Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in oncological patients: long-term oncological outcome analysis of the treatment of subcutaneous venous access device scars in 89 breast cancer patients

Purpose Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used product, and meta-analyses showed this product to be beneficial when applied to a wound area. This study group has already demonstrated increased patient satisfaction and lower complication rates in breast cancer patients who received PRP after removal of their subcutaneous venous access device. This work is a follow-up analysis focusing on oncologic safety. Currently, there is no long-term data on the use of PRP products in cancer patients available yet. Methods Between the years 2012-2016, venous access device removal was supported with the application of Arthrex ACP(R) (Autologous Conditioned Plasma)-a PRP product to improve the wound-healing process. All surgeries were performed in the breast cancer center of the municipal hospital of Cologne, Holweide, Germany. 35 patients received an application of Arthrex ACP(R) after port removal compared to the control group of 54 patients. Endpoints were local recurrence-free, distant recurrence-free as well as overall survival. Results Median follow-up was 45 months. No (0) adverse events were shown for cancer recurrence within the subcutaneous venous access device scar area. Thus, there seems to be no local oncogenic potential of the PRP product. All other endpoints as well as any-cause death numerically favor PRP use. Conclusion PRP products such as Arthrex ACP(R) seem to be oncological inert when applied after removal of subcutaneous access devices. This is the first study providing long-term data about overall survival, distant recurrence-free and local recurrence-free survival after applying PRP in high-risk cancer patients.

Automated summary

This study provides long-term data on the oncologic safety of using PRP products in breast cancer patients. The results suggest that PRP application after removal of subcutaneous access devices does not have any negative impact on cancer recurrence and may improve overall survival.