Aplicativo para tratamento do linfedema de membros superiores / Upper limb lymphedema treatment application

Introdução: O linfedema secundário se desenvolve comumente devido a um trauma no sistema linfático, podendo ocorrer após cirurgia de câncer. O aplicativo móvel é um meio de atualização técnico-científica de fácil acesso e de baixo custo que pode auxiliar o profissional de saúde a proporcionar o melhor tratamento para o paciente. O objetivo desse estudo foi construir um aplicativo para tratamento de linfedema de membros superiores. Método: A construção do aplicativo ocorreu em quatro etapas: (1) Concepção, envolvendo a identificação das necessidades do desenvolvimento do aplicativo; (2) Elaboração do conteúdo, incluindo a revisão integrativa da literatura nas principais bases de dados; (3) Construção, consistindo na estruturação do banco de dados e desenvolvimento do software; e (4) Transição, compreendendo a realização de testes de funcionalidade. Resultados: O aplicativo desenvolvido (Linfedema APP) é composto por 31 telas, 4 figuras e 3 vídeos. Ele foi registrado no Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) do Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria e Comércio Exterior e está disponível gratuitamente na Google Play Store. Conclusão: Após a revisão integrativa da literatura nas principais bases de dados, foi desenvolvido o aplicativo "Linfedema APP", o qual se constitui em ferramenta prática para qualificar, direcionar e guiar o fisioterapeuta na realização dos exercícios nas pacientes pós- mastectomizados com linfedema em membros superiores.

Introduction: Secondary lymphedema commonly develops due to trauma to the lymphatic system, and may occur after cancer surgery. The mobile application is an easily accessible and low-cost means of technical-scientific updating that can help the health professional to provide the best treatment for the patient. Thus, the objective of this study was to build an application for the treatment and prevention of upper limb lymphedema. Methods: The construction of the application took place in four stages: (1) Conception, involving the identification of application development needs; Content development, including an integrative literature review in the main databases; (3) Construction, consisting of structuring the database and developing the software; and (4) Transition, comprising carrying out functionality tests. Results: The developed application (Linfedema APP) consists of 31 screens, 4 figures and 3 videos. It was registered at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade, and is available for free on the Google Play Store. Conclusion: After an integrative review of the literature in the main databases, the "Lymphedema APP" application was developed, which constitutes a practical tool to qualify, direct and guide the physiotherapist in performing the exercises in post-mastectomized patients with lymphedema in the upper limbs.

Complex physical therapy employing self-adjusting garment (ReadyWrap®) in breast cancer-related lymphedema cases in Brazilian women: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-adjusting compression garment (ReadyWrap®) in reducing (phase 1) and maintaining (phase 2) upper limb volume in women presenting breast cancer-related lymphedema. METHODS: This study will comprise a randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial concerning women with breast cancer-related lymphedema undergoing treatment at a public cancer treatment reference hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The intervention will be carried out by adapting self-dressing versus the standard treatment of compressive bandaging (phase 1) and compressive mesh (phase 2). Both groups will be assessed at the beginning and end of intensive treatment and followed up for up to 12 months to evaluate immediate and late outcomes. Assessments will be carried out by physical upper limb examination (inspection, palpation, volume, dynamometry, and thermography) and questionnaires application to assess patient's quality of life pertaining to the health, functionality, and symptoms of the affected upper limb, as well adverse effects and adherence to treatment. Data will be analyzed descriptively and analytically through univariate and multiple linear regressions. P values < 0.05 will be considered statistically significant. DISCUSSION: This study will evaluate the effectiveness of a self-adjustable garment (ReadyWrap®) in the treatment of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer in Brazilian women compared to the gold standard treatment for limb volume reduction (phase 1) and maintenance (phase 2) phases comprising, respectively, a compressive bandaging and a compressive mesh. The outcome results will provide data based on both quantitative responses and self-reported participant outcomes. The study will also assess the cost-effectiveness of the ReadyWrap® treatment versus standard care. Finally, we expect to reaffirm one more product/therapy as a treatment for this extremely complex and impactful condition following the data analysis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04934098 [Clinical trials phase 1]. Registered on June 22, 2021. NCT04881604 [Clinical trials phase 2]. Registered on May 11, 2021.

A phase II randomized clinical trial to assess toxicity and quality of life of breast cancer patients with hypofractionated versus conventional fractionation radiotherapy with regional nodal irradiation in the context of COVID-19 crisis.

Purpose: This study, conducted during the COVID-19 crisis, primarily aimed to compare the acute toxicity between conventional fractionated radiation therapy (CF-RT) with hypofractionated radiation therapy (HF-RT) among patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy in whom breast or chest wall and regional nodal irradiation (RNI) were indicated. The secondary endpoints were both acute and subacute toxicity, cosmesis, quality of life, and lymphedema features. Methods: In this open and non-inferiority randomized trial, patients (n = 86) were randomly allocated 2:1 in the CF-RT arm (n = 33; 50 Gy/25 fractions ± sequential boost [10 Gy/5 fractions]) versus the HF-RT arm (n = 53; 40 Gy/15 fractions ± concomitant boost [8 Gy/15 fractions]). Toxic effects and cosmesis evaluation used the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.03 (CTCAE) and the Harvard/National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. For the patient-reported quality of life (QoL), the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the breast cancer-specific supplementary questionnaire (QLQ-BR23) were used. Lymphedema was assessed by comparing volume differences between the affected and contralateral arms using the Casley-Smith formula. Results: Grade 2 and grade 3 dermatitis were lower with HF-RT than with CF-RT (28% vs. 52%, and 0% vs. 6%, respectively; p = 0.022). HF-RT had a lower rate of grade 2 hyperpigmentation (23% vs. 55%; p = 0.005), compared to CF-RT. No other differences in overall rates of physician-assessed grade 2 or higher and grade 3 or higher acute toxicity between HF-RT and CF-RT were registered. There was no statistical difference between groups regarding cosmesis, lymphedema rate (13% vs. 12% HF-RT vs. CF-RT; p = 1.000), and functional and symptom scales, during both the irradiation period and after 6 months of the end of treatment. The results revealed that the subset of patients up to 65 years or older did not show a statistical difference between both arm fractionation schedules (p > 0.05) regarding skin rash, fibrosis, and lymphedema. Conclusion: HF-RT was non-inferior to CF-RT, and moderate hypofractionation showed lower rates of acute toxicity, with no changes in quality-of-life outcomes. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT40155531.

Ultrasonography as an instrument to evaluate lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: systematic review.

Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by fluid accumulation, causing tissue edema as a result of a compromised lymphatic system. Diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) is a method capable of assessing soft tissue characteristics that can be used reliably to diagnose lymphedema as well as for measuring tissue compliance in a clinical setting. This is a systematic review, aiming to evaluate articles that made use of DUS in management of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. A total of 570 articles were selected, exported to the Rayyan QCRI review program, and then screened by two researchers. From this search, 25 articles were selected after the authors reached consensus and were catalogued as to their main results. Diagnostic ultrasound was identified as an advantageous method that is safe, minimally invasive, low cost, and radiation free and is useful for evaluating the efficacy of therapies used in lymphedema treatment.

Surgical management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: a narrative review of contemporary practices.

Background and Objective: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) represents a colossal burden in terms of health and patient-reported outcomes. Surgical management plays a prominent role in the psychological and physical well-being of women suffering from BCRL. Therefore, we performed a narrative review of the current surgical management of BCRL and analyzed the postoperative results. Methods: A literature search was conducted across PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception through January 2, 2023. We included English-written studies evaluating postoperative outcomes of lymphatic surgery for the management of BCRL. Key Content and Findings: The surgical management of lymphedema can be classified into two approaches: (I) physiologic procedures and (II) debulking or ablative procedures. While ablative procedures are intended to lessen the symptomatic burden of lymphedema via the removal of pathological tissues, physiologic procedures are performed to restore the abnormal lymphatic flow by creating bypasses into the venous or lymphatic circulation, or by creating new lymphatic connections by means of lymphangiogenesis. Physiologic procedures generate better outcomes in the early stages of lymphedema as there is some residual physiologic flow and vessels are less fibrotic, while ablative procedures are regarded to be the best alternative in very advanced lymphedema stages. A combination of physiologic and ablative procedures provides more comprehensive surgical management to BCRL. Conclusions: Lymphedema is a common complication of breast cancer treatment with an extensive incidence range. Postoperative outcomes of the surgical management of BCRL are heterogeneous despite most studies indicating favorable results after lymphatic surgery.

Ultrassonografia como instrumento de avaliação do linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama: revisão sistemática / Ultrasonography as an instrument to evaluate lymphedema secondary to breast cancer: systematic review

Resumo O linfedema é uma doença crônica e progressiva caracterizada pelo acúmulo de fluidos, provocando edema tecidual em decorrência de um sistema linfático comprometido. A ultrassonografia diagnóstica (USD) é um método capaz de avaliar as características dos tecidos moles, podendo ser utilizada de maneira confiável para o diagnóstico do linfedema, além de mensurar a complacência tecidual em um cenário clínico. Esta é uma revisão sistemática, objetivando avaliar artigos que fizessem o uso da USD na abordagem do linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama. Foram selecionados 565 artigos, que foram exportados para o programa de revisão Rayyan QCRI e, em seguida, triados por dois pesquisadores. Dessa busca, foram obtidos 25 artigos selecionados após consenso entre os autores e que foram catalogados quanto aos seus resultados principais. A USD foi identificada como um método vantajoso por ser seguro, pouco invasivo, de baixo custo, sem uso de radiação, além de ser útil para avaliar a eficácia de terapias no tratamento do linfedema.

Abstract Lymphedema is a chronic and progressive disease characterized by fluid accumulation, causing tissue edema as a result of a compromised lymphatic system. Diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) is a method capable of assessing soft tissue characteristics that can be used reliably to diagnose lymphedema as well as for measuring tissue compliance in a clinical setting. This is a systematic review, aiming to evaluate articles that made use of DUS in management of lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. A total of 570 articles were selected, exported to the Rayyan QCRI review program, and then screened by two researchers. From this search, 25 articles were selected after the authors reached consensus and were catalogued as to their main results. Diagnostic ultrasound was identified as an advantageous method that is safe, minimally invasive, low cost, and radiation free and is useful for evaluating the efficacy of therapies used in lymphedema treatment.

Effect of Supervised Resistance Training on Arm Volume, Quality of Life and Physical Perfomance Among Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (STRONG-B).

Objectives: To determine the preventive effects of supervised resistance training on arms volume, quality of life, physical performance, and handgrip strength in Chilean women at high risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) undergoing chemotherapy. Design: Randomized control trial. Participants: One hundred and six women at high risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema aged 18 to 70 years. Interventions: Participants will be randomized into two groups: [a] intervention, who will receive 12 weeks of supervised resistance training (STRONG-B) during adjuvant chemotherapy; and [b] control, who will receive education to promote lymphatic and venous return, maintain range of motion, and promote physical activity. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome will be arms volume measured with an optoelectric device (perometer NT1000). Secondary outcomes will be quality of life, handgrip strength, and physical performance. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at baseline, just after the intervention, and 3 and 6 months after. Statistical analysis will be performed following intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches. The treatment effect will be calculated using linear mixed models. Discussion: The STRONG-B will be a tailored supervised resistance training that attempts to prevent or mitigate BCRL in a population that, due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, will commonly suffer from BCRL. Clinical Trial Registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04821609], identifier NCT04821609.

Relação do Índice de Massa Corporal e Linfedema Secundário a tratamento cirúrgico do Câncer de Mama: estudo retrospectivo / Relationship of Body Mass Index and Secondary Lymphedema to Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer: a retrospective study

INTRODUÇÃO: O câncer de mama é a neoplasia mais incidente na população feminina brasileira, sendo o linfedema uma de suas principais complicações cirúrgicas. OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação do índice de massa corpóreo e o desenvolvimento do linfedema no pós-operatório de câncer de mama, sua relação com o tipo de tratamento e ao tempo pós-cirúrgico. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram levantados prontuários de 59 mulheres no período de maio de 2008 a fevereiro de 2009 utilizando dados da anamnese; exame físico; perimetria, volume estimado; relatos, sintomas e dados em prontuário. A análise foi feita por meio de médias e desvios padrões para as variáveis quantitativas e qualitativas (absoluta e relativa) e para verificação dos fatores de risco foi utilizado o Teste t de Student e Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A frequência de linfedema foi de 47,5%, sendo que 40,7% eram obesas. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos de linfedema e IMC (p=0,002). Nota-se ainda diferença significativa entre linfedema no grupo sem radioterapia de axila (p=0,003) e associação entre o tempo pós-cirúrgico e linfedema (p=0,006), sendo maior após 6 meses de cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: Existe correlação entre obesidade e desenvolvimento do linfedema. Os tipos de tratamento parecem não ter influenciado o seu desenvolvimento e quanto mais tempo decorrido pós- cirurgia, maior o risco do seu aparecimento.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common neoplasm in the Brazilian female population, with lymphedema being one of its main surgical complications. OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship between the body mass index and the development of lymphedema in the postoperative period of breast cancer, its relationship with the type of treatment received and the time elapsed from the surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 59 women were collected from May 2008 to February 2009 using data from anamnesis, physical exam; perimetry, estimated volume; reports, symptoms, and notes in medical records. The analysis was performed using means and standard deviations for the quantitative and qualitative variables (absolute and relative) and to verify the risk factors used, the Student's t-test and Pearson's chi-square test with a 5% significance level (0.05). RESULTS: The frequency of lymphedema was 47.5%, with 40.7% being obese. There was a significant difference between the groups of lymphedema and BMI (p=0.002). There is also a significant difference between lymphedema in the group without axillary radiotherapy (p=0.003) and an association between post-surgical time and lymphedema (p=0.006), being greater after six months of surgery. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between obesity and the development of lymphedema. The types of treatment do not seem to have influenced their development, and the longer the surgery has elapsed, the greater the risk of their appearance.

Sistema de selección de sistemas elastocompresivos en personas con cáncer de mama de un hospital con recursos limitados / Selection system for elastocompressive systems in people with breast cancer from a hospital with limited resources

El cáncer de mama es un problema de salud pública en Chile. El linfedema es un trastorno linfovascular secundario a la extirpación de los ganglios linfáticos por cirugía en el cáncer de mama, que produce un aumento del volumen y la fibrosis en el miembro superior. Diferentes prendas de compresión son usadas para la prevención y el tratamiento del linfedema. Por eso, el programa de Garantías Ex-plícitas en Salud garantiza la entrega de sistemas elastocompresivos a las personas con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama para prevenir y tratar el linfedema. Sin embargo, en hospitales públicos los sistemas elastocompresivos pueden ser recursos limitados, por eso, muchas veces se deben priorizar. Este artículo tiene por objetivo describir un sistema de selección de sistemas elastocompresivos en personas con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en el modelo de atención kinesiológico temprano y prospectivo.

Breast cancer is a public health problem in Chile. Lymphedema is a lymphovascular disorder secondary to the removal of lymph nodes by surgery in breast cancer, resulting in increased volume and fibrosis in the upper limb. Different compression garments are used for the prevention and treatment of lymphedema. Therefore, the "Garantías Explícitas en Salud" program guarantees the delivery of compression garments to people diagnosed with breast cancer to prevent and treat lymphedema. However, in public hospitals, the compression garments can be limited resources, so they often need to be prioritized. This article aims to describe the selection system for compression garments in people diagnosed with breast cancer in the early and prospective physical therapy care model.

Single-stage VASER-assisted liposuction and lymphatico-venous anastomoses for the treatment of extremity lymphedema: a case series and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: A paradigm shift towards the use of combined physiological and excisional surgical approaches for the treatment of lymphedema is permeating the surgical practice worldwide. We describe a single-stage surgical approach combining-vaser assisted liposuction (VAL) and lymphatico-venous anastomoses (LVA) for the treatment of extremity-lymphedema. METHODS: Between March 2018 and March 2019, a retrospective review of patients with extremity-lymphedema stage IIb-III International Society of Lymphology who underwent the combined technique was done. Demographics, operative characteristics, clinical outcomes and complications were assessed. Additionally, a systematic review of studies that reported combined physiological procedures with liposuction for the treatment of lymphedema was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients [12 upper extremity lymphedema (UEL), and 12 lower extremity lymphedema (LEL)] were included and analyzed. The mean age was 54.5 years (38-72 years). The mean circumference reduction rate was 90% and 85% for UEL and LEL, respectively. Infection rate decreased to zero postoperatively in all patients. Ten studies were included in the review: six pooling 220 cases included two-stage procedures, and four pooling 66 cases described one-stage surgeries. All patients who underwent a combined approach reported clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Our combined approach is safe surgical option and allows adequate limb size reduction with faster recovery in selected patients with lymphedema with strong fibroadipose component.

Influência do posicionamento do retalho linfonodal vascularizado na resposta ao tratamento cirúrgico do linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama / Influence of vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT) flap positioning on the response to breast cancer-related lymphedema treatment

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a experiência terapêutica inicial do transplante de linfonodos vascularizados em pacientes portadoras de linfedema de membros superiores secundário ao tratamento do câncer de mama e verificar se o posicionamento do transplante influencia o resultado cirúrgico. Métodos: ensaio prospectivo, comparativo, de duas modalidades terapêuticas em 24 pacientes portadoras de linfedema de membro superior após tratamento de câncer mamário, classificados como graus 2 e 3, segundo a Sociedade Internacional de Linfedema. Os dois tipos de procedimentos realizados foram: 1) reconstrução total da mama com retalho de perfurante da artéria epigástrica inferior (DIEP- deep inferior epigastric perforator flap) associado ao retalho linfonodal, em pacientes sem reconstrução mamária prévia ou com histórico de perda da reconstrução (posicionamento axilar); 2) retalho linfonodal inguinal isolado foi realizado em pacientes com reconstrução mamária finalizada ou sem o desejo de realizar a reconstrução da mama (posicionamento no punho). Resultados: a porcentagem de redução do volume do membro afetado foi de 20,1% (p=0,0370). O número de episódios infecciosos (celulites) também sofreu redução significativa, de 41% no período pré-operatório para 12,5% no pós-operatório (p=0,004). Não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos proximal e distal. Conclusão: o transplante de linfonodos afetou positivamente a evolução pós-operatória de pacientes portadoras de linfedema secundário ao câncer de mama. Não foram observadas diferenças em relação ao posicionamento do retalho.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the initial therapeutic experience of transplantation of vascularized lymph nodes in patients with lymphedema of the upper limbs secondary to the treatment of breast cancer, and to verify if the positioning of the transplant influences the surgical result. Methods: we conducted a prospective, comparative test of two therapeutic modalities, with 24 patients with lymphedema of the upper limb after breast cancer treatment, classified as grades 2 and 3, according to the International Lymphedema Society. The two types of procedures performed were: 1) total breast reconstruction with - deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap associated with lymph node flap, in patients with no previous breast reconstruction or loss of previous reconstruction (axillary positioning); 2) isolated inguinal lymph node flap performed in patients with completed breast reconstruction or without the desire to perform the breast reconstruction (wrist positioning). Results: the reduction percentage of the affected limb volume was 20.1% (p=0.0370). The number of infectious episodes (cellulites) also decreased significantly, from 41% in the preoperative period to 12.5% in the postoperative one (p=0.004). There were no differences between the proximal and distal groups. Conclusion: the transplantation of lymph nodes positively affected the postoperative evolution of patients with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer. We observed no differences in relation to flap positioning.

Uso da terapia por ondas de choque para o tratamento do linfedema associado ao câncer de mama: uma revisão sistemática / Use of shockwave therapy for the treatment of lymphedema associated to breast cancer: a systematic review

O linfedema associado ao câncer de mama é causa de prejuízo significativo da qualidade de vida deste grupo de pacientes e constitui complicação frequente das intervenções necessárias nesse tipo de câncer. Sabe-se que o tratamento utilizado no linfedema associado ao câncer de mama envolve a Terapia Física Complexa (TFC), cuja eficácia é limitada e não atua diretamente na patogênese dessa comorbidade. Conforme já demonstrado em alguns estudos, o uso da Terapia por Ondas de Choque (TOC) demonstra-se potencialmente benéfico para reduzir o linfedema pela indução de neoangiogênese e linfangiogênese. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da TOC no tratamento do linfedema associado ao câncer de mama comparado ao uso da TFC. Métodos: Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados: PubMed/MedLine; BIREME; LILACS; The Cochrane Library e EMBASE, e através de busca manual de artigos. Adotou-se o método de pesquisa PICO e os descritores MeSH ajustados conforme a respectiva base de dados. Resultados: Foram encontrados um total de 262 artigos e selecionados por leitura do título ou resumo um total de 17 estudos. Seis foram excluídos por serem duplicatas, totalizando 11 artigos eleitos para verificação dos critérios de inclusão. Destes, nenhum artigo atendeu ao delineamento da metodologia proposta para esta revisão. Três deles se destacaram por se aproximarem mais da temática proposta e foram discutidos. Conclusão: É necessária a realização de estudos com qualidade metodológica adequada para avaliar o potencial benefício do uso da TOC, visando contribuir para a composição de um tratamento mais eficaz, seguro e que atue na patogênese da doença.

Lymphedema associated with breast cancer is a cause of significant impairment of the quality of life and is a frequent complication of the necessary interventions in this type of cancer. It is known that the treatment used in lymphedema associated with breast cancer involves Complex Physical Therapy (CPT), whose efficacy is limited and does not act directly in the pathogenesis of this comorbidity. As demonstrated in some studies, the use of Shock Wave Therapy (TSWT) is potentially beneficial in reducing lymphedema by inducing neoangiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Objective: To evaluate the impact of TSWT on the treatment of lymphedema associated with breast cancer compared to the use of CPT. Methods: The following databases were used: PubMed / MedLine; BIREME; LILACS; The Cochrane Library and EMBASE, and through manual article search. We adopted the PICO search method and the Mesh descriptors were adjusted according to the respective database. Results: A total of 262 articles were found and selected by reading the title or abstract a total of 17 studies. Six were excluded because they were duplicates, totaling 11 articles elected to verify the inclusion criteria. Of these, no article met the outline of the methodology proposed. Three of them were closer to the proposed theme and were discussed. Conclusion: It is necessary to carry out studies with adequate methodological quality to evaluate the potential benefit of the use of TSWT, in order to contribute to the composition of a more effective and safe treatment, that acts in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Terapia física complexa no tratamento do linfedema maligno / Complex physiotherapy in the tratament of malignant lymphedema

O linfedema de membro superior é uma complicação frequente após tratamento do câncer de mama. Quando há recidiva do tumor ou crescimento tumoral desconhecido que gera infiltração ou compressão da rede linfática, pode ocorrer o desenvolvimento do linfedema maligno. O objetivo terapêutico para o linfedema maligno é estabilizar a doença e mantê-la assintomática. A fisioterapia pode auxiliar no tratamento por meio da técnica denominada "terapia física complexa". O presente estudo aborda o caso de uma paciente de 61 anos pós-tratamento de câncer de mama diagnosticada com linfedema maligno no membro superior esquerdo. A equipe de fisioterapia utilizou a terapia física complexa para redução e controle do linfedema no membro superior afetado e obteve valores expressivos na diminuição do volume em relação à avaliação inicial e ao final do tratamento, ainda, não houve retrocesso a valores iniciais após período de 3 meses de seguimento. (AU)

Upper limb lymphedema is a frequent complication following breast cancer treatment. When there is tumor relapse, or unknown tumor growth that leads to lymph nodes compression or infiltration, the development of malignant lymphedema can take place. The therapeutic goal for malignant lymphedema is to stabilize the disease, and keep it asymptomatic. Physical therapy can help in the treatment through the technique called "complex physical therapy". The present study deals with the case of a 61-year-old patient after treatment of breast cancer diagnosed with malignant lymphedema in the left upper limb. The physiotherapy team used complex physical therapy to reduce and control the upper limb lymphoedema, and obtained significant values in volume reduction at the end of treatment compared to baseline, and no reversal to initial values after a 3-month follow up was observed. (AU)

Efectividad de la Técnica Red en el tratamiento del Linfedema asociado a mastectomía / Effectiveness of the Red Technique in the treatment of lymphedema associated with mastectomy

Resumen: Introducción: Las mujeres con cáncer de mama sometidas a mastectomía padecen de linfedema, problema debilitante y desagradable que afecta la calidad de vida. La fisioterapia es considerada como una opción de tratamiento con múltiples técnicas de intervención, a las que no todos los pacientes tienen acceso. Métodos: El presente estudio pretendió determinar los efectos de la Técnica RED en el tratamiento del Linfedema asociado a mastectomía. Resultados: se contó con la participación de 16 mujeres, 8 en el grupo control y 8 en el grupo experimental, que asistieron a consulta oncológica en el Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo de Neiva entre los meses de agosto y diciembre de 2015. En ambos grupos se aplicó un pre-test y pos-test con mediciones de edema, movilidad articular para movimientos de Flexión, Extensión, Abducción y Rotación Externa de hombro, Supinación, Flexión y Extensión de muñeca y sensibilidad superficial a partir del dolor y tacto. Conclusión: Las variables dolor, tacto y edema presentaron cambios significativos luego de la aplicación de la técnica; las propiedades tróficas y mecánicas de la piel se encontraron conservadas de manera inicial y final y la movilidad articular presentó cambios significativos en el pos-test del grupo experimental para los movimientos de abducción de hombro, rotación externa, supinación de antebrazo, flexión y extensión de muñeca.

Abstract: Introduction: Women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy suffer from lymphedema, a debilitating and unpleasant problem that affects the quality of life. Physical therapy is considered as a treatment option with multiple intervention techniques, which not all patients have access to. The present study aimed to determine the effects of the RED technique in the treatment of lymphedema associated with mastectomy. Methods: 16 women participated, 8 in the control group and 8 in the experimental group, who attended an oncological consultation at the Hospital Universitario Hernando Moncaleano Perdomo de Neiva between August and December 2015. Results: In both groups A pre-test and post-test with edema measurements, joint mobility for Flexion, Extension, Abduction and External Shoulder Rotation, Supination, Flexion and Wrist Extension and superficial sensitivity based on pain and touch were applied. Conclusion: The variables pain, touch and edema presented significant changes after the application of the technique; The trophic and mechanical properties of the skin were initially and final preserved and the joint mobility incorporated significant changes in the post-test of the experimental group for the movements of shoulder abduction, external rotation, forearm supination, flexion and extension.

Breaking paradigms, new breast cancer rehabilitation methods from occupational therapy: case report / Rompiendo paradigmas: nuevas formas de rehabilitación para el cáncer de mama desde terapia ocupacional. Reporte de caso

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most frequent diseases in Colombia and worldwide. Thousands of women, who undergo treatment, survive and require timely and comprehensive occupational therapy intervention. This paper presents a rehabilitation case study that followed the biopsychosocial and quality of life in persons model. Case presentation: Intervention on a 64-year-old woman referred to the occupational therapy service with a diagnosis of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the left breast with neoadjuvant radiotherapy, after modified radical mastectomy and stage III lymphedema. She presented with restricted participation and occupational performance, specifically in activities of daily living, with relevant psychosocial and socio-emotional consequences. An intervention focused on the individual, following a biopsychosocial approach, was proposed in order to apply strategies on restorative, empowerment and maintenance activities of occupational skills involved in activities of daily living. Emphasis was placed on socio-emotional, occupational biomechanics and education aspects with special care to involve the interests of women. Conclusions: Rehabilitation for breast cancer patients not only involves biomedical care but also approaches psychosocial aspects that sometimes have to be solved in advance to get results that are later evident in the health of the person. In this case, a breast prosthesis was elaborated by and for the person, using all kinds of strategies that responded to biomedical axes and well-being and health

Introducción. El cáncer de mama es una enfermedad recurrente en el mundo y en Colombia. Miles de mujeres que la padecen se someten a tratamiento, sobreviven y necesitan una oportuna, y sobre todo holística, intervención desde la terapia ocupacional. Se presenta un estudio de caso de rehabilitación en concordancia al modelo biopsicosocial y centrado en la persona. Presentación del caso. Mujer de 64 años remitida al servicio de terapia ocupacional con diagnóstico de cáncer ductal infiltrante de mama izquierda con neoadyuvancia por radioterapia, posterior a mastectomía radical modificada y linfedema etapa III, quien presenta restricciones en la participación y desempeño ocupacional, en específico en actividades de la vida diaria con alteraciones psicosociales y socioemocionales relevantes. Se planteó una intervención centrada en la persona, con enfoque biopsicosocial, en donde se aplicaron diferentes estrategias en actividades de tipo restaurativo, potenciación y mantenimiento de destrezas ocupacionales implicadas en actividades de la vida diaria. Se hizo énfasis en las áreas socioemocional, de biomecánica ocupacional y de educación con especial cuidado de involucrar los intereses de la mujer. Conclusiones. La rehabilitación del cáncer de mama no solo implica atención biomédica, sino también abordaje de aspectos psicosociales que en ocasiones tienen que ser resueltos con antelación para conseguir resultados que se evidencien en la salud. En este caso la elaboración de una prótesis de mama por y para la persona vinculó toda clase de estrategias que respondían a ejes biomédicos y comprendían en su totalidad el bienestar y la salud