Mechanisms of Junctional Proteins in Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery
Official title: Mechanisms of Junctional Proteins in Post-Surgical Lymphedema
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11389464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $409,542 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL180721-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who have undergone breast cancer surgery with risk of or existing lymphedema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lymphedema or prior lymphatic complications may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how junctional proteins in lymphatic capillaries affect fluid buildup after axillary lymph node dissection. By examining how button-like versus zipper-like junctions regulate interstitial fluid absorption, researchers aim to understand why some patients develop lymphedema and others do not. The work uses biomedical engineering approaches to model lymphatic function and examine tissue changes over time in the context of breast cancer treatment. If successful, the findings could inform new therapies that prevent or reduce chronic limb swelling after surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience reduced swelling and better limb function after breast cancer surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked lymphatic junctions to fluid transport, but this project explores their specific role in post-surgical lymphedema, making the approach both supported and novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hassanein, Aladdin Hasan — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Hassanein, Aladdin Hasan
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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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.
-
Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
A 5-year, multi-site trial tests a light-based therapy to reduce long-term neck and jaw swelling in people who survived head and neck cancer.
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.