No Clinical Efficacy of Adipose-Derived Regenerative Cells and Lipotransfer in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Phase II Trial

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a debilitating sequela affecting up to 1 in 3 breast cancer survivors. Treatments are palliative and do not address the underlying lymphatic injury. Recent preclinical and nonrandomized studies have shown promising results using adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) and lipotransfer in alleviating BCRL through regeneration of lymphatic tissue. However, no randomized controlled trial has been performed in an attempt to eliminate a placebo effect. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included patients with no-option, persistent disabling unilateral BCRL. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either autologous ADRCs (4.20×10 ⁷ ± 1.75×10 ⁷ cells) and 30-cc lipotransfer or placebo (saline) to the axilla. The primary outcome was a change in BCRL volume 1 year after treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in quality of life, indocyanine green lymphangiography stage, bioimpedance, and safety. Results: Eighty patients were included, of whom 39 were allocated to ADRCs and lipotransfer treatment and 41 to placebo treatment. Baseline characteristics were similar in the groups. One year after treatment, no objective improvements were observed in the treatment or placebo groups. In contrast, significant subjective improvements were noted for both the treatment and placebo groups. Conclusions: This trial failed to confirm a benefit of ADRCs and lipotransfer in the treatment of BCRL. These nonconfirmatory results suggest that ADRC and lipotransfer should not be recommended for alleviating BCRL. However, the authors cannot exclude that repeated treatments or higher doses of ADRCs or lipotransfer could yield a clinical effect.