title: Autologous stem cells for the treatment of post-mastectomy lymphedema: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND AIMS. Lymphedema is a common complication with breast cancer treatment that does not have a definite cure. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of autologous stem cells (ASC) in the treatment of lymphedema secondary to mastectomy and axillary lymphadenectomy in comparison with traditional decongestive treatment with compression sleeves. METHODS. A prospective study including 20 women with lymphedema secondary to breast cancer surgery with axillary lymphadenectomy was conducted. Women were assigned at random to one of two groups. One group of 10 women was injected with ASC in the affected arm, whereas the other 10 women comprised the control group and received traditional compression sleeve therapy (CST). The follow-up for both groups was 12 weeks. Pain, sensitivity and mobility were assessed before and after therapy. RESULTS. There was improvement in the volume of lymphedema in both groups, with no significant difference. In the ASC group there was an overall volume reduction during the follow-up, whereas in the CST group lymphedema recurred after the compression sleeve was removed. CONCLUSIONS. Our findings suggest that ASC injection for patients with lymphedema can be an effective treatment. It reduces arm volume and associated co-morbidities of pain and decreased sensitivity. Traditional CST was also effective for lymphedema reduction, but it was dependent on continuous use of the treatment.
authors: Hospital Universitario 'Dr José Eleuterio González', Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, México. cevam99@gmail.com
authors: Gerardo Enrique Muñoz
authors: GE
authors: Maldonado
authors: Carlos Alberto Alvarez
authors: CA
authors: Pérez
authors: Eli Esaú Aguiñaga
authors: EE
authors: Covarrubias
authors: Sylvia Aide Martínez
authors: SA
authors: Cabriales
authors: Laura Alvarado
authors: LA
authors: Leyva
authors: José Carlos Jaime
authors: JC
authors: Pérez
authors: David Gómez
authors: DG
authors: Almaguer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D058128:Compression Bandages; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous