Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy does not Increase Complications in Oncoplastic Breast-Conserving Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Cancer Treatment

Background:

• Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) expands criteria for breast conservation.
• Neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NAC) is increasingly used for early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer.
• Evaluating outcomes of NAC followed by OBCS is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety and outcomes of oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCS) after neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (NAC).
• To compare complication rates and treatment delays between patients receiving NAC before OBCS versus surgery first.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 429 patients undergoing OBCS with mastopexy/breast reduction (2010-2016).
• Comparison of outcomes between patients who received NAC (n=122) and those who did not.
• Data collection included demographics, treatment details, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Patients receiving NAC were younger and had more advanced cancer stages.
• Overall complication rate was 25.9%, with 9.1% major complications.
• NAC was not associated with increased complications or delayed radiation therapy after risk adjustment (p=0.37).

Conclusions:

• OBCS can be safely performed after NAC in selected patients at high-volume centers.
• No increased risk of complications or delayed adjuvant radiation therapy was observed.
• A minimum 4-week interval between NAC completion and surgery is safe, regardless of chemotherapy regimen.