image: Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer Restores Lymphatic Flow in Extremity Lymphedema
Credit: Jiang Z et al.,
A recent study led by Dr. Zhaohua Jiang from the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital has brought advancements in the treatment of lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Through a procedure known as vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), Jiang and his team successfully demonstrated the restoration of lymphatic function in patients suffering from this painful condition.
"We uncovered evidence that VLNT can effectively reconnect the lymphatic system, reducing arm swelling and improving the lives of patients,” shares Jiang. “The technique involves transplanting healthy lymph nodes into the affected area, which then promotes the regeneration and reconnection of the lymphatic vessels.”
The researchers tracked the outcomes using magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL), an imaging technology that revealed significant improvement in lymphatic drainage and reduction in limb volume.
"Seeing the lymphatic pathways reform and begin functioning effectively within a year after the procedure was both unexpected and rewarding," remarks Jiang.
The team's findings can pave the way for improved treatment options for those suffering from lymphedema post-breast cancer treatment. "This could provide patients not just symptom relief but also a sustained improvement in quality of life,” adds Jiang.
###
Contact the author: Zhaohua Jiang,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China. E-mail address: dr_zhjiang@126.com
The publisher KeAi was established by Elsevier and China Science Publishing & Media Ltd to unfold quality research globally. In 2013, our focus shifted to open access publishing. We now proudly publish more than 100 world-class, open access, English language journals, spanning all scientific disciplines. Many of these are titles we publish in partnership with prestigious societies and academic institutions, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
Journal
Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Method of Research
Observational study
Subject of Research
People
Article Title
Vascularized lymph node transfer using axilla as recipient site restores lymphatic flow in upper limb lymphedema: Evidence from magnetic resonance lymphangiography
COI Statement
Li S is an editorial board member for Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and was not involved in the editorial review or the decision to publish this article. All authors declare that there are no competing interests.