Are Textured Implants After Mastectomy Associated with Breast Cancer Recurrence?

A small, uncontrolled, retrospective study suggests an increase in recurrence with textured implants, but larger studies are needed.

The association between the use of textured implants for breast reconstruction and the development of anaplastic large cell lymphoma is well known, with about 700 documented cases worldwide (NEJM JW Oncol Hematol Mar 2020 and J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:1102); this association has already caused most plastic surgeons to stop using this type of implant. But is the use of textured implants also associated with excess risk for breast cancer recurrence?

Now, Korean investigators have conducted a retrospective, single-center, cohort study to compare breast cancer recurrence rates between 413 cases involving textured implants and 274 involving smooth implants after total mastectomy and immediate two-stage tissue reconstruction.

At a median follow-up of 4…

Reviewing Author

Henry Mark Kuerer, MD, PhD, FACS

Disclosures

Speaker's BureauPhysicians’ Education Resource, LLC

RoyaltiesMcGraw-Hill Professional; UpToDate, Inc.

Editorial BoardsAnnals of Surgical Oncology

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Breast Surgeons (Chair, Publications Committee)