Our research

Impactful research projects

The centre works closely with the MQ Health Lymphoedema Clinic as well as the ALERT Centre Education Team. By working in collaboration, our research is used to shape health policy and evidence-based practice.

ALERT databank

This database has been developed to create a registry of routinely collected patient clinical data and information that researchers can access.

The aim is to improve our understanding of:

• the factors contributing to swelling related conditions, such as lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic oedemas
• its impacts on people over time
• treatments and outcomes of conservative and surgical interventions.

Data analysed will be de-identified to protect patient confidentiality and privacy.

Compression therapy outcomes

The focus of this research project is to enhance the management of lymphoedema by integrating data from the MQ Health Lymphoedema Clinic with the ALERT databank.

It focuses on:

• evaluating current garment prescriptions
• assessing the financial impact of lymphoedema
• analysing garment effectiveness
• developing surveys to identify gaps in clinician knowledge.

The ultimate goal is to refine treatment practices and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based insights and targeted recommendations.

Lower limb compression therapy

The aim of this project is to identify common patterns of compensatory drainage in lower limb lymphoedema as demonstrated by indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography (ICG) and the implications for self-management and compression garment prescription, and how this may be translated into clinical practice.

Outcomes of surgical interventions

This project seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical interventions to enhance techniques and improve patients' quality of life through evidence-based practices, focusing on:

• lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) for early to moderate lymphoedema
• lymph node transfer (LNT) for early to moderate lymphoedema
• liposuction for advanced lymphoedema and lipedema.

Innovative ways for assessing and managing lymphoedema and lipoedema using ICG

We have developed innovative protocols for assessing the superficial lymphatic system using Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography.

We aim to personalise management strategies with tailored treatment plans, leading to better management, and improved clinical and patient outcomes for all body regions and lymphatic conditions.

Prospective surveillance and early intervention

A prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care is designed to minimise the incidence and impact of clinical lymphoedema after cancer treatment.

Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) is a non-invasive technique that measures the body's resistance and reactance to electrical currents across multiple frequencies, offering valuable insights into fluid distribution and body composition. When combined with a comprehensive assessment, BIS can help detect sub-clinical lymphoedema.

This research investigates recent advancements and the effectiveness of this technology.

Evaluation of the current bilateral L-Dex algorithm, scale, and trigger threshold for treatment of lymphoedema

The primary aim of this study is to determine optimal BIS impedance ratios and L-Dex scores using the SOZO device, in:

• individuals with clinically ascribed bilateral arm and leg lymphoedema
• individuals with self-ascribed swelling with no indication of lymphoedema
• a healthy control group without lymphoedema.

A secondary aim is to compare relative diagnostic performance of within limb-standardised ratios to simple inter-limb impedance ratios, accounting for potential confounding effects of limb dominance.

Evaluation and comparison of SOZO L-Dex assessments to U400 L-Dex assessments

This study aims to evaluate reliability of measure and compare SOZO L-Dex assessments to U400 L-Dex assessments in:

• individuals with lower limb lymphoedema
• healthy controls.

Evaluation of the L-Dex score in women with breast cancer related lymphoedema and healthy control participants

This study aims to assess the validity of the L-Dex score in:

• women with ICG lymphography confirmed breast cancer related lymphoedema
• healthy control participants.

Evaluation and comparison of SOZO, SOZOpro and U400

This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the new SOZOpro device with the SOZO and U400 devices in individuals with or without lymphoedema.

Lipoedema

This project seeks to enhance the accuracy of lipedema diagnoses by distinguishing it from other conditions. Improved diagnostic precision will enable more targeted treatments and significantly enhance patient care and outcomes.

Breast oedema

Breast lymphoedema is persistent swelling of the breast resulting from breast cancer treatment.

Individuals report high morbidity and breast lymphoedema is independently associated with impaired quality of life and body image. Despite this, there are no standardised objective measurement tools or diagnostic criteria for clinical use.

Indocyanine Green (ICG) lymphography has established diagnostic usefulness in breast lymphoedema, however, it is not routinely available in clinical settings.

This study, in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital, aims to explore valid assessment tools compared to clinical examination in the clinical diagnosis of breast lymphoedema.

Head and neck lymphoedema

Although up to 90 per cent of individuals treated for head and neck cancers will develop lymphoedema, the condition is poorly understood. Head and neck lymphoedema is disfiguring and results in significant physical, functional and psychological impacts.

ICG lymphography is an innovative technology for imaging the lymphatics. The aim of this project is to identify lymphatic drainage of the head and neck in normal conditions and in individuals living with head and neck lymphoedema using ICG lymphography.

The results of this study will improve diagnosis and understanding of the condition which will guide targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and well-being.

Lymphatic anatomy

This project aims to enhance our understanding of the lymphatic system in both normal and pathological conditions. By uncovering key mechanisms, the research seeks to inform the development of more effective therapies and treatments, ultimately improving care and outcomes for patients with lymphatic-related disorders.