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Weight-Loss Drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro show Promise in Lymphedema Treatment
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The blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, already popular for weight loss, are now being investigated for their potential to treat lymphedema, a chronic condition causing swelling, often following cancer treatment. A new clinical trial is underway to assess their effectiveness in reducing swelling and improving the quality of life for those affected.
Clinical Trial Investigates Novel Lymphedema treatment
A groundbreaking clinical trial in the United States is exploring whether the weight-loss medications semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) can alleviate lymphedema, a progressive swelling disorder affecting an estimated 500,000 people in the UK. this condition, characterized by fluid buildup in tissues, can cause arms or legs to swell considerably, leading to pain and limited movement. Twice as many women are affected as men, and about one in five breast cancer survivors will develop it.
The trial, conducted at the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction in New Jersey, involves 110 participants with lymphedema. Participants will self-administer weekly injections of either semaglutide or tirzepatide for six months, while researchers monitor changes in limb size and fluid levels. The hope is that these medications can reduce swelling, improve mobility, and restore the quality of life for those living with this challenging condition.
Did You Know? Lymphedema can make everyday tasks like dressing, wearing shoes, and carrying groceries tough due to the swelling and discomfort it causes.
The Link Between Weight-Loss Jabs and reduced Lymphedema Risk
A previous study involving nearly 4,000 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery, including lymph node removal, revealed that those taking weight-loss jabs before their operation were 86% less likely to develop lymphedema. The research, published in *Frontiers in Pharmacology*, indicated that the jabs reduced the risk of developing the condition from approximately one in three patients to one in ten. This suggests a potential preventative effect of these medications.
Researchers believe that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide may possess anti-inflammatory properties that prevent lymphedema development at a cellular level. Lymph nodes, small structures that filter toxins and bacteria from body fluids, are frequently enough removed in breast cancer patients to prevent the spread of tumor cells. Damage to these nodes, or from cancer treatments like radiotherapy, can lead to fluid accumulation in the arms and legs, causing lymphedema.
According to Breast Cancer Now, finding effective treatments for lymphedema is a priority, as the condition can significantly reduce the quality of life for those affected. Current therapies, such as massage and compression garments, can definitely help manage symptoms but are unlikely to provide a complete cure.
how Ozempic and Mounjaro May Combat Lymphedema
Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other GLP-1 receptor
