EFFICACY OF BN165 (GINKOR FORT) IN BREAST CANCER RELATED UPPER LIMB LYMPHEDEMA: A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determinewhether BN165 (Ginkor Fort), whichhas been reported to alleviate symptoms ofvenous insufficiency, has a beneficial effect onlymphatic function or lymphedema symptoms.Using a 3-arm, double-blind, placebocontrolleddesign in 48 patients with upperextremity lymphedema secondary to breastcancer treatment, improvement in symptomsand signs as well as lymphoscintigraphickinetic parameters (radiocolloid half-life andlymphatic migration speed) was assessed inresponse to treatment. A statisticallysignificant effect on limb heaviness was noted.Lymphatic migration speed also demonstrateda significant increase at a dose of 2 activecapsules per day but not at the 3 capsules perday dose, but lymphatic migration speed alsoimproved in the placebo group. These findingsin mechanical lymphatic insufficiency inbreast cancer-related lymph edemas can becompared to the previously published clinicalamelioration by BN 165 of the subjectivesymptoms (heavy limbs) of dynamic lymphaticinsufficiency in patients with venousinsufficiency. Further studies are needed todefine the possible role of BN 165 in treatingpatients with lymphedema.