Adipose-derived regenerative cells and fat grafting for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema: Lymphoscintigraphic evaluation with 1 year of follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a feared late complication. Treatment options are lacking at present. Recent studies have suggested that mesenchymal stromal cells can alleviate lymphedema. Herein, we report the results from the first human pilot study with adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) for treating BCRL with 1 year of follow-up.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
We included 10 patients with BCRL. ADRCs were injected directly into the axillary region together with a scar-releasing fat grafting procedure. Primary endpoint was change in arm volume. Secondary endpoints were change in patient-reported outcomes, changes in lymph flow, and safety.


RESULTS
During follow-up, no significant change in volume was noted. Patient-reported outcomes improved significantly with time. Five patients reduced their use of conservative management. Quantitative lymphoscintigraphy did not improve on the lymphedema-affected arms. ADRCs were well tolerated, and only minor transient adverse events related to liposuction were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
In this pilot study, a single injection of ADRCs improved lymphedema based on patient-reported outcome measures, and there were no serious adverse events during the follow-up period. Lymphoscintigraphic evaluation showed no improvement after ADRC treatment. There was no change in excess arm volume. Results of this trial need to be confirmed in randomized clinical trials.
['Toyserkani|N M|NM|', 'Jensen|C H|CH|', 'Tabatabaeifar|S|S|', 'Jørgensen|M G|MG|', 'Hvidsten|S|S|', 'Simonsen|J A|JA|', 'Andersen|D C|DC|', 'Sheikh|S P|SP|', 'Sørensen|J A|JA|']
D017667:Adipocytes D000273:Adipose Tissue D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D001943:Breast Neoplasms D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy D005240:Feasibility Studies D005260:Female D005500:Follow-Up Studies D006801:Humans D008209:Lymphedema D061305:Lymphoscintigraphy D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells D008875:Middle Aged D010865:Pilot Projects D016896:Treatment Outcome
Adipose-derived regenerative cells Breast cancer-related lymphedema Pilot study Lymphoscintigraphy Stromal vascular fraction