Onco-Esthetics Dilemma: Is There a Role for Electrocosmetic-Medical Devices?

Abstract

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this review is to verify whether the warning against the use of electromedical instruments in the cosmetic professional or medical cancer patient settings is consistent with evident oncological risks supported by experimental in vitro/in vivo studies or anecdotal clinical reports, or any other reasonable statement.MethodsMEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, AMED, Ovid, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Google Scholar databases were electronically searched. Data relating to research design, sample population, type of electro-cosmetic devices used, were extracted.ResultsThe search strategy identified 50 studies, 30 of which were potentially relevant.ConclusionsOur research is in favor of moderate periodical use of cosmetic medical devices in patients bearing tumors, in any stage, like in healthy people. Special consideration is dedicated to massage, manipulation, and pressure delivery upon the cytoskeleton of cancer cells that has proven to be sensitive to mechanical stress at least in some specific locally relapsing cancers such as osteosarcoma.

Commentary: Onco-Esthetics Dilemma: Is There a Role for Electrocosmetic-Medical Devices?

“…Palmieri et al. ( 7 ) cite an in vitro study on the effects of ESWT on cancer cells, positing that cell rupture is one of the primary mechanism by which ESWT exerts its effects. Tissue damage has been reported in the literature as a side-effect of high-energy focused ESWT ( 14 ).…”

“…As a result, the importance of supportive care and rehabilitation has grown substantially (3)(4)(5)(6). Palmieri et al (7) recently authored a review of select therapy modalities, with a focus on the array of cosmetic treatment possibilities in cancer patients, as well as their respective safety. The authors concluded that moderate and periodical use of "cosmetic medical devices", including massage, are not contraindicated in cancer patients.…”

“…This change has possibly been brought on by a paradigm shift in the field of physical medicine, in the course of which cancer per se was no longer seen as a contraindication for ESWT, but rather a tumor in the treatment area (9). Palmieri et al (7) cite an in vitro study on the effects of ESWT on cancer cells, positing that cell rupture is one of the primary mechanism by which ESWT exerts its effects. Tissue damage has been reported in the literature as a side-effect of high-energy focused ESWT (14).…”