Genomic Instability and the Development of Metastatic Lymph Node Tumors

Background Although recent data suggest that cells with metastatic potential disseminate from the primary breast tumor early in tumor development, the mechanism by which disseminated breast cancer cells proliferate within foreign tissues is not well understood. Here, we examined levels and patterns of allelic imbalance (AI) in metastatic lymph node (LN) tumors to identify molecular signals that promote the survival and growth of disseminated breast tumor cells. Methods DNA from 106 metastatic LN tumors from 25 patients was isolated after laser microdissection of pure tumor cell populations. AI was assessed at 26 chromosomal regions frequently altered in breast cancer. Tumor burden was calculated by dividing the area of the metastatic tumor in the node by the area of the entire LN. Results Metastatic tumor burden ranged from focal to complete replacement of the LN with tumor. Grouping the nodes as <25% tumor, 25–50% tumor, 50–75% tumor, and ≥75% tumor replacement revealed the average frequency of AI ranged from 0.13 (±0.11) in the <25% group to 0.17 (±0.13) in LNs with ≥75% tumor burden. The range of AI in both the <25% and >75% replacement group was 0.00–0.48. Allelic losses at chromosomal regions 1p36.1–36.2, 5q21.1–21.3, 6q15, 10q23.31–23.33, and 17p13.1 were significantly higher in metastatic LNs with >75% compared with <25% tumor burden. Conclusions In metastatic LNs, levels of AI were not associated with tumor burden, suggesting that accumulation of genetic changes is not coincidental with tumor growth; rather the accumulation of specific genetic changes is a prerequisite to the transformation of disseminated breast cells into metastatic LN tumors. Grant support: This work was performed under the auspices of the Clinical Breast Care Project with funding provided by the United States Department of Defense through the Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC)/Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), Fort Detrick, MD and the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Rockville, MD (MDA 905-00-1-0022 to CDS). The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors and do not represent the opinions of the Department of Defense.     

Analysis of Clinical Applicability of the Breast Cancer Nomogram for Positive Sentinel Lymph Node: The Canadian Experience

Background  A Breast Cancer Nomogram (BCN) for predicting nonsentinel lymph node (NSLN) involvement has been developed and prospectively tested in several series. However, its clinical applicability has never been tested among surgeons. Methods  The BCN was applied to 209 SLN-positive patients. Its performance was assessed by the area under the receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Surgeons in Quebec were surveyed to determine the predicted NSLN positivity below which they would not dissect the axilla. The accuracy of the BCN was determined in this clinically relevant range. Results  The predictive accuracy of the BCN had an area under the ROC curve of 0.687. Almost half of interviewed surgeons treat over 20 breast cancer per year. Fourteen out of 82 surgeons questioned would never leave the patient without a completion axillary dissection after a positive SLN, regardless of the BCN result. Seventy one percent of them would not complete axillary dissection if the prediction of a positive NSLN was ≤10%. Only 37 of the 209 patients were in this 10% or less category, with a mean observed rate of positive NSLN of 13% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2–24%). Conclusion  The global performance of the BCN was fair. A majority of surgeons in Quebec would omit an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) if the predicted probability of positive NSLN is 10% or less. Although useful, the BCN data should be used with caution at the low end of the scale. Because of some limitations in the performance in this category, other clinical factors and judgment must accompany its use.     

S-Classification of Sentinel Lymph Node Predicts Axillary Nonsentinel Lymph Node Status in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background One-half of breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SN) have no further metastases in the axillary lymph node basin. The aim of the present study was to identify patients with positive SN who are unlikely to have further metastases in the axillary lymph node basin, using a new classification of SN, namely the S-classification. Methods Specimens of positive SN were subjected to a pathological review according to the previously published S-classification. S-stages of positive SN were correlated with the status of further metastases in the axillary lymph node basin after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Results Of 117 patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, 36 (30.8%) had a positive SN and were subjected to level I and II ALND. The occurrence of positive nonsentinel nodes was significantly related to the S-stage of SN. No patient with stage SI had additional metastases in the nonsentinel lymph nodes, while 14.3% of patients with SII stage disease and 60.9 % of patients with SIII disease had other non-SN that were metastatic. Conclusion S-stages of positive SN are highly predictive for axillary nonsentinel node status. Especially patients with SI sentinel node metastases appear to be at low risk for further nonsentinel node metastases.     

残胃癌淋巴结转移的相关研究

目的探讨残胃癌淋巴结转移的特点,为残胃癌术中合理的淋巴结清扫提供依据。方法回顾性分析广西壮族自治区人民医院普外-儿外科2004年6月至2012年6月期间由同一手术者进行残胃癌根治术的22例患者的临床资料,并用等距随机抽样法随机抽取同期原发性胃癌患者50例作为对照,比较2组患者的临床病理资料及术中所清扫淋巴结的转移情况。结果与原发性胃癌患者相比,残胃癌患者联合脏器切除率较高〔54.55%（12/22）比14.00%（7/50）〕,差异有统计学意义（χ2=12.929,P=0.000）。在淋巴结转移方面,残胃癌患者淋巴结总转移阳性率明显高于原发性胃癌患者〔30.56%（103/337）比22.13%（208/940）〕,差异有统计学意义（χ2=9.583,P=0.002）;微转移方面,残胃癌患者淋巴结微转移阳性率高于原发性胃癌〔2.97%（10/337）比1.49%（14/940）〕,但差异无统计学意义（χ2=2.939,P=0.086）。残胃癌患者No.10淋巴结总转移阳性率较原发性胃癌患者高〔52.17%（12/23）比17.39%（4/23）〕,差异有统计学意义（χ2=6.133,P=0.013）;残胃癌患者No.10的12个转移淋巴结中有4个微转移,原发性胃癌中未检出微转移淋巴结。残胃癌空肠系膜淋巴结转移阳性率为35.71%（5/14）。结论残胃癌有其独特的淋巴结转移规律,术中应行D2淋巴结廓清术和空肠系膜淋巴结清扫术,同时应重点对No.10淋巴结进行清扫,必要时行联合脏器切除。     

Factors Correlating With Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With T1 Breast Cancer

Background: Identification of reliable predictors of axillary metastases (ALNM) may be useful in selecting appropriate management for patients with T1-size breast cancer. This study was undertaken to determine the degree of correlation between ALNM and several variables, including age, race, menopausal status, palpability, tumor size, positive margin on initial excision, histology, grade, lymphatic invasion (LI), estrogen receptor status (ER), progesterone receptor status, S-phase, and ploidy.Methods: Data from 1416 patients with T1 breast cancers treated at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center between 1989 and 1998 was reviewed. Patients with multifocal tumors were excluded.Results: Mean patient age was 57.5 years (SD = 12.0); 65% of the patients were postmenopausal. One hundred thirty-one patients with T1a (0.5 cm), 435 with T1b (0.6–1.0 cm), and 850 patients with T1c (1.1–2.0 cm) lesions were studied. The overall rate of ALNM was 23%. AM was identified in 11% of T1a, 15% of T1b, and 29% of T1c patients. Statistically significant factors from univariate analysis were age, palpability, skin changes, tumor size, LI, histology, grade, ER status, and positive margin on initial excision.Conclusions: Axillary staging by either sentinel lymph node biopsy or level I/II axillary dissection is indicated for most T1 breast cancer patients. Omission of axillary staging can be considered for highly selected patients with T1a cancers.     

Morbidity in Breast Cancer Patients with Sentinel Node Metastases Undergoing Delayed Axillary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) Compared with Immediate ALND

Background Patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases need delayed completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) if intraoperative assessment of SLN is not employed. This study was designed to compare morbidity in patients undergoing complete ALND in the first (and only) operation versus those undergoing the two-step procedure (SLN biopsy followed by delayed completion ALND). Methods Secondary analysis of the Axillary Lymphatic Mapping Against Nodal Axillary Clearance (ALMANAC) randomized trial compared 83 patients with SLN metastases who proceeded to delayed completion ALND (two-step ALND) with 96 node-positive patients who underwent ALND as the only axillary procedure (one-step ALND). Outcome variables were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results The 83 SLN-positive patients undergoing completion ALND were younger (p = 0.038) compared with the one-step ALND group. There was no difference in lymphedema, sensory loss, intercostobrachial (ICB) nerve division rates, impairment of shoulder movement, infection rate, or time to resumption of normal day-to-day activities after surgery between the two groups. Median axillary operative time for completion ALND in the two-step group was significantly higher than one-step ALND (33 min vs. 25 min, p = 0.004). The median hospital stay for the second surgery in the two-step group was similar to one-step ALND (6 days). The total median hospital stay (first and second surgery) was significantly higher for the two-stage procedure (10 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). Conclusion A two-stage axillary node dissection procedure in patients with SLN metastases has similar arm morbidity to one-stage ALND. The second surgery is associated with increased axillary operative time and total hospital stay.     

Validation of a Breast Cancer Nomogram for Predicting Nonsentinel Lymph Node Metastases After a Positive Sentinel Node Biopsy

Background Although completion lymph node dissection (CLND) is the standard of care for breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases, the SLN is the only node with tumor in 40% to 60% of cases. To assist with decision-making regarding CLND, investigators at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center devised and validated a nomogram for predicting the likelihood of non-SLN metastases. To assess the generalizable use of this nomogram, validation analysis was performed by using an external database. Methods Eight clinicopathologic variables for 200 consecutive breast cancer patients at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with SLN metastases and CLND were entered into the nomogram. The accuracy of the nomogram to predict non-SLN metastases was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and linear regression analysis. The accuracy of the nomogram with touch-imprint cytology (TIC) as a substitute variable for frozen section was also evaluated. Results The linear correlation coefficient of the nomogram-predicted probabilities correlated with the observed incidence of non-SLN metastases for all patients (.97). The accuracy of the nomogram as measured by the area under the ROC curve was .71. When applied solely to patients who had TIC assessment of the SLN, the area under the ROC curve was .74. Conclusions This study validated the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center breast cancer nomogram by using an external database. TIC seems to be an acceptable substitute for frozen section as a nomogram variable. The nomogram may help predict an individual’s risk of non-SLN metastases and assist in patient decision making regarding the benefit of CLND. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Atlanta, Georgia, March 3–6, 2005.     

Re-evaluation of Axillary Skip Metastases in the Era of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer

Purpose To investigate whether skip axillary metastases are really skip metastases or a continuation of level I micrometastases in invasive breast cancer, and to determine whether there are any factors predisposing to skip metastases. Methods We reviewed 568 consecutive patients with breast cancer who underwent complete axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) between January 1998 and December 2004. For patients with skip axillary lymph node metastases, resectioning and immunohistochemical staining of the remaining part of paraffin blocks from level I lymph nodes were done to determine whether there were any micrometastases in this group of lymph nodes. Results Skip axillary metastases were found in 27 (10%) of 268 patients with axillary lymph node metastases. Re-evaluation of the level I lymph nodes, both with thin sectioning and immunohistochemical staining, in the patients with axillary skip metastases revealed no micrometastases. No significant correlation was found between the demographic and histopathological variables of the patients with skip metastases and those with regular axillary metastases. Conclusions These results suggest that skip axillary metastases are actual skip metastases, not a continuation of undetected level I micrometastases. Moreover, none of the clinical and histopathological measures of primary tumors are predictors of the presence of skip metastases.     

乳腺癌腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫术中保留肋间臂神经的临床价值

目的探讨乳腺癌腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫(endoscopic axillary lymph node dissection,EALND)术中保留肋间臂神经的可行性和临床价值。方法回顾分析2006年10月～2008年12月接受腔镜腋窝淋巴结清扫手术并随访资料完整的89例Ⅰ、Ⅱ期乳腺癌患者的临床资料,其中保留肋间臂神经68例,未保留21例。对比2组术后患侧上臂内侧及腋窝皮肤感觉情况、手术时间。结果肋间臂神经保留组术后上臂内侧及腋窝皮肤感觉异常9例(13.2%),未保留组15例(71.4%),二者差异有显著性(χ2=27.859,P=0.000)。保留组EALND时间(93.1±31.2)min,未保留组(87.5±25.6)min,二者差异无显著性(t=0.751,P=0.455)。89例术后随访27～45个月,平均36个月,均未发现肿瘤复发及切口种植转移。结论Ⅰ、Ⅱ期乳腺癌EALND术中保留肋间臂神经临床可行,能够明显减少术后患侧上肢感觉障碍及疼痛的发生,改善生活质量。     

HE、IHC和RT-PCR方法检测乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移的对照研究

目的　探讨检测乳腺癌腋窝淋巴结转移较敏感的方法。方法　应用常规HE染色法、细胞角蛋白19(CK19)作为单抗的免疫组化(IHC)SP染色及CK19 mRNA的逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT PCR)3 种方法检测20 例乳腺癌患者共239 个腋窝淋巴结的转移情况。结果　239 个腋窝淋巴结中,HE染色发现3 例患者7 个(2.9%,7/239)有癌转移,均位于level Ⅰ; IHC检测到7例患者13个(5.4%,13/239)有癌转移,其中11个位于level Ⅰ,2个位于level Ⅱ; RT PCR检测到14例患者52 个(21.8%,52/239)有癌转移,其中30 个位于level Ⅰ,22 个位于level Ⅱ。IHC和RT PCR检测证实,HE染色阳性的7 个淋巴结均有癌转移; IHC染色阳性的淋巴结均出现了PCR阳性扩增产物。HE、IHC及RT PCR 3 种检测方法对腋窝淋巴结微转移的检出率分别是0(0/232)、2.6%(6/232)及19.4%(45/232),P<0.05。结论　IHC及RT PCR是较HE检测淋巴结微转移更敏感的方法,而RT PCR较IHC更为敏感,能更准确地反映乳腺癌患者腋窝淋巴结的状况。     

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer: The Experience of the European Institute of Oncology in Special Clinical Scenarios

BACKGROUND: While axillary nodal status is still one of the most important prognostic factors in breast cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has evolved as a main procedure to strongly reduce postsurgical morbidity improving early and long-term quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1996 and 2010, we performed 18,884 SLNBs for breast cancer, successfully confirming the validity of this technique and its positive impact on patients' quality of life, even though decision-making processes for adjuvant treatment strongly depend on biological features. RESULTS: This paper summarizes published data mainly collected in our institute considering special clinical scenarios such as ductal intraepithelial neoplasia, intramammary sentinel nodes, multicentric breast cancer, prior breast surgery, previous breast aesthetic surgery, second axillary SLNB, pregnant patients, primary chemotherapy, and male patients. CONCLUSIONS: In general, we believe that SLNB represents the standard procedure for axillary staging in virtually all clinical situations, even in those which were previously considered a contraindication for this procedure. At the moment, the only contraindication to SLNB is the presence of documented axillary metastases.     

The Impact on Post-surgical Treatment of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of Internal Mammary Lymph Nodes in Patients with Breast Cancer

Background Since the introduction of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer patients there is a renewed interest in lymphatic drainage to the internal mammary (IM) chain nodes. We evaluated the frequency of lymphatic drainage to the IM chain, the rate of SLNs that contain metastases and the clinical implications of IM LN metastases. Methods Between June 1999 and April 2005 506 consecutive patients underwent SLN biopsy as a staging procedure for clinically T1-2N0 breast cancer. In all patients preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was combined with the intraoperative use of a gammaprobe. In patients with IM SLNs visualized on lymphoscintigraphy, LNs were extirpated through an intercostal parasternal incision. Results SLNs were visualized by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in 99% of all patients (502/506): axillary SLNs in 499 patients (99%), ipsilateral IM LNs in 109 patients (22%). In 85 patients with visualized IM SLNs the IM nodes could be removed (78%). In 20 of the latter 85 patients IM SLNs contained metastases (24%). IM metastases were associated with axillary LN metastases (P < 0.001). In 17 patients IM metastases led to extension of the radiotherapy field, while additional (adjuvant) systemic therapy was given in six patients. Conclusion SLNs in the IM chain are common in breast cancer patients and can be extirpated in the majority of these patients. The proportion of patients in whom radiotherapeutic treatment was adjusted due to IM LN metastases was substantial. We advocate retrieval of IM SLNs when visualized by preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. No financial support was received for this study.     

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer

The role of axillary surgery for the treatment of primary breast cancer is in a process of constant change. During the last decade, axillary dissection with removal of at least 10 lymph nodes (ALD) was replaced by sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as a staging procedure. Since then, the indication for SLNB rapidly expanded. Today's surgical strategies aim to minimize the rate of patients with a negative axillary status who undergo ALD. For some subgroups of patients, the indication for SLNB (e.g. multicentric disease, large tumors) or its implication for treatment planning (micrometastatic involvement, neoadjuvant chemotherapy) is being discussed. Although the indication for ALD is almost entirely restricted to patients with positive axillary lymph nodes today, the therapeutic effect of completion ALD is more and more questioned. On the other hand, the diagnostic value of ALD in node-positive patients is discussed. This article reflects today's standards in axillary surgery and discusses open issues on the diagnostic and therapeutic role of SLNB and ALD in the treatment of early breast cancer.     

乳腺癌分子分型与腋窝淋巴结外科处理

目的探讨乳腺癌分子分型是否影响腋窝淋巴结的术式选择。方法检索有关乳腺癌分子分型与腋窝淋巴结转移情况的文献并进行综述。结果三阴型乳腺癌患者的前哨淋巴结与非前哨淋巴结阳性率均较低,luminalB型和HER-2过表达型患者的腋窝淋巴结转移率较高,尤其是luminalB型乳腺癌患者,其前哨淋巴结阳性率、非前哨淋巴结阳性率均较其他分子分型高,对于行保乳手术的老年患者,当仅有1～2枚前哨淋巴结转移时,可免行腋窝淋巴结清扫;对于肿瘤体积较大的年轻患者,即使前哨淋巴结阴性,非前哨淋巴结阳性的可能性仍然较大,行腋窝淋巴结清扫可能会使这部分患者受益。结论对于腋窝淋巴结的术式选择,乳腺癌分子分型也是需要考虑的因素之一。     

The Microanatomic Location of Metastatic Breast Cancer in Sentinel Lymph Nodes Predicts Nonsentinel Lymph Node Involvement

Background The majority of sentinel node (SN) positive breast cancer patients do not have additional non-SN involvement and may not benefit from axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Previous studies in melanoma have suggested that microanatomic localization of SN metastases may predict non-SN involvement. The present study was designed to assess whether these criteria might also be used to be more restrictive in selecting breast cancer patients who would benefit from an ALND. Methods A consecutive series of 357 patients with invasive breast cancer and a tumor-positive axillary SN, followed by an ALND, was reviewed. Microanatomic SN tumor features (subcapsular, combined subcapsular and parenchymal, parenchymal, extensive localization, multifocality, and the penetrative depth from the SN capsule) were evaluated for their predictive value for non-SN involvement. Results Non-SN metastases were found in 136/357 cases (38%). Microanatomic location and penetrative depth of SN metastases were significant predictors for non-SN involvement (<0.001); limited penetrative depth was associated with a low frequency of non-SN involvement with a minimal of 10%. Conclusions Microanatomic location and penetrative depth of breast cancer SN metastases predict non-SN involvement. However, based on these features no subgroup of patients could be selected with less than 10% non-SN involvement.     

Role of Combined Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Axillary Node Sampling in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer

Axillary lymph node status is a prognostic marker in breast cancer management, and axillary surgery plays an important role in staging and local control. This study aims to assess whether a combination of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using patent blue dye and axillary node sampling (ANS) offers equivalent identification rate to dual tracer technique. Furthermore, we aim to investigate whether there are any potential benefits to this combined technique. Retrospective study of 230 clinically node-negative patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery for single T1–T3 tumours between 2006 and 2011. Axillae were staged using a combined blue dye SLNB/ANS technique. SLNs were localized in 226/230 (identification rate 98.3 %). Three of one hundred ninety-two patients with a negative SLN were found to have positive ANS nodes and 1/4 failed SLNB patients had positive ANS nodes. Thirty-four of two hundred twenty-six patients had SLN metastases and 11/34 (32.4 %) also had a positive non-sentinel lymph node on ANS. Twenty-one of twenty-four (87.5 %) node-positive T1 tumours had single node involvement. Nine of thirty-eight node-positive patients progressed to completion axillary clearance (cALND), and the rest were treated with axillary radiotherapy. Axillary recurrence was nil at median 5 year follow-up. Complementing SLNB with axillary node sampling (ANS) decreases the unavoidable false-negative rate associated with SLNB. Appropriate operator experience and technique can result in an SLN localization rate of 98 %, rivalling a dual tracer technique. The additional insight offered by ANS into the status of non-sentinel nodes has potential applications in an era of less frequent cALND.     

Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Microinvasive Breast Cancer

Background:Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISM) is a separate pathological entity, distinct from pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). DCISM is a true invasive breast carcinoma with a well-known metastatic potential. Currently, there is controversy regarding the indication for complete axillary dissection (CAD) to stage the axilla in patients with DCISM. The role of CAD is questioned given its morbidity and reported low incidence of axillary involvement. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may obviate the need for CAD in these patients without compromising the staging of the axilla and the important prognostic information.Methods:From March 1996 to December 2002, 4602 consecutive patients with invasive breast carcinoma underwent SLN biopsy. Of these, 41 patients with DCISM were selected.Results:Metastasis in the SLN were detected in 4 of 41 (9.7%) patients. Two of the 4 patients had only micrometastasis in the SLN. In three patients, the SLN was the only positive node after CAD.Conclusions:SLN biopsy should be considered as a standard procedure in DCISM patients. SLNB can detect nodal micrometastasis and accurately stage the axilla avoiding the morbidity of a CAD. Complete AD may not be mandatory if only the SLN contains micrometastatic disease. Informed consent is very important in the decision not to undergo CAD.     

Impact of Clinicopathological Factors on Sensitivity of Axillary Ultrasonography in the Detection of Axillary Nodal Metastases in Patients With Breast Cancer

Background: Ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) are used to evaluate the breast and regional nodes in breast cancer patients. We sought to identify factors influencing the sensitivity of ultrasonography for detection of nodal metastasis.Methods: Patients with a clinically negative axilla who underwent axillary ultrasonography and sentinel lymph node biopsy were included.Results: Of 208 patients, axillary ultrasonography was negative in 180 (86%) and suspicious or indeterminate in 28 (14%). FNA was performed in 22 patients whose findings were indeterminate or suspicious, and 3 were positive for malignancy. Final pathological examinations revealed positive nodes in 53 patients: 39 (22%) of 180 with negative ultrasonographic findings and 14 (50%) of 28 with indeterminate or suspicious ultrasonographic findings (P = .001). Excisional biopsy was more common for patients with indeterminate or suspicious findings on preoperative ultrasonography (P = .038). There were no significant differences in tumor size, histological features, size of nodal metastasis, or number of positive nodes between patients whose ultrasonography findings were negative and those whose findings were indeterminate or suspicious.Conclusions: Ultrasonographically suggested nodal metastasis is associated with the finding of nodal disease on final pathological examination. No significant clinicopathologic criteria were found to impact sensitivity of ultrasonography; however, excisional biopsy for diagnosis may be a confounding variable in subsequent axillary ultrasonography.     

Risk Factors for Non-Sentinel Lymph Node Metastases in Patients with Breast Cancer. The Outcome of a Multi-institutional Study

Background In this multi-institutional prospective study, we evaluated whether we could identify risk factors predictive for non-sentinel lymph node (non-SN) metastases in breast cancer patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SN). Methods In this multi-institutional study, 541 eligible breast cancer patients were included prospectively. Results The occurrence of non-SN metastases was related to the size of the SN metastasis (P = .02), primary tumor size (P = .001), and lymphovascular invasion (P = .07). The adjusted odds ratio was 3.1 for SN micro-metastasis compared with SN isolated tumor cells, 4.0 for SN macro-metastasis versus SN isolated tumor cells, 3.1 for tumor size (>3.0 cm compared with ≤3.0 cm), and 2.0 for lymphovascular invasion (yes versus no). There were no positive non-SNs when the primary tumor size was ≤1.0 cm (n = 24) [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0%–14.0%]. The proportion of positive non-SNs ranged in a prognostic logistic regression model from 9.7% (95% CI 4.0%–23.0%) for patients with SN isolated tumor cells, tumor size of 1.1–3.0 cm, and without vessel invasion, to 72.6% (95% CI 47.0%–89.0%) for patients with SN macro-metastasis, tumor size >3.0 cm, and with vessel invasion. Conclusion We identified three predictive factors for non-SN metastases in breast cancer patients with a positive SN: size of the SN metastasis; primary tumor size; and vessel invasion. We were not able to identify a specific group of patients with a positive SN in whom the risk for non-SN metastases was less than 5%.     

Sentinel Node Biopsy Before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Spares Breast Cancer Patients Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients is a valuable method to determine the efficacy of chemotherapy and potentially downsize the primary tumor, which facilitates breast-conserving therapy. In 18 studies published about sentinel node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the sentinel node was identified in on average 89%, and the false-negative rate was on average 10%. Because of these mediocre results, no author dares to omit axillary clearance just yet. In our institute, sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed before neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with this approach. Methods Sentinel node biopsy was performed before neoadjuvant chemotherapy in 25 T2N0 patients by using lymphoscintigraphy, a gamma ray detection probe, and patent blue dye. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed after chemotherapy if the sentinel node contained metastases. Results Ten patients had a tumor-positive axillary sentinel node, and one patient had an involved lateral intramammary node. Four patients had additional involved nodes in the completion lymph node dissection specimen. The other 14 patients (56%) had a tumor-negative sentinel node and did not undergo axillary lymph node dissection. No recurrences have been observed after a median follow-up of 18 months. Conclusions Fourteen (56%) of the 25 patients were spared axillary lymph node dissection when the sentinel node was found to be disease free. Performing sentinel node biopsy before neoadjuvant chemotherapy seems successful and reliable in patients with T2N0 breast cancer.