PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common sequelae among breast cancer survivors. This review provides updated information on recent studies to prevent, diagnose, and actively treat women with BCRL. RECENT FINDINGS: In total, 63 articles were identified from 2015 and 2020 that assessed incidence, risk factors, surveillance, measurement and definition, treatment, and awareness of BCRL. Depending on the approach and timing of assessment, BCRL incidence rates ranged from 9.1% to 39%. Modified radical mastectomy, number of positive lymph nodes, and postoperative complications were linked to BCRL risk, in addition to chemotherapy, radiation, axillary lymph node dissection, advanced cancer stage, and higher body mass index. Early detection showed favorable BCRL outcomes (e.g., severity, symptoms). Exercise, self-management, complete decongestive therapy, bandaging, and surgery had positive effects on BCRL outcomes. SUMMARY: Numerous gaps exist within BCRL literature, such as the value of self-reported surveillance options to identify BCRL early, measurement strategies, and definitions of BCRL. In terms of policies, efforts are needed to educate providers, patients, payers, and legislators about the need for consensus to reduce the burden of BCRL in women being treated for breast cancer.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common sequelae among breast cancer survivors. This review provides updated information on recent studies to prevent, diagnose, and actively treat women with BCRL. RECENT FINDINGS: In total, 63 articles were identified from 2015 and 2020 that assessed incidence, risk factors, surveillance, measurement and definition, treatment, and awareness of BCRL. Depending on the approach and timing of assessment, BCRL incidence rates ranged from 9.1% to 39%. Modified radical mastectomy, number of positive lymph nodes, and postoperative complications were linked to BCRL risk, in addition to chemotherapy, radiation, axillary lymph node dissection, advanced cancer stage, and higher body mass index. Early detection showed favorable BCRL outcomes (e.g., severity, symptoms). Exercise, self-management, complete decongestive therapy, bandaging, and surgery had positive effects on BCRL outcomes. SUMMARY: Numerous gaps exist within BCRL literature, such as the value of self-reported surveillance options to identify BCRL early, measurement strategies, and definitions of BCRL. In terms of policies, efforts are needed to educate providers, patients, payers, and legislators about the need for consensus to reduce the burden of BCRL in women being treated for breast cancer.
Entities:
Keywords:
Breast cancer-related lymphedema; quality of life; surveillance; survivorship; symptoms
Authors: Marten N Basta; Justin P Fox; Suhail K Kanchwala; Liza C Wu; Joseph M Serletti; Stephen J Kovach; Joshua Fosnot; John P Fischer Journal: Am J Surg Date: 2015-08-20 Impact factor: 2.565
Authors: Xiaochen Zhang; Justin C Brown; Electra D Paskett; Babette S Zemel; Andrea L Cheville; Kathryn H Schmitz Journal: Breast Cancer Res Treat Date: 2017-04-08 Impact factor: 4.872
Authors: Quan D Ngo; Sonali Munot; Helen Mackie; Sharon Czerniec; Louise A Koelmeyer; Thomas Lam; Asha Heydon-White; Hiroo Suami; John Boyages Journal: Lymphat Res Biol Date: 2020-01-16 Impact factor: 2.589
Authors: Stéphane Vignes; Pascal Fau-Prudhomot; Laura Simon; Marie-Laure Sanchez-Bréchot; Maria Arrault; Fabrice Locher Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-04-13 Impact factor: 3.603