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KMID : 0363320190400030343
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Journal of Korean Oriental Internal Medicine
2019 Volume.40 No. 3 p.343 ~ p.355
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The Effect of Traditional Medicine for Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
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Park Chan-Ran
Lee Ga-Young
Son Chang-Gue
Cho Jung-Hyo
Lee Nam-Heon
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Abstract
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Objectives: Traditional oriental medicine is used in treating breast cancer-related lymphedema to alleviate symptoms. Upper limb lymphedema is a symptom that is frequently observed in patients with breast cancer, and it impairs their quality of life. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current available evidence to evaluate the effect of traditional oriental medicine on upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients.
Methods: The review evaluated randomized controlled trials (RCTs) measuring the effect of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion on upper limb lymphedema in breast cancer patients within four electronic databases . The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool was used to assess the quality of the RCTs.
Results: In total, 23 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 22 studies reported that the rate of severity of lymphedema improved after treatment in the traditional treatment group using herbal medicine, acupuncture, or moxibustion better than in the conventional medicine group. The methodological quality of the RCTs was insufficient with an unclear and high ROB.
Conclusions: Traditional oriental medicine may have a potential to improve lymphedema in patients with breast cancer. To confirm the clinical recommendation, further research with a rigorous study design is required to support the effects of traditional oriental medicine.
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KEYWORD
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lymphedema, breast cancer, herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion
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