Lymphedema Clinical Trials 2023

What Are Lymphedema Clinical Trials?

Lymphedema is the swelling of tissue as a result of an accumulation of fluid rich in protein. This fluid is typically drained from the lymphatic system of the body. Lymphedema usually affects the legs or arms but may also occur in the genitals, neck, abdomen, and chest wall.

Since lymph nodes are an essential component of the lymphatic system, Lymphedema could also occur due to those cancer treatments that damage or remove the lymph nodes. Any issue that blocks the lymph fluid drainage could lead to Lymphedema.

Severe cases can significantly impact the movement capability of the affected limb, result in skin breakdown and changes, and increase the sepsis and skin infection risk.

Why Is Lymphedema Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

Primary Lymphedema is a rare disease and can affect one in 100,000 people, but secondary Lymphedema is more common, affecting 1 in 1,000 individuals. One in every five breast cancer surviving women can develop Lymphedema.

In neck and head cancer, soft and lymphatic complications may develop during the initial 18 months of treatment, with over 90% of patients going through a particular type of combined, external, or internal Lymphedema. More than half of these patients might develop fibrosis.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Lymphedema?

There isn’t any cure for Lymphedema, which is the reason clinical trials are integral. However, treatments are available to help patients manage the swelling and prevent it from worsening. These treatments include:

• Surgery is required for severe Lymphedema
• Cancer treatment in case the cancerous tumor has caused Lymphedema
• Weight loss is suggested for patients with Lymphedema linked to breast cancer
• A pneumatic pump inflates the sleeve that is placed on a swollen leg or arm to drain the fluid
• Exercising also helps in reducing swelling and draining the lymph fluid
• Massage therapy, particularly manual lymph drainage, helps in draining the lymph fluid from the swollen areas of the body
• Compression stocking or sleeve aids with swollen leg or arm

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Lymphedema?

2020: The advancement in lymphatic super-microsurgery has shown promising results. The researchers tracked the surgical outcomes in the lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) cases, tracking indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography, limb volume measurement, and clinical examinations. The results indicated that all patients had no signs of limb edema, and there was evidence of improvement. This study suggested that full reversal of Lymphedema is possible with super-microsurgery intervention.

2018: A study uncovered one of the primary molecular mechanism triggers for Lymphedema and found a drug that could prevent this process. The researchers found that the lymph fluid buildup was the inflammatory reaction within the skin tissue. This was caused by leukotriene B4, or LTB4, a natural inflammatory-causing substance. The scientists targeted the LTB4 using pharmacological agents in mice and induced the reversal and repair of the disease.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers / Institutions Conducting Lymphedema Clinical Trials Research?

Lymphatic Education & Research Network: It is a non-profit institution created to fight Lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases through advocacy, research, and education.

Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders: This Stanford institution diligently works to research and find innovative therapeutic and diagnostic treatments for Lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases by conducting clinical trials, funding research, and spreading awareness.