Abstract PO3-12-03: SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer is currently the most common malignancy among women, after non-melanoma skin cancer. Upper limb lymphedema is the most feared complication of breast cancer treatment. Currently, the approach described in the literature as the most effective for the treatment of lymphedema is Complex Physical Therapy. In the search for more efficient therapeutic actions, Shockwave Therapy emerges as an alternative in the treatment of upper limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. Objective: to systematically review the available literature and verify the safety, tolerance and efficacy of using Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of upper limb lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. Methods: The following databases were used: PubMed; PEDro, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of science and Scopus and through manual search of articles. The PICO research method was adopted, and the descriptors adjusted according to the respective database. This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42020209588. Results: Combined searches, including reference lists, manual searches, and database searches, yielded 64 articles, of which 35 articles were duplicates, 23 studies were excluded by title, abstract, or full reading. Six full-text articles were selected. Of these, only 3 randomized clinical trials and 3 non-randomized clinical trials met all established inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this systematic review. Two more RCTs were added by manual search of references from other articles. None of the studies found had safety and tolerability as their primary objective, and one reported transient redness with the use of the device. Shockwave Therapy, combined with other resources, can significantly improve lymphedema volume and shoulder range of motion, but there is not enough evidence to support the use of ESWT as a substitute for complex physical therapy (CPT). Final considerations: There is evidence that it can improve ROM and upper limb volume when used in association with CPT, which is the gold standard for the treatment of lymphedema. Keywords: Lymphedema, Breast Cancer, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy. Citation Format: Patricia Lima Ventura, Cinira Haddad, Afonso Nazário, Gil Facina, Vanessa Sanvido, Amanda Estevao, Samantha Lopes de Almeida Rizzi. SAFETY AND TOLERABILITY OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR TREATMENT OF BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-12-03.