Thursday 11 January 2018

[Review] Radiotherapy in the setting of breast reconstruction: types, techniques, and timing

[Review] Radiotherapy in the setting of breast reconstruction: types, techniques, and timing

Ho, AY et al

Lancet Oncology December 2017 Vol 18, 12 e742- e753

As the use of breast reconstruction and postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) has increased over the past decade, the typical approach to integrating radiotherapy with breast reconstruction has provoked intense controversy in the management of breast cancer. PMRT can lead to an increased frequency of complications in the reconstructed breast. Conversely, the reconstructed breast can increase the complexity of radiotherapy delivery. How to minimise the frequency of complications without compromising oncological or cosmetic outcomes of the reconstructed breast is an important shared multidisciplinary goal for oncologists and their patients.