This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards from the Authors&#39; Institutions. This protocol applies to node-positive (i.e., N&#62;1 according to the TNM staging system)14 breast cancers showing LVI and/or ENE.
1. Real time arm measurements
<ol>
	<li>Install the free downloadable application (e.g., Captevia) on a tablet computer.</li>
	<li>Take a marker of the highest-contrast color compared to the skin of the patient (e.g., white, black).
	<ol>
		<li>...

<ol>
	<li>Michelotti, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tackling+the+diversity+of+breast+cancer+related+lymphedema:+Perspectives+on+diagnosis,+risk+assessment,+and+clinical+management.">Tackling the diversity of breast cancer related lymphedema: Perspectives on diagnosis, risk assessment, and clinical management.</a> Breast. 44, 15-23 (2018).</li><li>Noguchi, M., Yokoi, M., Nakano, Y., Ohno, Y., Kosaka, T., Singh, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Axillary+reverse+mapping+in+breast+cancer.">Axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer.</a> Radioisotopes - Applications in Bio-Medical Science. , (2011).</li><li>Wilke, L. G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+complications+associated+with+sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy:+results+from+a+prospective+international+cooperative+group+trial.">Surgical complications associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy: results from a prospective international cooperative group trial.</a> Annals of Surgical Oncology. 13 (4), 491-500 (2006).</li><li>Taghian, N. R., Miller, C. L., Jammallo, L. S., O'Toole, J., Skolny, M. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lymphedema+following+breast+cancer+treatment+and+impact+on+quality+of+life:+a+review.">Lymphedema following breast cancer treatment and impact on quality of life: a review.</a> Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology. 92 (3), 227-234 (2014).</li><li>Dean, L. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=34;It+still+affects+our+economic+situation&amp;#34;:+long-term+economic+burden+of+breast+cancer+and+lymphedema.">34;It still affects our economic situation&amp;#34;: long-term economic burden of breast cancer and lymphedema.</a> Supportive Care in Cancer. , (2018).</li><li>Invernizzi, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lymphovascular+invasion+and+extranodal+tumour+extension+are+risk+indicators+of+breast+cancer+related+lymphoedema:+an+observational+retrospective+study+with+long-term+follow-up.">Lymphovascular invasion and extranodal tumour extension are risk indicators of breast cancer related lymphoedema: an observational retrospective study with long-term follow-up.</a> BMC Cancer. 18 (1), 935 (2018).</li><li>Invernizzi, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Breast+Cancer+Systemic+Treatments+and+Upper+Limb+Lymphedema:+A+Risk-Assessment+Platform+Encompassing+Tumor-Specific+Pathological+Features+Reveals+the+Potential+Role+of+Trastuzumab.">Breast Cancer Systemic Treatments and Upper Limb Lymphedema: A Risk-Assessment Platform Encompassing Tumor-Specific Pathological Features Reveals the Potential Role of Trastuzumab.</a> Journal of Clinical Medicine. 8 (2), (2019).</li><li>Kilbreath, S. L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Risk+factors+for+lymphoedema+in+women+with+breast+cancer:+A+large+prospective+cohort.">Risk factors for lymphoedema in women with breast cancer: A large prospective cohort.</a> Breast. 28, 29-36 (2016).</li><li>Sun, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+need+for+preoperative+baseline+arm+measurement+to+accurately+quantify+breast+cancer-related+lymphedema.">The need for preoperative baseline arm measurement to accurately quantify breast cancer-related lymphedema.</a> Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 157 (2), 229-240 (2016).</li><li>Deltombe, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Reliability+and+limits+of+agreement+of+circumferential,+water+displacement,+and+optoelectronic+volumetry+in+the+measurement+of+upper+limb+lymphedema.">Reliability and limits of agreement of circumferential, water displacement, and optoelectronic volumetry in the measurement of upper limb lymphedema.</a> Lymphology. 40 (1), 26-34 (2007).</li><li>Tewari, N., Gill, P. G., Bochner, M. A., Kollias, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+volume+displacement+versus+circumferential+arm+measurements+for+lymphoedema:+implications+for+the+SNAC+trial.">Comparison of volume displacement versus circumferential arm measurements for lymphoedema: implications for the SNAC trial.</a> ANZ Journal of Surgery. 78 (10), 889-893 (2008).</li><li>Cau, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+study+between+circumferential+method+and+laser+scanner+3D+method+for+the+evaluation+of+arm+volume+in+healthy+subjects.">Comparative study between circumferential method and laser scanner 3D method for the evaluation of arm volume in healthy subjects.</a> Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. 4 (1), 64-72 (2016).</li><li>Hameeteman, M., Verhulst, A. C., Vreeken, R. D., Maal, T. J., Ulrich, D. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=3D+stereophotogrammetry+in+upper-extremity+lymphedema:+An+accurate+diagnostic+method.">3D stereophotogrammetry in upper-extremity lymphedema: An accurate diagnostic method.</a> Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive &amp; Aesthetic Surgery. 69 (2), 241-247 (2016).</li><li>Amin, M. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. , (2017).</li><li>Kamper, S. 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The use of an accurate and reliable tool for limb volume measurement is mandatory in breast cancer survivors, given that an early diagnosis of BCRL is related to improved outcomes. In addition, the identification of high-risk individuals should consider not only clinical and surgical data but also tumor-specific pathological features. This study demonstrates the reproducibility and reliability of a new portable 3DLS device in upper limb volume measurement both in healthy subjects and in a BCRL women with high-risk featur...

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is fluid retention in the upper extremity occurring after axillary surgery and/or radiation therapy in approximately 20-80% of breast cancer patients with lymph node metastases (N&#62;1)1,2,3. This condition results in swelling of the limb with subsequent reduced functionality, increased risk of comorbidities, frustration, anxiety, and depression4,5. BCRL is currently considered a long-standing threat for breast cancer survivors given that it can arise up to 9 years after surgery6.
BCRL pathogenesis is a subject of lively debate among breast cancer specialists. Hence, several studies have shown that it could be related not only to axillary interventions but also to systemic treatments, such as taxanes-based chemotherapy and anti-HER2 therapy7,8. Furthermore, there are recent lines of evidence to suggest that tumor-specific pathological characteristics are involved in its pathogenesis1,6,7. For this reason, the invasion of lymphovascular spaces at the periphery of the tumor by neoplastic cells (lymphovascular invasion, LVI) and of the extension of the metastasis beyond the lymph node capsule (extra-nodal extension, ENE) have been proposed as a complementary analysis for BCRL risk stratification6,7.
Despite the novel insights of BCRL biology, the arm volume measurement remains a cornerstone phase in the diagnosis and follow-up of these patients9. For this task, however, there are not widely-adopted guidelines. The measurement of multiple circumferences across the arm has been traditionally used to estimate its total volume using the truncated cone formula10. Despite its reliability, however, this circumferential method (CM) lack sensitivity and reproducibility, particularly in the case of arm shape irregularities11. Lately, augmented reality methods, such as three-dimensional laser scanner (3DLS), have emerged as promising tools for the measurement of the upper limb volume12. This technology is cheap, user-friendly, reproducible, and extremely precise also in the presence of gibbousness and swelling12,13.
The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of 3DLS in comparison to the circumferential method for BCRL diagnosis and quantification. Here, a protocol is detailed for real-time measurements of the upper limb volume by means of 3DLS in breast cancer patients at increased risk for BCRL.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Structure sensor + Captevia V3.1</td>
			<td>Rodin4D, Rodin SAS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Three dimensional laser scanner</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

integrating augmented reality tools in breast cancer related lymphedema prognostication and diagnosis

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is a detrimental condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the upper limb in breast cancer patients subjected to axillary surgery and/or radiations. Its etiology is multifactorial and include also tumor-specific pathological features, such as lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and extranodal extension (ENE). To date, no widely employed guidelines for the early diagnosis of BCRL are available. Here, we illustrate a protocol for a digitally assisted BCRL assessment using a 3D laser scanner (3DLS) and a tablet computer. It has been specifically optimized in a discovery cohort of high-risk breast cancer patients. This study provides a proof-of-principle that augmented reality tools, such as 3DLS, can be incorporated into the clinical workup of BCRL to allow for a precise, reproducible, reliable, and cheap diagnosis.

This was a pilot single-blind, randomized controlled study involving adult individuals. Inclusion criteria were the following: 1) young adults aged &#62;18 and &#60;45 years; 2) normal weight (body mass index, BMI, &#62;18 and &#60;25 kg/m2); 3) absence of any kind of skin lesion at upper limb level; 4) absence of trauma and/or any kind of condition able to modify arm structure and volume. The exclusion criteria: 1) cardiovascular comorbidities; 2) vascular diseases involving t...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis at JoVE.com

Integrating Augmented Reality Tools in Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema Prognostication and Diagnosis

Breast cancer related lymphedema is frequent in breast cancer survivors, but there are not widely employed guidelines for its diagnosis and quantification. Here, we introduce a reliable and cost-effective protocol to define, quantify, and compare upper limb volume in breast cancer patients.

Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) is a detrimental condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the upper limb in breast cancer patients ...

The laser scan three-dimensional device allows a quick and reproducible measurement of the upper limb volume without requiring direct contact with the skin of patients. In addition, the technology is inexpensive, user friendly, reproducible, and extremely precise even in the presence of gibbousness and swelling. Demonstrating the procedure will be Dr.Lorenzo Lippi from our research group.Begin by installing a free downloadable 3D laser scanning application on a tablet computer. Next, use a marker of the highest contrast color compared to the skin of the patient to mark the skin of the upper limb to be analyzed at five centimeter landmarks starting from the wrist to the elbow and from the elbow to the proximal portion of the arm. Draw circumferences around the upper limb to be analyzed at the level of each landmark and position the patient in an upright position in a room with sufficient space to move around them.Raise the patient's upper limb anteriorly by 90 degrees and ask the patient to remain in this position without moving for the entire duration of the scan. Link a 3D laser scanner device to the tablet and open the 3D laser scanner application. Enter the credentials of the patient into the patient database and click connection and plus to enter a new patient.When all of the patient information has been entered, click the 3D icon and use two fingers to adjust the distance and size of the cube on the screen to select the area to be examined. Click scan and start the three-dimensional scan, framing the upper limb of the patient on all of the planes of the space, rotating around the limb from all angles multiple times to optimize the quality of the acquired image. When the acquisition is complete, press done.Then revise the form to assess any acquisition defects or missing parts as necessary. Next, select the acquisition and press the icon to enter an email and send the file. On the desktop computer, download the data sent by email and insert a USB drive with the software license for the 3D laser scanner software.After opening the data file, view the scan and click create new patient. Under the file menu, select the patient file and select the scan. Click extract.Select the extracted scan and click cleaning. Next, select the image and orient the image in the space using the skin landmarks to cut off any segments included in the scan on the various axes as necessary. Validate the cut figure and name the shape obtained from the scan.Click create a new shape to orient the shape axis on the three planes of the space. Click next and wait for the generation of the final form and click end. Select the processed form and click open.The software will provide the total volume of the processed form. Then click volume to calculate the volume of the different sections and move and select the upper and lower margin of the section from which to extract the volume. In this representative study, 30 healthy male and female adults and 30 breast cancer female patients who later developed breast cancer-related lymphedema were evaluated.Arm volume measurements were performed using both the circumferential and 3D laser scanner methods. In both groups, both methods demonstrated high levels of inter and intraoperator reproducibility with a mean R squared of 0.99 for both techniques. Accordingly, the mean value of the 3D laser scanner volume calculations also showed a strong correlation with those from the circumferential method in both groups as confirmed by the Bland-Altman plot showing a high level of agreement and consistency between the two different measurements.Furthermore, although differences were observed before and after complex decongestive treatment for both techniques in the breast cancer patient group, the 3D laser scanner method correlation was higher than that observed for the circumferential method. This procedure can be used in any physiological or pathological condition that require a volumetric evaluation of any part of the body. The use of this technique in a clinical setting can solve several issues related to the standardization of volumetric measurements in breast cancer-related lymphedema.

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6.4K Views.  University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro". The laser scan three-dimensional device allows a quick and reproducible measurement of the upper limb volume without requiring direct contact with the skin of patients. In addition, the technology is inexpensive, user friendly, reproducible, and extremely precise even in the presence of gibbousness and swelling. Demonstrating the procedure will be Dr.Lorenzo Lippi from our research group.Begin by installing a free downloadable 3D laser scanning application on a tablet computer. Next, u...