VEGF-C and VEGF-C156S in the pro-lymphangiogenic growth factor therapy of lymphedema: a large animal study.

Introduction: VEGF-C156S, a lymphangiogenesis-specific form of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), has been considered as a promising candidate for the experimental pro-lymphangiogenic treatment, as it lacks potential angiogenic effects. As a precursor to future clinical trials, the therapeutic efficacy and blood vascular side effects of VEGF-C and VEGF-C156S were compared in a large animal model of secondary lymphedema. Combination of lymphatic growth factor treatment and autologous lymph node transfer was used to normalize the lymphatic anatomy after surgical excision of lymphatic tissue.

Anti-inflammatory effects of flap and lymph node transfer.

Background: Transfer of healthy tissue is commonly used in the treatment of complicated wounds and in reconstruction of tissue defects. Recently, microvascular lymph node transfer (LN) has been used to improve the lymphatic function in lymphedema patients. To elucidate the biological effects of flap transfer (with and without lymph nodes), we have studied the postoperative production of proinflammatory, anti-inflammatory, prolymphangiogenic and antilymphangiogenic cytokines, and growth factors (interleukin 1α [IL-1α], IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], IL-10, transforming growth factor β1 [TGF-β1], IL-4 and IL-13, and vascular endothelial growth factor C [VEGF-C] and VEGF-D) in postoperative wound exudate samples.

Growth factor therapy and lymph node graft for lymphedema.

Background: Lymphedema still remains an unsolved problem. Secondary lymphedema often develops after cancer operations or radiation therapy, especially in breast cancer patients. Using a mouse model, we show here that the lymphatic network can be regenerated using lymphatic vascular growth factor therapy in combination with lymph node transfer.

Lymphatic vessel function and lymphatic growth factor secretion after microvascular lymph node transfer in lymphedema patients.

Background: Recent reports have shown that microvascular lymph node transfer may improve lymphatic drainage in lymphedema patients. Lymphatic anastomoses are expected to form spontaneously in response to lymphatic growth factor [vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)] secreted by the transferred lymph nodes.

Methods: We have analyzed the results of 19 lymph node transfer patients operated on 2007-2012.

Lymph node transfer and perinodal lymphatic growth factor treatment for lymphedema.

Objective: Our objective was to define the optimal growth factor treatment to be used in combination with lymph node transfer to normalize lymphatic vascular anatomy.

Background: In the lymph node transfer method, lymphatic anastomoses are expected to form spontaneously. However, lymphangiogenic growth factor therapies have shown promising results in preclinical models of lymphedema.