Diagnostic Toolbox to Rapidly and Reliably Detect Lymphatic Disease

The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in fluid balance and immune defense, but remains one of the hardest systems in the body to diagnose when it malfunctions. Because lymphatic vessels are tiny, translucent, and carry fluid slowly, imaging them reliably is difficult, and symptoms such as swelling often appear only after the disease has progressed. This delay makes early diagnosis of lymphatic disorders like lymphedema particularly challenging. Now, researchers are developing a new, integrated approach to improve how lymphatic disease is detected and understood.

The effort is being led by Weill Cornell Medicine (New York, NY, USA) through a project called LANTERN, short for Lymphatic disease Advancements with Nanotechnology, Translational Epigenetics and Research in Genetics. The goal of LANTERN is to build a comprehensive diagnostic platform that can reveal lymphatic dysfunction earlier and more accurately than current methods. The team is combining large-scale genetic analysis, epigenetic profiling, nanotechnology-based molecular sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Together, these tools are designed to create detailed molecular and functional “fingerprints” of lymphatic disease that go beyond what imaging alone can show.

Researchers will analyze genetic and epigenetic changes that influence lymphatic structure and function, alongside biomarkers that reflect how well the system is working. Nanosensors are being developed to detect subtle molecular changes in tissues and lymphatic fluid, while AI models will integrate these signals to identify disease patterns. The project will also draw on existing patient databases and newly collected lymphatic fluid samples. Where possible, the platform is intended to integrate with emerging imaging techniques to provide a more complete picture of lymphatic health.

Primary and secondary lymphatic diseases affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, yet clinicians lack reliable tools to assess lymphatic function before symptoms become severe. Earlier and more precise detection could allow physicians to intervene sooner, prevent complications, and tailor treatments more effectively. In addition to lymphedema, the researchers note that many chronic and infectious diseases have a lymphatic component. Insights gained through LANTERN could therefore influence diagnosis and management across a wide range of conditions, from cancer-related complications to chronic inflammatory disorders.

“I'm very excited about this opportunity,” said principal investigator Dr. Lishomwa Ndhlovu. “This field has been a dark hole regarding imaging and diagnostics. The scope of diseases that are impacted by the lymphatic system is remarkable, so any advances in our understanding of lymphatic disease could have an impact across the spectrum of conditions, including in our work in infectious diseases research.”

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