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The effectiveness of Botulinum Toxin A for treatment of upper limb impairments and dysfunctions in breast cancer survivors: A randomised controlled trial
Author(s) -
De Groef An,
Devoogdt Nele,
Van Kampen Marijke,
De Hertogh Laura,
Vergote Margot,
Geraerts Inge,
Dams Lore,
Van der Gucht Elien,
Debeer Philippe
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13175
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , range of motion , upper limb , botulinum toxin , placebo , randomized controlled trial , physical therapy , dash , infiltration (hvac) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , cancer , alternative medicine , pathology , computer science , thermodynamics , operating system , physics
Objective To examine the effectiveness of a single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX‐A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a standard physical therapy (PT) programme on upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment. Methods Fifty breast cancer patients with persistent pain 3 months after finishing treatment participated in a double‐blinded randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received a single BTX‐A infiltration. The control group received a placebo (saline) infiltration. Within one week after the infiltration, all patients attended an individual PT programme (12 sessions) during the first 3 months. Outcome parameters were active shoulder range of motion, upper limb strength, scapular statics and shoulder function. Measures were taken before the intervention, at 1, 3 (i.e. after the intervention) and 6 months follow‐up. Results No differences between groups were found for all outcome parameters over the course of 6 months. However, overall beneficial effects of the PT for active forward flexion shoulder range of motion and shoulder function were found in both groups. Conclusion A single Botulinum Toxin A (BTX‐A) infiltration in the pectoralis major muscle, in addition to a PT programme cannot be recommended to treat upper limb impairments and dysfunctions after breast cancer treatment.