Hot of the Press May 2026
Article to ponder
AI-based models show strong performance in predicting, detecting, and grading breast cancer–related lymphedema, often achieving high accuracy by integrating clinical data, imaging, and patient-reported outcomes. These approaches highlight the potential for earlier detection and more personalized management, but broader clinical adoption is constrained by limited dataset sizes, inconsistent validation, and challenges with model interpretability.
Artificial Intelligence In The Diagnosis And Prediction Of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Scoping Review
S Kagan, L Huynh, D Chen, C Strickland, C Yang… – Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026
Key Takeaway:
AI shows strong promise for early and accurate detection of breast cancer–related lymphedema, but better data quality, validation, and transparency are needed before routine clinical use.
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
Unveiling global interest in lymphedema: A decade of search data through google trends global interest in lymphedema: A google trends analysis - click for abstract
Lymphedema: The Overlooked Cardiovascular Disorder-Mechanisms, Manifestations, and Management
Genome-Wide Association Study of Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Lymphedema in the Million Veteran Program - click for abstract
Genome-Wide Association Study of Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Lymphedema in the Million Veteran Program
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Exploring the Influencing Factors of Quality of Life During Maintenance Phase in Patients With Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Minimizing Early-Onset Lymphedema Following Groin Dissection in Metastatic Melanoma
Prevention of breast cancer-related lymphedema by progressive resistance training – a long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Lymphedema and self-reported swelling among Danish survivors of prostate cancer – prevalence, clinical associations and functional implications
Trajectories of lymphedema risk perception and their predictors in postoperative breast cancer survivors
The Risk of Lymphedema in Elective Hand Surgery After Axillary Lymph Node Sampling: A Prospective, Cohort Study - click for abstract
The Risk of Lymphedema in Elective Hand Surgery After Axillary Lymph Node Sampling: A Prospective, Cohort Study
Development and validation of an interpretable machine learning model integrating inflammatory blood biomarkers for predicting postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema: A prospective cohort study - click for abstract
Development and validation of an interpretable machine learning model integrating inflammatory blood biomarkers for predicting postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema: A prospective cohort study
Assessment
Validity of Ultrasound-Guided Identification of Dilated Lymphatic Vessels to Detect Early Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Outcome Measures to Assess the Effectiveness of Exercise Interventions on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN): A Scoping Review
Exploring the Role of AI in Managing Treatment Recommendations for Lymphedema: International, Multidisciplinary, Multiprofessional Survey Study of Trust, Reliability, and Impact on Decision-Making
Management Strategies
Knowledge and views of lymphoedema health professionals on lymphoedema risk reduction recommendations - click for abstract
Knowledge and views of lymphoedema health professionals on lymphoedema risk reduction recommendations
BACKGROUND: Upper limb lymphoedema is a common complication after breast cancer treatment, and lymphoedema risk reduction recommendations (LRRR) are integral to survivorship care. However, little is known about lymphoedema health professionals’ (LHPs) knowledge and practices regarding these recommendations. AIM: To examine LHPs’ knowledge, views and practices on LRRR for breast cancer survivors.
METHODS: A quantitative survey using a bespoke questionnaire was distributed via professional networks and social media. It assessed demographics, knowledge of 26 LRRR, attitudes and perceived barriers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and thematic analysis of free-text responses.
RESULTS: Among 136 UK-based respondents (mainly nurses and physiotherapists), 86% rated LRRR as very important and 88% rated their knowledge highly. Yet only 30% advised all three evidence-based recommendations (weight management, exercise, cellulitis risk reduction). Outdated advice and barriers, such as time constraints and lack of multidisciplinary support, were common.
CONCLUSION: Education and standardisation are urgently needed to ensure accurate, evidence-based LRRR delivery.:10.12968.0563
Efficacy of gradient compression sleeves in preventing postoperative upper extremity lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery. - click for abstract
Efficacy of gradient compression sleeves in preventing postoperative upper extremity lymphoedema after breast cancer surgery.
Liao, Y., Chen, M., Ji, Q., Jin, C., Zhu, X., Xie, L., … Wang, L. (2026). Expert Review of Medical Devices, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/17434440.2026.2664423
Background
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a serious complication after breast cancer surgery. This study evaluated the efficacy of gradient compression sleeves in preventing BCRL.
Research design and methods
In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 104 postmastectomy patients were randomized to conventional care (n = 52) or conventional care plus gradient compression sleeves (20–30 mmHg) for 12 months. The primary outcome was arm circumference change at 10 standardized sites measured at 90, 180, and 360 days post-surgery for evaluating efficacy. Secondary outcomes included Breast Cancer Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index (BCLE-SEI) for symptom severity and life impact for evaluating safety. Blinding of participants was not feasible due to the nature of the intervention.
Results
The intervention group showed significantly smaller increases in arm circumference at multiple sites at 180 and 360 days (p < 0.05). BCLE-SEI scores for symptom severity and life impact were significantly lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred; eight mild transient skin irritations were reported.
Conclusions
Prophylactic gradient compression sleeves may reduce BCRL progression and improve quality of life. Limitations include single-center design and lack of blinding.
Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Narrative Review
Effectiveness of physical therapy for lower limb lymphedema in gynecological cancer survivors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
The impact of early exercise intervention on the incidence and severity of lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer
Efficacy of physical therapy for prevention and treatment of postoperative lymphedema in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Effects of photobiomodulation therapy on upper limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Lymphedema Care after Breast Cancer Surgery: Insights from a New Meta-Analysis
A Systematic Review of Contemporary Randomized Controlled Trials for Treatment of Lower Extremity Lymphedema by Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices
Effect of a WeChat Intervention Based on the Common-Sense Model on Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Preventive Behaviors: Quasi-Experimental Study



