
Th2 immune cells (stained purple) promote lymphedema by preventing the growth of lymphatic vessels (stained green). Top: Untreated lymphedema in mouse tissue. Bottom: Lymphedema tissue after treatment with drugs that block the activity of Th2.
Lymphedema, a painful swelling in the arms or legs, is one of the most unpleasant complications of cancer treatment. It develops when surgery or radiation causes damage to the lymphatic system, a network of vessels that filter and clear fluid from the tissues.
Lymphedema most commonly occurs when some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm are removed as part of treatment for breast cancer, a procedure called lymph node dissection. When severe, lymphedema can cause great discomfort, hamper day-to-day activity, and increase the risk of infection. There is no cure for this condition, which can last for years and even decades.
Memorial Sloan Kettering has a lymphedema laboratory dedicated to changing that. For the last decade, Babak Mehrara, Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Service, has led a team studying how lymphedema develops and progresses. These researchers, headed by senior research scientist Raghu Kataru, work closely with MSK doctors to look for new treatments to prevent or reverse the condition.
Lymphedema is a complex disease that has long been poorly understood. It doesn’t occur immediately after surgery but usually eight to 12 months later. “That suggests that some intervening step must occur that causes lymphedema to develop in certain people,” Dr. Mehrara explains.
Further, the majority of people who have lymph nodes removed never develop lymphedema. Certain factors place a person at higher risk, such as having a large number of nodes removed or being overweight. But researchers needed a clearer picture of what causes the condition to occur.
Selective Immune Suppression
Researchers have known for decades that damage to the lymphatic system results in chronic inflammation. Dr. Mehrara’s research has more recently shown that this inflammatory reaction is a key step in the development of lymphedema. Although it is not clear why only some people have this response, the finding has opened up the possibility that stopping the immune cells could prevent lymphedema.
The body needs inflammation to protect against infection and repair wounds, so blocking all immune cells involved in this process is not an option. But in 2009, Dr. Mehrara’s team showed that lymphedema–associated inflammation was driven by a specific group of immune cells called Th2 cells.
“Th2 cells are mainly important for fighting off parasitic infections, and we don’t have a lot of parasites in Western countries,” Dr. Mehrara says. “We thought that selectively inhibiting these immune cells might prevent or inhibit lymphedema without putting the patient at risk.”
In 2017, Dr. Mehrara and colleagues demonstrated that tacrolimus (Prograf®), could tamp down Th2 activity. The drug, which is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, is used for conditions like eczema and works by weakening the skin’s immune defense. It is applied directly to the skin and was shown to prevent and even reverse lymphedema in mice.
“Now that we’ve shown that this strategy can work in animals, we’re trying to translate this work into clinical trials in humans with lymphedema,” Dr. Mehrara says.
Back to topA Fertile Research Environment
Dr. Mehrara explains that the environment at MSK enables a collaborative approach to lymphedema that is unmatched.
“There are no other cancer centers with a dedicated lymphedema laboratory and a busy clinical lymphedema surgery program,” he says. “The synergy between our basic science research and our clinical programs enables us to rapidly translate our research from the bench to the bedside and validate our work in the laboratory.”
Back to topComments
Vincent
Oct 18, 2018 • 7:25 PM
Dear Vincent, you can read about MSK’s approaches to treating lymphedema, including a surgical procedure called vascularized lymph node transplant, here: https://www.mskcc.org/clinical-updates/less-lymphedema-thanks-new-proce…
Thank you for your comment.
Hazel Frankpitt
Oct 18, 2018 • 8:33 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Oct 19, 2018 • 9:41 AM
In reply to Hello I have this condition… by Hazel Frankpitt
Dear Hazel, we’re sorry to hear that you’re experiencing lymphedema after your surgery. To learn more about MSK’s approach to treating lymphedema, you can go to this page: https://www.mskcc.org/clinical-updates/less-lymphedema-thanks-new-proce…
If you are interested in coming here for a consultation, you can call 800-525-2225 or go to https://www.mskcc.org/experience/become-patient/appointment for more information. Thank you for your comment, and best wishes to you.
Josephine Cunningham
Oct 19, 2018 • 8:27 AM
I am a patient of MSK. Dr. Mary Sue Brady is my surgeon. I had melanoma in my left thigh and with the removal of it and the nodes in my groin area now have lymphedema. The swelling can become quite painful and I do wear compression pantyhose to relieve it. The stocking is also quite uncomfortable.. I would be interested in learning of any relief available. Thank you for your research.
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Oct 19, 2018 • 9:33 AM
In reply to I am a patient of MSK. Dr… by Josephine Cunningham
Toni Stritzke
Nov 5, 2018 • 6:36 PM
Thank you for your hard work, it's much appreciated. I have had lymphodema in my left leg for over 40 years now. I got blood poisoning from mosquito bites when I was living in the Pacific Islands. When I was pregnant with my first child, a boy, my lymphodema disappeared. It came back when I gave birth. This did not happen with my second prenancy, a girl. I've always wondered why? However, it was lovely to have 9 months with no swelling in my leg.
Hari Shankar
Jul 28, 2019 • 4:06 PM
Memorial Sloan Kettering
Jul 29, 2019 • 8:50 AM
In reply to My son has been diagnosed… by Hari Shankar
Dear Hari, we’re sorry to hear that your son has lymphedema. Researchers at MSK currently have one clinical trial for lymphedema, and it is for lymphedema that occurs after treatment for breast cancer. However, it’s possible that what we learn from the laboratory research that’s discussed in this blog post may be applied more widely. Thank you for your comment and best wishes to you and your son.
Do MSK perform surgery for lymph edema ? Is it useful?