Possible genetic predisposition to lymphedema after breast cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Known risk factors for secondary lymphedema only partially explain who develops lymphedema following cancer, suggesting that inherited genetic susceptibility may influence risk. Moreover, identification of molecular signatures could facilitate lymphedema risk prediction prior to surgery or lead to effective drug therapies for prevention or treatment. Recent advances in the molecular biology underlying development of the lymphatic system and related congenital disorders implicate a number of potential candidate genes to explore in relation to secondary lymphedema.

Methods and results

We undertook a nested case-control study, with participants who had developed lymphedema after surgical intervention within the first 18 months of their breast cancer diagnosis serving

SUBMITTER: Newman B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3311400 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature