Scientific Programme

Start your day on the conference floor! Our team will standing by, ready to assist with registration, provide conference materials, and answer any questions. While you’re here, grab a coffee or tea, enjoy continental breakfast selections in the Exhibit Hall, and take the opportunity to connect with others. You never know what interesting conversations you’ll spark before the sessions begin!

Meals, Breaks, Exhibition, Transitions

Presented by Prof. Christine Moffatt and Susan Nørregaard, RN Note : This Master Class is an add-on that requires pre-registration. 📄 Learn more here: Master Class Details Infection - particularly cellulitis - is one of the most frequent and serious complications faced by people living with lymphedema. This in-depth Master Class brings together two internationally recognized experts to explore the complexities of infection management in lymphedema care. Drawing on clinical evidence and extensive real-world experience, this session will equip health professionals with the tools and confidence to reduce infection risk, recognize warning signs early, and respond with timely, appropriate interventions. The session will include case-based learning and practical discussion, offering a unique opportunity to learn from global leaders in the field. Learning Objectives: · Understand the underlying pathophysiology and risk factors for cellulitis in patients with chronic edema and lymphedema. · Gain practical knowledge of prevention strategies, including patient education and skin care best practices. · Learn how to identify the early clinical signs of infection and differentiate cellulitis from other inflammatory conditions. · Review best practice approaches to treatment, including antibiotic therapy, escalation pathways, and when to refer. · Discuss challenges in managing recurrent infections and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Add-On Workshops & Master Classes

Join us in the plenary hall as we kick off the day with a warm welcome and brief opening remarks from conference leaders. These daily sessions will highlight key themes, provide important updates, and set the stage for the day’s program — helping you make the most of your ILF2025 experience.

Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees

Presenter: Wei F. Chen, MD FACS Learning objectives: 1) Learn about LNVA, a new supermicrosurgical procedure showing highly favorable efficacy in treating lymphedema. 2) Learn about how LNVA works and how it compares with the conventional supermicrosurgery.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees

Take a quick, 15-minute break following the opening keynote before joining your first session of the day.

Meals, Breaks, Exhibition, Transitions

Presenter: Melanie Thomas, PT, MBE, DProf, FCSP In an era of increasing demand and limited healthcare resources, the ability to secure funding for lymphoedema services hinges on one critical factor: data. This session explores how collecting and leveraging meaningful data can transform the landscape of lymphoedema care. Attendees will learn how Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network influenced policy, gained funding, and ensured equitable access to services. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, this session will empower healthcare professionals, service managers, and advocates to harness the power of data to unlock sustainable funding and improve patient outcomes.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Presenter: Anna Towers, MD This talk outlines recent international discussions regarding diagnostic criteria. We will also discuss a recent review of the literature regarding treatments, both conservative and surgical. Future and more stringent research using a more homogenous population of subjects will promote evidence-based advances in this field. At the end of this session the participant will have increased knowledge regarding management for lipoedema-lipalgia patients. There will be an opportunity to reflect and share experiences on how to develop multidisciplinary services for this population.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Presenter: Isabel Quéré, MD PhD Prof A number of new genes have been identified in Primary Lymphoedema. They bring understanding and modify the diagnosis and management of Primary Lymphoedema. We review these new genes and focus on their clinical impact.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Discover the latest research and clinical insights at the ILF2025 Poster Café — a dedicated space where delegates can browse our full selection of poster abstracts on sleek, interactive digital displays. Whether you have a few minutes between sessions or want to dive deeper into emerging topics in lymphedema and related disorders, the Poster Café offers a relaxed and engaging way to explore the work of colleagues from around the world. Grab a coffee, pull up a screen, and get inspired.

Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees
Abstract Presentations (Posters, Digital Display)

Take a breather and mingle with peers and our exhibitors during our mid-morning break. It's the perfect opportunity to discuss the morning's insights, see what's new in our Exhibit Hall, refresh, and energize yourself for the upcoming sessions.

Meals, Breaks, Exhibition, Transitions

Presenters: Anna Towers, MD; Jane M. Armer, RN PhD FAAN. This unique panel brings together three distinguished mentors — Dr. Jane Armer, Dr. Anna Towers, and Dr. Margie McNeely — who have each played a pivotal role in cultivating the next generation of leaders in lymphedema research, clinical care, education, and advocacy. They will be joined by a group of their remarkable mentees, whose contributions reflect the diversity and depth of emerging voices in the field: • Mona Al Onazi, PhD PT • Elizabeth Anderson, PhD RN CLT • Naomi Dolgoy, PhD OT • Marie-Ève Letellier, PhD Kn • Olumayowa "Nike" Odemuyiwa, PhD RN CCRN • Shirin Shallwani, PhD PT CLT • Dorit Tidhar, PhD PT CLT Together, this group will reflect on lessons learned through the mentor-mentee relationship, highlighting how mentorship has influenced career trajectories, strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration, and helped shape the future of lymphedema care globally. Panelists will share brief reflections and practical advice, offering inspiration and encouragement for emerging professionals and seasoned leaders alike.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Presenter: Ad Hendrickx, PT PhD. Self-management is a crucial component of modern healthcare, particularly in the light of rising healthcare costs and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, a.o. lymph- and lipedema. However, finding the right support to enhance self-management for each patient is a significant challenge. This presentation will explain how the Subjective Health Experience (SHE) model personalizes care for our patients with lymphedema, thereby improving their quality of life and optimizing healthcare resources. Using real-time data from the Centre of Expertise for Lymphovascular Medicine, we will demonstrate the SHE model’s effectiveness, alongside the Lymph-ICF, in tailoring support to the individual needs of our patients. This approach not only enhances disease management and patient outcomes but also offers insights that are transferable to other chronic conditions where lifestyle and self-management play critical roles.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Presenter: David H. Keast, BSc(Hon) MSc DipEd MD CCFP FCFP(LM) In order to manage a medical problem, it must first be recognized, the risk factors must be identified, and characteristics of persons living with condition must be assessed. Lymphedema/lymphatic dysfunction has only recently been recognized as a significant problem. The LIMPRINT project of the ILF is elucidating the prevalence, risk factors and patient characteristics data in defined populations. Estimating prevalence in larger populations is more difficult.By the conclusion of this session the participants will be able to: 1. Appreciate data from two clinics in Canada. 2. Describe how the Canadian Lymphedema Framework arrived at an estimate of 1.25 million persons living with lymphedema in a population of 41.5 million people

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Discover the latest research and clinical insights at the ILF2025 Poster Café — a dedicated space where delegates can browse our full selection of poster abstracts on sleek, interactive digital displays. Whether you have a few minutes between sessions or want to dive deeper into emerging topics in lymphedema and related disorders, the Poster Café offers a relaxed and engaging way to explore the work of colleagues from around the world. Grab a coffee, pull up a screen, and get inspired.

Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees
Abstract Presentations (Posters, Digital Display)

Join us for a midday break where lunch will be served in the area adjacent to the Exhibition Hall. This is a great chance to network, reflect on the morning's proceedings, visit our Exhibit Hall, and prepare for the afternoon's sessions.

Meals, Breaks, Exhibition, Transitions

Sponsored Symposium Presented by Thuasne. Join us for this illuminating symposium sponsored by Thuasne: “Compression Garments in Lymphedema Management: From Mode of Action to Clinical Evidence in the Maintenance Phase.” Explore the science behind compression therapy and its critical role in long-term lymphedema care. Dr. Valérie Tauveron will unveil the mechanisms behind limb volume reduction and skin improvements observed in patients using Mobiderm® Autofit. Then, Professor Isabelle Quéré will present new clinical data from the LYMPHONIGHT study, highlighting the effectiveness of Mobiderm® Autofit night-time compression in managing upper limb lymphedema during the maintenance phase. With insights from two leading experts at the forefront of vascular and lymphatic care in France, this session offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of evidence-based strategies for enhancing patient outcomes. ⚠️ Please note: This Sponsored Symposium is reserved for professional delegates only. Patient delegates are warmly encouraged to enjoy lunch and the many activities in the Exhibit Hall during this time.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Professional Stream - Lipoedema
Industry Sponsored Symposia

Presenter: Stanley G. Rockson, MD In this thought-provoking session, Dr. Stanley Rockson explores emerging evidence that challenges traditional views of lymphoedema as a purely localized condition, examining its potential classification as a systemic disease and the far-reaching implications for diagnosis, treatment, and research.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Presenter: Jane M. Armer, RN, PhD, CLT, FAAN Presenter: Elizabeth Anderson, RN, PhD, CLT Presenter: Olumayowa "Nike" Odemuyiwa, RN, PhD This session, led by Dr. Jane M. Armer, will highlight innovative research in breast cancer-related lymphedema from her research team at the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing. Following an overview of ongoing work at her institution, colleagues Dr. Elizabeth Anderson and Dr. Olumayowa (“Nike”) Odemuyiwa will share new insights on survivorship, patient information-seeking, and adaptive clothing solutions for those living with lymphedema. Presentations include: 20-Year Survivorship Managing Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Phase I of the SHINE Study - Elizabeth Anderson Google Online Searching for Information on Lymphedema, 2004-2024 - Olumayowa Odemuyiwa Lymphedema Adaptive Clothing Exploration (LACE): A Scoping Review of Lymphedema Apparel Issues - Elizabeth Anderson Breast Cancer and Lymphedema: Challenges of Self-Pay Costs, Physical Limitations and Pain for Survivor Quality of Life - Elizabeth Anderson Together, these presentations provide a rich look at the lived experience of breast cancer survivors, the evolving ways people seek knowledge about lymphedema, and opportunities to improve quality of life through practical innovations.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Presenter: Nele Devoogdt, PT PhD, An-Kathleen Heroes, PT PhD Candidate. Speaker 1: Nele Devoogdt: Evaluation of the lymphoedema-specific quality of life of patients with lower limb lymphoedema through the Lymph-ICF-LL questionnaire.During the session, Nele will discuss that the evaluation of a patient with lymphoedema must be more than only evaluating the limb volume. Lymphoedema-specific quality of life can be easily evaluated through the Lymph-ICF-LL questionnaire. The Lymph-ICF-LL questionnaire is based on the terminology of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health and provides 5 domain scores. On the level of body function and structure, it provides a physical function and mental function score. On the level of activity and participation, it provides a household & general tasks score, mobility score and social life score. During the presentation, the different clinimetric properties will be discussed. Speaker 2: An-Kathleen Heroes: Evaluation of lymphoedema characteristics of the lower limb, such as leg and foot volume, local tissue water, extracellular fluid and tissue characteristics.During the session, An-Kathleen will discuss the clinimetric properties of different tools evaluating leg volume (i.e. circumference measurement device and opto-electronic volumeter), foot volume (i.e. circumference measurement and water displacement method), local tissue water (i.e. pitting and tissue dielectric constant), extracellular fluid (i.e. bio-impedance spectroscopy and analyses) and tissue characteristics (i.e. skinfold thickness, firmness, elasticity). An-Kathleen will not only discuss intrarater, interrater and between-session reliability of the different methods. She will also discuss standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal clinical important difference (MCID), construct validity and clinical feasibility of the different methods.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Explore a dynamic collection of cutting-edge oral abstract presentations, showcasing new research, innovative practices, and diverse global perspectives across the field of lymphoedema. Expand for full details of the abstracts being presented in this session.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Oral)

Discover the latest research and clinical insights at the ILF2025 Poster Café — a dedicated space where delegates can browse our full selection of poster abstracts on sleek, interactive digital displays. Whether you have a few minutes between sessions or want to dive deeper into emerging topics in lymphedema and related disorders, the Poster Café offers a relaxed and engaging way to explore the work of colleagues from around the world. Grab a coffee, pull up a screen, and get inspired.

Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees
Abstract Presentations (Posters, Digital Display)

Take a breather and mingle with peers and our exhibitors during our mid-afternoon break. It's the perfect opportunity to discuss the morning's insights, see what's new in our Exhibit Hall, refresh, and energize yourself for the upcoming sessions.

Meals, Breaks, Exhibition, Transitions

Presenter: David Doubblestein, PT PhD OCS CLT-LANA This insightful and empowering keynote address will inspire clinicians, researchers, and policy-makers to critically examine the beliefs, practices, and metrics that define breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) care. Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, David Doubblestein explores how legacy practices and fragmented outcome measurement may limit patient progress and clinician reasoning. With clarity and compassion, he invites the audience to reframe their thinking: to measure what truly matters, to trust clinical reasoning, and to advocate for care that aligns with both scientific evidence and the lived experience of survivors. This session offers a roadmap for unifying BCRL care across disciplines—restoring coherence, relevance, and purpose to what we do and why we do it. 1. Critically appraise common clinical beliefs and self-care practices in BCRL management to distinguish evidence-based interventions from outdated or unsupported guidance.2. Identify the limitations of current outcome measurement practices in lymphedema care and describe the value of implementing a standardized core outcome set (COS) to improve interdisciplinary communication and patient outcomes.3. Describe strategies to integrate clinical reasoning, patient priorities, and current evidence in order to deliver individualized, meaningful, and compassionate care for people living with BCRL.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees

Discover the latest research and clinical insights at the ILF2025 Poster Café — a dedicated space where delegates can browse our full selection of poster abstracts on sleek, interactive digital displays. Whether you have a few minutes between sessions or want to dive deeper into emerging topics in lymphedema and related disorders, the Poster Café offers a relaxed and engaging way to explore the work of colleagues from around the world. Grab a coffee, pull up a screen, and get inspired.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Abstract Presentations (Posters, Digital Display)

Wrap up your conference day with our closing remarks session, where conference leaders will reflect on key insights, share highlights from the day, and provide a preview of what’s to come. It’s a chance to reconnect, celebrate progress, and stay informed as we build momentum throughout ILF2025.

Professional Stream - Lymphoedema
Open Stream - Suited to All Attendees

An unforgettable evening awaits! Details coming soon about an evening of celebration and connection. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the company of fellow delegates from around the world. Whether you're here to network, unwind, or toast to new friendships, this is a can't-miss highlight of the conference. Get ready for a memorable evening in Niagara Falls!