Smile, T.D., Tendulkar, R., Schwarz, G., Arthur, D., Grobmyer, S., Valente, S., . . . Shah, C. (2016). A review of treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema: Paradigms for clinical practice. American Journal of Clinical Oncology. Advance online publication.
STUDY PURPOSE: To evaluate breast cancer–related lymphedema treatment options to provide guidance to clinicians
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship
CDT is the most studied and consistently beneficial intervention.
This review adds to the body of evidence showing that the use of compression bandaging and CDT are shown to be effective for managing breast cancer–related lymphedema. Nurses can recommend these interventions. Additional research is needed in the area of invasive interventions.