Breast cancer-related lymphedema: Symptoms, diagnosis, risk reduction, and management

The burden of lymphedema on quality of life

Background: Due to a lack of validated methodologies, this study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) among individuals affected by lymphedema and to compare them with the general population and common diseases. Patients and methods: Patients were recruited from October 2023 till March 2024. The SF-36 and LYMQOL questionnaires were administered. The Robert Koch Institute provided data from the survey for secondary evaluations of the DEGS1 study. Descriptive analysis of the patient's data was conducted, followed by an analysis of risk factors, a comparison with common diseases and a pairs matched analyses with the general population based on the parameters sex, age and Body Mass Index (BMI). A p-value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among the 273 patients, 18 had primary lymphedema and 255 had secondary lymphedema due to cancer history. Staging revealed 28 patients in stage I, 137 in stage II, and 75 in stage III. The majority of patients (83%) were female and mostly the lower extremity was affected. Age, International Society of Lymphology (ISL)-stage, and BMI were significantly correlated with reduced QoL in seven, six, and eleven out of thirteen subscales of the respective scores. The LYMQOL analysis revealed, that patients with upper limb lymphedema (ULL) demonstrated higher QoL compared to those with lower limb lymphedema (LLL). When compared to the general population, individuals with ULL exhibited reduced QoL in five out of eight SF-36 domains (p<0.05). Conversely, LLL patients showed decreased QoL across all eight SF-36 subscales (p<0.01). In comparison to diseases like myocardial infarction or malignant diseases, patients with lymphedema experience a significant, diminished QoL. Conclusions: By 2024, lymphedema patients continue to experience significantly lower QoL compared to the general population or common diseases in Germany. LLL patients exhibit a reduced QoL compared to individuals with ULL.

Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Results in Impaired Epidermal Differentiation and Tight Junction Dysfunction

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is characterized by skin changes, swelling, fibrosis, and recurrent skin infections. Clinical studies have suggested that lymphedema results in skin barrier defects; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms and the effects of bacterial contamination on skin barrier function remain unknown. In matched biopsies from patients with unilateral BCRL, we observed decreased expression of FLG and the tight junction protein ZO-1 in skin affected by moderate lymphedema or by subclinical lymphedema in which dermal backflow of lymph was identified by indocyanine green lymphography, relative to those in the controls (areas without backflow and from the unaffected arm). In vitro stimulation of keratinocytes with lymph fluid obtained from patients undergoing lymphedema surgery led to the same changes as well as increased expression of keratin 14, a marker of immature keratinocytes. Finally, using mouse models of lymphedema, we showed that similar to the clinical scenario, the expression of skin barrier proteins was decreased relative to that in normal skin and that colonization with Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria amplified this effect as well as lymphedema severity. Taken together, our findings suggest that lymphatic fluid stasis contributes to skin barrier dysfunction in lymphedema.

Arm symptom pattern among breast cancer survivors with and without lymphedema: a contemporaneous network analysis

BACKGROUND

Arm symptoms commonly endure in post-breast cancer period and persist into long-term survivorship. However, a knowledge gap existed regarding the interactions among these symptoms. This study aimed to construct symptom networks and visualize the interrelationships among arm symptoms in breast cancer survivors (BCS) both with and without lymphedema (LE).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of 3 cross-sectional studies. All participants underwent arm circumference measurements and symptom assessment. We analyzed 17 symptoms with a prevalence >15%, identifying clusters and covariates through exploratory factor and linear regression analysis. Contemporaneous networks were constructed with centrality indices calculated. Network comparison tests were performed.

RESULTS

1116 cases without missing data were analyzed, revealing a 29.84% prevalence of LE. Axillary lymph node dissection [ALND] (vs sentinel lymph node biopsy [SLNB]), longer post-surgery duration, and radiotherapy significantly impacted overall symptom severity (P < .001). "Lymphatic Stasis," "Nerve Injury," and "Movement Limitation" symptom clusters were identified. Core symptoms varied: tightness for total sample network, firmness for non-LE network, and tightness for LE network. LE survivors reported more prevalent and severe arm symptoms with stronger network connections than non-LE group (P = .010). No significant differences were observed among different subgroups of covariates (P > .05). Network structures were significantly different between ALND and SLNB groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed arm symptoms pattern and interrelationships in BCS. Targeting core symptoms in assessment and intervention might be efficient for arm symptoms management. Future research is warranted to construct dynamic symptom networks in longitudinal data and investigate causal relationships among symptoms.

Database study of risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a statistical analysis of 2359 cases over 10 years

PURPOSE

Identifying risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is crucial for its prevention, necessitating large-scale epidemiological studies. Despite their suitability for large-scale surveys, to our knowledge, databases have not been the basis of any study done to investigate BCRL risk factors. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that a database-based study would be useful for identifying BCRL risk factors.

METHODS

Patients with breast cancer diagnosed between April 2009 and March 2020 were identified from the Hiroshima University Hospital's medical database. This retrospective observational study validated the risk factors for BCRL using logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Among the total 4471 breast cancer patients identified, 2359 met the study criteria, with a BCRL incidence of 4.8%. Identified risk factors included obesity with a BMI of 25-30 (OR = 3.066, 95% CI 1.408-6.677), severe obesity with a BMI > 30 (OR = 5.791, 95% CI 2.239-14.97), surgical axillary lymph node dissection (OR = 3.212, 95% CI 1.918-5.378), chemotherapy with docetaxel (OR = 1.795, 95% CI 1.062-3.032), and conventional radiation to the breast or chest wall including lymph nodes in the irradiated area (OR = 3.299, 95% CI 1.842-5.910).

CONCLUSIONS

The BCRL risk factors identified by our database analysis were in line with those documented in previous studies, indicating the usefulness of database-based studies. Future studies should include more patients and study items.

Larger recipient vein caliber during lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach (LYMPHA) is associated with lower lymphedema rates

BACKGROUND

The lymphatic microsurgical preventive healing approach reduces the risk of lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection. We identified surgical factors of Lymphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach (LYMPHA) that influence lymphedema rates focusing on the vein caliber used.

METHODS

A single-institution retrospective cohort study included breast cancer patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection and LYMPHA (April 2021-November 2022) with a follow-up of at least 1 year. Lymphedema was defined as an increase of ≥10 units in the lymphedema index (measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy) from baseline. The primary outcome was the correlation between the lymphedema index of patients with a vein caliber of ≤2 mm vs > 2 mm.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients with documented vein caliber were analyzed. The median baseline lymphedema index in patients with a vein caliber ≤2 mm was 2 (SD 3.04) and 2.2 (SD 2.03) for vein caliber >2 mm. (P = .57). After 1-year follow-up, the L-dex was 6.20 (SD 7.48) for vein caliber ≤2 mm and 1.60 (SD 5.85) for vein caliber >2 mm (P = .02). The L-dex difference from baseline was higher for vein caliber ≤2 mm compared to >2 mm (2.9 vs 0.10, P = .02). Larger vein caliber was associated with a lower L-dex at 3 months (P = .04) and a lesser difference from the baseline after 1 year (P = .03). This was maintained on univariate analysis and multivariate analysis controlling for radiation, chemotherapy, and number of lymph nodes excised.

CONCLUSION

Vein caliber >2 mm during LYMPHA axillary lymph node dissection is associated with a lower postoperative lymphedema index. These results can be enhanced by a multi-institutional study to improve standardization of this technique.

Effectiveness of Lymphovenular Anastomosis and Complex Decongestive Therapy for the Treatment of Lymphedema in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background: Lymphedema is a common breast cancer side effect, with an average incidence of 30%. The gold standard conservative treatment for lymphedema is complex decongestive therapy (CDT), which includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care, and exercise. Lymphovenular anastomosis (LVA) is a microsurgical technique that intends to redirect excess lymphatic fluid to the venous circulation; this procedure is usually performed when conservative treatment fails. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of LVA and CDT for the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Methods and Results: The search was performed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and LILACS. Inclusion criteria were (1) population: women with BCRL; (2) intervention: treated with LVA and CDT; and (3) outcome: primary outcome was lymphedema reduction. Secondary outcome was quality of life. Risk of bias and quality of study reporting were also assessed. The search found 3872 articles, with 5 articles meeting the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) criteria, 4 pre-post studies, and one observational cohort study. The total sample included 2763 patients. Follow-up was variable. The follow-up varies from 7.8 to 120 months, with an average of 35 months. Lymphedema reduction was obtained in the five studies. Conclusion: The present systematic review suggests that for patients with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer, the combination of both treatments is effective in reducing the size of the limb and improving quality of life. Low-quality evidence was found for both limb circumference reduction and quality of life. Additional research effort is needed to reduce bias and improve the quality of evidence, in order to better inform clinical practice and enhance the care and well-being of patients with BCRL.

The Predictive Role of Illness Perception on Lymphedema Risk-Management Behaviors in Women After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Illness perception affects lymphedema risk-management behaviors. However, little is known about these behavioral changes within 6 months after surgery and how illness perception predicts behavioral trajectories.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the trajectories of lymphedema risk-management behaviors in breast cancer survivors within 6 months after surgery and the predictive role of illness perception.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a cancer hospital in China and completed a baseline survey (Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire) and follow-up assessments (Lymphedema Risk-Management Behavior Questionnaire and the physical exercise compliance dimension of the Functional Exercise Adherence Scale) at the first, third, and sixth months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 251 women were analyzed. Regarding the Lymphedema Risk-Management Behavior Questionnaire, the total scores were stable. The scores of the "lifestyle" and "skin care" dimensions showed upward trends; the scores of the "avoiding compression and injury" and "other matters needing attention" dimensions showed downward trends. For "physical exercise compliance," scores remained stable. Furthermore, key illness perceptions (especially "personal control" and "causes") at baseline could predict the starting levels of and changes in behavioral trajectories.

CONCLUSION

Different lymphedema risk-management behaviors exhibited different trajectories and could be predicted by illness perception.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Oncology nurses should focus on the early development of behaviors related to "lifestyle" and "skin care" and the later maintenance of "avoiding compression and injury" and "other matters needing attention" during follow-up, as well as help women strengthen their personal control beliefs and correctly understand the causes of lymphedema during hospitalization.

Assessing breast cancer-related lymphedema screening and treatment gaps in a safety-net hospital

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the unmet breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) treatment and education needs at New England's largest safety-net hospital serving a diverse population by assessing prevalence, risk factors, and treatment.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study examining breast cancer surgery patients from September 2016 to September 2021. The primary outcome was BCRL diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included BCRL risk factors, and physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) referral frequency and completion.

RESULTS

Of 639 patients, 17% of patients had documented BCRL, which was significantly associated with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). There were no racial, insurance, breast radiation, or BMI category differences between patients with and without a BCRL diagnosis. Of those with BCRL, 58% received a PT/OT referral, and 56% completed their referral. There were no racial, insurance, or BMI category differences between those who received a PT/OT referral and those who did not.

CONCLUSION

In our high-risk population, rates of documented BCRL were higher than expected, approaching rates of ALND, despite the majority undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). PT/OT referral and completion rates were low, concerning for an unmet BCRL treatment and education need. No disparities in care delivery were seen, but a program that addresses treatment gaps and ensures accessible and patient-centered BCRL care is urgently needed.

Supraclavicular Irradiation Induces Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Axillary Lymph Node Dissection and Taxane-Containing Chemotherapy

Purpose

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE) significantly impairs the patients' quality of life. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a strong risk factor for LE in breast cancer surgery. In addition, postoperative administration of docetaxel (DTX) has been reported to be a risk factor for LE in patients who undergo ALND. Herein, we performed the risk of objective LE after ALND.

Methods

Patients who visited the medical follow-up clinic between 12 November 2018 and 11 January 2019 and at least one year postoperatively were eligible for this study. The risk factors for objective LE according to taxane-containing regimen, radiation therapy, and body mass index and the effects of a taxane-containing regimen followed by supraclavicular irradiation on LE were examined.

Results

A total of 214 patients were included in this analysis, and objective LE was observed in 52 patients (24%). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that only supraclavicular field irradiation was a statistically significant risk factor for objective LE. In addition, the sequential use of taxane-containing regimens and supraclavicular RT was shown to be a more likely risk factor for LE than ALND alone. We also compared each taxane regimen with supraclavicular RT and found that DTX was more likely to be a risk factor for LE in cases of sequential use of supraclavicular RT than with ALND alone. However, when comparing DTX with supraclavicular RT and PTX with supraclavicular RT directly, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of objective LE between the two groups.

Conclusion

The risk for LE was more likely to be higher with the sequential use of taxane-containing chemotherapy and supraclavicular field irradiation. Therefore, management of LE is important in these cases.

Complex decongestive therapy improves finger tapping score in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema

PURPOSE

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) impairs upper limb function and cognitive performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fifteen sessions of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) on fine motor performance and information processing speed in women with BCRL.

METHODS

Thirty-eight women with BCRL (54.97 ± 10.78 years) were recruited in the study. Participants either received five times weekly CDT consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, skin care, compression bandaging, and remedial exercises (n = 19) or served as a wait-list control group (n = 19). We used the Finger Tapping Task to assess fine motor performance and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test to assess information processing speed. ANCOVA was performed to analyze the effect of CDT on the dependent variables, adjusting for covariates and baseline values.

RESULTS

CDT significantly improved finger tapping score (p < 0.001) compared to the wait-list to the control group, whereas information processing speed did not significantly change (p = 0.673).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that CDT is an effective conservative therapeutic approach to improve upper extremity fine motor function in women with BCRL. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of CDT on different cognitive domains.

Comparison of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Pump as Adjunct to Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy against Decongestive Therapy Alone for Upper Limb Lymphedema after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide, with substantial morbidity and mortality. Upper limb lymphedema (ULL) is a common complication after breast cancer surgery that affects patients' daily activities and quality of life. Decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT) and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy are 2 primary treatment methods for ULL.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of DLT with IPC versus DLT alone in the management of ULL following breast cancer surgery.

Method

PubMed Central, SCOPUS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Trial Registry, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were comprehensively searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DLT with IPC and DLT alone in patients with breast cancer-related ULL. The risk of bias was evaluated using the RoB 2 tool. Pooled effect sizes were calculated using random-effects models.

Results

A total of 1,894 citations were identified by the systematic search. Of them, 9 RCTs were included in the analysis. The pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) for percentage volume reduction was 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.24 to 1.50; I 2 = 90.9%), showing no significant difference between the DLT alone and DLT combined with IPC (p = 0.15). Pain and heaviness scores were also comparable between the groups. However, there was a significant difference in external rotation joint mobility (SMD = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.08-1.16; I 2 = 23.8%), favoring DLT with IPC.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DLT with IPC and DLT alone showed similar findings in managing ULL after breast cancer surgery, with DLT with IPC showing a greater impact on external rotation joint mobility. Healthcare providers should consider patient preferences and individual factors when selecting the most appropriate treatment modality for ULL management.

Lymphedema after regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the occurrence of lymphedema as a side effect in patients who underwent regional nodal irradiation (RNI) following surgery for breast cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on patients with breast cancer who underwent surgery from July 2014 to October 2020 at Inje University Busan Paik Hospital. The analysis included 113 cT1-3N1-3M0 breast cancer patients who underwent RNI as part of radiotherapy (RT). Mostly, surgeries were performed using breast-conserving surgery (n = 99, 87.6%), except for 14 patients with modified radical mastectomy. The total RT dose for RNI was 45-60 Gy, and the fraction size was 1.8-2.0 Gy. Most patients underwent chemotherapy (n = 98, 86.7%), including taxanes (n = 92, 81.4%).

Results

The median follow-up was 61.1 months (range, 5.0-110.5 months). Lymphedema occurred in 54 patients (47.8%) after surgery. Twenty of them (17.7%) developed a new onset of lymphedema after RT, while 34 (30.1%) detected lymphedema before the completion of RT. Over the follow-up, 16 patients (14.2%) experienced recurrence. High radiation dose (>50.4 Gy) for RNI (P = 0.003) and taxane use (P = 0.038) were related to lymphedema occurrence after RT. Moreover, lymphedema occurrence after RT was also related to recurrence after surgical resection (P = 0.026). Breast-conserving surgery was related to early-onset lymphedema before the completion of RT (P = 0.047). Furthermore, the degree of lymph node dissection (≤4) was related to the overall occurrence of lymphedema (P = 0.045).

Conclusion

Considering a reduction in RNI dose may be beneficial in mitigating the incidence of lymphedema after RT in patients with breast cancer.

Research on the influence of yogalates comprehensive rehabilitation training on postoperative recovery of breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

In the present study, we analyzed the effects of comprehensive yogalates rehabilitation training on side effects caused by postoperative adjuvant treatment and postoperative physical and mental health in breast cancer patients who had undergone radical mastectomy.The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that 12 weeks of yogalates training would reduce the peripheral diameter of the upper arm, improve flexibility and posture, and improve sleep quality compared with a non-treated control group.

METHODS

36 women with breast cancer who had undergone radical mastectomy in Shanghai were selected and randomly divided into the experimental group (n=20) and the control group (n=16). The patients in the experimental group underwent yogalates comprehensive rehabilitation training, while the control group did not participate in yogalates course. Anthropometric measurements and the "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)" questionnaire were administered to both the experimental and control groups before and after the training sessions.

RESULTS

The experimental group corrected the hunchback posture through yogalates training. Spine extension increased their height and decreased their BMI. The range of motion of upper arm joints in extension, bending and abduction increased. The peripheral diameter of the upper arm decreased, the grip strength increased, and the sleep quality gradually improved.

CONCLUSION

(1)Prolonging the period of yogalates training stabilized and improve the physical and mental health of patients. (2)In yogalates course, providing proper guidance to patients for diaphragmatic breathing and incorporating yoga relaxation techniques can effectively enhance the sleep quality of patients.(3)Exercise regimens must be designed taking into account individual differences.

Lymphedema self-assessment among endometrial cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL), which causes ankle, leg, and feet swelling, poses a significant challenge for endometrial cancer survivors, impacting physical functioning and psychological well-being. Inconsistent LEL diagnostic methods result in wide-ranging LEL incidence estimates.

METHODS

We calculated the cumulative incidence of LEL based on survivor-reported Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) responses in addition to survivor- and nurse-reported leg circumference measurements among a pilot sample of 50 endometrial cancer survivors (27 White, 23 Black) enrolled in the ongoing population-based Carolina Endometrial Cancer Study.

RESULTS

Self-leg circumference measurements were perceived to be difficult and were completed by only 17 survivors. Diagnostic accuracy testing measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value) compared the standard nurse-measured ≥ 10% difference in leg circumference measurements to GCLQ responses. At a mean of ~11 months post-diagnosis, 54% of survivors met established criteria for LEL based on ≥ 4 GCLQ cutpoint while 24% had LEL based on nurse-measurement. Percent agreement, sensitivity, and specificity approximated 60% at a threshold of ≥ 5 GCLQ symptoms. However, Cohen's kappa, a measure of reliability that corrects for agreement by chance, was highest at ≥ 4 GCLQ symptoms (κ = 0.27).

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the need for high quality measurements of LEL that are feasible for epidemiologic study designs among endometrial cancer survivors. Future studies should use patient-reported survey measures to assess lymphedema burden and quality of life outcomes among endometrial cancer survivors.

From standard therapies to monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors - an update for reconstructive surgeons on common oncological cases

Malignancies represent a persisting worldwide health burden. Tumor treatment is commonly based on surgical and/or non-surgical therapies. In the recent decade, novel non-surgical treatment strategies involving monoclonal antibodies (mAB) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been successfully incorporated into standard treatment algorithms. Such emerging therapy concepts have demonstrated improved complete remission rates and prolonged progression-free survival compared to conventional chemotherapies. However, the in-toto surgical tumor resection followed by reconstructive surgery oftentimes remains the only curative therapy. Breast cancer (BC), skin cancer (SC), head and neck cancer (HNC), and sarcoma amongst other cancer entities commonly require reconstructive surgery to restore form, aesthetics, and functionality. Understanding the basic principles, strengths, and limitations of mAB and ICI as (neo-) adjuvant therapies and treatment alternatives for resectable or unresectable tumors is paramount for optimized surgical therapy planning. Yet, there is a scarcity of studies that condense the current body of literature on mAB and ICI for BC, SC, HNC, and sarcoma. This knowledge gap may result in suboptimal treatment planning, ultimately impairing patient outcomes. Herein, we aim to summarize the current translational endeavors focusing on mAB and ICI. This line of research may serve as an evidence-based fundament to guide targeted therapy and optimize interdisciplinary anti-cancer strategies.

The N-LVA Study: effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for patients with cancer who suffer from chronic peripheral lymphoedema - study protocol of a multicentre, randomised sham-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-related lymphoedema is one of the most debilitating side-effects of cancer treatment with an overall incidence of 15.5%. Patients may suffer from a variety of symptoms, possibly resulting in a diminished health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A microsurgical technique known as lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) might be a promising treatment option. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether LVA is effective and cost-effective compared with sham surgery in improving the HRQoL.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A multicentre, double-blind, randomised sham-controlled trial conducted in three university hospitals in the Netherlands. The study population comprises 110 patients over the age of 18 years with unilateral, peripheral cancer-related lymphoedema, including 70 patients with upper limb lymphoedema and 40 patients with lower limb lymphoedema. A total of 55 patients will undergo the LVA operation, while the remaining 55 will undergo sham surgery. The follow-up will be at least 24 months. Patients are encouraged to complete the follow-up by explaining the importance of the study. Furthermore, patients may benefit from regular monitoring moments for their lymphoedema. The primary outcome is the HRQoL. The secondary outcomes are the limb circumference, excess limb volume, changes in conservative therapy, postoperative complications, patency of the LVA and incremental cost-effectiveness.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of Maastricht University Medical Center on 20 September 2023 (NL84169.068.23). The results will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed medical journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT06082349.

Upper Extremity Functional Outcomes After Breast Cancer Treatment: An Analysis of DASH Score in Breast Reconstruction Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing postoncologic breast reconstruction can experience upper extremity (UE) functional deficits.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we utilized the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire to identify patient factors that impacted UE functional recovery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent oncologic followed by reconstructive surgery by a single surgeon from 2014 to 2019 and completed the DASH survey were included. A DASH score was calculated for each patient, with values ranging from 0 (no impairment) to 100 (severe impairment). Regression analysis was conducted to identify significant predictors for DASH score with a significance level for entry and stay set at P = .15.

RESULTS

Among 289 patients who underwent breast reconstruction, 157 completed the questionnaire. The average patient age was 52.6yrs ± 8.6 at the time of reconstruction. A total of 111 had implant-based reconstruction, 15 had autologous reconstruction, and 24 had a combination of both. Average DASH score was 7.7 (range 0.0-52.5), with 74.1% of patients having a score greater than 0. Regression analysis showed 5 variables associated with significantly higher DASH scores: age between 50 and 60 years (P = .13), history of radiation (P = .01), placement of a subpectoral implant (P = .06), postoperative complications (P = .10), and lymphedema (P < .01). Autologous breast reconstruction (P = .04) was associated with a significantly lower DASH score.

CONCLUSIONS

Implant-based reconstruction, radiation history, postoperative complications, and age at reconstruction were associated with increased UE functional impairment in patients who underwent breast reconstructive surgery. Identification of these factors can inform areas for potential practice changes and improve patient counseling regarding postoperative expectations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3