None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This prospective, double-blind, placebo, controlled randomized, study was conducted to evaluate the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of breast cancer related lymphedema.
Interventions
Fifty-eight women with postmastectomy lymphedema were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to active laser (n=28) and placebo (n=26) groups and received irradiation with Ga–As laser over the axillary and arm areas, for 20 mniutes , 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The total energy applied at each point was 300mJoules over 17 points (5.1 Joules in total), giving a dosage of 1.5 Joules/cm2 in the active group. The placebo group received placebo therapy
Fifty-eight women with postmastectomy lymphedema were enrolled in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to active laser (n=28) and placebo (n=26) groups and received irradiation with Ga–As laser over the axillary and arm areas, for 20 mniutes , 3 times a week for 12 weeks. The total energy applied at each point was 300mJoules over 17 points (5.1 Joules in total), giving a dosage of 1.5 Joules/cm2 in the active group. The placebo group received placebo therapy in which the laser had been disabled without affecting its apparent function. Limb circumference, shoulder mobility, and grip strength were measured before treatment and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, laser therapy applied only on the affected limb not bilateral.
Sponsors
Mohammed Taher Ahmed Omar
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
45 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
women with breast cancer related lymphedema (swelling of more than 2cm and less than 8cm of excess limb circumference at each point compared to controlled non operative limb
Exclusion criteria
Patients who had a current metastases , continuing radiotherapy, cellulites, venous thrombosis, chronic inflammatory diseases, history of sever trauma, photosensitivity or who were using any medication that affect body fluid and electrolyte balance were excluded. .Patients with bilateral lymphedema were also excluded because the contralateral normal limb was needed to predicate percentage of lymphedema.
Outcome results
None listed