Internal mammary sentinel node metastases in an otherwise lymph-node negative breast cancer patient

A 35 year old woman with biopsy proved breast cancer was submitted for sentinel node (SN) biopsy. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy displayed both axillary and internal mammary (IM) uptake foci consistent with SNs. Full axillary dissection was completed because of a greater-than 2 cm primary lesion. Two axillary SNs were excised. An IM SN was also excised through the second intercostal space, with the aid of the gamma probe. Fourteen axillary nodes, including SNs, were negative, whereas the IM SN harbored several metastatic implants. Implications for staging, prognosis and further therapy of such IM-only positive sentinel nodes are discussed.     

Internal mammary sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of lymphoscintigraphy (LS) for internal mammary sentinel node (IMSN) identification, the metastatic rate, and the change in staging and treatment.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2007 a prospective database was obtained of all patients undergoing IMSN biopsies using an open or thoracoscopic approach. Radiotracer injection was peritumoral.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included. There was one man. Three had ductal carcinoma in situ. LS showed IMSN in 47.1%. The IMSN biopsy success rate was 91.2%. Seven of the 28 successfully biopsied invasive cancer patients had metastatic IMSNs (25%). Positive IMSNs were associated with positive axillary nodes in 71.4% (P = .036). All patients with positive IMSNs were upstaged and received radiation to the internal mammary chain. In 4 of 28 patients (14%) the chemotherapy plans were probably altered. In univariate and multivariate analyses tumor size, location, nuclear grade, estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, Her-2, and histology were not significant predictors of positivity.

Conclusions

IMSNs were positive in 25% of the invasive cancer patients. All had treatment changes. LS identified less than 50% of IMSNs. There are no good tumor-related predictors of IMSN positivity.     

乳腺癌内乳区前哨淋巴结活检术研究进展

内乳区淋巴结的转移状况是乳腺癌的独立预后指标,也：是乳腺癌淋巴分期的重要依据之一。内乳区淋巴结转移的患者预后较差。随着前哨淋巴结活检技术的不断发展和新型注射技术的出现,内乳区前哨淋巴结活检的显像率显著提高,经肋间行内乳区前哨淋巴结活检术可以最小的风险评估内乳区淋巴结状况,并进一步完善乳腺癌的淋巴结分期．有助于为患者制定更为准确的个体化治疗方案。     

Internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy should still be performed,especially in the patient with clinically positive axillary lymph nodes

Current studies suggest that the internal mammary sentinel lymph node biopsy (IM-SLNB) should not be performed routinely, for it did not alter clinical management of breast cancer patients in terms of adjuvant treatment. However, consideration should be given to the fact, the study population in all current research relate to IM-SLNB is the patients with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes. As internal mammary lymph nodes metastases are mostly found concomitantly with axillary metastases, clinical trials currently fail to evaluate the status of internal mammary lymph nodes who really in need. In consideration of the impact to staging and accurate indication of radiation to the internal mammary area, we recommend that research on IM-SLNB should still be encouraged, especially in patients with clinically positive axillary lymph nodes.     

Predictors of nonsentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND: In order to define a future subset of breast cancer patients in whom the axilla may be staged by sentinel lymph node biopsy alone, the conditions under which nonsentinel axillary lymph node metastases occur must be delineated. METHODS: A prospective database including 212 breast cancer patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by completion axillary dissection at our institution was reviewed. A multivariate, logistic, stepwise regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between nonsentinel lymph node metastasis and patient age, primary tumor size, presence of lymphatic invasion, use of radioisotope to identify the sentinel node and degree of metastasis in the sentinel node. RESULTS: Tumor size greater than 2 cm, lymphatic invasion of the primary tumor, macrometastasis in the sentinel node, and use of radioisotope all positively correlated independently with metastasis in the nonsentinel lymph node (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0483, P = 0.0008, P = 0.0271, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of nonsentinel axillary node metastasis exist and are important in defining those patients in whom a sentinel lymph node biopsy alone may not be adequate.     

Effect of lymphoscintigraphy drainage patterns on sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy examination is an accepted method of staging breast cancer patients. SLN biopsy examination in patients with drainage to the internal mammary chain (IMC) nodes is controversial. METHODS: A prospective study of SLN biopsy examination followed by axillary dissection was analyzed to determine how surgeons manage patients with IMC drainage and the rates of axillary SLN identification and positivity in these cases. RESULTS: Lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 2196 (53.2%) of the 4131 patients in this study. IMC drainage was noted in 80 patients (3.6%). An axillary SLN was identified in 29 of the 40 patients with IMC drainage alone (72.5%). The rate of finding a positive axillary lymph node did not differ based on the lymphoscintigraphic pattern (P = .470). CONCLUSIONS: Most surgeons do not perform IMC SLN biopsy procedures. Even when lymphoscintigraphy shows isolated drainage to IMC nodes, axillary SLNs usually are identified. Lymphoscintigraphy therefore has limited usefulness.     

胸腔镜内乳前哨淋巴结活检和内乳淋巴链切除的实验研究

目的探讨胸腔镜下内乳前哨淋巴结活检和内乳淋巴链切除的可行性。方法实验用小型母猪6头，双腔管气管插管全身麻醉。胸前第1对乳房皮下注射亚甲蓝4ml，经胸腔镜观察内乳前哨淋巴结蓝染时问，超声刀切除内乳前哨淋巴结和内乳淋巴链，记录手术时间。结果6头小型母猪共12侧内乳前哨淋巴结和内乳淋巴链，采用胸腔镜联合淋巴结蓝染定位法成功切除，内乳前哨淋巴结蓝染时间5～15min，平均8．9min；活检时间15—50min，平均30．4min；内乳淋巴链切除时间分别为左侧30—56min，右侧22～48min，平均38．2min。无出血、肺损伤等手术并发症发生。结论胸腔镜内乳前哨淋巴结活检和内乳淋巴链切除是可行的，手术操作简便、创伤较小。     

乳腺癌前哨淋巴结活检对腋窝淋巴结转移的预警价值研究

目的探讨乳腺癌前哨淋巴结(sentinel lymph node,SLN)预警腋窝淋巴结转移的价值. 方法对56例乳腺癌行亚甲蓝前哨淋巴结定位、活检和腋窝淋巴结清扫术,标本常规行HE染色、免疫组化病理检查. 结果 SLN成功检出52例(52/56,92.8%),常规病理检查证实SLN转移22例;SLN无转移,但非SLN发现转移者1例,假阴性率为4.3%(1/23).常规病理检查无转移的29例患者,免疫组化检测发现1例CK-19( )、EMA( ),另1例CK-19( ),CEA( ),而所属非前哨淋巴结无肿瘤转移. 结论乳腺癌亚甲蓝前哨淋巴结定位、活检可以预示腋窝淋巴结转移.     

经肋间隙探查定位于内乳区的前哨淋巴结对乳腺癌淋巴分期的影响

目的 探讨乳腺癌前哨淋巴结在内乳区时对其探查与否对淋巴结分期的影响。方法 2006-01—2016-01间,对501例c T1-4N0-1M0期乳腺癌患者进行前哨淋巴结探查术,发现有蓝染淋巴管通向内乳区的患者,经肋间隙入路行内乳区前哨淋巴结活检术(IM-SLNB)+腋窝前哨淋巴结探查+改良根治术100例为A组;行腋窝前哨淋巴结探查+改良根治术401例为B组。观察A组经肋间隙入路IM-SLNB的病理结果与假设该组病例不探查相对比,了解探查对其淋巴分期的影响。观察经肋间隙入路的IMSLNB对手术时间、出血、并发症及恢复等的影响。结果 A组探查发现内乳区淋巴结癌转移19例相对于假设不探查为0例,其淋巴结分期修正率19.0%,(P0.05)有统计学意义;经肋间隙入路IM-SLNB阶段所用时间(23.93±5.89)min;仅1例术中胸廓内动脉出血,切断肋软骨显露血管后结扎止血,出血量约10~20 m L,其余99例均5 m L;胸膜破损0例、气胸0例;术后并发症和愈合时间与B组无统计学差异(P0.05)。结论 选择乳腺癌前哨淋巴结在内乳区时对其进行探查其阳性率高,有助于淋巴结准确分期;经肋间隙入路的内乳区淋巴结探查,创伤小、风险小、不增加并发症。     

乳腺癌非前哨淋巴结转移的危险因素研究

目的探讨腋窝前哨淋巴结(SLN)阳性的乳腺癌患者非前哨淋巴结(NSLN)转移的影响因素,并对美国纪念斯隆-凯特琳癌症中心(MSKCC)预测模型的临床应用价值进行验证。方法收集山西白求恩医院乳腺外科2012年3月至2019年9月142例SLN阳性临床早期乳腺癌,Logistic回归分析NSLN阳性组和阴性组间各临床病理指标与NSLN转移的关系,使用MSKCC预测模型计算每例患者腋窝NSLN转移风险,利用校正曲线和受试者操作特性曲线(ROC)下面积(AUC)评估该模型预测的准确性。结果142例患者中,NSLN转移患者仅54例(38%)。单因素Logistic分析NSLN转移可能的影响因素包括:年龄>60岁组NSLN转移低于≤40岁组[比值比(OR)0.242,95%可信区间(CI)0.082~1.720,P<0.05],差异有统计学意义、肿块>2 cm组NSLN转移高于肿块≤2 cm组(OR 2.062,95%CI 1.036~1.126,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义、脉管浸润组NSLN转移高于无脉管浸润组(OR 2.242,95%CI 1.126~1.482,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义、SLN转移2个组NSLN转移高于SLN阴性组(OR 0.332,95%CI 0.120~1.957,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义、SLN转移≥3个组NSLN转移高于SLN阴性组(OR 0.342,95%CI 0.132~1.902,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义。多因素logistic回归分析示年龄41~60岁组NSLN转移低于≤40岁组(OR 0.324,95%CI 0.127~0.827,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义、年龄>60岁组NSLN转移低于≤40岁组(OR 0.178,95%CI 0.055~0.572,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义、脉管浸润组NSLN转移高于无脉管浸润组(OR 2.713,95%CI 1.254~5.873,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义,以及SLN转移组NSLN转移高于非SLN转移组(OR 1.022,95%CI 1.009~1.036,P<0.05),差异有统计学意义,三者均是NSLN转移的独立预测因素,并对137例SLN阳性的中国乳腺癌患者验证MSKCC模型的可行性(AUC=0.695,95%CI 0.599~0.791)。结论年龄、脉管浸润以及SLN转移率可作为预测早期乳腺癌NSLN转移的重要指标。     

Intramammary sentinel lymph node in patients with breast cancer: Report of four cases

To analyze breast cancer patients with intramammary sentinel lymph node, we reviewed T1-T2N0 breast cancer patients who underwent sentinel lymph node mapping using radioisotope methods. Intramammary sentinel lymph (ISN) nodes were detected in 4 of 166 patients. Three of four ISNs were present in completely different quadrants of the breast from those of primary lesions. Although two patients had no involved nodes, including ISNs, the remaining two with T2 tumor had metastasis of ISNs alone with resulting upstaging. We should keep in mind the presence of intramammary SN in regions apart from the primary tumor, particularly when performing breast conservative surgery.     

Internal Mammary Lymph Node Drainage Patterns in Patients With Breast Cancer Documented by Breast Lymphoscintigraphy

Background: Metastases to internal mammary lymph nodes (IMN) may occur in patients with breast cancer and may alter treatment recommendations. The purpose of this study was to identify the frequency of IMN drainage in patients undergoing breast lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND).Methods: The combined technique of peritumoral injection of radiocolloid and Lymphazurin blue for SLND was performed on 220 patients. All patients underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy before SLND. Lesion location by quadrant included: 110 upper outer (UOQ), 49 lower outer (LOQ), 30 upper inner (UIQ), 24 lower inner (LIQ), and 7 central.Results: Drainage to any nodal basin was observed in 184 of 220 patients (84%). IMN drainage was documented in 37 of 220 (17%) of patients. IMN drainage without evidence of axillary drainage occurred in 2 of 220 patients(1%). Drainage to the IMN based on quadrant location of the lesion was as follows: UOQ, 10%; LOQ, 27%; UIQ, 17%; LIQ, 25%; and central, 29%.Conclusions: Internal mammary lymph node drainage shown by breast lymphoscintigraphy is common. Tumors in all quadrants may drain to IMNs, although drainage is significantly more common from quadrants other than the UOQ. Further studies are needed to determine whether lymphoscintigraphy drainage patterns identify patients at the highest risk for IMN metastases who may benefit from radiotherapy.     

Therapeutic attitude towards internal mammary chain drainage in patients with breast cancer

Internal mammary chain (IMC) is one of the main local lymph drainages in breast cancer. However, internal mammary chain sentinel lymph node biopsy (IMC-SLNB) is not always performed.The purpose of this research is to evaluate the outcomes of IMC-SLNB in our institution from 2008 to 2014. We analyzed 1346 women with breast cancer. Six-hundred twenty-two sentinel node biopsies were carried out, one out of ten in IMC territory. Adjuvant radiotherapy in this area was added when positive.IMC-SLNB is feasible, it may change tumour stage, modify adjuvant therapy and change prognosis in selected patients.     

前哨淋巴结阳性乳腺癌非前哨淋巴结转移的情况分析

目的探讨前哨淋巴结（SLN）阳性乳腺癌患者的临床病理特征与非前哨淋巴结（NSLN）转移的关系。 方法回顾性分析2010年1月至2016年1月中山大学附属第一医院500例行前哨淋巴结活检（SLNB）的临床分期为T_1-2N₀M₀期乳腺癌患者资料,其中病理检查确诊SLN阳性、随后行腋窝淋巴结清扫（ALND）的乳腺癌患者共89例,总结其临床、病理因素的特征及其对腋窝NSLN转移的影响因素进行单因素及多因素Logistic分析。 结果SLN阳性率为17.8%（89/500）,49.4%（44/89）出现NSLN转移。单因素分析显示,NSLN转移与原发肿瘤分期、脉管浸润、SLN阳性数、SLN阳性率相关（χ²=4.062、36.084、7.003、10.889,P=0.044、<0.001、0.030、0.004）。进一步多因素Logistic回归分析显示,脉管浸润、SLN阳性率是NSLN转移的独立预测因子（OR=46.142,95%CI：11.821~258.472,P<0.000 1;OR=10.482,95%CI：2.564~51.312,P=0.002）。 结论SLN阳性的乳腺癌患者,其原发肿瘤分期、肿瘤是否多发、脉管浸润、SLN阳性数、SLN转移率与腋窝NSLN转移相关。其中,脉管浸润及SLN阳性率≥0.5是SLN阳性乳腺癌患者腋窝NSLN转移的独立预测因子。     

Nonsentinel node metastasis in breast cancer patients: assessment of an existing and a new predictive nomogram

BACKGROUND: The accurate prediction of nonsentinel node (NSN) metastasis in breast cancer patients remains uncertain. METHODS: The medical records of 574 breast cancer patients from 2 different institutions (Mayo Clinic and University of Michigan) with sentinel lymph node biopsy examination and completion axillary lymph node dissection were reviewed for multiple clinicopathologic variables. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomogram performance for prediction of NSN metastases was assessed. A new model was developed with clinically relevant variables and possible advantages. RESULTS: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomogram predicted the likelihood of NSN metastasis with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .72 and .86. For predicted probability cut-off points of 5% and 10%, the false-negative rates were 0% and 14% (Mayo), and 17% and 11% (Michigan). A new model was developed with similar area under the curve but lower false-negative rates for low-probability subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive models for NSN tumor burden are imperfect.     

Internal Mammary Nodal Chain Drainage Is a Prognostic Indicator in Axillary Node-Positive Breast Cancer

Background Internal mammary (IM) nodes are a potential site of breast lymphatic drainage. We examined the relationship between lymphoscintigraphic evidence of IM drainage and survival in early-stage breast cancer patients (pts). Methods From a prospective database of 855 consecutive sentinel node mapping procedures using peritumoral radiocolloid injection from 1996–2004, we analyzed the 604 cases with stage I–III breast cancer. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival (OS, RFS) rates were compared in pts with (IM+) and without (IM-) IM drainage on lymphoscintigraphy using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazards models. Results: 100 of 604 pts (17%) showed IM drainage. Five-year OS and RFS were 92% vs 88% and 88% vs 85% in IM- vs IM+ pts. In the 186 pts with axillary metastases (node+), 5-year OS and RFS were 91% vs 71% and 84% vs 69% in IM- vs IM+ pts. Univariate analysis of node+ pts estimated increased mortality risk for IM+ (hazard ratio, HR 2.9, P = .04), ≥4 positive nodes (HR 3.2, P = .02), tumors that were ER-negative (HR 3.4, P = .02), or had high Ki-67 (HR 6.8, P = .01). Multivariate analysis estimated similar increased risks [≥4 nodes (HR 4.0, P = .02), IM+ (HR 3.3, P = .06), and ER negativity (HR 2.6, P = .09)]. Conclusions IM nodal drainage predicted a nearly 3-fold increased mortality risk in node+ pts. Peritumoral radiocolloid injection provides a clinically relevant assessment of IM drainage and should be prospectively tested for its value in tailoring treatment strategies for axillary node-positive pts. Presented at the 29th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 14–17, 2006.     

Trends in axillary surgery and clinical outcomes among breast cancer patients with sentinel node metastasis

BackgroundThere is a lack of studies examining the long-term trend and survival of axillary surgery for breast cancer patients with sentinel node metastasis, especially for the patients with 3–5 node metastases.MethodsBreast cancer patients with 1–5 sentinel node metastases from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 to 2016. Our study presented the trend of axillary surgery and assessed the long-term survival of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone vs axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for those patients.ResultsOf the 41,996 patients diagnosed with T_1-2 breast cancer after lumpectomy and radiation included, 34,940 had 1-2 sentinel node metastases and 7056 had 3-5 sentinel node metastases. The percentage of patients undergoing SLNB alone increased from 22.4% in 2000 to 81.0% in 2016 for patients with 1–2 sentinel node metastases, and quadrupled from 5.2% in 2009 to 20.6% in 2016 for those with 3–5 sentinel node metastases. Completion of ALND did not benefit the long-term survival of 1–2 sentinel node metastasis patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.02, P = 0.539), but improved the long-term survival of 3–5 node metastasis patients (HR = 0.73, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated the inferiority of SLNB to ALND in all subgroups of 3–5 sentinel node metastases.ConclusionFor patients with T_1-2 breast cancer after lumpectomy and radiation, SLNB alone was an efficient and safe surgical choice for 1–2 sentinel node metastases but not for 3–5 sentinel node metastases. It is worth noting that for patients with 3–5 node metastasis, the proportion of omitted ALND quadrupled after 2009.     

乳腺癌前哨淋巴结检测的临床研究

目的通过前哨淋巴结(sentinel lymph node,SLN)活检,了解前哨淋巴结是否能反映乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移情况,从而决定是否行腋窝淋巴结清扫(axillary lymph node dissection,ALND). 方法 47例T1、T2、T3临床检查腋窝淋巴结无肿大的乳腺癌患者,术前30 min于乳腺肿块周围腺体注射蓝色染料,术中取蓝染的SLN病理检查,术后将病理检查结果与腋窝淋巴结转移情况进行比较分析. 结果 47例中5例未见淋巴结及淋巴管蓝染,其余42例找到腋窝淋巴结608个,阳性18例168个,阴性24例440个;SLN共78个,阳性16例29个,阴性26例49个.SLN的检出率89.4%,准确性95.2% ,特异性100%,敏感性88.9%,假阴性率11.1%,假阳性率0. 结论 SLN活检反应腋窝淋巴结的肿瘤转移状况,可以用于术中确定是否行ALND.