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BMC Cancer Nov 2022Early identification of axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in breast cancer (BC) is still a clinical difficulty. There is still no good method to replace sentinel...
BACKGROUND
Early identification of axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) in breast cancer (BC) is still a clinical difficulty. There is still no good method to replace sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The purpose of our study was to develop and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of ALNM preoperatively based on ultrasonography (US) and clinicopathological features of primary tumors.
METHODS
From September 2019 to April 2022, the preoperative US) and clinicopathological data of 1076 T1-T2 BC patients underwent surgical treatment were collected. Patients were divided into a training set (875 patients from September 2019 to October 2021) and a validation set (201 patients from November 2021 to April 2022). Patients were divided into positive and negative axillary lymph node (ALN) group according pathology of axillary surgery. Compared the US and clinicopathological features between the two groups. The risk factors for ALNM were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram was constructed. AUC and calibration were used to assess its performance.
RESULTS
By univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, age (p = 0.009), histologic grades (p = 0.000), molecular subtypes (p = 0.000), tumor location (p = 0.000), maximum diameter (p = 0.000), spiculated margin (p = 0.000) and distance from the skin (p = 0.000) were independent risk factors of ALNM. Then a nomogram was developed. The model was good discriminating with an AUC of 0.705 and 0.745 for the training and validation set, respectively. And the calibration curves demonstrated high agreement. However, in further predicting a heavy nodal disease burden (> 2 nodes), none of the variables were significant.
CONCLUSION
This nomogram based on the US and clinicopathological data can predict the presence of ALNM good in T1-T2 BC patients. But it cannot effectively predict a heavy nodal disease burden (> 2 nodes).
Topics: Humans; Female; Lymphatic Metastasis; Breast Neoplasms; Axilla; Lymph Nodes; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Nomograms; Ultrasonography; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36352378
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10240-z -
JAMA Oncology Aug 2022Risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are poorly understood.
IMPORTANCE
Risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate rates of and risk factors associated with BCRL in a prospective cohort of women treated with ALND.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This prospective BCRL screening study performed at a tertiary cancer center enrolled women with breast cancer 18 years and older undergoing breast surgery and unilateral ALND in the primary setting or after sentinel lymph node biopsy.
EXPOSURES
Risk of BCRL during the first 2 years after ALND and radiotherapy.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Patients were prospectively evaluated with arm volume (perometer) measurements, and BCRL was defined as a relative volume change of 10% or greater from baseline. Cumulative incidence of BCRL was assessed using competing risk analysis. Risk factors for BCRL were assessed on univariate and multivariable analyses.
RESULTS
From November 2016 to March 2020, 304 patients were enrolled; 276 had at least 1 longitudinal measurement. Median (IQR) age was 48 (40-57) years; median (IQR) body mass index, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, was 26.4 (22.5-31.2). Of the 276 patients included in the analysis, 29 (11%) self-identified as Asian, 55 (20%) as Black, 16 (6%) as Hispanic, 166 (60%) as White, and 10 (3%) as unknown race and ethnicity; 70% received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC); 93% received nodal irradiation. The 24-month BCRL rate was 23.8% (95% CI, 17.9%-29.8%), with significant variation by race and ethnicity (24-month rate: 37.2% [Black], 27.7% [Hispanic], 22.5% [Asian], and 19.8% [White]; P = .004). The BCRL rates were also higher among patients receiving NAC vs up-front surgery (24-month rate: 29.3% vs 11.1%; P = .01). On multivariable analysis, Black race and Hispanic ethnicity (compared with White race) (odds ratio [OR], 3.88; 95% CI, 2.14-7.08 and OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.10-7.62, respectively; P < .001 for each), receipt of NAC (compared with up-front surgery) (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.16-3.95; P = .01), older age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07 per 1-year increase; P = .001), and a longer follow-up interval (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.30-1.90 per 6-month increase; P < .001) were independently associated with an increased risk of BCRL, while ERBB2-positive subtype was associated with a decreased risk of BCRL (compared with hormone receptor positive/ERBB2 negative): OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.23-0.99; P = .04).
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study, Black race, Hispanic ethnicity, NAC receipt, older age, and longer follow-up were independently associated with risk of BCRL. Studies are warranted to evaluate the biologic mechanisms behind racial and ethnic disparities in BCRL development and alternatives to NAC to avoid ALND in tumor subtypes unlikely to achieve nodal pathologic complete response.
Topics: Adult; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Cohort Studies; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphedema; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 35679026
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.1628 -
Surgical Oncology Sep 2022The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using the single-incision round block technique in breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node (SLN)... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using the single-incision round block technique in breast-conserving surgery with sentinel lymph node (SLN) retrieval for breast cancer without compromising oncological safety.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective observational case-control study was conducted from January 2017 to October 2021. The study population consisted of two groups. In both groups, breast-conserving surgery was carried out through the round-block technique. In group A, SLN retrieval was performed using the round-block incision (study group), while in group B, SLN retrieval was conducted through a second skin incision in the axilla (control group). The study was approved by the local ethics committee Zurich (BASEC-Nr. 2020-02857), and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.
RESULTS
Overall, 134 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 86 women underwent breast-conserving surgery and SLN retrieval using the single-incision approach (group A), and 48 women underwent conventional surgery, using two independent incisions for tumour resection and SLN retrieval (group B). The overall success rate in group A regarding SLN retrieval was 97.7%, whereas most tumours were located in the upper outer (47.7%) and upper inner quadrant (27.9%). Although the technique was equally successful in the other quadrants, the share of tumours in the lower outer, and the lower inner quadrant, and the retroareolar region was smaller, representing 17.4%, 3.5% and 3.5%, respectively. The median number of dissected lymph nodes was two, with a positivity rate of 24.4%. The occurrence of axillary neuralgia and axillary skin retraction was significantly higher in group B along with tendentially more axillary seroma formation. There were no significant differences regarding reintervention rates, in terms of complications, resection margins, locoregional recurrences, or deaths with a mean follow-up of 11 months.
CONCLUSIONS
The single-incision method through the round block technique is as safe and effective as the standard two-incision approach regarding nodal staging and resection margins, and seems to be applicable for tumours in all breast quadrants.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Margins of Excision; Mastectomy, Segmental; Retrospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 36126348
DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2022.101847 -
Current Treatment Options in Oncology May 2020As the use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) increases, the optimal management of the axilla has become increasingly complex. Consensus among professional... (Review)
Review
As the use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) increases, the optimal management of the axilla has become increasingly complex. Consensus among professional organizations is that those patients with clinically negative axillary nodes who are being considered for NAST should undergo a sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy following NAST. If a positive SLN is subsequently identified, an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is the current standard of care. For patients with clinically node-positive disease, SLN biopsy is a reasonable option for those with a good response to NAST. Patients should undergo SLN mapping with a dual dye technique. Additionally, at least 2 lymph nodes should be removed, including the previously biopsied and marked lymph node with cancer. In this setting, the identification and false negative rates are acceptable. Patients found to have a negative SLN at this time may be spared the morbidity associated with ALND. Patients found to have persistently positive lymph nodes following NAST, either clinically or pathologically, should undergo a complete ALND.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Clinical Decision-Making; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Management; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32462230
DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-00755-7 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) Apr 2023To explore the risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and upper extremity dysfunction (UED) in patients with early breast cancer after modern...
PURPOSE
To explore the risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and upper extremity dysfunction (UED) in patients with early breast cancer after modern comprehensive treatment and to compare the toxicity of different treatment strategies.
METHODS
From 2017 to 2020, a total of 1369 female patients with pT1-3N0-1M0 breast cancer who underwent adjuvant radiotherapy in our centre were retrospectively reviewed. BCRL and UED were identified by the Norman and QuickDASH questionnaires. The incidence, severity and risk factors for BCRL and UED were evaluated.
RESULTS
After a median follow-up of 25 months, a total of 249 patients developed BCRL; axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), increased number of dissected nodes, right-sided and hypofractionated radiotherapy containing RNI were found to be significant risk factors (all p values < 0.05). The sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)+ regional nodal irradiation (RNI) group had a significantly lower BCRL risk than the ALND + RNI group (10.8% vs. 32.5%, HR = 0.426, p = 0.020), while there was no significant difference between ALND vs. ALND + RNI or SLNB vs. SLNB + RNI. A total of 193 patients developed UED, and ALND (p = 0.02) was the only significant risk factor. The SLNB + RNI group had a significantly decreased risk of UED compared with the ALND + RNI group (7.5% vs. 23.9%, HR = 0.260, p = 0.001), and there was no significant difference between SLNB vs. SLNB + RNI or ALND vs. ALND + RNI.
CONCLUSION
Aggressive ALND remains the primary risk factor for BCRL and UED while RNI does not. Thus, replacing ALND with tailored radiotherapy would be an effective preventive strategy in early breast cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Lymph Node Excision; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Lymph Nodes; Lymphedema; Axilla; Breast Cancer Lymphedema
PubMed: 36764019
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2023.02.001 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Mar 2021In the last decade, two research groups, the French group by Clough et al. (Br J Surg. 97:1659-65, 2010) and the Chinese one by Li et al. (ISRN Oncol 2013:279013, 2013),... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In the last decade, two research groups, the French group by Clough et al. (Br J Surg. 97:1659-65, 2010) and the Chinese one by Li et al. (ISRN Oncol 2013:279013, 2013), proposed two types of classification of axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer, identifying novel anatomic landmarks for dividing the axillary space in lymph node dissection.
MAIN BODY
Knowledge of the exact location of the sentinel node helps to focus the surgical dissection and to reduce the morbidity of sentinel lymph node biopsy procedures, in particular the risk of arm lymphedema, without compromising sensitivity.
CONCLUSION
In this article, we aimed at focusing on the clinical impact that the most recent classifications of axillary lymph nodes have obtained in literature, highlighting the importance of defining new demarcations to preserve the axillary lymph nodes as much as possible in breast surgery.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Prognosis; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 33781279
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02209-2 -
Annals of Surgical Oncology Dec 2021Randomized clinical trials support deescalation of axillary surgery in breast cancer patients with low-volume axillary disease treated with a surgery-first approach....
BACKGROUND
Randomized clinical trials support deescalation of axillary surgery in breast cancer patients with low-volume axillary disease treated with a surgery-first approach. However, few data exist to guide axillary surgery following neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET). Therefore, we evaluated the extent and outcomes of axillary surgery in a contemporary cohort of NET patients, a treatment approach that has become particularly relevant during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified invasive breast cancer patients treated with NET between October 2008 and November 2019. Patients presenting with stage IV disease or recurrent disease were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.
RESULTS
194 invasive breast cancers in 186 patients (median age 66 years) were evaluated; 81 patients had breast-conserving surgery (BCS), while 113 underwent mastectomy. Eighty-four patients (43.3%) were biopsy-proven cN+ with 4/84 (4.8%) ypN0 following NET. Among cN+ patients, 14 (16.7%) had sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only, 27 (32.1%) had SLNB + axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and 43 (51.2%) had ALND. Among 110 cN0 patients, 99 had axillary surgery with 28/99 (28.3%) ypN+: SLNB in 83 (75.5%), SLNB+ALND in 14 (12.7%), and ALND in 2 (1.8%). Among all ypN+ patients, 23/108 (21.3%) had SLNB alone: 18/43 (41.9%) of BCS and 5/65 (7.7%) mastectomy patients (p < 0.001). After median follow-up of 35 months, no regional recurrences were observed.
CONCLUSIONS
Among biopsy-proven cN+ NET patients, we observed deescalation of axillary surgery in selected patients, despite a low nodal pathologic complete response (pCR) rate, without nodal recurrences. These data suggest that patients with low-volume axillary disease treated with NET may be managed similarly to patients treated with a surgery-first approach.
Topics: Aged; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; COVID-19; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Mastectomy; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; SARS-CoV-2; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 34275042
DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10385-4 -
Journal of Surgical Oncology Oct 2022Surgery remains the single most effective treatment for breast cancer but coincident with a deeper understanding of tumor biology and advances in multidisciplinary care...
Surgery remains the single most effective treatment for breast cancer but coincident with a deeper understanding of tumor biology and advances in multidisciplinary care (encompassing breast imaging, systemic adjuvant therapy, radiotherapy, and genomics) continues to de-escalate, supported by strong level I data. We have moved from mastectomy to breast conservation, and from routine axillary dissection to sentinel lymph node biopsy to selective omission of axillary node staging altogether. We have further de-escalated through consensus over margin width in breast conservation, through improvements in neoadjuvant therapy, and by demonstrating no benefit for upfront surgery in patients with stage IV disease. For patients with ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence, reconservation surgery and reirradiation are promising. Cell cycle and immune checkpoint inhibitors, when added to conventional systemic therapy, have now moved beyond stage IV disease to phase III trials in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, promising even further de-escalation of surgery. Finally, with genomic profiling we are moving away from the primacy of axillary node status for prognostication and into a new era allowing prediction of response to therapy.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mastectomy; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Surgical Oncology
PubMed: 36087082
DOI: 10.1002/jso.27035 -
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Aug 2024Prior data from this Center demonstrated that for patients who had biopsy-proven axillary metastases, were ycN0 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and had a...
PURPOSE
Prior data from this Center demonstrated that for patients who had biopsy-proven axillary metastases, were ycN0 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), and had a wire-directed (targeted) sentinel lymphadenectomy (WD-SLND), 60% were node negative. The hypothesis of this study was that results of axillary imaging either before or after NAC would be predictive of final pathologic status after WD-SLND.
METHODS
For patients treated with NAC between 2015 and 2023, ultrasound and MRI images of the axilla were retrospectively reviewed by radiologists specializing in breast imaging, who were blinded to the surgical and pathology results.
RESULTS
Of 113 patients who fit the clinical criteria, 66 (58%) were ypN0 at WD-SLND and 34 (30%) had a pathologic complete response to NAC. There was no correlation between the number of abnormal lymph nodes on pre-NAC ultrasound or MRI imaging and the final pathologic status of the lymph nodes. The positive predictive value (PPV) of abnormal post-NAC axillary imaging was 48% for ultrasound and 53% for MRI. The negative predictive value (NPV) for normal post-NAC axillary imaging was 67% for ultrasound and 68% for MRI.
CONCLUSION
The results of axillary imaging were not adequate to identify lymph nodes after NAC that were persistently pathologically node positive or those which had become pathologically node negative.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Axilla; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Adult; Aged; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Neoplasm Staging; Retrospective Studies; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymph Nodes; Ultrasonography; Lymph Node Excision
PubMed: 38700572
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07332-8 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021Endoscopic thyroidectomy and robotic thyroidectomy are effective and safe surgical options for thyroid surgery, with excellent cosmetic outcomes. However, in regard to... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Endoscopic thyroidectomy and robotic thyroidectomy are effective and safe surgical options for thyroid surgery, with excellent cosmetic outcomes. However, in regard to lateral neck dissection (LND), much effort is required to alleviate cervical disfigurement derived from a long incision. Technologic innovations have allowed for endoscopic LND, without the need for extended cervical incisions and providing access to remote sites, including axillary, chest-breast, face-lift, transoral, and hybrid approaches.
METHODS
A comprehensive review of published literature was performed using the search terms "lateral neck dissection", "thyroid", and "endoscopy OR endoscopic OR endoscope OR robotic" in PubMed.
RESULTS
This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding endoscopic LND, and it specifically addresses the following points: 1) the surgical procedure, 2) the indications and contraindications, 3) the complications and surgical outcomes, and 4) the technical advantages and limitations. Robotic LND, totally endoscopic LND, and endoscope-assisted LND are separately discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic LND is a feasible and safe technique in terms of complete resection of the selected neck levels, complications, and cosmetic outcomes. However, it is recommended to strictly select criteria when expanding the population of eligible patients. A formal indication for endoscopic LND has not yet been established. Thus, a well-designed, multicenter study with a large cohort is necessary to confirm the feasibility, long-term outcomes, oncological safety, and influence of endoscopic LND on patient quality of life (QoL).
Topics: Endoscopy; Humans; Neck Dissection; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Thyroid Gland; Thyroid Neoplasms; Thyroidectomy
PubMed: 35002974
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.796984