A NEW research partnership will look to find answers about a common cancer treatment side effect.
The partnership between Macquarie University and GenesisCare, will investigate the risks and management options of lymphoedema in cancer patients.
The team will work to develop evidence-based protocols for improved identification and management of the condition.
Lymphoedema is the term for the accumulation of excessive amounts of protein-rich fluid, causing swelling in one or multiple parts of the body.
Secondary lymphoedema can develop if lymph nodes are removed during treatment, or damaged by radiotherapy, stopping fluid from flowing freely through the lymphatic system.
At least 20 per cent of survivors of melanoma, breast, gynaecological and prostate cancers develop the condition.
The university's Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) program director Louise Koelmeyer said the last decade had seen a substantial increase in cancer survivors.
"However, as a result we are beginning to see some of the long-term side effects associated with different treatment therapies," she said.
As part of the project, education materials detailing lifestyle risk factors and the importance of exercise and skin and wound care will be developed for clinicians and patients.
Other goals include the creation of a risk assessment framework for early detection and early intervention and management principles.
For more information about Macquarie University's lymphoedema clinic, click here.
