# Occupational Therapy in the Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Narrative Review

## TL;DR

This review examines how occupational therapy helps manage breast cancer-related lymphedema, highlighting effective treatments and the need for more research.

## Contribution

The paper provides a narrative review comparing occupational therapy interventions for breast cancer-related lymphedema, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary and personalized approaches.

## Key findings

- Complex Decompression Therapy is the standard treatment for BCRL, but manual lymphatic drainage remains controversial.
- Activity-Oriented Proprioceptive Anti-Edema Therapy and adapted physical exercise improve quality of life and reduce lymphedema volume.
- Occupational therapy contributes to better patient outcomes through a person-centered approach.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL) is one of the most prevalent complications among patients, causing physical limitations and a negative impact on their quality of life. Given its chronic nature and influence on personal autonomy, it is essential to review the therapeutic approaches applied to date. The main objective of this study was to analyze and to compare the effectiveness of the different treatments currently used in the management of BCRL, especially those that incorporate the intervention of an occupational therapist. Methods: A narrative review of the scientific literature published between 2013 and 2025 was conducted. The search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Dialnet databases. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to select studies with therapeutic interventions, selecting eight studies for review. Results: Complex Decompression Therapy (CDT) is currently the standard treatment, although one of its components, manual lymphatic drainage, is controversial in terms of its effectiveness. Interventions such as Activity-Oriented Proprioceptive Anti-Edema Therapy (TAPA), adapted physical exercise, and hydrotherapy showed significant benefits in quality of life, functionality, and reduction in the volume of lymphedema. Conclusions: The therapeutic approach to BCRL must be multidisciplinary and personalized. Occupational Therapy (OT) provides a person-centered approach that contributes to improving occupational performance and patient well-being. More studies with greater methodological rigor and sample size are needed to unify clinical criteria.