Analysis of complications and BREAST-Q score after radiotherapy in breast cancer patients treated with different reconstruction methods / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To compare the complications, degree of satisfaction and quality of life among breast cancer patients treated with different reconstruction methods after postoperative radiotherapy, aiming to explore the optimal combination of reconstruction and radiotherapy.Methods:105 breast cancer patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy after reconstruction surgery in Tumor Hospital from 2014 to 2019 were enrolled. According to the type of reconstruction, all patients were divided into group A (autologous reconstruction group, n=54) and group B (implant reconstruction group, n=51). Patients in group B were further divided into group B1(one-stage reconstruction group, n=30) and group B2(two-stage reconstruction group, n=21) according to the timing of reconstruction. The incidence of complications and BREAST-Q score were statistically compared between groups A and B, groups B1 and B2, respectively. The influencing factors of BREAST-Q score were identified by multiple linear regression analysis. Results:The incidence of long-term complications and the total incidence of complications in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (1.9% vs. 37.3%, P<0.001 and 9.3% vs.43.1%, P<0.001), and the scores of psychosocial well-being and degree of satisfaction with breasts in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (71(15) vs. 66(22), P=0.027 and 53(8) vs. 53(8), P=0.032)). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications and BREAST-Q scores between groups B1 and B2(both P>0.05). Breast volume and complications were the predictors of BREAST-Q score (both P<0.001). Conclusions:Radiotherapy after autologous reconstruction of breast cancer yields fewer complications and better BREAST-Q score than the implantation reconstruction. The incidence of postoperative radiotherapy complications and BREAST-Q scores are equivalent between one-stage and two-stage reconstruction. The BREAST-Q score is lower in patients with large breasts or complications.