The Antoine Lacassagne Center in Nice is partnering with the start-up Realetee. Together, they are developing a personalized external breast prosthesis for women who have undergone a mastectomy without reconstruction.
Each year in France, about 22,000 women undergo a mastectomy as part of the treatment for breast cancer. However, only a minority opt for surgical reconstruction. For those who do not make this choice, external breast prostheses often remain the only solution. Their comfort and appearance can be problematic.
The Antoine Lacassagne Center and the Nice-based start-up Realetee have decided to act together. Their goal: to offer an external prosthesis better suited to the morphology of each woman. The solution developed by Realetee is based on 3D printing. It allows for the creation of a personalized prosthesis that replicates the shape and details of the natural breast. The focus is on comfort, precision, and respecting the patient’s body.
This represents a significant advancement for women who do not wish to or cannot undergo surgical reconstruction. They will be able to have a better-suited alternative, specifically designed for them at the Antoine Lacassagne Center.
Better respecting women’s choices
This partnership also illustrates a desire to rethink post-cancer care. The loss of a breast is not just a medical issue. It affects self-image and quality of life. A more faithful and comfortable prosthesis can play an important role in psychological reconstruction.
The Antoine Lacassagne Center is already committed to supporting patients throughout their care journey. It offers various surgical solutions for reconstruction. These methods are tailored to each situation, according to the treatments received and the wishes of the women concerned.
But not all choose surgery. Sometimes, for medical, personal, or psychological reasons, reconstruction is not considered. In this case, a well-designed external prosthesis can help restore balance.
The collaboration between Realetee and the Antoine Lacassagne Center aligns with this approach. It combines medical research, technological innovation, and attention to patients’ needs. The device will be tested and evaluated as part of personalized care.
The objective is clear: to offer a simple, tailored, and respectful solution for each woman’s body.
