Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer pT1–3N0–1M0 after Mastectomy or Subcutaneous/Skin-Preserving Mastectomy with Reconstruction. Literature Review

Purpose: The literature review analyzes publications over the past decades on the need for radiation therapy after mastectomy or subcutaneous/skin-preserving mastectomy with reconstruction. Results: Risk factors for breast cancer recurrence were analyzed. The effect of radiation therapy on the recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy, subcutaneous and skin-preserving mastectomy with reconstruction was evaluated depending on the stage, lymph node lesions, and the presence of unfavorable molecular biological types. Indications for radiation therapy are described. The effect of radiation therapy on early and late complications of the reconstructed breast and options for reducing the percentage of complications were analyzed. Conclusion: The exclusion of radiation therapy from the breast cancer treatment plan is a decrease in the percentage of complications caused by radiation therapy, for example, during implant reconstruction – a decrease in capsular contractures. And, as a result, improving the quality of life of patients, reducing repeated operations in case of complications, which means it is economically profitable. In recent years, due to the increasing need for various breast reconstruction options, the surgeon and radiotherapist have faced the task of choosing the optimal sequence of breast reconstruction, as well as reducing the risk of post-radiation complications. Radiation therapy, along with reducing the risk of relapse of the disease, increases the risk of complications after breast reconstruction, and vice versa, the reconstructed mammary gland can cause difficulties for the radiologist to correctly deliver the required dose of radiation. Minimizing the frequency and severity of complications after radiation therapy on the reconstructed gland without compromising oncological or cosmetic results is an important and common interdisciplinary goal for oncologists and radiotherapists.