Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and around 1.7 million women receive a new diagnosis of breast cancer each year.
About Breast Cancer & Breast Reconstruction
About Breast Cancer & Breast Reconstruction
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and around 1.7 million women receive a new diagnosis of breast cancer each year.
In the U.K. alone around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Of these, about 35,000 women undergo mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts) or high-volume lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery – surgical removal of a discrete portion or lump in the breast).
Under current NICE guidelines, every woman is entitled to immediate or delayed breast reconstruction under the N.H.S. following breast surgery – [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ ng101/chapter/Recommendations#breast-reconstruction]
And of these, and in consultation with their treating clinician, T&CT estimates that around 25,000 women may be eligible to consider lipo-modelling – which is the surgical and cosmetic reconstruction of the breast using the woman’s own adipose tissue (i.e. fat) from a suitable part of the body – and that T&CT’s advanced Adiposet service for breast reconstruction, on its own or in conjunction with implants or surgical reconstruction techniques, could be of considerable benefit.
In the U.K. alone around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
Of these, about 35,000 women undergo mastectomy (surgical removal of one or both breasts) or high-volume lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery – surgical removal of a discrete portion or lump in the breast).
Under current NICE guidelines, every woman is entitled to immediate or delayed breast reconstruction under the N.H.S. following breast surgery – [https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ ng101/chapter/Recommendations#breast-reconstruction]
And of these, and in consultation with their treating clinician, T&CT estimates that around 25,000 women may be eligible to consider lipo-modelling – which is the surgical and cosmetic reconstruction of the breast using the woman’s own adipose tissue (i.e. fat) from a suitable part of the body – and that T&CT’s advanced Adiposet service for breast reconstruction, on its own or in conjunction with implants or surgical reconstruction techniques, could be of considerable benefit.
Reconstruction is often an essential part of recovery
Getting back to ‘normal’ after the treatment and surgery is a big part of the recovery process for many women. Although every case is different, we know that recovery is not just a physical process but in the case of breast cancer and mastectomy can be psychological as well, and that psychological well-being can in turn effect your physical recovery.
Reconstruction is often an essential part of recovery
Getting back to ‘normal’ after the treatment and surgery is a big part of the recovery process for many women. Although every case is different, we know that recovery is not just a physical process but in the case of breast cancer and mastectomy can be psychological as well, and that psychological well-being can in turn effect your physical recovery.
Existing reconstructive procedures & techniques are problematic
Silicone implants and tissue flap reconstruction are the two main alternatives and these can be done either immediately at the same time as your surgery, or delayed until you have recovered or it makes more sense for you in other ways. In some flap reconstructions a silicone implant may also be used. In general and without getting into the complexities, most organisations advise that delayed reconstruction is generally better at reducing the risk of further post-operative complications, although immediate reconstruction has the benefit of early completion and reducing the number of procedures. Also, in general, studies have found better quality of life and breast satisfaction with flap procedures, however, they also found that rates of complications were higher with flap procedures than with silicone implants. However, implants are now coming under increasing scrutiny as new long-term implant data starts to become available.
Fat grafts have been used to augment both implants and flap procedures but, until now, the difficulties with traditional fat transfer methods have restricted adipose and fat to smaller augmentation roles. New technologies and procedures, including T&CT’s Adiposet technology, allow adipose to play a larger role, potentially providing a complete standalone alternative to either silicone implants or flaps.
Existing methods have the considerable drawbacks of requiring numerous adipose tissue harvest (liposuction) procedures under general anaesthetic; requiring overnight hospital stays for the patient; and, are very costly for healthcare providers (including NHS hospitals).
Specifically, the clinical issues with existing methods are:
- Adipose tissue needs to be harvested and re-injected during the same procedure as it needed to be used ‘just in time’ before it deteriorates; but
- There is a limit to the amount of tissue that can be re-injected in each procedure and successfully re-vascularised; and
- The re-injected adipose tissue is not able to be tested for quality or infection.
- Discomfort from where the adipose was removed often leads to extended in-patient stays, additional review time and time away from employment.
- Repeat harvests are complicated by tissue scarring from prior harvests, and every harvest carries a risk of damage to organs or blood vessels.
- Breast pain, implant rupture, bleeding and capsular contracture are all long-term problems associated with implants.
- Long-term flap procedure problems include changes in breast sensation, prolonged time in surgery and under anaesthesia, extended recovery and healing time, poor wound healing, fluid collection (seroma), infection, bleeding and tissue death (necrosis) due to insufficient blood supply at the breast site.
Autologous fat grafting is best
There is an increasing appreciation by clinicians that autologous (your own) fat can be the best alternative for reconstruction. The traditional issues of volume loss due to inadequate neovascularisation is the factor most frequently blamed for the loss of fat grafts, however, cell damage during the fat purification stage is also responsible as an unknown and unpredictable amount of the adipose re-injected into the breast is viable, even in same day procedures. These issues have restricted autologous fat grafting to an adjunct aspect of the overall procedure. However, new technology is rapidly addressing these problems.
Lipo-modelling is now increasingly considered to be the best approach for breasts and post-cancer reconstruction for many women, particularly because it is ‘your own tissue’ and feels natural. T&CT’s advanced approach also has numerous other benefits for women – less pain and discomfort from procedures, less recovery time, less time off work, less time away from the family, significantly better cosmetic outcomes and a more ‘natural’ look and feel. And not least, a significantly lower chance of unrelated long-term problems and complications which can be associated with implants liposuction/GA surgeries.
Autologous fat grafting is best
There is an increasing appreciation by clinicians that autologous (your own) fat can be the best alternative for reconstruction. The traditional issues of volume loss due to inadequate neovascularisation is the factor most frequently blamed for the loss of fat grafts, however, cell damage during the fat purification stage is also responsible as an unknown and unpredictable amount of the adipose re-injected into the breast is viable, even in same day procedures. These issues have restricted autologous fat grafting to an adjunct aspect of the overall procedure. However, new technology is rapidly addressing these problems.
Lipo-modelling is now increasingly considered to be the best approach for breasts and post-cancer reconstruction for many women, particularly because it is ‘your own tissue’ and feels natural. T&CT’s advanced approach also has numerous other benefits for women – less pain and discomfort from procedures, less recovery time, less time off work, less time away from the family, significantly better cosmetic outcomes and a more ‘natural’ look and feel. And not least, a significantly lower chance of unrelated long-term problems and complications which can be associated with implants liposuction/GA surgeries.
A new solution was desperately needed to improve outcomes and meet the needs of hospitals, clinicians and patients: a better approach was to reduce the number of harvest procedures and this led to the development of the Adiposet™ system.
A new solution was desperately needed to improve outcomes and meet the needs of hospitals, clinicians and patients: a better approach was to reduce the number of harvest procedures and this led to the development of the Adiposet™ system.
Our Solution is Adiposet™
T&CT has spent nearly two decades developing technology that substantially increases the percentage of live adipose cells available in fat grafts. Our proprietary techniques ensure that over 90-95% of the cells are viable (alive) at the point of re-injection – and hence are physically able to survive and contribute to successful grafting with adequate blood supply in the breast site.
We have also developed techniques and procedures that help address potential long term volume loss issues typically associated with normal fat grafting techniques, including the problems associated with formation of cysts and
Our Solution is Adiposet™
T&CT has spent nearly two decades developing technology that substantially increases the percentage of live adipose cells available in fat grafts. Our proprietary techniques ensure that over 90-95% of the cells are viable (alive) at the point of re-injection – and hence are physically able to survive and contribute to successful grafting with adequate blood supply in the breast site.
We have also developed techniques and procedures that help address potential long term volume loss issues typically associated with normal fat grafting techniques, including the problems associated with formation of cysts and
Here’s how it works
Adiposet is T&CT’s unique and fully Human Tissues Authority regulated adipose tissue management system. The key steps are:
After harvesting, the patient’s adipose tissue is transported in a temperature controlled Adiposet™ tissue transport kit back to T&CT’s dedicated facilities.
Using strict protocols T&CT analyses the tissue to detect infections and uses its proprietary technology and know how to process it and remove unwanted material;
The tissue is then frozen using a validated temperature controlled process and stored in a dedicated cryopreservation vessel at below-160°C until required. Storage can be kept over a prolonged time.
When the clinician requests more adipose tissue for re-injection, T&CT carefully thaws the required amount of tissue and prepares it in its controlled cleanrooms for grafting; and,
The patient’s own fat (adipose) tissue is used to reconstruct the breast following surgery. There is no risk of rejection and the outcome is very natural in appearance and feel.
Here’s how it works
Adiposet is T&CT’s unique and fully Human Tissues Authority regulated adipose tissue management system. The key steps are:
After harvesting, the patient’s adipose tissue is transported in a temperature controlled Adiposet™ tissue transport kit back to T&CT’s dedicated facilities.
Using strict protocols T&CT analyses the tissue to detect infections and uses its proprietary technology and know how to process it and remove unwanted material;
The tissue is then frozen using a validated temperature controlled process and stored in a dedicated cryopreservation vessel at below-160°C until required. Storage can be kept over a prolonged time.
When the clinician requests more adipose tissue for re-injection, T&CT carefully thaws the required amount of tissue and prepares it in its controlled cleanrooms for grafting; and,
The patient’s own fat (adipose) tissue is used to reconstruct the breast following surgery. There is no risk of rejection and the outcome is very natural in appearance and feel.
Patient benefits
High patient satisfaction with procedure and outcomes recorded
The tissue being re-injected into your breast is your own tissue, and feels totally ‘natural’.
No foreign material or additives are used in the reconstruction.
With only one harvesting procedure, there is generally less discomfort and time away from work and family
Adiposet allows clinicians to perform more effective and satisfactory ‘staged’ reconstruction procedures, avoiding hospital stays, further complex general anaesthetic procedures, serious recovery, post-op problems, etc.
With Adiposet, quality and infection of the sample are tested at authorised, quality managed facilities.
With Adiposet, more of the cell sample remains viable on reinjection – up to 90-95%
Follow-on procedures can be scheduled with you and your needs in mind
With only one harvesting procedure, there is less scarring and lower chance of other complications
Patient benefits
High patient satisfaction with procedure and outcomes recorded
The tissue being re-injected into your breast is your own tissue, and feels totally ‘natural’.
No foreign material or additives are used in the reconstruction.
With only one harvesting procedure, there is generally less discomfort and time away from work and family
Adiposet allows clinicians to perform more effective and satisfactory ‘staged’ reconstruction procedures, avoiding hospital stays, further complex general anaesthetic procedures, serious recovery, post-op problems, etc.
With Adiposet, quality and infection of the sample are tested at authorised, quality managed facilities.
With Adiposet, more of the cell sample remains viable on reinjection – up to 90-95%
Follow-on procedures can be scheduled with you and your needs in mind
With only one harvesting procedure, there is less scarring and lower chance of other complications
Clinical benefits
- Single harvest procedure
- Fewer general anaesthetic procedures and overall lower risks from post-op recovery
- Less burden on scarce and expensive hospital operating theatre and resources
- Allows novel and differentiated procedures to be conducted because of staging and stored fat sample
- Flexible scheduling
- Improved overall cosmesis and high patient satisfaction
- Substantially lower overall procedure costs when compared with current clinical pathways – up to 50-60% lower
Clinical benefits
- Single harvest procedure
- Fewer general anaesthetic procedures and overall lower risks from post-op recovery
- Less burden on scarce and expensive hospital operating theatre and resources
- Allows novel and differentiated procedures to be conducted because of staging and stored fat sample
- Flexible scheduling
- Improved overall cosmesis and high patient satisfaction
- Substantially lower overall procedure costs when compared with current clinical pathways – up to 50-60% lower
Potential benefits of Stem Cells in recovery & regeneration
Extensive and focused clinical studies into the role of Stem Cells in this field are still rare, however, there is a wealth of anecdotal information and experience from clinicians that the increased concentration of active Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSC’s) in reconstruction and procedures has an overall beneficial effect, which may include improved recovery, tissue regeneration, reduced scarring, reduced pain and long term problems.
T&CT’s Adiposet product has the potential to ‘tune’ or increase the level or concentration of ADSC’s in the graft sample, providing additional benefit back into the fat graft.
Potential benefits of Stem Cells in recovery & regeneration
Extensive and focused clinical studies into the role of Stem Cells in this field are still rare, however, there is a wealth of anecdotal information and experience from clinicians that the increased concentration of active Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSC’s) in reconstruction and procedures has an overall beneficial effect, which may include improved recovery, tissue regeneration, reduced scarring, reduced pain and long term problems.
T&CT’s Adiposet product has the potential to ‘tune’ or increase the level or concentration of ADSC’s in the graft sample, providing additional benefit back into the fat graft.
Approved, compliant and fully regulated with an enviable 10-year track record
T&CT’s operations have been Human Tissue Authority regulated since the HTA’s formation in 2006. Our track record and regulatory compliance is exceptional with no recorded SAE’s /SAR’s.
T&CT’s Adiposet technology is, in fact, fully compliant with the US FDA’s rules for human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products, as no enzymatic digestion or any other noncompliant, non-mechanical processes are used in the handling or storage of the sample.
Full multi-centre clinical trials for Safety & Efficacy conducted across 4 NHS specialist centres 2014-2017, and subsequently adopted for use across the NHS.
Approved, compliant and fully regulated with an enviable 10-year track record
T&CT’s operations have been Human Tissue Authority regulated since the HTA’s formation in 2006. Our track record and regulatory compliance is exceptional with no recorded SAE’s /SAR’s.
T&CT’s Adiposet technology is, in fact, fully compliant with the US FDA’s rules for human cells, tissues and cellular and tissue-based products, as no enzymatic digestion or any other noncompliant, non-mechanical processes are used in the handling or storage of the sample.
Full multi-centre clinical trials for Safety & Efficacy conducted across 4 NHS specialist centres 2014-2017, and subsequently adopted for use across the NHS.
Currently used at the following NHS and private clinics
- Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
- Guys & St Thomas’s NHS Trust
- Oxford University Hospitals, John Radcliffe Hospital
- Cadogan Clinic London
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital
- Royal Hampshire Country Hospital, Winchester
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
- Glasgow Royal Infimary
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Redditch
- Royal Hampshire Hospital
- Royal Cornwall Hospital
- City Hospital Nottingham
- Nuffield Wolverhampton
- Nuffield Chester
- BMI Glasgow
- Cadogan Clinic
- 15+ others
Currently used at the following NHS and private clinics
- Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust
- Guys & St Thomas’s NHS Trust
- Oxford University Hospitals, John Radcliffe Hospital
- Cadogan Clinic London
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital
- Royal Hampshire Country Hospital, Winchester
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham
- Glasgow Royal Infimary
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Redditch
- Royal Hampshire Hospital
- Royal Cornwall Hospital
- City Hospital Nottingham
- Nuffield Wolverhampton
- Nuffield Chester
- BMI Glasgow
- Cadogan Clinic
- 15+ others
Consult your treating clinician
This is a highly complex field and every clinician and patientsupporting organisation and charities will strongly urge prospective patients or those effected to seek advice with their treating clinician or from a specialist. Not all treatments are available in every treatment centre and the best procedures will highly depend on your personal circumstances and needs. The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidance to the public and NHS regarding treatments and you should be aware of your rights and all treatments available to you.
Consult your treating clinician
This is a highly complex field and every clinician and patientsupporting organisation and charities will strongly urge prospective patients or those effected to seek advice with their treating clinician or from a specialist. Not all treatments are available in every treatment centre and the best procedures will highly depend on your personal circumstances and needs. The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidance to the public and NHS regarding treatments and you should be aware of your rights and all treatments available to you.
Clinical trials and studies currently under way
Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust: ‘Healthcare evaluation of cost-effectiveness and PROMs of Adiposet fat storage system versus standard care for fat grafting procedure in breast reconstruction ’, 2019
Guys and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust: ‘Study into the outcomes of using cryopreserved adipose tissue for lipo-filling in breast reconstruction when compared to standard practice using freshly harvested tissue’, 2020-
Oxford University Hospitals (John Radcliffe Hospital) NHS Trust: ‘Study into the outcomes of using cryopreserved autologous tissue for corrective or revision plastic surgery applications in breast surgery’. 2020
Clinical trials and studies currently under way
Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust: ‘Healthcare evaluation of cost-effectiveness and PROMs of Adiposet fat storage system versus standard care for fat grafting procedure in breast reconstruction ’, 2019
Guys and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust: ‘Study into the outcomes of using cryopreserved adipose tissue for lipo-filling in breast reconstruction when compared to standard practice using freshly harvested tissue’, 2020-
Oxford University Hospitals (John Radcliffe Hospital) NHS Trust: ‘Study into the outcomes of using cryopreserved autologous tissue for corrective or revision plastic surgery applications in breast surgery’. 2020
Patient stories
Meet Jo
Jo has undergone breast reconstruction surgery using Adiposet™, following a mastectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment. In the video below, Jo describes her journey, which was not straight forward, but she was happy with the results.
Meet Karen
Karen also underwent reconstruction surgery using the Adiposet™ system, following a lumpectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment. Karen tells her story in the video below.
Meet Karen
Karen also underwent reconstruction surgery using the Adiposet™ system, following a lumpectomy as part of her breast cancer treatment. Karen tells her story in the video below.
Meet Nikki
Nikki sat down with us to talk about her experience with the Adiposet service. Nikki tells her story in the video below.
Meet Clare
Clare shares her experiences of breast reconstruction and the impact of the Adiposet service.
Meet Clare
Clare shares her experiences of breast reconstruction and the impact of the Adiposet service.