Radiation therapy after breast reconstruction: outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction

The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment-related complications, outcomes, and patient satisfaction in women with locally advanced breast cancer who received post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) after breast reconstruction (BR).

Between October 2007 and November 2010, 46 patients with locally advanced breast cancer who underwent mastectomy followed by BR received PMRT at our Department. Radiotherapy was delivered to the chest wall with a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks.

The median follow-up was 19 months. Skin erythema grade 1 and 2 was seen in 44 (96%) and two (4%) patients, respectively. Major complications, requiring additional corrective surgical procedure, occurred in three (7%) patients (one patient with prosthesis, one patient with tissue expander and one patient with deep inferior epigastric perforator flap). At univariate analysis, smoking, chemotherapy, hormone therapy with tamoxifen and reconstruction with implant were associated with overall complications (capsular contracture and reconstruction failure). Forty (86%) patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the cosmetic outcome of reconstruction.

Radiotherapy can be safely delivered after BR, with a low complication rate and good patient satisfaction. Further randomised studies are needed to better define the optimal timing of breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy radiation therapy.