The Role of Inflammation in Lymphedema: A Narrative Review of Pathogenesis and Opportunities for Therapeutic Intervention

Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease of the lymphatic system characterized by inflammation, increased adipose deposition, and tissue fibrosis. Despite early hypotheses identifying lymphedema as a disease of mechanical lymphatic disruption alone, the progressive inflammatory nature underlying this condition is now well-established. In this review, we provide an overview of the various inflammatory mechanisms that characterize lymphedema development and progression. These mechanisms contribute to the acute and chronic phases of lymphedema, which manifest clinically as inflammation, fibrosis, and adiposity. Furthermore, we highlight the interplay between current therapeutic modalities and the underlying inflammatory microenvironment, as well as opportunities for future therapeutic development.

Keywords: inflammation; lymphatic disease; lymphatic system; lymphedema; lymphoedema; pathogenesis; review; therapeutic.

Figure 1

Overview of the mechanisms known to contribute to the development and pathogenesis of lymphedema.