Lymphoedema therapy in breast cancer patients: a systematic review on effectiveness and a survey of current practices and costs in Finland

Abstract

Background: This study systematically evaluates the effects and harms of physiotherapy methods and explores current treatment practices and costs in relation to lymphoedema in breast cancer patients in Finland.

Material and methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on physiotherapy interventions for breast cancer patients with lymphoedema. A postal survey to lymph therapists, a telephone and register survey for therapy costs.

Results: We identified 14 RCTs, of which two had moderate and the others high risk of bias. There was moderate evidence that compression bandages decreased lymphoedema, and that pneumatic pumps had no effect on lymphoedema. In Finland lymph therapy practice is a combination of manual lymph drainage (MLD), compression bandages, therapeutic exercises and guidance for self-treatment, with an annual average cost of EUR 799 per patient.

Conclusions: Compression bandages are likely to reduce upper limb lymphoedema in breast cancer patients. Evidence on other physiotherapy methods and their combinations is limited due to the poor quality of the trials. No evidence was found on any outcomes other than upper limb volume. We call for well-designed trials with patient-related outcomes on the effectiveness of MLD, guidance and therapeutic exercises.