Lymph vessels on a chip reveal possible new drug target for lymphedema

WASHINGTON, D.C. —There’s no real cure for lymphedema, a painful accumulation of fluid in the arms and legs that afflicts more than 150 million people worldwide. Compression garments and anti-inflammatory drugs can ease the swelling, and electric pumps can push the fluid along, but neither provides a long-lasting solution. Now, researchers have found that a chemical similar to some glaucoma medicines alleviates symptoms of lymphedema in mice by targeting a specific protein, suggesting a new approach to treating the disease.

The lymphatic system extends throughout the body, with vessels that absorb protein-rich and white blood cell–filled fluid from tissues and transport it to lymph nodes. When the vessels can’t properly drain this fluid, it builds up in the tissue, causing lymphedema. Surgeries or cancer treatments such as radiation can bring on the condition, which can lead to a thickening and stiffening of the skin, fat buildup, and sometimes, cancer.