Impact of radiotherapy on long-term treatment outcomes in patients with breast cancer who have undergone simultaneous one-stage and two-stage reconstructive surgeries. Literature review

Abstract

The evolution in reconstructive breast surgery in the form of widespread use of implants allows you to abandon the “simple” mastectomy in most patients, provide faster rehabilitation and minimize the psychological trauma due to the absence of a breast. However, in most cases, radiation therapy and/or drug treatment are necessary, as they reduce the risk of relapse, disease progression and mortality. The combined or complex treatment increases the frequency of postoperative complications, such as prolonged wound healing, infection, protrusion/extrusion of the endoprosthesis, the development of capsular contracture, seroma, hematoma, etc. The greatest negative impact on the aesthetic result, both in the early and in the long-term period, is provided by remote radiation therapy. On the other hand, performing reconstructive plastic surgery may complicate radiation therapy. The issues of how long it is necessary to conduct radiation therapy, what type of reconstruction and how to conduct radiation therapy, how to minimize the frequency of complications without compromising the oncological and aesthetic results of treatment of breast cancer patients remain controversial.