The Impact of Breast Cancer Type, Staging, and Treatment on Vascular Complications of Immediate Free-Flap Breast Reconstruction

BackgroundPatients with advanced cancer staging have a greater risk of developing venous thromboembolism than noncancer patients. The impact of breast cancer stage and treatment on outcomes after autologous free-flap breast reconstruction (ABR) is not well-established. The objective of this retrospective study is to determine the impact of breast cancer characteristics, such as cancer stage, hormone receptor status, and neoadjuvant treatments, on vascular complications of ABR.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted examining patients who underwent ABR from 2009 to 2018. Breast cancer stage, cancer types, hormone receptor status, and treatments were collected in addition to demographic data. Intraoperative vascular concerns, postoperative vascular concerns, and flap loss were analyzed. Univariate analysis and fixed-effects models were used to associate breast cancer characteristics with outcomes.ResultsNeoadjuvant hormone therapy was associated with increased risk for intraoperative vascular concern (odds ratio, 1.059 [P = 0.0441]). Neoadjuvant trastuzumab was associated with decreased risk of postoperative vascular concern (odds ratio, 0.941 [P = 0.018]). Breast cancer stage, somatic genetic mutation, receptor types, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and neoadjuvant radiation had no effect on any vascular complications of ABR.ConclusionAutologous free-flap breast reconstruction is a reliable reconstructive option for patients with all stages and types of breast cancer. There is potentially increased risk of intraoperative microvascular compromise in patients who have neoadjuvant hormone therapy. Trastuzumab is potentially protective against postoperative microvascular compromise. Patients should feel confident that, despite higher stage cancer, they can pursue their desired reconstructive option without fear of vascular compromise.