Using retinoic acid to help regrow lymph vessels after cancer surgery
Retinoic Acid Induced Lymphangiogenesis for Post-Surgical Lymphedema
Trying to see if a form of vitamin A (9-cis‑retinoic acid) can help regrow lymph vessels and prevent or reduce swelling after lymph node surgery in people who get lymphedema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189780 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a drug related to vitamin A called 9‑cis‑retinoic acid that helped rebuild lymphatic vessels in animal models after lymph node surgery. In this work they will study how the drug triggers lymph vessel growth, including the roles of FGFR and VEGFR signaling pathways. They will also look for early biomarkers of lymphatic problems and build a predictive model to guide future use. This preclinical and translational work is an early step toward developing a treatment that could be tested in people with post-surgical lymphedema.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who develop lymphedema after lymph node dissection for cancers such as breast or pelvic cancer, or those at high risk after surgery, would be the likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People with primary (congenital) lymphedema, lymphedema from causes unrelated to surgery, or very advanced fibrotic disease may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to the first drug treatment that restores lymphatic drainage and prevents or eases post-surgical lymphedema.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown that 9‑cis‑retinoic acid can accelerate lymphatic regeneration and restore drainage, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Alex K. — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wong, Alex K.
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 below.