Radiation-induced fibrosis in breast cancer: A protocol for an observational cross-sectional pilot study for personalised risk estimation and objective assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

About 30% of patients request breast reconstruction following surgery for breast cancer, but radiation therapy negatively influences the outcome. Post-reconstruction radiotherapy is associated with more complications, including more severe capsular contracture and inferior cosmetic results. In general, less fibrosis is seen if autologous reconstruction is performed after radiotherapy, so surgeons will often delay reconstruction until after radiotherapy is complete. Drawbacks to this approach include additional surgery, recuperation, cost, and an extended reconstructive process. Randomised clinical trials are required to determine the best approach.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this cross-sectional pilot study is to see if it is feasible to recruit women, and

SUBMITTER: Williams NR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6913559 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature