Comparative Outcomes of Proton versus Photon Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy in Pre-Pectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Abstract

Introduction: The rising popularity of pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction (PP-IBBR) and proton radiation lacks outcomes data. We aim to compare complications in PP-IBBR with photon (XRT) versus proton (PRT) post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT).

Methods: A single-institution retrospective cohort study included breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy and PP-IBBR with PMRT (January 2020-October 2022) with two-year follow-up after surgery. We assessed for minor infection (requiring oral antibiotics), major infections (requiring intravenous antibiotics), wound complications, flap necrosis, seromas, re-operations, capsular contracture, and implant failures (requiring implant removal for any of the aforementioned complications, except for rupture) including implant exposure.

Results: 116 PP-IBBR receiving PMRT were analyzed dividing into two cohorts: Photon (XRT) (n=75, 64.7%) and Proton (PRT) (n=41, 35.3%). Overall, XRT showed more complications compared to PRT. Major infection, minor infection, delayed wound healing, partial flap necrosis, seroma development, re-operations, implant failure, and capsular contracture of all grades as well as grade 3 and 4 capsular contracture were seen more in XRT compared to PRT. Compared to PRT, XRT was significantly associated with higher risk of ≥2 complications in univariable analysis (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.02-13.53, p=0.047) and in the multivariable model adjusting for the stage (OR: 4.84, 95% CI: 1.27-18.46, p=0.021). Compared to stages 1-2, stages 3-4 were significantly associated with higher risk of ≥2 complications (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.21-9.57, p=0.021) adjusting for radiation type.

Conclusion: Compared to traditional XRT, PRT had fewer complications in patients with PP-IBBR. PRT is a safer option, warranting larger studies and broader utilization in clinical practice.