 |
Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue3
Subject Area: Medicine
-
DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026323.6953
Published online: 01 July 2026
Review article
J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):6953-6957
EVOLUTION OF ONCOREHABILITATION
Yani Shivachev
, Stanislava Bogomilova,
Department of Kinesitherapy, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Varna, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Rehabilitation is a necessary continuation of comprehensive treatment, given the increasing survival rates and advances in medical technology care. Improving the quality of life of cancer patients was put at the center of discussions only in the second half of the 20th century, and only complete decongestant therapy was accepted as the "gold standard".
Purpose: To study and research the evolutionary development of oncological rehabilitation
Material and Methods: Material: The study covers full-text scientific publications for the period 1985-2025 by keywords rehabilitation in malignant diseases, lymphatic drainage, complex decongestive therapy, oncorehabilitation from the scientific databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus published in English. Methods: Documentary content analysis of relevant scientific publications.
Results: 35 full-text articles for the research period, of which 20 (about 57%) focus on complex decongestive therapy. Most often, complex decongestive therapy is applied in the rehabilitation plan of patients with oncological diseases. The researchers build on the classic method of manual lymphatic drainage, the creator of which is Emil Vodder. In Bulgaria, rehabilitation services are increasingly offered to patients with oncological diseases, with a gradual increase in practical and scientific interest in the last two decades.
Conclusion: The modern view of oncorehabilitation is associated with the holistic nature of human health, which requires efforts to be directed towards the treatment of oncological diseases and the prevention of complications that arise during the course of the disease. Despite the studies in this area, larger-scale studies involving a longer period of time are needed in the future in order to monitor the sustainability of the results.
Keywords: rehabilitation for malignant diseases, lymphatic drainage, complex decongestive therapy, oncorehabilitation,
- Download FULL TEXT /PDF 545 KB/
Please cite this article as: Shivachev Y, Bogomilova S. Evolution of oncorehabilitation. J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):6953-6957. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026323.6953]
Correspondence to: Assoc. prof. Yani Shivachev, UCEM-Medical University – Varna; 84, Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Varna, Bulgaria. E-mail: qshivachevv@abv.bg
REFERENCES:
1. Fu JB. The Past, Present, and Future of American Cancer Rehabilitation. Phys Ther Res. 2021 Sep 29;24(3):187-194. [PubMed]
2. Williams A. Manual lymphatic drainage: exploring the history and evidence base. Brit J Comm Nursing. 2010; 15(3): 18-24. [Crossref]
3. Brandão ML, Soares HPS, Andrade MA, Faria ALSC, Pires RS. Efficacy of complex decongestive therapy for lymphedema of the lower limbs: a systematic review. J Vasc Bras. 2020 May; 19: 1-6. [Crossref]
4. Gilchrist L, Levenhagen K, Davies CC, Koehler L. Effectiveness of complete decongestive therapy for upper extremity breast cancer-related lymphedema: a review of systematic reviews. Med Oncol. 2024 Oct 23;41(11):297. [PubMed]
5. Leduc O, Leduc A, Bourgeois P, Belgrado JP. The Physical Treatment of Upper Limb Edema. Cancer. 1998 Dec;83(12):2835-2839. [Crossref]
6. Szuba A, Cooke JP, Yousuf S, Rockson SG. Decongestive lymphatic therapy for patients with cancer-related or primary lymphedema. Am J Med. 2000 Sep; 109(4): 296-300. [Crossref]
7. Harris SR, Hugi MR, Olivotto IA, Levine M. Clinical practice guidelines for the care and treatment of breast cancer: 11. Lymphedema. CMAJ. 2001 Jan; 164(2):191-9.
8. Szuba A, Achalu R , Rockson SG. Decongestive lymphatic therapy for patients with breast carcinoma-associated lymphedema. A randomized, prospective study of a role for adjunctive intermittent pneumatic compression. Cancer. 2002 Dec; 95(11): 2260-7. [Crossref]
9. Cheville AL McGarvey CL, Petrek JA,Russo SA, Taylor ME, Thiadens SRJ. Lymphedema management. 2003 July; 13(3): 290-301. [Crossref]
10. Moseley AL, Carati CJ, Piller NB. A systematic review of common conservative therapies for arm lymphoedema secondary to breast cancer treatment. 2007 Apr; 18(4): 639-646. [Crossref]
11. Koul R, Dufan T, Russell C, Guenther W, Nugent Z, Sun X, et al. Efficacy of complete decongestive therapy and manual lymphatic drainage on treatment-related lymphedema in breast cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2007 Mar; 67(3):841-6. [Crossref]
12. Tsai HJ, Hung HC, Yang JL, Huang CS, Tsauo JY. Could Kinesio tape replace the bandage in decongestive lymphatic therapy for breast-cancer-related lymphedema? A pilot study. Support Care Cancer. 2009 Nov; 17(11):1353-60. [Crossref]
13. Szolnoky G, Lakatos B, Keskeny T, Varga E, Varga,M, Dobozy A, et al. Intermittent pneumatic compression acts synergistically with manual lymphatic drainage in complex decongestive physiotherapy for breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema. Lymphology. 2009 Dec; 42(4):188-94.
14. Devoogdt N, Kampen MV, Geraerts I, Coremans T, Christiaens MR. Different physical treatment modalities for lymphoedema developing after axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: a review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2010 Mar; 149(1):3-9. [Crossref]
15. King M, Deveaux A, White H, Rayson D. Compression garments versus compression bandaging in decongestive lymphatic therapy for breast cancer-related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Support Care Cancer. 2012 May; 20(5):1031-6.
16. Gurdal SO, Kostanoglu A, Cavdar I, Ozbas A, Cabioglu N, Ozcinar B, et al. Comparison of intermittent pneumatic compression with manual lymphatic drainage for treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema. Lymphat Res Biol. 2012 Sep; 10(3):129-35. [Crossref]
17. Gradalski T, Ochalek K, Kurpiewska J. Complex Decongestive Lymphatic Therapy With or Without Vodder II Manual Lymph Drainage in More Severe Chronic Postmastectomy Upper Limb Lymphedema: A Randomized Noninferiority Prospective Study. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2015 Dec;50(6):750-7. [Crossref]
18. Zasadzka E, Trzmiel T, Kleczewska M, Pawlaczyk M. Comparison of the effectiveness of complex decongestive therapy and compression bandaging as a method of treatment of lymphedema in the elderly. Clin Interv Aging. 2018 May; 14:13:929-934. [Crossref]
19. Brandão ML, Soares HPDS, Andrade MA, Faria ALSC, Pires RS. Efficacy of complex decongestive therapy for lymphedema of the lower limbs: a systematic review. J Vasc Bras. 2020 May 29;19:e20190074. [PubMed]
20. Zhang HZ, Zhong QL, Zhang HT, Luo QH, Tang HL, Zhang LJ. Effectiveness of six-step complex decongestive therapy for treating upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. World J Clin Cases. 2022 Sep 6;10(25):8827–8836. [PubMed]
21. Shamoun S, Ahmad M. Complete Decongestive Therapy Effect on Breast Cancer Related to Lymphedema: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2023 Jul; 24(7):2225-2238. [PubMed]
22. Mihara M, Hara H, Kawasaki Y, Mitsuhashi T, Orikasa H, Ando H. Lymphatic venous anastomosis and complex decongestive therapy for lymphoedema: randomized clinical trial. Br J Surg. 2024 Jan 3;111(1):znad372. [PubMed]
23. Dzupina A, Yaluri N, Singh J, Jankajova M. Predictors of the Efficacy of Lymphedema Decongestive Therapy. Medicina (Kaunas). 2025 Jan 27;61(2):231. [PubMed]
24. Yin Y, Lin J, Yang L, Zhao Y, Zhu L, Pu L, et al. Experiences of complete decongestive therapy for patients with lower limb lymphedema: A descriptive phenomenological study. J Psychosom Res. 2025 Oct;197:112351. [PubMed]
25. Földi E, Sauerwald A, Hennig B. "Effect of Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy on Gene Expression for the Inflammatory Response in Peripheral Lymphoedema. Lymphology. 2000 Mar; 33(1): 19-23.
26. Földi M, Földi, E. Földi's Textbook of Lymphology: For Physicians and Lymphedema Therapists. 3rd ed. Elsevier – Health Sciences Division, 2012. ISBN 978-0723436461.8
27. Casley-Smith JR, Boris M., Weindorf S, Lasinski B. 1998. Treatment for lymphedema of the arm--the Casley-Smith method: a noninvasive method produces continued reduction. Cancer. 1998 Dec; 83 (12): 2843-2860. [Crossref]
28. Kasseroller RG. The Vodder School: the Vodder method. Cancer. 1998 Dec;83(12):2840-2842. [Crossref]
29. Leduc O, Crasset V, Leleu C, Baptiste N, Koziel A, Delahaie C, et al. Impact of manual lymphatic drainage on hemodynamic parameters in patients with heart failure and lower limb edema. Lymphology. 2011 Mar; 44(1): 13-20.
30. MacVicar, MG, Winningham, ML, Nickel JL. Effects of aerobic interval training on cancer patients' functional capacity. Nursing Research. 1989 Nov-Dec; 38(6): 348-351.
31. Crisostomo RSDS, Candeias MS, Ribeiro AMM, Martins CLB, Armada-da-Silva PA. Manual lymphatic drainage in chronic venous disease: a duplex ultrasound study. Phlebology. 2014 Dec; 10: 667-676.
32. Wittlinger H, Wittlinger A, Hildegard; Wittlinger D, Wittlinger M. Manuelle Lymphdrainage nach Dr. Vodder. Georg Thieme Verlag; 2008.
33. Schmitz KH, Courneya KS, Matthews C, Wahnefried WD, Galvão DA, Pinto BM, et al. American College of Sports Medicine roundtable on exercise guidelines for cancer survivors. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010 Jul; 42(7): 1409–26. [Crossref]
34. Campbell KL, Winters-Stone KM, Wiskemann J, May AM, Schwartz A, Courneyae KS, et al. Exercise guidelines for cancer survivors: consensus statement from international multidisciplinary roundtable. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2019 Nov; 51(11): 2375–90. [Crossref]
35. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 11th edition. Philadelphia (PA). Wolter Kluwer. 2022. 513 p. [Internet]
36. Ligibel JA, Bohlke K, May AM, Clinton SK, Wahnefried WD, Gilchrist SC, et al. Exercise, diet, and weight management during cancer treatment: ASCO guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2022 Aug;40(22):2491–507. [PubMed]
37. De Vrieze T, Gebruers N, Nevelsteen I, Fieuws S. Thomis S. De Groef A, et al. Manual lymphatic drainage with or without fluoroscopy guidance did not substantially improve the effect of decongestive lymphatic therapy in people with breast cancer-related lymphoedema (EFforT-BCRL trial): a multicentre randomized trial. J Physiother. 2022 Apr;68(2):110-122. [PubMed]
38. Devoogdt N, Thomis S. De Groef A, Heroes AK, Nevelsteen I, Gebruers N, et al. The effectiveness of fluoroscopy-guided manual lymph drainage as part of decongestive lymphatic therapy on the superficial lymphatic architecture in patients with breast cancer-related lymphoedema: A randomized controlled trial. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Feb 28;15(5):1545. [PubMed]
Received: 22 December 2025
Published online: 01 July 2026