Abstract
Abstract
Background
Lymphedema, the accumulation of interstitial fluid caused by poor lymphatic drainage, is a progressive and permanent disease with no curative treatment. Several studies have evaluated cell-based therapies in secondary lymphedema, but no meta-analysis has been performed to assess their efficacy.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available preclinical and clinical studies, with assessment of their quality and risk of bias.
Results
A total of 20 articles using diverse cell types were selected for analysis, including six clinical trials and 14 pre-clinical studies in three species. The meta-analysis showed a positive effect of cell-based therapies on relevant disease outcomes (quantification of edema, density of lymphatic capillaries, evaluation of the lymphatic flow, and tissue fibrosis). No significant publication bias was observed.
Conclusion
Cell-based therapies have the potential to improve secondary lymphedema. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Due to relevant heterogeneity between studies, further randomized controlled and blinded studies are required to substantiate the use of these novel therapies in clinical practice.
Funder
Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Berrikuntza + Ikerketa + Osasuna Eusko Fundazioa
Diputacion Foral Gipuzkoa
Ekonomiaren Garapen eta Lehiakortasun Saila, Eusko Jaurlaritza
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Cell Biology,Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous),Molecular Medicine,Medicine (miscellaneous)
Cited by
3 articles.
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