The effectiveness of decongestive treatments provided within 12 months of developing a swollen arm for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review protocol of quantitative evidence

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION/OBJECTIVE The objective of this review is to identify the effectiveness of decongestive lymphedema treatment to reduce excess limb volume or improve patient-centered outcomes for women presenting within 12 months of developing a swollen arm due to breast cancer-related lymphedema. More specifically, the objectives are to identify: 1) The most effective combination of treatment elements 2) The optimal duration of treatment. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include women with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema of the arm, who have received lymphedema treatment within 12 months of developing arm swelling. As many studies have included participants with chronic swelling, this review will consider studies where the average duration of swelling is no more than nine months. It is believed that this will maximize the inclusion of relevant studies while limiting the number of participants with chronic lymphedema (i.e. > 12 months duration). Studies which include participants with other forms of lymphedema (e.g. leg lymphedema) will be included only where data is separately reported for breast cancer-related lymphedema of the arm. Studies which include truncal/breast lymphedema, bilateral lymphedema, individuals who are “at risk” of developing breast cancer-related lymphedema or receiving concurrent cancer treatment will be excluded from the review. Types of intervention(s) This review will consider studies that evaluate any decongestive lymphedema treatment delivered with the purpose of reducing arm lymphedema, within 12 months of development of arm swelling, whether as lymphedema therapist-treatment or patient self-management. This will include, but not be TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS