Investigating a treatment for lymphedema using retinoic acid
Official title: Retinoic Acid Induced Lymphangiogenesis for Post-Surgical Lymphedema
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11063577 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called 9-cis retinoic acid might help grow new lymphatic vessels to improve swelling and immune issues for people with lymphedema, especially those who have had cancer surgeries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $645,721 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL157626-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063577 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have developed lymphedema following cancer treatments, particularly those who have undergone lymph node dissection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lymphedema not related to surgical interventions or those with other underlying conditions affecting lymphatic function may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling and immune dysfunction after lymphatic injury, often following cancer surgeries. The study aims to explore how 9-cis retinoic acid can promote the growth of lymphatic vessels, potentially restoring normal lymphatic function. By using preclinical models, researchers will investigate the mechanisms behind this process and develop a framework for future clinical applications. The ultimate goal is to provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from lymphedema.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that alleviates the symptoms of lymphedema and improves patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in animal models, indicating potential for success in clinical applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Alex K. — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wong, Alex K.
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.
-
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.