Lymphedema Therapy Research Articles

Low level laser therapy (Photobiomodulation therapy) for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a systematic review

BackgroundBreast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is a prevalent complication secondary to cancer treatments which significantly impacts the physical and psychological health of breast cancer survivors. Previous research shows increasing use of low level laser therapy (LLLT), now commonly referred to as photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, for BCRL. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of LLLT (PBM) in the management of BCRL.MethodsClinical trials were searched in PubMed, AMED, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to November 2016. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and adequacy of LLLT (PBM) in these clinical trials. Primary outcome measures were limb circumference/volume, and secondary outcomes included pain intensity and range of motion. Because data were clinically heterogeneous, best evidence synthesis was performed.ResultsEleven clinical trials were identified, of which seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were chosen for analysis. Overall, the methodological quality of included RCTs was high, whereas the reporting of treatment parameters was poor. Results indicated that there is strong evidence (three high quality trials) showing LLLT (PBM) was more effective than sham treatment for limb circumference/volume reduction at a short-term follow-up. There is moderate evidence (one high quality trial) indicating that LLLT (PBM) was more effective than sham laser for short-term pain relief, and limited evidence (one low quality trial) that LLLT (PBM) was more effective than no treatment for decreasing limb swelling at short-term follow-up.ConclusionsBased upon the current systematic review, LLLT (PBM) may be considered an effective treatment approach for women with BCRL. Due to the limited numbers of published trials available, there is a clear need for well-designed high-quality trials in this area. The optimal treatment parameters for clinical application have yet to be elucidated.

An Auto-Adjustable Night Garment to Control Early Rebound Effect of Edema Volume After Intensive Phase of Decongestive Lymphedema Therapy.

Lymphedema of the arm and/or hand is a well-established complication of breast cancer therapy. The objective of the study was to determine the interest of auto-adjustable MOBIDERM® Autofit night arm sleeve in controlling edema rebound effect in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients just after a successful intensive phase of decongestive lymphedema therapy (DLT). This is a subgroup analysis of MARILYN Study, conducted on 40 patients after completion of intensive DLT. Patients were randomized in Night-user group (fitted with MOBIDERM Autofit device) or No night-user group (no night compression). For subgroups analysis, patients were defined as high responders (HR) if their lymphedema volume reduction during DLT was ≥35% or as low responders (LR) if it was below 35%. In HR subgroups (n = 16), the mean lymphedema volume variation between Day 0 and 30 was 28.4 mL in the night-user group versus 181.4 mL in the no night-user group. When adjusted to the loss of volume during DLT, 89% of the DLT benefit is maintained in HR night-user versus 54% in no night-user group. Between LR (24 patients), this mean volume variation was by 65.1 mL versus 54.9 mL in night-user and no night-user groups respectively between Day 0 and 30. Wearing MOBIDERM Autofit, on top of the day time hosiery, appears a promising way to control the early rebound effect during the maintenance phase especially in DLT-HR.

Indocyanine green near-infrared lymphangiography for evaluation of effectiveness of edema fluid flow under therapeutic compression.

The commonly used modalities for therapy of limb lymphedema are manual lymphatic drainage, manual devices moving edema fluid and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). What seems to be necessary for validation of the effect of the compression procedure is imaging of the mobilized moving edema fluid. Picture of edema fluid flow would allow the therapist to use force adjusted to the tissue volume and stiffness differing in various limb regions as well as identify sites of abundant accumulation of fluid requiring more compression. The purpose of the present study was to visualize tissue edema fluid flow during manual drainage, Linforoll massage, IPC and bandaging. To obtain data how high compression pressures should be used to mobilize indocyanine green (ICG)-stained fluid, concomitantly tissue fluid pressure measurements were performed. The following observations were obtained: (1) the possibility of real-time observation of edema fluid movement using various compression modalities, (2) the threshold pressures necessary to move edema fluid to be over 80 mm Hg in the compression device and over 40 mm Hg in the tissue fluid and (3) inefficacy of compression in some cases despite applying high compression force. These observations point to the need of ICG lymphangiography before compression therapy in each patient. The images observed during the compression procedure give an insight into the distribution of edema fluid, sites of its accumulation and efficacy of applied external force on fluid mobilization.

Abstract: A Prospective Evaluation of Health Related Quality of Life in Lymphedema Treatment

INTRODUCTION: The vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) is one of the flap of choices for lower extremity lymphedema. Although physical rehabilitation is important for lymphedema treatment, there is no standardized procedure for different stage lymphedema. This study was conducted to investigate the long term outcome using VLNT and complete decongestive therapy (CDT) in lymphedema. METHODS: An IRB approved prospective study was performed of patients who underwent vascularized lymph node transfer for symptomatic upper (ULL) or lower limb (LLL) lymphedema. Patients who had either submental or groin VLNT for upper or lower limb lymphedema were included. Outcomes were assessed using improvement of circumference reduction, decreased number of episodes of cellulitis and health related quality of life (HRQoL) metric. RESULTS: A total 138 patients were identified and met the inclusion criteria. Almost equal patients underwent VLN (50.7%) as compared to CDT (49.3%) for lymphedema. Patients’ age, BMI, tobacco use, diabetes, hypertension, lymphedema grading and lymphedema reason were similar between groups (p=0.4; p=0.2; p=0.6, p=0.5, p=0.5, p=0.7, p=0.7, respectively). Circumference reduction was statistically higher in the VLNT group (35.3%) as compared to the CDT group (23.4%); and postoperative episodes of cellulitis was statistically lower in VLN group (1.4 ± 1.3 times per years) compared to CDT group (4 ± 1.5 times per years) at a 12-month of follow up (p= 0.03 and p= 0.04, respectively). In HRQoL part, overall quality of life and function, body appearance, symptom, and mood domains were all significantly improved in the VNL group (p< 0.01 within each domain). CONCLUSION: The vascularized lymph node transfer and complete decongestive therapy and are both valuable treatment options in treating lymphedema with different grading. VLN transferred is much more effective in severe lymphedema (Grade III to IV) in the functional recovery. These functional improvements are mirrored by improvements in patient reported outcomes and quality of life measures. These changes can be seen at a 12- month of follow-up and continued steady improvement can be expected.

Sarcoma: Vascular Tumors (EHE and Angiosarcoma)

Angiosarcoma (AS) and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) are rare but clinically disparate vascular sarcomas. Common AS scenarios include the head and neck/scalp region in older patients or in association with chronic lymphedema or radiation therapy (often in the setting of breast cancer treatment). AS behaves like a high-grade tumor with a propensity for multifocality and hematogenous metastases. The potentially curative treatment is negative margin wide resection. Adjuvant radiation may be considered to does not reduce the risk of local recurrence. Unresectable localized tumor can be treated with definitive radiation therapy. Although data are limited, neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy are occasionally used. Extensive primary tumor or metastatic disease is treated with systemic therapy. EHE can arise in the liver, bone, lung, pleura, or skin/soft tissue and can also metastasize hematogenously. The tumor is frequently asymptomatic and can be clinically indolent. Therefore, specific therapy is reserved for documented progression. Limited primary tumor is treated with surgical resection and occasionally adjuvant radiation. There is no proven benefit to adjuvant chemotherapy. Liver-directed therapy and occasionally transplantation are used for unresectable hepatic disease. Metastatic disease is treated with systemic therapy, but only in the setting of clinical progression. Key words: angiosarcoma, breast, cutaneous, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, lymphedema, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation associated, visceral

Sarcoma: Vascular Tumors (EHE and Angiosarcoma)

Angiosarcoma (AS) and epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) are rare but clinically disparate vascular sarcomas. Common AS scenarios include the head and neck/scalp region in older patients or in association with chronic lymphedema or radiation therapy (often in the setting of breast cancer treatment). AS behaves like a high-grade tumor with a propensity for multifocality and hematogenous metastases. The potentially curative treatment is negative margin wide resection. Adjuvant radiation may be considered to does not reduce the risk of local recurrence. Unresectable localized tumor can be treated with definitive radiation therapy. Although data are limited, neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy are occasionally used. Extensive primary tumor or metastatic disease is treated with systemic therapy. EHE can arise in the liver, bone, lung, pleura, or skin/soft tissue and can also metastasize hematogenously. The tumor is frequently asymptomatic and can be clinically indolent. Therefore, specific therapy is reserved for documented progression. Limited primary tumor is treated with surgical resection and occasionally adjuvant radiation. There is no proven benefit to adjuvant chemotherapy. Liver-directed therapy and occasionally transplantation are used for unresectable hepatic disease. Metastatic disease is treated with systemic therapy, but only in the setting of clinical progression. Key words: angiosarcoma, breast, cutaneous, epithelioid hemangioendothelioma, lymphedema, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation associated, visceral

Far-infrared ray for treating chronic lower extremity lymphedema with dermatolymphangioadenitis: a postoperative complication of gynecological tumor resection

Lower extremity lymphedema is regarded as a relatively common postoperative complication and is often accompanied with dermatolymphangioadenitis (DLA). This study combines clinical assessment and laboratory investigation to explore therapeutic effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy for chronic lower extremity lymphedema accompanied with DLA, occurring after gynecological tumor resection. Patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria would be enrolled. They received regular sessions using the FIR therapy machine over the 4-week treatment course. Clinical and laboratory outcome measures were carried out before and after treatment. Clinical outcome measures included DLA seizure frequency (episodes/year), patients' subjective feedback for lymphedema-related symptoms and quality of life (QOL). Laboratory outcome measures included bacterial cultures and concentrations of inflammatory cytokines: IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, TNF-α, TNF-β, caspase-1 and INF-γ, detected in serum and local lymphedema tissue fluid samples using protein microarray and ELISA. Between 2012 and 2016, a total of 120 female patients were screened for study enrollment. Sixty-four recruited patients underwent clinical evaluation both before FIR radiation therapy and 1year after a single course of FIR radiation therapy. Eleven patients (17.2%), randomly chosen from the study group, underwent additional laboratory analysis of blood and local lymphedema tissue fluid samples. The frequency of DLA decreased following treatment (p<0.001). Fifty patients (78%) did not experience a single episode of DLA recurrence in the year subsequent to treatment. The efficiency rate calculated using DLA frequencies was greater than 50% for 63 (98%) patients following treatment. Patients reported a subjective decrease in lymphedema-related symptoms (p<0.05). Patients' QOL scores were higher after treatment (p<0.001). Laboratory analysis showed an elevation in serum concentration of IL-1β after FIR therapy (p<0.05) and reduced local tissue fluid concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-2, IL-10 and IL-18 (p<0.05). Bacterial culture results before and after treatment were both negative. FIR radiation therapy provides an effective treatment modality for patients with chronic lymphedema accompanied with DLA that develops secondarily to treatment of gynecological malignancies, whose therapeutic effects may be due to reduced immune dysfunction within local lymphedema tissues.

Interest of an auto-adjustable nighttime compression sleeve (MOBIDERM\xae Autofit) in maintenance phase of upper limb lymphedema: the MARILYN pilot RCT

PurposeBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a debilitating condition. The recommended treatment is based on decongestive lymphedema therapy (DLT) with two separate phases: a short-term intensive phase to reduce lymphedema volume and a long-term maintenance phase to stabilize it. Optimizing compression therapy and compliance during maintenance phase are key factors for long-term control of lymphedema. The primary objective of this pilot prospective open-label randomized study was to assess the benefit of a new auto-adjustable nighttime arm sleeve (MOBIDERM® Autofit) on lymphedema volume during the maintenance phase after the intensive phase.MethodsForty women with BRCL were consecutively enrolled and randomized (D0) for 1 month in 1:1 ratio either in night-use group: with MOBIDERM® Autofit (on top of a daytime compression hosiery), or in no night-use group: without MOBIDERM® Autofit (daytime hosiery alone). From Day 31 to Day 90, all patients were fitted with MOBIDERM® Autofit. Primary endpoint was lymphedema volume variation between Day 0 and Day 30. Secondary endpoints were compliance, quality of life (LYMQOL arm questionnaire), functional symptoms (heaviness, limb use limitation, pain), sleep quality, and safety.ResultsIn ITT population, between Day 0 and Day 30, mean lymphedema volume increase was higher in no night-use group with 92.9 mL (i.e., 3.2%) than in night-use group with 46.7 mL (i.e., 1.80%), p = 0.757. Between Day 30 and Day 90, all patients fitted with MOBIDERM® Autofit, lymphedema volume remained stable in both groups. The device improved functional symptoms and function domain of the LYMQOL arm questionnaire. MOBIDERM® Autofit was worn overnight almost 85% of the nights. It was well accepted by the patients and no adverse reaction leading to permanent device discontinuation occurred.ConclusionsOur results suggest that MOBIDERM® Autofit offers clinical benefits during maintenance phase of lymphedema treatment and enhances patient’s self-management.

Effect of pneumatic compression therapy on lymph movement in lymphedema-affected extremities, as assessed by near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging.

Previous studies have shown cost effectiveness and quality-of-life benefit of pneumatic compression therapy (PCT) for lymphedema. Insurers, such as the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid (CMS), however, desire visual proof that PCT moves lymph. Near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI) was used to visualize lymphatic anatomy and function in four subjects with primary and cancer treatment-related lymphedema (LE) of the lower extremities before, during, and after pneumatic compression therapy (PCT). Optically transparent and windowed PCT garments allowed visualization of lymph movement during single, one-hour PCT treatment sessions. Visualization revealed significant extravascular and lymphatic vascular movement of intradermally injected dye in all subjects. In one subject with sufficient patent lymphatic vessels to allow quantification of lymph pumping velocities and frequencies, these values were significantly increased during and after PCT as compared to pre-treatment values. Lymphatic contractile activity in patent lymphatic vessels occurred in concert with the sequential cycling of PCT. Direct visualization revealed increased lymphatic function, during and after PCT therapy, in all lymphedema-affected extremities. Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of PCT pressure and sequences on lymph uptake and movement.

Animal Models of Secondary Lymphedema: New Approaches in the Search for Therapeutic Options.

Secondary lymphedema is still a worldwide problem. Symptomatic approaches to lymphedema therapy have been mainly used, with complete decongestive therapy as the cornerstone. Due to a lack of regenerative therapy, researchers have established various animal models to obtain insights into pathomechanisms and to reveal the best therapeutic option. Since the first reproducible and reliable animal model of lymphedema was reported in dogs, the technique of circumferential excision of lymphatic tissue has been translated mainly to rodents to induce secondary lymphedema. In these models, various promising pharmacological and surgical approaches have been investigated to improve secondary lymphedema therapy. Imaging modalities are crucial to detect the extent of lymphatic dysfunction and decide the best therapy. The gold standard of lymphoscintigraphy is currently limited by poor spatial resolution and lack of quantification. Animal models could help to bridge a gap in improving morphological correlation and quantifying lymphatic functionality. This review summarizes the animal models used in lymphatic research and focuses on new therapeutic options and requirements for imaging modalities to visualize the lymphatic system.

Overexpression of Prox1 Induces the Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells into Lymphatic Endothelial-Like Cells In Vitro.

Constant levels of homeobox transcription factor Prox1 expression are required throughout the life of lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) to maintain their differentiated identity. Recent studies have demonstrated that using human LECs for cell transplantation therapy may improve secondary lymphedema in a nude rat model. However, the application is currently limited by the low yield of LECs. In this study, Prox1 was overexpressed in human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hADSCs) by using the transfection of lentiviral vectors to induce the differentiation of hADSCs to LECs. After 14 days of Prox1 overexpression, flow cytometry analysis found that the expression of LEC-specific markers such as Podoplanin and VEGFR3, along with the endothelial cell (EC) marker CD31, on Prox1-overexpressed hADSCs was significantly increased; however, the expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers, such as CD29, CD44, and CD90, was substantially reduced. In addition, the mRNA levels of the LEC-specific markers, such as Prox1, Podoplanin, LYVE1, and VEGFR3, in Prox1-overexpressed hADSCs were significantly increased at day 7 and maintained a continuously increased expression level for 28 observation days, according to real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction results. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining results further confirmed that overexpression of Prox1 in hADSCs significantly increased the protein levels of Podoplanin, LYVE1, and VEGFR3, as well as those of the EC markers such as VWF and CD144, at day 14. Moreover, these differentiated cells were found to form tube-like structures in matrigel, measured by the tube formation assay. These findings suggested that overexpression of Prox1 in hADSCs successfully induced the differentiation of hADSCs into stable lymphatic endothelial-like cells. This study achieved a long-lasting expression of Prox1 in lymphatic endothelial-like cells, and it provided a potentially useful approach for developing novel therapies for limb lymphedema and lymphatic system-related diseases.

Photobiomodulation therapy in breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of our study was to examine the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema using a compactly designed treatment regime consisting of eight therapy sessions in combination with a cluster laser device covering a total area size of 78.54cm² over the axillary. Forty patients with unilateral lymphedema were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in order to evaluate effects of PBMT on lymphedema-related pain, quality of life, grip strength and limb volume difference. Subjects received irradiation for ten minutes per session using a cluster laser covering a beam area of 78.54cm². The applied energy was 384 Joules resulting in an energy density of 4.89J/cm². Post-treatment, a 50% reduction in median pain scores and an increase in mean quality of life were observed. Mean grip strength was persistently higher after eight sessions of PBMT compared with pretreatment; however, no statistically significant intergroup differences (P>0.05) were found over the time course. PBMT using a compactly designed treatment regime in combination with a cluster laser device did not significantly improve quality of life, pain scores, grip strength and limb volume over the time course.

Investigating the Lymphatic System by Dual-Color Elemental Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Secondary lymphedema accompanied with strong restrictions in quality of life is still major side effects in cancer therapy. Therefore, dedicated diagnostic tools and further investigation of the lymphatic system are crucial to improve lymphedema therapy. In this pilot study, a method for quantitative analysis of the lymphatic system in a rat model by laser ablation (LA) with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry imaging (ICP-MSI) is presented. As a possible lymph marker, thulium(III)(1R,4R,7R,10R)-α,α′,α′′,α′′′-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetate (Tm-DOTMA) is introduced and compared to the clinically used magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent gadolinium(III)2,2′,2′′-(10-((2R,3S)-1,3,4-trihydroxybutan-2-yl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triyl)triacetate (Gd-DO3A-butrol). Gadobutrol functioned as standard contrast media in MRI lymphangiography to detect lymphatic flow qualitatively. Thus, Tm-DOTMA was investigated as lymphatic marker to detect lymphatic flow quantitatively. Both contrast agents were successfully used to visualize the lymphatic flow in successive lymph nodes in LA-ICP-MS due to lower limits of detection compared to MRI. Furthermore, the distribution of contrast agents by multicolored imaging showed accumulation in specific areas (sectors) of the lymph nodes after application of contrast agents in different areas.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Human Dermal Lymphatic Collectors.

Millions of patients suffer from lymphedema worldwide. Supporting the contractility of lymphatic collectors is an attractive target for pharmacological therapy of lymphedema. However, lymphatics have mostly been studied in animals, while the cellular and molecular characteristics of human lymphatic collectors are largely unknown. We studied epifascial lymphatic collectors of the thigh, which were isolated for autologous transplantations. Our immunohistological studies identify additional markers for LECs (vimentin, CCBE1). We show and confirm differences between initial and collecting lymphatics concerning the markers ESAM1, D2-40 and LYVE-1. Our transmission electron microscopic studies reveal two types of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the media of the collectors with dark and light cytoplasm. We observed vasa vasorum in the media of the largest collectors, as well as interstitial Cajal-like cells, which are highly ramified cells with long processes, caveolae, and lacking a basal lamina. They are in close contact with SMCs, which possess multiple caveolae at the contact sites. Immunohistologically we identified such cells with antibodies against vimentin and PDGFRα, but not CD34 and cKIT. With Next Generation Sequencing we searched for highly expressed genes in the media of lymphatic collectors, and found therapeutic targets, suitable for acceleration of lymphatic contractility, such as neuropeptide Y receptors 1, and 5; tachykinin receptors 1, and 2; purinergic receptors P2RX1, and 6, P2RY12, 13, and 14; 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors HTR2B, and 3C; and adrenoceptors α2A,B,C. Our studies represent the first comprehensive characterization of human epifascial lymphatic collectors, as a prerequisite for diagnosis and therapy.

Perceived Symptom Experience in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Lymphedema.

Lymphedema frequently develops as a long-term effect from cancer and/or its treatment, including head and neck cancer (HNC). There is a substantial lack of understanding regarding the symptoms and experiences related to head and neck lymphedema. The objective of this study was to explore HNC patients' experiences of lymphedema, with emphasis on physical findings and associated symptom burden. This was a qualitative, descriptive study. A purposive sample of 20 HNC patients who completed lymphedema therapy participated in semistructured, face-to-face interviews. Thematic content analysis was utilized to assess data. Participants delineated the time when lymphedema onset presented and the sites of involvement. Most participants first noticed external or internal lymphedema/swelling within three months following either surgery or radiation therapy. Participants described a broad array of concurrent symptoms and functional deficits, including altered sensations, altered functions, neck-shoulder musculoskeletal/skin impairments, and psychosocial symptoms. HNC patients experienced multiple physical and psychosocial symptoms during the time they experienced lymphedema. Clinicians need to inquire about tissue swelling and associated symptoms early in the post-treatment period to initiate lymphedema management strategies in a timely manner and facilitate reduction of long-term symptom burden and functional deficits.

Applications of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Lymphedema.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrated preparation of human platelets contained in a small volume of plasma that is characterized by hemostatic and tissue-repairing effects. Being enriched by various kinds of growth factors, and their tissue-repairing effects have made them the focus of attention for use in tissue regeneration. PRP has been safely used and documented in many different fields, including orthopedics, sports injuries, dental and periodontal surgery, and cosmetic, plastic, cardiovascular, general, and maxillofacial surgery. The current evidence obtained from in vitro and animal studies pointed out that PRP may potentially be used to regenerate injured lymphatic vessels to treat or prevent lymphedema. Therefore, we have reviewed existing literature on the clinical uses of PRP in lymphedema and inquired whether there is enough evidence to support the use of PRP in clinical practice as a treatment option. In contrast to in vitro and animal models, there is no clinical trial regarding the use of PRP in lymphedema treatment. Only two animal studies matched to our research yielded positive and promising results in terms of the potential role of PRP in future for lymphedema therapies. In the light of these findings, it is clear that this is an important issue that should be studied in greater depth to clarify the efficacy of PRP in the management of lymphedema.

Lymphedema self-care in patients with head and neck cancer: a qualitative study.

Lymphedema is a frequent side effect from head and neck cancer and/or its treatment. As a chronic and progressive condition, it requires an individual's long-term involvement in self-care for management of lymphedema. This study aimed to report head and neck cancer patients' perceived lymphedema education, self-care practices, and suggestions related to self-care of head and neck lymphedema. Twenty head and neck cancer patients who completed lymphedema therapy participated in semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. All participants reported that they were educated about self-care activities for lymphedema management by their lymphedema therapists. Although most participants (n=16, 80%) expressed positive comments about lymphedema self-care education, some participants (n=7, 35%) described issues related to lymphedema self-care education. A majority of the participants (n=17, 85%) reported that they were conducting some lymphedema self-care activities; nonetheless, more than half of the participants (n=11, 55%) delineated barriers for diminished lymphedema self-care activities over time. Participants further indicated suggestions for improving and ensuring consistency of lymphedema self-care. Opportunities exist to improve lymphedema self-care in head and neck cancer patients. Healthcare professionals should focus on delivering high quality and targeted information about self-care for management of head and neck lymphedema. Interventional research is warranted to address gaps in long-term self-care of head and neck lymphedema.

Compression in dermato-lymphangio-adenits

Not available

Management of secondary lymphedema in patients with cancer

Due to the increased number of cancer patients and the progress in cancer treatment, there are more cases with cancer-related lymphedema. Lymphedema treatment became part of oncological patients' care. Basic therapy for lymphedema is the complex decongestive therapy, which should be embedded into the patient's comprehensive medical care and should always be determined individually. Results of therapy are influenced by the experience of the doctor and the physiotherapist in lymphedema care, patient's complience, tumor behavior and the accompanying diseases. Lymphedema is a chronic disease, requires lifelong follow-up and treatment. For prevention and better care, it would be important to inform patients about lymphedema risk and appropriate life-style (e.g. weight control) preoperatively and during oncological follow-up. Early diagnosis is important. Lymphedema treatment should be integrated into palliative programmes. If therapy is started in time, complications may be avoided, healthcare costs may be reduced and better quality of life may be achieved.

Effects of matrix rhythm therapy on primary lymphedema: a case report.

[Purpose] Primary lymphedema occurs because of genetic predisposition and developmental insufficiency of the lymphatic system. Matrix Rhythm Therapy was developed as an external and dynamic method that supplies rhythmic mobilization of the fluids in tissues. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in primary lymphedema. [Subject and Methods] A 36-year-old female with left lower limb lymphedema was evaluated. Leg circumference was measured before and at the end of treatment, and 1 and 3 months later. The circumferences were converted to volumetric values. Twenty sessions of Matrix Rhythm Therapy (5 days/week) were applied to the affected leg, spine, and abdominal regions. Patient satisfaction was assessed with the Global Rating of Change scale. [Results] Volumetric values were 1,573.28 ml before treatment, 1,573.13 ml at the end of treatment, 1,516.70 ml 1 month later, and 1,441.61 ml 3 months later. At the end of treatment, the volumetric reduction was not significant; however, when compared with baseline, measurements at 1 and 3 months decreased by 3.59% and 8.36%, respectively. The Global Rating of Change score was 2. [Conclusion] Matrix Rhythm Therapy could not reduce lymphedema when used alone, but long-term treatment may show positive effects.