Updates in the Symptomatic Management of Lymphedema: A Narrative Review
摘要
This review highlights primarily rehabilitation treatment interventions for breast cancer-related lymphedema. It includes evidence primarily from clinical trials testing complete decongestive therapy, resistance exercise, and modalities.
Recent FindingsComplete decongestive therapy (CDT) continues to be the primary intervention for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Pneumatic compression devices also decrease limb volume, but are not superior to CDT. Progressive resistance exercise also reduces limb swelling. The evidence currently does not support the use of supplements, laser therapy, or acupuncture. Prospective surveillance for lymphedema has been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic lymphedema.
SummaryLymphedema is a chronic condition that responds to various treatment modalities—including factors such as lymphedema severity and treatment time commitment. The clinical trial evidence continues to be limited by heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria, intervention design, and outcome measures among studies. Higher quality clinical trials comparing treatment modalities and intervention timing, dosage are needed.