Reduction of lymphedema using complete decongestive therapy: roles of prior radiation therapy and extent of axillary dissection.

Reduction of lymphedema using complete decongestive therapy: roles of prior radiation therapy and extent of axillary dissection. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2007;5(3):87-91 Authors: Thomas RC, Hawkins K, Kirkpatrick SH, Mondry TE, Gabram-Mendola S, Johnstone PA Abstract Although radiation therapy (RT) contributes to lymphedema (LE), it is unknown whether RT contributes to more difficulty (more treatments) or less success (decreased LE reduction) with therapy for established LE. We reviewed the results of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) for LE with respect to a history of RT and the number of lymph nodes dissected. Breast cancer survivors with LE were referred to CDT-certified therapists. CDT consists of treatment (phase 1) and maintenance (phase 2) phases. During phase 1, the patient meets with a therapist daily until the LE reduction plateaus; then phase 2 (self-care) begins. During phase 1, LE is quantified weekly at a minimum. Fifty-three patients underwent CDT and completed phase 1. The median number of treatments to plateau was 12 (range 6-25); the median limb volume reduction was 36% (-4-119%). Thirty-six patients with an RT history had an insignificant difference in LE reduction (p = .49) and the number of sessions to plateau (p = .54) compared with 17 patients without RT. The median examined number of nodes was 12 (range 3-28). No significant correlation was observed between the number of nodes examined and percent reduction (r =...
Source: Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: J Soc Integr Oncol Source Type: research