Function and Quality of Life after Breast Cancer: Limits and Alternatives to Classic PROMs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2026v72n2.5693Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms/surgery, Postoperative Period, Quality of Life, Lymphedema/surgeryAbstract
The letter to the editor analyzes and comments the study by Cardoso et al. that evaluated the functionality of the upper limbs, fatigue and quality of life of women submitted to breast cancer surgical treatment at a reference hospital in the Amazon region. The author acknowledges the clinical relevance and highlights the combined use of self- reported measures (QuickDASH, FACT-B+4, FACT-F) and an objective measure (isokinetic dynamometry) aligned with the current recommendations for multimodal evaluation. However, it argues that the choice of the instruments can limit the full understanding of functional sequelae, particularly in relation to lymphedema and its specific psychosocial impact. There are alternative and complementary PROMs as ULFI, SPADI, LYMQOL-Arm, ULL-27, LYMPH-Q and PROMIS Upper Extremity that capture comprehensively lymphedema-related functional aspects, specific symptoms and quality of life. The manuscript analyzes the advantages and limitations of the instruments utilized in the original study and emphasizes that the dynamometry, although objective, does not always reflect the functional performance of the activities of the daily life. Ultimately, the author proposes practical recommendations for future clinical records and studies, highlighting the combination of general and specific PROMs with objective measures as well as the importance of the longitudinal follow-up and adjusted analyzes to strengthen the clinical and scientific applicability of the investigation in this area.
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References
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