J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2026 Jun 2;119:56-64. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2026.05.067. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a frequent and burdensome complication of oncologic treatment with substantial impact on physical, functional, and psychosocial well-being. The LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity Module is a validated, lymphedema-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to evaluate lymphedema severity and quality of life among patients with arm lymphedema. To date, no translated and culturally adapted French version is available.
METHODS: As part of the LYMPH trial, we conducted a structured translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity Module into French following the Q-Portfolio Translation and Cultural Adaptation Guidelines, in alignment with the ISPOR and COSMIN recommendations. The translation process involved the following steps: dual forward translation, reconciliation, back translation, expert back translation review, and cognitive debriefing interviews with French-speaking patients. The translations were then adjusted based on patient feedback.
RESULTS: Five French-speaking women with unilateral BCRL participated in cognitive debriefing interviews. Overall, the French LYMPH-Q was well understood, with only minor wording and phrasing adjustments identified for selected items. Fourteen linguistic refinements were noted across the Symptoms, Function, Information, and Arm Sleeve scales. All discrepancies were resolved through targeted modifications, without altering the underlying constructs of the original instrument.
CONCLUSIONS: The French version of the LYMPH-Q Upper Extremity Module demonstrated satisfactory linguistic and cultural acceptability among Swiss French-speaking patients and provides an important step toward implementing PROMs in French-speaking patients with upper extremity lymphedema.
PMID:42308842 | DOI:10.1016/j.bjps.2026.05.067