Review of preclinical and clinical studies of using cell-based therapy for secondary lymphedema

Abstract

Secondary lymphedema is associated with impaired lymph fluid drainage and remains incurable. Alternatively, cell-based therapy may pave the way for lymphedema treatment. We found 11 animal and seven human studies had been conducted from 2008 to 2018. Most studies showed great potential for this treatment modality. Emerging studies have focused on novel techniques, such as coupling cell therapy with lymph node transfer, or adding growth factors to cell therapy.

Keywords: adipose-devised stem cells; cell therapy; lymphangiogenesis; lymphedema; mesenchymal stem cells.