ABSTRACT

Background: There is concern from in-vitro studies that adipose-derived stem cells could promote cancer recurrence through their proliferative properties. The impact of immediate lipofilling (ILF) in the setting of breast conserving surgery (BCS) on oncological outcomes, complications and patient-reported outcomes are unknown.

Methods: A systematic search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central was conducted for studies investigating the impact of ILF in patients undergoing BCS. Random-effects meta-analysis were conducted for oncological outcomes (local [LR], regional [RR], distant [DR] and overall recurrence).

Results: Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria including 252 patients. The pooled LR, RR, DR and overall recurrence rates were 2.38 %, 1.52 %, 3.03 % and 5.95 %, respectively (median follow-up, 39 months). A metaanalysis of studies comparing ILF (n = 170) with no-ILF (n = 362) found no difference in LR (OR, 0.77; 95 % CI, 0.19–3.17; p = 0.714), RR (OR 1.73, 95 % CI 0.36–8.21, p = 0.686), DR (OR 1.37, 95 % CI, 0.51–3.63; p = 0.627) or overall recurrence (OR 1.23, 95 % CI, 0.60–2.52; p = 0.569). Cancer-specific survival in the ILF group was 100 % compared to 98.7 % with no-ILF. Post-operative calcifications (12.9 % [21/163] vs. 0 %; [0/72], p = 0.002) and fat necrosis (7.8 % (17/217] vs. 2.8 % [8/283], p = 0.011) were significantly more common with ILF, but early complications (e.g. haematoma and infection) showed no difference (p > 0.05). Three studies reported superior Breast-Q scores in ILF compared to no-ILF. No randomised controlled trials have been conducted.

Conclusion: Immediate lipofilling following BCS appears oncologically safe, enhances aesthetic outcomes and causes minimal morbidity, but higher-quality studies are required.