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ESEARCHERS FROM BROWN University and the University of Akron are leading the way in developing breast implants that deter or even detect cancer cells. These advancements might
have a huge impact on women who have had breast cancer or those with a history of the disease in their family. Biomedical scientists at Brown University
have published results in Nanotechnology documenting their creation of an implant with a microscopic 'bed-of-nails' surface that prevents cancer cells from dwelling and thriving. 'It's a surface that's hospitable to healthy breast
cells and less so for cancerous breast cells,' said lead researcher, Thomas Webster. 'This is like a bed-of-nails surface to them.' Webster and Lijuan Zhang, a chemistry
graduate student, tested a range of raised surface implants and discovered that those with microscopic 'pimples measuring 23 nanometres
Cytori Therapeutics has announced the publication of RESTORE-2 trial results in the peer-reviewed European Journal of Surgical Oncology. RESTORE-2 is a 71-patient
multi-centre, prospective clinical trial using autologous adipose-derived regenerative cell (ADRC)-enriched fat grafting for reconstruction of the breast after cancer surgery. The majority of patients underwent radiation prior to the procedure, creating an unfavourable ischaemic environment for which breast reconstruction with ADRC-enriched fat grafting appears to be ideally suited.
A round-up of news stories in the aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine industry
New R&D underway for implants that may deter and even detect cancer cells
each were most successful in helping healthy cells to grow. After just one day, this surface yielded 15% more healthy endothelial breast cells compared with a normal surface in tests. Researchers hope human trials using this technology will begin within 5 years. In a related story,
materials scientist Judit E. Puska and her team at the University of Akron are developing a breast implant that would help detect and destroy cancer cells through a $100000 award from the GE Healthymagination Cancer Challenge. This contest generated more than 500 ideas from 40 countries and more than 200 academic institutions and researchers. The new type of breast implant would have
CANCER-FIGHTING BREAST IMPLANTS
imbedded medication in the implants' polymer material that would help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and possibly even target and destroy stray cancer cells. Puskas has collaborated for 7 years with Dr Steven P. Schmidt, who is working on the biocompatibility and medical application of the product. He says, 'The ability to locally target drug delivery has the potential to dramatically improve the course of treatment for breast cancer patients.' According to the Society for
American
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are two of the most popular plastic surgery procedures
performed last year, with almost 444000 surgeries performed.
BREAST RECONSTRUCTION CELL THERAPY TRIAL RESULTS Key findings of the trial were:
■ High rates of investigator (85%) and patient (75%) satisfaction with the overall treatment results at 12 months
■ High rates of investigator (87%) and patient (67%) satisfaction with overall breast deformity (based on functional and cosmetic outcomes) at 12 months
■ Improved breast contour at both 6 and 12 months, demonstrated by blinded MRI assessment
■ No local cancer recurrences or serious adverse events related to the ADRC-enriched fat grafting procedure.
'Following cancer treatment, the patient's breast tissue can suffer from radiation injury, scarring and tight skin,' said Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Eva Weiler- Mithoff, co-principal investigator for RESTORE-2 at the NHS Glasgow Royal Infirmary Hospital. 'This new technique is exciting because it may offer the opportunity to resolve some of the most difficult to treat conditions where other approaches, including fat alone, do not achieve satisfactory results.' ADRC-enriched partial
mastectomy breast reconstruction is marketed in the EU as the RESTORE Procedure and represents
an innovative treatment option with the potential for significant cost savings. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. Satisfactory results can be achieved in a single procedure for the majority of patients. In contrast, competitive approaches are more costly with lengthy hospital stays, repeat procedures, and increase the overall burden on the healthcare system. Furthermore, because of these limitations, physicians are often reluctant to recommend reconstruction for patients with partial mastectomy defects and radiation-induced damage in the breast.
prime-journal.com | April/May 2012 ❚ 9
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