ImpediMed welcomes NCCN’s updated breast cancer guidelines to provide early lymphoedema screening
Preliminary tests reveal ImpediMed’s technology can reduce cancer-related lymphoedema progression by 95%.
The National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) has updated its Guidelines for Breast Cancer regarding early detection and diagnosis of lymphoedema, which ImpediMed (ASX: IPD) hopes to take advantage of with its non-invasive bioimpedance spectrometry (BIS) test and Lymphoedema Prevention Program (LPP).
The update follows requests from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Lymphatic Education and Research Network and the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation to the NCCN to recommend early surveillance with ImpediMed’s BIS test.
This would enable detection of subclinical breast cancer-related lymphoedema. In turn, it would result in early intervention, which would reduce the need for complete decongestive physiotherapy.
Although, the BIS test itself wasn’t stated, the updated clinical practice guidelines now encourage healthcare providers to consider pre-treatment measurements for patients with lymphoedema risk factors.
“The recent update to the NCCN guidelines shows that the medical community recognises the impact of lymphoedema on cancer survivors and the value of programs like ImpediMed’s LPP to address it,” ImpediMed chief executive officer and managing director Richard Carreon said.
The NCCN guidelines are widely referenced by providers and decision-makers when implementing or updating care and coverage of oncology patient services.
Cancer-related lymphoedema
ImpediMed’s LPP aims to end cancer-related lymphoedema.
According to ImpediMed, it is estimated one-in-three cancer survivors will develop lymphoedema.
Of the 15.5 million cancer survivors in the US, more than 5.5 million are suffering from persistent cancer-related lymphoedema, with presentation usually occurring within the first 36 months.
The company noted lymphoedema was also one the most feared consequences of cancer survival.
ImpediMed’s test, trigger, treat protocol involves measuring fluid status and tissue composition with BIS technology in its SOZO device and platform.
When it is identified prior to visible symptoms, during the subclinical stage, cancer-related lymphoedema is “readily reversible” and “easily treatable”.
Preliminary results using ImpediMed’s technology have results in a 95% reduction in lymphoedema progression.