New Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment Highlighted at EBCC-15
Barcelona, Spain – The 15th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC-15), held March 25-27, 2026, in Barcelona, Spain, showcased significant advancements in breast cancer care, including promising results with polyurethane-coated breast implants and tailored radiotherapy approaches. Key findings presented at the conference aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Polyurethane-Coated Implants Reduce Scarring After Mastectomy
A multicenter study involving 1,455 women across 15 countries demonstrated that polyurethane-coated breast implants significantly reduce the incidence of scar tissue and the need for revision surgery, as well as associated infection risks. The study, recognized with the EBCC15 Multidisciplinary Team Award, provides evidence-based guidance for breast cancer reconstructive surgery, particularly for patients requiring radiotherapy.
“This study highlights an important step forward in improving long-term outcomes for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy,” explained Isabel Rubia, from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid, Spain, who was not involved in the research. “While reconstructive surgery has advanced considerably, capsular contracture (scarring) remains one of the most challenging complications, particularly for patients who also require radiotherapy.”
The research suggests that these implants could enhance long-term quality of life and aesthetic outcomes while potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with corrective procedures. Source. The study is detailed in abstract no: 2, “The impact of polyurethane coated implants on the risk of capsular contracture after immediate prepectoral breast reconstruction in the setting of postmastectomy radiotherapy: the OPBC-09 PRExRT study,” presented in the plenary session ‘Opening of the 15th European Breast Cancer Conference and Awards’ on Wednesday, March 25.
Tailored Radiotherapy Shows Low Recurrence Rates After 10 Years
Another study presented at EBCC-15 revealed that tailoring radiotherapy based on a patient’s individual risk – specifically, post-chemotherapy lymph node status – results in remarkably low 10-year locoregional recurrence rates (2.9%) in early breast cancer patients.
“This study examined whether it’s possible to scale back radiotherapy in patients whose cancer shows a good response when chemotherapy is given prior to surgery,” explained Fleur Mauritz (Maastricht Radiation Oncology Institute, The Netherlands).
The research indicated that adjusting radiation intensity to the pathologic response – ranging from omitting radiation in node-negative mastectomy patients to comprehensive nodal irradiation in high-risk cases – maintains excellent disease control across all risk groups (2.4–3.2% recurrence). This approach may spare low-risk patients from unnecessary radiation toxicity while preserving oncologic safety.
“A major strength of our study is that it’s the first to demonstrate the benefits of tailoring radiotherapy for this group of patients over a 10-year period,” Mauritz added. “most patients in the study underwent axillary lymph node dissection, a procedure that was common 10 years ago but is used less often in current practice. For the final conclusion, we will have to wait for the results of a randomized trial from the USA, which are expected in 3 years.” Source. The study is detailed in abstract no: 1, ‘Radiotherapy Long term results of Radiation therapy de-escalation in cT1-2N1 breast cancer After Primary CHEMotherapy (RAPCHEM: BOOG 2010-03): 10-year follow-up results of a Dutch, prospective, registry study,’ presented by Mauritz et al.
The European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC) is an international multidisciplinary event that has been advancing breast cancer care since 1998. Learn more about EBCC.