Progressive strength training to prevent LYmphoedema in the first year after breast CAncer - the LYCA feasibility study

Effects of an early intervention with Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment on arm lymphedema and quality of life after breast cancer-an explorative clinical trial

PURPOSE

Lymphedema (LE) is a common complication after breast cancer treatment, which negatively affects the quality of life (QOL). Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) is an established treatment for radiation-induced tissue injury, but evidence of effect on breast cancer-related LE is inconclusive. We aimed to explore effects of HBOT on early breast cancer-related LE and the implications for QOL.

METHODS

We invited women with breast cancer treated with surgery, axillary dissection and radiotherapy, who had participated in a randomized controlled trial and who presented with LE 1 year after surgery. In a prospective observational study design, change in LE was assessed with perometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and lymphoscintigraphy, and QOL by validated self-report scales. Participants were offered 40 sessions of HBOT on every weekday for 8 weeks and were followed for 6 months.

RESULTS

Out of 50 eligible participants, 20 women accepted participation. Nineteen women initiated and completed treatment and follow-up. None of the objective measures of LE severity showed consistent changes during the study period, but participants reported significant improvements in QOL (physical functioning, fatigue, insomnia and breast and arm symptoms), with improvements peaking at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Participants receiving HBOT experienced improved QOL without consistently significant changes in arm mass, volume or lymphatic drainage. These results call for studies into differential effect in patient sub-groups, and a large-scale, randomized placebo-controlled trial with long-term follow-up to assess the effect of HBOT in patients with soft tissue radiation injuries after breast cancer seems warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Danish Health and Medicines Authority, EUDRACT no. 2015-000,604-25 Ethical committee of the Capitol Region, No. R96-A6604-14-S22.

Can belly dance and mat Pilates be effective for range of motion, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms of breast cancer women?

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyse the effect of an intervention with belly dance or mat Pilates on range of motion, self-esteem and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer receiving hormone therapy.

METHOD

A randomized clinical trial of 52 participants, diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy that were randomized and divided into three groups (1): Belly dance group, which received 16 weeks of Belly Dance classes 2) Mat Pilates group, that performed 16 weeks of Pilates intervention and (3) Control group, that received educational activities in the form of lectures and was invited to maintain its routine activities. The participants answered a questionnaire in which they contained the clinical and personal characteristics; quantification of the range of motion of the upper limbs using the Absolute Axis 360° digital goniometer; self-esteem by the Self-Esteem Scale (EAR) and depressive symptoms by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All data was collected at two moments in the study, in the pre-intervention period (baseline) and at the end of the 16 weeks of intervention.

RESULTS

Only the variable range of motion variable showed significant results in all study groups (p = 0.025), with the Mat Pilates group having the best scores. Although not significant, the other study variables also improved after the intervention period.

CONCLUSION

Belly dance and the Mat Pilates can bring positive results in the range of movement of women undergoing adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, with the Pilates method being the one that most contributed to improvements in this variable.

Interrater Reliability of Dynamic Muscle Testing After Breast Cancer Surgery in Women at High Risk of Lymphedema: To Improve Quality in Clinical Practice

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the interrater reliability of dynamic muscle tests in the early rehabilitation phase in women after breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) based on the "preventive intervention against lymphedema after breast cancer" (LYCA) randomised controlled trial. Methods: Fifteen women treated with breast cancer surgery including ALND were recruited from participants in the LYCA trial. In this interrater reliability study, women were tested in 4 dynamic muscle tests by 2 physiotherapists at a Capital Hospital in Denmark. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to assess the relative reliability between raters. A Bland-Altman plot and limits of agreement were calculated to describe the absolute reliability. Results: All 6 subtests displayed high interrater reliability. ICC values were: leg press 0.96 (95% CI = 0.87-0.99), elbow flexion (contralateral) 0.94 (0.83-0.98), elbow flexion (affected arm) 0.93 (0.80-0.98), elbow extension 0.80 (0.41-0.93), shoulder abduction (contralateral) 0.89 (0.68-0.96), and shoulder abduction (affected arm) 0.91 (0.74-0.97). Cumulated interrater reliability for the test battery was very high (ICC = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.990-1.0). The absolute reliability of this study was considered high, and the absence of large shifts between mean and the line of 0 difference suggest no systematic bias that could influence clinical interpretation. Conclusions: The dynamic muscle tests evaluated in this study had high interrater reliability and can be used reliably in women in the postoperative phase after breast cancer surgery with ALND.

The impact of monitoring techniques on progression to chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema: a meta-analysis comparing bioimpedance spectroscopy versus circumferential measurements

BACKGROUND

Chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a potentially serious complication following treatment. Monitoring for progression to BCRL may allow for earlier detection and intervention, reducing the rate of progression to chronic BCRL. Therefore, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the impact of monitoring techniques on the incidence of chronic BCRL among patients monitored by bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and circumference as compared to background rates.

METHODS

Eligible peer-reviewed studies from PubMed, CINHAL, or Google Scholar that were published in English from 2013 onward and conducted in North America, Europe, or Oceania. Incidence rates abstracted from studies were classified by BCRL monitoring method: background (no standardized BIS or circumference assessments), BIS or circumference. A random-effects model was used to calculate a pooled annualized estimate of BCRL incidence while accounting for clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses examined differences in duration of follow-up as well as breast and axillary surgery.

RESULTS

50 studies were included, representing over 67,000 women. The annualized incidence of BCRL was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.3-5.5) for background studies (n = 35), 1.5% (95% CI: 0.6-2.4) for BIS-monitored studies (n = 7), and 7.7% (95% CI: 5.6-9.8) for circumference-monitored studies (n = 11). The cumulative BCRL incidence rate in BIS-monitored patients was 3.1% as compared to 12.9% with background monitoring (69% reduction) and 17.0% with circumference-monitored patients (81% reduction).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence suggests that monitoring with BIS allowing for early intervention significantly reduces the relative risk of chronic BCRL with a 69% and 81% reduction compared to background and circumference, respectively. Circumference monitoring did not appear to provide a benefit with respect to chronic BCRL incidence. Based on these results, BIS should be considered for BCRL screening in order to detect subclinical BCRL and reduce rates of chronic BCRL, particularly in high-risk patients.

Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Exercise Programs

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of resistance training (RT) programs for breast cancer survivors (BCS). A systematic review of the literature was performed using PubMed, Medline, Science Direct, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Register of the Cochrane Library, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus, with the aim of identifying all published studies on RT and BCS from 1 January 1990 to 6 December 2019, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias in the studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0). Sixteen trials were included for qualitative analysis. More than half of the trials do not adequately report the characteristics that make up the exercise program. The maximal strength was the most frequently monitored manifestation of strength, evaluated mainly as one-repetition maximum (1RM). Resistance training was performed on strength-training machines, twice a week, using a load between 50% and 80% of 1RM. The trials reported significant improvement in muscle strength, fatigue, pain, quality of life, and minor changes in aerobic capacity.

Variability and limitations in home-based exercise program descriptions in oncology: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

The literature reflects considerable heterogeneity in what constitutes home-based exercise interventions. The variability for where and what "home-based" exercise can represent challenges interpretation of findings and appropriate advocacy, referral, or development of these models of care. Therefore, the objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of how home-based exercise is defined and reported in the literature and summarize the range of supportive elements utilized in home-based exercise trials.

METHODS

We followed methodology for scoping reviews. Relevant research databases were searched from inception to March 2019. Two reviewers independently screened articles to determine eligibility and extracted terminology used to describe home-based exercise and intervention details for intervention delivery.

RESULTS

Of the 9432 records identified, 229 articles met inclusion criteria. Across the literature, exercise interventions were described as home-based if they were completed at-home, outdoors in the neighbourhood, and in community facilities; or in self-selected environments; or if they were unsupervised. Supportive elements for home-based models ranged with respect to the amount of supervision and resources utilized, including the provision of print materials, exercise equipment, telephone support, home visits, and technology.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides a comprehensive summary of strategies previously utilized to deliver home-based exercise interventions in oncology, along with the various definitions of the home-based environment for exercise reported by researchers. Specific recommendations to improve the prescription and reporting of home-based exercise interventions are provided in order to facilitate the delivery, evaluation, and translation of findings into clinical practice.

Pilates and dance to patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial - MoveMama study

Background

Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The side effects of the clinical treatment can decrease the quality of life of these women. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimize the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Physical activity has several benefits for women with breast cancer, and Pilates solo and belly dancing can be an enjoyable type of physical activity for women with breast cancer undergoing clinical treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide a Pilates solo and a belly dance protocol (three times per week/16 weeks) for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and compare its effectiveness with that in the control group.

Methods

The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (Pilates solo or belly dance classes three times per week for 16 weeks) or a control group (receipt of a booklet on physical activity for patients with breast cancer and maintenance of habitual physical activity routine). The Pilates solo and belly dance classes will be divided into three stages: warmup and stretching, the main stage, and relaxation. Measurements of the study outcomes will take place at baseline; postintervention; and 6, 12, and 24 months after the end of the intervention (maintenance period). The data collection for both groups will occur with a paper questionnaire and tests covering general and clinical information. The primary outcome will be quality of life (EORT QLQ-C30 and EORT QLQ-BR23), and secondary outcomes will be physical aspects such as cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test and cycle ergometer), lymphedema (sum of arm circumference), physical activity (IPAQ short version), disabilities of the arm (DASH), range of motion (goniometer test), muscular strength (dynamometer test) and flexibility (sit and reach test), and psychological aspects such as depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg), fatigue (FACT-F), pain (VAS), sexual function (FSFI), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).

Discussion

In view of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, the implementation of a specific protocol of Pilates solo and belly dancing for patients with breast cancer is important, considering the necessity to improve their physical and psychological quality of life. Pilates solo and belly dancing are two types of physical activity that involve mental and physical concentration, music, upper limb movements, femininity, and social involvement. An intervention with these two physical activities could offer options of supportive care to women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, with the aim being to improve physical and psychological quality of life.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03194997. Registration date 12 August 2017. Universal Trial Number (World Health Organization), U1111-1195-1623.

Effect of progressive resistance training on persistent pain after axillary dissection in breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Persistent pain is a known challenge among breast cancer survivors. In secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial, we examined the effect of progressive resistance training on persistent pain in the post-operative year in women treated for breast cancer with axillary lymph node dissection.

METHODS

We randomized 158 women after BC surgery with Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) (1:1) to usual care or a 1-year, supervised and self-administered, progressive resistance training intervention initiated 3 weeks after surgery. A questionnaire at baseline, 20 weeks and 12 months assessed the intensity and frequency of pain, neuropathic pain and influence of pain on aspects of daily life. We analysed the effect using linear mixed models and multinomial logistic regression models for repeated measures.

RESULTS

A high percentage of participants experienced baseline pain (85% and 83% in the control and intervention groups respectively) and by the 12 month assessment these numbers were more than halved. A high proportion of participants also experienced neuropathic pain (88% and 89% in control and intervention group respectively), a finding that was stable throughout the study period. The effect on intensity of pain indicators favoured the exercise group, although most estimates did not reach statistical significance, with differences being small.

CONCLUSION

For women who had BC surgery with ALND, our progressive resistance training intervention conferred no benefit over usual care in reducing pain. Importantly, it did not increase the risk of pain both in the short and long term rehabilitative phase.

The effects of the combined exercise intervention based on internet and social media software (CEIBISMS) on quality of life, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients:a randomized controlled trial

Background

Breast cancer (BC) patients who undergo surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy have limitations on physical activity which will lead to a decreased quality of life and poor physical fitness level. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the combined exercise intervention based on internet and social media software (CEIBISMS) on postoperative breast cancer patients by evaluating their quality of life, muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity.

Methods

This study was a randomized control trial with an intervention period of 12 weeks. Sixty participants (30 in each group, 42–60 years old, female) were recruited through an outpatient department. Procedure of exercise in the intervention group included: via phone step-recording app, ask the individuals to complete the target number of steps within a specified period of exercise, four times per week; face-to-face remote video instruction of individuals on muscle training, three times per week; via social media apps daily push common knowledge of physical exercise BC rehabilitation. The control group received traditional treatment and rehabilitation according to daily specifications of the hospital. The primary outcome was quality of life and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and cardiorespiratory capacity.

Results

Experiments using a Short Form 36 showed that the CEIBISMS yielded significantly better results than traditional methods, in vitality (p = 0.009), mental health (p = 0.001) and reported health transition (p = 0.048) by week 12. The CEIBISMS resulted in significant improvement in the stand-up and sit-down chair test (p < 0.0001), arm lifting test (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

The CEIBISMS offered rehabilitative effects in quality of life (QOL) and muscle strength of postoperative patients with breast cancer (BC) in China.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-IPR-17012368. Trial registered on 14 August, 2017.

Effect of progressive resistance training on health-related quality of life in the first year after breast cancer surgery - results from a randomized controlled trial

Aims: To examine the effect of progressive resistance training (PRT) on health related quality of life and a predefined symptom cluster of pain-sleep-fatigue. Methods: This study was a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of PRT on prevention of arm lymphedema in a population of women between 18 and 75 years undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection. Participants were allocated by computer randomization to usual care control or a PRT intervention in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention, initiated in the third post-operative week, consisted of three times PRT per week, supervised in groups in the first 20 weeks, and self-administered in the following 30 weeks. Questionnaire assessments were made at baseline, 20 weeks and 12 months, with the European Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer Core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C30) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-(FACIT) fatigue questionnaire. The symptom cluster of pain-sleep-fatigue was measured with a constructed score adding EORTC C30 subscales of insomnia, pain, and fatigue. Data were treated as repeated measurements and analyzed with mixed models. Results: Among 158 recruited participants, we found a clinically relevant increased emotional functioning with nine points at both follow-ups (p = .02), and 16 and 11 points at 20 weeks and 12 months respectively (p = .04) in social functioning. Furthermore, in the subgroup of women with the symptom cluster pain-sleep-fatigue present at baseline, a significant effect was found for global health status (p = .01) and social functioning (p = .02). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to report clinically relevant effects of PRT on social and emotional functioning in the first postoperative year after breast cancer surgery. Furthermore, a subgroup of women with the pain-sleep-fatigue symptom cluster had particular benefit from PRT on global health status and social functioning.

Adherence to a long-term progressive resistance training program, combining supervised and home-based exercise for breast cancer patients during adjuvant treatment

Background: The purpose of the study was to examine adherence and identify patient- and treatment-related factors associated with adherence to a 20-week combined supervised and home-based progressive resistance training program in women treated for breast cancer. Methodology: The study population consisted of the intervention group in a randomized clinical trial examining the effect of resistance exercise on lymphoedema prevention (n = 82). The full program lasted 50 weeks, with an initial 20 weeks combined supervised and home-based exercise followed by 30 weeks self-administered exercise. Information about attendance rates (supervised exercise) and exercise dairies (home-based exercise) in the first 20 weeks was available for 74 and 62 participants, respectively. Adherence was measured as numbers of exercise sessions performed divided by expected number of exercise sessions with >2/3 categorized as high adherence. Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to assess the associations between patient- and treatment-related factors with adherence. Results: The number of participants with high adherence to supervised exercise decreased in the late period (from week 11 onward) compared to the early period (65% vs. 48%) whereas the proportion of participants with high adherence to home-based exercise remained close to 55%. The most prominent factor associated with high adherence to supervised exercise was neoadjuvant chemotherapy [OR 7.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-44.62]. For home-based exercise, lower adherence was seen in obese participants (OR 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.65) and in participants with average or below average lower body muscle strength at baseline (OR 0.12; 95% CI, 0.03-0.46). Conclusion: The results of this study offer valuable information on factors associated with adherence to a program of supervised and home-based exercise. Interventions may be adapted to ensure higher adherence rates through supportive efforts targeted to women who are obese, have low muscle strength and who receive no or adjuvant chemotherapy (as opposed to neoadjuvant chemotherapy) during exercise.

Progressive resistance training to prevent arm lymphedema in the first year after breast cancer surgery: Results of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Existing research suggests that progressive resistance training (PRT) after breast cancer (BC) surgery is safe, but the preventive effect on arm lymphedema has yet to be determined.

METHODS

Women aged 18 to 75 years who were undergoing BC surgery with axillary lymph node dissection were eligible for the study. Recruited on the day of surgery, participants were allocated to intervention or usual care by computer randomization. The intervention consisted of PRT 3 times per week: in the first 20 weeks as a supervised group exercise and in the last 30 weeks as a self-administered exercise. The primary outcome was arm lymphedema, which was defined as a >3% increase in the interlimb volume difference by water displacement. Measurements were made at the baseline and at a 12-month follow-up by physiotherapists blinded to group allocation. Analyses of effects included t tests and regression models; missing data were addressed by multiple imputation.

RESULTS

Among the 158 randomized women, no mean group difference was found in arm volume (0.3%; 95% confidence interval, -1.7% to 2.3%) or lymphedema incidence (adjusted odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-2.8). None of the participants exited the program because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides no evidence that PRT can prevent arm lymphedema in the first year after BC, but the results corroborate the importance and safety of resistance training for patients, including women at high risk for lymphedema.

The effects of combined exercise intervention based on Internet and social media software for postoperative patients with breast cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Many randomized controlled trials have investigated the effects of exercise on the rehabilitation of patients with breast cancer. However, the exercise forms used in most previous studies were monotonous. Therefore, we designed a protocol to estimate the effects of combined exercise intervention using Internet and social media software on the rehabilitation of postoperative patients with BC.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study protocol is a randomized control trial with an intervention time of 12 weeks. After completing baseline questionnaire and physical fitness tests, the participants are randomized to the study group or the control group. Procedure contents of exercise intervention in the study group include: via phone step-recording app, ask the individuals to complete the target number of steps within a specified period of exercise, four times per week; face-to-face remote video guidance of individuals on muscle training, three times per week; common knowledge of physical exercise BC rehabilitation will be pushed regularly by social media apps every day. The control group will receive normal treatment and rehabilitation according to daily specifications of the hospital. The primary outcome will be the quality of life. The secondary outcomes are physical fitness and social cognitive indicators.

DISCUSSION

This study is a clinical trial to estimate the effects of combined exercise intervention based on the Internet and social media software for postoperative patients with breast cancer (BC). If expected results are achieved in this study, measures and methods of BC rehabilitation will be enriched.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-IPR-17012368 . Registered on 14 August 2017.

A comprehensive overview on the surgical management of secondary lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities related to prior oncologic therapies

Secondary lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities related to prior oncologic therapies, including cancer surgeries, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is a major cause of long-term morbidity in cancer patients. For the upper extremities, it is most commonly associated with prior oncologic therapies for breast cancer, while for the lower extremities, it is most commonly associated with oncologic therapies for gynecologic cancers, urologic cancers, melanoma, and lymphoma. Both non-surgical and surgical management strategies have been developed and utilized, with the primary goal of all management strategies being volume reduction of the affected extremity, improvement in patient symptomology, and the reduction/elimination of resultant extremity-related morbidities, including recurrent infections. Surgical management strategies include: (i) ablative surgical methods (i.e., Charles procedure, suction-assisted lipectomy/liposuction) and (ii) physiologic surgical methods (i.e., lymphaticolymphatic bypass, lymphaticovenular anastomosis, vascularized lymph node transfer, vascularized omental flap transfer). While these surgical management strategies can result in dramatic improvement in extremity-related symptomology and improve quality of life for these cancer patients, many formidable challenges remain for successful management of secondary lymphedema. It is hopeful that ongoing clinical research efforts will ultimately lead to more complete and sustainable treatment strategies and perhaps a cure for secondary lymphedema and its devastating resultant morbidities.