Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ozone therapy in breast cancer-related Lymphedema (BCRL). Methods: Sixty patients with BCRL were participated in this study and were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Ozone group received ozone therapy in addition to complex physical therapy for lymphedema consisted of pressure garment, remedial exercise, and skin care, while the control group received complex physical therapy only. Limb volume was measured using water displacement and limb circumference. Skin and subcutaneous thickness were measured using Doppler ultrasound. All measurements were carried out at baseline (0wk) and after 12 weeks (12wk) of intervention. Results: The clinical and demographic characteristics of both groups were comparable at baseline. The reduction of limb volume tended to decline in both groups. The trend was more significantly pronounced in ozone group than control at 12 wk (P < 0.05). There was significant reduction in skin and subcutis thickness in both groups. The rate of thickness reduction was more observable in the ozone group than the control group. Conclusion: Ozone therapy was found to be an effective adjunctive modality for reducing limb volume and thickness in the women with BCRL.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death among women worldwide (Jemal et al, 2011)
The trend was more significantly pronounced in ozone group than control at 12 wk (P < 0.05)
The rate of thickness reduction was more observable in the ozone group than the control group
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death among women worldwide (Jemal et al, 2011). Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a common disabling condition in women treated for breast cancer. The prevalence BCRL is between 12% and 28% (Meric et al, 2002; Ozaslan & Kuru, 2004; Clark, Sitzia, & Harlow, 2005). This variation can be explained in part by differences in the criteria used to define and diagnosis lymphedema (Quirion, 2010; Jain, Danoff, & Paul, 2010; Petrek & Heelan, 1998). All lead to diminished quality of life and limitations in activities of daily living of the upper limbs (Calitchi et al, 2001; Fehlauer et al, 2003; Leidenius, Leppanen, Krogerus, & Von Smitten, 2003; Soran et al, 2006; Gosselink et al, 2003; Lee et al, 2007; Ververs et al, 2001)
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