A Korean research team has opened a new chapter in regenerative medicine with a novel treatment approach for lymphedema that avoids invasive surgery. Professor Jae Hoon Jung from the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital announced on July 4 that his team has successfully regenerated damaged lymph nodes in animal models using a stem cell-based artificial lymph node created with 3D bioprinting technology.
In collaboration with Professor Hyo Jin Kang of Honam University and Professor Joo Hee Lee of Dongguk University, the team fabricated a lymph node-like scaffold using 3D bioprinting and seeded it with stem cells derived from human adipose tissue. When transplanted into lymphedema-induced mouse models, the scaffold promoted the formation of lymphatic and blood vessels, activated immune cell response, and led to the development of new structures resembling lymph nodes. As a result, lymphatic drainage improved and swelling in the legs significantly reduced.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by damage or removal of lymph nodes, often seen in cancer patients post-surgery, particularly breast cancer. The impaired lymphatic circulation causes fluid accumulation, leading to swelling, discomfort, pain, and recurrent infections. While physical therapy and surgical methods like lymph node transplantation or lymphovenous anastomosis exist, they are limited by complications, recurrence risks, and the need for invasive procedures.
To address this, the team focused on regenerative medicine, particularly stem cell therapy. Although stem cells have the potential to regenerate damaged tissues, their efficacy is often hindered when transplanted alone due to poor retention and survival within the target area. To overcome this, the researchers created a 3D-printed scaffold mimicking the lymph node structure that can stabilize and sustain the stem cells in vivo.
The study showed that scaffolds embedded with stem cells significantly outperformed stem cell-only implants in terms of lymphangiogenesis and immune cell activation. This led to effective regeneration of lymph node-like structures and reduction of lymphatic fluid backflow and edema in mice.
“This research demonstrates the potential of a non-surgical, stem cell-based approach to treat lymphedema,” said Professor Jung. “While current surgical treatments are effective, they come with significant drawbacks such as complications or recurrence at the donor site. Our 3D bioprinted scaffolds showed promising results in animal models, and we aim to expand this research to human applications.”
The study is considered a breakthrough in precision regenerative medicine, showcasing how advanced bioprinting can enhance stem cell survival and therapeutic outcomes by recreating complex tissue microenvironments.
