Rehabilitation for Cancer-Related Lymphedema: An Evidence-Based Review of Current Interventions and Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Jagmohan L. Meena, Pankaj Chaturvedi, Navin Khattry, Vikram Gota, Sudhir Nair, Anbarasan Sekar, Geeta S. Nath, Akanksha Sharma and Prakash Kumar

Background: Cancer Related Lymphedema (CRL) is one of the most common long-term complications following cancer treatment, particularly among survivors of breast, gynaecological, genitourinary, head and neck, melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma cancers. It negatively affects limb volume, physical function, pain, quality of life, and psychosocial well- being.

Objective: To review the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions for cancer-related lymphedema and provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice.

Methods: A narrative review of studies published between 2015 to 2026 was conducted using major databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library.

Results: Current evidence supports Complete Decongestive Therapy as the first-line conservative intervention. Emerging evidence supports additional benefits from progressive resistance exercise, therapeutic activities, kinesiotaping, lympha press, low-level laser therapy, aquatic therapy, and bioimpedance-guided surveillance.

Conclusion: Modern Rehabilitation for cancer-related lymphedema should extend beyond edema reduction. Early lymphedema diagnosis with multidisciplinary rehabilitation significantly improves limb volume, and quality of life.

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