Comparison of four different therapy protocols on extremity volume in breast cancer related lymphedema

Abstract

Aim: Since lymphedema is generally a chronic and persistive disorder, there is still need to determine the comparative benefits of different therapies for this condition. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively compare the efficacy of different therapy protocols on extremity volume in breast cancer patients with lymphedema (BCRL). Methods: A total of 117 patients with BCRL were selected for the study. The patients were classified in 4 groups. The patients were treated with complex decongestive therapy (CDT) (n:25) in Group 1, with CDT + pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) (n:25) in Group 2, with CDT + PCT+ low-intensity laser therapy (LLT) (n:45) in Group 3, and with PCT+ LLT (n:22) in Group 4. Results: Our analysis between groups suggested statistically significant reduction in the average volume of the upper limbs in all groups (Groups 1, 2, and 3) (p<0.001) except Group 4 (p:0.592). Besides, the results of post-hoc analysis between groups demonstrated a significant difference by means of delta limb volume (p<0.001). We noted that PCT+LLT group caused the statistical difference. The delta values in this group were significantly lower than the other groups. Conclusion: The rationale behind conducting this study was to determine the most effective therapy protocol, and we observed that both CDT alone and CDT combined with PCT and LLT were effective in lymphedema treatment. However, since the PCT and LLT could reduce the volume significantly only in combination with CDT, we cannot conclude that they are effective treatments when applied solely.