Low-level laser therapy (photo-biomodulation therapy) for breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review

Background: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a frequent issue that arises after mastectomy surgery in women and compromises physical and mental function. Previously published studies have shown positive effects with the use of Photo-biomodulation is another term for low-level laser treatment (LLLT) (PBM). This research investigated the efficacy of LLLT (PBM) in the treatment of Metastatic breast cancer related lymphedema. Methods: : PubMed, PEDro, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched for LLLT clinical trials published before October 2021. The methodological quality of randomized trials and the effectiveness of Laser therapy for BCRL were evaluated. The primary objectives were arm circumference or arm volume, whereas the secondary goals were shoulder mobility and pain severity. Results: : Eight clinical trials were analysed in total. Typically, the included RCTs had good research quality. At four weeks, there was a considerable reduction in arm circumference/volume, and this continued with long-term follow-up. However, no statistically significant change in shoulder mobility or pain severity was seen between the laser and placebo groups at 0-, 1-, 2-, and 3-month short-term follow-up. Conclusions: : The findings of this comprehensive study demonstrated that LLLT (PBM) was successful in diminishing arm circumference and volume than improving shoulder mobility and pain. Data indicate that laser therapy (PBM) may be a beneficial treatment option for females with PML. Because of the scarcity of evidence, there is a strong need for well-conducted trials in this field. Trial registration: Details of the protocol for this systematic review were registered on PROSPERO and can be accessed at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42022315076.