Chronic arm morbidity after curative breast cancer treatment: prevalence and impact on quality of life

Exploring the possibility of omitting axillary surgery in patients with clinical node-positive breast cancer achieving ypT0 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Axillary staging is commonly performed in patients with clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), regardless of pathological complete response (pCR). Recent evidence has suggested that ypT0 correlates with ypN0 and favorable prognosis, potentially supporting the omission of axillary staging in such cases. This study aimed to evaluate ypT0 as a predictive factor for ypN status and its prognostic significance in cN+ breast cancer treated with NACT.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 302 patients with cN+ breast cancer treated with NACT at Hiroshima University Hospital between 2006 and 2022. Patients were categorized into non-pCR, ypTis, or ypT0 based on ypT status. Associations between breast pCR, ypN status, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 302 patients (non-pCR, 74.2%; ypTis, 8.9%; ypT0, 16.9%), the ypN+ rates were 63.3%, 15.2%, and 3.9%, respectively. Logistic regression revealed significant associations among ypT0, ypTis, and ypN0. The five-year RFS and OS rates were 78.6% and 85.2% (non-pCR), 83.8% and 95.5% (ypTis), and 98.0% and 100.0% (ypT0), respectively. Cox regression identified ypT0, but not ypTis, as a significant prognostic factor for both RFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

ypT0 status was associated with a low risk of ypN+ and favorable clinical outcomes in cN+ breast cancer, suggesting the potential feasibility of omitting axillary surgery in select patients.

Japanese translation of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast + 4 (FACT-B + 4) following international guidelines: a verification of linguistic validity

BACKGROUND

For breast cancer patients, postoperative lymphedema and upper limb movement disorders are serious complications that absolutely reduce their quality of life (QOL). To evaluate this serious complication, we used "Quick Dash" or "FACT-B", which can assess a patient's physical, social, emotional, and functional health status. To evaluate their breast cancer surgery-related dysfunction correctly, "FACT-B + 4" was created by adding four questions about "arm swelling'' and "tenderness". We have translated it into Japanese according to international translation guidelines.

METHODS

At the beginning, we contacted FACT headquarters that we would like to create a Japanese version of FACT-B + 4. They formed the FACIT Trans Team (FACIT) following international translation procedures, and then, we began translating according to them. The steps are 1: perform "Forward and Reverse translations" to create a "Preliminary Japanese version", 2: request the cooperation of 5 breast cancer patients and "conduct a pilot study" and "questionnaire survey", and 3: amendments and final approval based on pilot study results and clinical perspectives.

RESULT

In Step1, FACIT requested faithful translation of the words, verbs, and nouns from the original text. In Step2, patients reported that they felt uncomfortable with the Japanese version words such as "numb'' and "stiffness'' and felt that it might be difficult to describe their symptoms accurately. In Step3, we readjusted the translation to be more concise and closer to common Japanese language, and performed "Step1" again to ensure that the translation definitely retained the meaning of the original.

CONCLUSION

A Japanese version of FACT has existed until now, but there was no Japanese version of FACT-B + 4, which adds four additional items to evaluate swelling and pain in the upper limbs. This time, we have created a Japanese version that has been approved by FACT.

Effects of axillary dose restriction on plan quality and acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer radiotherapy

Axillary dose restriction (ADR) is rarely implemented in breast cancer radiotherapy by radiation oncologists to minimize exposure to organs at risk (OARs), particularly the axilla. This prospective randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ADR in improving plan quality (PQ) and its impact on acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) in breast cancer radiotherapy. The study recruited breast cancer patients who required postoperative radiotherapy but did not have an indication for axillary irradiation. Delineation and dosimetric assessment of the axilla (Axilla Levels I-III and Axillary Cavity) were performed in all cases, with ADR implemented randomly. ADR involved restricting the mean axilla dose to 40-45 Gy during radiotherapy. The outcomes assessed included the ARD grades (both overall and axillary) and dose-volume parameters of PQ including skin V35. The study enrolled 87 patients, who were randomly divided into two groups: Group I (50 patients) received ADR, while Group C (37 patients) did not. ADR was found to be significantly associated with reduced exposure doses to the axilla and ipsilateral lung, specifically in patients with modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Results of other PQ parameters, such as D95, V93, V95, V100, V107 for the planning target volume (PTV), V30, Dmean for the heart, Dmax for the spinal cord, and V5 for the ipsilateral lung, demonstrated potential benefits in alleviating doses to these OARs while maintaining optimized PQ, although these results were not statistically significant. However, no statistically significant correlation between ADR and severe ARD (≥ Grade 2) or skin V35 was established, either in the total patient population or in subgroups. Additionally, a multivariable logistic regression for severe ARD was conducted, with ADR and skin V35 included as predictive factors. Only older age was found to be significantly associated with severe ARD. Implementing ADR in breast cancer radiotherapy not only protects the axilla and ipsilateral lung but also maintains optimized PQ, specifically in MRM patients, though it shows no evidence of alleviating ARD. Adopting ADR may be considered a valuable option in breast cancer radiotherapy.

Evaluating the effect of upper-body morbidity on quality of life following primary breast cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Improvements in breast cancer management continue to increase survival and life expectancy after treatment. Yet the adverse effects of treatment may persist long term, threatening physical, psychological, and social wellbeing, leading to impaired quality of life (QOL). Upper-body morbidity (UBM) such as pain, lymphoedema, restricted shoulder range of motion (ROM), and impaired function are widely reported after breast cancer treatment, but evidence demonstrating its impact on QOL is inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effect of UBM on QOL following primary breast cancer treatment.

METHODS

The study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020203445). CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, PsycInfo, PubMed/Medline, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched for studies reporting QOL in individuals with and without UBM following primary breast cancer treatment. Primary analysis determined the standardised mean difference (SMD) in physical, psychological, and social wellbeing scores between UBM + /UBM - groups. Secondary analyses identified differences in QOL scores between groups, according to questionnaire.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight studies were included, with 39 conducive to meta-analysis. Types of UBM included pain, lymphoedema, restricted shoulder ROM, impaired upper-body function, and upper-body symptoms. UBM + groups reported poorer physical (SMD =  - 0.99; 95%CI =  - 1.26, - 0.71; p < 0.00001), psychological (SMD =  - 0.43; 95%CI =  - 0.60, - 0.27; p < 0.00001), and social wellbeing (SMD =  - 0.62; 95%CI =  - 0.83, - 0.40; p < 0.00001) than UBM - groups. Secondary analyses according to questionnaire showed that UBM + groups rated their QOL poorer or at equal to, UBM - groups across all domains.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings demonstrate the significant, negative impact of UBM on QOL, pervading physical, psychological, and social domains.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Efforts to assess and minimise the multidimensional impact of UBM are warranted to mitigate impaired QOL after breast cancer.

The impact of age on physical functioning after treatment for breast cancer, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures: A systematic review

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to explore the impact of age on physical functioning post-treatment for early-stage, locally advanced, or locally recurrent breast cancer, as measured by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), identify PROMs used and variations in physical functioning terms/labels.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EmBase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and AMED were searched, along with relevant key journals and reference lists. Risk of bias (quality) assessment was conducted using a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Data was synthesised through tables and narrative.

RESULTS

28,207 titles were extracted from electronic databases, resulting in 44 studies with age sub-groups, and 120 without age sub-groups. Of those with findings on the impact of age, there was variability in the way findings were reported and 21 % found that age did not have a significant impact. However, 66 % of the studies found that with older age, physical functioning declined post-treatment. Comorbidities were associated with physical functioning declines. However, findings from sub-groups (breast cancer stage, treatment type and time post-treatment) lacked concordance. Twenty-eight types of PROM were used: the EORTC QLQ-C30 was most common (50.6 %), followed by the SF-36 (32.3 %). There were 145 terms/labels for physical functioning: 'physical functioning/function' was used most often (82.3 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings point towards an older age and comorbidities being associated with more physical functioning declines. However, it was not possible to determine if stage, treatment type and time since treatment had any influence. More consistent use of the terminology 'physical functioning/function' would aid future comparisons of study results.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after different axillary treatments in women with breast cancer: a 1-year longitudinal cohort study

PURPOSE

As life expectancy continues to rise, post-treatment health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of breast cancer patients becomes increasingly important. This study examined the one-year longitudinal relation between axillary treatments and physical, psychosocial, and sexual wellbeing and arm symptoms.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with breast cancer who received different axillary treatments being axilla preserving surgery (APS) with or without axillary radiotherapy or full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with or without axillary radiotherapy were included. HRQoL was assessed at baseline, 6- and 12-months postoperatively using the BREAST-Q and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Mixed regression models were constructed to assess the impact of axillary treatment on HRQoL. HRQoL at baseline was compared to HRQoL at 6- and at 12-months postoperatively.

RESULTS

In total, 552 patients were included in the mixed regressions models. Except for ALND with axillary radiotherapy, no significant differences in physical and psychosocial wellbeing were found. Physical wellbeing decreased significantly between baseline and 6- and 12-months postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.035) and psychosocial wellbeing decreased significantly between baseline and 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.028) for ALND with axillary radiotherapy compared to APS alone. Arm symptoms increased significantly between baseline and 6 months and between baseline and 12 months postoperatively for APS with radiotherapy (12.71, 13.73) and for ALND with radiotherapy (13.93, 16.14), with the lowest increase in arm symptoms for ALND without radiotherapy (6.85, 7.66), compared to APS alone (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Physical and psychosocial wellbeing decreased significantly for ALND with radiotherapy compared to APS alone. Shared decision making and expectation management pre-treatment could be strengthened by discussing arm symptoms per axillary treatment with the patient.

Relationship between kinesiophobia and quality of life among patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema: Chain-mediating effect of self-care and functional exercise compliance

Objective

Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) significantly impacts the quality of life (QoL) of breast cancer survivors following treatment. This study explores the association between kinesiophobia (fear of pain caused by movement) and QoL in postsurgical BCRL survivors and examines whether self-care and compliance with functional exercise act as mediators between these variables.

Methods

This cross-sectional study surveyed 274 BCRL patients at three tertiary hospitals in Shenyang City, China, from May 2020 to October 2022. The participants completed self-reported questionnaires on self-care, functional exercise compliance, kinesiophobia, and QoL. Medication analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro (Model 6).

Results

Kinesiophobia was found to have negative association with self-care (P < 0.001), functional exercise compliance (P < 0.001), and QoL (P < 0.001). Kinesiophobia indirectly affected QoL through three mediating pathways: self-care (effect = -0.132), functional exercise compliance (effect = -0.390), and a combination of self-care and functional exercise compliance (effect = -0.220), collectively accounting for 7.9%, 23.3%, and 13.1% of the total effect, respectively.

Conclusions

This study highlights the substantial chain-mediating role of self-care and functional exercise compliance in the relationship between kinesiophobia and QoL. It provides valuable evidence supporting the protective effects of self-care and functional exercise compliance in mitigating kinesiophobia and enhancing the QoL of BCRL survivors.

Risk factors for long-term arm morbidities following breast cancer treatments: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To examine the risk factors for arm morbidity following breast cancer treatments, taking a broad view of all types of physical morbidity, including prolonged pain, lymphedema, decreased range of motion, and functional limitations.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Studies exploring the risk factors for prolonged arm morbidity following breast cancer surgery and treatments were included. The studies were assessed independently according to pre-eligibility criteria, following data extraction and methodological quality assessment.

RESULTS

1,242 articles were identified. After removing duplicates, the full texts of 1,153 articles were examined. Sixty-nine of these articles met the criteria and were included in the review. These 69 articles identified 29 risk factors for arm morbidity following treatments for breast cancer. The risk of bias was evaluated using NIH study quality assessment tools. The studies reviewed were published between 2001 and 2021 and included a total of 22,886 patients who were followed up for between three months and 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The main risk factors for long-term morbidity are removal of lymph nodes from the axilla, body mass index >30, having undergone a mastectomy, the stage of the disease, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, infection and trauma to the affected arm after surgery. An understanding of the risk factors for prolonged arm morbidity after surgery can help doctors and therapists in making personalized decisions about the need and timing of rehabilitation treatments.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Accuracy of Indocyanine Green Lymphography Compared with Bioimpedance Spectroscopy and Subclinical Lymphedema Symptoms

Introduction: The reported incidences of breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE) affecting the arms vary greatly. Reason for this variability includes different diagnostic techniques used across studies. In the current study, we compared the accuracy of indocyanine green lymphography (ICG_L) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) in detecting LE before presentation of clinical signs. Methods and Results: Patients with no initial detectable signs of clinical LE of their arms after axillary lymph node dissection or removal of >5 lymph nodes on sentinel lymph node biopsy were included. Subclinical LE was defined as BIS values outside the normal range [(≥7 units (or >10 units)] or a 7-unit (or 10 unit) change between two measurements. We tracked ICG_L and BIS measurements for 133 potentially affected arms (n = 123). ICG_L detected signs of lymphatic flow disruption in 63 arms (47%). Based on the BIS value of 7 units, 60 arms (45%) had values outside the normal range. When using ICG_L-identified LE cases as true positives, BIS had a 54% accuracy (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.54) in detecting LE. Accuracy was 61% for subclinical LE symptoms when compared with ICG_L (AUC = 0.62). Both BIS and subclinical LE symptoms had <0.70 AUC-receiver characteristic operator curve, suggesting that BIS and development of subclinical LE symptoms are not adequate for identifying patients with subclinical LE. Conclusion: ICG_L is a reliable diagnostic tool for detecting early signs of lymphatic flow disruption in subclinical LE. Utilizing ICG_L to diagnose subclinical LE followed by a personalized treatment plan may provide patients the best chance of preventing disease progression.

Radiation, Lymph Node Dissection, or Both: Management of Lymph Node Micrometastases from Merkel Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Regional lymph node micrometastases from Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) can be treated with completion lymph node dissection (CLND) and/or radiation therapy (RT). It is unclear how these options compare in terms of survival benefits for patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used data from years 2012-2019 of the National Cancer Database. Patients with MCC and clinically negative, but pathologically positive, lymph node metastases who received RT to and/or CLND of the regional lymph node basin were included. Inverse probability weight balancing was performed using covariates followed by Cox proportional hazards modeling for survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 962 patients were included [median (interquartile range) age, 74 (67-80) years, 662 (68.8%) male patients, 926 (96.3%) white patients]. The majority (63%, n = 606) had a CLND only, while 18% (n = 173) had RT only, and 19% (n = 183) had both CLND and RT. From 2016 to 2019, usage of RT only increased from 10% to 31.8%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that treatment modality was not associated with survival [RT versus CLND, hazard ratio (HR) 0.842, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.621-1.142, p = 0.269, RT+CLND versus CLND, HR 1.029, 95% CI 0.775-1.367, p = 0.844]. This persisted after balancing weights (RT versus CLND, HR 0.837, 95% CI 0.614-1.142, p = 0.262, RT+CLND versus CLND, HR 1.085, 95% CI 0.801-1.470, p = 0.599).

CONCLUSIONS

The usage of RT for nodal micrometastasis in MCC is increasing as compared with CLND. This strategy appears to be safe, with no significant difference in survival outcomes.

Early Disturbance of Lymphatic Transport as a Risk Factor for the Development of Breast-Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Introduction: Breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a frequently occurring and debilitating condition. When lymphedema is diagnosed late, treatment can be expected to be less effective. Lymphofluoroscopy can provide details about the superficial lymphatic architecture and can detect an early disturbance of lymphatic transport (i.e., dermal backflow) before the lymphedema is clinically visible. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether this early disturbance of lymphatic transport visualized by lymphofluoroscopy is a risk factor for the development of BCRL. Methodology: All patients scheduled for unilateral breast cancer surgery with axillary lymph node dissection or sentinel node biopsy were considered. Patients were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months postoperatively. During each visit, a clinical assessment was performed to determine the volume difference between both arms and hands (through circumference measurements and water displacement). Clinical BCRL was defined as a ≥5% increase in relative arm volume difference compared to the baseline value. Variables related to (1) the disturbance of lymphatic transport (through lymphofluoroscopy), (2) the demographics and general health of the patient and (3) the breast cancer and treatment of the patient were collected. Results: We included data of 118 patients in the present study. Thirty-eight patients (39.8%) developed BCRL. Early disturbance of lymphatic transport was identified as a risk factor for the development of clinical BCRL (HR 2.808). Breast-cancer- and treatment-related variables such as axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (HR 15.127), tumor stage (HR 1.745), mastectomy (HR 0.186), number of positive lymph nodes (HR 1.121), number of removed lymph nodes (HR 1.055), radiotherapy of the axilla (HR 2.715), adjuvant taxanes (HR 3.220) and postsurgical complications (HR 2.590) were identified as significant risk factors for the development of BCRL. In the multivariate analysis, age and ALND were withheld as independent risk factors for the development of BCRL. Conclusion: Lymphofluoroscopy can identify an early disturbance of lymphatic transport after breast cancer treatment. Patients with an early disturbance of lymphatic transport are considered to be a high-risk group for the development of BCRL. This study also confirms that age and ALND are predictors for the development of BCRL. Therefore, a surveillance program of these patients with lymphofluoroscopy could be useful to identify lymphedema in subclinical stages.

Efficacy of a 4-Week Nurse-Led Exercise Rehabilitation Program in Improving the Quality of Life in Women Receiving a Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction Using the Motiva ErgonomixTM Round SilkSurface

We assessed the efficacy of a 4-week nurse-led exercise rehabilitation (ER) program in improving the quality of life (QOL) of breast cancer survivors (BCS) receiving an implant-based breast reconstruction. The eligible patients were equally randomized to either of both groups: the intervention group (n = 30; a 4-week nurse-led ER program) and the control group (n = 30; a 4-week physical therapist-supervised one). Both after a 4-week ER program and at baseline, the patients were evaluated for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores. There was a significantly higher degree of increase in global health status/QOL scores, physical functioning scores, role functioning scores, and emotional functioning scores at 4 weeks from baseline in the intervention group as compared with the control group (p = 0.001). However, there was a significantly higher degree of decrease in fatigue scores, nausea/vomiting scores, pain scores, dyspnea scores, and FSS scores in the intervention group as compared with the control group (p = 0.001). In conclusion, our results indicate that a 4-week nurse-led ER program might be effective in the QOL in BCS receiving a post-mastectomy implant-based reconstruction using the Motiva Ergonomix^TM Round SilkSurface.

Axillary reverse mapping using near-infrared fluorescence imaging in invasive breast cancer (ARMONIC study)

BACKGROUND

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients with breast cancer has potential side effects, including upper-limb lymphedema. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a technique that enables discrimination of the lymphatic drainage of the upper limb in the axillary lymph node basin from that of the breast. We aimed to evaluate ARM node identification by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging during total mastectomy with ALND and then to analyze potential predictive factors of ARM node involvement.

METHODS

The study enrolled 119 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer with an indication for ALND. NIR imaging using indocyanine green dye was performed in 109 patients during standard ALND to identify ARM nodes and their corresponding lymphatic ducts.

RESULTS

94.5% of patients had ARM nodes identified (95%CI = [88.4-98.0]). The ARM nodes were localized in zone D in 63.4% of cases. Metastatic axillary lymph nodes were found in 55% in the whole cohort, and 19.4% also had metastasis in ARM nodes. Two patients had metastatic ARM nodes but not in the remaining axillary lymph nodes. No serious adverse events were observed. Only the amount of mitosis was significantly associated with ARM node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

ARM by NIR fluorescence imaging could be a reliable technique to identify ARM nodes in real-time when ALND is performed. The clinical data compared with ARM node histological diagnosis showed only the amount of mitosis in the diagnostic biopsy is a potential predictive factor of ARM node involvement.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02994225.

Breast Surgery: Management of Postoperative Complications Following Operations for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer surgery is associated with low rates of surgical morbidity. Postoperative complications related to breast surgery include seroma, infection, hematoma, mastectomy flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, persistent postsurgical pain, Mondor disease, fat necrosis, reduced tactile sensation after mastectomy, and venous thromboembolism. Postoperative complications related to axillary surgery include seroma, infection, lymphedema, nerve injury, and reduced shoulder/arm mobility. The overall rate of complication related to axilla surgery may be confounded by the type of breast surgery performed. The management of postoperative complications related to oncologic breast and axillary surgery independent of reconstruction is reviewed here.

Compression Therapy for the Patients With Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Compression therapy is a common method for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema. However, no specific evidence exists to guide practitioners on the morbidity of lymphedema, limb volume, and range of motion.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to compare the effects of compression therapy and routine nursing during the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema and to provide a basis for better clinical decision-making.

METHODS

The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were searched through January 21, 2021. Meta-analysis and description of the outcomes were performed by using the RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies were included. A meta-analysis of 13 studies was conducted. The experimental group had a lower morbidity of lymphedema, the difference was significant, and there was no heterogeneity (P < .05; odds ratio, 0.35, I2 = 31%). There was no significant difference between the experimental group and control group in limb volume, and there was significant heterogeneity (P = .44, mean difference = 4.51, I2 = 85%). Regarding range of motion, the standardized mean difference of shoulder adduction, shoulder lift, shoulder abduction, and shoulder extension were 1.37, 0.69, 0.56, and 0.87, respectively, and the differences were significant; there was heterogeneity (P < .05, I2 = 92%).

CONCLUSIONS

Compression therapy can reduce the morbidity of lymphedema and improve limb movement, but the effect on limb volume needs to be further explored.

IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE

In terms of therapeutic effectiveness and limb function, the results provide evidence that physicians can reduce the morbidity of lymphedema, reduce the degree of limb, and increase limb mobility by applying compression therapy.

The prevalence of arm lymphedema after radiation treatment in patients with breast cancer

Aim:

To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of arm lymphedema in patients with breast cancer.

Materials and methods:

Between 2006 and 2017, we investigated patients with breast cancer after breast surgery who received adjuvant radiotherapy at the breast or chest wall, and/or adjuvant radiotherapy at regional lymph nodes, and standard systemic chemotherapy depending on disease stage and risk factors. We assessed arm lymphedema using arm circumference measurement differences on the treated side compared with the opposite arm (≥2 cm measurements at any one position). Associations between arm lymphedema and potential risk factors were identified using statistical analysis.

Results:

In 308 patients, arm lymphedema prevalence was 6·2%. Patients having ≥20 lymph nodes removed (hazard ratio (HR) = 3·29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1·12–8·87), undergoing regional lymph node irradiation (HR = 1·81; 95% CI: 1·09–13·28), and no arm and shoulder exercises after treatment (HR = 3·16; 95% CI: 1·89–5·26) had a higher risk of arm lymphedema.

Findings:

Arm lymphedema is a serious breast cancer complication and is a preventable morbidity. Planning arm and shoulder exercises in line with adjuvant treatments and increasing clinical awareness of early indications could help lower the risk of occurrence.

Change in Shoulder Function in the Early Recovery Phase after Breast Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

Breast cancer surgery significantly affects the shoulder's range of motion (ROM) and strength. However, the extent of shoulder impairment, as well as patterns of recovery immediately after surgery, is not fully understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate shoulder ROM and strength during the early recovery phase after surgery. Thirty-two breast cancer patients were observed five times: the day before surgery, discharge day (postoperative day 1 (POD1) or (POD2)), first outpatient visit (POD7-10), second outpatient visit (POD14-20), and third outpatient visit (POD21-30). We assessed shoulder passive ROM and strength for both affected and unaffected arms at each observation. ROM decreased in both affected and unaffected sides post-surgery. ROM on the affected side did not recover to the pre-surgery level until the third outpatient visit (POD24). In contrast, the ROM on the unaffected side recovered to the pre-surgery level by the first outpatient visit (POD10). The shoulder strength of both arms declined and did not recover to pre-surgery levels. Shoulder strength in the affected arm significantly decreased immediately after surgery (52.9% of the pre-surgery levels) and did not recover until the third outpatient visit (62.5% of the pre-surgery levels), whereas that in the unaffected arm decreased gradually (83.1 ± 2.3 at POD 1 and 78.9 ± 2.9 at POD 24). Descriptively, patterns of recovery in ROM may vary according to types of surgery while patterns of recovery in shoulder strength did not: shoulder strength significantly decreased and did not recover notably regardless of types of surgery. Both shoulder ROM and strength reduced during the early recovery phase after breast cancer surgery regardless of types of surgery, although the degree of reduction was greater in shoulder strength than ROM. Our findings suggest that rehabilitation exercises should be implemented in both upper limbs.

Body Fluid Trend and Prevalence of Lymphedema After Gynecological Cancer Surgery

Background: This study aimed at understanding the trend in extracellular fluid (ECF) change and estimating the efficacy of the early complex decongestive therapy (CDT) program in terms of prevalence of lower limb lymphedema, as well as at identifying the quality of life (QoL) associated with response to CDT after gynecological cancer therapy. Methods and Results: Thirty-one patients undergoing gynecological cancer treatment were enrolled and randomly assigned to the CDT and control groups. In the CDT group, CDT was started within 2 weeks after surgery for 30 minutes a day, for 2 weeks (5 days per week). The patients' QoL was assessed through the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire; version 3. Inbody S10^® (Biospace, Seoul, South Korea) was used to calculate the ECF. The assessment was performed at pre- and post-surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Statistically significant differences, in favor of the CDT group, were encountered at the 3-month follow-up visit, especially with respect to the QoL score. Regarding the prevalence of lymphedema, no significant difference was observed between groups. The mean value of the impedance ratio was low in the CDT group during the entire 12 month follow-up. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that early CDT had a positive effect on the prevalence of lymphedema and body composition. Long-term follow-up studies with a larger sample size are needed to warrant the time-group effect of early rehabilitation.

Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Using Negative Pressure Massage: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of negative pressure massage treatment (NPMT) compared with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in women with chronic breast cancer-related lymphedema (LE). We hypothesized that NPMT would result in greater improvements in LE and upper limb function.

DESIGN

Pilot single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Health sciences university.

PARTICIPANTS

Of 64 women screened, 28 met eligibility requirements (ie, >18y of age; completed active treatment for breast cancer; had unilateral arm LE for ≥1y; were not receiving LE care; had stable LE) and were randomized to the NPMT (n=15) and control groups (n=13).

INTERVENTIONS

The intervention group received NPMT and the control group received MLD; both received twelve 60-minute sessions over 4-6 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Bioimpedance (lymphedema index [L-Dex] units]), limb volume (mL) calculated from limb circumference, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score.

RESULTS

Outcomes were analyzed for 28 women. Compared to the MLD group, the NPMT group demonstrated greater improvement with a large effect size in L-Dex scores (P=.001; standardized mean difference [SMD]=-1.15; 95% confidence interval, -1.96 to -0.35) and interlimb volume differences (P=.038; SMD=-0.83; 95% confidence interval, -1.60 to -0.05). Differences in DASH scores were not statistically significant (P=.067).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to MLD, treatment with NPMT resulted in greater improvement in L-Dex scores and interlimb volume differences in women with a duration of unilateral upper limb LE of >1 year. Our findings need to be confirmed in a larger randomized controlled trial.

Analysis of Radiation Dose to the Shoulder by Treatment Technique and Correlation With Patient Reported Outcomes in Patients Receiving Regional Nodal Irradiation

Background/Purpose

Shoulder/arm morbidity is a late complication of breast cancer treatment with surgery and regional nodal irradiation (RNI). We set to analyze the impact of radiation technique [intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or 3D conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT)] on radiation dose to the shoulder with a hypothesis that IMRT use results in smaller volume of shoulder receiving radiation. We explored the relationship of treatment technique on long-term patient-reported outcomes using the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (q-DASH) questionnaire.

Materials/Methods

We identified patients treated with adjuvant RNI (50 Gy/25 fractions) from 2013 to 2018. We retrospectively contoured the shoulder organ-at-risk (OAR) from 2 cm above the ipsilateral supraclavicular (SCL) planning target volume (PTV) to the inferior SCL PTV slice and calculated the absolute volume of shoulder OAR receiving 5–50 Gy (V5–V50). We identified patients that completed a q-DASH questionnaire ≥6 months from the end of RNI.

Results

We included 410 RNI patients: 54% stage III, 72% mastectomy, 35% treated with IMRT. IMRT resulted in significant reductions in the shoulder OAR volume receiving 20–50 Gy vs. 3DCRT. In total, 82 patients completed the q-DASH. The mean (SD) q-DASH=25.4 (19.1) and tended to be lower with IMRT vs. 3DCRT: 19.6 (16.4) vs. 27.8 (19.8), p=0.078.

Conclusion

We found that IMRT reduces radiation dose to the shoulder and is associated with a trend toward reduced q-DASH scores ≥6 months post-RNI in a subset of our cohort. These results support prospective evaluation of IMRT as a technique to reduce shoulder morbidity in breast cancer patients receiving RNI.

Investigation of Factors Affecting Early Quality of Life of Patients after Breast Cancer Surgery

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to early quality of life (QOL) three months after surgery in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node dissection. Methods: The subjects of this study were 195 consecutive patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Age, body mass index, level of lymph node dissection, marriage, children, co-resident household members, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative hormonal therapy, postoperative radiotherapy, upper limb function (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH)), and QOL (European Organization for the Treatment and Research of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)) were evaluated. For each item of the EORTC QLQ-C30, compared with preoperative status and three months after surgery, those who improved or remained unchanged in the three months after surgery were classified as the maintenance and improved groups, and those with worsening status were classified as the worsened group. Results: Age, level of lymph node dissection, DASH, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, postoperative chemotherapy, and postoperative radiotherapy were significantly associated with QOL (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The early QOL of postoperative patients with breast cancer is affected by multiple factors, such as upper limb function and postoperative chemotherapy, and thus comprehensive intervention is required.

Treatment response correlation between primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer: a retrospective study based on real-world data

Background

Excellent response of the primary tumor after neoadjuvant therapy may indicate a better axillary status in breast cancer. However, this treatment response correlation has not been investigated in Chinese breast cancer patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer and treated with neoadjuvant therapy were included in this retrospective study, conducted at a comprehensive breast cancer institution in China. Clinicopathological factors at baseline were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Furthermore, association rules analyses were used to investigate the correlation between the pathologic response of the primary tumor and that of the axillary lymph nodes based on such factors.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that breast pathologic response was influenced by tumor size, classification of regional lymph nodes, histological grade, progesterone receptor status, and Ki67 expression. The potential influencing factor for the pathologic response of the axilla was found to be regional lymph node classification. The findings from association rules analyses demonstrated that when a pathologic complete response (pCR) in the breast was achieved among patients with cT₂N₀ and hormone receptor-negative disease, the axilla response in these patients was also highly likely to be pCR (the likelihood for axilla pCR was more than 90%). However, cT₃N_1-2 patients hardly achieved pCR for both the primary tumor and axillary lymph nodes (mean confidence, 0.9637). The clinicopathological factors accounting for the inconsistent response between the breast and the axilla were found to be hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, and low Ki67 expression.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a strong correlation between breast pCR and axilla pCR among patients with specific characteristics. These findings provide a basis for the selection of candidates for clinical trials on the omission of axillary surgery.

Anatomy and physiology of the sentinel lymph nodes of the upper extremity: Implications for axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

This study characterizes the physiological drainage of the normal upper extremity using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) lymphoscintigraphy axillary reverse lymphatic mapping (ARM).

METHODS

A consecutive series of patients assessed with SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy ARM of the upper extremity were included. Anatomical localization of the axillary sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) was completed in normal axillae in relation to consistent anatomic landmarks. Retrospective case note analysis was performed to collect patient demographic data.

RESULTS

A total of 169 patients underwent SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy, and imaging of 182 normal axillae was obtained. All patients (100%) had an axillary SLN identified: 19% had a single contrast-enhanced SLN in the axilla and the remainder had multiple. The SLN(s) of the upper extremity was located in the upper outer quadrant (UOQ) of the axilla in 97% of cases (177 axillae). When the SLN(s) was found in the UOQ of the axilla, second-tier lymph nodes were found predominantly in the upper inner quadrant (50% of cases).

CONCLUSIONS

The upper extremity SLN(s) is located in a constant region of the axilla. This study provides the most complete investigation to date and results can be directly applied clinically to ARM techniques and adjuvant radiation planning.

Late arm and shoulder problems after axillary therapeutic lymph node dissection in patients with melanoma

INTRODUCTION

Lymphedema is exempted, only a few studies have dealt with the late adverse effects in melanoma patients who have undergone axillary therapeutic lymph node dissection (ATLND) for the clinical nodal disease. We evaluated the data on late arm/shoulder problems (ASPs) reported by the patients and daily life impairment after ATLND and identified the risk factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2014, 82 patients underwent full en bloc Level I-III ATLND. After a median of 56 months (range 34-104), 76 patients (compliance: 93%) rated their ASPs and daily life dysfunction in a questionnaire, leading to the calculation of individual a Symptom/Problem Summary Score and a Function Summary Score. Multivariate analyses identified risk factors.

RESULTS

Two groups of patients were identified. Group 1: no or mild ASPs, n = 56 (74%). Group 2: at least one moderate, severe and very severe ASP, n = 20 (26%). Overall, lymphedema, numbness and restricted arm movements represented the most frequent ASPs. Based on the distribution of the summary scores, about 60% of the patients reported no or only mild symptoms/problems and no or mild dysfunction. More than mild impairment of daily life was reported by five patients. On multivariate analyses, increasing tumor size and decreasing age were identified as risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Our sample shows that ATLND in melanoma patients with the clinically detectable disease can be performed without a major risk of late ASPs and impaired daily life. Increasing tumor size and decreasing age at the surgery are risk factors for developing ASP-related dysfunction.

The effects of poloxamer and sodium alginate mixture (Guardix-SG®) on range of motion after axillary lymph node dissection: A single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind pilot study

PURPOSE

Restricted shoulder mobility is a major upper extremity dysfunction associated with lower quality of life and disability after breast cancer surgery. We hypothesized that a poloxamer and sodium alginate mixture (Guardix-SG®) applied after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) would significantly improve shoulder range of motion (ROM) in patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, randomized, prospective study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Guardix-SG® for the prevention of upper extremity dysfunction after ALND. The primary outcome measure was shoulder ROM at baseline (T0) and 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 months (T3) after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score(DASH), pain associated with movement, which was assessed using a numeric rating scale, and lymphedema assessed using body composition analyzer.

RESULTS

A total of 83 women with breast cancer were randomly assigned to either the Guardix-SG® group or the control group. In the Guardix-SG® group (n = 37), Guardix-SG® was applied to the axillary region after ALND. In the control group (n = 46), ALND was performed without using Guardix-SG®. Comparing ROM for shoulder flexion before surgery (178.2°) and 12 months after surgery (172.3°), that was restored 12 months after surgery in the Guardix-SG® group, and there was no statistically significant difference between that at before surgery and 12 months after surgery (p = 0.182). No adverse effect was observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study have shown that Guardix-SG® help improve shoulder ROM without causing adverse effects in patients who underwent breast cancer surgery. However, there was no statistically significant difference from the control group. A further large-scale study is needed to obtain a more conclusive conclusion.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRISKCT0003386; https://cris.nih.go.kr (20181207).

The impact of radiation on lymphedema: a review of the literature

Radiation therapy (RT) is a common adjunct therapy in oncology. However, it carries a significant risk of lymphedema when utilized in some anatomic locations. Recent studies have provided insight into lymphedema pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, and RT. This review will examine the role of RT in upper and lower extremity lymphedema. Radiation's role in increasing the risk of lymphedema through decreased lymphatic proliferation potential, interstitial fibrosis compressing lymphatic vessels, and mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system will be reviewed.

A comparison of physical characteristics, functions and quality of life between breast cancer survivor women who had a mastectomy and healthy women

BACKGROUND

The quality of life of breast cancer survivors who had a mastectomy may decrease due to potential physical problems and reduced upper extremity functions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the physical characteristics, upper extremity functions and quality of life of breast cancer survivors and healthy women.

METHODS

A total of 66 women participated in this study: breast cancer survivors (n= 33) and healthy counterparts (n= 33) participated in this study. The Lateral Scapular Dyskinesia Slide Test was used to evaluate scapular dyskinesia, the hand-held dynamometer was used to measure upper extremity muscular strength, the Angle Reproduction Test was used to measure upper extremity position sense, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire was used to assess upper extremity functions, and the Short Form-36 was used to assess the quality of life.

RESULTS

The findings showed that the prevalence of scapular dyskinesia was higher, whereas upper extremity muscle strength, shoulder joint position sense, upper extremity functions and many sub-dimensions of quality of life were reduced in breast cancer survivor women compared to the healthy women (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Several physical characteristics, upper extremity functions and quality of life of breast cancer survivor women who had a mastectomy were affected more in comparison to healthy women. Thus, these parameters should be included in physiotherapy assessment and treatment programs.

Effect of evidence-based nursing intervention on upper limb function in postoperative radiotherapy patients with breast cancer

To investigate the effect of evidence-based nursing (EBN) intervention on upper limb function in postoperative breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.A total of 126 breast cancer patients who had received postoperative radiotherapy in the Union Hospital affiliated with Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from September 2017 to September 2018 were randomly divided into 2 groups, namely, experimental and control groups, with 63 cases in each group. Both the control and experimental groups received routine postoperative radiotherapy followed by traditional and EBN interventions, respectively. All patients were followed up for 6 months and differences in the upper limb function after nursing intervention were compared between the 2 groups.The scores of self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and short form-36 survey (SF-36) in the 2 groups had no statistical significance before intervention. After the EBN intervention, the SAS and self-rating depression scale scores of patients in the experimental group were lower than that of those in the control group. In the experimental group, 90.67% of the patients had an excellent score for the University of California, Los Angeles shoulder score, which was higher than that of the control group (73.92%). The Mayo Elbow Performance Score of the experimental group (95.01) was higher than that of the control group (91.33). The total length of the sum of arm circumference in the experimental group was (128.39 cm) lower than that of the control group (143.66 cm). The scores of SF-36 in the overall health, physical pain, mental health, and physiological functions of the patients in the experimental group were higher than those of the control group. All of these parameters' differences between the 2 groups were of statistical significance (P < .05).EBN can positively influence the negative emotional state of breast cancer patients after radiotherapy. At the same time, it is helpful in reducing the degree of lymph node edema on the affected side of the upper limb, thereby improving the function of the shoulder joint, which has a positive effect on the upper limb function.

Axillary management for young women with breast cancer varies between patients electing breast-conservation therapy or mastectomy

PURPOSE

Axillary treatment strategies for the young woman with early-stage, clinically node-negative breast cancer undergoing upfront surgery found to have 1-3 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) differ significantly after BCT and mastectomy. Here we compare axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and regional nodal irradiation (NRI) rates between women electing breast-conservation therapy (BCT) versus mastectomy.

METHODS

From 2010 to 2016, women age < 50 years with clinical T1-T2N0 breast cancer having upfront surgery and found to have a positive SLN were identified. ALND and/or NRI receipt were compared between groups.

RESULTS

192 women undergoing BCT and 165 undergoing mastectomy were identified (median age: 44 years). 5.2% (10/192) of women undergoing BCT had an ALND versus 87% (144/165) of women undergoing mastectomy (p < 0.01). NRI was given to 48% (78/165) of mastectomy patients compared to 30% (57/192) of BCT patients (p < 0.01). Of the 75 mastectomy patients with 1-2 total positive lymph nodes after completion ALND, 44% received NRI. Women undergoing mastectomy were significantly more likely to receive both ALND and NRI than women undergoing BCS (45% vs 6%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Young cT1-2N0 breast cancer patients found to have 1-3 SLN metastases received ALND, NRI, and combined ALND/NRI more frequently if they elected mastectomy over BCT. Use of both ALND and postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in this population could be reduced in the future by omitting ALND in patients for whom the need for PMRT is clear with the finding of 1-2 SLN metastases.

Mapping of Metastatic Level I Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

We examined the distribution of pretreatment nodal metastases to the level I axilla (Ax-L1) to assess the appropriateness of current breast atlases and provide guidelines in relationship to easily identifiable anatomic landmarks for accurate delineation of this lymph node (LN) basin.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and biopsy-proven metastatic Ax-L1 LNs were identified. We related the location of each LN to its most adjacent rib and its distance from the bottom of the humeral head, axillary vessels, and a line connecting the anterior aspects of the pectoralis and latissimus dorsi muscles (P-L line). LNs were mapped onto a representative planning computed tomography scan, and their distribution was used to validate the current Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology, and Radiotherapy Comparative Effectiveness breast atlases. Furthermore, we examined metastases to a subregion encompassing the superolateral Ax-L1, irradiation of which correlates highly with lymphedema.

RESULTS

We identified 106 eligible patients with 107 biopsied LNs. All LNs fell between the second and fifth ribs (mean, 3.8 ± 0.56). Mean distance from the inferior aspect of the humeral head was 4.3 ± 1.6 cm (range, 0.3-8.4). Mean distance from the inferior aspect of the axillary vessels was 2.9 ± 1.5 cm (range, -0.6 to 5.4). Mean distance from the P-L line was 0.01 ± 1.9 cm (range, -2.2 to 2.4); negative and positive values denote medial or lateral to the P-L line. A Radiation Therapy Oncology Group-compliant Ax-L1 consensus contour, created from contours by 4 attending breast radiation oncologists, partially or fully missed 45% of mapped LNs. European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology- and Radiotherapy Comparative Effectiveness-compliant Ax-L1 similarly missed 46% and 34% of mapped LNs, respectively. LNs were most frequently missed in the lateral direction. The superolateral Ax-L1 encompassed 9.3% of the mapped LNs.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant percentage of at-risk Ax-L1 tissue falls outside current contouring atlases. We propose expansion of the recommended Ax-L1 borders, most notably in the lateral direction.

Is Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction Cost-effective?

OBJECTIVE

This manuscript is the first to employ rigorous methodological criteria to critically appraise a surgical preventative technique for breast cancer-related lymphedema from a cost-utility standpoint.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a well-documented complication of breast cancer survivors in the US. In this study, we conduct a cost-utility analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the LYMPHA.

METHODS

Lymphedema rates after each of the following surgical options: (1) ALND, (2) ALND + LYMPHA, (3) ALND + RLNR, (4) ALND + RLNR + LYMPHA were extracted from a recently published meta-analysis. Procedural costs were calculated using Medicare reimbursement rates. Average utility scores were obtained for each health state using a visual analog scale, then converted to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). A decision tree was generated and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR) were calculated. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate our findings.

RESULTS

ALND with LYMPHA was more cost-effective with an ICUR of $1587.73/QALY. In the decision tree rollback analysis, a clinical effectiveness gain of 1.35 QALY justified an increased incremental cost of $2140. Similarly, the addition of LYMPHA to ALND with RLNR was more cost-effective with an ICUR of $699.84/QALY. In the decision tree rollback analysis, a clinical effectiveness gain of 2.98 QALY justified a higher incremental cost of $2085.00.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports that the addition of LYMPHA to both ALND or ALND with RLNR is the more cost-effective treatment option.

Evaluation the effect of preserving intercostobrachial nerve in axillary dissection for breast cancer patient

Background

The Intercostobrachial nerve (ICBN) is responsible for sensory function in the axillar and upper arm. The majority of surgeons routinely sacrifice the ICBN during axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) because of technical difficulties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of the preservation or division of the ICBN on the incidence of post-operative sensory disturbance, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and the physical functions of the upper limbs.

Methods

We performed a randomized double-blind trial comparing the incidence of sensory disturbance, HRQOL and physical functions of upper limbs in the preservation and the removal of the ICBN. Clinicians performed sensory evaluation at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery. The sensory evaluation included questionnaires (subjective evaluation) and physical examination (objective evaluation) to evaluate sensory disturbance of the upper arm. HRQOL and physical function of upper limbs was accessed before surgery and at three months after surgery, using Short Form-36 and QuickDASH questionnaires, both in Thai language versions.

Results

At the end of the surgical procedures there were 15 patients in the preserved group (group P) and 28 patients in the non-preserved group (group N). In as-treated analysis, there was no significant difference between the groups in pain, sensory loss, physical examination of touch and pinprick sensation, and areas of sensory dullness. HRQOL found that the reported pain in P group was higher than N group in both intention-to-treat and as-treated analysis. In the QuickDASH scores of physical functions of the upper limbs there was a significant difference, 9.1 in group P and 20.5 in group N (P=0.013).

Conclusions

ICBN preservation provides no benefit to improving sensation, but there are benefits in HRQOL and physical functions of upper limbs at three months after surgery.

Upper extremity disability and quality of life after breast cancer treatment in the Greater Plains Collaborative clinical research network

PURPOSE

Chronic upper extremity disability (UED) is common after breast cancer treatment but under-identified and under-treated. Although UED has been linked to quality of life (QoL), the role of UED as mediator between contemporary treatment practices and QoL has not been quantified. This investigation describes UED in a contemporary sample of breast cancer patients and examines its relationship with personal and treatment factors and QoL.

METHODS

Eight hundred and thirty-three women diagnosed at eight medical institutions during 2013-2014 with microscopically confirmed ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive stage I-III breast cancer were surveyed an average of 22 months after diagnosis. UED was measured with a modified QuickDASH and QoL with the FACT-B. The questionnaire also collected treatments, sociodemographic information, comorbidity, body mass index, and a 3-item health literacy screener.

RESULTS

Women who received post-mastectomy radiation and chemotherapy experienced significantly worse UED and QoL. Women who had lower income, lower health literacy and prior diabetes, arthritis or shoulder diagnoses had worse UED. Patients with worse UED reported significantly worse QoL. Income and health literacy were independently associated with QoL after adjustment for UED but treatment and prior conditions were not, indicating mediation by UED. UED mediated 52-79% of the effect of mastectomy-based treatments on QoL as compared with unilateral mastectomy without radiation. UED and QoL did not differ by type of axillary surgery or post-mastectomy reconstruction.

CONCLUSIONS

A large portion of treatment effect on QoL is mediated by UED. Rehabilitation practices that prevent and alleviate UED are likely to improve QoL for breast cancer survivors.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram to Predict Lymphedema After Axillary Surgery and Radiation Therapy in Women With Breast Cancer From the NCIC CTG MA.20 Randomized Trial

PURPOSE

Regional nodal irradiation for women with breast cancer is known to be an important risk factor for the development of upper extremity lymphedema, but tools to accurately predict lymphedema risks for individual patients are lacking. This study sought to develop and validate a nomogram to predict lymphedema risk after axillary surgery and radiation therapy in women with breast cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data from 1832 women accrued on the MA.20 trial between March 2000 and February 2007 were used to create a prognostic model with National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Version 2.0 grade 2 or higher lymphedema as the primary endpoint. Multivariable logistic regression estimated model performance. External validation was performed on data from a single large academic cancer center (N = 785).

RESULTS

In the MA.20 trial cohort, 3 risk factors were predictive of lymphedema risk: body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05 per unit body mass index; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.08, P < .001), extent of axillary surgery (adjusted odds radio for 8-11 lymph nodes removed, 3.28 [95% CI, 1.53-7.89] P = .004; 12-15 lymph nodes, 4.04 [95% CI, 1.76-10.26] P = .002; ≥16 nodes, 5.08 [95% CI, 2.26-12.70] P < .001), and extent of nodal irradiation (adjusted odds radio for limited, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.08-2.56] P = .02; for extensive, 2.31 [95% CI, 1.28-4.10] P = .004). A nomogram was created from these data that predicted lymphedema risk with reasonable accuracy confirmed by both internal (concordance index, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.64-0.74) and external validation (concordance index, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.66-0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram created from the MA.20 randomized trial data using clinical information may be useful for lymphedema screening and risk stratification for therapeutic intervention trials.

Changes in Pectoral Muscle Volume During Subacute Period after Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Retrospective up to 4-year Follow-up Study

Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for managing breast cancer patients with breast conserving surgery, but patients may experience radiation-induced shoulder problems. Even though the course of shoulder morbidity is unknown, pectoral muscle changes after radiotherapy can be a major cause of shoulder problems. Twenty-two patients treated with RT for unilateral breast cancer were included in the study. All patients underwent serial computed tomography (CT) imaging before and immediately after RT, as well as 2 months, 6 months, 2 years, and 3-4 years after RT. These CT scans were used to compare muscle volume changes. The pectoral muscle volume and muscle volume surrounding the scapular measurement was performed using 3D modelling after segmentation of the CT scans. In all patients, the pectoral muscle volume increased during the 2 months after RT, and there was continuous volume reduction from 2-48 months after RT. Changes in muscle volume ratio over time were analysed by repeated measure ANOVA and it was found that there was a significant change in the pectoral muscle volume (p < 0.001) from Just before RT and Immediately after RT at 2 month after RT. On the other hand, the changes in the muscle volume of the surrounding scapular were not significant.

The Psychosocial Effects of Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Life-long lymphedema is a common complication of cancer therapy. In this Canadian study, we adopted a phenomenological methodology to explore the experience of patients with cancer-related lymphedema, and their spouses. We conducted audio taped semistructured interviews with 11 patients and eight spouses, who were recruited through a university hospital-based lymphedema clinic and through local lymphedema therapists. We developed an analytical framework from the data themselves, and tentative hypotheses and thematic categories that represented shared case features. Participants expressed frustration because of lack of financial support from government and insurance companies, inadequate knowledge and perceived lack of interest on the part of physicians, and lack of awareness in society in general. This study suggests further investigation of the funding of lymphedema treatments, and of the effect of lymphedema on work, intimacy, and leisure activities. Our research findings will inform educational initiatives and cancer rehabilitation programs.

Shoulder girdle impairment in breast cancer survivors: the role of range of motion as predictive factor for dose distribution and clinical outcome

Background:

Pain and functional impairment of the ipsilateral shoulder girdle in patients who underwent surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer (BC) is a late complication reported in the literature. We analyze a correlation with dosimetric parameters and propose an algorithm for sparing strategies.

Methods:

A total of 111 patients treated for BC were included in this observational analysis during follow-up protocol visits. Exclusion criteria were the presence of moderate or severe arthrosis history and/or rheumatologic diseases. All the patients had complete physical and multidimensional examinations during joint (physiatrist and radiotherapy oncology) follow-up visits. A scapula–humeral articulation (SHA) standardized contouring was performed retrospectively on Eclipse® treatment plans. A possible correlation between patients’ characteristics, radiotherapy, and dosimetry analysis and functional impairment was investigated at statistical analysis. Results of analysis were summarized into a proposal of algorithm for sparing SHA.

Results:

A total of 111 patients were selected during follow-up visits. Mean age of patients was 60 years (range 41–85 years). A total of 103 patients (93%) underwent conservative surgery, with 110 patients (99%) undergoing axilla surgery as well. Fifty-two patients (46.8%) presented a reduction of range of motion (ROM) abduction on the treated side at the observational analysis. Mean ROM abduction reduction was 13°06’ (range 0°–100°). Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) score results were excellent in 79 patients (71.2%), discrete in 15 patients (13.5%), good in 15 patients (13.5%), and sufficient in 2 patients (1.8%). Median EQD2Dmaxat SHA was 18 Gy (range 0.22–51.9 Gy) and median EQD2mean dose at SHA was 2 Gy (range 0.04–24.32 Gy). Univariate analysis showed a linear correlation between DASH score and ROM of abduction of treated side (ρ=−0.7), ROM of abduction and ROM of flexion in ipsilateral arm (ρ=0.8), or ROM of abduction and ROM of flexion in contralateral arm (ρ=0.8). A statistically significant difference in ROM abduction between the 2 arms was found at χ2test ( P<0.05 at χ2confidence interval = 95%). Cox linear regression analysis showed ROM abduction on treated arm as a predictive factor of DASH score ( P<0.0001). Age ( P<0.05), DASH score ( P=0.006), and ROM abduction on treated arm ( P=0.005) were found as independent predictive factors of mean dose at multivariate analysis. A mean dose higher than 7 Gy and ROM abduction reduction more than 30° were related to DASH score level reduction.

Conclusions:

This hypothesis-generating study introduces an algorithm to be validated for management of sparing SHA and improving quality of survivorship. ROM evaluation after surgery, early physiotherapy, standard contouring, and planning adaptation represent possible indications to preserve shoulder impairment. Further prospective studies are needed to discriminate impairment of surgery and radiotherapy in order to personalized therapeutic plan programs.

Cancer-associated secondary lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is an oedematous condition with a specific and complex tissue biology. In the clinical context of cancer, the pathogenesis of lymphoedema ensues most typically from the modalities employed to stage and treat the cancer (in particular, surgery and radiotherapy). Despite advances in cancer treatment, lifelong lymphoedema (limb swelling and the accompanying chronic inflammatory processes) affects approximately one in seven individuals treated for cancer, although estimates of lymphoedema prevalence following cancer treatment vary widely depending upon the diagnostic criteria used and the duration of follow-up. The natural history of cancer-associated lymphoedema is defined by increasing limb girth, fibrosis, inflammation, abnormal fat deposition and eventual marked cutaneous pathology, which also increases the risk of recurrent skin infections. Lymphoedema can substantially affect the daily quality of life of patients, as, in addition to aesthetic concerns, it can cause discomfort and affect the ability to carry out daily tasks. Clinical diagnosis is dependent on comparison of the affected region with the equivalent region on the unaffected side and, if available, with pre-surgical measurements. Surveillance is indicated in this high-risk population to facilitate disease detection at the early stages, when therapeutic interventions are most effective. Treatment modalities include conservative physical strategies that feature complex decongestive therapy (including compression garments) and intermittent pneumatic compression, as well as an emerging spectrum of surgical interventions, including liposuction for late-stage disease. The future application of pharmacological and microsurgical therapeutics for cancer-associated lymphoedema holds great promise.

Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling As a Treatment For Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome - A Case Series of Twenty Patients

CONTEXT

Existing interventions for postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) address the neural component while overlooking a possible myofascial component.

AIM

The aim of the study is to investigate the myofascial contribution to PMPS, by examining the effectiveness of myofascial trigger point release by ultrasound-guided dry needling (USGDN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective review assessed the efficacy of USGDN in addressing myofascial pain in twenty consecutive patients with treatment-refractory PMPS. Patients in Group 1 (n = 16) received USGDN after neural interventions (NIs) such as neuraxial blocks, intrathecal pump implant, or pulsed radiofrequency, while those in Group 2 (n = 4) received USGDN alone. Outcome measures were changes in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), PainDETECT (PD), Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, and opioid use.

RESULTS

In Group 1, the mean (standard deviation) NRS and PD scores (9.6 [0.9] and 28.3 [4.3], respectively, at baseline) reduced to 5.2 (1.1) and 16.1 (3.7) at 1-week post-NI. The post-NI DASH reduction was below the cutoff for clinical relevance (80.9 [10.5] at baseline vs. 71.1 [10.5] post-NI). The opioid dose remained unchanged. Following USGDN, NRS, PD, and DASH scores further reduced to 2.3 (0.8), 6.6 (1.2), and 34.6 (14.4), respectively. Patients receiving USGDN alone also showed reduction in NRS, PD, and DASH (7.8 [1.7], 20.0 [8.0], and 61.0 [14.4] at baseline vs. 1.3 [0.5], 6.0 [1.6], and 22.5 [10.4] post-USGDN, respectively). In all patients, opioid use and PHQ-9 scores reduced only post-USGDN.

CONCLUSIONS

USGDN reduced pain, disability, and opioid use, whereas NI reduced only pain. This suggests a myofascial contribution to pain and disability in PMPS.

Understanding Patient Expectations of Lymphedema Surgery

BACKGROUND

Patients with lymphedema refractory to medical treatment often have unrealistic expectations for lymphedema surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess patient expectations following lymphedema surgery.

METHODS

Patients presenting to the clinic for initial evaluation for lymphedema surgery were offered to complete a survey designed to evaluate their expectations for limb appearance, limb function, and overall well-being following lymphedema surgery. The patients were instructed to score each item using a five-point scale for improvement. A mean expectation score was calculated, which was then used to estimate the effects of preoperative variables on patients expectations using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 21 women and two men with a mean age of 60 years completed the survey. The upper limbs were affected in 10 patients and the lower limbs were affected in 13 patients. Physicians were the initial source of information about lymphedema surgery as a potential treatment option in 10 patients (43 percent), and a majority of the patients [n = 15 (65.2 percent)] thought that the physicians had fair or poor knowledge about lymphedema surgery. Significant or complete improvement was expected by 43.4 to 73.9 percent of patients. Patients' level of education, the disease duration, and the initial source of information about lymphedema surgery had a statistically significant impact on patients' expectations.

CONCLUSIONS

Early data suggest that most patients learn about lymphedema surgery from nonphysicians, with many expecting complete or significant improvement of lymphedema-associated symptoms with surgery. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing patient expectations and providing appropriate counseling before surgery.

Feasibility study of combined dynamic imaging and lymphaticovenous anastomosis surgery for breast cancer-related lymphoedema

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) presents a significant healthcare burden and adversely affects quality of life of breast cancer survivors. A prospective feasibility study was performed on lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) for the treatment of BCRL.

METHODS

Patients with BCRL underwent near-infrared spectroscopy with indocyanine green lymphatic mapping to identify suitable lymphatic channels for LVA. End-to-end anastomoses to subdermal venules were performed and patients recommenced compression garment therapy (CGT) after surgery. Volumetric assessment of the affected limb was performed at regular intervals using infrared perometry to calculate the excess volume reduction.

RESULTS

Over a 24-month interval, 27 patients with BCRL underwent LVA. The mean duration of lymphoedema was 3·5 (range 0·5-18) years, and the mean number of LVAs performed was 3 (range 2-5). Twenty-four of the 27 patients completed 12-month follow-up. Patients exhibited three patterns of volumetric response following LVA: sustained response (16 patients), transient response (5) or no response (6). Sustained responders showed an excess volume reduction of -33·2 per cent at 12 months, and this correlated positively with the number of LVAs performed (r = -0·56, P = 0·034). Overall, ten patients were able to downgrade CGT after surgery, and two patients were CGT-free at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

LVA resulted in a sustained volume reduction in selected patients and may offset the burden of CGT. Further work is required to identify biomarkers that predict a favourable response to LVA surgery.