The Efficacy of Doxorubicin in Capsule Contracture Associated with Silicone Implants

Capsule contracture (CC) is a significant complication of silicone implant use. It leads to patient dissatisfaction and reoperations following aesthetic breast augmentation and reconstruction. Prolonged inflammation and abnormal fibrosis are known to play roles in the development of CC. This study investigates the efficacy of Doxorubicin, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects, in the prevention and treatment of CC.

The study was conducted on 24 female Wistar-Albino rats, divided into control, experimental control, and Doxorubicin groups. Silicone implants were placed in the back regions of the experimental control and Doxorubicin groups. The Doxorubicin group received 4 mg/kg Doxorubicin hydrochloride injections into the implant pocket once weekly for four weeks. The samples were analyzed using histological and immunohistochemical methods.

Light microscopic examination revealed that collagen fibers forming the capsule in the Doxorubicin group were organized and of low density, with no inflammatory cell infiltration observed. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated significantly lower levels of COL-1, α-SMA, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the Doxorubicin group.

Doxorubicin was shown to prevent CC formation by suppressing inflammatory processes and collagen synthesis. The observed reductions in α-SMA and TNF-α, key mediators of inflammation and fibrosis, support the potential efficacy of Doxorubicin in this process. While periprosthetic injection avoided systemic toxicity, further studies exploring different doses and administration methods are necessary.

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