Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-mastectomy lymphedema is a common complication following breast cancer surgery, characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, causing swelling, discomfort, and functional limitations in the affected arm. Traditional treatments for lymphedema include manual lymphatic drainage and compression garments, but their effectiveness is variable, and many patients do not achieve satisfactory outcomes. Emerging therapeutic modalities such as Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Kinesio Taping, and Endermology offer potential non-invasive treatment alternatives. However, the relative efficacy of these approaches in reducing lymphedema, improving limb function, and enhancing quality of life in post-mastectomy patients remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the effects of low-level laser therapy, kinesio taping, and endermology on breast cancer patients post-mastectomy with lymphedema. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. Searches were carried out in databases using keywords. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select the studies to be included. The selected studies were critically appraised using Cochrane's critical appraisal tool. The chosen studies were extracted and analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative analysis was performed using both fixed-effects and random-effects approaches. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this analysis. All studies were randomized trials with good quality based on critical appraisal. The analysis found a significantly greater reduction in arm volume in the combined intervention group (MD = 76.27; 95% CI = 33.84-118.69) and in each therapy group: low-level laser therapy (MD = 91.98; 95% CI = 41.99-141.97) and endermology (MD = 34.61; 95% CI = 20.81-48.41). However, there were no significant differences in the reduction of arm circumference or pain scale, either overall or for each therapy individually. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy and endermology provide better outcomes for breast cancer patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema compared to conventional therapy.