Abstract
Objectives
Secondary lymphedema is a serious and debilitating condition, which may cause a range
of cutaneous, infectious and joint complications with major psychological and social
consequences. There is no curative treatment available. Initial symptomatic treatment
includes Intensive Decongestive Treatment (IDT), which involves the use of multi-layered
compression bandages, along with manual lymph drainage, physical exercise and skin
care. IDT leads to an average decrease in limb volume of 20–40%, when compared to
the contralateral limb. A better reduction may be obtained through the use of new
adjuvant techniques, of which endermology is an example. The aim of this phase II
study is to validate an IDT protocol combining endermology with standard of care in
breast cancer related lymphedema.
Study design
A standardised care protocol was proposed by the University Hospital of Toulouse’s
Lymphology team for the treatment of upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery
using Cellu M6 (LPG) Endermologie over 30 min. Every patient benefitted from IDT over
5 consecutive days, within the multidisciplinary Lymphology unit. Patients were randomised
into three arms as follows: Arm 1: IDT for 5 days with bandages + manual lymphatic
drainage. Arm 2: IDT with bandages + manual lymphatic drainage + Cellu M6 for 5 days.
Arm 3: bandages + Cellu M6 for 5 days. During the study, patients will be followed-up
for a period of 6 months.
Use of LPG’s Cellu M6 in combination with IDT may improve upper limb volume reduction
compared with standard of care. By improving breast cancer related lymphedema, we
expect to minimise further fluid build-up and to improve skin care, thus reducing
the number of consultations and hospital admissions caused by this condition. The
results of the present research protocol are expected to promote evidence supporting
the use of endermology in the field of lymphology.
Abbreviations:
EV (Excess volume), VL (Volumes limb), VH (Healthy limb), EVD (Excess volume on day), ISL (International society of lymphology), IDT (Intensive decongestive treatment)Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 07, 2019
Accepted:
July 24,
2019
Received:
May 17,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
