Prospective surveillance using l-dex monitoring results in significant reductions in the chronic rate of breast cancer related-lymphedema (BCRL) in high-risk breast cancer patients.

118Background: Survivorship represents an increasing focus in the management of breast cancer with chronic toxicities including breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). This study looked at prospective surveillance using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) to reduce risks of chronic BCRL requiring referral for complete decongestive therapy (CDT). Methods: 132 patients at high-risk for the development of BCRL were prospectively followed using BIS with serial monitoring. This included a pre-operative baseline assessment and a minimum of two post-operative follow up assessments. Interventions were initiated when the L-Dex score increased by greater than 10 units from baseline and consisted of conservative treatment with a compression sleeve for four weeks. Patients were also clinically monitored for the development of BCRL. Results: Median follow-up was 19.3 months (range 4-54 mos). Of the 132 patients evaluated, 24 (18.1%) were subsequently diagnosed with elevated L-Dex scores and underwent intervention. Of the...