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Arends CR, Van Aperen K, van der Molen L, van den Brekel MWM, Stuiver MM. Limited consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema after head and neck cancer: results from an International Delphi study. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38874330 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2366004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore current practice variation and degree of consensus among international clinical experts regarding the diagnosis, classification, measurement, and treatment of head and neck lymphedema (HNL) after head and neck cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted an online Delphi study. Eligible participants were clinical researchers who had (co)authored at least one publication on HNL and healthcare professionals who had treated at least five patients with HNL the last two years. The first round was to collect views about current best practices. The second and third rounds delved deeper into these topics using statements with 7-point adjective rating scales. RESULTS An expert panel of seventeen participants (7 clinicians, 8 researchers, and 2 others) from 8 countries completed all rounds. Regarding diagnosis, there was limited consensus on most subjects, with palpation being most endorsed. No consensus was reached on the need to use standardized classification systems. As a treatment method, complex decongestive therapy (CDT) was the most commonly used in practice and investigated in the literature. However, no consensus was reached on the importance of aspects of CDT. CONCLUSIONS There is substantial intra- and international practice variation in the management of HNL. This calls for more robust evidence and guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie R Arends
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kaat Van Aperen
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisette van der Molen
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Centre for Language and Communication, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel W M van den Brekel
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Centre for Language and Communication, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn M Stuiver
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Quality of Life and Division of Psychosocial Oncology and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Health, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wainwright DJ, Le NK, Weinstein B, West W, Tavares T, Panetta NJ. The Impact of Obesity on Success of Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction for Prevention of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema. Ann Plast Surg 2024; 92:S437-S440. [PMID: 38857010 DOI: 10.1097/sap.0000000000003956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BRCL) is a potential sequela of high-risk breast cancer treatment. Preventive treatment with immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) at the time of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has emerged as the standard of care; however, there is relatively little known about factors that may contribute to procedural failure. METHODS A retrospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved study followed patients who underwent ILR at the time of ALND at our tertiary care center between May 2018 and May 2023. Patients who presented for at least one follow-up visit in our multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic met the criteria for inclusion. Patients who developed lymphedema despite ILR and potential contributing factors were further explored. RESULTS 349 patients underwent ILR at our institution between May 2018 and May 2023. 341 of these patients have presented for follow-up in our multidisciplinary lymphedema clinic. 32 (9.4%) patients developed lymphedema despite ILR. This cohort was significantly more likely to be obese (56% vs 35%, P = 0.04). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrates increased odds of procedural failure in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2 (odds ratio 2.6 [1.2-5.5], P = 0.01). CONCLUSION These data comment upon our institutions outcomes following ILR. Patients who develop lymphedema despite ILR tend to have a higher BMI, with a significantly increased risk in patients with a BMI of 30 or greater. Consideration of these data is critical for preprocedural counseling and may support a BMI cutoff when considering candidacy for ILR going forward, as well as when optimizing failures for secondary lymphedema procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- D'Arcy J Wainwright
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
| | - Nicole K Le
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
| | - Brielle Weinstein
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
| | - William West
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
| | - Tina Tavares
- Breast Oncology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Nicholas J Panetta
- From the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
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Copeland-Halperin LR, Hyland CJ, Gadiraju GK, Xiang DH, Bellon JR, Lynce F, Dey T, Troll EP, Ryan SJ, Nakhlis F, Broyles JM. Preoperative Risk Factors for Lymphedema in Inflammatory Breast Cancer. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024; 40:311-317. [PMID: 37751880 DOI: 10.1055/a-2182-1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prophylactic lymphatic bypass or LYMPHA (LYmphatic Microsurgical Preventive Healing Approach) is increasingly offered to prevent lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, which develops in up to 47% of patients. Previous studies focused on intraoperative and postoperative lymphedema risk factors, which are often unknown preoperatively when the decision to perform LYMPHA is made. This study aims to identify preoperative lymphedema risk factors in the high-risk inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) population. METHODS Retrospective review of our institution's IBC program database was conducted. The primary outcome was self-reported lymphedema development. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative lymphedema risk factors, while controlling for number of lymph nodes removed during axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), number of positive lymph nodes, residual disease on pathology, and need for adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS Of 356 patients with IBC, 134 (mean age: 51 years, range: 22-89 years) had complete data. All 134 patients underwent surgery and radiation. Forty-seven percent of all 356 patients (167/356) developed lymphedema. Obesity (body mass index > 30) (odds ratio [OR]: 2.7, confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-6.4, p = 0.02) and non-white race (OR: 4.5, CI: 1.2-23, p = 0.04) were preoperative lymphedema risk factors. CONCLUSION Patients with IBC are high risk for developing lymphedema due to the need for ALND, radiation, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study also identified non-white race and obesity as risk factors. Larger prospective studies should evaluate potential racial disparities in lymphedema development. Due to the high prevalence of lymphedema, LYMPHA should be considered for all patients with IBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colby J Hyland
- Department of Surgery, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Jennifer R Bellon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Filipa Lynce
- Department of Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tanujit Dey
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth P Troll
- Department of Breast Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sean J Ryan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Faina Nakhlis
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justin M Broyles
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Lao IJ, Berry J, Li J, Balogun Z, Elgohari B, Skinner H, Johnson J, Nilsen ML. Prognostic Factors and Outcomes Associated With Neck Lymphedema in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors. Laryngoscope 2024. [PMID: 38501703 DOI: 10.1002/lary.31396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of neck lymphedema and to explore its association with symptoms and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients who underwent non-operative treatment. METHODS This study involved a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radiation therapy (±chemotherapy). Patients with visits <6 weeks or >2 years following completion of radiation and those with recurrent or metastatic cancer were excluded. Presence of post-treatment lymphedema, demographics, clinical characteristics, health-related behaviors, and symptoms were collected. PROs were obtained using validated questionnaires that assessed depression, anxiety, swallowing dysfunction, and quality of life (QOL). Multivariable regression models were used to examine the relationship between lymphedema with predictors and symptoms. RESULTS Of the 203 patients included, 88 (43.4%) developed post-treatment lymphedema. In multivariable analysis, pre-treatment Body Mass Index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.01, 1.14] p = 0.016) and N stage (OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.06, 3.66], p = 0.032) were found to be independently associated with lymphedema. Regarding PROs, lymphedema was associated with greater swallowing dysfunction (3.48, 95% CI [0.20, 6.75], p = 0.038), decreased mouth opening (-3.70, 95% CI [-7.31, -0.10], p = 0.044), and increased fatigue (1.88, 95% CI [1.05, 3.38], p = 0.034). CONCLUSION Higher pre-treatment BMI and greater N stage are identified as independent predictors for lymphedema development in non-operative HNC patients. Additionally, patients experiencing lymphedema reported worsening swallowing dysfunction and increased symptoms related to trismus and fatigue. Recognizing patients at elevated risk for lymphedema allows for early intervention, alleviation of symptom burden, and optimization of health care resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella J Lao
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Jacklyn Berry
- UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Zainab Balogun
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Baher Elgohari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Heath Skinner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Jonas Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
| | - Marci L Nilsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
- Department of Acute and Tertiary Care, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
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Martone P, Kline-Quiroz C, Alpert E, Lee K, Marshall G. Lymphedema Surveillance and Prevention. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 103:S23-S27. [PMID: 38364026 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000002405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lymphedema is a chronic condition, which can impact a person's quality of life and function. Identifying lymphedema at an early stage is key to preventing a person from developing chronic lymphedema. Physiatry can play an important role in education, identification of risk factors, performing prospective lymphedema surveillance programs, and prevention/treatment of lymphedema. Incorporating lymphedema surveillance programs into routine cancer care provides physiatry with the opportunity to assess additional rehabilitation and functional needs of a cancer patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Martone
- From the Northwell Health, Barbara and Donald Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (PM, EA, KL); Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (CK-Q); and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (GM)
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Wong HH, Cojocaru E, Watkins J, James S, Aloysius T, Harrington J, Horan G, Hatcher H. Radiation-induced angiosarcoma of the breast: retrospective analysis at a regional treatment centre. Breast Cancer 2024; 31:272-282. [PMID: 38147173 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01535-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiation-induced angiosarcoma (RIA) is an uncommon but morbid complication after radiotherapy for breast cancer. METHODS Retrospective analysis of breast RIA patients at Cambridge University Hospital (CUH), a regional treatment centre in the East of England. RESULTS 22 patients were identified between 2010 and 2022. Median age of diagnosis was 65 years (range 41-78). Median time from breast radiotherapy to RIA diagnosis was 6.5 years (range 2.4-16.0)-this interval has decreased over the last 24 years (r2 = 0.6601). 9% had metastasis at presentation. All patients underwent surgery (55% at CUH, 45% at local hospitals). 27% received peri-operative pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in the first-line setting. 62% relapsed following their primary curative-intent treatments after a median of 28 months. Metastases occurred in 36%, the commonest sites being lung (100%) and lymph node (50%). 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 73% and 60%, respectively. No correlation between progression-free survival (PFS) and OS was found with tumour size, margin, peri-operative chemotherapy, and whether surgery was performed at CUH. Patients with multifocal disease on their breasts had shorter PFS following surgery compared to single-lesion disease (median 10 vs 65 months; HR = 4.359 [95% CI 1.342-14.16]; P = 0.0143). Patients aged > 72 years had a median OS of 45 months vs 102 months for those ≤ 72 years (HR = 7.129 [95% CI 1.646-30.88]; P = 0.0086). CONCLUSION RIA has high rates of recurrence and mortality and appears to be occurring sooner after breast radiotherapy. Further studies on its pathogenesis and effective treatment are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hsi Wong
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Elena Cojocaru
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - James Watkins
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Sujil James
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Tony Aloysius
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0SP, UK
| | - Jennifer Harrington
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Gail Horan
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Helen Hatcher
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
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Boyages J, Vicini FA, Manavi BA, Gaw RL, Koelmeyer LA, Ridner SH, Shah C. Axillary Treatment and Chronic Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Implications for Prospective Surveillance and Intervention From a Randomized Controlled Trial. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1116-1124. [PMID: 37816208 PMCID: PMC10732511 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The PREVENT randomized trial assessed progression to chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (cBCRL) after intervention triggered by bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) or tape measurement (TM). This secondary analysis identifies cBCRL risk factors on the basis of axillary treatment. METHODS Between June 2014 and September 2018, 881 patients received sentinel node biopsy (SNB; n = 651), SNB + regional node irradiation (RNI; n = 58), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND; n = 85), or ALND + RNI (n = 87). The primary outcome was the 3-year cBCRL rate requiring complex decongestive physiotherapy (CDP). RESULTS After a median follow-up of 32.8 months (IQR, 21-34.3), 69 of 881 patients (7.8%) developed cBCRL. For TM, 43 of 438 (9.8%) developed cBCRL versus 26 of 443 (5.9%) for BIS (P = .028). The 3-year actuarial risk of cBCRL was 4.4% (95% CI, 2.7 to 6.1), 4.2% (95% CI, 0 to 9.8), 25.8% (95% CI, 15.8 to 35.8), and 26% (95% CI, 15.3 to 36.7). Rural residence increased the risk in all groups. For SNB, neither RNI (SNB, 4.1% v SNB + RNI, 3.4%) nor taxane (4.4%) increased cBCRL, but risk was higher for patients with a BMI of ≥30 (6.3%). For SNB + RNI, taxane use (5.7%) or supraclavicular fossa (SCF) radiation (5.0%) increased cBCRL. For ALND patients, BMI ≥25 or chemotherapy increased cBCRL. For ALND + RNI, most patients received SCF radiation and taxanes, so no additional risk factors emerged. CONCLUSION The extent of axillary treatment is a significant risk factor for cBCRL. Increasing BMI, rurality, SCF radiation, and taxane chemotherapy also increase risk. These results have implications for a proposed risk-based lymphedema screening, early intervention, and treatment program.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Boyages
- Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research, and Treatment Program, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ICON Cancer Centre, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
- ANU Medical School, ANU College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | | | | - Richelle L. Gaw
- IMPACT SRC, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Louise A. Koelmeyer
- Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research, and Treatment Program, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Chirag Shah
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Jeffers EJ, Wagner JL, Korentager SS, Larson KE, Balanoff CR, Baker J, Chollet-Hinton L, Kilgore LJ. Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) and Bioimpedance Spectroscopy: Long-Term Follow-Up, Surveillance Recommendations, and Multidisciplinary Risk Factors. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:6258-6265. [PMID: 37535267 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13956-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early detection and intervention for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) significantly decreases progression to persistent BCRL (pBCRL). We aimed to provide long-term follow-up on our early detection with bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and early home intervention demonstrating reduced pBCRL to guide surveillance recommendations. PATIENTS AND METHODS In total, 148 female patients with breast cancer who had axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) from November 2014 to December 2017 were analyzed. Baseline BIS measurements and postoperative follow-up occurred every 3 months for 1 year, biannual for 1 year, and then annually. An elevated BIS triggered evaluation and initiation of at-home interventions with reassessment for resolution versus persistent BCRL (pBCRL). High-risk factors and timing were analyzed. RESULTS Mean follow-up was 55 months, and 65 (44%) patients had an abnormal BIS. Of these, 54 (82%) resolved with home intervention. The overall pBCRL rate was 8%. Average time to first abnormal BIS was 11.7 months. None of the stage 0 patients (0/34) and only 5/25 (20%) of stage 1 patients had pBCRL. All of stage 2 and stage 3 patients (7/7) had pBCRL. pBCRL correlated with number of positive nodes, percentage of positive nodes, stage of lymphedema at diagnosis, and recurring abnormal BIS measurements (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We have shown that patients undergoing ALND with early BCRL identified by BIS who performed home interventions had an 8% pBCRL rate. Patients at high risk for pBCRL should have routine surveillance starting at 9 months postoperatively to identify an opportunity for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Jeffers
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jamie L Wagner
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sabrina S Korentager
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kelsey E Larson
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Christa R Balanoff
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jordan Baker
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Lynn Chollet-Hinton
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Lyndsey J Kilgore
- Division of Breast Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Donahue PMC, MacKenzie A, Filipovic A, Koelmeyer L. Advances in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 200:1-14. [PMID: 37103598 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a lifelong risk for breast cancer survivors and once acquired becomes a lifelong burden. This review summarizes current BCRL prevention and treatment strategies. FINDINGS Risk factors for BCRL have been extensively studied and their identification has affected breast cancer treatment practice, with sentinel lymph node removal now standard of care for patients with early stage breast cancer without sentinel lymph node metastases. Early surveillance and timely management aim to reduce BCRL incidence and progression, and are further facilitated by patient education, which many breast cancer survivors report not having adequately received. Surgical approaches to BCRL prevention include axillary reverse mapping, lymphatic microsurgical preventative healing (LYMPHA) and Simplified LYMPHA (SLYMPHA). Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) remains the standard of care for patients with BCRL. Among CDT components, facilitating manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) using indocyanine green fluorescence lymphography has been proposed. Intermittent pneumatic compression, nonpneumatic active compression devices, and low-level laser therapy appear promising in lymphedema management. Reconstructive microsurgical techniques such as lymphovenous anastomosis and vascular lymph node transfer are growing surgical considerations for patients as well as liposuction-based procedures for addressing fatty fibrosis formation from chronic lymphedema. Long-term self-management adherence remains problematic, and lack of diagnosis and measurement consensus precludes a comparison of outcomes. Currently, no pharmacological approaches have proven successful. CONCLUSION Progress in prevention and treatment of BCRL continues, requiring advances in early diagnosis, patient education, expert consensus and novel treatments designed for lymphatic rehabilitation following insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M C Donahue
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2201 21St Children's Way, Suite 1218, Nashville, TN, 37212, USA.
- Dayani Center for Health and Wellness, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Adrien MacKenzie
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Louise Koelmeyer
- Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Human Sciences, Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research, and Treatment (ALERT), Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Hyland CJ, Manrique OJ, Weiss A, Broyles JM. Preventive strategies for breast cancer-related lymphedema: Working toward optimal patient selection. Cancer 2022; 128:3284-3286. [PMID: 35797438 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar J Manrique
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Anna Weiss
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, Massachusetts, USA.,Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin M Broyles
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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