New research presented at the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona on Mar. 24 suggests that using polyurethane-coated breast implants may lower the risk of painful scar tissue and additional surgeries for women undergoing reconstruction after mastectomy and radiotherapy.
This topic is important because many women treated for breast cancer with mastectomy choose to have reconstructive surgery, but face a significant risk of complications such as capsular contracture, where hard scar tissue forms around the implant. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and changes in breast shape.
The study included 1,455 women from 26 sites in 15 countries who were treated between 2016 and 2024. All participants had a mastectomy followed by reconstruction with either a polyurethane-coated or non-polyurethane-coated silicone implant and received radiotherapy. Researchers tracked outcomes for two-and-a-half to three years after treatment. They found that those with polyurethane-coated implants had lower rates of capsular contracture (32.8% compared to 47.5%) and fewer required a second operation to remove scar tissue (9.3% compared to 25.7%). The risks of major infection or urgent removal of the implant were also reduced.
Dr Kerstin Wimmer, presenting the findings, said: "It is well known that radiotherapy after mastectomy increases the risk of complications in women who have breast reconstruction with an implant. One of the most important complications is capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant, leading to a hard, uncomfortable and sometimes painful breast, but also to visible changes in breast shape." Wimmer added: "Our study suggests that women who received polyurethane-coated implants had far fewer problems after radiotherapy than those who received standard implants... For clinicians, it provides important evidence to help guide reconstructive planning for patients who are likely to need radiotherapy." She noted factors influencing implant choice include surgeon experience, availability, cost, regulations and patient needs.
The research was recognized with an award at EBCC15 and conducted within the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium framework.
Professor Isabel Rubio from Clínica Universidad de Navarra commented: "This study highlights an important step forward in improving long-term outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy... The findings suggest that polyurethane-coated implants may reduce the risk of capsular contracture and the need for additional corrective surgery." Rubio said further studies are needed but emphasized that such evidence helps personalize care so patients not only survive cancer but also recover better.
