Title:Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: Recent Updates on Clinical Efficacy of
Therapies and Bioengineering Approaches for a Personalized Therapy
Volume: 30
Issue: 1
Author(s): Xinliang Zhang, Narasimha M. Beeraka, Mikhail Y. Sinelnikov, Oleg S. Glazachev, Konstantin S. Ternovoy, Pengwei Lu, Aida Isaeva, Yu Cao, Jin Zhang, Arshia Bakhtiari Nezhad, Maria Plotnikova and Kuo Chen*
Affiliation:
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital
of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshedong Street, Zhengzhou 450052, China
Keywords:
Lymphedema, lymphatic system pathology, breast cancer, anti-BCRL therapies, bioengineering approaches, chronic progressive disease.
Abstract:
Background: Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a chronic progressive disease characterized by a significant
reduction in quality of life and a range of complications.
Aim: To this date, no single treatment method provides pathological correction of the mechanisms associated
with tissue reorganization observed in later-stage breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL).
Methods: To define a personalized approach to the management of patients with iatrogenic lymphedema, we
performed a systematic review of literature without a comprehensive meta-analysis to outline existing molecular-
genetic patterns, overview current treatment methods and their efficacy, and highlight the specific tissue-associated
changes in BCRL conditions and other bio-engineering approaches to develop personalized therapy.
Results: Our results show that several tissue-specific and pathological molecular markers may be found, yet
current research does not aim to define them.
Conclusion: As such, currently, a strong foundation for further research into molecular-genetic changes in
lymphedema tissue exists, and further research should focus on finding specific targets for personalized treatment
through bio-engineering approaches.
