Biomarkers for the Detection of Lymphatic Insufficiency

The validation of a sensitive and specific biomarker assay for human acquired lymphatic
vascular insufficiency would represent a highly significant development for the patient
community. Accurate bioassay for the presence of lymphatic vascular insufficiency should help
to pave the road for future human clinical trials of experimental drugs and therapies
designed to treat human lymphatic diseases. Molecular profiling will be performed in human
tissues (skin) obtained by biopsy. The insights gained from these initial analyses will
determine the targets for assay in human body fluids (blood).

Inclusion Criteria:

For lymphedema participants:

history of acquired lymphedema of at least 6 months' duration.

For non-lymphedema participants with risk factors:

have undergone lymph node dissection and/or radiation therapy with no evidence of
lymphedema

Control participants: no evidence of lymphedema, no lymph node dissection, no radiation
therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

active cancer, infection or bleeding tendency