Abstract P5-16-02: Enhance post-lumpectomy breast contour using oncoplastic surgery (OPS) plus a bioabsorbable 3-D tissue implant
Authors: Kaufman CS , Hall W , Behrndt VS , Wolgamot GM , Zacharias K , Rogers A , Smith A , Hill LM , Schnell N 
Published: May 2019

Introduction: The appearance after breast surgery has become an important aspect of survivorship. The post lumpectomy/post radiation hollow surgical defect negatively impacts cosmesis and patient satisfaction. Oncoplastic procedures will mobilize surrounding tissues into the lumpectomy cavity but adds no volume to the breast. Use of a bioabsorbable 3-dimensional tissue implant (used for targeting radiation) has the additional benefit of adding volume to the breast and enhances the overall cosmetic appearance. Our experience over 3 years provides serial mammograms from which we may objectively categorize cosmetic contour. We report on our 2 and 3 year serial images of our treated patients compared with baseline.

Methods: Between May 2014 and June 2018, during lumpectomy for breast cancer we implanted a 3-D tissue implant marker in 170 patients, often combined with oncoplastic reconstruction and followed by radiation treatment. For long term follow-up we had 37 patients with serial mammograms at 2 or 3 years to assess cosmesis. All patients had interviews, physical exams, and serial mammograms to evaluate their cosmetic appearance. Both physician and patient graded their appearance. We also objectively measured and compared the pre-treatment mammogram and the 2-year and 3-year, post-treatment mammogram for symmetry and size using each breast as its own control. Using the post-treatment mammograms, we compared the relative anterior-posterior (depth) measurement of the quadrant bearing the implant as well as the non-cancer quadrant to the similar locations of the pre-treatment mammogram. Both mammogram positioning and radiation effects would balance. We compared the relative change from baseline in the non-cancer portion of the breast to the change from baseline in the cancer portion of the breast as a percent difference from baseline.

Results: Patients were treated with lumpectomy, oncoplastic reconstruction, and placement of a 3-D tissue implant. Three implants were removed due to positive margins. No implants were removed for any other reason. There have been no local recurrences. Overall, radiation oncologists felt the 3-D implant was useful for treatment planning in 85% of patients. Of the 37 consecutive patients who have completed an average of 27.8 months of follow-up, cosmesis was rated as excellent/good by clinicians (96%) and patients (94%). Mammograms taken at 2-3 years were compared with initial images. Whole-breast radiation effect varied among patients. Some had significant shrinkage while others had none. These changes were equal in the non-cancer post-radiation quadrants (86.2% vs 87%) demonstrating maintenance of normal breast contour. Our use of the 3-D implant and oncoplastic tissue advancement maintained the pre-operative contour of the breast after lumpectomy with radiation.

Conclusions: Breast cancer surgery and radiation is often complicated by poor cosmesis with retraction and volume loss. Using a combination of oncoplastic surgery combined with a 3-D tissue implant, we found the forward projection and contour of the breast at the lumpectomy site was preserved and patient satisfaction was good to excellent. Further investigation of the long-term cosmetic effects of breast cancer surgery should be encouraged.

Citation Format: Kaufman CS, Hall W, Behrndt VS, Wolgamot GM, Zacharias K, Rogers A, Smith A, Hill LM, Schnell N. Enhance post-lumpectomy breast contour using oncoplastic surgery (OPS) plus a bioabsorbable 3-D tissue implant [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-16-02.