Research

Get information on clinical studies and research on breast reconstruction.

Peer-reviewed Journal Publications

A list of Peer-reviewed Journal Publications by our Surgeons and researchers.


introduction

We know that having your breast(s) reconstructed is a personal decision that has a tremendous impact on how you feel about yourself and your body. Our research is focused on understanding more about the personal impacts of breast reconstruction procedures on patient satisfaction and quality of life.

We currently offer every technique of reconstruction from DIEP flaps, to thigh and buttock flaps, as well as two-stage and one-stage implant based breast reconstructions. However, what no one knows is which one of these techniques provides the best long-term cosmetic result, has the least trauma on your body, and produces the greatest satisfaction in the long run. Therefore, the ultimate goal of our research is to acquire a better understanding of the impact of each procedure on these aspects of your life.

We have a number of breast reconstruction clinical trials comparing different procedures and questionnaire outcome studies that you may be interested in learning more about and our Clinical Research Coordinator, Kate Butler, is always available to provide more detailed information about each of these studies.

Your participation may not be of direct benefit to you but we hope that it will help us to improve patient care and benefit other women and breast cancer survivors choosing breast reconstruction surgery in the future.


current clinical studies

1

James Lind Alliance Priority Setting in Breast Reconstruction Research

We were awarded a 5-year Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant to lead a national team of plastic surgeons, breast surgeons, researchers, and patients who are committed to improving the quality and delivery of breast reconstruction in Canada. We are following a rigorous new methodology to determine unanswered research questions in breast reconstruction. Phase one and two of the survey involve collecting and ranking the research questions. The third step involves finalizing the top 10 research priorities that matter to patients, caregivers and clinicians. Finally, we will present this list to granting agencies for funding.

2

Acellular Dermal Matrix in Direct to Implant Breast Reconstruction – A clinical trial

We are the principal investigators of this MCCAT (multi-centre Canadian Acellular dermal matrix Trial) where we are studying the safety and efficacy of the novel acellular dermal matrix assisted direct to implant breast reconstruction method compared to the traditional two-stage tissue expander-implant method. This study is closed. We are currently analyzing our results and foresee publication of our results before the end of 2018.

3

Breast Surgery Quality of Life Outcomes

It is a prospective study of breast surgery patients looking at changes in psychosocial functioning over time. The purpose is to determine differences between short and long term patient satisfaction and quality of life outcomes. We plan to compare impact of different surgical treatments for breast cancer including breast reconstruction following breast cancer and women at high genetic risk of breast cancer undergoing prophylactic mastectomies.


For additional information on any of our research studies, please contact the research team.

  • Kate Butler

    Research Coordinator II                       

    416-340-4800 ext. 2343 kate.butler@uhnresearch.ca

  • Muna Hassan

    Clinical Research Coordinator I National Research Consortium

    416-340-4800 ext. 5799 muna.hassan@uhnresearch.ca