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Nurlaila I, Roh K, Yeom CH, Kang H, Lee S. Acquired lymphedema: Molecular contributors and future directions for developing intervention strategies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:873650. [PMID: 36386144 PMCID: PMC9640931 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.873650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphedema is a debilitating chronic disease that mostly develops as an adverse reaction to cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Lymphedema also appears to be a deteriorating consequence of roundworm infections, as best represented by filariasis. According to its origin, lymphedema is classified as primary lymphedema and acquired lymphedema. The latter is an acquired condition that, hitherto, received a considerably low attention owing to the less number of fatal cases been reported. Notably, despite the low mortality rate in lymphedema, it has been widely reported to reduce the disease-free survival and thus the quality of life of affected patients. Hence, in this review, we focused on acquired lymphedema and orchestration of molecular interplays associated with either stimulation or inhibition of lymphedema development that were, in vast majority, clearly depicted in animal models with their specific and distinct technical approaches. We also discussed some recent progress made in phytochemical-based anti-lymphedema intervention strategies and the specific mechanisms underlying their anti-lymphedema properties. This review is crucial to understand not only the comprehensive aspects of the disease but also the future directions of the intervention strategies that can address the quality of life of affected patients rather than alleviating apparent symptoms only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ika Nurlaila
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
- Department of Vaccine and Drugs, The National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kangsan Roh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Cardiology and Corrigan Minehan Heart Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Hee Kang
- Humanitas College, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Sukchan Lee
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, South Korea
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Assessment of Potential Risk Factors and Skin Ultrasound Presentation Associated with Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema in Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11081303. [PMID: 34441238 PMCID: PMC8393908 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11081303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has been reported to have the highest survival rate among various cancers. However, breast cancer survivors face several challenges following breast cancer treatment including breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), sexual dysfunction, and psychological distress. This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors of BCRL in long term breast cancer survivors. A total of 160 female breast cancer subjects were recruited on a voluntary basis and arm lymphedema was assessed through self-reporting of diagnosis, arm circumference measurement, and ultrasound examination. A total of 33/160 or 20.5% of the women developed BCRL with significantly higher scores for upper extremity disability (37.14 ± 18.90 vs. 20.08 ± 15.29, p < 0.001) and a lower score for quality of life (103.91 ± 21.80 vs. 115.49 ± 16.80, p = 0.009) as compared to non-lymphedema cases. Univariate analysis revealed that multiple surgeries (OR = 5.70, 95% CI: 1.21–26.8, p < 0.001), axillary lymph nodes excision (>10) (OR = 2.83, 95% CI: 0.94–8.11, p = 0.047), being overweight (≥25 kg/m2) (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.04 – 6.38, p = 0.036), received fewer post-surgery rehabilitation treatment (OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.05–5.39, p = 0.036) and hypertension (OR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.01–5.62, p = 0.043) were associated with an increased risk of BCRL. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis showed that multiple surgeries remained significant and elevated the likelihood of BCRL (OR = 5.83, 95% CI: 1.14–29.78, p = 0.034). Arm swelling was more prominent in the forearm area demonstrated by the highest difference of arm circumference measurement when compared to the upper arm (2.07 ± 2.48 vs. 1.34 ± 1.91 cm, p < 0.001). The total of skinfold thickness of the affected forearm was also significantly higher than the unaffected arms (p < 0.05) as evidenced by the ultrasound examination. The continuous search for risk factors in specific populations may facilitate the development of a standardized method to reduce the occurrence of BCRL and provide better management for breast cancer patients.
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Aldrich MB, Rasmussen JC, Fife CE, Shaitelman SF, Sevick-Muraca EM. The Development and Treatment of Lymphatic Dysfunction in Cancer Patients and Survivors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2280. [PMID: 32823928 PMCID: PMC7466081 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast-cancer-acquired lymphedema is routinely diagnosed from the appearance of irreversible swelling that occurs as a result of lymphatic dysfunction. Yet in head and neck cancer survivors, lymphatic dysfunction may not always result in clinically overt swelling, but instead contribute to debilitating functional outcomes. In this review, we describe how cancer metastasis, lymph node dissection, and radiation therapy alter lymphatic function, as visualized by near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging. Using custom gallium arsenide (GaAs)-intensified systems capable of detecting trace amounts of indocyanine green administered repeatedly as lymphatic contrast for longitudinal clinical imaging, we show that lymphatic dysfunction occurs with cancer progression and treatment and is an early, sub-clinical indicator of cancer-acquired lymphedema. We show that early treatment of lymphedema can restore lymphatic function in breast cancer and head and neck cancer patients and survivors. The compilation of these studies provides insights to the critical role that the lymphatics and the immune system play in the etiology of lymphedema and associated co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa B. Aldrich
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.B.A.); (J.C.R.)
| | - John C. Rasmussen
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.B.A.); (J.C.R.)
| | - Caroline E. Fife
- Department of Geriatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The Wound Care Clinic, CHI St. Luke’s Health, The Woodlands Hospital, The Woodlands, TX 77381, USA
| | - Simona F. Shaitelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Eva M. Sevick-Muraca
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.B.A.); (J.C.R.)
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Aoishi Y, Oura S, Nishiguchi H, Hirai Y, Miyasaka M, Kawaji M, Shima A, Nishimura Y. Risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema: correlation with docetaxel administration. Breast Cancer 2020; 27:929-937. [PMID: 32270417 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-020-01088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upper-limb lymphedema is a well-known complication of breast cancer and its treatment. This retrospective cohort study aims to determine what risk factors affect breast cancer-related lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. METHODS This retrospective study comprised patients diagnosed with breast cancer and who underwent surgery at Wakayama Medical University Hospital between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018. Assessed factors using univariate and multivariate analyses were patient-related factors (age, gender, and BMI), breast cancer-related factors (tumor size, nodal status, histology, tumor location, and intrinsic subtype), and treatment-related factors (type of surgery, application, timing and regimen of chemotherapy, and application of radiotherapy). RESULTS This study included 1041 patients. BMI did not affect the onset of breast cancer-related lymphedema. There were only six sentinel lymph node biopsy cases in the breast cancer-related lymphedema group (6.6%). In cases of axillary lymph node dissection, adjuvant chemotherapy was marginally associated with increased risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema compared to no chemotherapy (HR 2.566; 95% CI 0.955-6.892; p = 0.0616). Among anti-cancer agents, docetaxel (HR 3.790; 95% CI 1.413-10.167; p = 0.0081) and anti-HER2 therapy (HR 2.507; 95% CI 1.083-5.803; p = 0.0318) were associated with increased risk of lymphedema according to multivariate analysis. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy did not affect the onset of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Radiotherapy (HR 2.525; 95% CI 1.364-4.676; p = 0.0032) was an important risk factor for breast cancer-related lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS Axillary lymph node dissection, radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy, especially docetaxel, were risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema, but BMI and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Aoishi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Shoji Oura
- Mammary Surgery, Medical Corporation Tokushukai, Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Yoshimitsu Hirai
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Miwako Miyasaka
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Mari Kawaji
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Aya Shima
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Nishimura
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
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Altundag K. Administrating docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide as a neoadjuvant treatment may decrease lymphedema risk in breast cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 2018; 26:1687. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4113-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hidding J, van Laarhoven H. Response to letter to the editor. Support Care Cancer 2018; 26:1689. [PMID: 29550882 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-018-4152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Hidding
- Department of Orthopedics, Section of Physical Therapy, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Hanneke van Laarhoven
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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