- A data meta-analysis shows Impedimed’s (IPD) spectroscopy technology can reduce incidence rates of chronic breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL)
- BCRL is a potentially fatal disease that results from breast cancer treatment and lymph node surgery, and early intervention is vital for better outcomes
- Overall, BIS-monitored studies had an 81 per cent relative reduction in the rate of chronic BCRL when compared with circumference-monitored studies
- The data was derived from 50 studies including over 67,000 women across a range of study types and patient groups with different risk levels
- The results are encouraging as the company’s BIS L-Dex tech could become the standard of care for BCRL monitoring
- Impedimed is up 6.25 per cent to 17 cents
A data meta-analysis shows Impedimed’s (IPD) spectroscopy technology can reduce incidence rates of chronic breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL).
The study
BCRL is a potentially fatal disease that results from breast cancer treatment and lymph node surgery. Early intervention is crucial to the treatment of the progressive disease, so accurate and effective detection is vital for better patient outcomes.
The data is derived from 50 studies and included more than 67,000 women with breast cancer, with follow-up ranging from eight months to 3.9 years.
Impedimed’s bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) technology is used to test and monitor patients for incidences of BCRL.
The data analysis compared patients monitored for BCRL using the novel BIS L-Dex tech and conventional circumference measuring with a tape measure, as well as the “background” numbers for unmonitored patients.
Overall, BIS-monitored studies had an 81 per cent relative reduction in the rate of chronic BCRL when compared with circumference-monitored studies.
Going forward
Broadly speaking, the study found patients monitored with BIS L-Dex had better outcomes, regardless of whether or not they were in groups considered high-risk.
Results were also better regardless of trial follow-up period, and what kind of study was analysed (whether prospective, randomised controlled trial or retrospective studies).
Director of Clinical Research and Breast Radiation Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic and primary author of the study, Dr Chirag Shah, says the results speak for themselves.
“The results of this analysis confirm the utility of BIS as part of BCRL screening in reducing rates of long-term BCRL as compared to circumference measures,” Dr Shah began.
“What is striking is the reduction with BIS surveillance, which showed an 81 per cent relative decrease in BCRL with BIS as compared to circumference measures.”
Study author Dr Chirag Shah
“The fact that the analysis is both statistically and clinically significant really stresses the need for widespread prospective BCRL surveillance with BIS,” he said.
Impedimed Managing Director and CEO Richard Carreon said the study will support the company’s submission to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
“The meta-analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of L-Dex in reducing BCRL when compared to tape measure and will form the basis of what we believe will be a strong submission to the NCCN in coming months,” Richard stated.
“This level one evidence is a key step in making L-Dex the standard of care for all patients at risk of developing breast cancer-related lymphoedema,” he added.
Impedimed is up 6.25 per cent to 17 cents at 2:45 pm AEDT.