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.

Materials And Methods: We have compared the therapeutic effects of different vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-C156S, and VEGF-A), in combination with lymph node transfer in mouse axilla. The lymphangiogenic effects of the growth factor therapy were examined at 3 mo postoperatively.

Results: VEGF therapy with VEGF-C and VEGF-D induced growth of new lymphatic vessels in the defect area, and VEGF-C also improved lymphatic vessel function compared with that of controls. VEGF-C156S induced moderate lymphangiogenesis, but the effect remained statistically nonsignificant. Prolymphangiogenic growth factors (VEGF-C, -D, and -C156S) also improved lymph node survival as compared with those of the VEGF-A and control group. VEGF-C, which activates both vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3, gave the best therapeutic effect in this experimental lymphedema model.

Conclusions: These results support our goal to treat secondary lymphedema by combining lymph node transfer with the growth factor therapy. VEGF-C provides the preferred alternative for growth factor therapy of lymphedema when compared with other VEGF-family growth factors, due to the superior lymphangiogenic response and minor blood vascular effects.