Publications and Presentations

Selected Publications

  • Towers A, Letellier ME. (2021). ‘Lymphedema, Chapter in Palliative Care – A Case-Based Manual’, 4th edition, MacDonald S, Boyle A, Herx L, eds, Oxford University Press.

  • Shallwani SM, Towers A, Newman A, Salvador S, Yung A, Gilbert L, Gotlieb WH, Zeng X, Thomas D. (2021), 'Feasibility of a pilot randomized controlled trial examining a multidimensional intervention in women with gynecological cancer at risk of lymphedema'. Current Oncology, 28(1):455-470. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28010048

  • Shallwani SM, Hodgson P, Towers A. (2020). 'Examining obesity in lymphedema: a retrospective study of 178 new patients at a Canadian hospital-based lymphedema clinic'. Physiotherapy Canada, 72(1):18-25. DOI: 10.3138/ptc-2018-0076

  • Letellier M-E, Dalzell M-A. (2020). ‘Canadian hospital-based lymphedema programs – Report of the round table discussion’. Pathways Magazine, Spring 2020.

  • Chaput G, Ibrahim M, Towers A. (2020), 'Cancer-related lymphedema: clinical pearls for providers'. Current Oncology. 2020; 27(6):336-340. doi:10.3747/co.27.7225

  • Rockson SG, Keeley V, Kilbreath S, Szuba A, Towers A. (2019). ‘Cancer-associated secondary lymphoedema’. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. doi.org/10.1038/ s41572-019-0072-5.

  • Hashemi HS, Fallone S, Boily M, Towers A, Kilgour RD, Rivaz H. ‘Assessment of Mechanical Properties of Tissue in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Using Ultrasound Elastography’. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Transactions-Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control (TUFFC), October 2019; 66: 541-550; doi: 10.1109/TUFFC.2018.2876056.

  • Hashemi H, Fallone S, Boily M, Towers A, Kilgour RD, Rivaz H. ‘Ultrasound elastography of breast cancer-related lymphedema’. Biomedical Imaging (ISBI 2018), June 2018 IEEE 15th International Symposium, pp. 1491–1495.

  • Shallwani SM, Towers A. (2018), 'Self-management strategies for malignant lymphedema: a case report with one-year and four-year follow-up data'. Physiotherapy Canada, 70(3): 204-211. DOI: 10.3138/ptc.2016-94

  • Schumann K, Letellier M-E.L. (2018). ’Ajustement de vêtements: un art complexe’. Pathways Magazine, Summer 2018, pp. 14-15.

  • Letellier M-E, Towers A. (2018). ‘Report of a roundtable discussion – Canadian hospital-based lymphedema programs; Experience-based recommendations’. Pathways Magazine, Spring 2018.

  • Letellier M-E. (2018). ‘Montreal-based lymphedema researcher – Researcher profile’. Pathways Magazine, Spring 2018.

  • Ibrahim M, Lau G, Smirnow S, Buono AT, Cooke A, Gartshore K, Johnson K. (2018), 'A multidisciplinary preoperative teaching session for women awaiting breast cancer surgery: a quality improvement initiative'. Rehabilitation Process and Outcome, 7, 1179572718790937.

  • Vorstenbosch J, McCarthy CM, Shamsunder MG, Polanco T, Dabic S, Wiser I, Matros E, Dayan J, Disa J, Pusic A, Cavalli MR, Encarnacion E, Lee M, Mehrara B, and Nelson JA. ‘An Evaluation of Patient Reported Outcomes with the Use of Smooth Versus Textured Implants in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction’. Accepted for publication in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

  • Azzi A, Chocron Y, Boudahana G, Kokosis G, and Vorstenbosch J. ‘Axilla vs. Wrist as the Recipient Site in Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis’. Submitted to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.


Selected Presentations

  • Vorstenbosch J, McCarthy CM, Shamsunder MG, Polanco TO, Dabic S, Wiser I, Matros E, Dayan J, Disa JJ, Andrea L Pusic AL, Cavalli MR, Encarnacion E, Lee M, Mehrara BJ, Nelson JA. ‘Smooth Versus Textured Implants in Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Evaluation of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Clinical Complications’. Accepted for an oral presentation at the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons,online, September 2020.

  • Towers A. ‘Updates on malignant lymphedema therapy in palliative care: workshop’. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Towers A. ‘Surgery for lymphedema: the CLF statement’. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Towers A. ‘Inequalities in access to lymphedema assessment and follow-up in Quebec’. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Towers A. ‘Nouveautés en recherche pour le lymphoedème’. Vodder Review Course for lymphedema therapists, Montreal Aug 19 2019.

  • Towers A. ‘Les oedèmes chroniques et le lymphoedème : implications pour les dermatologues’. Société de dermatologie de Montréal, Jan 31 2019.

  • Towers A. ‘Les oedèmes chroniques et le lymphoedème : implications pour les dermatologues’. Congrès de la Société de dermatologie du Québec, Québec, Jan 18 2019.

  • Shallwani S. ‘Gynecological cancer-related lymphedema: considerations for an under-represented lymphedema population’. Invited speaker. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Shallwani SM, Towers A, Newman A, Salvador S, Zeng Z, Gilbert L, Gotlieb W, Thomas D. ‘Early compression therapy and individualized exercise in women treated for gynecological cancer at risk of developing lymphedema: feasibility / preliminary findings of a pilot RCT’. Paper presented at the National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Letellier, M-E., Henry, L., Turgeon. C., Chelloug, A. Meterissian, S. ‘The needs, the benefits and the challenges of starting a breast cancer preoperative program’. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Letellier, M-E., Henry, L., Turgeon. C., Chelloug, A. Meterissian, S. ‘Modified decongestive lymphatic therapy to meet hospital treatment’s reality’. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Letellier, M-E., Henry, L., Turgeon, C., Saini, S., Meterissian, S. ‘The ideal CDT situation versus one Montreal (Quebec, Canada) hospital clinic’s reality; How we are treating and helping our patients’. Walchsee lymphology winter meeting, January 11-12, 2019.

  • Letellier, M-E. ‘Le lymphœdème post-cancer du sein et l’activité physique’. Symposium Kinésiologie-Oncologie. Orford, Qc, Canada, May 2nd 2019.

  • Letellier, M-E. ‘Dépistage systématique’. Rendez-vous du lymphœdème 2018. Montreal, Qc, Canada.

  • Ibrahim M, Towers A, Jutras M, Yung A, Letellier ME, Chaput G, Harrison JR, Azlag T. ‘Follow-up of Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis and Lymph Node Transplantation Surgery: A Case Series Report’. Oral plenary presentation. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Ibrahim M. ‘Humanitarian Mission in Tanzania-Raising Lymphedema awareness in Africa’. Oral Presentation. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Ibrahim M. ‘Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Management’. Invited Guest Speaker. Cancer Rehab International Conference on Cancer Rehabilitation, Chennai, India, June 2019

  • Cama G, Letellier ME, Ibrahim M, Harrison J, Chaput G, Towers A. ‘Increase Awareness of Dragon Boating Benefits In Lymphedema Patients’. Poster presentation. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019.

  • Cama G, Letellier ME, Ibrahim M, Chaput G, Towers A. ‘Lymphedema Triggers’. Poster presentation. National Lymphedema Conference Toronto, ON, 1-2 November, 2019. Honorary award granted for poster presentation.

  • Marshall A, Wright M, Towers A, Kilgour RD, St-Onge N. ‘Is decreased functional capacity linked to balance in individuals with lower-limb lymphedema?’ Abstract accepted for oral presentation. National Lymphedema Conference, Toronto, ON, November 2019.

  • Wright M, Marshall A, Towers A, Kilgour RD, St-Onge N. ‘Do women with lower-limb lymphedema use more ankle muscle co-contraction to maintain balance during quiet standing?’ Poster accepted to the 9th International Lymphoedema Framework Conference, Chicago, USA, June 2019

  • Whyte J, Fallone S, Hashemi H, Towers A, Boily M, Rosenthall L, Rivaz H, Kilgour R. D. ‘Are differences in handgrip strength related to skeletal muscle thickness between healthy women and those with breast cancer-related lymphedema?’ Abstract accepted for oral presentation. National Lymphedema Conference, Toronto, ON, November 2019.

  • Towers A. ‘Le lymphoedème et les oedèmes chroniques : le travail en équipe’. Conférence Survie Après le Cancer, Trois Rivières QC Oct 12 2018.

  • Towers A. ‘La prévention, le dépistage précoce et les traitements du lymphoedème’. Conférence Survie Après le Cancer, Trois Rivières QC Oct 12 2018.

  • Towers A. ‘Chronic edema and lymphedema of the lower limbs: current treatment guidelines and new developments’. Webinar BSN, Laval, QC October 17 2018.

  • Towers A. ‘Les oedèmes chroniques et le lymphoedème des membres inférieurs : standards de pratique et nouveautés’, Webinar BSN, Laval QC October 24 2018.

  • Towers A. ‘Psychosocial determinants of lymphedema care’. Vodder International Review, Montreal August 20, 2018.

  • Towers A. ‘New assessment techniques for lymphedema’. Vodder International Review, Montreal August 20, 2018.

  • Towers A. ‘Update on surgical treatments for lymphedema’. Vodder International Review, Montreal August 20, 2018.

  • Towers A.’La chirurgie pour le lymphoedème: Quoi dire à nos patients?’. Webinar. MUHC Lymphedema Program, May 20, 2018.

  • Shallwani SM, Towers A, Salvador S, Newman A, Zeng Z, Gilbert L, Gotlieb W. ‘Feasibility of recruitment to a pilot trial examining the effects of early compression and exercise in women treated for gynecological cancer’. Poster presented at the 8th International Lymphoedema Framework Conference, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 2018.

  • Letellier, M-E. ‘Clinique du sein CUSM – Projet de recherche’. Rendez-vous du lymphœdème 2018. Montreal, Qc, Canada.

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