June 23, 2025 – Dr. Joseph Dayan, a reconstructive surgeon at the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, was recently featured in the Daily Mail for launching a first-of-its-kind clinical trial investigating the use of GLP-1 medications—specifically Ozempic and Mounjaro—as a potential treatment for lymphedema, a chronic and often debilitating swelling condition that commonly follows cancer treatment.
The six-month trial, which includes 110 participants, is the first formal study evaluating whether these widely used weight-loss drugs can reduce fluid buildup and improve mobility and quality of life for lymphoedema patients. The research was inspired by Dr. Dayan’s clinical experience with a breast cancer patient who showed significant improvement while taking semaglutide.
With no current drug-based treatments available, this trial—personally funded by Dr. Dayan—represents an innovative effort by him and The Institute to explore safer, more effective options beyond traditional therapies like compression garments.
Read the full Daily Mail article featuring Dr. Dayan and the trial here.