[Prophylactic breast surgery in high-risk breast cancer patients]

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer associated with pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes requires specific management. This review examines the prognostic benefits, prophylactic surgical strategies, and impact on quality of life of patients at very high risk of breast cancer. Breast surgical prophylaxis concerns women at high risk of breast cancer with a risk assessment based on their personal and family history, or by diagnosis of pathogenic variants in high-risk genes. Personalized management is based on enhanced clinical and radiological monitoring, the use of predictive tools such as BOADICEA, and surgical options such as prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, which can reduce the risk of cancer by over 90 %. Although its impact on overall survival is still debated, advances in surgical techniques have significantly improved aesthetic results and patient satisfaction, thanks to modern reconstruction methods. The surgical strategy, whether primary or secondary, must be individualized, considering the patient's history, therapeutic needs, and preferences. Mastectomy with preservation of the skin envelope, often performed in one or two stages, offers significant psychosocial benefits, although radiotherapy may increase the risk of complications. Options include immediate reconstruction, by implant or autologous technique, adapted to the patient's morphology and any adjuvant treatments.

Conclusion: Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy is an effective strategy for reducing the risk of breast cancer, particularly in patients with pathogenic BRCA gene variants. Personalized assessment, detailed information on risks and impacts, and the use of decision-support tools are essential to enable informed choices tailored to individual patient needs.

Keywords: BRCA mutations; Breast cancer risk reduction; Genetic predisposition; Mastectomie prophylactique; Mutations BRCA; Patient satisfaction; Prophylactic mastectomy; Prédisposition génétique; Quality of life; Qualité de vie; Réduction du risque de cancer du sein; Satisfaction des patientes.