likely to receive axillary SLN biopsy for breast cancer

African American women with early stage, invasive breast cancer were 12 percent less likely than Caucasian women with the same diagnosis to receive a minimally invasive technique, axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, years after the procedure had become the standard of surgical practice, according to research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

6 Dec 2012

New data from AstraZeneca's FASLODEX studies on breast cancer to be presented at SABSC

AstraZeneca today announced the presentation of important new data from studies of FASLODEX (fulvestrant) Injection at the 2012 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium taking place from 4-8 December at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas.

5 Dec 2012

AstraZeneca commences FASLODEX Phase III study for hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer

AstraZeneca today announced the start of a Phase III study (FALCON), a global clinical trial which will involve 450 postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who have not previously been treated with any hormonal therapy. The Phase III study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of fulvestrant 500 mg compared to anastrozole 1 mg in this patient population.

29 Oct 2012

Exercise at home may relieve lymphedema in breast cancer

Women who complete an at-home exercise program designed to treat breast-cancer-related lymphedema have significantly reduced excess limb volume measurements after 6 months compared with their peers who undertake standard care alone, show study results.

25 Oct 2012

Full-body exercise and CDT best ways to minimize lymphedema

Nearly 40 percent of breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema, a chronic condition that causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup, as a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy.

23 Oct 2012

Premier, ArjoHuntleigh announce three-year contract for vascular compression therapy systems

ArjoHuntleigh announced today that it has been awarded a three-year contract with Premier Purchasing Partners, L.P., the group purchasing unit of the Premier healthcare alliance, for its vascular compression therapy systems.

4 Oct 2012

Devon Medical Products receives PDAC approval for extriCARE 2400 system

Devon Medical Products, a global medical device manufacturer and distributor, today announced it has received approval from the Pricing, Data Analysis, and Coding (PDAC) contractor for its extriCARE 2400 Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) pump and associated bandages and disposable canister.

19 Sep 2012