Better Imaging for Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors
High-Resolution Lymphatic Mapping of the Upper Extremities with MRI
This project is developing a new, detailed MRI scan to help understand why some breast cancer survivors get arm swelling called lymphedema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176010 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Lymphedema is a challenging condition where fluid builds up in the limbs, often after cancer surgery, and it currently has no cure. We know that the body's lymphatic system, which clears this fluid, can be different from person to person, and these differences might explain why some individuals develop lymphedema while others do not. If we could see these individual lymphatic pathways clearly, doctors might be able to prevent lymphedema from starting. This project aims to create a special high-resolution MRI technique that can map these tiny lymphatic channels in the arm, offering a new way to look inside the body without invasive procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future applications of this research would be breast cancer survivors, especially those at risk for or experiencing lymphedema in their upper extremities.
Not a fit: Patients whose lymphedema is not related to breast cancer or upper extremity issues may not directly benefit from this specific imaging development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new imaging technique could help doctors understand individual lymphatic anatomy, potentially leading to ways to prevent lymphedema in patients at risk.
How similar studies have performed: Current imaging methods are limited, making this novel high-resolution MRI technique a new and untested approach to fully map lymphatic anatomy in living people.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Leo Lee — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Leo Lee
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 below.