Effects of Ultrasound-Guided Injection Combined with a Targeted Therapeutic Exercise in Breast Cancer Women with Subacromial Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract

In this randomized controlled study, we aimed to assess the effects of US-guided injections of the subacromial bursa followed by a personalized rehabilitation program for breast cancer (BC) survivors. We assessed patients with subacromial pain syndrome without tendon lesions and with a history of post-surgical non-metastatic BC. Thirty-seven patients were enrolled and randomly assigned 1:1 to receive US-guided corticosteroid injections combined with a personalized rehabilitation program (Group A; n: 19) or US-guided corticosteroid injections alone (Group B; n: 18). The primary outcome was pain relief, assessed using a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS). The secondary outcomes were muscle strength, shoulder function, and quality of life. No major or minor late effects were reported after the multidisciplinary intervention. Statistically significant within-group differences were found in terms of NPRS (p ≤ 0.05) in both groups. No significant between-group differences were reported after one week. However, the between-group analysis showed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) after three months of follow-up in terms of pain intensity, muscle strength, shoulder function, and quality of life. Our findings suggested positive effects of a multidisciplinary approach including US-guided corticosteroid injections combined with a personalized rehabilitation program in improving pain intensity and quality of life of BC survivors with subacromial pain syndrome.

Personalized Medicine in Cancer Pain Management

“…Additionally, to complete the list of reported genes, this study utilized bioinformatical approaches and databases to introduce new related genes. By combining the bioinformatics results as the suggested in silico findings (level 1) and the literature reports as the experimentally evidenced (level 2), a new potential gene list is introduced (level 3) ( Table 1 ) [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

Botulinum Toxin for Pain Relief in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Moreover, it should be noted that breast cancer survivors have several comorbidities (e.g., osteoporosis, oral diseases, lymphedema, etc. ), and the injection procedures should be considered as a part of a wider comprehensive rehabilitation aimed to reduce pain and to improve HR-QoL [ 9 , 42 , 43 ]. In this context, pain is considered one of the most common symptom reported by cancer patients significantly affecting their quality of life [ 44 ].…”

“…Cancer pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients, representing a critical challenge in the rehabilitation management of these patients [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Due to its multifaceted nature, cancer pain is a complex experience involving sensory and emotional components, significantly impacting the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with cancer [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

Obesity and Cancer Rehabilitation for Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Comprehensive Review

“…Rehabilitative interventions are indicated for common impairments related to breast cancer, such as fatigue, cognitive deficits, pain, neuropathy, lymphedema, musculoskeletal impairment, and sexual dysfunction [12,103]. In this context, several guidelines recommended referral for rehabilitation based on treatment timing and symptom onset to address issues such as upper extremity exercises after surgery, lymphedema management, and sexual and hormone-related symptoms [75,77,[103][104][105].…”