O010 - EFFECT OF WEIGHT LOSS ON BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

O010

EFFECT OF WEIGHT LOSS ON BREAST CANCER-RELATED LYMPHEDEMA: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Y. Ruiz¹, M. Padial^2,*, M. D. M. Martin–Bravo¹, M. García-Olivares², A. Chicharro¹, V. Sasso², G. Olveira²

¹Servicio de Rehabilitación y Medicina física, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, ²Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga–Plataforma BIONAND, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain

Rationale: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is associated with a worse quality of life (QoL), and its persistent prevalence increases with obesity. This study investigates whether a supervised muscle training program combined with a weight loss intervention can reduce BCRL volume and improve functional and QoL outcomes in women with overweight or obesity.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with women with overweight or obesity (BMI>25kg/m²) and BCRL. Participants in the intervention group (n=43, mean age 56.4 ± 17.1 years) underwent a 12-week supervised muscle training program and a six-month weight loss program (Mediterranean diet and meal replacement). The control group (n=53, mean age 61.3 ± 16.6 years) received dietary and exercise advice but did not participate in a structured program. Measures included BCRL volume, body composition (BIA), hand-grip and leg dynamometry, quality of life (FACB+4), and physical activity (IPAQ).

Results: At six months, the intervention group significantly reduced weight, triceps skinfold thickness, body fat mass (BIA), extracellular water, and some regions of affected arm circumference compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group showed increased quadriceps strength. In both groups, those who lost more than 5% of their initial weight exhibited significant improvements in BCRL volume, arm circumference (at 65%, midarm, elbow, and forearm), body fat mass, and intra/extracellular water. There was a non-significant trend toward improved QoL and physical activity in the intervention group.

Conclusion: The intervention group lost more weight and improved morphofunctional outcomes. Women who lost more than 5% of their initial weight, regardless of the group, experienced significant reductions in BCRL volume and fat mass in the affected arm. These findings suggest that weight loss may be beneficial in managing BCRL.

NCT04974268

Disclosure of Interest: None declared