Immunotherapy and Breast Reconstruction: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Immunotherapy is transforming breast cancer management, but it also presents new challenges for surgical and reconstructive practice. This review summarizes current evidence on immune checkpoint inhibitors, perioperative safety, and immune-related adverse events, highlighting their impact on surgical timing, postoperative recovery, and reconstructive outcomes. We also discuss interactions between implants and the tumor immune microenvironment and emphasize the need for individualized perioperative management. Finally, we identify key research gaps, including long-term toxicity, real-world surgical outcomes, and predictive biomarkers to guide reconstructive surgeons in integrating immunotherapy into multidisciplinary care.
Source: Cancer Medicine
DOI: 10.1002/cam4.71794
Institutions: The First People's Hospital of Changde, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, The University of Texas at Arlington, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Fu Wai Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,700
Award: G5124517839
OpenAlex ID: W7160436254