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Submuscular breast tissue expander may be optimal in proton beam radiotherapy

Submuscular placement of breast tissue expanders may be preferable to subcutaneous placement in patients undergoing proton beam radiotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

The researchers assessed the structural and dosimetric properties of one tissue expander with internal struts and another without internal structure. Results showed that the struts demonstrated minimal impact on the procedure. However, the metal tissue expander port altered the dynamics of proton beam radiotherapy. This, in turn, may increase uncertainty in the range of the beam.

The researchers concluded that a submuscular approach may be the more attractive strategy to yield optimal dose distribution of radiation. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.