Impact of chemotherapy on breast cancer−related lymphedema: a retrospective study

Objective This study aimed to investigate the impact of chemotherapy on the risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), with a specific focus on effects of different regimens, treatment duration (number of cycles), and timing of chemotherapy. Methods In this retrospective study, 201 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment at Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital between January 1, 2020, and December2023, 2023 were enrolled. Group differences in BCRL incidence were analyzed using the chi-square test. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with BCRL. Results BCRL occurred in 31 patients (15.4%). Univariate analysis revealed that tumor stage, axillary lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, chemotherapy, and regional nodal irradiation were significantly associated with BCRL (all P< 0.05). Taxane-based regimens (odds ratio [OR] = 4.018, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.162–13.890), long-course chemotherapy (OR = 4.887, 95% CI: 1.396–17.116), and the combination of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 4.50, 95% CI: 1.14–17.762) were significantly associated BCRL (all P< 0.05). Conclusion Chemotherapy was associated with BCRL. Specifically, this association was observed with taxane-based regimens, long-course chemotherapy, and the combination of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy. These findings highlight potential lymphotoxicity of specific regimens and may inform vigilant monitoring for BCRL in patients receiving such therapies, which could facilitate early intervention.