Autologous fat grafting and breast cancer recurrences: retrospective analysis of a series of 100 procedures in 64 patients

J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2013 Sep;47(4):273-5. doi: 10.3109/2000656X.2012.759583. Epub 2013 Apr 30.

Abstract

Autologous fat transfer (AFT) enhances the cosmetic results of breast reconstruction and corrects breast conserving operation sequelae. The question of its oncological safety remains, as in-vitro experiences have shown that adipocytes can stimulate cancer cell proliferation. This study analysed the records of patients who had AFT after breast cancer from 2004-2009. The primary end-point was cancer recurrence. The secondary end-points were AFT complications and post-AFT mammogram modifications. Sixty-four patients (100 AFT) were included. The mean follow-up for AFT was 46.44 months (SD = 21.4). Two breast cancer recurrences were recorded (3.1%). Among 55 mammograms analysed, only one patient presented radiological abnormalities. One complication of AFT (donor-site infection) was recorded. This series is in favour of the oncological safety of AFT after breast cancer. An accurate evaluation of the recurrence risk, before performing AFT, is an essential prerequisite and must lead one to postpone or avoid this procedure in high-risk patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / transplantation*
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Mammaplasty / adverse effects
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Mammography / methods
  • Mastectomy / methods
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / epidemiology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / etiology*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery
  • Reoperation / methods
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Surgical Flaps / blood supply
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation, Autologous / adverse effects
  • Transplantation, Autologous / methods
  • Treatment Outcome