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Researchers continue to work towards identifying specific gene mutations that are associated with certain hereditary syndromes that cause lymphedema such as lymphedema-distichiasis (LD) syndrome, caused by mutations in the FOXC2 gene.

The use of benzopyrones (coumarin and flavonoids) continues to be investigated for efficacy in treating upper as well as lower limb lymphedema. Research is also underway to find an effective way to reduce the risk of liver toxicity with these drugs.

Investigators continue to search for the most effective method in debulking lymphedematous limbs and are focusing on the efficacy of combining liposuction with debulking procedures as well as on how to reduce complications following surgery.

Bypass surgical procedures are being improved. Numerous studies are investigating various shunting procedures and examining the long term results based on reduction of limb circumference.

Efforts are being made by the International Society of Lymphology to increase basic knowledge about lymphedema, to establish accurate incidence of lymphedema, to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines, to better understand the molecular basis of lymphedema, and to look at new frontiers of potential treatment such as gene or stem cell therapy, new drugs or surgical procedures, and other ways to restore lymph function and improve quality of life.

Research is ongoing to learn more about risk factors associated with lymphedema to identify patients who are at high risk for developing this condition.

Investigators are studying the combined effect of gentle lymph drainage combined with deep breathing exercises and early results appear to be encouraging. Click here for additional information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=16353491&queryhl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum

New approaches for lymph drainage are under investigation using an apparatus which encourages articulation of the ankle and contraction of the muscles of the calves and feet. For more information about this technique, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=15328758&queryhl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum

Researchers from Germany reported that treatment with selenium (sodium selenite) enhanced the effect of physical therapy in patients with secondary lymphedema caused by radiation therapy. To read more about treatment with selenium, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=15352655&queryhl=11&itool=pubmed_docsum

Another study indicated a reduction of arm circumference for patients with radiation-induced secondary lymphedema who were treated with selenium. Follow this link to read about the study: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=12694822&queryhl=5&itool=pubmed_docsum

A more recent study relating selenium to improvement in secondary head and neck lymphedema can be viewed at the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&listuids=15181321&queryhl=11&itool=pubmed_docsum

Research is ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of liposuction for the treatment of secondary lymphedema.

If you are interested in investigating the availability of clinical trials for lymphedema, please visit the following website: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov