New progress in polymer mesh for breast cancer surgeries

A recent collaboration is making progress in its exploration of polymer mesh for use in breast cancer surgery.

The group of 90 oncology and breast surgeons met in Birmingham late last year to share techniques and polymer-based technologies for oncological breast cancer surgery. Doctors across Europe have collaborated to launch the iBRA study — a comparison of best practices in breast surgery that will also evaluate clinical and patient outcomes of implant-based reconstruction. For the first time, this clinical study will explore the use of polymer matrix mesh in breast cancer surgery. 

The iBRA study will closely examine infection rates in breast surgery and look at how polymer-based mesh products like the 'TIGR Matrix' from Novus Scientific can reduce, or eliminate, the incidence of infection. So far, 28 hospitals have participated in collecting data from hundreds of breast cancer patients. Another 28 hospitals and medical centres have committed to offering data according to Shelley Potter a lecturer and a coordinator of the study.

The group came together recently for a launch meeting, which offered a comprehensive overview of the study, including its design, outcomes and current progress. 

Dr. Peter Schrenk presented his experience with TIGR Matrix based on over 200 breast surgeries. He spoke on behalf of Novus Scientific AB during a panel discussion about current techniques for implant-assisted breast reconstruction. Dr. Schrenk is a breast surgeon specialising in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery and Director of the Breast Unit at AKH Linz in Linz, Austria. He described the mesh as "pliable mesh and easy to use,” adding “TIGR mesh is less expensive than the other meshes.”