RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Integrated Treatment of Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: A Descriptive Review of the State of the Art
JF Anticancer Research
JO Anticancer Res
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 3233
OP 3246
DO 10.21873/anticanres.15109
VO 41
IS 7
A1 PAOLO MARCHICA
A1 SALVATORE D’ARPA
A1 STEFANO MAGNO
A1 CRISTINA ROSSI
A1 LUANA FORCINA
A1 VITA CAPIZZI
A1 SEBASTIANO OIENI
A1 CARMELA AMATO
A1 DARIO PIAZZA
A1 VITTORIO GEBBIA
YR 2021
UL http://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/41/7/3233.abstract
AB Background/Aim: Upper limb breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a chronic and severe condition affecting a significant percentage of breast cancer survivors. Even though its physiopathology is well-known, there is no worldwide consensus on BCRL evaluation and a gold-standard treatment. This narrative review aims at providing a brief descriptive overview with regard to BCRL treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature search within the PubMed database, and 33 articles out of 56 were selected, including reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses aiming find the most updated evidence regarding BCRL treatment modalities. Results: Physical exercise (aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, aquatic therapy), bandages, and intermittent pneumatic compression were shown to be most effective in BCRL patients, in terms of swelling reduction in the acute-intensive phase. Furthermore, physical exercise was beneficial also as a maintenance tool. Manual lymphatic drainage demonstrated efficacy in preventing secondary lymphedema if applied immediately after breast cancer surgery or in early phases of BCRL or as a maintenance tool. Complementary procedures such as acupuncture, reflexology, yoga and photo-biomodulation therapy did not show conclusive results in BCRL treatment. Surgery was shown effective in managing symptoms (liposuction), preventing (lymphaticovenular anastomosis) and treating BCRL (vascularized lymph node transfer). Conclusion: BCRL is still a challenging condition either for breast cancer survivors and clinicians, deeply impacting patient functioning and quality of life. Due to the lack of globally accepted criteria in evaluating BCRL, to date a gold standard treatment for this widespread issue is still needed.