Cytori Therapeutics (CYTX) Celution is cost-effective for Partial Breast Reconstruction
An economic analysis carried out by the UK NHS National Innovation Centre identified CYTX’s Celution® System for breast reconstruction as an innovative technology that is bringing benefits to National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and breast cancer patients.
- The analysis compared the cost and patient benefit resulting from Celution®-based cell-enriched reconstruction with that of fat grafting, (lipo-modeling). While there is currently no single commonly accepted standard-of-care for lumpectomy reconstruction, fat grafting is 1 of the procedures that may be offered to patients. When fat grafting is performed, it has been reported to require an average of 3 procedures to repair the defect, illustrating the need for new and improved options.
“The use of lipo-modeling for reconstruction after breast cancer surgery has become a common technique,” said Mr. Brian Winn, Head of Technology and Product Innovation at the NHS National Innovation Centre. “However, in patients who have undergone radiation therapy, repeat procedures are often required. CYTX’s Celution® System supplements a fat graft with a patient’s own adipose-derived regenerative cells to improve graft take and help regenerate damaged tissue. This minimally invasive treatment approach could reduce or eliminate the practice of repeat procedures, leading to significant cost savings for the NHS.”
The Bottom Line: the National Innovation Centre’s recognition is important since it may support wider adoption of cell-enriched reconstruction within the United Kingdom. The apparent benefits of the technique are correction of contour defects after breast conservation surgery, but its most important contribution lies in soft tissue defects after radiotherapy or wounds that can be improved by the body’s own repair cells. NHS figures state that 46K cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year. According to the National Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction Audit 2011, many women who choose reconstruction will experience improved psychological, emotional and physical outcomes.
