Immediate breast reconstruction
– The Eleventh Dutch Snapshot study –
Background
Each year, approximately 6,000 breast cancer patients in the Netherlands undergo a mastectomy. Restoring the breast contour through either immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) or delayed reconstruction has been shown to significantly improve quality of life, especially for young women. Over the past decade, the use of IBR following mastectomy has increased in the Netherlands, both for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer. However, there remains significant variation in IBR application across hospitals nationwide. The DECIDE snapshot study aims to understand the factors driving this variation and promote a more equitable use of IBR.
Objective
The aim of the study is to investigate the following questions considering IBR after mastectomy in primary breast cancer patients in the Netherlands.
- Providing a comprehensive overview of the current incidence of IBR and the factors influencing its use after mastectomy in the Netherlands;
- Identify the causes of national variation in IBR rates and offer potential solutions to ensure more consistent and equitable care
Study design
The DECIDE study is a national, multicenter snapshot study. All hospitals providing breast cancer care in the Netherlands will be invited to participate. Data will be collected on indications for mastectomy, reasons for opting for or against IBR, and final recommendations for IBR. Additionally, the breast contour preservation rate will be assessed after 5 years.
Study population
All female patients undergoing mastectomy, with or without IBR, for either DCIS or invasive breast cancer over a one-year period per hospital.
Results
A total of 46 hospitals are participating in the study, with a good representation of the whole country and different provinces (Figure 1). All hospitals are open for enrollment for 1 year. Currently 550 patients are enrolled. First results are expected at the end of 2025.
Planning
46 participating hospitals, 550 patients, no publications yet