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http://dx.doi.org/10.22246/jikm.2019.40.3.343

The Effect of Traditional Medicine for Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review  

Park, Chan-ran (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dae-Jeon University)
Lee, Ga-young (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dae-Jeon University)
Son, Chang-gue (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dae-Jeon University)
Cho, Jung-hyo (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dae-Jeon University)
Lee, Nam-hun (Dept. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Dae-Jeon University)
Publication Information
The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine / v.40, no.3, 2019 , pp. 343-355 More about this Journal
Abstract
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.
Keywords
lymphedema; breast cancer; herbal medicine; acupuncture; moxibustion;
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