Investigating ways to modify fat cell behavior in patients with secondary lymphedema
Official title: Modifying adipocyte and pre-adipocyte cell fate in fibroadipose tissue of secondary lymphedema
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11030749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people with secondary lymphedema, a condition that causes painful swelling, by exploring how certain signals can change fat cells to reduce swelling and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,760 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR082031-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with secondary lymphedema who experience chronic pain and mobility issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of secondary lymphedema or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on secondary lymphedema, a condition affecting over 5 million people in the U.S. who experience painful swelling due to lymphatic retention. The study aims to explore how certain signaling mediators can influence the behavior of fat cells, potentially reducing harmful fat deposition and improving patient outcomes. It involves examining how to stimulate or inhibit specific cell survival pathways and developing a localized cell therapy that minimizes side effects. The ultimate goal is to create new therapeutic options that enhance the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that alleviate pain and improve mobility for patients suffering from secondary lymphedema.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of modifying fat cell behavior is being explored, this specific research is novel and aims to develop new therapeutic strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agarwal, Shailesh — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Agarwal, Shailesh
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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.