Dirican, A., Andacoglu, O., Johnson, R., McGuire, K., Mager, L., & Soran, A. (2010). The short-term effects of low-level laser therapy in the management of breast-cancer-related lymphedema. Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 19(5), 685–690.

To evaluate the short-term benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) when added to the conventional management of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL)

All patients had experienced at least one conventional treatment modality, such as complex physical therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, or pneumatic pump therapy. LLLT was added to patients' ongoing therapeutic regimen. All patients completed two cycles of LLLT. Assessment took place before and after the first and second cycle of LLLT sequentially.

• The study sample (N = 17) was comprised of female patients with BCRL.
• Mean age was 51.8 years, with a range of 44–64 years. 

The study took place in an outpatient setting at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 

The study used a quasi-experimental design.

• Arm lymphedema was identified by measuring limb circumference.
• Pain was measured using a typical pain diagram with a 0–10 subjective pain score.
• Shoulder range of motion was measured using goniometric values.
• The Patient and Observation Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used in the study.

The difference between sums of the circumferences of the affected and unaffected arms decreased 54% and 73% after the first and second cycles of LLLT, respectively. Eighty-two percent of patients 14 out of 17 experienced decreased pain with motion by an average of 40% and 62.7% after the first and second cycle of LLLT, respectively. Scar mobility increased in 13 (76.4%) and shoulder range of motion improved in 14 (82.3%) patients after LLLT. One patient developed cellulitis during LLLT.

Patients with BCRL received additional benefits from LLLT when used in conjunction with standard lymphedema treatment, including reduction in limb circumference, pain, increase in range of motion and scar mobility.

• The study sample was small, with less than 30 patients.
• Results are potentially bias because there was no control group. 

Further studies with appropriate sample size and control groups are necessary to assess the long-term effects of LLLT in combination with conventional treatments as well as the effect of the repetitive application.