Low Level Laser Treatment and Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema
Lymphedema
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Lymphedema focused on measuring lymphedema, quality of life, breast cancer, symptoms, lymphedema in breast cancer survivors
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
Breast cancer survivors will be included if they:
- are age 21 or older;
- require professional treatment for Stage I or II lymphedema as defined by the International Society of Lymphology;
- have an order for lymphedema treatment; and
- are willing and able to drive to the study sites.
Exclusion Criteria:
Individuals will not be included if they:
- are actively undergoing intravenous chemotherapy or radiation therapy;
- have a history of bilateral lymphedema that prohibits extracellular fluid comparison to an unaffected limb;
- are unable to stand upright for measurement of height and weight;
- have active/metastatic cancer;
- are pregnant,:
- have artificial joints in areas where electrode placement is critical, or have a pacemaker/internal defibrillator; or
- have congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic/acute renal or hepatic disease, pulmonary edema, thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), acute infection of any kind, and inflammation in the trunk or arms.
Sites / Locations
- Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Active Comparator
Experimental
laser alone
mld alone
laser and mld combined
The intervention was therapist administered low level laser therapy using low level laser, number of sessions based upon patient response
The intervention was therapist administered manual lymphatic drainage (mld) using standard massage techniques,number of sessions based upon patient response
The intervention was therapist administered low level laser and mld using low level laser and standard massage techniques, number of sessions based upon patient response