logo

Role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy and immediate autologous breast reconstruction: from a breast surgeon’s perspective

Nina-Marie King (MBBS), David Littlejohn (MBBS, FRACS)

Abstract

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has an established role in breast cancer for patients who are suitable for immediate autologous tissue breast reconstruction however, the role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy is not as well defined. Short course radiotherapy (typically three weeks) followed by oncological resection with immediate reconstruction offers the benefits of a single operation with a healthy non-irradiated autologous flap without any delays to adjuvant therapies. Unfortunately to date, there is limited high-powered data to support these benefits.

A four-year audit from a single surgeon of patients undergoing immediate autologous breast reconstruction, 26% (5/19) had undertaken neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with only one patient demonstrating distant metastases. One patient had complete pathological response to their combined treatment.

This option allows for an increase in immediate reconstructions which give better aesthetic long-term results without the risk of delaying adjuvant treatments or compromising survival.

November, 2020
10.37912/WaggaJOM.0201.08

Subscribe to our newsletter

Latest Articles
Admin Editor,
April, 2025
Research
Preliminary Analysis of Telehealth vs. In-Person Preoperative Consultations and Their Impact on Immediate Bariatric Surgery Outcomes
Swazi Sharma1, Dr Alexa Seal1, Dr Katherine Smith2, Simeon Moore1, Peter Sheeran 1 1. University of Dame Australia (Rural Clinical School – Wagga Wagga) 2. Murrumbidgee Local Health District...
Admin Editor,
April, 2025
Research
Training and Sustaining Rural Anaesthetists: Insights from a 12-Month Audit of Paediatric General Anaesthetics in Wagga Wagga
Billy Poulden, Dr Judy Killen Introduction: Access to high quality paediatric general anaesthesia (GA) is fundamental to the provision of surgical services in rural areas. Paediatric anaesthesia is a...
Admin Editor,
April, 2025
Research
Diabetic Foot Disease – A Public Health Issue for Australia
Authors: Peter Sheeran1, Prof. James Charles2, Gerarda Henneken3, Brett MacCue41. JMO, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital MHLD, 2. Director, First Peoples Health Unit, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health), Griffith University, 3....
Admin Editor,
April, 2025
Research
An Audit of Essential Difficult Airway Trolley Equipment in Selected Regional NSW Hospitals
Patrick Lay, Stuart Lawrie, and Anthony Gray Introduction: In 2021, the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) updated its Guideline on Equipment to Manage Difficult Airways1 to...
Admin Editor,
April, 2025
Research
The Rise of new age technologies in laparoscopic training models: a systematic review
Christopher Katsinas Background Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many benefits, such as: reduced post-operative pain, improved aesthetic outcomes and shorter length-of-stay. The challenge of laparoscopic surgery is the high...
Admin Editor,
April, 2025
Research
Substance Use and Perceptions of Safety: Insights from a National Indigenous Youth Cohort
Heidi Starr Background: Young people who smoke or drink alcohol are often viewed as making a conscious choice, with little recognition of the role that feelings of safety—or the...