Breast reconstruction choices after mastectomy when radiotherapy is planned

Breast Reconstruction and Radiotherapy: a Nationwide Cohort Study on Care Evaluation and Optimization

Observational Erasmus Medical Center · NCT07178886

This nationwide prospective effort will compare reconstruction types and timing to see if certain approaches give better satisfaction, fewer complications, and lower costs for adults having mastectomy plus radiotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment750 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam)
Trial IDNCT07178886 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a nationwide prospective observational comparison of different breast reconstruction approaches (implant versus autologous tissue) and their timing in relation to radiotherapy. Adults with unilateral non-metastatic breast cancer who will have mastectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy are enrolled, with exclusions for prior thoracic radiotherapy or prior breast cancer. Investigators will collect patient-reported outcomes, clinical toxicity and complication data, oncological safety metrics, and health-care cost information over follow-up. The goal is to generate evidence to improve shared decision-making and the cost-effectiveness of reconstruction strategies when radiotherapy is part of treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) with unilateral non-metastatic breast cancer who will have mastectomy and planned adjuvant radiotherapy and who can give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with prior thoracic radiotherapy, a history of prior breast cancer, metastatic disease, or other excluded malignancies are not eligible and therefore will not benefit from the study's findings directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help patients and clinicians choose reconstruction approaches and timing that improve satisfaction and reduce complications when radiotherapy is required.

How similar studies have performed: Only a few high-quality prospective comparisons exist; smaller studies have suggested higher complication rates with implants after radiotherapy, but comprehensive nationwide prospective data are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Diagnosed with unilateral non-metastatic breast cancer
* (to be) Treated with mastectomy and to be treated with adjuvant radiotherapy
* Willing and able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of DCIS or invasive breast cancer
* Previous thoracic radiotherapy treatment
* History of other malignancies (except for patients with basal or squamous cell skin cancer, in situ carcinoma of the cervix and patients who are disease-free at least 5 years following successful treatment for other malignancies)

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast cancerMastectomyRadiotherapyReconstructionQuality of lifePatient Reported Outcomes
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.