With the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-15) (March 25–27, Barcelona, Spain) underway, we’re bringing you significant headlines from the conference in one convenient place.
Discover key presentations to look out for in this conference report by our Senior Editor Jade Parker (Taylor & Francis Group).
Polyurethane-coated breast implants reduce scarring for mastectomy patients
A multicenter study of 1,455 women across 15 countries has demonstrated that polyurethane-coated implants reduce the incidence of scar tissue as well as the need for revision surgery and associated infection risks.
“This study highlights an important step forward in improving long-term outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy. While reconstructive surgery has advanced considerably, capsular contracture (scarring) remains one of the most challenging complications, particularly for patients who also require radiotherapy,” explained EBCC15 Chair Isabel Rubia (who was not involved in the research) from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid, Spain.
The presentation, recognized by the EBCC15 Multidisciplinary Team Award, provides evidence-based guidance for breast cancer reconstructive surgery, particularly for patients likely to need radiotherapy. Overall, the study could enhance long-term quality of life and aesthetic outcomes while reducing healthcare costs that come with corrective procedures.
Abstract no: 2, “The impact of polyurethane coated implants on the risk of capsular contracture after immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiotherapy: the OPBC-09 PRExRT study”, in Plenary session ‘Opening of the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference and Awards’, 09:00-10:30 hrs, Wednesday 25 March, Rooms 113–116. https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000983000
Our top picks for the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-15)
Navigate EBCC-15 with confidence. We’ve identified must-attend sessions that deliver the latest breast cancer insights.
Tailored radiotherapy yields low recurrence, even after 10 years
A multicenter study has shown that implementing risk-stratified radiotherapy (based on post-chemotherapy lymph node status) achieves remarkably low 10-year locoregional recurrence rates (2.9%) in early breast cancer patients.
“This study examined whether it’s possible to scale back radiotherapy in patients whose cancer shows a good response when chemotherapy is given prior to surgery,” explained Fleur Mauritz (Maastricht Radiation Oncology Institute, The Netherlands), who presented the findings at EBCC15.
The study highlighted that tailoring radiation intensity to pathologic response, ranging from omission in node-negative mastectomy patients to comprehensive nodal irradiation in high-risk cases, maintained long-term disease control across all risk groups (2.4–3.2% recurrence).
The approach potentially spares low-risk patients from unnecessary radiation toxicity while maintaining oncologic safety.
“A major strength of our study is that it’s the first to demonstrate the benefits of tailoring radiotherapy for this group of patients over a 10-year period. It is important to note that most patients in the study underwent axillary lymph node dissection, a procedure that was common 10 years ago but is used less often in current practice. This study did not compare patients treated with and without radiation therapy. For the final conclusion, we will have to wait for the results of a randomized trial from the USA, which are expected in 3 years,” Mauritz added.
Abstract no: 1, ‘Radiotherapy Long term results of Radiation therapy de-escalation in cT1-2N1 breast cancer After Primary CHEMotherapy (RAPCHEM: BOOG 2010-03): 10-year follow-up results of a Dutch, prospective, registry study’, by Fleur Mauritz et al, presented in ‘Opening of the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference and Awards’, Plenary session, Rooms 113–116, 09:00–10:30 hrs CET, Wednesday 25 March. https://cm.eortc.org/cmPortal/Searchable/ebcc15/config/Normal#!abstractdetails/0000983400
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