The integrated evaluation of the results of oncoplastic surgery for locally advanced breast cancer

Abstract

The optimal surgical management of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) remains undefined. The aim of the study was to obtain long-term results of oncoplastic surgery in terms of overall survival, loco-regional recurrence, and quality of life in case of LABC. Prospective cohort study enrolled 60 patients with stage III breast cancer. Forty-two (70%) patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, 28 patients were considered suitable for surgery as initial treatment option. Type II oncoplastic surgery was performed for all patients: hemimastectomy and breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap - for 29 (48.3%), lumpectomy - 31 (51.7%), and reconstruction with subaxillary flap for four (6.7%), with bilateral reduction mammoplasty - 14 (23.3%) and with J-plastic - 13 (21.7%) patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy and hormonal therapy followed surgery for all, except one, patients. Sequential radiotherapy was administered for all patients. The mean period of follow-up was 86 months. Postoperative morbidity rate was 5%. Local-regional recurrence was detected in six (10%) patients. After reoperation no local relapse was diagnosed. However, three of these patients had systemic dissemination of the disease. Distant metastasis was detected in 23 (38.3%) patients. Distant metastasis-free survival at 5 years was 61.7%. Fourteen patients died (23.3%). A total of 87.2% of the patients had good and excellent esthetic outcome. Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery can be proposed for selected patients with LABC with acceptable complication, local recurrence rate, and good esthetic results.

Keywords: locally advanced breast cancer; oncoplastic surgery; results.