Hot of the Press February 2021
We have collated some great articles and material published over the last month. Click on the links below to read the abstract or download the full paper.
Anatomy / Physiology /Pathophysiology
Anatomy and physiology of the sentinel lymph nodes of the upper extremity: Implications for axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer- click for abstract
Anatomy and physiology of the sentinel lymph nodes of the upper extremity: Implications for axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer
BACKGROUND: This study characterizes the physiological drainage of the normal upper extremity using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy axillary reverse lymphatic mapping (ARM).
METHODS: A consecutive series of patients assessed with SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy ARM of the upper extremity were included. Anatomical localization of the axillary sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) was completed in normal axillae in relation to consistent anatomic landmarks. Retrospective case note analysis was performed to collect patient demographic data.
RESULTS: A total of 169 patients underwent SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy, and imaging of 182 normal axillae was obtained. All patients (100%) had an axillary SLN identified: 19% had a single contrast-enhanced SLN in the axilla and the remainder had multiple. The SLN(s) of the upper extremity was located in the upper outer quadrant (UOQ) of the axilla in 97% of cases (177 axillae). When the SLN(s) was found in the UOQ of the axilla, second-tier lymph nodes were found predominantly in the upper inner quadrant (50% of cases).
CONCLUSIONS: The upper extremity SLN(s) is located in a constant region of the axilla. This study provides the most complete investigation to date and results can be directly applied clinically to ARM techniques and adjuvant radiation planning
Skin lymphatic system in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension - review and critique - click for abstract
Skin lymphatic system in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension – review and critique
Although numerous studies have confirmed the relationship between high salt intake and elevated blood pressure, the exact molecular mechanisms of this relationship are still unclear. There is growing evidence that skin interstitium, as well as the skin lymphatic system, are important regulators of both sodium (Na+) balance and blood pressure. Skin is in itself a large reservoir of Na+ ions which are stored in an osmotically inactive form on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Local hypertonicity due to extensive accumulation of Na+ within the skin as a result of a high-salt diet was demonstrated to induce macrophages to express a transcription factor termed tonicityresponsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) and subsequently to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), activating lymphangiogenesis within the skin. This regulatory axis seems to be adaptive in maintaining blood pressure in high salt-load states. Recent studies have added new insights into the functioning of lymphatic vessels and the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension as well as questioned the classic view of Na+ homeostasis. This review aims to summarize recent findings pertaining to the involvement of the skin lymphatic system in Na+ and blood pressure regulation.
Genetic Determinants of the Effects of Training on Muscle and Adipose Tissue Homeostasis in Obesity Associated with Lymphedema - click for abstract
Genetic Determinants of the Effects of Training on Muscle and Adipose Tissue Homeostasis in Obesity Associated with Lymphedema
It is widely accepted that metabolic changes associated with training are influenced by a person’s genetic background. In this review, we explore the polymorphisms underlying interindividual variability in response to training of weight loss and muscle mass increase in obese individuals, with or without lymphedema, and in normal-weight subjects. We searched PubMed for articles in English published up to May 2019 using the following keywords: (((physical training[Title/] OR sport activity[Title/]) AND predisposition[Title/]) AND polymorphism [Title/]). We identified 38 single-nucleotide polymorphisms that may modulate the genetic adaptive response to training. The identification of genetic marker(s) that improve the beneficial effects of training may in perspective make it possible to assess training programs, which in combination with dietary intervention can optimize body weight reduction in obese subjects, with or without lymphedema. This is particularly important for patients with lymphedema because obesity can worsen the clinical status, and therefore, a personalized approach that could reduce obesity would be fundamental in the clinical management of lymphedema
Breast Lymphedema After Conservative Breast Surgery: An Up-to-date Systematic Review - click for abstract
Breast Lymphedema After Conservative Breast Surgery: An Up-to-date Systematic Review
Although arm lymphedema following breast cancer treatment is a common complication; breast lymphedema following treatment is not uncommon. Several risk factors were found to contribute to breast lymphedema, including axillary surgery, high body mass index (BMI), increased bra cup size, adjuvant chemotherapy, locoregional and radiotherapy boost, and upper outer quadrant tumors. We aimed to provide a review to help avoiding or management of breast lymphedema. The search term ‘breast lymphedema’ was combined with ‘breast conservative surgery’ and was used to conduct a literature research in PubMed and Medline. The term lymphedema was combined with breast, conservative, and surgery to search the Embase database. All papers published in English were included with no exclusion date limits. A total of 2155 female patients were included in this review; age ranged from 26 to 90 years. The mean BMI was 28.4 of the studies that included patients who underwent conservative breast surgery. Incidence of breast lymphedema ranged from 24.8% to 90.4%. Several risk factors were linked to breast lymphedema after conservative breast surgery, such as BMI, breast size, tumor size, tumor site, type of surgery, and adjuvant therapy. Treatment options focused on decongestive lymphatic therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage, self-massaging, compression bras, or Kinesio taping. Breast lymphedema is a relatively common complication, yet there is no clear consensus on the definition or treatment options.
Current Overview of Obesity-Induced Lymphedema - click for abstract
Current Overview of Obesity-Induced Lymphedema
Significance: Obesity affects one-third of the U.S. population and lymphedema is a chronic disorder without a cure. The relationship between obesity and lymphedema has important implications for public health.
Recent Advances: Extreme obesity can cause lower extremity lymphedema, termed “obesity-induced lymphedema (OIL).” OIL is a form of secondary lymphedema that may occur once an individual’s body mass index (BMI) exceeds 40. The risk of lymphatic dysfunction increases with elevated BMI and is almost universal once BMI exceeds 60. Patients with OIL also may develop areas of massive localized lymphedema (MLL).
Critical Issues: Individuals with OIL are in an unfavorable cycle of weight gain and lymphatic injury. As BMI increases lymphedema worsens, ambulation becomes more difficult, and BMI further rises. The fundamental treatment for OIL is weight loss. Resection of areas of MLL and lower extremity volume reduction are performed when the BMI is lowered to <40 to reduce complications and recurrence. Future Directions: The mechanisms by which obesity causes lymphedema are still being elucidated. Although lymphatic function can improve following weight loss, it is unclear whether lymphedema may be completely reversed
Development and Physiological Functions of the Lymphatic System - Insights from Genetic Studies of Lymphedema - click for abstract
Development and Physiological Functions of the Lymphatic System – Insights from Genetic Studies of Lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is a long-term (chronic) condition characterized by tissue lymph retention and swelling that can affect any part of the body, although it usually develops in the arms or legs. Due to the relevant contribution of the lymphatic system to human physiology, while this review mainly focusses on the clinical and physiological aspects related to the regulation of fluid homeostasis and edema, clinicians need to know that the impact of lymphatic dysfunction with a genetic origin can be wide ranging. Lymphatic gene dysfunction can affect immune function so leading to infection; it can influence cancer development and spread; and it can determine fat transport so impacting on nutrition and obesity. Genetic studies and the development of imaging techniques for the assessment of lymphatic function have enabled the recognition of primary lymphedema as a heterogenic condition in terms of genetic causes and disease mechanisms. In this review, the known biological function of several genes crucial to the development and function of the lymphatic system are used as a basis for understanding normal lymphatic biology. The disease conditions originating from mutations in these genes are discussed together with a detailed clinical description of the phenotype and the up-to-date knowledge in terms of disease mechanisms acquired from in vitro and in vivo research models.
Lymphatic and Mixed Malformations - click for abstract
Lymphatic and Mixed Malformations
Lymphatic and mixed malformations are rare and variable in presentation. They arise due to errors in vascular and lymphatic formation during early embryonic development. This leads to persistent infiltration of lymph fluid into soft tissues and causes a locally invasive mass with pathologic sequelae. Departing from historically descriptive terminology, such as “cystic hygroma,” lymphatic malformations are now categorized as macrocystic, microcystic, or mixed lesions, based on size. Advances in imaging modalities, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, have made accurate characterization of these lesions possible and ultimately allow for early diagnosis and implementation of appropriate treatment based on the morphology of the lymphatic malformation. Management of lymphatic malformations can be quite challenging, and a multidisciplinary approach is most effective for optimum aesthetic and functional outcomes. New discoveries in the molecular biology of lymphatic malformations have provided treatment targets and established a role for pharmacotherapy. Sclerotherapy, laser, and radiofrequency ablation have all proven to be effective as minimally invasive treatment options for lymphatic malformations. Surgical intervention has a role in the treatment of focal lesions recalcitrant to these less invasive techniques. Operative planning is dictated by clinical goals, size, anatomic location, characteristics, and extent of infiltration.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Shoulder arthroplasty in patients with upper extremity lymphedema may result in transient or permanent lymphedema worsening - click for abstract
Shoulder arthroplasty in patients with upper extremity lymphedema may result in transient or permanent lymphedema worsening
INTRODUCTION: Upper extremity lymphedema can complicate mastectomy, lymph node dissection, and radiation. The purpose of this study is to present the outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty in patients with lymphedema.
METHODS: The 19 shoulders with a shoulder arthroplasty and lymphedema on the surgical side (6 anatomic, 12 reverse, 1 hemiarthroplasty) were followed for four years (1-10 years). There were 2 males and 17 females; average age was 67.8 (48-86) years. Breast carcinoma was the most common reason for lymphedema (75%). A dedicated lymphedema questionnaire could be completed for 14 shoulders.
RESULTS: Pain improved from moderate or severe preoperatively to no or mild in 18 shoulders. Motion improved in elevation (55° preoperatively, 107° at last follow-up), external rotation (14°, 43°), and internal rotation (sacrum, L5). Complications included an acromion stress fracture with a deep infection (1), deep infection (1), superficial infection (1), and glenoid loosening (1). Lymphedema worsened in nine cases, but worsening was permanent in only four. Currently, lymphedema treatment is being performed by 93% of survey respondents. No patients reported lymphangitis or lymphangiosarcoma.
CONCLUSION: Shoulder arthroplasty for an upper extremity with lymphedema provides substantial improvements in pain and motion; however, infection is a concerning complication. Fifty percent of the patients will experience worsening of their lymphedema and in 20% worsening may be permanent.
Risk Factors for Lymphedema After Breast Conservation Therapy and Oncoplastic Reduction - click for abstract
Risk Factors for Lymphedema After Breast Conservation Therapy and Oncoplastic Reduction
BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a known complication after the surgical management of breast cancer, yet the incidence is poorly defined after breast conserving therapy and oncoplastic reduction. The primary aim of this study was to define lymphedema incidence in this population. Furthermore, we sought to correlate demographic factors, surgical approach, and complementary treatment modalities with incidence.
METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on patients who underwent breast conserving therapy at our institution from 2012 to 2015 with greater than 1 year of follow-up. Patients were excluded if they underwent breast surgery before treatment, completion mastectomy, delayed breast reconstruction, or delayed breast reduction.
RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-four patients met study criteria with a 11% lymphedema rate. Patients developing lymphedema had higher preoperative body mass index (P = 0.02), larger breast mass resection volume (P < 0.01), higher rate of axillary dissection (P < 0.01), increased rate of adjuvant whole-breast radiation (P = 0.03), supraclavicular radiation (P < 0.01), axillary radiation (P < 0.01), and neoadjuvant medical therapy (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed breast specimen mass, axillary radiation, and neoadjuvant medical therapy, which were associated with lymphedema (P < 0.05). There was no difference in lymphedema incidence between partial mastectomy and oncoplastic reduction cohorts with independent multivariate analyses for each showing axillary radiation and neoadjuvant medical therapy were significantly associated with lymphedema (P < 0.05), although breast specimen mass was not. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative body mass index, radiation, axillary dissection, and neoadjuvant medical therapy are associated with an increased risk of lymphedema after breast conserving surgery. Oncoplastic reconstruction is not a risk factor for lymphedema.
Cellulitis in chronic oedema of the lower leg: an international cross-sectional study - click for abstract
Cellulitis in chronic oedema of the lower leg: an international cross-sectional study
BACKGROUND: Cellulitis and chronic oedema are common conditions with considerable morbidity. The number of studies designed to assess the epidemiology of cellulitis in chronic oedema are scarce.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of cellulitis in chronic leg oedema, including lymphoedema.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study, including 40 sites in nine countries, 2014-2017. Adults with clinically proven unilateral or bilateral chronic oedema (oedema >3 months) of the lower leg were included. The main outcome measures were frequency and risk factors for cellulitis within the last 12 months.
RESULTS: Out of 7477 patients, 15⋅78% had cellulitis within the last 12 months, with a life-time prevalence of 37⋅47%. The following risk factors for cellulitis were identified by multivariable analysis: wounds [odds ratio (OR) 2⋅37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2⋅03-2⋅78], morbid obesity (OR 1⋅51, CI 95% 1⋅27-1⋅80), obesity (OR 1⋅21, CI 95% 1⋅03-1⋅41), midline swelling (OR 1⋅32, CI 95% 1⋅04-1⋅66), male sex (OR 1⋅32, CI 95% 1⋅15-1⋅52) and diabetes (OR 1⋅27, CI 95% 1⋅08-1⋅49). Controlled swelling was associated with a reduced risk (OR 0⋅59, CI 95% 0⋅51-0⋅67). In a subgroup analysis, the risk increased with the stage of oedema [International Society of Lymphology (ISL), stage II OR 2⋅04, CI 95% 1⋅23-3⋅38, and stage III OR 4⋅88, CI 95% 2⋅77-8⋅56].
CONCLUSIONS: Cellulitis in chronic leg oedema is a global problem. Several risk factors for cellulitis were identified, of which some are potentially preventable. Our findings suggest that oedema control, is one of these. We also identified that advanced stages of oedema, with hard/fibrotic tissue, might be an important clinical indicator to identify patients at particular risk
Age as a risk factor for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review - click for abstract
Age as a risk factor for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review
PURPOSE: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) has been widely reported in the medical literature. Various patient characteristics, including age, have been investigated as possible risk factors for this disease entity, but the existence and direction of the cause-and-effect relationship are still unclear. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the effect of age on development of BRCL.
METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for relevant articles, which were found to be published between 1974 and 2020.
RESULTS: Twenty-six studies involving 19,396 patients were selected. The average age of patients was 54.9. 26 studies were included in the final analysis, and 13 articles reported no association between age and BCRL development.
CONCLUSIONS: Though studies presented different findings, the majority did not identify age as a risk factor for development of lymphedema. However, the level of evidence of individual studies was low. In this article, we call attention to the need for uniform design of lymphedema studies and diagnosis.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: All patients should be informed and screened regularly for lymphedema during and after the treatment independent of their age
Assessment
An Approach Toward Assessing Head-and-Neck Lymphedema Using Tissue Dielectric Constant Ratios: Method and Normal Reference Values - click for abstract
An Approach Toward Assessing Head-and-Neck Lymphedema Using Tissue Dielectric Constant Ratios: Method and Normal Reference Values
Significance: Primary lymphedema is a chronic condition without a cure. The lower extremities are more commonly affected than the arms or genitalia. The disease can be syndromic. Morbidity includes decreased self-esteem, infections, and reduced function of the area.
Recent Advances: Several mutations can cause lymphedema, and new variants continue to be elucidated. A critical determinant that predicts the natural history and morbidity of lymphedema is the patient’s body mass index (BMI). Individuals who maintain an active lifestyle with a normal BMI generally have less severe disease compared to subjects who are obese. Because other causes of lower extremity enlargement can be confused with lymphedema, definitive diagnosis requires lymphoscintigraphy.
Critical Issues: Most patients with primary lymphedema are satisfactorily managed with compression regimens, exercise, and maintenance of a normal body weight. Suction-assisted lipectomy is our preferred operative intervention for symptomatic patients who have failed conservative therapy. Suction-assisted lipectomy effectively removes excess subcutaneous fibro-adipose tissue and can improve underlying lymphatic function.
Future Directions: Many patients with primary lymphedema do not have an identifiable mutation and thus novel variants will be identified. The mechanisms by which mutations cause lymphedema continue to be studied. In the future, drug therapy for the disease may be developed.PMID:33502936 | DOI:10.1089/wound
Is bioimpedance spectroscopy a useful tool for objectively assessing lymphovenous bypass surgical outcomes in breast cancer-related lymphedema? - click for abstract
Is bioimpedance spectroscopy a useful tool for objectively assessing lymphovenous bypass surgical outcomes in breast cancer-related lymphedema?
PURPOSE: We sought to determine if bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measurements can accurately assess changes in breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in patients undergoing lymphovenous bypass (LVB).
METHODS: Patients undergoing LVB for BCRL refractory to conservative treatment from 1/2015 to 12/2018 were identified from an IRB-approved prospectively maintained database at a single institution. All breast cancer patients were assessed with baseline BIS measurements prior to any oncologic surgery and serial BIS during follow-up office visits including before and after LVB. Clinicopathologic information, LVB operative details, and pre- and post-LVB operative BIS measurements were collected. Analysis focused on clinically significant BIS change, defined as two standard deviations (SD), and comparing LVB anastomosis to BIS changes.
RESULTS: During the study timeframe, nine patients underwent LVB for treatment of BCRL. The majority (78%) received radiation, taxane chemotherapy, and underwent axillary dissection. An average of 5.6 LVB anastomoses were performed per patient. The average change in BIS following LVB was a 3SD reduction, indicating a clinically significant change. This improvement was stable over time, with persistent 2SD reduction at 22 months postoperatively. The number of LVB anastomoses performed did not significantly correlate with the degree of BIS change.
CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to utilize BIS measurements to assess response to LVB surgical intervention for BCRL. BIS measurements demonstrated clinically significant improvement after LVB, providing objective evidence in support of this surgical treatment for BCRL. BIS changes should be reported as key objective data in future studies assessing BCRL interventions, including response to LVB.
Compression Pressure Variability in Upper Limb Multilayer Bandaging Applied by Lymphedema Therapists - click for abstract
Compression Pressure Variability in Upper Limb Multilayer Bandaging Applied by Lymphedema Therapists
The Clinical Usefulness of Lymphedema Measurement Technique Using Ultrasound - click for abstract
The Clinical Usefulness of Lymphedema Measurement Technique Using Ultrasound
Self-reported questionnaires for lymphoedema: a systematic review of measurement properties using COSMIN framework - click for abstract
Self-reported questionnaires for lymphoedema: a systematic review of measurement properties using COSMIN framework
Diagnosis of Lymphatic Dysfunction by Evaluation of Lymphatic Degeneration with Lymphatic Ultrasound - click for abstract
Diagnosis of Lymphatic Dysfunction by Evaluation of Lymphatic Degeneration with Lymphatic Ultrasound
Management Strategies
The Effects of Complete Decongestive Therapy or Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy or Exercise Only in the Treatment of Severe Lipedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial - click for abstract
The Effects of Complete Decongestive Therapy or Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy or Exercise Only in the Treatment of Severe Lipedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Lymphat Res Biol. 2020 Dec 9
Lack of diagnostic awareness of lipedema and frequent confusion with obesity or lymphedema may be an obstacle for treatment. The clinical effects of conservative treatment methods are not clearly known. This study investigated the effects of exercise-based rehabilitation combined with complete decongestive therapy (CDT) or intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPCT) or alone in patients with severe lipedema. Methods: Thirty-three women with severe (type 3, stage III or IV) lipedema diagnosed according to the revised-Wold criteria were randomized into three groups: Group 1 (CDT plus exercises), Group 2 (IPCT plus exercises), and Group 3 (control-exercises alone). All groups received 30 sessions of combined (aerobic, strengthening, and stretching) exercise program. In addition, there were CDT in Group 1 and IPCT in Group 2 five times a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the limb volume measurements. The secondary outcome measures were anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio), 6-minute walk test, visual analog scale for pain, fatigue severity scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). Results: Thirty-one participants completed the interventions. Limb volumes (p = 0.017, ηp2 = 0.562 for right; p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.775 for left), pain (p = 0.045, ηp2 = 0.199), and physical functioning subscore of SF-36 (p = 0.040, ηp2 = 0.465) differed significantly between treatments originating from Group 1. Conclusions: All programs improved outcome measurements after the intervention. However, when the difference between treatments was investigated, CDT administered in addition to the exercises has been shown to provide significant improvements in reducing limb volumes, pain, and physical function. [/av_toggle] [/av_toggle_container] [av_hr class='invisible' height='50' shadow='no-shadow' position='center' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_border_color='' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' icon_select='yes' custom_icon_color='' icon='ue808' font='entypo-fontello'] [av_toggle_container initial='0' mode='accordion' sort='' styling='' colors='' font_color='' background_color='' border_color=''] [av_toggle title='The exercise in all chemotherapy trial - click for abstract' tags=''] The exercise in all chemotherapy trial
BACKGROUND: Multiple international organizations have called for exercise to become standard practice in the setting of oncology care. The feasibility of integrating exercise within systemic chemotherapy has not been investigated.
METHODS: Patients slated to receive infusion therapy between April 2017 and October 2018 were screened for possible inclusion. The study goal was to establish the acceptability and feasibility of embedding an exercise professional into the chemotherapy infusion suite as a method of making exercise a standard part of cancer care. The exercise prescriptions provided to patients were individualized according to results of brief baseline functional testing.
RESULTS: In all, 544 patients were screened, and their respective treating oncologists deemed 83% of them to be medically eligible to participate. After further eligibility screening, 226 patients were approached. Nearly 71% of these patients (n = 160) accepted the invitation to participate in the Exercise in All Chemotherapy trial. Feasibility was established because 71%, 55%, 69%, and 63% of the aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises prescribed to patients were completed. Qualitative data also supported the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention from the perspective of patients and clinicians. The per-patient cost of the intervention was $190.68 to $382.40.
CONCLUSIONS: Embedding an exercise professional into the chemotherapy infusion suite is an acceptable and feasible approach to making exercise standard practice. Moreover, the cost of the intervention is lower than the cost of other common community programs. Future studies should test whether colocating an exercise professional with infusion therapy could reach more patients in comparison with not colocating.
LAY SUMMARY: Few studies have tested the implementation of exercise for patients with cancer by embedding an exercise professional directly into the chemotherapy infusion suite. The Exercise in All Chemotherapy trial shows that this approach is both acceptable and feasible from the perspective of clinicians and patients.
Addition of Lymphatic Stimulating Self-Care Practices Reduces Acute Attacks among People Affected by Moderate and Severe Lower-Limb Lymphedema in Ethiopia, a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Physical therapy affects endothelial function in lymphedema patients. - click for abstract
Physical therapy affects endothelial function in lymphedema patients.
Lymphedema arises due to a malfunction of the lymphatic system and can lead to massive tissue swelling. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT), consisting of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression bandaging, is aimed at mobilizing fluid and reducing volume in affected extremities. Lymphatic dysfunction has previously been associated with chronic inflammation processes. We investigated plasma ADMA as an indicator of endothelial function/inflammation before-, during- and after-CDT. Also assessed were vascular function parameters such as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWVcf), flow-mediated dilata-tion (FMD) and retinal microvasculature analysis. 13 patients (3 males and 10 females, 57 ± 8 years old (mean ± SD), 167.2 ± 8.3 cm height, 91.0 ± 23.5 kg weight), with lower limb lymphedema were included. Vascular function parameters were assessed on day 1, 2, 7, 14 and 21 of CDT, pre- and post-MLD. ADMA was significantly lower post-MLD (p=0.0064) and tended to reduce over three weeks of therapy (p=0.0506). PWVcf weakly correlated with FMD (r=0.361, p=0.010). PWVcf, FMD and retinal microvasculature analysis did not show changes due to physical therapy. The novel results from this study indicate that lymphedema does not affect endothelial func-tion and lymphedema patients may therefore not have a higher risk of cardiovas-cular diseases. Our results further suggest that manual lymphatic drainage with or without full CDT could have potentially beneficial effects on endothelial function in lymphedema patients (by reducing ADMA levels), which has not been reported previously.
Medical compression therapy of the extremities with medical compression stockings (MCS), phlebological compression bandages (PCB), and medical adaptive compression systems (MAC)
Effects of football fitness training on lymphedema and upper-extremity function in women after treatment for breast cancer: a randomized trial- click for abstract
Effects of football fitness training on lymphedema and upper-extremity function in women after treatment for breast cancer: a randomized trial
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors are encouraged to be physically active. A recent review suggests that football training is an effective exercise modality for women across the lifespan, positively influencing health variables such as strength, fitness and social well-being. However, football is a contact sport, potentially posing an increased risk of trauma-related injury. Against this backdrop, breast cancer survivors are advised to avoid trauma or injury to the affected or at-risk arm in order to protect against lymphedema onset or exacerbation. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the feasibility and safety of Football Fitness training in relation to lymphedema and upper-extremity function after treatment for breast cancer.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight women aged 18-75 years, who had received surgery for stage I-III breast cancer and completed (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy within five years, were randomized (2:1) to a Football Fitness group (FFG, n = 46) or a control group (CON, n = 22) for twelve months. Secondary analyses using linear mixed models were performed to assess changes in upper-body morbidity, specifically arm lymphedema (inter-arm volume % difference, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; extracellular fluid (L-Dex), bioimpedance spectroscopy), self-reported breast and arm symptoms (EORTC breast cancer-specific questionnaire (BR23) and upper-extremity function (DASH questionnaire) at baseline, six- and twelve-month follow-up.
RESULTS: We observed similar point prevalent cases of lymphedema between groups at all time points, irrespective of measurement method. At the six-month post-baseline assessment, reductions in L-Dex (extracellular fluid) were found in FFG versus CON. These significant findings were not maintained at the twelve-month assessment. No difference between groups was observed for inter-limb volume difference %, nor any of the remaining outcomes.
CONCLUSION: While superiority of Football Fitness was not observed, the results support that participation in Football Fitness training is feasible and suggests no negative effects on breast cancer-specific upper-body morbidity, including lymphedema.
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 - click for abstract
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
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of complex decongestive therapy (CDT) accompanied by resistance exercises on extremity circumference, lymphedema volume, grip strength, functional status, and quality of life in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) in patients with and without pain. Methods and
Results: Fifty patients with unilateral BCRL were divided into groups: with pain (Group 1, n = 25) and without pain (Group 2, n = 25). Thirty minutes of manual lymphatic drainage and multilayered short-stretch bandaging were applied to all patients five times a week for 4 weeks. In addition, all patients were informed about skin care and given a supervised resistance exercise program throughout the treatment. During the 1-month follow-up period, patients were asked to use low-tension elastic garments and to continue their home exercise program. Differences in upper extremity circumference and volume; grip strength; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast scores were evaluated at baseline, after treatment (week 4), and at 1-month follow-up. Moreover, the pain intensity of patients in Group 1 was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Patients in both Group 1 and Group 2 showed a statistical improvement in all outcome measures after treatment and at follow-up (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was observed between the groups (p > 0.05). In Group 1, a statistically significant decrease was observed in the VAS score both at the end of treatment (-1.7 ± 0.9) and at 1-month follow-up (-3.5 ± 1.2) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined CDT and resistance exercises appear to be effective in BCRL patients both with and without pain. [/av_toggle] [/av_toggle_container] [av_hr class='invisible' height='50' shadow='no-shadow' position='center' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_border_color='' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' icon_select='yes' custom_icon_color='' icon='ue808' font='entypo-fontello'] [av_toggle_container initial='0' mode='accordion' sort='' styling='' colors='' font_color='' background_color='' border_color=''] [av_toggle title=' Rehabilitation interventions for the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: developing a patient-centered, evidence-based plan of care throughout survivorship - click for abstract' tags=''] Rehabilitation interventions for the management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: developing a patient-centered, evidence-based plan of care throughout survivorship
Kathryn Ryans, Marisa Perdomo, Claire C Davies, Kimberly Levenhagen, Laura Gilchrist. J Cancer Surviv. 2021 Jan 22
PURPOSE: A work group from the American Physical Therapy Association Academy of Oncologic Physical Therapy developed and published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) to aid clinicians in identifying interventions for individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). This guideline reviewed the evidence for risk mitigation and volume reduction beginning at cancer diagnosis and continuing through survivorship. Application of CPGs can be challenging due to the variability of clinical settings, heterogeneous patient populations, and range of rehabilitation clinician expertise. The purpose of this paper is to assist these clinicians in implementing the recommendations from the CPG to develop a patient-centered, evidence-based plan of care.
METHODS/RESULTS: This publication presents important considerations for the implementation of recommended rehabilitation interventions across the trajectory of BCRL.
CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports specific interventions to treat or mitigate the risk for the various stages of BCRL. As clinicians implement these recommendations into practice, they also need to address other impairments that may exist in every individual. Continued collaboration between clinicians and researchers is necessary to further develop optimal treatment modalities and parameters.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: By implementing evidence-based interventions as outlined in the CPG, clinicians can improve the quality of care for survivors of breast cancer.