A new treatment platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema
Official title: Bioengineered lymphatic regenerating platform for treatment of breast cancer related lymphedema
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11123016 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel treatment for breast cancer survivors who have lymphedema, aiming to help them feel better by improving lymphatic drainage and reducing symptoms in a less invasive way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,029 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL179534-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123016 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors experiencing lymphedema as a result of their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have breast cancer-related lymphedema or those with other types of lymphedema may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel bioengineered hydrogel platform designed to treat breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), a condition affecting many breast cancer survivors. The approach utilizes an alginate mechacrylate hydrogel that incorporates anti-fibrotic agents and programmable cell therapies to promote lymphatic vessel regeneration. By addressing the limitations of current treatments, this platform aims to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce the complications associated with existing therapies. Patients may benefit from a more effective and less invasive treatment option that could alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema, potentially reducing the need for lifelong symptom management.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in microsurgery for lymphedema, this specific bioengineered approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veiseh, Omid — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Veiseh, Omid
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.