# LYMPH FLOW DURING LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY

> **NIH NIH R01** · HENRY FORD HOSPITAL · 1988 · $73,305

## Abstract

This study is a proposed continuation of a two year research
program on the quantitation of lymph pooling in lymphedema by
dual beam absorptiometry.  Lymphedema is a severe, ubiquitous,
and continuing affliction involving accumulation of excess lymph
fluid in the extremities.  Frequently its victims are cancer
patients (and post-mastectomy subjects).  Compressive therapy
during hospitalization is the treatment of choice and is usually
palliative.  However, no quantitative data has been available on
rate of recovery during treatment or on pre-treatment severity.
Such information is needed to tailor treatment amongst these
victims, in which response to treatment can be highly variable.
Our original study proposed to research and evaluate (quantitate)
lymph pooling in a number of subjects by means of dual beam
absorptiometry.  We have recently completed the first phase of
this study and have obtained some significant results.  We have
indication that the most efficacious period of treatment is the
first week; we have quantified rate of lymph pool loss, and
identified possible areas for improvement of treatment, inasmuch
as in some cases the standard therapy seems to be insufficient.  In
addition we have identified certain areas which need further
investigation.  These include (1) a possible "rebound" effect just
prior to completion of therapy and (2) an unexplained loss of lipid
in some patients.  We have, also, introduced bioelectrical
impedance as a second tool for investigation, to parallel and
supplement absorptiometry and have obtained some promising
preliminary results with this method.  We propose that a
continuation of this research would confirm and verify our
conclusions and would also allow needed investigation of the
rebound, segmental, and lipid effects.  Additionally, we propose to
use bioelectrical impedance measurements to extend and verify
our absorptiometry results, and to test this new methodology as a
clinical tool.  The completion of a final phase for the project will:
a) establish, for the physician, the relationship between treatment
mode and response, b) prove the routine use of absorption and
impedance assay systems, c) clarify the influence of such
quantities as; 'rebound,' 'lipid mobilization,' 'limb segmental
response,' for the clinician and suggest treatment mode
adjustments for the specialist treating lymphedema.  The basic
disciplines are; lymphology, oncology, bioelectrical impedance,
radiation physics, the specialties of compressive limb treatment
and cancer patient care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3172810
- **Project number:** 5R01CA035080-04
- **Recipient organization:** HENRY FORD HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** LUTHER E PREUSS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $73,305
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-08-01 → 1988-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3172810

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3172810, LYMPH FLOW DURING LYMPHEDEMA THERAPY (5R01CA035080-04). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3172810. Licensed CC0.

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