Creating a device to prevent lymphedema after cancer treatment
Official title: Development of a Bioengineered Therapeutic Device for the Prevention of Lymphedema
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-10979412 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new device that could help prevent lymphedema, which causes swelling in breast cancer survivors, by using a special implant to improve lymph fluid flow and tackle the problem at its source.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,684 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285372-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979412 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors who are at risk of developing lymphedema due to lymphatic obstruction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already developed severe lymphedema or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a bioengineered therapeutic device aimed at preventing lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation, particularly in breast cancer survivors. The approach involves implanting a specially designed conduit made from nanofibrillar collagen to bridge obstructions in the lymphatic system. By optimizing the conduit’s properties, the researchers aim to provide a surgical solution that not only alleviates symptoms but also prevents the onset of lymphedema. Patients participating in this research may benefit from a novel treatment that addresses the root cause of their condition rather than just managing symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of lymphedema in cancer survivors, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar bioengineered approaches in treating lymphedema, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Ngan F. — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Huang, Ngan F.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Biodegradable drug-eluting scaffold to promote lymphatic healing for lymphedema
A new scaffold that slowly releases 9-cis retinoic acid to help grow healthy lymph vessels in people with lymphedema, especially cancer survivors.
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Mechanisms of Junctional Proteins in Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery
Scientists are studying how tiny protein gaps in lymph vessels contribute to swelling after breast cancer surgery, with the goal of helping people who develop lymphedema.
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Image-based detection and monitoring of secondary lymphedema in head and neck cancer
A new, smartphone-enabled method uses simple computer vision to detect and track secondary lymphedema in people treated for head and neck cancer.
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Lymphedema Prevention with Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients
This grant tests a surgical approach to help people with breast cancer reduce lymphedema after surgery.
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Bioengineered conduit to prevent lymphedema after cancer surgery
A new resorbable conduit implanted during surgery could help prevent lymphedema in cancer survivors by bridging lymphatic obstructions.
-
Bioengineered lymphatic healing platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema
A new brainy hydrogel-based approach aims to help people who develop lymphedema after breast cancer by guiding and regenerating lymphatic vessels.
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.