Phase II study shows potential benefit of adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and lymph node transfer in lymphedema.

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common complication lacking medical treatment. Lymfactin® is an adenovirus type 5-based gene therapy and prolymphangiogenic growth factor vector that induces vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) expression. Our aim was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Lymfactin® with vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT).

Low TGF-β1 in Wound Exudate Predicts Surgical Site Infection After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection.

Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer increases morbidity and delays the onset of adjuvant treatment. Only a few studies have investigated the feasibility of wound exudate analysis in SSI prediction. This study assessed changes in cytokine levels in postsurgical wound exudate after ALND and examined their predictive value for the early diagnosis of SSI.

Long-term Results of Microvascular Lymph Node Transfer: Correlation of Preoperative Factors and Operation Outcome.

Unlabelled: Our objective was to analyze whether a correlation could be observed between preoperative factors and microvascular lymph node transfer outcome after long-term follow-up.

Methods: We included 67 patients in this retrospective case series. The incidence of cellulitis, the difference of arm circumference, the use of the compression garments both preoperatively and postoperatively, and subjective symptoms, such as pain, were analyzed.

Combined Surgical Treatment for Chronic Upper Extremity Lymphedema Patients: Simultaneous Lymph Node Transfer and Liposuction.

Background: Upper limb lymphedema is a common problem after axillary lymph node dissection. Lymphatic drainage can be improved by microvascular lymph node transfer, whereas liposuction can be used to reduce arm volume and excess of adipose tissue. We present the results of chronic lymphedema patients who have undergone lymph node transfer and liposuction simultaneously in 1 operation and compare the results with patients who have undergone lymph node transfer without liposuction.