Creation and Implementation a Method for Breast Reconstruction After Radical Surgery Using Decellularized Xenomatrix in Combination With Lymphovenous Anastomosis in Breast Cancer.

Overview

In 2020, more than 31,000 new cancer cases were reported in Kazakhstan, with breast cancer being the most common type, accounting for more than 4,200 new cases. This pattern has also been observed in previous years, making breast cancer a major public health concern in the country. Fortunately, approximately 94% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at stages I-III, when treatment is generally possible. Nevertheless, treatment, particularly surgery, can be physically and emotionally challenging. Patients may develop postoperative complications such as scar contractures and lymphedema. In addition, breast loss can significantly affect body image, sense of femininity, psychological well-being, and social reintegration. To improve functional and psychosocial outcomes, immediate breast reconstruction has become an important component of modern breast cancer surgery. Implant-based immediate reconstruction is widely used and can restore breast contour during the same surgical procedure as tumor removal. However, implant-based reconstruction in breast cancer patients requires reliable fixation and coverage of the implant. Synthetic meshes are commonly used for this purpose, but they may be associated with complications such as inflammation, fibrosis, infection, and implant exposure. An alternative approach is the use of biological materials derived from animal tissues, particularly acellular collagen matrices. These materials are designed to provide structural support while allowing integration with surrounding tissues. Their clinical performance, however, may vary depending on their biological origin and processing methods, and their high cost can limit their accessibility. To address these limitations, Kazakhstani researchers developed a domestic acellular xenogeneic matrix (AXM) based on specially processed bovine peritoneum. The material has demonstrated promising results as a wound covering in preclinical and clinical studies, including applications involving implantation within the body. The current research aims to evaluate whether AXM can be effectively used as a fixation material for breast implants in patients undergoing immediate breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. Because implant fixation requires sufficient mechanical strength and stable integration with surrounding tissues, further clinical evaluation is needed to establish the safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of AXM as a domestic alternative to commercially available biological matrices.

According to official statistical data for 2020, 31,505 new cases of cancer were registered in Kazakhstan. Among them, 4,272 were cases of malignant breast neoplasms, making breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in the country. This trend has also been observed in previous years, highlighting breast cancer as an important public health concern. Despite the fact that approximately 94.3% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at stages I-III, when effective treatment is generally possible, treatment itself remains a significant challenge for patients. Surgical treatment may be associated with delayed complications such as scar contractures and lymphedema. From a psychosocial and quality-of-life perspective, breast loss may significantly affect body image, sense of femininity, psychological well-being, and social reintegration. In modern breast oncology, immediate breast reconstruction with implants has become an important component of surgical treatment. However, implant-based reconstruction requires reliable fixation and adequate coverage of the implant. Synthetic meshes, including those based on polytetrafluoroethylene and other synthetic polymers, are commonly used for this purpose but may be associated with complications such as reactive inflammation, fibrosis, infection, and implant exposure. As an alternative to synthetic materials, acellular collagen matrices of animal origin have been introduced into reconstructive breast surgery. These biological materials provide structural support and may facilitate integration with surrounding tissues. However, studies have demonstrated that xenogeneic matrices can differ substantially in their biological behavior depending on their tissue origin and processing methods. In addition, the high cost of commercially available matrices remains a significant limitation to their widespread use. To address this issue, a group of Kazakhstani researchers developed and patented a domestic wound covering based on acellular bovine peritoneum, known as AXM. The material has demonstrated promising results as a wound covering in preclinical and clinical settings, including applications involving implantation within the body. However, the use of AXM as a fixation material for breast implants represents a distinct clinical application. Unlike wound coverage, implant fixation requires the matrix to withstand mechanical tension and provide stable long-term support while integrating with the surrounding tissues. Given the differences in the biological and mechanical properties of xenogeneic matrices from different sources, the safety, effectiveness, and reliability of the domestic AXM as a fixation material for breast implants require further clinical evaluation.