Completed Research Project

A randomised controlled trial of low level laser therapy for the treatment of lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer

Investigators: White K, Bock C, Grant J, Oliver D, Nightingale E & Fallon-Ferguson J.

Funding: National Breast Cancer Foundation ($156,434)

Administering institution: Edith Cowan University

Abstract: The aim of the study is to improve the quality of life of patients living with lymphoedema, regardless of cause, through better treatment and management of this disorder. Over the past 15 years the main approaches to treatment of lymphoedema have been education and exercise, compression hosiery or bandaging, complex physical therapy (including massage techniques), and, to a lesser extent, drug therapy. More recently the use of low level  laser therapy (LLLT) has been instigated based on the experimental work of Lievens (1987) and Lievens and       Delforges (1992). Although the actual mechanism of LLLT on lymphoedema is unclear, their results suggest that LLLT may increase lymphatic flow, facilitate lymphatic vessel regeneration, and decrease pain (Lievens, 1987; Lievens & Delforges, 1992). Despite the increasing use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of lymphoedema, there has only been limited research to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment, and its potential role in the treatment of lymphoedema. This is to be the first phase of a three-phase study. This study will provide an evaluation of LLLT in the treatment of mild and moderate arm lymphoedema, including a cost analysis. This will    provide therapists with evidence to support if this treatment has a clinical application in the treatment of lymphoedema. In addition the study will provide a formal evaluation of the effectiveness of current recommended treatments for lymphoedema, for all stages of severity. The study commenced in August 2002 and data collection was completed in 2006. This study has found that both treatments are effective in treating lymphoedema, and that many consumers consider LLLT as a viable treatment option.