Abstract
Lymphedema is a progressive disease caused by damage to the lymphatic network. Recent
development in the fields of preclinical growth factor research and lymphedema microsurgery
promise new hope for lymphedema patients. In this article, we review the latest results
on basic research and highlight the role of specific growth factors in normal lymphatic
development and several disease states. Lymph node transfer, a new promising method
in reconstructive lymphatic microsurgery, is also dependent on the lymphatic vascular
regrowth and lymphangiogenic growth factors. We discuss the scientific basis of lymph
node transfer and therapeutic potential of lymphangiogenic growth factors in the treatment
of lymphedema.
Keywords
lymphangiogenesis - lymph node transfer - VEGF-C