Skip to main content
Top
Published in:

Open Access 01-11-2024 | Lymphedema | Review Article

Effectiveness of complete decongestive therapy for upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema: a review of systematic reviews

Authors: Laura Gilchrist, Kim Levenhagen, Claire C. Davies, Linda Koehler

Published in: Medical Oncology | Issue 11/2024

Login to get access

Abstract

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) remains a challenging condition impacting function and quality of life. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the current standard of care, necessitating a comprehensive review of its impact. This paper presents a systematic review (SR) of SRs on CDT’s efficacy in BCRL, and the components of manual lymph drainage (MLD) and exercise. A literature search yielded 13 SRs published between January 2018 and March 2023 meeting inclusion criteria, with varied quality ratings based on the AMSTAR II. A sub-analysis of CDT investigated the within group effect size estimations on volume in different stages of lymphedema. While a moderate quality SR indicated support for CDT in volume reduction, other SRs on the topic were of critically low quality. Larger effect sizes for CDT were found for later stage BCRL. The impact of MLD as a component of CDT demonstrated no additional volume benefit in a mix of moderate to low quality SRs. Similarly, exercise’s role in volume reduction in CDT was limited, although it demonstrated some benefit in pain and quality of life. A rapid review of trials published January 2021–March 2023 reinforced these findings. Variability in CDT delivery and outcomes remained. These findings underscore the need to standardize staging criteria and outcome measures in research and practice. Future research should focus on refining interventions, determining clinically important differences in outcomes, and standardizing measures to improve evidence-based BCRL management. Current evidence supports CDT’s efficacy in BCRL. MLD and exercise as components of CDT have limited support for volume reduction.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
4.
go back to reference Lin Y, Yang Y, Zhang X, Li W, Li H, Mu D. Manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Breast Cancer. 2022;22(5):e664–73.PubMedCrossRef Lin Y, Yang Y, Zhang X, Li W, Li H, Mu D. Manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Breast Cancer. 2022;22(5):e664–73.PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Tidhar D, Armer J, Stewart B. What is clinically important in lymphedema management? a systematic review. Rehabil Oncol. 2018;36:13–27.CrossRef Tidhar D, Armer J, Stewart B. What is clinically important in lymphedema management? a systematic review. Rehabil Oncol. 2018;36:13–27.CrossRef
6.
go back to reference Taylor R, Jayasinghe UW, Koelmeyer L, Ung O, Boyages J. Reliability and validity of arm volume measurements for assessment of lymphedema. Phys Ther. 2006;86(2):205–14.PubMedCrossRef Taylor R, Jayasinghe UW, Koelmeyer L, Ung O, Boyages J. Reliability and validity of arm volume measurements for assessment of lymphedema. Phys Ther. 2006;86(2):205–14.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Tjalma WAA, Thomis S, De Groef A, Dams L, Van der Gucht E, Devoogdt N. Physical activity level and age contribute to functioning problems in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a multicentre cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer. 2020;28(12):5717–31.PubMedCrossRef De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Tjalma WAA, Thomis S, De Groef A, Dams L, Van der Gucht E, Devoogdt N. Physical activity level and age contribute to functioning problems in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a multicentre cross-sectional study. Support Care Cancer. 2020;28(12):5717–31.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Jeffs E, Ream E, Taylor C, Bick D. Clinical effectiveness of decongestive treatments on excess arm volume and patient-centered outcomes in women with early breast cancer-related arm lymphedema: a systematic review. JBI Database Syst Rev Implement Rep. 2018;16(2):453–506.CrossRef Jeffs E, Ream E, Taylor C, Bick D. Clinical effectiveness of decongestive treatments on excess arm volume and patient-centered outcomes in women with early breast cancer-related arm lymphedema: a systematic review. JBI Database Syst Rev Implement Rep. 2018;16(2):453–506.CrossRef
11.
go back to reference Müller M, Klingberg K, Wertli MM, Carreira H. Manual lymphatic drainage and quality of life in patients with lymphoedema and mixed oedema: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Qual Life Res. 2018;27(6):1403–14.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Müller M, Klingberg K, Wertli MM, Carreira H. Manual lymphatic drainage and quality of life in patients with lymphoedema and mixed oedema: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Qual Life Res. 2018;27(6):1403–14.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Qiao J, Yang LN, Kong YH, Huang X, Li Y, Bai DQ. Effect of manual lymphatic drainage on breast cancer-related postmastectomy lymphedema: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cancer Nurs. 2023;46(2):159–66.PubMedCrossRef Qiao J, Yang LN, Kong YH, Huang X, Li Y, Bai DQ. Effect of manual lymphatic drainage on breast cancer-related postmastectomy lymphedema: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Cancer Nurs. 2023;46(2):159–66.PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Thompson B, Gaitatzis K, Janse de Jonge X, Blackwell R, Koelmeyer LA. Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature. J Cancer Survivorship Res Pract. 2021;15(2):244–258. Thompson B, Gaitatzis K, Janse de Jonge X, Blackwell R, Koelmeyer LA. Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature. J Cancer Survivorship Res Pract. 2021;15(2):244–258.
14.
go back to reference Wanchai A, Armer JM. Manual lymphedema drainage for reducing risk for and managing breast cancer–related lymphedema after breast surgery: a systematic review. Nurs Womens Health. 2021;25(5):377–83.PubMedCrossRef Wanchai A, Armer JM. Manual lymphedema drainage for reducing risk for and managing breast cancer–related lymphedema after breast surgery: a systematic review. Nurs Womens Health. 2021;25(5):377–83.PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Baumann FT, Reike A, Reimer V, Schumann M, Hallek M, Taaffe DR, Newton RU, Galvao DA. Effects of physical exercise on breast cancer-related secondary lymphedema: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2018;170(1):2018.CrossRef Baumann FT, Reike A, Reimer V, Schumann M, Hallek M, Taaffe DR, Newton RU, Galvao DA. Effects of physical exercise on breast cancer-related secondary lymphedema: a systematic review. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2018;170(1):2018.CrossRef
16.
go back to reference Liang M, Chen Q, Peng K, Deng L, He L, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Guo J, Mei Z, Li L. Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema in patients after breast cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine. 2020;99(49):e23192.PubMedCrossRef Liang M, Chen Q, Peng K, Deng L, He L, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Guo J, Mei Z, Li L. Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema in patients after breast cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine. 2020;99(49):e23192.PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Lin Y, Chen Y, Liu R, Cao B. Effect of exercise on rehabilitation of breast cancer surgery patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nurs Open. 2023;10(4):2030–43.PubMedCrossRef Lin Y, Chen Y, Liu R, Cao B. Effect of exercise on rehabilitation of breast cancer surgery patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nurs Open. 2023;10(4):2030–43.PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Lytvyn L, Zeraatkar D, Anbari AB, Ginex PK, Zoratti M, Niburski K, Sadeghirad B, Siedler M, Thabane L, Morgan RL. Conservative intervention strategies for adult cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2020;47(5):E171–89.PubMedCrossRef Lytvyn L, Zeraatkar D, Anbari AB, Ginex PK, Zoratti M, Niburski K, Sadeghirad B, Siedler M, Thabane L, Morgan RL. Conservative intervention strategies for adult cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2020;47(5):E171–89.PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Naik M, Nayak P, Kumar KUD. Effect of physiotherapy in the prevention and relief of secondary lymphedema in subjects with postoperative breast cancer—a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. J Clin Diagn Res. 2021;15(5):YE01–5. Naik M, Nayak P, Kumar KUD. Effect of physiotherapy in the prevention and relief of secondary lymphedema in subjects with postoperative breast cancer—a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. J Clin Diagn Res. 2021;15(5):YE01–5.
20.
go back to reference Rangon FB, da Silva J, Dibai-Filho AV, Guirro RRJ, Guirro ECO. Effects of complex physical therapy and multimodal approaches on lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;103(2):353–63.PubMedCrossRef Rangon FB, da Silva J, Dibai-Filho AV, Guirro RRJ, Guirro ECO. Effects of complex physical therapy and multimodal approaches on lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2022;103(2):353–63.PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Smile TD, Tendulkar R, Schwarz G, Arthur D, Grobmyer S, Valente S, Vicini F, Shah C. A review of treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema: paradigms for clinical practice. Am J Clin Oncol Cancer Clin Trials. 2018;41(2):178–90.CrossRef Smile TD, Tendulkar R, Schwarz G, Arthur D, Grobmyer S, Valente S, Vicini F, Shah C. A review of treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema: paradigms for clinical practice. Am J Clin Oncol Cancer Clin Trials. 2018;41(2):178–90.CrossRef
22.
go back to reference McNeely ML, Magee DJ, Lees AW, Bagnall KM, Haykowsky M, Hanson J. The addition of manual lymph drainage to compression therapy for breast cancer related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2004;86(2):95–106.PubMedCrossRef McNeely ML, Magee DJ, Lees AW, Bagnall KM, Haykowsky M, Hanson J. The addition of manual lymph drainage to compression therapy for breast cancer related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2004;86(2):95–106.PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Haghighat S, Lotfi-Tokaldany M, Yunesian M, Akbari ME, Nazemi F, Weiss J. Comparing two treatment methods for post mastectomy lymphedema: complex decongestive therapy alone and in combination with intermittent pneumatic compression. Lymphology. 2010;43(1):25–33.PubMed Haghighat S, Lotfi-Tokaldany M, Yunesian M, Akbari ME, Nazemi F, Weiss J. Comparing two treatment methods for post mastectomy lymphedema: complex decongestive therapy alone and in combination with intermittent pneumatic compression. Lymphology. 2010;43(1):25–33.PubMed
24.
go back to reference Dayes IS, Whelan TJ, Julian JA, Parpia S, Pritchard KI, D’Souza DP, Kligman L, Reise D, LeBlanc L, McNeely ML, Manchul L, Wiernikowski J, Levine MN. Randomized trial of decongestive lymphatic therapy for the treatment of lymphedema in women with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(30):3758–63.PubMedCrossRef Dayes IS, Whelan TJ, Julian JA, Parpia S, Pritchard KI, D’Souza DP, Kligman L, Reise D, LeBlanc L, McNeely ML, Manchul L, Wiernikowski J, Levine MN. Randomized trial of decongestive lymphatic therapy for the treatment of lymphedema in women with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(30):3758–63.PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Hwang JM, Hwang JH, Kim TW, Lee SY, Chang HJ, Chu IH. Long-term effects of complex decongestive therapy in breast cancer patients with arm lymphedema after axillary dissection. Ann Rehabil Med. 2013;37:690–7.PubMedCrossRef Hwang JM, Hwang JH, Kim TW, Lee SY, Chang HJ, Chu IH. Long-term effects of complex decongestive therapy in breast cancer patients with arm lymphedema after axillary dissection. Ann Rehabil Med. 2013;37:690–7.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Luz RPC, Simao Haddad CA, Rizzi SKLA, Elias S, Nazario ACP, Facina G. Complex therapy physical alone or associated with strengthening exercises in patients with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment: a controlled clinical trial. Asian Pacific J Cancer Prevent. 2018;19(5):1405–10. Luz RPC, Simao Haddad CA, Rizzi SKLA, Elias S, Nazario ACP, Facina G. Complex therapy physical alone or associated with strengthening exercises in patients with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment: a controlled clinical trial. Asian Pacific J Cancer Prevent. 2018;19(5):1405–10.
29.
go back to reference Tastaban E, Soyder A, Aydin E, Sendur OF, Turan Y, Ture M, Bilgen M. Role of intermittent pneumatic compression in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2020;34:220–8.PubMedCrossRef Tastaban E, Soyder A, Aydin E, Sendur OF, Turan Y, Ture M, Bilgen M. Role of intermittent pneumatic compression in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2020;34:220–8.PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Liao SF, Li SH, Huang HY, Chen ST, Kuo SJ, Chen DR, Wei TS. The efficacy of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Breast. 2013;22:703–6.PubMedCrossRef Liao SF, Li SH, Huang HY, Chen ST, Kuo SJ, Chen DR, Wei TS. The efficacy of complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP) in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Breast. 2013;22:703–6.PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Ridner SH, Poage-Hooper E, Kanar C, Doersam JK, Bond SM, Dietrich MS. A pilot randomized trial evaluating low level laser as an alternative treatment to manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2013;40:383–93.PubMedCrossRef Ridner SH, Poage-Hooper E, Kanar C, Doersam JK, Bond SM, Dietrich MS. A pilot randomized trial evaluating low level laser as an alternative treatment to manual lymphatic drainage for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2013;40:383–93.PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Szuba A, Achalu R, Rockson SG. Decongestive lymphatic therapy for patients with breast carcinoma-associated lymphedema. A randomized, prospective study of a role for adjunctive intermittent pneumatic compression. Cancer. 2002;95(11):2260–7.PubMedCrossRef Szuba A, Achalu R, Rockson SG. Decongestive lymphatic therapy for patients with breast carcinoma-associated lymphedema. A randomized, prospective study of a role for adjunctive intermittent pneumatic compression. Cancer. 2002;95(11):2260–7.PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Gradalski T, Ochalek K, Kurpiewska J. Complex decongestive lymphatic therapy with or without vodder II manual lymph drainage in more severe chronic postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema: a randomized noninferiority prospective study. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2015;50:750–7.PubMedCrossRef Gradalski T, Ochalek K, Kurpiewska J. Complex decongestive lymphatic therapy with or without vodder II manual lymph drainage in more severe chronic postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema: a randomized noninferiority prospective study. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2015;50:750–7.PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Ergin G, Şahinoğlu E, Karadibak D, Yavuzşen T. Effectiveness of kinesio taping on anastomotic regions in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled pilot study. Lymphat Res Biol. 2019;17(6):655–60.PubMedCrossRef Ergin G, Şahinoğlu E, Karadibak D, Yavuzşen T. Effectiveness of kinesio taping on anastomotic regions in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled pilot study. Lymphat Res Biol. 2019;17(6):655–60.PubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Sen EI, Arman S, Zure M, Yavuz H, Sindel D, Oral A. Manual lymphatic drainage may not have an additional effect on the intensive phase of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Lymphatic Res Biol. 2021;19(2):141–50.CrossRef Sen EI, Arman S, Zure M, Yavuz H, Sindel D, Oral A. Manual lymphatic drainage may not have an additional effect on the intensive phase of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Lymphatic Res Biol. 2021;19(2):141–50.CrossRef
36.
go back to reference Odebiyi DO, Aborowa AT, Sokunbi OG, Aweto HA, Ajekigbe AT. Effects of exercise and oedema massage on fatigue level and quality of life of female breast cancer patients. Eur J Physiother. 2014;16(4):238–45.CrossRef Odebiyi DO, Aborowa AT, Sokunbi OG, Aweto HA, Ajekigbe AT. Effects of exercise and oedema massage on fatigue level and quality of life of female breast cancer patients. Eur J Physiother. 2014;16(4):238–45.CrossRef
37.
go back to reference Andersen L, Hojris I, Erlandsen M, Andersen J. Treatment of breast-cancer-related lymphedema with or without manual lymphatic drainage: a randomized study. Acta Oncol. 2000;39(3):399–405.PubMedCrossRef Andersen L, Hojris I, Erlandsen M, Andersen J. Treatment of breast-cancer-related lymphedema with or without manual lymphatic drainage: a randomized study. Acta Oncol. 2000;39(3):399–405.PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Cho Y, Do J, Jung S, Kwon O, Jeon JY. Effects of a physical therapy program combined with manual lymphatic drainage on shoulder function, quality of life, lymphedema incidence, and pain in breast cancer patients with axillary web syndrome following axillary dissection. Support Care Cancer. 2016;24:2047–57.PubMedCrossRef Cho Y, Do J, Jung S, Kwon O, Jeon JY. Effects of a physical therapy program combined with manual lymphatic drainage on shoulder function, quality of life, lymphedema incidence, and pain in breast cancer patients with axillary web syndrome following axillary dissection. Support Care Cancer. 2016;24:2047–57.PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference Gol MK, Aghamohamadi D. Effect of massage therapy with and without elastic bandaging on pain, edema, and shoulder dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy: a clinical trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci. 2020;8:73–8. Gol MK, Aghamohamadi D. Effect of massage therapy with and without elastic bandaging on pain, edema, and shoulder dysfunction after modified radical mastectomy: a clinical trial. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci. 2020;8:73–8.
40.
go back to reference Williams AF, Vadgama A, Franks PJ, Mortimer PS. A randomized controlled crossover study of manual lymphatic drainage therapy in women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2002;11(4):254–61.PubMedCrossRef Williams AF, Vadgama A, Franks PJ, Mortimer PS. A randomized controlled crossover study of manual lymphatic drainage therapy in women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2002;11(4):254–61.PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Loudon A, Barnett T, Piller N, Immink MA, Visentin D, Williams AD. The effects of yoga on shoulder and spinal actions for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema of the arm: a randomised controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16(1):343.PubMedCrossRef Loudon A, Barnett T, Piller N, Immink MA, Visentin D, Williams AD. The effects of yoga on shoulder and spinal actions for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema of the arm: a randomised controlled pilot study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016;16(1):343.PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Pasyar N, Barshan Tashnizi N, Mansouri P, Tahmasebi S. Effect of yoga exercise on the quality of life and upper extremity volume among women with breast cancer related lymphedema: a pilot study. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2019;42:103–9.PubMedCrossRef Pasyar N, Barshan Tashnizi N, Mansouri P, Tahmasebi S. Effect of yoga exercise on the quality of life and upper extremity volume among women with breast cancer related lymphedema: a pilot study. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2019;42:103–9.PubMedCrossRef
43.
go back to reference McClure MK, McClure RJ, Day R, Brufsky AM. Randomized controlled trial of the breast cancer recovery program for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Am J Occup Ther. 2010;64(1):59–72.PubMedCrossRef McClure MK, McClure RJ, Day R, Brufsky AM. Randomized controlled trial of the breast cancer recovery program for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Am J Occup Ther. 2010;64(1):59–72.PubMedCrossRef
49.
go back to reference Baran E, Özçakar L, Özgül S, Aksoy S, Akbayrak T. Upper limb sensory evaluations and ultrasonographic skin measurements in breast cancer-related lymphedema receiving complex decongestive physiotherapy. Support Care Cancer. 2021;29(11):6545–53.PubMedCrossRef Baran E, Özçakar L, Özgül S, Aksoy S, Akbayrak T. Upper limb sensory evaluations and ultrasonographic skin measurements in breast cancer-related lymphedema receiving complex decongestive physiotherapy. Support Care Cancer. 2021;29(11):6545–53.PubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Borman P, Yaman A, Yasrebi S, Pınar İnanlı A, Arıkan DA. Combined complete decongestive therapy reduces volume and improves quality of life and functional status in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Clin Breast Cancer. 2022;22(3):e270–7.PubMedCrossRef Borman P, Yaman A, Yasrebi S, Pınar İnanlı A, Arıkan DA. Combined complete decongestive therapy reduces volume and improves quality of life and functional status in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Clin Breast Cancer. 2022;22(3):e270–7.PubMedCrossRef
51.
go back to reference Bilek F, Deniz G, Gulkesen A. The effect of complex decongestive therapy on spatio-temporal parameters and balance in women with breast cancer-related upper extremity unilateral lymphedema. Clin Biomech. 2023;102:105890.CrossRef Bilek F, Deniz G, Gulkesen A. The effect of complex decongestive therapy on spatio-temporal parameters and balance in women with breast cancer-related upper extremity unilateral lymphedema. Clin Biomech. 2023;102:105890.CrossRef
52.
go back to reference Corum M, Basoglu C, Korkmaz MD, Yildirim MA, Ones K. Effectiveness of combined complex decongestive therapy and resistance exercises in the treatment of lymphedema associated with breast cancer and the effect of pain on treatment response. Lymphat Res Biol. 2021;19(4):383–90.PubMedCrossRef Corum M, Basoglu C, Korkmaz MD, Yildirim MA, Ones K. Effectiveness of combined complex decongestive therapy and resistance exercises in the treatment of lymphedema associated with breast cancer and the effect of pain on treatment response. Lymphat Res Biol. 2021;19(4):383–90.PubMedCrossRef
53.
go back to reference Kostanoglu A, Tarakci E. Physical therapy enhances functions and quality of life in older patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a prospective experimental study. Niger J Clin Pract. 2021;24(3):387–92.PubMedCrossRef Kostanoglu A, Tarakci E. Physical therapy enhances functions and quality of life in older patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a prospective experimental study. Niger J Clin Pract. 2021;24(3):387–92.PubMedCrossRef
54.
go back to reference Yeşil H, Eyigör S, İnbat M, Bulut F. The effects of complex decongestive therapy on kinesthetic sense of hands, upper extremity function, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021;67(2):211–7.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef Yeşil H, Eyigör S, İnbat M, Bulut F. The effects of complex decongestive therapy on kinesthetic sense of hands, upper extremity function, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021;67(2):211–7.PubMedPubMedCentralCrossRef
55.
go back to reference Devoogdt N, Thomis S, De Groef A, Heroes AK, Nevelsteen I, Gebruers N, Tjalma WAA, Belgrado JP, Monten C, Hanssens M, De Vrieze T. The effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymph drainage as part of decongestive lymphatic therapy on the superficial lymphatic architecture in patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomised controlled trial. Cancers. 2023;15:1545. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15051545.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Devoogdt N, Thomis S, De Groef A, Heroes AK, Nevelsteen I, Gebruers N, Tjalma WAA, Belgrado JP, Monten C, Hanssens M, De Vrieze T. The effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymph drainage as part of decongestive lymphatic therapy on the superficial lymphatic architecture in patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: a randomised controlled trial. Cancers. 2023;15:1545. https://​doi.​org/​10.​3390/​cancers15051545.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
56.
go back to reference De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Thomis S, De Groef A, Tjalma WAA, Belgrado JP, Vandermeeren L, Monten C, Hanssens M, Asnong A, Dams L, Van der Gucht E, Heroes AK, Devoogdt N. Does manual lymphatic drainage add value in reducing arm volume in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema? Phys Ther. 2022;102:1–14.CrossRef De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Thomis S, De Groef A, Tjalma WAA, Belgrado JP, Vandermeeren L, Monten C, Hanssens M, Asnong A, Dams L, Van der Gucht E, Heroes AK, Devoogdt N. Does manual lymphatic drainage add value in reducing arm volume in patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema? Phys Ther. 2022;102:1–14.CrossRef
57.
go back to reference De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Fieuws S, Thomis S, De Groef A, Tjalma WA, Belgrado JP, Vandermeeren L, Monten C, Hanssens M, Devoogdt N. Manual lymphatic drainage with or without fluoroscopy guidance did not substantially improve the effect of decongestive lymphatic therapy in people with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (EFforT-BCRL trial): a multicentre randomised trial. J Physiother. 2022;68(2):110–22.PubMedCrossRef De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Fieuws S, Thomis S, De Groef A, Tjalma WA, Belgrado JP, Vandermeeren L, Monten C, Hanssens M, Devoogdt N. Manual lymphatic drainage with or without fluoroscopy guidance did not substantially improve the effect of decongestive lymphatic therapy in people with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (EFforT-BCRL trial): a multicentre randomised trial. J Physiother. 2022;68(2):110–22.PubMedCrossRef
58.
go back to reference Sen EI, Arman S, Zure M, Yavuz H, Sindel D, Oral A. Manual lymphatic drainage may not have an additional effect on the intensive phase of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Lymphat Res Biol. 2021;19(2):141–50.PubMedCrossRef Sen EI, Arman S, Zure M, Yavuz H, Sindel D, Oral A. Manual lymphatic drainage may not have an additional effect on the intensive phase of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Lymphat Res Biol. 2021;19(2):141–50.PubMedCrossRef
59.
go back to reference Zabojszcz MM, Opuchlik M, Opuchlik A, Wloch A, Ridan T. Influence of complex physical therapy on physical fitness and balance in women after unilateral mastectomy due to cancer treatment. Rehabil Med. 2022;26(4):28–35. Zabojszcz MM, Opuchlik M, Opuchlik A, Wloch A, Ridan T. Influence of complex physical therapy on physical fitness and balance in women after unilateral mastectomy due to cancer treatment. Rehabil Med. 2022;26(4):28–35.
60.
go back to reference Davies C, Ryans K, Levenhagen K, Perdomo M. Breast Cancer EDGE Task Force outcomes: quality of life and functional outcome measures for secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Rehabil Oncol. 2014;32(1):7–12.CrossRef Davies C, Ryans K, Levenhagen K, Perdomo M. Breast Cancer EDGE Task Force outcomes: quality of life and functional outcome measures for secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors. Rehabil Oncol. 2014;32(1):7–12.CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Effectiveness of complete decongestive therapy for upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema: a review of systematic reviews
Authors
Laura Gilchrist
Kim Levenhagen
Claire C. Davies
Linda Koehler
Publication date
01-11-2024
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Medical Oncology / Issue 11/2024
Print ISSN: 1357-0560
Electronic ISSN: 1559-131X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-024-02421-6

Other articles of this Issue 11/2024

Medical Oncology 11/2024 Go to the issue

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

  • Live
  • Webinar | 29-01-2025 | 18:00 (CET)

Live: Wednesday 29th January, 18:00-19:30 CET

Growing numbers of young people are using e-cigarettes, despite warnings of respiratory effects and addiction. How can doctors tackle the epidemic, and what health effects should you prepare to manage in your clinics?

Prof. Ann McNeill
Dr. Debbie Robson
Benji Horwell
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Join the webinar

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on modern management of frailty

Frailty has a significant impact on health and wellbeing, especially in older adults. Our experts explain the factors that contribute to the development of frailty and how you can manage the condition and reduce the risk of disability, dependency, and mortality in your patients.

Prof. Alfonso Cruz-Jentoft
Prof. Barbara C. van Munster
Prof. Mirko Petrovic
Developed by: Springer Medicine
Watch now

A quick guide to ECGs

Improve your ECG interpretation skills with this comprehensive, rapid, interactive course. Expert advice provides detailed feedback as you work through 50 ECGs covering the most common cardiac presentations to ensure your practice stays up to date. 

PD Dr. Carsten W. Israel
Developed by: Springer Medizin
Start the cases

At a glance: The STEP trials

A round-up of the STEP phase 3 clinical trials evaluating semaglutide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity.

Developed by: Springer Medicine
Read more