Auckland Scientists Find New Way to Treat Lymphoedema

A research team in New Zealand just opened the door to treating a condition that affects one in five breast cancer survivors.

Scientists at the University of Auckland discovered a molecule called insulin-like growth factor (IGF) that encourages lymphatic vessels to grow. This matters because lymphoedema happens when these vessels get damaged, causing painful fluid buildup in body tissues that currently has no cure.

Dr. Jonathan Astin, a senior lecturer in molecular medicine, led the team that first spotted this molecule's potential in zebrafish. The tiny transparent fish let researchers watch glowing lymphatic vessels grow in real time without harming the animals. What they saw was remarkable: IGF accelerated vessel growth dramatically.

But the real breakthrough came when they tested it on human cells. Working with Dr. Justin Rustenhoven, the team grew human lymphatic cells in their lab and found IGF worked just as well, instructing human vessels to grow and repair themselves.

In New Zealand alone, about 20% of women who have lymph nodes removed during breast cancer treatment develop lymphoedema. The swelling can be painful and debilitating, affecting daily activities and quality of life for years after cancer treatment ends.

Dr. Wenxuan Chen, then a doctoral student, conducted much of the research in Astin's lab. The project brought together experts from across the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and collaborators in the United States.

Why This Inspires

This discovery represents exactly the kind of medical progress that changes lives without making headlines. Thousands of people live with lymphoedema after surviving cancer, facing a condition medical science couldn't fix. Now there's a clear path forward.

The research team chose zebrafish because these animals develop faster than mammals, letting scientists observe changes in days instead of months. Despite their simplicity, zebrafish share remarkable biological similarities with humans, making them perfect for early-stage discoveries like this one.

The next phase will test IGF therapy on mice with lymphoedema to see if it actually reduces swelling and repairs damaged vessels. If successful, human trials could follow within a few years.

For breast cancer survivors who've already fought one battle, this research offers something precious: hope that their second struggle might finally have an ending.