Trial Information

Massage Therapy for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Massage therapy (in the form of manual lymph drainage [MLD]) and compression bandaging (CB)
are integral components of combined physical therapy (CPT), the recommended treatment for
peripheral lymphedema (LE). According to the World Health Organization, LE afflicts hundreds
of millions worldwide and probably millions in the United States. Effects of various forms
of massage on lymph circulation have been postulated for more than a century, but the
efficacy of MLD alone without CB has not been demonstrated. New data suggest that MLD alone
reduces established LE volume as effectively as CB in combination with CPT and minimizes LE
development.

Patients will be randomly assigned to either treatment with MLD alone or a combination of
MLD and CB. Patients will be treated in 10 one-hour sessions over 2 weeks. They will also
undergo lymphangioscintigraphy (a nuclear medicine test) to depict the function of their
lymphatic system. Patients will continue self treatment at home and will be followed for 6
months.