Combination of radiotherapy and flap reconstruction for cancer treatments (Review)

Mol Clin Oncol. 2024 Mar 7;20(5):34. doi: 10.3892/mco.2024.2732. eCollection 2024 May.ABSTRACTFlaps are commonly used to repair large tissue defects caused by tumor resection and are often combined with radiotherapy. Relevant explanations for the mechanism underlying the effect of radiotherapy on flaps and the selection of the sequence of flaps and radiotherapy plan have emerged. The combination of flap and radiotherapy is most widely used in breast, head and neck cancers, while free flaps are the most widely used. Although, reduction of the incidence of complications of flap reconstruction, prevention of flap reconstruction failure and best integration of flap reconstruction with radiation therapy remains controversial. In the present review, these questions and debates were addressed by reviewing the literature on radiotherapy and flap reconstruction in cancer treatment.PMID:38550510 | PMC:PMC10966671 | DOI:10.3892/mco.2024.2732
Source: Clinical Genitourinary Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research