Extended Monitoring Crucial for Breast Cancer Patients to Prevent Lymphedema

New Study Highlights the Need for Extended Monitoring

Recent findings published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology emphasize that breast cancer patients should be closely monitored for at least three years post-treatment due to the risk of developing lymphedema.

Lymphedema, characterized by swelling in the limbs, is a common aftermath of cancer treatments. Specialized monitoring can help in early detection and treatment of this condition, ensuring better outcomes for the patients.

Importance of Continuous Monitoring

Dr. Steven Chen, Chief Medical Officer of ImpediMed, explains that breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) can manifest years after initial cancer treatment. Early detection technology, like bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), can halt its progression to a chronic stage. This ensures that interventions are timely and effective.

The study observed that patients monitored with BIS technology had a significant reduction in the risk of progressing to chronic lymphedema compared to those monitored using traditional methods like tape measurements. This demonstrates the necessity for ongoing monitoring to catch and treat lymphedema early.

Advancements in Early Detection

The PREVENT study, the largest trial of its kind, compared the efficacy of BIS against tape measures. Results indicated that BIS is superior in catching early signs of lymphedema. This trial underscores the importance of adopting advanced technologies in monitoring practices.

Factors such as type of cancer and treatments received play a crucial role in the risk of developing BCRL, which further supports the need for personalized and prolonged monitoring protocols.

The Role of ImpediMed's SOZO Platform

ImpediMed's SOZO® Digital Health Platform has been widely recognized for its efficacy in lymphedema screening. Using non-invasive BIS, SOZO delivers precise data on fluid status and tissue composition within seconds. This enables healthcare providers to notice changes early and act quickly.

The SOZO platform is gaining acceptance across the U.S., with over 140 million lives covered by payers for its use. This adoption marks a new era in early lymphedema detection and management.

Guidance from Cancer Care Organizations

The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) has issued guidelines that recommend regular monitoring using BIS technology. This guidance aligns with the findings of the PREVENT study and reinforces the importance of extended monitoring.

Dr. Chirag Shah from Cleveland Clinic notes that chronic lymphedema is a difficult condition but can be prevented with early detection and intervention. Continuous screening helps catch lymphedema well in advance, allowing for effective treatment.

A Brighter Future for Breast Cancer Survivors

The study highlights the ongoing advancements and the importance of innovation in breast cancer survivorship care. Continuous efforts by companies like ImpediMed are helping define new standards in early detection and patient wellness.

With technologies like the SOZO platform, breast cancer survivors can expect a future with better health monitoring, reducing the risk of long-term complications.