Promising Research for Drug to Treat Lymphedema

rrs

Collaboration between two Stanford labs has resulted in the discovery of a molecular cause for lymphedema and the first possible drug treatment for it.

The researchers found that the buildup of lymph fluid is actually an inflammatory response within the tissue of the skin, not merely a "plumbing" problem within the lymphatic system, as previously thought.

Working in the lab, scientists discovered that a naturally occurring inflammatory substance known as leukotriene B4, or LTB4, is elevated in both animal models of lymphedema and in humans with the disease, and that at elevated levels it causes tissue inflammation and impaired lymphatic function.

http://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2017/05/study-finds-first-possible-drug-treatment-for-lymphedema.html

LisaAlissa

Wow, that is interesting news. It will be interesting to see how that research develops...

Here's hoping!

LisaAlissa

bluepearl

I have found my lymphedema has gone down on my Keto diet which is also an anti-inflammatory diet, so this wouldn't surprise me at all. I lost 25 pounds as well and being over weight is also inflammatory.

IamPam

This is a very interesting study. Sounds like they are enrolling. I wish I could participate. Does anyone know if they are including lymphedema of the arm? The article sounds like they are still accepting participants but only for lymphedema of the lower extremity/leg.

Thanks for this intersting thread. 😀