Evaluation of Response to Treatment in Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema
Abstract ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess and compare the response to the BCRL treatment with CLUE scores, bioimpedence spectroscopy and the volume-assessments /measurements. A secondary aim of the study was to show whether CLUE has a place in the treatment response, and its correlation with the other measures of lymphedema.DesignThe design of our study is a retrospective study.SettingA rehabilitation center.ParticipantsA total of 40 patients were included in the study. Mean age and the body mass indices of the patients weres 57.8±12.46, and 30.99±4.69, respectively. Ninety-five percent of the patient were right handed, and the prevalence of the right arm lymphedema was 50%.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresAssessment of the upper-extremity volumes, CLUE (Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity) score, functional assessment of the upper extremities, bioimpedance Spectroscopy, hand-grip strength.ResultsCorrelation analyses showed that CLUE total score and BIS values were correlated with the reduction in the volumes (p=0.04 and p<0.001, respectively). Moreover, CLUE total score was also found to be positively correlated with the BIS values (p<0.001). Hand grip strength and QuickDASH scores were not found to be correlated with the changes in the volume (p=0.475 and p=0.210, respectively) and CLUE total scores (p=0.21 and p=0.57, respecively).ConclusionsIn conclusion, development of a structured clinical assessment like CLUE provides clinicians a standardized evaluation for BCRL. For the novel studies aiming to assess treatment responses to patients with BCRL, use of CLUE and BIS alongside with routinely used volumetric methods are encouraged.