A Scoping Review of Precision Medicine in Breast Reconstruction (2011-2025).

Abstract

Background: Personalization of medical care is a significant topic of interest. Precision medicine denotes customized medical treatments based on individual genetic, molecular, and/or biomarker data. We conducted a scoping review to identify studies exploring precision medicine in breast reconstruction. Objectives: (1) To map the existing literature, (2) to identify key concepts, and (3) to discuss current and future clinical implications of precision medicine in breast reconstruction. Eligibility criteria: Indexed journal articles (primary research studies) relating to precision medicine in breast reconstruction written in the English language. Sources of evidence: Medline (via Pubmed), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Charting methods: Data charting of selected studies was performed independently by two reviewers using Microsoft Excel. Any discrepancies in data charting were addressed through inter-reviewer discussion and/or expert review. Results: Of 321 initial records, 9 studies that were published between 2011 and 2025 were included in the final review. Eight studies focused predominantly on genomics, and one study focused predominantly on targeted therapies. Genomic-based studies were frequently implemented to evaluate patient risk and inform clinical decision-making, while targeted therapies were used to optimize reconstructive outcomes through cell-based therapies. Conclusions: There is a limited but emerging body of literature on precision medicine in breast reconstruction. Genomic data are the driving force of precision medicine in breast reconstruction, and multiple potential avenues exist to achieve translational applications in the short-term period. Future efforts should focus on translating known genomic data into real-time clinical applications and investing in precision-based research for targeted therapies and regenerative medicine in breast reconstruction.