Abstract:
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is common among patients who have completed their cancer treatment. Although low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been explored as a treatment option for BCRL, we could not find a regimen that is more effective than others. This meta-analysis aimed to organize existing research and determine the optimal combination of LLLT parameters for BCRL treatment. Studies were collected from four online databases: Embase, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, and Cinahl. The collected studies were reviewed by two of the authors. We focused on the aspects of the treatment area, treatment regimen, and total treatment sessions across the included studies. The comparisons between LLLT and non-LLLT were performed through a meta-analysis. Post-treatment QOL was significantly better in the axillary group. The group treated \"three times/week with a laser density of 1.5-2 J/cm2\" had significantly better outcomes in terms of swelling reduction, both immediately post-treatment and at 1-3 months follow-ups. The group with > 15 treatment sessions had significantly better post-treatment outcomes regarding reduced swelling and improved grip strength. According to these results, LLLT can relieve the symptoms of BCRL by reducing limb swelling and improving QOL. Further exploration found that a treatment approach targeting the axilla, combined with an increased treatment frequency, appropriate laser density, and extended treatment course, yielded better outcomes. However, further rigorous, large-scale studies, including long-term follow-up, are needed to substantiate this regimen.
摘要:
乳腺癌相关淋巴水肿(BCRL)在完成癌症治疗的患者中很常见。尽管低水平激光治疗(LLLT)已被用作BCRL的治疗选择,我们找不到比其他方案更有效的方案。该荟萃分析旨在组织现有研究并确定用于BCRL治疗的LLLT参数的最佳组合。研究来自四个在线数据库:Embase,OvidMedline,科克伦,还有Cinahl.两位作者对收集到的研究进行了回顾。我们专注于治疗领域的各个方面,治疗方案,以及纳入研究的总治疗疗程。LLLT和非LLLT之间的比较通过荟萃分析进行。治疗后的QOL在腋窝组中明显更好。“3次/周激光密度为1.5-2J/cm2”的治疗组在肿胀减轻方面有明显更好的结果,治疗后立即和1-3个月随访。治疗时间>15次的组,在肿胀减轻和握力改善方面,治疗后结果明显更好。根据这些结果,LLLT可以通过减轻肢体肿胀和改善QOL来缓解BCRL的症状。进一步的探索发现,一种针对腋窝的治疗方法,加上治疗频率的增加,适当的激光密度,和延长疗程,产生了更好的结果。然而,进一步严格,大规模的研究,包括长期随访,需要证实这个方案。