Defining a threshold for intervention in breast cancer-related lymphedema: what level of arm volume increase predicts progression?
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to evaluate arm volume measurements and clinico-pathologic characteristics of breast cancer patients to define a threshold for intervention in breast cancer-related lymphedema. We prospectively performed arm volume measurements on breast cancer patients using a Perometer. Arm measurements were performed pre- and post-operatively, and change in arm volume was quantified using a relative volume change (RVC) equation. Patient and treatment risk factors were evaluated. Cox proportional hazards models with time-dependent covariates for RVC were used to evaluate whether RVC elevations of ?3 to <5 % or ?5 to <10 % occurring ?3 months or >3 months after surgery were associated with progression to ?10 % RVC. 1,173 patients met eligibility criteria with a median of 27 months post-operative follow-up. The cumulative incidence of ?10 % RVC at 24 months was 5.26 % (95 % CI 4.01-6.88 %). By multivariable analysis, a measurement of ?5 to <10 % RVC occurring >3 months after surgery was significantly associated with an increased risk of progression to ?10 % RVC (HR 2.97, p < 0.0001), but a measurement of ?3 to <5 % RVC during the same time period was not statistically significantly associated (HR 1.55, p = 0.10). Other significant risk factors included a measurement ?3 months after surgery with RVC of ?3 to <5 % (p = 0.007), ?5 to <10 % (p < 0.0001), or ?10 % (p = 0.023), axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) (p < 0.0001), and higher BMI at diagnosis (p = 0.0028). Type of breast surgery, age, number of positive or number of lymph nodes removed, nodal radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy were not significant (p > 0.05). Breast cancer patients who experience a relative arm volume increase of ?3 to <5 % occurring >3 months after surgery do not have a statistically significant increase in risk of progression to ?10 %, a common lymphedema criterion. Our data support utilization of a ?5 to <10 % threshold for close monitoring or intervention, warranting further assessment. Additional risk factors for progression to ?10 % include ALND, higher BMI, and post-operative arm volume elevation.
SUBMITTER: Specht MC
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3788652 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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