The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of a first and repeated complex decongestive therapy (CDT) program on volume and functioning in patients with unilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and to identify whether the volume before treatment and/or the number of previous treatment influence outcomes.
Methods and Results:
In total, 100 and 42 patients with BCRL treated by 499 CDT (6 hours a day during 5 consecutive days) between April 2018 and December 2021 were included. Patients were assessed using volume including percentage of excess volume and percentage reduction in excess volume and lymph-International Classification of Functioning-UL questionnaire. After CDT, a significant reduction in BCRL volume (50%) and improvement in functioning (30%) were observed. The volume reduction was greater when the BCRL volume before treatment was low (10%–20%) and when CDT was performed for the first time. The functioning improvement was identical whatever the volume is before treatment and the number of previous CDT.
Conclusion:
A greater volume reduction after CDT was obtained in BCRL with low volume before treatment and after the first CDT. Such findings support the need for early intensive BCRL treatment to control volume and improve functioning.
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