Bottom Line: One technique to correct disfiguring deformities after breast cancer surgery is autologous fat transfer (AFT or fat grafting), which involves injecting a patient's own fat into a soft tissue deformity. Previous studies examining the safety of this procedure in regard to cancer relapse have been limited by a relatively short follow-up. This study included nearly 600 women with breast cancer who underwent fat grafting or conventional breast reconstruction. After five years of follow-up, fat grafting wasn't associated with increased rates of cancer relapse, with no significant difference in the rate of cancer relapse between the two groups. Although the study didn't demonstrate significant differences in recurrence rates, it cannot eliminate the possibility that an association between AFT and cancer relapse may still be present.
Authors: Todor Krastev, M.D., Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands, and coauthors
Related material: The commentary, "The Third Postmastectomy Reconstruction Option - Autologous Fat Transfer," by Roger K. Khouri, M.D., Miami Breast Center. Key Biscayne, Florida and coauthors, is also available on the For The Media website.
To Learn More: The full study is available on the For The Media website.
(doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2018.3744)
Editor's Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
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Journal
JAMA Surgery