Recent research on pediatric lymphatic diseases

Abstract

Many lymphatic diseases are intractable, but in recent years, research into them has been progressing, helping to clarify the disease and develop treatment. In basic research, the molecular mechanism of lymphangiogenesis was gradually elucidated, and the causative genes of lymphedema were listed. In addition, studies on mutant gene mutations such as PIK3CA in various diseases are advancing, and new therapeutic agents such as sirolimus are being developed. In the future, the classification of diseases would be further organized by type of gene mutation. On the other hand, techniques for visualizing lymphatic vessels, such as ICG lymphangiography and MR lymphangiography, are rapidly developing in clinical practice. As an application, it has become possible to approach the lymphatic vessels, which has been difficult until now, and embolization for lymphatic leakage is being established as an effective treatment method. It is hoped that the development of wide-angle research will further advance understanding and eventually lead to an optimal treatment method.