The Macquarie University Cancer Institute (MCI) team is celebrating a major research announcement this week, after building up their suite of lymphoedema programs and gaining the attention of global networks.

It was announced last week that the MCI will be the Australian coordinating centre for an international post approval clinical study into the early detection of lymphoedema, with medical devices leader ImpediMed.

Lymphoedema is the build-up of excessive amounts of fluid, resulting in swelling, usually in the arms or legs and is often the result of many cancer treatments.

“Cancer-related lymphoedema is widely accepted as the single most poorly understood and least researched frequent complication of cancer treatment world-wide,” says MCI Director and Professor of Breast Oncology Professor John Boyages.

While there is no cure for the condition, breakthrough Australian technology has seen the introduction of ImpediMed’s L-Dex measuring system – a machine which accurately measures changes up to six months before they become visible.

“I am very excited about this project. Through this clinical trial we will be gathering data from over 400 women at neighbouring hospitals including the Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN), Norwest and Westmead.

“Early detection is absolutely vital to improve treatment options for our patients and I am confident that we will achieve best practice for women at risk of lymphoedema to have access to early intervention programs,” says Louise Koelmeyer, MCI Development Manager.

As the agreement was formally signed last week, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Sakkie Pretorius met with ImpediMed CEO, Rick Carreon and his team on campus.

“It was a pleasure to meet the team and hear about their ambitions, while learning more about the other partners in this trial,” said Professor Pretorius.

“We are joining a prestigious group of international partners in this endeavour, including leading US cancer centres, led by Principal Investigator Professor Sheila H. Ridner of Vanderbilt University. As the host Australian site, this is an exciting step for Macquarie, as we seek to become the leader of integrated clinical care, medical and health research and education in Australia”

The new clinical trial adds to the MCI’s existing work across multiple cross-faculty projects relating to advanced lymphoedema, laboratory research including a lymphoedema bank, MRI related imaging research, work-quality of life and early intervention studies.

Discussions with the Department of Engineering have also commenced, looking at ways of measuring compliance, measuring pressures as well as volumes of arms after treatment for lymphoedema.

Find out more about the MCI’s pioneering work in lymphoedema.