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Make a contributionA unique and comprehensive lymphoedema clinical, education and research service, unlike any other in the country.
The ALERT (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment) team at MQ Health consists of experienced healthcare professionals who aim to optimise positive outcomes for people at risk of or living with lymphoedema or other swelling-related conditions and lipedema.
In 2020 the ALERT program was awarded the prestigious title of LE&RN Centre of Excellence – Lymphatic Disease Network in recognition of the outstanding multi-disciplinary clinical care and services provided for individuals affected by lymphatic diseases (LD) and their families. Read more about the Lymphatic Education and Research Network.
Our lymphoedema program offers management of all types and stages of lymphoedema. Supported by research and education initiatives, it is designed to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to our patients and communities.
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Our lymphoedema program is home to specialised diagnostic, conservative and surgical clinics to manage all types and stages of the condition.
Our goal is to provide our patients with a comprehensive service that best suits their individual situation.
In 2015, Sharne Willoughby had liposuction at MQ Health for lymphoedema, which had become so debilitating she could barely climb stairs. In the years since then, she has run five half-marathons and is living a normal and busy family life. “There are...
Read moreLittle is currently known about lymphoedema's causes, and there is no complete cure. Our research is revealing new knowledge about the condition, focusing on new treatments and a better understanding of the causes of lymphoedema.
Our research investigates the physical and psychological success of new treatments for lymphoedema, including:
Our research into the causes of lymphoedema is investigating the physiological processes that determine why one patient develops lymphoedema when another does not – even when they have the same cancer diagnosis and/or treatment.
This research focuses on how cells from lymphatic vessels respond to the stress of lymph node removal for cancer treatment, and the processes of fat production and deposition within the swollen tissues.
A brief overview of all our current research projects is available below.
This international research is being led by Vanderbilt University and sponsored by Impedimed. We are investigating whether early detection of lymphoedema by using bioimpedance spectroscopy or tape measurement, followed by early temporary use of a compression garment, prevents continued swelling in those breast cancer patients who have undergone localised ('locoregional') treatment.
This study is comparing routine standard-of-care monitoring for the management for lymphoedema with home-based self-monitoring using L-Dex. It aims to improve adherence to treatment and specific physical, functional and psychological outcomes.
Our anatomical studies involve:
We pride ourselves on delivering excellence in lymphoedema education, as confirmed by the exceptional feedback we receive on our courses.
We provide advanced skill-based courses and workshops to healthcare professionals in all aspects of lymphoedema management, from theory through to treatment intervention.
Macquarie University is the first university in Australia to offer lymphoedema accreditation courses via a continuing professional development (CPD) program.
Our integration with the treatment and research arms of ALERT means we have access to a team of highly qualified and experienced lymphoedema experts. Our courses give students access to cutting-edge scientific evidence, resources and technology.
In 2019, 331 allied healthcare professionals completed an ALERT Education course, and several leaders from other endorsed training programs across Australia attended our Advanced Lymphatic Anatomy course due to the sound evidence-based focus of our program.
