Park, J.H., Min, Y.S., Chun, S.M., & Seo, K.S. (2015). Effects of stellate ganglion block on breast cancer-related lymphedema: Comparison of various injectates. Pain Physician, 18, 93–99.

To evaluate the effects of a stellate ganglion block (SGB) and steroids on breast cancer-related lymphedema

Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups using different substances injected for SGB, (1) bupivacaine alone, (2) bupivacaine and triamcinolone, or (3) triamcinolone alone. Patients were given three consecutive blocks every two weeks. Outcome measurements were obtained at two, four, and eight weeks.

• N = 32  
• MEAN AGE = 54.7 years
• FEMALES: 100%
• KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: All had breast cancer, and all but one received surgery with lymph node dissection

• SITE: Single site  
• SETTING TYPE: Outpatient    
• LOCATION: South Korea

• PHASE OF CARE: Transition phase after active treatment

Double-blinded, randomized, controlled study

• Forearm and upper arm circumference measurement
• European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ C30)

Forearm circumference was significantly decreased in all groups one month after three treatments. Upper arm measures showed significant reductions at different time points across the three groups, but all showed a statistically significant reduction over time (p < 0.017). Those who received SGB with triamcinolone had a slightly larger reduction in upper arm circumference. There were no differences between groups in quality of life measures.

SGBs may be a viable alternative treatment for breast cancer-related arm lymphedema. The use of a corticosteroid for the block might produce the most effective results.

• Small sample (< 100)

SGBs may be an effective alternative treatment for breast cancer-related lymphedema. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.