Treatment pathways
Treatment pathways
CERITIN's research activities focus on the main junctions of the treatment pathways of the Integrated Breast Therapies Unit. All patients diagnosed with breast cancer, waiting to start the neoadjuvant surgical or chemotherapy process, perform:
- a psycho-oncological triage to assess the possible presence of distress or anxious-depressive symptoms, but also of personal resources for adaptation to the oncological pathology
- a cognitive interview on lifestyles with nutritional advice (dietary history, anthropometric examination, analysis of body composition using bioimpedance, specific nutritional recommendations to support the oncological pathway) and indications on physical activity to be carried out during treatments
At a later stage, in order to access complementary treatments for the management of side effects, an initial visit is necessary, which consists of an interview with a doctor expert in integrated oncology, who provides information on the most appropriate therapeutic approaches, based on the clinical condition, the reported disorders and the attitudes of each patient.
The acupuncture clinic welcomes patients who have side effects related to chemo/radiotherapy or hormonal therapies, in particular nausea/vomiting, joint pain, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, peripheral neuropathies induced by chemotherapy and hot flashes related to menopause.
Physiotherapy after breast surgery aims to reduce painful symptoms, improve the mobility of the upper limb, optimize the postural structure, and prevent lymphedema. It consists of a specific program of dedicated consultations and exercises, after physiatric consultation, and manual and instrumental therapies for the treatment of scar retractions, adhesions and lymphedema
Mindfulness is a mindfulness practice that awakens the ability to be present, with non-judgmental attention to the "here and now". The Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy Protocol (MBCT-Ca) is effective in a range of symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and insomnia.
Qi gong, an ancient Chinese discipline of dynamic meditation, which has shown some effectiveness in relieving fatigue and sleep disorders, promoting a more active involvement of patients in the treatment process.
Music therapy is a clinical activity that uses sound, music and movement to promote the expression, integration and processing of the needs and experiences of the person with the aim of improving their quality of life.
On the subject of exercise oncology, CERITIN makes use of the clinical paths already available at the Unit of Integrated Therapies in Senology, which has activated courses of Adapted Physical Activity, in collaboration with professionals from the University of Rome "Foro Italico", aimed at patients with breast cancer:
- immediately after diagnosis and before surgery for a prehabilitation
- during and after adjuvant therapies to mitigate side effects and preserve a good health-related quality of life
Furthermore, since 2021, the "Integrated Rowing" project has been active for the dissemination of the discipline of rowing as a rehabilitation therapy, an experience of sharing and aggregation between cancer patients and health professionals.
In addition, there are some immersive experiences of physical activity in nature, such as Mindtrek, which combines trekking with the practice of mindfulness, through three one-day excursions, a whole weekend and weekly online meetings (about 45 minutes) dedicated to the practice of mindfulness.
Another example of a clinical offer is the METADINAMICA project, a week-long journey in a natural environment carried out by women with metastatic breast cancer, supported by health professionals who are experts in integrated therapies. A journey with a double therapeutic value: the physical and the inner journey, to recover psychophysical well-being and achieve a new balance.
