Discover our lymphoedema flagship service
A 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.
Clinical services
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.
Research
Little 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:
- Autologous lymph node transfer (LNT) in which a group of lymph nodes from a healthy area of the patient’s body are moved to the affected area.
- Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) which is a microsurgical technique for earlier-stage lymphoedema, in which lymphatic vessels are joined to veins to assist in the drainage of fluid from the impaired limb.
- Liposuction treats advanced lymphoedema by removing the substantial fat deposition evident at this stage of the condition.
- Combined lymphatic surgery and breast reconstruction under the one anaesthetic to improve physical and cosmetic appearance while easing the burden of lymphoedema.
- Using Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography imaging in the diagnosis and surgical management of lymphoedema, and exploring its application to guide manual lymphatic massage towards individuals' lymphatic drainage pathways, to maximise manual lymph drainage (MLD).
- Early intervention and home monitoring for patients at risk of developing lymphoedema after breast cancer.
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.
Early detection of lymphoedema
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.
Home monitoring of lymphoedema
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.
Anatomical studies
Our anatomical studies involve:
- using Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence lymphography to understand the changes in anatomical structure in early lymphoedema after cancer treatment
- using ICG fluorescence lymphography to investigate understand the changes in drainage pathway in lymphoedema in terms of the clinical implications of conservative treatment
- developing standarised ICG lymphograhy protocols to assess lymphoedema in different body regions based on study of normal lymphatic anatomy in a cadaver model.
Education
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.