1. What is PRP and How is it Used in Breast Cancer Surgery?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a plasma rich in platelets, obtained from the patient's own blood with a high concentration of platelets. PRP is commonly used to accelerate wound healing, support tissue repair, and reduce pain. The growth factors and cytokines in PRP stimulate cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.
Breast cancer surgery involves procedures such as mastectomy or lumpectomy, which involve partial or complete removal of breast tissue. These surgeries can lead to significant tissue loss and wound formation. PRP comes into play here by accelerating recovery and reducing the risk of complications after these surgical procedures. PRP is used by injecting it into the surgical area or applying it over the wound during surgery. In this way, the recovery process is supported and the overall well-being of the patient is enhanced.
2. Biological Effects of PRP on Recovery
The biological effects of PRP on the recovery process stem from the growth factors it contains. These factors, released from platelets, accelerate wound healing and trigger various healing mechanisms at the cellular level. The main growth factors in PRP and their effects are as follows:
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF): Promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β): Supports cell differentiation and collagen synthesis.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the wound area.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF): Increases the growth and migration of epidermal cells.
Thanks to these growth factors, PRP ensures faster and more effective healing of wounds formed after breast cancer surgery. This healing process at the cellular level helps accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation in the wound area. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of PRP make wound healing safer by reducing the risk of infection.
3. Clinical Applications and Research Results of PRP
There are many clinical studies examining the effects of PRP on recovery after breast cancer surgery. These studies show that the use of PRP accelerates the recovery process and reduces complications. Here are some important studies and their results in this area:
Effect on Wound Healing: A 2019 study found that PRP helps the wound heal faster after mastectomy and results in less scar tissue. In this study, patients treated with PRP experienced less pain and had shorter recovery times compared to the control group.
Reduction of Infections and Complications: Another study conducted in 2021 showed that infection rates and other surgical complications were significantly reduced in patients treated with PRP. The growth factors and antimicrobial proteins in PRP supported healing by reducing the risk of infection in the wound area.
Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life: A 2020 study found that patients treated with PRP had an increase in overall quality of life and post-surgery satisfaction. PRP application helped patients return to their normal lives more quickly.
These studies demonstrate that PRP plays an important role in the recovery process after breast cancer surgery and enhances the overall well-being of patients. The positive effects of PRP, such as reducing the risk of complications and accelerating the recovery process, make it an important supportive treatment method in breast cancer treatment.
Conclusion
PRP is an effective treatment method that accelerates the recovery process and reduces complications after breast cancer surgery. Thanks to the growth factors and antimicrobial proteins it contains, it accelerates wound healing, reduces the risk of infection, and improves the quality of life for patients. Clinical studies show that PRP provides significant support in the post-surgery recovery process and increases overall patient satisfaction. Therefore, the application of PRP after breast cancer surgery can help patients have a faster and healthier recovery process.