Cell‐Assisted Lipotransfer Using Autologous Adipose‐Derived Stromal Cells for Alleviation of Breast Cancer‐Related Lymphedema. (5th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toyserkani, Navid Mohamadpour; Jensen, Charlotte Harken; Sheikh, Søren Paludan; Sørensen, Jens Ahm
• Is Part Of: Stem cells translational medicine. Volume 5:Number 7(2016)
• Page Start: 857
• Page End: 859
• Publication Date: 2016-05-05
• Subjects: Lymphedema -- Stromal vascular fraction -- Adipose‐derived stromal cells -- Adipose‐derived stem cells -- Adipose‐derived regenerative cells -- Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation -- Regenerative medicine -- Cell‐based therapy -- Tissue‐based therapy; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Regenerative medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2157-6564

Abstract

Abstract : Freshly isolated, autologous, adipose‐derived stromal cells were combined with a fat‐graft procedure to treat lymphedema in a woman who had undergone lymphadenectomy and radiation therapy 4 years previously. The patient experienced no adverse events from the treatment, and arm volume and need for compression therapy were reduced after 4 months. A phase II study is under way to further test the feasibility and safety of this treatment. Abstract : Lymphedema is one of the most frequent side effects following cancer treatment, and treatment opportunities for it are currently lacking. Stem cell therapy has been proposed as a possible novel treatment modality. This study was the first case in which freshly isolated adipose‐derived stromal cells were used to treat lymphedema. Treatment was given as a cell‐assisted lipotransfer in which 4.07 × 10 7 cells were injected with 10 ml of lipoaspirate in the axillary region. Four months after treatment, the patient reported a great improvement in daily symptoms, reduction in need for compression therapy, and volume reduction of her affected arm. There were no adverse events. The outcome for this patient provides support for the potential use of cellular therapy for lymphedema treatment. We have begun a larger study to further test the feasibility and safety of this procedure (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02592213). Significance: Lymphedema is a very debilitating side effect of cancer treatment and has very few treatment options. Stem cell therapy has the potential to change the treatment paradigm from a conservative to a more curative approach. Freshly isolated, autologous, adipose‐derived stromal cells were combined with a fat‐graft procedure to treat lymphedema. The treated patient had great improvement in daily symptoms, a reduced need for compression therapy, and a reduction in arm volume after 4 months. There were no adverse events. The use of cellular therapy for lymphedema treatment is supported by this patient's outcome. A phase II study has begun to further test its feasibility and safety.