Intradermal Incobotulinum Toxin A for Postbreast Cancer Treatment Asymmetry: A Literature Review and Case Report.

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin (BTX) is globally the most common aesthetic procedure. Its usage has expanded beyond facial treatments to therapeutic areas, including managing scars and postsurgical deformities. Breast cancer survivors often face significant deformities and asymmetry during recovery.

OBJECTIVES

This study systematically reviewed literature from the past 4 years on botulinum toxin applications in breast cancer survivors and presented a case report of a patient treated with Incobotulinum toxin (IncoBonTA; Xeomin, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) for left breast deformity postchemotherapy and radiotherapy.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus using keywords: "botulinum toxin," "breast cancer," and "breast asymmetry," identifying relevant literature from 2020 to 2024. Five full-text articles were included. Additionally, a 2024 case report of a patient with significant breast asymmetry postsurgery and radiotherapy was published.

RESULTS

The literature review indicated botulinum toxin's primary uses in breast cancer include pain management, upper limb impairment, postsurgical scars, and capsular contracture. Although some benefits were reported, further research is needed. In the case report, the patient was treated in one session with IncoBonTA at two different dilutions based on contracture severity without complications.

CONCLUSION

The review showed promising advances in using botulinum toxin for deformities secondary to oncological treatment in breast cancer patients. The therapy was administered to a 53-year-old patient, resulting in significant aesthetic improvement, especially at the nipple and areola, suggesting that it was a viable option for these patients.