When treatment ends, the journey continues
What does recovery really mean after breast cancer?
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of prevention and early detection. Yet, for many women, the journey continues long after cancer treatment has ended.
Pain, physical limitations and changes in body image can affect everyday life, making breast cancer rehabilitation an important part of recovery and long-term wellbeing.
This Pink October, i-Tech Industries® It highlights its collaboration with the Onconauti Association, bringing together clinical expertise, research and icoone® technology to explore new opportunities in personalised oncology rehabilitation.
The initiative reflects a shared belief: caring for people means looking beyond the disease and paying attention to their quality of life, both during treatment and throughout their recovery journey.
icoone® and Onconauti: a shared vision of rehabilitation
The Onconauti Association supports people affected by cancer through an integrated approach that takes into account both physical and psychological well-being, as well as the challenges of everyday life.
The collaboration with i-Tech Industries® was established to explore the potential role of icoone® in personalised rehabilitation programmes, under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.
The training enabled healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the technology and explore how it might be integrated into multidisciplinary rehabilitation pathways.
But this collaboration goes beyond simply introducing technology. It is about bringing together different areas of expertise, asking new questions and exploring how innovation might contribute to the rehabilitation process.
icoone® × Onconauti: research and rehabilitation
The collaboration combines professional training with a planned clinical study exploring the potential role of icoone® Physio Med in reducing pain associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy in breast cancer patients, as assessed through specific questionnaires. Alongside the study, the project will address other rehabilitation needs following primary cancer treatment, including lymphoedema and scar-related symptoms, thereby supporting personalised care.
icoone® Physio Med: exploring personalised microstimulation
Developed by i-Tech Industries®, icoone® Physio Med is based on Roboderm®’s patented technology and is designed for physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications.
Its adjustable treatment parameters enable healthcare professionals to tailor treatment settings to individual needs and tissue characteristics.
As part of the Onconauti project, the focus is on exploring the technology’s potential applications in rehabilitation following breast cancer treatment, with particular attention to pain and other physical challenges associated with the cancer journey.
The aim is to investigate these applications through a structured, clinically supervised approach that places each patient’s individual needs at the centre of care.
From Clinical Experience to Research
An important step in this collaboration is a planned clinical study investigating the potential applications of icoone® Physio Med in oncology rehabilitation.
The proposed study will involve approximately 60 patients, with a programme comprising six treatment sessions over three weeks and follow-up assessments at one and three months.
The main focus will be on pain, including symptoms associated with hormone therapies such as aromatase inhibitors. Parameters relating to lymphoedema will also be explored as a secondary area of investigation.
Through clinical assessments and patient-reported outcomes, the project aims to collect data that may help to improve our understanding of the technology’s potential role in this specific rehabilitation setting.
The study’s findings will need to be evaluated in a clinical setting before any conclusions can be drawn regarding the treatment’s efficacy. icoone® Physio Med is not a cancer treatment and does not replace oncological care or medically prescribed rehabilitation.
Beyond Pink October, Beyond Awareness
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of prevention and early detection. But it is also an opportunity to broaden the discussion.
To discuss what happens during and after treatment. To discuss the importance of rehabilitation. To discuss supporting people as they reconnect with their bodies and cope with everyday life.
Through its collaboration with Onconauti, i-Tech Industries® continues to explore how scientific research, clinical expertise and technological innovation can contribute to a more personalised approach to rehabilitation.
Because the journey does not end with treatment. Nor should our commitment to care.
