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Review
. 2022 Apr 6;9(4):162.
doi: 10.3390/bioengineering9040162.

Lymphatic Tissue Bioengineering for the Treatment of Postsurgical Lymphedema

Cynthia J Sung  1   2 , Kshitij Gupta  1 , Jin Wang  1 , Alex K Wong  1
Affiliations
Review

Lymphatic Tissue Bioengineering for the Treatment of Postsurgical Lymphedema

Cynthia J Sung et al. Bioengineering (Basel). .

Abstract

Lymphedema is characterized by progressive and chronic tissue swelling and inflammation from local accumulation of interstitial fluid due to lymphatic injury or dysfunction. It is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts a patient's quality of life, and has limited treatment options. With better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiology of lymphedema and advances in tissue engineering technologies, lymphatic tissue bioengineering and regeneration have emerged as a potential therapeutic option for postsurgical lymphedema. Various strategies involving stem cells, lymphangiogenic factors, bioengineered matrices and mechanical stimuli allow more precisely controlled regeneration of lymphatic tissue at the site of lymphedema without subjecting patients to complications or iatrogenic injuries associated with surgeries. This review provides an overview of current innovative approaches of lymphatic tissue bioengineering that represent a promising treatment option for postsurgical lymphedema.

Keywords: lymphangiogenesis; lymphatic regeneration; lymphatic tissue bioengineering; lymphedema; scaffolds; stem cells.

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Conflict of interest statement

Cynthia J. Sung, Kshitij Gupta, and Jin Wang, have no conflict of interest. Alex K. Wong is the Founder of Lymphagen, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic capillaries and collecting lymphatic vessels possess distinct characteristics.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Summary of lymphatic tissue bioengineering strategies. Functional lymphatic tissues can be engineered with seed cells and supporting cells, pro-lymphangiogenic factors, and mechanical stimuli in an appropriate matrix.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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