ImpediMed (ASX:IPD) publishes lymphoedema risk factors paper

• ImpediMed (IPD) publishes a paper on the risk factors for breast cancer related lymphoedema
• Key findings of the paper include support for the use of a prospective surveillance model of care, and identifies patients who may benefit from more frequent follow up appointments
• The findings are hoped to both inform clinical practice and patient education, and potentially relieve some of the distress regarding air travel frequently voiced by breast cancer survivors
• ImpediMed last traded in the grey at 5.8 cents per share at 2:05 pm AEST

ImpediMed (IPD) has published a paper on the risk factors for breast cancer related lymphoedema.

The paper was published in an international journal of the American cancer society entitled “Cancer,” which publishes high-impact, peer-reviewed original articles.

The key findings of the paper included support for the use of a prospective surveillance model of care, and identified patients who may benefit from more frequent follow up appointments.

The paper supported previous studies which identified patients at higher risk, included pateints receiving axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), taxane-based chemotherapy, or those with a body mass index  greater than 30.

Additionally, the authors found that living in a rural location increased risk, whereas air travel did not increase risk.

The journal also commissioned an editorial which has been published in conjunction with the manuscript.

The editorial commented that the work “contributes greatly to the body of BCRL literature because it describes individual patient risk factors for BCRL development in an international, prospective cohort.”  

Principal Investigator Sheila H. Ridner said the study represents the most comprehensive, prospective examination of breast cancer related lymphedema risk factors to date.

“The findings will not only inform clinical practice and patient education, but may also relieve some of the distress regarding air travel frequently voiced by breast cancer survivors,” said Sheila Ridner.

ImpediMed last traded in the grey at 5.8 cents at 2:05 pm AEST.