Immediate Breast Reconstruction Allows for the Timely Initiation of Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy

Background: Complications from breast reconstruction may delay postmastectomy radiation therapy and impact breast cancer outcomes. The authors hypothesized that immediate breast reconstruction may be associated with delays in the initiation of radiation, but that this delay would not significantly impact overall patient survival. Methods: Using the National Cancer Database, the authors identified women with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy and received postmastectomy radiation therapy. Delayed radiation was defined as treatment initiated 6 months or more after surgery in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy or 12 weeks or more after surgery in patients who received neoadjuvant or no chemotherapy. Results: Women undergoing breast reconstruction had an increased time to postmastectomy radiation therapy, 154 days versus 132 days (p
Source: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Category: Cosmetic Surgery Tags: Breast: Original Articles Source Type: research