Efficacy of complete decongestive therapy and manual lymphatic drainage on treatment-related lymphedema in breast cancer

Journal Article · Thu Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 2007 · International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.09.024· OSTI ID:20944737

Koul, Rashmi ^[1]; Dufan, Tarek ^[1]; Russell, Catherine ^[2]; Guenther, Wanda ^[2]; Nugent, Zoan ^[3]; Xuyan, Sun ^[3]; Cooke, Andrew L ^[1]

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1. Department of Radiation Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB (Canada)
2. Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Breast Health Center, Winnipeg, MB (Canada)
3. Epidemiology and Cancer Registry, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB (Canada)

Objective: To evaluate the results of combined decongestive therapy and manual lymphatic drainage in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Methods and Materials: The data from 250 patients were reviewed. The pre- and posttreatment volumetric measurements were compared, and the correlation with age, body mass index, and type of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy was determined. The Spearman correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon two-sample test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 250 patients, 138 were included in the final analysis. The mean age at presentation was 54.3 years. Patients were stratified on the basis of the treatment modality used for breast cancer management. Lymphedema was managed with combined decongestive therapy in 55%, manual lymphatic drainage alone in 32%, and the home program in 13%. The mean pretreatment volume of the affected and normal arms was 2929 and 2531 mL. At the end of 1 year, the posttreatment volume of the affected arm was 2741 mL. The absolute volume of the affected arm was reduced by a mean of 188 mL (p < 0.0001). The type of surgery (p = 0.0142), age (p = 0.0354), and body mass index (p < 0.0001) were related to the severity of lymphedema. Conclusion: Combined decongestive therapy and manual lymphatic drainage with exercises were associated with a significant reduction in the lymphedema volume.

• OSTI ID: 20944737
• Journal Information: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, Journal Name: International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 67; ISSN IOBPD3; ISSN 0360-3016
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
CARCINOMAS
CHEMOTHERAPY
MAMMARY GLANDS
MANUALS
PATIENTS
RADIOTHERAPY
SURGERY