What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective case series to evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy of 30 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in six breast cancer patients with long-standing lymphedema.
What They Found
The study observed a decrease in arm volume and an improvement in functional assessment scores (Quick-DASH) at 3, 6, and 24 months following hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Six breast cancer patients with lymphedema, averaging 9 years since onset, participated in the treatment.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian breast cancer patients experiencing long-standing lymphedema might find hyperbaric oxygen therapy to be a beneficial treatment option for reducing arm swelling and improving arm function. This therapy could offer an alternative approach to manage persistent symptoms that have not responded to other interventions.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was not conducted in Canada, nor did it involve Canadian researchers or patients.
Study Limitations
A significant limitation of this study is its small sample size of only six patients and the absence of a control group, which limits the generalizability and strength of the findings.