Surveillance of women at risk for breast cancer-related lymphedema using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) was more effective in preventing lymphedema progression than traditional arm circumference measurement, when each is combined with immediate compression therapy
“Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a chronic, debilitating swelling of the arm that may result from surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy affecting the lymph nodes. Lymphedema significantly lowers quality-of-life and consistently ranks as the number one fear of breast cancer survivors,” says lead study author Sheila Ridner, PhD, RN, FAAN, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.
She adds that this is the first trial of this type to demonstrate the efficacy of BIS over TM assessment to prevent progression of lymphedema through early lymphatic impairment detection, followed by immediate intervention with compression therapy using specially fitted sleeves and gauntlets.
“This study suggests that BIS is a highly effective tool for pinpointing patients at risk,” Ridner says, noting that fewer women went on to develop clinical lymphedema when referred for therapy using BIS than TM. …Cont.
https://www.breastsurgeons.org/meeting/2019/press
LINK TO FULL PRESS KIT FROM AMERICAN SOCIETY OF BREAST SURGEONS ANNUAL MEETING PRESS CONFERENCE, WITH FULL RELEASE AND ADDITIONAL PRESS RELEASES ON:
- Reduced Opioid Prescription Program Supports Effective Post-Operative Pain Management
- Well-Selected Elevated Risk Nipple-Sparing Surgery Patients Experience No Increase in Surgical and Reconstruction Risks
- Surgery May be Unnecessary for Appropriately Selected HER2+ Patients in the Future
- Same-Day Home Surgical Recovery Programs Benefit Recovery and Enhance Patient Experience, with No Increased Risks
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190502005640/en/
Source: American Society of Breast Surgeons
View this news release online at:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190502005640/en
