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Chiu ST, Lai UH, Huang YC, Leong CP, Chen PC. Effect of various photobiomodulation regimens on breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci 2023; 39:11. [PMID: 38129368 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03959-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is common among patients who have completed their cancer treatment. Although low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been explored as a treatment option for BCRL, we could not find a regimen that is more effective than others. This meta-analysis aimed to organize existing research and determine the optimal combination of LLLT parameters for BCRL treatment. Studies were collected from four online databases: Embase, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, and Cinahl. The collected studies were reviewed by two of the authors. We focused on the aspects of the treatment area, treatment regimen, and total treatment sessions across the included studies. The comparisons between LLLT and non-LLLT were performed through a meta-analysis. Post-treatment QOL was significantly better in the axillary group. The group treated "three times/week with a laser density of 1.5-2 J/cm2" had significantly better outcomes in terms of swelling reduction, both immediately post-treatment and at 1-3 months follow-ups. The group with > 15 treatment sessions had significantly better post-treatment outcomes regarding reduced swelling and improved grip strength. According to these results, LLLT can relieve the symptoms of BCRL by reducing limb swelling and improving QOL. Further exploration found that a treatment approach targeting the axilla, combined with an increased treatment frequency, appropriate laser density, and extended treatment course, yielded better outcomes. However, further rigorous, large-scale studies, including long-term follow-up, are needed to substantiate this regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Tang Chiu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - U-Hin Lai
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Huang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Peng Leong
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
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Borg MB, Mittino L, Battaglia M, Loro A, Lanzotti L, Invernizzi M, Baricich A. Tolerability, Safety and Efficacy of a Specific Rehabilitation Treatment Protocol for Axillary Web Syndrome: An Observational Retrospective Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020426. [PMID: 36672375 PMCID: PMC9856526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is a highly prevalent surgical complication affecting BC survivors. It presents as a subcutaneous cording that limits the upper limb range of motion (ROM) and causes pain. Its etiology is still debated, and its treatment is not well defined. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of our specific AWS rehabilitative treatment protocol. We conducted an observational retrospective study on a cohort of 92 AWS patients referred to the oncological outpatient service of a university hospital. We collected data from medical records before (T0) and after (T1) the treatment. The studied protocol was composed of 60-min sessions, carried out 3 times/week by specialized physiotherapists, until the clinical resolution of AWS. We found that a mean of 8.74 ± 2.12 rehabilitative sessions were needed, and only one patient stopped early. At T1, shoulder ROM was complete in both abduction and flexion in 98% of patients; AWS was no longer detectable in 64% of them, and pain significantly decreased compared to T0. In conclusion, our protocol proved to be safe, well-tolerated and seemed to be effective in treating AWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Beatrice Borg
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical and Rehabiliation Medicine Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-03213734844
| | - Laura Mittino
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical and Rehabiliation Medicine Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Battaglia
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical and Rehabiliation Medicine Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Alberto Loro
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical and Rehabiliation Medicine Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Laura Lanzotti
- Physical and Rehabiliation Medicine Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Dipartimento Attività Integrate Ricerca e Innovazione (DAIRI), Translational Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Alessio Baricich
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Physical and Rehabiliation Medicine Division, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “Maggiore della Carità”, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Risk factors of unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 84 cohort studies. Support Care Cancer 2022; 31:18. [PMID: 36513801 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07508-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To review and update the incidence and risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema based on cohort studies. METHODS The study was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, and Wan Fang Database were searched from inception to November 15, 2021. Cohort studies reported adjusted risk factors were selected. PRISMA guideline was followed. Study quality were evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effects models were adopted. The robustness of pooled estimates was validated by meta-regression and subgroup analysis. Lymphedema incidence and adjusted risk factors in the multivariable analyses with hazard / odds ratios and 95% CIs were recorded. RESULTS Eighty-four cohort studies involving 58,358 breast cancer patients were included. The pooled incidence of lymphedema was 21.9% (95% CI, 19.8-24.0%). Fourteen factors were identified including ethnicity (black vs. white), higher body mass index, higher weight increase, hypertension, higher cancer stage (III vs. I-II), larger tumor size, mastectomy (vs. breast conservation surgery), axillary lymph nodes dissection, more lymph nodes dissected, higher level of lymph nodes dissection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery complications, and higher relative volume increase postoperatively. Additionally, breast reconstruction surgery, and adequate finance were found to play a protective role. However, other variables such as age, number of positive lymph nodes, and exercise were not correlated with risk of lymphedema. CONCLUSION Treatment-related factors still leading the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Other factors such as postoperative weight increase and finance status also play a part. Our findings suggest the need to shift the focus from treatment-related factors to modifiable psycho-social-behavioral factors.
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Koehler L, Day A, Hunter D, Blaes A, Haddad T, Shanley R. Five-Year Cumulative Incidence of Axillary Web Syndrome and Comparison in Upper Extremity Movement, Function, Pain, and Lymphedema in Survivors of Breast Cancer With and Without Axillary Web Syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2022; 103:1798-1806. [PMID: 35398047 PMCID: PMC9452471 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the cumulative incidence and natural history of axillary web syndrome (AWS) and its related postoperative risk for physical impairments in a cohort of women followed for 5 years post breast cancer surgery. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal study. SETTING Academic health center. PARTICIPANTS Women (N=36) with and without AWS after breast cancer surgery with sentinel node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants were assessed for AWS, shoulder goniometric flexion and abduction range of motion, function (Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), lymphedema (bioimpedance spectroscopy, girth measures, tissue dielectric constant), and pain (visual analog scale) at 2, 4, 12, and 78 weeks and 5 years after breast cancer surgery. Analysis of variance compared range of motion, function, lymphedema, and pain in women identified with AWS with those without AWS across visits. Univariate logistic regression assessed if AWS was a risk factor for physical impairment at 5 years. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of AWS was 57%. Fifty percent (14/28) of the women who completed all study visits had signs of AWS at 5 years. Abduction active range of motion was significantly lower in women with AWS at 2 and 4 weeks post surgery. AWS was identified as a risk factor for reduced shoulder motion at 5 years. Regardless of AWS, 75% of the women experienced 1 or more upper extremity physical impairments at 5 years, which is an increase from 66% at 78 weeks in the same cohort. CONCLUSIONS AWS is associated with reduced shoulder range of motion in the early postoperative time period, can persist for 5 years after breast cancer surgery, and increases the risk of long-term reduced shoulder range of motion. Long-term physical issues are apparent after breast cancer surgery regardless of AWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Koehler
- Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
| | - Amanda Day
- Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David Hunter
- Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Anne Blaes
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Hematology/Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Tufia Haddad
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Ryan Shanley
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Biostatistical Design and Analysis Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
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Torres-Lacomba M, Prieto-Gómez V, Arranz-Martín B, Ferrandez JC, Yuste-Sánchez MJ, Navarro-Brazález B, Romay-Barrero H. Manual Lymph Drainage With Progressive Arm Exercises for Axillary Web Syndrome After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Phys Ther 2022; 102:6497842. [PMID: 35079831 DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a physical therapist-designed program tailored to axillary web syndrome (AWS) in women after breast cancer surgery. METHODS A prospective, single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Physiotherapy in Women's Health Research Unit of the Alcalá University (Madrid, Spain). Ninety-six women with AWS were assigned to the physical therapy group (manual lymph drainage [MLD] using resorption strokes and arm exercises as if performing median nerve neurodynamic glide exercises with no neural loading; n = 48) or the control group (standard arm exercises; n = 48), with both groups receiving treatment 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Both interventions included an educational component. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the physical therapy group showed significant and clinically relevant improvements in the primary outcome (self-reported pain intensity) at the primary and 3-month follow-ups. Significant and clinically relevant differences between groups were also found in the secondary outcomes (shoulder active range of motion, shoulder disability, and physical and functional aspects of health-related quality of life) at the primary follow-up and in the secondary outcomes as well as the trial outcome index at the 3-month follow-up. No significant differences were found at the 6-month follow-up in either primary or secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION The physical therapy program tailored to AWS was found to be effective for AWS symptoms in women after breast cancer surgery, both immediately after the program and after 3 months. IMPACT To our knowledge, this is the first appropriately designed study to demonstrate the effectiveness of MLD with progressive arm exercises for AWS. Clinicians and health service providers should consider how to provide survivors of breast cancer with AWS the opportunity to participate in physical therapy programs, including MLD with progressive arm exercises. LAY SUMMARY For axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery, a physical therapist can design a treatment program including manual lymph drainage and progressive arm exercises, which has been shown to result in reduced pain and improved motion compared with standard arm exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Torres-Lacomba
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Prieto-Gómez
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Arranz-Martín
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jean Claude Ferrandez
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Lymphology Consultation, Sainte-Catherine Institute, Avignon, France
| | - María José Yuste-Sánchez
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Navarro-Brazález
- Physiotherapy in Women's Health (FPSM) Research Group, Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helena Romay-Barrero
- Faculty of Physiotherapy and Nursing, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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Invention and Clinical Application of an Oversleeve for Measuring Limb Volume in Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5600804. [PMID: 35126628 PMCID: PMC8813221 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5600804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background Lymphedema is a common complication of breast cancer treatment, affecting 1/5 of breast cancer survivors, but there is no reliable way to detect subclinical lymphedema. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and reliability of using an oversleeve as a postoperative limb volume measurement tool in breast cancer patients. Methods Fifty patients were analyzed based on inclusion criteria. A body volume measurement kit was designed based on the drainage volume method and the circumference measurement method. Twenty-two normal healthy people were measured by the drainage volume (LV) and oversleeve measuring limb volume (OMLV) methods, so as to verify the accuracy of OMLV. Twenty-eight patients with lymphedema diagnosed by the circumdiameter measurement (CDM) method were measured with OMLV for comparison. The difference in measurements between OMLV and CDM was compared in 50 patients with early lymphedema diagnosed by the LV method. Results There was no significant difference between the sleeve method and the drainage volume method in the normal population (P = 0.74). All patients with lymphedema diagnosed by CDM met the diagnostic criteria by the OMLV method. In patients with early lymphedema diagnosed by LV, the diagnostic rate with OMLV was significantly higher than that with CDM (P = 0.008). Conclusion Similar to LV in the diagnosis of lymphedema, OMLV can effectively improve the diagnostic rate of early lymphedema, providing a new option for the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema.
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Jeong S, Song BJ, Rhu J, Kim C, Im S, Park GY. A Risk Factor Analysis of Axillary Web Syndrome in Patients After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Single Center Study in Korea. Ann Rehabil Med 2021; 45:401-409. [PMID: 34743483 PMCID: PMC8572992 DOI: 10.5535/arm.21092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of axillary web syndrome (AWS) in Korean patients. METHODS This retrospective study included a total of 189 women who underwent breast cancer surgery and received physical therapy between September 2019 and August 2020. We analyzed AWS and the correlation between the patients' demographics, underlying disease, type of surgery and chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and lymphedema. RESULTS The prevalence of AWS was found to be 30.6%. In the univariable analysis, age, chemotherapy, and hypertension were related to AWS. Finally, the multivariable logistic regression revealed that chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR]=2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-5.53) and HTN (OR=2.72; 95% CI, 1.18-6.30) were the strongest risk factors of AWS. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study that explored the risk factors of AWS in a Korean population after breast cancer surgery. As almost one-third of patients suffer from AWS after breast cancer surgery, it is essential to closely monitor the development of AWS in patients with hypertension or undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangah Jeong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Byung Joo Song
- Department of Surgery, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Rhu
- Department of Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Cheolki Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Sun Im
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Geun-Young Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
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Tay MRJ, Wong CJ, Aw HZ. Prevalence and associations of axillary web syndrome in Asian women after breast cancer surgery undergoing a community-based cancer rehabilitation program. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1019. [PMID: 34521359 PMCID: PMC8439086 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08762-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients who have breast cancer surgery are at risk of axillary web syndrome (AWS), an under-recognized postsurgical complication which can result in shoulder morbidity and functional impairment. Emerging studies have indicated that AWS may persist beyond the first few months after surgery, although few studies have assessed the prevalence and association of AWS beyond a year after diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associations for AWS in post-operative breast cancer patients up to 3 years after surgery. Methods This cross sectional observational study was conducted at a community-based cancer rehabilitation center. Patients were evaluated for the presence of AWS via physical examination. Disease-related data was obtained from clinical review and medical records. Descriptive statistics were utilized to illustrate patient demographics and clinical characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations of AWS. Results There were 111 Asian women who were recruited, who had undergone breast surgery and were referred to a national outpatient rehabilitation center. The prevalence of AWS in this population was 28.9%. In the multivariate regression model, significant factors were age < 50 years (OR = 3.51; 95% CI = 1.12–11.0; p = 0.031) and ALND (OR = 6.54; 95% CI = 1.36–31.3; p = 0.019). There was reduced shoulder flexion ROM (p < 0.001) in patients with AWS compared to patients without AWS. Conclusions A high prevalence of AWS was reported in breast cancer survivors even at 3 years after breast surgery. Our findings highlight the need to identify breast cancer survivors with AWS even in the survivorship phase, and develop strategies to raise awareness and minimize functional impairment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Rong Jie Tay
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore. .,Singapore Cancer Society Rehabilitation Center, Singapore Cancer Society, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Chin Jung Wong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Singapore Cancer Society Rehabilitation Center, Singapore Cancer Society, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Zhen Aw
- Singapore Cancer Society Rehabilitation Center, Singapore Cancer Society, Singapore, Singapore
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Gasteratos K, Morsi-Yeroyannis A, Vlachopoulos NC, Spyropoulou GA, Del Corral G, Chaiyasate K. Microsurgical techniques in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review of efficacy and patient outcomes. Breast Cancer 2021; 28:1002-1015. [PMID: 34254232 PMCID: PMC8354929 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-021-01274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Secondary lymphedema is the abnormal collection of lymphatic fluid within subcutaneous structures. Patients with lymphedema suffer a low quality of life. In our study, we aim to provide a systematic review of the current data on patient outcomes regarding breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), and the most prevalent reconstructive techniques. METHODS A PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus literature search was performed in September 2020. Studies were screened based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), and it was reported in line with the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). RESULTS The search yielded 254 papers from 2010 to 2020. 67 were included in our study. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA)-a minimally invasive procedure diverting the lymph into the dermal venous drainage system-combined with postoperative bandaging and compression garments yields superior results with minimal donor site lymphedema morbidity. Vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT)-another microsurgical technique, often combined with autologous free flap breast reconstruction-improves lymphedema and brachial plexus neuropathies, and reduces the risk of cellulitis. The combination of LVA and VLNT or with other methods maximizes their effectiveness. Vascularized lymph vessel transfer (VLVT) consists of harvesting certain lymph vessels, sparing the donor site's lymph nodes. CONCLUSION Together with integrated lymphedema therapy, proper staging, and appropriate selection of procedure, safe and efficient surgical techniques can be beneficial to many patients with BCRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Gasteratos
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Gabriel Del Corral
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kongkrit Chaiyasate
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, William Beaumont and Beaumont Children's Hospital, 3555 W 13 Mile Rd, Suite N120, Royal Oak, MI, 48073, USA.
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Bergmann A, Baiocchi JMT, de Andrade MFC, Thuler LCS. Comment to "Patients who report cording after breast cancer surgery are at higher risk of lymphedema: Results from a large prospective screening cohort". J Surg Oncol 2020; 122:997-998. [PMID: 32700318 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anke Bergmann
- Program of Clinical Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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