Abstract: Objective　To investigate the efficacy and safety of far infrared radiation (FIR) in treating gynecological cancer-related lymphedema. Methods　From January 2013 to January 2020, 74 patients with gynecological cancer-related lymphedema were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: group of bandage treatment (n=35) and group of FIR plus bandage treatment (n=39). Variations of fluid, circumference of lymphedematous limbs, serum tumor markers CA125, inguinal-pelvic lymph nodes, vagina, lungs, and adverse reactions were assessed 1 year after treatment. In vitro experiment was used to examine the effects on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of fibroblasts, A2780, HeLa, Ishikawa and SKOV-3 cells. Results　The FIR+bandage group showed significantly decreased tissue fluid and reduced limb circumference (P<0.05) in comparison with the bandage group at 1 year of follow-up. There was no increase of serum CA125in both groups, and no recurrence of neoplasia or lymphadenopathy was detected. No adverse reactions were recorded. In addition, no changes were detected after FIR treatment for fibroblasts, A2780, HeLa, Ishikawa and SKOV-3 cells in cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle. Conclusion　The combination of FIR and bandage therapy is more effective in the treatment of gynecological cancer-related lymphedema, and does not promote the recurrence or metastasis of gynecological cancer, and is well tolerated without adverse reactions or side effects.

Key words: Lymphedema, 　Gynecological cancer-related lymphedema, 　Far infrared radiation, 　Bandage therapy