The impact of immediate breast reconstruction on the technical delivery of post-mastectomy radiotherapy

Abstract

in 79%, 45%, 84%, and 84% of the plans in the group undergoing immediate reconstruction, compared respectively with 100%, 93%, 97%, and 92% of the plans in the control group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p 0.0015, and p 0.1435). In patients with reconstructions, 67% of the “major” compromised radiotherapy plans were left-sided (p < 0.16). Conclusions: Radiation treatment planning after immediate breast reconstruction was compromised in more than half of the patients (52%), with the largest compromises observed in those with left-sided cancers. For patients with locally advanced breast cancer, the potential for compromised PMRT planning should be considered when deciding between immediate and delayed reconstruction. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. Breast cancer, Breast reconstruction, Postmastectomy radiotherapy, Internal mammary chain.