Effectiveness of acupuncture for breast cancer related lymphedema: protocol for a single-blind, sham-controlled, randomized, multicenter trial

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough various treatments for breast cancer related lymphedema exist, there is still a need for a more effective and convenient approach. Pilot studies and our clinical observations suggested that acupuncture may be a potential option. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of acupuncture on BCRL and evaluate its safety using a rigorously designed trial.Methods/DesignWomen who are clinically diagnosed as unilateral BCRL, with a 10% to 40% increase in volume compared to the unaffected arm, will be recruited. Following baseline assessment, participants will be randomized to either the real acupuncture group or sham-acupuncture group at a ratio of 1:1, and given a standard real acupuncture or sham-acupuncture treatment accordingly on both arms followed by the same usual care of decongestive therapy. Volume measurements of both arms will be performed for every participant after each treatment. Data collected at baseline and the last session will be used to calculate the primary outcome and secondary outcomes. Other data will be exploited for interim analyses and trial monitoring. The primary outcome is the absolute reduced limb volume ratio. Secondary outcomes are incidence of adverse events and change in quality of life. A t test or non-parameter test will be used to compare the difference between two groups, and assess the overall effectiveness of acupuncture using the SPSS software (version 12).DiscussionThis study will help expand our knowledge about the effectiveness of acupuncture on BCRL, and how acupuncture might be used in the management of this condition. Acupuncture may be a promising complement or alternative to conventional lymphedema treatment methods, if its effectiveness is confirmed.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02803736 (Registered on October 31, 2016). Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-017-1980-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The effectiveness of two individualized physical interventions on the upper limb condition after radical mastectomy

“…Abundant research [3,[5][6][7] indicates that women who undergo breast surgery, axillary radiotherapy, or chemotherapy are more likely to have higher risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema and impaired shoulder range of motion. The importance of the problem is underlined by the presence of numerous surgical methods [3,4] and conservative therapies [11][12][13][14][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] for overcoming upper extremity disorders in breast cancer survivors.…”

“…The majority of women are treated with complex physiotherapy methods that prove effective. Many reports showed the effectiveness of acupuncture [12], lymphatic drainage [13], Pilates-based exercises [14][15][16], yoga exercises [17,18], Nordic walking [19], aquatic exercises [20][21][22][23], and pneumatic compression therapy [24][25][26] for the treatment and prevention of postoperative breast cancer-related lymphedema, and quality of life improvement in women.…”

Effectiveness of individualized physical rehabilitation programs for upper extremity disorders in women with post-mastectomy syndrome

“…A great deal of research [2][3][4][5] indicates that women, who undergoing breast surgery, axillary radiotherapy, chemotherapy are more likely to have higher risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema and impaired shoulder range of motion. The importance of the problem is underlined by the presence of numerous surgical methods 2 and conservative therapies 6,9,11,12 for overcoming upper extremity disorders in breast cancer survivors.…”

Alternative Treatments for Cancer Prevention and Cure [Part 1]

“…Acupuncture is safe and effective at reducing breast cancer-related lymphoedema in patients after breast cancer treatment [605] and managing joint stiffness. Acupuncture use among breast cancer patients in the US is currently as high as 16% to 63% [606]. At the current time breast cancer related lymphedema is incurable but well manageable by a number of physical therapy modalities, especially complete decongestive therapy (CDT) [607].…”