New treatment for lymphedema using targeted drug delivery
Official title: Lymphedema therapy via lymphatic targeted drug delivery
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11064076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling from fluid buildup, by testing a special method to deliver treatments directly to the lymphatic system, which could make managing the condition easier and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $549,620 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173943-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer survivors who have developed lymphedema as a result of their treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have lymphedema or those with lymphedema caused by factors unrelated to cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to treat lymphedema, a condition often resulting from cancer treatments that leads to fluid buildup and swelling. The study aims to develop a targeted drug delivery system that can effectively deliver therapies directly to the lymphatic system, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Using pre-clinical models that mimic human lymphedema, the research will test various drug combinations to reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic function. This approach seeks to address the chronic nature of lymphedema, which currently has no cure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from lymphedema, significantly improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeted drug delivery is being explored in various contexts, this specific application for lymphedema treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Susan Napier — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Susan Napier
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.
-
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.