Implant-based breast reconstruction following radiation has high patient satisfaction rate despite complications

Although women should be aware of these increased risks, implant-based breast reconstruction after radiation therapy is still successful in most cases, according to the paper by Dr. Steven J. Kronowitz of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.

Breast Implants after Radiation Carry Increased Risks

Dr. Kronowitz reviews and synthesizes recent research on breast reconstruction using implants for patients receiving radiation therapy. To reduce the risk of recurrent breast cancer, increasing numbers of women are being treated with radiation therapy after mastectomy (postmastectomy radiation therapy, or PMRT). Radiation has toxic effects on tissues that can cause problems with healing.

Reconstructive surgeons agree that breast reconstruction results after radiation therapy tend to be better when the patient's own (autologous) tissue is used. However, in some situations implants may be the preferred option for reconstruction, or the only choice. The goal of the review was to analyze the best available evidence on the use of breast implants after radiation therapy.

Dr. Kronowitz identified 19 studies, of varying quality, evaluating the results of implant-based reconstruction in patients receiving PMRT. He writes, "In general, radiation increases the risk of complications and poor aesthetic outcomes of implant-based reconstruction."

In one of the largest studies performed to date, the risk of major complications was about 45 percent for women receiving implants with radiation therapy, compared to 24 percent in patients not exposed to radiation. Complications were more common when radiation was given before versus after implant-based reconstruction: 64 versus 58 percent.

The highest-quality study found that, among women undergoing implant reconstruction, patient satisfaction scores were lower for those receiving radiation therapy. Another study reported that women receiving implants after radiation therapy were more likely to need major corrective surgery.

Newer Techniques May Lead to Improved Results

One paper suggested that radiation-related skin damage predicted higher complication rates and poorer aesthetic outcomes after implant-based reconstruction. Some recent research indicated that the results of implant reconstruction after PMRT could be improved by the addition of autologous fat transfer -- using the patient's own fat tissue to enhance the results.

"Despite advances in reconstructive devices and materials, PMRT still appears to have an adverse impact on outcomes of implant-based breast reconstruction," Dr. Kronowitz writes. "However," he adds," the majority of patients who undergo implant-based reconstruction and PMRT ultimately keep the implant-based reconstruction." Outcomes appear better with two-stage reconstruction, where the implant is placed after PMRT, rather than immediately after mastectomy.

Autologous fat grafting and other new approaches hold promise for improving the results of implant-based reconstruction after radiation therapy for breast cancer, Dr. Kronowitz believes. "In the meantime, patients who will receive or have received radiation should be advised of the risks of implant-based breast reconstruction." In an upcoming article, Dr. Kronowitz will review recent data on the results of autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction after radiation therapy.