5×1000 Polisocial Awards 2012-2013 Project

Oncological pathology and long survivals: Quantitative evaluation of limbs affected by lymphedema and their recovery following targeted rehabilitative treatments

The project ” Oncological pathology and long survivals: Quantitative evaluation of lymphedema limbs and their recovery following targeted rehabilitative treatments ” was the winner of the “Polisocial Awards 2012-2013” promoted by Fondazione Cariplo.  Polisocia Awards that aims to promote and support projects that have a strong social impact. The main partners were: the Politecnico di Milano and the Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano. The project is part of the oncological rehabilitation and in particular aims to provide the clinic with tools and methodologies to help in the assessment of functional limitation following breast cancer. Every year, about 40,000 women suffer from this cancer (20-25% of cancers afflicting women). The life expectancy of patients suffering from this form of cancer is progressively increased both thanks to effective prevention programs, both by the improvement of surgical techniques used and for that of specific pharmacological treatments. Unfortunately, the main side effect of demolitive surgery (which usually involves the removal of the lymphatic stations of the axillary cavity) is the appearance of lymphedema ( stagnation of interstitial fluid due to the interruption of the lymphatic tracts of the affected limb). This condition leads to an increase in the volume of the entire limb. The result is a functional limitation that has repercussions both in the psychological, social and work that contribute to the reduction of the quality of life of these patients. The aim of this project is to provide technological tools, methods and protocols for the evaluation of the functional limitation associated with this volume increase. A quantitative measure of this limitation leads to better measure the gravitation of lymphedema, monitor its progress over time and better define the therapies and treatments useful for its reduction or containment.