Main findings

• All studies presented positive outcomes, demonstrating that a topical approach is indeed a promising route of delivery for both growth factors and anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of lymphedema. The studies reviewed the use of different treatments and there was no consistency between study protocols.
• The idea of a simple topical intervention to treat lymphedema is highly attractive because of the small risk of systemic toxicity and the convenience of patient self-application.
• Although current data demonstrate positive outcomes for the use of a topical approach in mice, human studies utilizing targeted topical therapies have not been performed.
• The authors believe that further studies are required to analyze and confirm the benefits and safety of targeted topical therapy on patients with lymphedema.