Herb may curb common breast cancer complication

Researchers are exploring whether a plant extract known as pycnogenol might help to alleviate a common side effect of breast cancer treatment.

As many as one in three breast cancer patients suffer from lymphedema, a painful swelling of the arms.

Massage therapy and compressive sleeves do provide some relief, but there is otherwise no cure for lymphedema.

Researchers at the Comprehensive Cancer Center say that pycnogenol carries antioxidants and has been shown to be of benefit for common leg edema.

For that reason, they say, the plant extract might also help soothe the arms of breast cancer patients. The UW–Madison team is also testing a new instrument that may help to detect small changes in arm swelling.