Monteiro, S.E., Resende, L.V., Felicíssimo, M.F., de Araújo, A.R., & Vaz, C.T. (2014). Treatment of upper limb lymphedema with low-level laser: A systematic review. Fisioterapia Em Movimento, 27, 663–674.

DOI Link

Purpose

STUDY PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on lymphedema secondary to breast cancer surgery

TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review

Search Strategy

DATABASES USED: PubMed PEDro, Lilacs

INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with breast cancer; the use of LLLT with or without other treatment; English, Portuguese, or Spanish studies

EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies without a control group

Literature Evaluated

TOTAL REFERENCES RETRIEVED: 55

EVALUATION METHOD AND COMMENTS ON LITERATURE USED: The PEDro scale was used for a quality of methods evaluation. Four studies were placebo-controlled.

Sample Characteristics

FINAL NUMBER STUDIES INCLUDED = 5
TOTAL PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REVIEW = 189
SAMPLE RANGE ACROSS STUDIES: 11–61
KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: All had breast cancer–related lymphedema (BCRL).

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Late effects and survivorship

Results

All studies showed positive results of LLLT compared to control groups, which was most evidenced in studies with longer time frames.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that LLLT may be a treatment option for upper limb lymphedema in women with breast cancer; however, more well designed research is needed.

Limitations

Limited number of studies included
Low sample sizes

Nursing Implications

More research with larger samples and comparisons to other effective interventions are needed to determine the role of LLLT for lymphedema treatment. LLLT may be a useful adjunct for lymphedema treatment.

Legacy ID

6132