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 well beyond cancer treatment.
Pain, physical limitations and changes in body image can affect everyday life, making breast cancer rehabilitation an important part of recovery and long-term well-being.
This Pink October, i-Tech Industries® 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, 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 considers physical and psychological well-being, alongside the challenges of everyday life.
The collaboration with i-Tech Industries® was established to explore the potential role of icoone® within personalised rehabilitation programmes, under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals.
The training allowed healthcare professionals to deepen their understanding of the technology and explore its potential integration into multidisciplinary rehabilitation pathways.
But this collaboration goes beyond introducing technology. It is about bringing different areas of expertise together, asking new questions and exploring how innovation may contribute to the rehabilitation journey.
icoone® × Onconauti: research and rehabilitation
The collaboration combines professional training with a planned clinical study exploring the potential role of icoone® Physio Med to reduce pain associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy in breast cancer patients, assessed through specific questionnaires. Alongside the study, the project will address other rehabilitation needs after primary cancer treatment, including lymphoedema and scar-related symptoms, supporting personalised care.
icoone® Physio Med: exploring personalised microstimulation
Developed by i-Tech Industries®, icoone® Physio Med is based on Roboderm® patented technology and is designed for physiotherapy and rehabilitation applications.
Its adjustable treatment parameters allow healthcare professionals to personalise treatment settings according to individual needs and tissue characteristics.
Within the Onconauti project, the focus is on exploring the technology’s potential applications in rehabilitation after breast cancer treatments, with particular attention to pain and other physical challenges associated with the oncology journey.
The objective 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 of six treatment sessions over three weeks and follow-up assessments for one and three months.
The primary focus will be on pain, including symptoms associated with hormone therapies such as aromatase inhibitors. Lymphedema-related parameters 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 contribute to a better understanding of the technology’s potential role in this specific rehabilitation setting.
The study’s findings will require clinical evaluation before conclusions can be drawn regarding treatment efficacy. icoone® Physio Med is not a cancer treatment and does not replace oncology 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 conversation.
To talk about what happens during and after treatment. About the importance of rehabilitation. About supporting people as they reconnect with their bodies and navigate 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. And neither should our commitment to care.
