Case Report: Scrambler Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Post-Mastectomy Pain (cPMP)

Thomas Smith,Denise Longo-Schoberlein,Andrea L Cheville Md,Charles L Loprinzi

doi:10.7759/cureus.1378

Thomas Smith, Denise Longo-Schoberlein + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1378

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Journal: Cureus	Publication Date: Jun 21, 2017
Citations: 14	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic

Abstract

Chronic post-mastectomy pain (cPMP), including post-lumpectomy pain, is common with no established ways of treatment. We treated three consecutive patients referred with cPMP with scrambler therapy (ST), a non-invasive electrical neurocutaneous stimulation. Treatment was given across the area of pain following the dermatomes for 45 minutes daily, for several consecutive days until relief, and then was repeated as needed. The ST MC5A device synthesizes 16 different waveforms that resemble action potentials, delivered to the surface receptors of the c-fibers, to send “non-pain” information along the damaged pathways to reduce central sensitization. All three had marked (over 75%) and sustained (months) reduction of allodynia, hyperalgesia, and pain. All reported marked improvements in their quality of life and normal function. One woman was able to stop chronic opioid use. No side effects were observed.Scrambler therapy is a promising way to relieve cancer and other types of neuropathic pain, and may be helpful in cPMP. Further prospective trials are warranted.

Highlights

Chronic post-mastectomy pain is defined as “chronic pain in the anterior aspect of the thorax, axilla, and/or upper half of the arm beginning after mastectomy or quadrantectomy and persisting for more than three months after the surgery” [1,2]
In one of the most comprehensive surveys, it was shown that 47% of women reported post-mastectomy pain, and the pain was severe in 13% of the total sample [5]
We recently treated two Chronic post-mastectomy pain (cPMP) patients and one post-lumpectomy patient with scrambler therapy (ST) and all had relief of established pain; we present them to stimulate further prospective research

Summary

Introduction

Chronic post-mastectomy pain (cPMP) is defined as “chronic pain in the anterior aspect of the thorax, axilla, and/or upper half of the arm beginning after mastectomy or quadrantectomy and persisting for more than three months after the surgery” [1,2]. A 60-year-old woman had had a bilateral mastectomy two years ago, with no subsequent chemotherapy or radiation This 58-year-old woman had deep and aching post-mastectomy pain after mastectomy and chemotherapy, which was sharp where the circles are noted, for almost a year. Her pain was 10/10 before treatment; she obtained relief during treatment and her pain decreased to 0-1/10 after two 45-minute treatments.

Discussion

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Disclosures