Liebert Launches Lymphatic Research and Biology

Posted on May 3, 2002

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers announced the launch of a new quarterly peer-reviewed journal, Lymphatic Research and Biology, that will be published both in print and online. The Journal is the official publication of the Lymphatic Research Foundation; the first issue will be published in the fall of 2002.

At present, there is no cure for lymphedema, a chronic and potentially life-threatening disease that affects the lymphatic system, and treatments are limited. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 170 million people are affected worldwide, and an estimated 3-5 million Americans are affected with breast cancer-related lymphedema alone.

"A new and authoritative peer-reviewed journal will provide a forum to foster research on lymphatic research and biology," said Mary Ann Liebert, president and CEO of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. "An understanding and advancement of lymphatic research has important implications not only for lymphedema, but for diseases such as cancer, AIDS, wound healing, and autoimmune disorders. This Journal will be an important contribution not only to the literature, but to the field."

Stanley G. Rockson, M.D., Chief of Consultative Cardiology and Director of the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders at the Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of this new, peer-reviewed Journal.

"The biological importance of the lymphatic system has historically been under-recognized," said Dr. Rockson. "With the recent exponential growth in our comprehension of the development and function of this system, this Journal will provide a much-needed forum for the publication of new developments in the field."

Lymphatic Research and Biology will provide an interdisciplinary forum for biomedical investigators to discuss current and anticipated developments in lymphatic biology and pathology. The Journal will feature fundamental scientific research of relevance to the lymphatic system. Original papers will come from a variety of investigative disciplines, including genetics, biochemistry and biophysics, cellular and molecular biology, physiology and pharmacology, anatomy, developmental biology, and pathology. Lymphatic Research and Biology will also include reviews in such special areas as vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, the genetics of lymphatic disorders, muscle cell biology, interstitial signaling mechanisms, and others.

Wendy Chaite, Esq., Founder and President of the Lymphatic Research Foundation, said "The Foundation Board is delighted to embrace this new Journal because it is an important catalyst and forum to promote and support lymphatic research, which has been an historically neglected field."