Systematic Review of PBM Therapy for Lymphedema Related to Breast Cancer Up to November 2016, databases including PubMed, AMED, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for studies on breast cancer and PBMT, LLLT clinical trials. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality and validity of PBM therapy in various clinical trials. Primary outcome measures were limb circumference/volume, and secondary outcomes included pain intensity and range of motion. The best evidence synthesis was performed due to clinical heterogeneity of data.

Keywords Low-level laser therapy, photobiomodulation, breast cancer-related lymphedema, systematic review

Conclusion
Eleven clinical trials were identified, of which seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for analysis. Overall, the methodological quality of the included RCTs was high, but reporting of treatment parameters was poor. Results indicate strong evidence (from 3 high-quality clinical trials) that PBMT is more effective than sham treatment in reducing limb circumference/volume in short-term follow-ups. There is moderate evidence (from 1 high-quality clinical trial) that PBM therapy is more effective than sham laser for short-term pain relief. According to the systematic review, PBMT can be considered an effective treatment approach for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Due to a limited number of published clinical trials, well-designed high-quality clinical trials are clearly needed in this area. Optimal treatment parameters for clinical application have not yet been established.