Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42393468›Full record

SynthesisSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2026

Interventions to improve the psychosocial outcomes of individuals with lymphedema: a systematic review.

Sarah Stolker, Shuya Yin, Wendy Auslander

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Sarah StolkerBursky School of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA. s.a.stolker@wustl.edu.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2502-229X
Shuya YinBrown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Wendy AuslanderBrown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeLymphedema is a common and enduring consequence of cancer treatment with substantial physical and psychosocial morbidity, yet research predominantly focuses on physical outcomes. This systematic review examines psychosocial interventions for individuals with lymphedema, describing the intervention characteristics, methodological quality, and strength of the evidence.

methodsA systematic literature search was conducted of studies published through November 2025. Empirical interventions with psychosocial components and outcomes for individuals with lymphedema were eligible. Methodological quality was assessed. Strength of the evidence was determined by combining quality with intervention effectiveness.

resultsTen studies met inclusion criteria, including mind-body (n = 3), education and support (n = 3), and physical activity (n = 4) intervention models, and most delivered following completion of decongestive therapy. Psychosocial outcomes included mental health (n = 8) and quality of life (n = 6). Methodological rigor was mixed, with MQRS scores ranging from 5-13 (of 14). Interventions delivered in combined in-clinic and remote settings demonstrated stronger evidence for improving mental health outcomes than either setting alone.

conclusionFew empirical evaluations exist targeting the psychosocial needs of individuals with lymphedema, particularly during intensive phases of decongestive therapy. Heterogeneity in intervention models, outcome measures, and treatment timing limits cross-study comparisons; however, hybrid delivery approaches show promise for improving psychosocial outcomes. Greater integration of psychosocial care across the lymphatic care continuum, supported by standardized outcome measures, may strengthen supportive care for individuals living with lymphedema.

Indexed as

LymphedemaNeoplasmsQuality of LifeExerciseHumansMental HealthLymphedemaMental healthPsychosocial interventionsSupportive careSystematic review

Identifiers

PMID42393468
PMCPMC13328148

What Socratic holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.