Can radiotherapy prevent arm swelling after breast cancer treatment?

Yes, a new radiotherapy approach shows promise in preventing lymphoedema, a lifelong arm swelling that can occur after breast cancer treatment, by avoiding the removal of underarm glands.

How effective is radiotherapy in preventing lymphoedema compared to surgery?

In a study, lymphoedema developed in under 18% of patients receiving radiotherapy, compared to over 26% of those who had surgery to remove glands.

Are cancer outcomes similar for patients treated with radiotherapy versus surgery for breast cancer?

Yes, cancer outcomes were found to be similar between patients treated with radiotherapy and those who underwent surgery.

Home / Health / Radiotherapy Beats Surgery for Lymphoedema

Radiotherapy Beats Surgery for Lymphoedema

26 Mar

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Summary

New radiotherapy approach significantly lowers risk of arm swelling.
Lymphoedema occurred in 18% with radiotherapy vs 26% with surgery.
Cancer outcomes were similar between radiotherapy and surgery groups.

Radiotherapy Beats Surgery for Lymphoedema

A novel radiotherapy technique is emerging as a potential way to prevent lymphoedema, a debilitating arm swelling often experienced after breast cancer treatment. This approach aims to preserve patients' quality of life by avoiding the removal of underarm glands, a standard procedure that can disrupt the body's natural drainage system.

Research presented at the European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona compared patients who had glands removed with those treated via radiotherapy. The study, involving over 270 participants with cancer spread to nearby glands, found that lymphoedema developed in just under 18% of those treated with radiotherapy, significantly lower than the over 26% who underwent surgery.