Advanced Reconstructive Surgery Alliance
Lymphedema affects millions and currently lacks effective drug treatments, relying mainly on compression therapy. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have shown potential in managing obesity and diabetes, which can worsen lymphedema. Although anecdotal evidence suggests benefits of GLP-1 RAs for lymphedema patients, rigorous prospective studies are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs in improving quality of life and clinical outcomes in lymphedema patients, thereby addressing a critical gap in literature and potentially offering a new treatment option.
Research Protocol: GLP-1Ras - Investigator-Initiated Study Principal Investigator: Joseph Dayan, MD, MBA Title: Efficacy of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Treating Upper and Lower Extremity Lymphedema Background and Rationale Introduction: Lymphedema is an incurable and relentless progressive disease marked by swelling of the upper or lower limb requiring life-long compression. Patients have a high risk of cellulitis and deteriorating quality of life. Lymphedema is a major public health problem with an estimated incidence in the United States of 5 million. There is no cure and no drug to treat…
Inclusion Criteria: Adults 18 years or older with unilateral upper or lower extremity lymphedema Limb volume \> 5% BMI =\> 23 Oncology clearance if there is a cancer history Exclusion Criteria: Moderate to severe venous insufficiency Actively using GLP-1 RAs Known intolerance or adverse effect to GLP-1 RAs Medical history or morbidity where GLP-1 RAs are contraindicated as per patient's primary care provider such as MEN syndrome or history of thyroid cancer.
GLP-1 RAs in lymphedema
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