Recent Progresses in Breast Reconstruction: Stem Cells, Biomaterials, and Growth Factors

Breast cancer is one of the most deadly tumors in women, and new procedures for post- surgical breast reconstruction have been developed which includes autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF), platelet-derived growth factors, biomaterials and various stem cells. Adipose derived-stem cells (ASCs) has been reported to be one of the most widely used stem cell for breast reconstruction because of their ability to form new functional adipose tissue and vessels and in combination with stromal vascular fraction has been also reported efficient for breast reconstruction. Biomaterials include acellular dermal matrix, bone substitutes, and injectable have also been reported to be applicable for several clinical applications, including breast reconstruction surgery. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to explicitly define methodological procedures and to confirm the safety of all theses procedures during post-surgical breast reconstruction. The purpose of this mini-review is to summarize various recent and old applications of stem cells, biomaterials as well as growth factors in breast reconstruction.