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Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Jul 2023Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a lifelong risk for breast cancer survivors and once acquired becomes a lifelong burden. This review summarizes... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a lifelong risk for breast cancer survivors and once acquired becomes a lifelong burden. This review summarizes current BCRL prevention and treatment strategies.
FINDINGS
Risk factors for BCRL have been extensively studied and their identification has affected breast cancer treatment practice, with sentinel lymph node removal now standard of care for patients with early stage breast cancer without sentinel lymph node metastases. Early surveillance and timely management aim to reduce BCRL incidence and progression, and are further facilitated by patient education, which many breast cancer survivors report not having adequately received. Surgical approaches to BCRL prevention include axillary reverse mapping, lymphatic microsurgical preventative healing (LYMPHA) and Simplified LYMPHA (SLYMPHA). Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) remains the standard of care for patients with BCRL. Among CDT components, facilitating manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) using indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography has been proposed. Intermittent pneumatic compression, nonpneumatic active compression devices, and low-level laser therapy appear promising in lymphedema management. Reconstructive microsurgical techniques such as lymphovenous anastomosis and vascular lymph node transfer are growing surgical considerations for patients as well as liposuction-based procedures for addressing fatty fibrosis formation from chronic lymphedema. Long-term self-management adherence remains problematic, and lack of diagnosis and measurement consensus precludes a comparison of outcomes. Currently, no pharmacological approaches have proven successful.
CONCLUSION
Progress in prevention and treatment of BCRL continues, requiring advances in early diagnosis, patient education, expert consensus and novel treatments designed for lymphatic rehabilitation following insults.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Breast Cancer Lymphedema; Lymphedema; Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Risk Factors; Lymph Node Excision
PubMed: 37103598
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06947-7 -
Wounds : a Compendium of Clinical... Mar 2020The lymphatic system is arguably the most neglected bodily system. As a result, its contribution to human health and disease is not well understood. In this review, the... (Review)
Review
The lymphatic system is arguably the most neglected bodily system. As a result, its contribution to human health and disease is not well understood. In this review, the clinical approaches based on new knowledge and developments of the lymphatic system are covered. The lymphatic system has 3 major functions: (1) the preservation of fluid balance; (2) a nutritional function, as intestinal lymphatics are responsible for fat absorption; and (3) host defense. Lymph vessels return the capillary ultrafiltrate and escaped plasma proteins from most tissues back, ultimately, to the blood circulation. Hence, lymphatics are responsible for maintaining tissue (and plasma) volume homeostasis. Impaired lymph drainage results in peripheral edema (lymphedema) and may have more far-reaching effects on cardiovascular disease, in particular hypertension and atherosclerosis. Lymphatics have an important immune surveillance function, as they represent the principal route of transport from tissues for antigen and immune cells. Intestinal lymphatics (lacteals) are responsible for most fat absorption, first documented by Gaspare Aselli in 1627, when the lymphatic system was discovered. A relationship between fat and lymphatics may exist well beyond the gut alone. Fat deposition is a defining clinical characteristic of lymphedema. Suction-assisted lipectomy of lymphedema has shown the swelling is not just fluid but is dominated by fat. Lymphatics are the preferred route for the metastatic spread of cancer. Accordingly, the lymphatic system may be important for defense against cancer by generating immune responses to malignant cell antigens. Preventing lymphatic entry and propagation of malignant metastasis would effectively render the cancer nonfatal. As one can see, the lymphatic circulation is fundamentally important to cardiovascular disease, infection and immunity, cancer, and, in all likelihood, obesity - 4 of the major challenges to health care in the 21st century.
Topics: Humans; Lymphatic System; Lymphedema; Lymphoscintigraphy
PubMed: 32163039
DOI: No ID Found -
International Journal of Gynecological... Feb 2020Lower extremity lymphedema is a chronic, often irreversible condition that affects many patients treated for gynecologic malignancies, with published rates as high as... (Review)
Review
Lower extremity lymphedema is a chronic, often irreversible condition that affects many patients treated for gynecologic malignancies, with published rates as high as 70% in select populations. It has consistently been shown to affect multiple quality of life metrics. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, incidence, trends, and risk factors associated with lower extremity lymphedema secondary to the treatment of cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancers in the era of sentinel lymph node mapping. We review traditional and contemporary approaches to diagnosis and staging, and discuss new technologies and imaging modalities. Finally, we review the data-based treatment of lower extremity lymphedema and discuss experimental treatments currently being developed. This review highlights the need for more prospective studies and objective metrics, so that we may better evaluate and serve these patients.
Topics: Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Leg; Lymphedema; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 31915136
DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-001032 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Jul 2022Lymphedema is a chronic disabling condition affecting a growing number of patients worldwide. Although lymphedema is not life-threatening, several reports underlined... (Review)
Review
Lymphedema is a chronic disabling condition affecting a growing number of patients worldwide. Although lymphedema is not life-threatening, several reports underlined detrimental consequences in terms of distress, pain, functional impairment, and infections with a relevant decrease in quality of life. Currently, there is no cure, and the therapeutic management of this condition aims at slowing down the disease progression and preventing secondary complications. Early diagnosis is paramount to enhance the effects of rehabilitation or surgical treatments. On the other hand, a multidisciplinary treatment should be truly integrated, the combination of microsurgical and reductive procedures should be considered a valid strategy to manage extremity lymphedema, and rehabilitation should be considered the cornerstone of the multidisciplinary treatment not only for patients not suitable for surgical interventions but also before and after surgical procedures. Therefore, a specialized management of Plastic Reconstructive Surgeons and Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine physicians should be mandatory to address patients' needs and optimize the treatment of this disabling and detrimental condition. Therefore, the aim of this review was to characterize the comprehensive management of lymphedema, providing a broad overview of the potential therapy available in the current literature to optimize the comprehensive management of lymphedema and minimize complications.
Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Humans; Lower Extremity; Lymph Nodes; Lymphedema; Quality of Life; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 35888673
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070954 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Jul 2020
Review
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymphedema; Mass Screening; Risk Factors
PubMed: 32442064
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.19.02896 -
International Wound Journal Dec 2018Lipoedema is a rare painful disorder of the adipose tissue. It essentially affects females and is often misdiagnosed as lymphoedema or obesity. It is globally... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
Lipoedema is a rare painful disorder of the adipose tissue. It essentially affects females and is often misdiagnosed as lymphoedema or obesity. It is globally misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, and the literature is lacking appropriate guidance to assist clinicians towards this diagnosis. However, the need to recognise this disorder as a unique entity has important implications to establish proper treatment and, therefore, its tremendous effect on patients. Early diagnosis and treatment can turn these patients' lives upside down. The aim of this review is to focus on the clinical guidance, differential diagnosis, and management strategies. In addition, other aspects of lipoedema, including epidemiology and pathogenesis, are also being discussed here. Lipoedema is distinct from obesity and distinct from lymphoedema, although it might progress to involve the venous and lymphatic system (venolipedema or lympholipedema or both). Late diagnosis can leave the patient debilitated. Management of lipoedema includes weight loss, control of oedema, complex decongestive physiotherapy, liposuction, and laser-assisted lipolysis. However; there are increasing reports on tumescent liposuction as the preferred surgical option with long-lasting results. The role of more randomised controlled studies to further explore the management of this clinical entity remains promising.
Topics: Diagnostic Errors; Female; Humans; Lipedema; Lymphedema; Male
PubMed: 29956468
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12949 -
Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal... 2021Cancer-related lymphedema is the result of surgical operation or radiation therapy of the corresponding lymph nodes and is due to the obstruction of the lymphatic... (Review)
Review
Cancer-related lymphedema is the result of surgical operation or radiation therapy of the corresponding lymph nodes and is due to the obstruction of the lymphatic drainage in the affected area. In lymphedema the lymphatic stasis causes an inflammatory reaction that leads to the proliferation of adipose tissue and fibrosis, resulting in mild to severe permanent swelling of the affected part of the body. It is more often found in the upper extremities of women with breast cancer. It may, however, appear at one or more extremities and may include the corresponding quadrant of the trunk. It may also affect head and neck, breast, genitals and lower extremities, depending on the surgery the patient has undergone. It is often associated with obesity (BMI>40). Early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema is related with better therapeutic outcome. Women with breast cancer confront more problems with lymphedema than with mastectomy. Its effect on patients' quality of life is relevant to changes in body image, self-esteem, feelings of weakness, fear and anxiety about disease progression, financial costs, and reduced limb function. More recent studies support the effectiveness of contemporary surgical techniques in lymphedema's treatment. In conservative management, CDT remains the treatment of choice and in combination with exercise, weight control programs and self-care training seems to significantly improve patients' quality of life.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lymphedema; Male; Quality of Life
PubMed: 34761576
DOI: No ID Found -
Archives of Physical Medicine and... Feb 2016To evaluate the effects of exercise on cancer-related lymphedema and related symptoms, and to determine the need for those with lymphedema to wear compression during... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of exercise on cancer-related lymphedema and related symptoms, and to determine the need for those with lymphedema to wear compression during exercise.
DATA SOURCES
CINAHL, Cochrane, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, PubMed, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Source, ScienceDirect, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for trials published before January 1, 2015.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials and single-group pre-post studies published in English were included. Twenty-one (exercise) and 4 (compression and exercise) studies met inclusion criteria.
DATA EXTRACTION
Data were extracted into tabular format using predefined data fields by 1 reviewer and assessed for accuracy by a second reviewer. Study quality was evaluated using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Data were pooled using a random-effects model to assess the effects of acute and long-term exercise on lymphedema and lymphedema-associated symptoms, with subgroup analyses for exercise mode and intervention length. There was no effect of exercise (acute or intervention) on lymphedema or associated symptoms, with standardized mean differences from all analyses ranging between -0.2 and 0.1 (P values ≥.22). Findings from subgroup analyses for exercise mode (aerobic, resistance, mixed, other) and intervention duration (>12wk or ≤12wk) were consistent with these findings-that is, no effect on lymphedema or associated symptoms. There were too few studies evaluating the effect of compression during regular exercise to conduct a meta-analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
Individuals with secondary lymphedema can safely participate in progressive, regular exercise without experiencing a worsening of lymphedema or related symptoms. However, there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the current clinical recommendation to wear compression garments during regular exercise.
Topics: Compression Bandages; Exercise; Humans; Lymphedema; Neoplasms
PubMed: 26440777
DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2015.09.012 -
BMC Cancer May 2019Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Post-treatment, patients suffer from side effects and have various rehabilitation needs, which...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Post-treatment, patients suffer from side effects and have various rehabilitation needs, which means that individualization is fundamental for optimal rehabilitation. This systematic review (SR) of SRs aims to evaluate the current evidence on rehabilitation interventions in female patients following BC treatment.
METHODS
Full-text SRs published in English from 2009 were searched in Embase, PubMed, Cinahl Complete, PsycINFO, AMED, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library.
INCLUSION CRITERIA
SRs of randomized or non-randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of rehabilitation interventions in women following BC treatment. All outcomes were considered. Methodological quality was evaluated using the AMSTAR 2 tool and interrater agreement was evaluated. Out of 1269 citations retrieved, 37 SRs were included.
RESULTS
Five rehabilitation areas were identified: exercise and physical activity (PA), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), yoga, lymphoedema treatment, and psychosocial interventions. The most solid evidence was found in exercise/PA and yoga. Exercise interventions improved outcomes such as shoulder mobility, lymphoedema, pain, fatigue and quality of life (QoL). Effects of yoga were shown on QoL, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms. The effect of CAM was shown on nausea, pain, fatigue, anger and anxiety but these results need to be interpreted with caution because of low methodological quality in included studies in the SRs. Among the lymphoedema treatments, positive effects were seen for resistance training on volume reduction and muscle strength and psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy had positive effects on QoL, anxiety, depression and mood disturbance.
CONCLUSIONS
This SR of SRs show solid positive effects of exercise/PA and yoga for women following BC treatment, and provides extended knowledge of the effects of CAM, yoga, lymphoedema treatment and psychosocial interventions. It is evident that more than one intervention could have positive effects on a specific symptom and that the effects depend not only on intervention type but also on how and when the intervention is provided. The results can be used as a foundation for individualized rehabilitation and aid health care professionals in meeting patients' individual needs and preferences.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO ( CRD42017060912 ).
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Exercise; Female; Humans; Lymphedema; Quality of Life; Resistance Training; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Yoga
PubMed: 31109309
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5648-7 -
Phlebology May 2022Lymphedema imposes a significant economic and social burden in modern societies. Controversies about its risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment permeate the literature....
BACKGROUND
Lymphedema imposes a significant economic and social burden in modern societies. Controversies about its risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment permeate the literature. The goal of this study was to assess experts' opinions on the available literature on lymphedema while following the Delphi methodology.
METHODS
In December of 2019, the American Venous Forum created a working group tasked to develop a consensus statement regarding current practices for the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema. A panel of experts was identified by the working group. The working group then compiled a list of clinical questions, risk factors, diagnosis and evaluation, and treatment of lymphedema. Fifteen questions that met the criteria for consensus were included in the list. Using a modified Delphi methodology, six questions that received between 60% and 80% of the votes were included in the list for the second round of analysis. Consensus was reached whenever >70% agreement was achieved.
RESULTS
The panel of experts reached consensus that cancer, infection, chronic venous disease, and surgery are risk factors for secondary lymphedema. Consensus was also reached that clinical examination is adequate for diagnosing lymphedema and that all patients with chronic venous insufficiency (C3-C6) should be treated as lymphedema patients. No consensus was reached regarding routine clinical practice use of radionuclide lymphoscintigraphy as a mandatory diagnostic tool. However, the panel came to consensus regarding the importance of quantifying edema in all patients (93.6% in favor). In terms of treatment, consensus was reached favoring the regular use of compression garments to reduce lymphedema progression (89.4% in favor, 10.6% against; mean score of 79), but the use of Velcro devices as the first line of compression therapy did not reach consensus (59.6% in favor vs 40.4% against; total score of 15). There was agreement that sequential pneumatic compression should be considered as adjuvant therapy in the maintenance phase of treatment (91.5% in favor vs. 8.5% against; mean score of 85), but less so in its initial phases (61.7% in favor vs. 38.3% against; mean score of 27). Most of the panel agreed that manual lymphatic drainage should be a mandatory treatment modality (70.2% in favor), but the panel was split in half regarding the proposal that reductive surgery should be considered for patients with failed conservative treatment.
CONCLUSION
This consensus process demonstrated that lymphedema experts agree on the majority of the statements related to risk factors for lymphedema, and the diagnostic workup for lymphedema patients. Less agreement was demonstrated on statements related to treatment of lymphedema. This consensus suggests that variability in lymphedema care is high even among the experts. Developers of future practice guidelines for lymphedema should consider this information, especially in cases of low-level evidence that supports practice patterns with which the majority of experts disagree.
Topics: Cardiology; Consensus; Delphi Technique; Expert Testimony; Humans; Lymphedema; United States
PubMed: 35258350
DOI: 10.1177/02683555211053532