Mechanosensitivity in the Upper Limb Following Breast Cancer Treatment

AbstractBreast cancer is the second most frequent in women and lymphedema of the upper limb homolateral to surgery is the main complication arising from the breast cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to identify evidence and systematically review the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping (KT) in the treatment of upper limb lymphedema in the postoperative period of breast cancer. Research was conducted to find scientific papers on Kinesio Taping lymphatic in Latin American and Caribbean literature (Lilacs) and PubMed; from January 2007 to January 2017 in appropriate order, using Boolean logic, with the "AND" and "OR" connectors. Although KT therapy proved to be effective in reducing lymphedema Grade II and III in women after breast cancer treatment in 50% of the articles discussed in this review, the rest of the articles, with a larger population, such efficiency was not found. At this time, KT does not seem to be an effective option to replace traditional "Multiple Layer Therapy" in the "Complex Decongesting Therapy" protocols in the treatment of upper limb lymphedema. Thus, we judge the need for further research on the subject, as there is no solid evidence-based conclusion about the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in this context. Keywords: Breast Neoplasms. Lymphedema. Physical Therapy Specialty. ResumoO câncer de mama é o segundo mais frequente na população feminina e o linfedema de membro superior homolateral à cirurgia é a principal complicação decorrente do tratamento de câncer de mama. O intuito deste estudo foi identificar evidências e revisar sobre a efetividade da Kinesio Taping no tratamento do linfedema de membros superiores no pós-operatório de câncer de mama. Foi realizado uma busca de artigos a respeito da Kinesio Taping linfática; na literatura da América latina e do Caribe (Lilacs) e na PubMed no período de Julho de 2008 à julho de 2018 empregando a lógica booleana, com os conectores “AND” e “OR”. Embora, a terapia por KT se mostrou eficaz no tratamento para reduzir o linfedema Grau II e III em mulheres após o tratamento de câncer de mama em 50% dos artigos discutidos por esta revisão, no restante dos artigos, com maior população, não foi constatado tamanha eficiência. Neste momento, a KT não parece ser uma opção eficaz para substituir a “Terapia de Múltiplas Camadas”, tradicional, nos protocolos de “Terapia Complexa Descongestiva” no tratamento do linfedema de membros superiores. Dessa forma, jugamos a necessidade de mais pesquisas sobre o tema, pois, não há uma conclusão sólida baseada em evidências sobre a eficácia da Kinesio Taping neste contexto. Palavras-chave: Neoplasias da Mama. Linfedema. Fisioterapia.

Download Full-text

The effect of oncological treatment in breast cancer patients on functional effi ciency of the upper limb and the principles of physiotherapeutic management

Rehabilitacja Medyczna ◽

10.5604/01.3001.0012.0912 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 38-48

Author(s):

Anna Opuchlik ◽

Anna Włoch ◽

Małgorzata Biskup ◽

Tomasz Ridan ◽

Piotr Wróbel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Treatment ◽

Upper Limb ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Breast Cancer Treatment ◽

Lymph Node Biopsy ◽

Axillary Lymph Nodes ◽

Axillary Lymph ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Surgical Methods

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumour and the second cause of death among women in Poland following lung cancer. Its therapy includes a number of procedures, including surgical treatment, the choice of which depends, among others, on the histological form of the cancer and disease severity. In recent years, radical surgical techniques have been replaced by conserving ones, and in the context of routine resection of the axillary lymph nodes (lymphadenectomy), biopsy was introduced, i.e. sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB). Also, wide access to reconstructive treatments carried out with various techniques, using patients’ own tissues or artificial materials (breast implants) have been applied. Study aim: The aim of the work is to present the current state of knowledge on the principles of breast cancer treatment and its undesirable consequences, as well as the selection of physiotherapeutic methods depending on the type of upper limb dysfunction as a result of the performed surgery. Research materials: The research materials consist of patients treated using various surgical and oncological methods as well as physiotherapeutic procedures at the Holy Cross Oncology Centre in Kielce, from 2014 to 2016. The written consent of the Clinic Chief and patients for the publication of their image was obtained. The authors of the work do not indicate any conflict of interest. Research Methods: The research methodology was based on the presentation of selected patients treated using various oncological and surgical methods for breast cancer treatment, as well as characterization of the physiotherapeutic methods necessary in restoring expected functional upper limb status in these patients. Conclusions: Modern methods used in breast cancer treatment should be conditioned by good cooperation of an entire team of specialists from various clinical areas and physiotherapists. The purpose of this procedure is to cure the patient, minimize the occurrence of complications and adverse side effects, and restore functional capacity. An integral part of such breast cancer treatment patients is, among others, their effective rehabilitation.

Download Full-text