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Lymphedema following cancer therapy: overview and options

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Abstract

This summit focusing on lymphedema following cancer therapy was held during the 7th International Symposium on Cancer Metastasis through the Lymphovascular System. It was unique for the inclusion of patients with lymphedema joining physicians, therapists, healthcare professionals, and researchers to highlight what is known and more importantly what is unknown about the current state of research and treatment in the United States. The session opened with an introduction to lymphedema and then explored the incidence of multiple cancer-related lymphedemas, imaging tools and techniques useful for the diagnosis of lymphatic system abnormalities, and the new findings concerning the genetics of cancer-related lymphedema. It closed with a review of advocacy for patients and healthcare professionals and both conservative and surgical treatment options, followed by a panel discussion and questions. The session provided important information and updates which will be of value for improving the rehabilitation and overall support of patients with cancer-related lymphedema.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine, Fort Worth, TX, USA

    Michael Bernas

  2. National Lymphedema Network (NLN), Napa, CA, USA

    Saskia R. J. Thiadens

  3. University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Betty Smoot

  4. University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, Columbia, MO, USA

    Jane M. Armer

  5. Parkridge Medical Center Rehabilitation, Chattanooga, TN, USA

    Paula Stewart

  6. Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, Chattanooga, TN, USA

    Paula Stewart

  7. Division of Plastic Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jay Granzow

  8. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Jay Granzow

Authors
  1. Michael Bernas
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  2. Saskia R. J. Thiadens
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  3. Betty Smoot
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  4. Jane M. Armer
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  5. Paula Stewart
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  6. Jay Granzow
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Bernas.

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Bernas, M., Thiadens, S.R.J., Smoot, B. et al. Lymphedema following cancer therapy: overview and options. Clin Exp Metastasis 35, 547–551 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10585-018-9899-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10585-018-9899-5

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