Understanding the microenvironment of lymphodema

Summary Approximately 20% of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or surgical resection of lymph nodes will develop Lymphodema. Communication between cells is a fundamental process during disease progression. One of the key features of lymphodema is the accumulation of fat within the surrounding tissue, fibrosis, poor immunity and extreme pain. We would like to understand how adipocytes, nerve cells, fibroblasts and immune cells communicate with lymphatic endothelial cells during the course of lymphodema.

Project Details

Lymphodema is a debilitating disease caused by an impairment of the lymphatic system characterised by soft tissue swelling, fat accumulation, pain and recurring infection. Approximately 20% of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or surgical resection of lymph nodes will develop Lymphodema. Communication between cells is a fundamental process during disease progression. One of the key features of lymphodema is the accumulation of fat within the surrounding tissue, fibrosis, poor immunity and extreme pain. We would like to understand how adipocytes, nerve cells, fibroblasts and immune cells communicate with lymphatic endothelial cells during the course of lymphodema. The project will involve development of genetic animal models, cell biology and cell imaging and bioinformatics to understand the communication between different cell types in affected tissue.

This project is conducted in St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Lympathic and Regenerative Surgery Group, (O’Brien Institute Department of SVI).