From the Research
Singulair (montelukast) has been shown to reduce capsular contracture in breast cancer patients, as demonstrated by a meta-analysis published in 2020 1. This study found that leukotriene antagonists, including montelukast, significantly inhibited capsular contracture formation, with a pooled risk difference of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.89). The use of Singulair for this purpose is supported by several studies, including a 2015 study that found prophylactic use of montelukast to be effective in reducing the incidence of capsular contracture 2. Additionally, a 2010 study found that Singulair improved capsular contracture in patients who had already developed the condition, with 37% of patients experiencing complete improvement and 26% experiencing improvement 3. While the evidence is not yet universally accepted, and more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Singulair on capsular contracture, the current data suggest that it may be a useful adjunct in the prevention and treatment of this condition. Some key points to consider when using Singulair for this purpose include:
- The optimal dosage and duration of treatment are not yet established
- The use of Singulair for capsular contracture is off-label, and patients should be carefully monitored for potential side effects
- Surgical techniques, such as submuscular placement of implants and careful surgical handling, remain essential for preventing capsular contracture
- Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which Singulair reduces capsular contracture and to establish its long-term safety and efficacy.