University of Auckland team discovers insulin-like growth factor (IGF) molecule that promotes lymphatic vessel growth, offering potential lymphoedema therapy.

Exam-focused facts from the 21 February 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Scientists at the University of Auckland identified insulin-like growth factor (IGF) as a driver of lymphatic vessel growth in zebrafish and human cells.
Approximately 20 percent of New Zealand women who undergo lymph-node removal during breast-cancer treatment develop lymphoedema.
The research team included Dr Jonathan Astin, Dr Wenxuan Chen, Dr Kate Lee, Dr Justin Rustenhoven and Professor Stefan Bohlander from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland.
The next experimental step is to test IGF-based therapy in mice with lymphoedema.