Assessing Quality of Life Post-Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Findings from an Interim Analysis of the REKO 001 Three-Arm Clinical Trial with a Decade of Follow-Up - Report - MDSpire

Assessing Quality of Life Post-Breast Reconstruction Surgery: Findings from an Interim Analysis of the REKO 001 Three-Arm Clinical Trial with a Decade of Follow-Up

  • By

  • B. Boeer

  • J. Kandzi

  • B. Schoenfisch

  • M. Marx

  • S. Guergan

  • I. Gruber

  • C. Roehm

  • G. Helms

  • A. Hartkopf

  • S. Y. Brucker

  • M. Hahn

  • April 7, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Quality of Life Post-Breast Reconstruction Surgery

Overview

Revise to specify if the higher complication rates are statistically significant.

Background

Breast cancer remains a significant health issue, with one in eight women diagnosed during their lifetime. Understanding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) post-surgery is essential, as it correlates with patient satisfaction and survival. The REKO 001 trial aims to fill the gap in longitudinal data comparing HRQoL across different surgical options over a decade.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the provided material.

Key Findings

  • Patients undergoing autologous reconstruction (DIEP/FCI) report improved HRQoL at five months post-surgery.
  • Higher complication rates were observed in the autologous reconstruction group compared to mastectomy and implant-based reconstruction.
  • The study utilized the BREAST-Q and FACT-B questionnaires to assess HRQoL outcomes.
  • Long-term follow-up of 10 years is planned to further evaluate HRQoL across surgical techniques.
  • Patient recruitment for the trial spanned from January 2017 to March 2022.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should consider the potential for improved quality of life when discussing reconstruction options with patients, particularly those opting for autologous methods. The findings underscore the importance of addressing patient expectations and satisfaction in preoperative consultations.

Conclusion

The interim analysis of the REKO 001 trial highlights the complex interplay between surgical choice and quality of life outcomes, emphasizing the need for personalized patient care in breast cancer treatment.

References

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Evaluating Health-Related Quality of Life Post-Breast Reconstruction
  2. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Longitudinal Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients
  3. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Impact of Surgical Intervention on Quality of Life in Patients with Operable Breast Cancer
  4. BJS (British Journal of Surgery), Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Mastectomy
  5. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, 2026
  6. Quality of life after breast (reconstructive) surgery, REKO 001
  7. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®)
  8. Quality of life after breast (reconstructive) surgery—an interim analysis of a prospective three-arm clinical trial with a 10-year follow-up (REKO 001) - PMC
  9. A Randomized Trial of Hypofractionated Post-Mastectomy Radiation Therapy (PMRT) in Women with Breast Reconstruction (RT CHARM, Alliance A221505) - ScienceDirect

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