Thompson et al (2020). Manual lymphatic drainage treatment for lymphedema: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. doi:10.1007/s11764-020-00928-1
Abstract. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage is widely accepted as a conservative treatment for lymphedema. This systematic review aims to examine the methodologies used in recent research and evaluate the effectiveness of MLD for those at-risk of or living with lymphedema. Methods The electronic databases Embase, PubMed, CINAHL Complete and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using relevant terms. Studies comparing MLD with another intervention or control in patients at-risk of or with lymphedema were included. Studies were critically appraised with the PEDro scale. Results Seventeen studies with a total of 867 female and two male participants were included. Only studies examining breast cancer-related lymphedema were identified. Some studies reported positive effects of MLD on volume reduction, quality of life and symptom-related outcomes compared with other treatments, while other studies reported no additional benefit of MLD as a component of complex decongestive therapy. In patients at-risk, MLD was reported to reduce incidence of lymphedema in some studies, while others reported no such benefits. Conclusions The reviewed articles reported conflicting findings and were often limited by methodological issues. This review highlights the need for further experimental studies on the effectiveness of MLD in lymphedema. Implications for Cancer Survivors There is some evidence that MLD in early stages following breast cancer surgery may help prevent progression to clinical lymphedema. MLD may also provide additional benefits in volume reduction for mild lymphedema. However, in moderate to severe lymphedema, MLD may not provide additional benefit when combined with complex decongestive therapy.
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JD Comments.
While this SR continues the theme of many SR's on providing an non-conclusive result, it also reports on the results by stage and shows that there is evidence for the effectiveness of MLD in early stages. Read more about MLD in early lymphoedema at #Talking Lymph
Liang et al, (2020). Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema in patients after breast cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine, 99(49), e23192. doi:10.1097/md.0000000000023192
Abstract. Studies have shown that manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) has a beneficial effect on lymphedema related to breast cancer surgery. However, whether MLD reduces the risk of lymphedema is still debated. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the current evidence to assess the effectiveness of MLD in preventing and treating lymphedema in patients after breast cancer surgery. Methods: From inception to May 2019, PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched without language restriction. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the treatment and prevention effect of MLD with a control group on lymphedema in breast cancer patients. A random-effects model was used for all analyses. Results: A total of 17 RCTs involving 1911 patients were included. A meta-analysis of 8 RCTs, including 338 patients, revealed that MLD did not significantly reduce lymphedema compared with the control group (standardized mean difference (SMD): −0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): [−0.85 to 0.67]). Subgroup analysis was basically consistent with the main analysis according to the research region, the publication year, the sample size, the type of surgery, the statistical analysis method, the mean age, and the intervention time. However, we found that MLD could significantly reduce lymphedema in patients under the age of 60 years (SMD: −1.77, 95% CI: [−2.23 to −1.31]) and an intervention time of 1 month (SMD: −1.77, 95% CI: [−2.23 to −1.30]). Meanwhile, 4 RCTs including, 1364 patients, revealed that MLD could not significantly prevent the risk of lymphedema (risk ratio (RR): 0.61, 95% CI: [0.29–1.26]) for patients having breast cancer surgery. Conclusions: Overall, this meta-analysis of 12 RCTs showed that MLD cannot significantly reduce or prevent lymphedema in patients after breast cancer surgery. However, well-designed RCTs with a larger sample size are required, especially in patients under the age of 60 years or an intervention time of 1 month.
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JD Comments.
This SR is typical of the current spate of SR's on MLD and lymphoedema generally. The results are generally inconclusive but they usually do find enough evidence of something to state that further research is needed. In this SR they found a benefit in MLD for a subgroup of younger people, but like most reviews does not report by stage.
MLD for Acne by Gabby Griffiths
See the case series here
JD Comments.
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Gabby took the old Therapy 1 many years ago, but all she will have needed to use for this treatment was basic neck and face techniques and sequences.
Publications by Dr Janet Douglass
See a collection of Jan's papers on NTDs here
An Enhanced Self-Care Protocol for People Affected by Moderate to Severe Lymphedema.
Douglass, J., Mableson, H. E., Martindale, S., & Kelly-Hope, L. A. (2019). An Enhanced Self-Care Protocol for People Affected by Moderate to Severe Lymphedema. Methods and Protocols, 2(3), 77. doi:10.3390/mps2030077
Abstract:
Lymphedema is a chronic skin disease that has many causes and leads to significant disfigurement and disability worldwide. Recommendations for lymphedema self-care vary by setting and the World Health Organization guidelines for people affected by lymphatic filariasis- and podoconiosis-related lymphedema are centered around a basic daily hygiene regimen. Research on cancer-related lymphedema in developed country settings suggests that deep-breathing exercises and self-massage can improve lymphedema status, but these exercises are not routinely taught to people affected by lymphedema in developing country settings. To determine if the activities proven in cancer-related lymphedema can improve outcomes for people affected by lymphatic filariasis- or podoconiosis-related lymphedema, an enhanced self-care protocol for lower limb lymphedema was developed and trialed in Nilphamari District in Bangladesh and Simada Woreda in Ethiopia. Enhanced self-care activities were chosen on the basis that they would not add financial burden to patients or their families and included recommendations to perform deep-breathing exercises and self-massage, drink clean water, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The enhanced-care protocol was developed in collaboration with implementing partners in both countries and may be applicable in other populations affected by lower-limb lymphedema. Trial methods and results will be submitted for peer reviewed publication. Current recommendations for lymphedema self-care may be less effective for people with more advanced disease and new or cross-cutting methods are needed to improve outcomes for these populations.
Self-Care for Management of Secondary Lymphedema: A Systematic Review
Douglass, J., Graves, P., & Gordon, S. (2016). Self-Care for Management of Secondary Lymphedema: A Systematic Review. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 10(6), e0004740. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0004740
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a debilitating and disfiguring sequela of an overwhelmed lymphatic system. The most common causes of secondary lymphedema are lymphatic filariasis (LF), a vector-borne, parasitic disease endemic in 73 tropical countries, and treatment for cancer in developed countries. Lymphedema is incurable and requires life-long care so identification of effective lymphedema management is imperative to improve quality of life, reduce the burden on family resources and benefit the local community. This review was conducted to evaluate the evidence for effective lymphedema self-care strategies that might be applicable to management of all types of secondary lymphedema. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Searches were conducted in Medline, CINAHL and Scopus databases in March 2015. Included studies reported before and after measures of lymphedema status or frequency of acute infections. The methodological quality was assessed using the appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. Descriptive synthesis and meta-analysis were used to evaluate effectiveness of the outcomes reported. Twenty-eight papers were included; two RCTs were found to have strong methodology, and overall 57% of studies were rated as methodologically weak. Evidence from filariasis-related lymphedema (FR-LE) studies indicated that hygiene-centred self-care reduced the frequency and duration of acute episodes by 54%, and in cancer-related lymphedema (CR-LE) home-based exercise including deep breathing delivered significant volume reductions over standard self-care alone. Intensity of training in self-care practices and frequency of monitoring improved outcomes. Cultural and economic factors and access to health care services influenced the type of intervention delivered and how outcomes were measured. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: There is evidence to support the adoption of remedial exercises in the management of FR-LE and for a greater emphasis on self-treatment practices for people with CR-LE. Empowerment of people with lymphedema to care for themselves with access to supportive professional assistance has the capacity to optimise self-management practices and improve outcomes from limited health resources.
Douglass, J., Immink, M., Piller, N., Ullah, S. (2012). Yoga for women with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: A preliminary 6-month study. Journal of Lymphoedema, 7(2), 30-38.
Abstract:
Background: The lifelong nature of breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) requires an exploration of activities that may be of potential benefit. Exercise trials in BCRL are becoming more common. Aims: To determine if the continued practice of yoga for 6 months imparts measureable benefits in reduction of lymphoedema, self-reported symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). Methods: Women who had previously completed a 4-week yoga programme as part of a randomised control trial were invited to return for reassessment 6 months after the intervention ceased. Lymphoedema status was measured using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), perometry, tonometry and lymphoedema symptoms, and QOL were assessed. Followup measurements were compared to baseline and those who had continued yoga were compared to those who had not. Results: Although there were no statistically significant differences between the groups, trends suggested a benefit in continuing yoga for reduction of lymphoedema affected arm volume by BIS and perometry and skin softening by tonometry. QOL scores has declined more in the discontinued group than among women who continued yoga. Conclusion: Yoga is a popular and potentially safe activity for women with BCRL. This study demonstrates trends in improvement of both objective and subjective measures that justify further investigation by future larger, longer-term investigations.
Publications by Dr Junghwa Do
The effects of bandaging with an additional pad and taping on secondary arm lymphedema in a patient after mastectomy
Do, J., Jeon, J., & Kim, W. (2017). The effects of bandaging with an additional pad and taping on secondary arm lymphedema in a patient after mastectomy. J Phys Ther Sci, 29(7), 1272-1275. doi:10.1589/jpts.29.1272
Effects of a physical therapy program combined with manual lymphatic drainage on shoulder function, quality of life, lymphedema incidence, and pain in breast cancer patients with axillary web syndrome following axillary dissection
Cho, Y., Do, J., Jung, S., Kwon, O., & Jeon, J. Y. (2016). Effects of a physical therapy program combined with manual lymphatic drainage on shoulder function, quality of life, lymphedema incidence, and pain in breast cancer patients with axillary web syndrome following axillary dissection. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24(5), 2047-2057. doi:10.1007/s00520-015-3005-1
EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE EXERCISES AND COMPLEX DECONGESTIVE THERAPY ON ARM FUNCTION AND MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN BREAST CANCER RELATED LYMPHEDEMA
Do, J. H., Kim, W., Cho, Y. K., Lee, J., Song, E. J., Chun, Y. M., & Jeon, J. Y. (2015). EFFECTS OF RESISTANCE EXERCISES AND COMPLEX DECONGESTIVE THERAPY ON ARM FUNCTION AND MUSCULAR STRENGTH IN BREAST CANCER RELATED LYMPHEDEMA. Lymphology, 48(4), 184-196.
Effects of a complex rehabilitation program on edema status, physical function, and quality of life in lower-limb lymphedema after gynecological cancer surgery.
Do, J. H., Choi, K. H., Ahn, J. S., & Jeon, J. Y. (2017). Effects of a complex rehabilitation program on edema status, physical function, and quality of life in lower-limb lymphedema after gynecological cancer surgery. Gynecologic Oncology, 147(2), 450-455. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.09.003