PARTial BREast RECONstruction With Chest Wall Perforator Flap
This study focuses on women who have had surgery for early-stage breast cancer (stages 1-3) where only part of the breast was removed, and then rebuilt using tissue from their own chest wall. This type of surgery is called partial breast reconstruction. Researchers want to observe and understand the real-world experiences and outcomes of these women. They will look at things like the patient's age and health, details about their tumour, the surgical techniques used, and any other treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The main goal is to gather information about this specific surgical approach to help improve care for future patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've had surgery for early-stage breast cancer, and the doctor has taken out the cancerous part, but not the whole breast. Sometimes, this can leave a dent or an uneven look. This study is all about a special way to rebuild that part of the breast using your own tissue, usually from close by on your chest. It's called "partial breast reconstruction using chest wall perforator flaps." Researchers want to learn more about how well this works for women and what their experiences are like.
This isn't a study where doctors are trying out new treatments. Instead, it's an "observational study." This means they are simply watching and collecting information about women who are already having this type of surgery as part of their routine care. They'll look at different details like your age, overall health, specific characteristics of your tumour, and the treatments you receive, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The main aim is to understand the results of this specific reconstruction method. By gathering this information, doctors hope to get a clearer picture of who benefits most from this surgery, how successful it is, and what factors might influence the outcome. This knowledge can then help improve how they advise and treat women needing breast reconstruction in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study observes outcomes of breast reconstruction after partial breast cancer surgery.
- It focuses on using your own tissue from the chest wall.
- You won't undergo new treatments or extra appointments for this study.
- Data collected will help improve future patient care.
- Participation involves allowing access to existing medical records.
- You can withdraw from the study at any point.
Who may be eligible?
This study is for women who are having, or have had, surgery to remove part of their breast due to cancer, and are then having it rebuilt using tissue from their chest wall. This includes women who might be having this reconstruction done at the same time as their cancer surgery, or at a later date to fix any shape differences.
To be included, the surgeons performing the operations must have experience with this particular technique, and the hospitals involved need to be performing a certain number of these procedures each year. This helps ensure that the information gathered is from experienced teams.
However, this study is not for women who are having their whole breast removed (a mastectomy), even if they are having reconstruction immediately afterwards. It also doesn't include women who are having a different type of partial breast reconstruction where tissue is simply moved around within the remaining breast, rather than bringing in tissue from outside the breast.
- I am having, or have had, only part of my breast removed for cancer.
- I am having reconstruction using tissue from my chest wall (not just rearrangement of breast tissue).
- I am not having my entire breast removed (mastectomy).
- I am 18 years old or older.
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
As an observational study, taking part would primarily involve allowing the study team to collect information from your existing medical records. This means they would look at details about your health, your breast cancer, the specific surgeries you have, and any other treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy. You would not need to take any new medications, have extra appointments, or undergo additional tests specifically for this study. The study would follow your health journey as recorded in your clinic notes for a period of time, without directly involving you in extra steps.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS TrustCambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is partial breast reconstruction?
It's surgery to reshape or fill out the breast after only a part of it has been removed for cancer, using your own tissue from somewhere else on your chest wall.
Is this study trying out a new treatment?
No, this study is not testing a new treatment. It's an "observational study," which means researchers are simply collecting information about standard care that women are already receiving.
Who will see my personal information?
Your records will be handled confidentially by the study team. Only authorised personnel involved in the research will have access to your anonymised data.
Do I need to do anything extra if I join the study?
No, you don't need extra visits or tests. The study mainly collects information from your existing medical records regarding your treatment and recovery.
Can I change my mind about taking part?
Yes, you can decide to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your ongoing medical care or treatment.
How to find out more
Amit Agrawal, DM, FRCS
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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