Adipose-derived regenerative cells and lipotransfer in alleviating breast cancer-related lymphedema: An open-label phase I trial with 4 years of follow-up

Patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) have reduced quality of life and arm function. Current treatments are palliative, and treatments improving lymphedema are lacking. Preclinical studies have suggested that adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) can alleviate lymphedema. We, therefore, aimed to assess whether ADRCs can alleviate lymphedema in clinical reality with long-term follow-up. We treated 10 patients with BCRL using ADRCs and a scar-releasing lipotransfer to the axillary region, and all patients were followed 1, 3, 6, 12, and 48 months after treatment. The primary endpoint was change in arm volume. Secondary endpoints were safety, change in lymphedema symptoms, quality of life, lymphedema-associated cellulitis, and conservative treatment use. There was no significant decrease in BCRL volume after treatment. However, self-reported upper extremity disability and arm heaviness and tension improved. Six patients reduced their use of conservative BCRL treatment. Five patients felt that their BCRL had improved substantially, and four of these would redo the treatment. We did not observe any cases of locoregional breast cancer recurrence. In this phase I study with 4 years of follow-up, axillary delivered ADRCs and lipotransfer were safe and feasible and improved BCRL symptoms and upper extremity function. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results of this study.

Automated summary

The use of adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) combined with fat grafting for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) patients is safe and effective in clinical application. Although there was no significant reduction in BCRL volume, some patients showed improvement in symptoms, and a few felt substantial improvement in their condition.