Radiation therapy and breast reconstruction

Abstract

Radiation therapy is an integral component of the treatment of breast cancer. Although its implementing after breast reconstruction sufficiently increases the number of complications, particularly capsular contractures. After having analyzed published materials and meta-analysis research the authors made a conclusion – if a patient is planned to have a breast reconstruction, it’s better to make it with her own tissue. On the other hand the risk of capsular contractures development significantly decreases when using acellular matrix and polyurethane shell to cover the implant. This fact gives hope that conflict between breast reconstruction and the necessity of the radiation therapy can be solved.