Research Roundup: Gene Therapy, Computer Algorithms, and the American Health Care Act

There’s always something going on in the world of lymphedema and lymphatic research! It can be a lot to keep up with, so here’s a digest of some of the latest headlines from the past week carefully curated to keep you in the lymphie loop.

“Herantis Pharma’s clinical study with Lymfactin advances to high dose level”

Lymfactin is an innovative gene therapy currently being tested for the treatment of secondary lymphedema; it triggers the growth of new, functional lymphatic vasculature to repair the damaged vessels.

In a press release shared by Pharmacy and Therapeutics Journal, Herantis Pharma announced that they’ve gotten the go-ahead to advance to their highest planned dose level in their clinical study of Lymfactin due to good reported safety from their previous trials. Big news — this means the study is moving forward, and we may have this as an available treatment option in the near future!

Read the full press release at P&T Community.

“NYU docs are using machine learning to stop a stealthy disease before it’s too late”

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have partnered with a team from Rory Meyers College of Nursing to develop a machine-learning algorithm that could help detect lymphatic disease early, even before doctors are able to: “With what we’re developing, a patient can input into a website their symptoms and then the machine can say, ‘You should go see a doctor.’”

This could change the game by enabling early treatment intervention and thus improve a patient’s overall prognosis. It’s so cool when technology and medicine come together!

Read more at Technical.ly Brooklyn.

“NORD Issues Statement as House Committees Review the American Health Care Act”

“We wish to emphasize our commitment to assisting Congress and the Administration as they navigate ACA repeal and replacement. We do not support the American Health Care Act at this time, but with continued dialogue and collaboration, we hope to be able to support legislation that improves the lives and wellbeing of rare disease patients.”

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) issued their statement on the American Health Care Act, a bill which aims to repeal many ACA provisions through budgetary reconciliation and replace them with alternative provisions. Primary lymphedema is considered a rare disease, but if you live in America, these healthcare changes are worth keeping an eye on no matter your health status.

Read their full statement at RareDiseases.org.

“‘We live in a globalized world’: A conversation with Dr. Epameinondas Gousopoulos”

In case you missed it: my interview with Epameinondas Gousopoulos, MD-PhD, MSc., a medical professional in the field of lymphedema pathophysiology and chair of the European Chapter of Lymphatic Education & Research Network.

Definitely worth a read if you’re interested in the globalization of lymphedema awareness and research! Dr. Gousopoulos is incredibly insightful and genuinely passionate about his field.

Read the interview at The Lymphie Life.

“This could be the surprising reason behind your jawline breakouts”

This article discusses how lymphatic massage can help relieve acne breakouts — an intriguing connection I’ve never really made before. Although not technically research news, I found the article to be pretty thoughtfully written, and it offers some great tips on stimulating the lymphatic system.

Be mindful, though, that this wasn’t written for lymphies: check with your doctor before adding anything new to your daily routine so as not to damage an already compromised and delicate system!

Read more at Well+Good.

Call to action: have your voice heard!

Natasha Clark, a trainee health psychologist with bilateral secondary lymphedema, runs a Facebook support group for lymphies living in the United Kingdom. This message, however, is for everyone — no matter where in the world you are!

Natasha’s local lymphedema clinic at Strathcarron Hospice in Scotland is hosting a special educational event on March 20, 2017. Speaking at the event will be a panel of professionals who are specialists in the field of lymphatic health, including Dr. Stanley Rockson.

This is a chance to have your voice heard, as Natasha has exclusive access to prepare a list of questions to present to the panel — and she hopes to get your input!

If you have a question you’d like presented to the panel, please leave it in the comments section below before March 20th. I’ll forward them to Natasha so she’ll have them in time for the event.

This is a really cool opportunity to get answers to any questions you may have about lymphedema. The event will be professionally recorded and posted online, too, so this enlightening evening will be available to all who wish to see it!

For more articles about lymphedema and lymphatic research, follow The Lymphie Life Facebook and Twitter!