The Rapidly Expanding Field of Lymphedema Research
The MUHC LE&RN Network of Excellence has a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers from the McGill University Health Centre, Concordia University and Université de Montréal. We work in close collaboration with the Lymphedema Association of Quebec and the Canadian Lymphedema Framework to disseminate lymphedema research findings.
The MUHC Lymphedema Program team was awarded one of the first Rossy Cancer Network grants to study preventive strategies to lower the risk of lymphedema and after treatment for gynecological cancers. We have received grants to create assessment tools for complications of breast cancer treatment such as axillary web syndrome, and to study the early detection of lymphedema using high frequency portable ultrasound. We are involved in an international randomized controlled trial to on the effectiveness of novel surgery techniques such as vascularized lymph node transfers. We are part of a comprehensive international initiative that is reviewing and disseminating the scientific evidence for current treatments for cancer-related lymphedema.
This is an exciting time for lymphedema research. The sheer number of articles published monthly by scientists, clinicians and therapists has increased exponentially with important articles on novel medical imaging techniques, surgical approaches, systematic reviews on conservative therapies and studies examining risk factors and preventive strategies for lymphedema, among many others. We are proud to be part of this research momentum shedding light on the assessment of lymphatic disorders and illuminating treatment possibilities.