Using engineered materials to help heal lymphatic systems in lymphedema patients
Official title: Engineered biomaterials for promoting lymphatic regeneration in lymphedema
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11106116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make lymphedema treatments better by using new materials and methods to help your body grow healthy lymphatic vessels after surgery, so you can feel better and have improved results.
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 | June 3, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $502,294 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL179060-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11106116 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from lymphedema, particularly those who have undergone lymph node dissection or irradiation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lymphedema not caused by lymph node issues or those who have other unrelated medical conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving treatments for lymphedema, a condition where fluid accumulates in limbs due to lymphatic system issues. The team aims to enhance current surgical methods by integrating advanced biomaterials and targeted delivery systems to promote lymphatic regeneration. They will test various formulations of hydrogels and lipid nanoparticles that deliver growth factors to stimulate the growth of lymphatic vessels. This approach seeks to improve patient outcomes after surgeries like vascularized lymph node transfer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of lymphedema treatments, leading to better quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomaterials for lymphatic regeneration, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixon, James Brandon — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Dixon, James Brandon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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This grant tests a surgical approach to help people with breast cancer reduce lymphedema after surgery.
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-
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.