Changing the order of treatments given to breast cancer patients could reduce side effects resulting from mastectomy and improve outcomes, according to a clinical feasibility trial, published in The Lancet Oncology.
In the study, researchers found that switching the sequence of treatments given to breast cancer patients was safe, without any increase in complications and could lead to patients receiving faster and more effective care compared to current methods.
Thirty-three women with breast cancer requiring a mastectomy and post-mastectomy radiotherapy, were recruited to the primary radiotherapy and deep inferior epigastric perforator flap reconstruction for patients with breast cancer (PRADA) trial between January 2016 and December 2017. They were also eligible for a breast reconstruction using tissue from another part of their body.
They were given chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy before having a mastectomy and a breast reconstruction. The team found that this approach was feasible and safe. They also found that side effects were low and that 12 months after surgery patients reported high levels of satisfaction with their breast reconstruction.
Lead author Daniel Leff said: “We believe that, in the long term, this approach will improve patients’ mental and physical wellbeing with higher quality of life scores and satisfaction with their reconstructed breasts compared to current care. It also means that many patients who are currently denied reconstruction due to concerns of further complications due to radiotherapy may be able to get access to this treatment in future.”
Source: Imperial College London
