Could InBody, previously regarded only as a body composition measurement device for health management, also be used for disease diagnosis?
InBody announced on the 31st that it will conduct a clinical trial for the early diagnosis of lymphedema, the most significant complication after breast cancer surgery, in collaboration with Daerim Seongmo Hospital. This study is being conducted with the research team led by Professor Yang Eun-joo of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Daerim Seongmo Hospital, with the purpose of "verifying the effectiveness of home body water measurement devices in the early diagnosis and management of lymphedema." Through this clinical trial, they plan to establish early diagnostic criteria for lymphedema and verify the effectiveness of evaluation items.
The clinical trial targets patients at high risk of lymphedema, such as those who have undergone axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) among breast cancer surgery patients. During the study period, participants will measure their body water using the home body water measurement device (BWA) 'BWA ON' and will be able to check the measurement results in real time through a dedicated app. They will receive individualized customized reports from the research team once a week based on the measurement results.
Lymphedema is a condition where edema occurs due to decreased lymphatic fluid transport capacity caused by damage to the lymphatic system. Stage 2 or higher lymphedema is an irreversible stage where tissue fibrosis progresses, making it impossible to return to normal skin. Therefore, early diagnosis and detection between stages 0 and 1, before fibrosis progresses, and prompt treatment initiation are crucial. However, existing methods for evaluating lymphedema, such as imaging diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and clinical diagnosis, have limitations including a high probability of errors depending on the examiner's skill and the absence of clear criteria for early diagnosis.
InBody explained that by utilizing the basic principle of body water measurement, 'BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis),' it is possible to accurately measure extracellular fluid and detect increases in interstitial fluid that are not clinically apparent in advance. Since the absolute impedance value varies by individual, it is very useful for early diagnosis and monitoring of lymphedema progression by evaluating relative values comparing the edematous area with normal areas or by checking the proportion of extracellular water in total body water.
InBody’s home body water measurement device, BWA ON, was developed to non-invasively and conveniently measure body composition items necessary for continuous management such as changes in body water and muscle mass, body fat percentage, disease progression, and complication prevention at home after breast cancer surgery for early diagnosis of lymphedema. It also facilitates active body water management by enabling communication with medical staff via web or application. The device is planned for release within the year.
Kim Sung-won, director of Daerim Seongmo Hospital, said, “Since lymphedema significantly lowers quality of life due to severe swelling and pain, early diagnosis is very important.” He added, “Through this clinical trial, Daerim Seongmo Hospital aims to help patients predict and prevent the disease quickly after breast cancer surgery and live healthier lives.” Meanwhile, Shin Hyun-joo, head of InBody’s BWA division, stated, "With this clinical trial, we plan to actively utilize the establishment of patient-specific impedance change threshold values and comprehensive indicators for early diagnosis of lymphedema to improve patients’ quality of life.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
