Dhinakaran, M., Jain, K., Benjamin, K.E., Kaur, P., & Dhinakaran. (2014). Effect of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) in upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, 8, 87–91.
To identify the long-term effect of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to decrease lymphedema and enhance quality of life in patients after radical mastectomy with unilateral upper extremity lymphedema
Volume of the affected limb was decreased by 80.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] [–96.71, –63.73]) from baseline to the third month (p < 0.0001). Mean change in quality of life at the second month as compared to baseline was significant (69.95, 95% CI [66.49, 73.42], p < 0.0001).
CDT may be effective in reducing the volume in the lymphedema limb and in enhancing breast cancer survivors’ quality of life.
More rigorously designed studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of CDT in patients with lymphedema. Note that patients who underwent lumpectomy also developed lymphedema.