In a new Phase I clinical trial, scientists from Odense University Hospital (Denmark) have shown that adipose-derived stem cells could be used to treat lymphedema – a chronic condition that typically causes swelling in the arms or legs. This novel regenerative therapy could lead to a new avenue of treatment for patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BRCL).

The results of the trial have been published in the journal STEM CELLS Translational Medicine.

One in three women treated for breast cancer develop lymphedema, where fluid builds up in the lymph nodes – leading to painful swelling in these vessels.

“Patients with BCRL have reduced quality of life and arm function. Current treatments are palliative only. The focus is on controlling the condition through exercise, compression garments and pumps, manual drainage, meticulous skin care, therapy and a healthy lifestyle,” commented corresponding author Mads Gustaf Jørgensen, from Odense University Hospital.

“However, while treatments to improve lymphedema are lacking, preclinical studies suggest that adipose-derived regenerative cells can alleviate lymphedema,” he continued. “We, therefore, aimed to assess whether adipose-derived regenerative cells can alleviate lymphedema in clinical reality with long-term follow-up.”

In their study, these fat-derived stem cells were harvested from 10 BRCL patients. The patients were then treated with these cells, and a scar-releasing lipotransfer to the axillary region.

The primary endpoint of their study was change in arm volume – however, after follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 48 months post-treatment, no decrease in BRCL volume was seen.

Despite this, the patients reported a significant improvement in their symptoms.

“Self-reported upper extremity disability and arm heaviness and tension improved. Six patients reduced their use of conservative BCRL treatment. Five felt that their BCRL had improved substantially, and four of these would redo the treatment. We did not observe any cases of locoregional breast cancer recurrence,” explained Jørgensen.

“This has led us to conclude that axillary-delivered adipose-derived regenerative cells and lipotransfer are safe, feasible and improved BCRL symptoms and upper extremity function. Their effectiveness was observed shortly after treatment and sustained for up to 4 years. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results of this study,” he concluded.

Link: https://www.regmednet.com/adipose-derived-stem-cells-used-to-treat-lymphedema-in-successful-phase-i-trial/