Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is expanding support for patients throughout their cancer journey by introducing a Lymphedema Prevention Program. The program uses the SOZO® Digital Health Platform to identify lymphedema-related changes earlier and support proactive patient care.
Lymphedema is a buildup of protein-rich fluid that can develop when the lymphatic system is damaged or disrupted. In breast cancer survivors, it can affect the arm, breast and/or trunk. Lymph node biopsy or removal, radiation therapy and certain types of chemotherapy can increase a patient’s risk. Lymphedema can cause swelling, discomfort, heaviness and changes in mobility or quality of life. Breast cancer-related lymphedema is estimated to occur in approximately 25 to 30 percent of breast cancer patients over their lifetime. While not every patient will develop it, monitoring those at risk offers an important opportunity for earlier intervention.
The SOZO® Digital Health Platform by ImpediMed is a noninvasive device that uses Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) to measure fluid levels in the body. It can identify fluid changes in an arm or leg before a patient notices swelling. The device generates an L-Dex score, which helps the care team determine whether fluid is building up in an at-risk limb. It also provides additional information, such as total body composition.
The screening is quick and comfortable. Patients typically stand on the device much like a bathroom scale, or sit if needed, with their hands resting on a platform in front of them and their feet on the base. The measurement takes about 30 seconds.
Establishing a baseline is key. Current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines highly recommend that providers obtain a baseline L-Dex score before treatment begins. Eligible patients may then be reassessed before, during and after treatment based on their individual risk and treatment plan. Follow-up screening is commonly recommended every three months for the first three years, every six months in years four and five, and annually after that. These measurements track changes over time and help determine when additional evaluation, education or intervention may be appropriate.
“The SOZO® machine is a valuable advancement in breast cancer survivorship care. It is used to help detect early signs of lymphedema before experiencing swelling or discomfort,” said Dr. Vickie Morgan, Medical Oncologist at Lawson Cancer Center at PMC. “This allows for earlier intervention and treatment, hopefully reducing risk and improving long-term outcomes of chronic lymphedema and improving long-term quality of life.”
Early detection can make treatment simpler and shorter. When lymphedema is caught early, daily use of compression garments is typically recommended for a limited time and is often not needed for life. Research has suggested that combining early detection with treatment can significantly reduce progression to chronic lymphedema in breast cancer patients. If lymphedema becomes chronic, treatment is more time-consuming and lifelong management is necessary. The gold-standard treatment is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which includes manual lymphatic drainage, skin and nail care, compression bandaging, remedial exercises and compression garment recommendations and fittings.
This innovative program is designed to complement the comprehensive cancer services already available through Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center, giving patients another layer of support focused on long-term health, function and quality of life. Risk may vary depending on the type of cancer, lymph node surgery, radiation therapy and other aspects of an individual’s treatment. It is never too late to begin lymphedema education and surveillance, even for patients who have already completed treatment.
Patients interested in learning more about the Lymphedema Prevention Program and whether they may benefit from SOZO® monitoring can speak with their Lawson Cancer Center care team.
About Pikeville Medical Center : Pikeville Medical Center is a 348-bed regional referral center and one of Kentucky’s largest hospitals. Serving more than 450,000 residents across Eastern Kentucky, Southern West Virginia and Southwestern Virginia, PMC offers more than 400 services and is committed to providing exceptional, compassionate care through innovation, education and clinical excellence.
About SOZO® Digital Health Platform
The SOZO® Digital Health Platform, developed by ImpediMed, is the world’s most advanced, non-invasive bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) device used to measure, monitor, and manage fluid status and body composition. Delivering precise full-body metrics in under 30 seconds, SOZO provides healthcare clinicians with objective data to identify early-stage fluid shifts, trace skeletal muscle tracking, and design personalized treatment programs. Its primary clinical application, the L-Dex® score, is an established industry standard for the early detection and prevention of cancer-related lymphedema. For more information, visit ImpediMed SOZO.