Mapping the Human Lymphatic System in Detail

Multi-scale Spatial Mapping of Human Lymphatic Vessels

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11161596

This project is creating a detailed map of the human lymphatic system to better understand conditions like lymphedema.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11161596 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people, especially cancer survivors, experience lymphatic diseases like lymphedema, but our understanding of the human lymphatic system is not complete. This project aims to build the first comprehensive map of the human lymphatic system. Researchers will collect tiny lymphatic vessels from healthy individuals and use advanced 3D imaging and molecular analysis to see them in incredible detail. This detailed map will help us better understand how the lymphatic system works and what goes wrong in diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal participants for contributing samples would be healthy individuals interested in advancing our understanding of human anatomy.

Not a fit: Patients with existing lymphatic diseases would not directly receive treatment from this mapping effort, but future treatments may arise from this foundational knowledge.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this detailed map could lead to a much better understanding of lymphatic diseases, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment for conditions like lymphedema.

How similar studies have performed: A comprehensive human lymphatic system map does not currently exist, making this a novel and foundational effort.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer Survivorship
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.