title: Growth factor therapy and autologous lymph node transfer in lymphedema.
abstract: Lymphedema after cancer treatment is a common clinical challenge, but curative treatment options are rarely available. Lymph node transfer is a novel technique in lymphedema surgery. Lymphatic tissue can be transferred as a vascularized free flap, but in this technique the lymphatic vascular network is expected to regrow spontaneously. Recently, we have learned how to regulate the growth of lymphatic vessels in experimental models. We envision that lymph node transfer should be combined with lymphatic growth factor therapy in the treatment of lymphedema patients.
authors.affiliation: Plastic Surgery, Turku University Central Hospital, 20251 Finland.
authors.forename: Pauliina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hartiala
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Saaristo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000637:transplantation*; D042583:Lymphangiogenesis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000503:physiopathology; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins