Table 1 Characteristics of 7 RCTs regarding LLLT (PBM) for BCRL

Ridner et al. (2013) [49]

46 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 15)

(2) Manual lymphatic drainage (n = 16)

(3) LLLT + manual lymphatic drainage (n = 15)

Compression bandaging after each Tx

I: Limb circumference

i: Baseline

ii: Daily and weekly in Tx

iii: Post-Tx

LLLT with bandaging may offer a time saving therapeutic option that provides similar results as those with conventional manual lymphatic drainage.

Small sample size; unaffected limb not assessed

ONS Foundation, National Center for Research Resources, the National Institutes of Health

Omar et al. (2011) [48]

50 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 25)

(2) Sham laser (n = 25)

1) Limb exercise

2) Skin care instructions

3) Pressure garment

I: Limb circumference

II: Range of motion

i: Baseline

ii: 4 wk.

iii: 8 wk.

iv: 12 wk.

v: 16 wk

LLLT was found to be effective in reducing the limb volume, increase shoulder mobility, and hand grip strength in approximately 93% of patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema.

Not with intention-to-treat analysis

NR

Lau and Cheing (2009) [52]

21 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 11)

(2) Waiting list (n = 10)

Education

I: Limb volume

i: Baseline

ii: Post-Tx

iii: 4 wks post-Tx

LLLT was effective in the management of post-mastectomy lymphedema, and the effects were maintained to the 4wk follow-up.

Small sample size; assessor not blinded

NR

Kozanoglu et al. (2009) [50]

47 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 23)

(2) Pneumatic compression therapy (n = 24)

1) Limb exercises

2) Hygiene

3) Skin care

I: Limb circumference

II: Pain

i: Baseline

ii: Post-Tx

iii: 3 mo

iv: 6 mo

v: 12 mo

Both Tx modalities have positive effects in the treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema, it seems that LLLT has better results at long term.

Small sample size; not with intention-to-treat analysis

NR

Maiya et al. (2008) [51]

20 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 10)

(2) Compression bandage (n = 10)

Upper extremity exercise program

I: Limb circumference

II: Pain

i: Baseline

ii: Post-Tx

LLLT significantly reduces post-mastectomy lymphedema and pain compared to conventional group.

Lacked demographics; small sample size; lacked intragroup differences

NR

Kaviani et al. (2006) [47]

11 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 6)

(2) Sham laser (n = 5)

NR

I: Limb circumference

II: Pain

III: Range of motion

i: Baseline

ii: 3 wk.

iii: 9 wk.

iv: 12 wk.

v: 18 wk.

vi: 22 wk

LLLT may be effective in reducing arm circumference and pain, and in increasing the desire to continue Tx in patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema.

Very small sample size; not with intention-to-treat analysis

NR

Carati et al. (2003) [46]

61 women, unilateral BCRL

(1) LLLT (n = 33)

(2) Sham laser (n = 28)

NR

I: Limb volume

II: Range of motion

i: Baseline

ii: Pre-Txs in C1

iii: End of C1

iv: Start of C2

v: End of C2

vi: 1 mo after C2

vii: 3 mo after C2

Two cycles of LLLT were found to be effective in reducing the volume of the affected arm, extracellular fluid, and tissue hardness in approximately 33% of patients with post-mastectomy lymphedema at 3 months after Tx.

Two-component crossover study, only 1st phase was included for analysis

AUSIndustry grant to RIAN Corp & Flinders University