Elevated levels of proinflammatory biomarkers have been speculated to be associated with inflammation in patients with lymphedema. Moreover, genetic variations may be one of the important factors that influence breast cancer survivors' responses to inflammatory processes and vulnerability to lymphedema, including survivors' responses to treatment-related trauma (such as surgery and radiation) and triggering factors (such as infection, burns, minor injuries, and higher BMI or obesity).

The project will employ a prospective, descriptive, and repeated-measure design. A sample of 120 women who are newly diagnosed and treated for invasive breast cancer will be recruited. Data will be collected to evaluate levels and patterns of proinflammatory biomarkers and genotypes known for inflammation in relation to limb volume change.

"This project is an important first step toward gaining necessary knowledge and insights into breast cancer survivors' susceptibility, which may help to identify survivors at higher risk based on individual survivors' biomarker patterns and genetic factors," said Fu. "Findings of the project are fundamental in developing and testing more intense and personalized interventions to prevent and treat LE among the breast cancer survivors."

Source: New York University