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Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Nov 2022Recent studies have suggested that a significant proportion of patients with axillary nodal metastases diagnosed by pre-operative axillary ultrasound (AUS)-guided needle... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have suggested that a significant proportion of patients with axillary nodal metastases diagnosed by pre-operative axillary ultrasound (AUS)-guided needle biopsy were over-treated with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The role of routine AUS and needle biopsy in early breast cancer was questioned. This review aims to determine if pre-operative AUS could predict the extent of axillary tumor burden and need of ALND.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase literature databases were searched systematically for abnormal AUS characteristics and axillary nodal burden. Studies were eligible if they correlated the sonographic abnormalities in AUS with the resultant axillary nodal burden in ALND according to the ACOSOG Z0011 criteria.
RESULTS
Eleven retrospective studies and one prospective study with 1658 patients were included. Sixty-five percent of patients with one abnormal lymph node in AUS and 56% of those with two had low axillary nodal burden. Using one abnormal lymph node as the cut-off, the pooled sensitivity and specificity in prediction of axillary nodal burden were 66% (95%CI 63-69%) and 73% (95% CI 70-76%), respectively. Across the six studies that evaluated suspicious nodal characteristics, increased nodal cortical thickness may be associated with high axillary nodal burden.
CONCLUSION
More than half of the patients with pre-operative positive AUS and biopsy proven axillary nodal metastases were over-treated by ALND. Quantification of suspicious nodes and extent of cortical morphological changes in AUS may help identify suitable patients for sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Topics: Humans; Female; Breast Neoplasms; Tumor Burden; Retrospective Studies; Prospective Studies; Lymphatic Metastasis; Axilla; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Lymph Nodes; Lymph Node Excision
PubMed: 36138294
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06699-w -
Current Medical Imaging 2023Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second most common cause of death in women worldwide. Axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) is the most significant...
BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and the second most common cause of death in women worldwide. Axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) is the most significant prognostic factor in breast cancer. Under the current guidelines, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard of axillary staging in patients with clinically-node negative breast cancer. Despite the minimally invasive nature of SLNB, it can cause short and long-term morbidities, including pain, sensory impairment, and upper limb motor dysfunction. However, lymphedema remains the most feared adverse event, and it affects 7% of patients within 36 months of follow-up. Recently, we have witnessed the implication of radiomics and artificial intelligence domains in the diagnosis and follow-up of many malignancies with promising results. Therefore, we have conducted a systematic search to investigate the potential of radiomics and artificial intelligence in predicting ALNM.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis as our basis of organization.
RESULTS
For radiomics, the area under the curve (AUC) for the included studies ranged from 0.715 to 0.93. Accuracy ranged from 67.7% to 98%. Sensitivity and specificity ranged from 70.3% to 97.8% and 58.4% to 98.2%, respectively. For other artificial intelligence methods, AUC ranged from 0.68 to 0.98, while accuracy ranged from 55% to 89%.
CONCLUSION
The results of radiomics and artificial intelligence in predicting ALNM are promising. However, validation as a substitute for SLNB requires more substantial evidence from large randomized trials.
Topics: Female; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Breast Neoplasms; Artificial Intelligence; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Lymph Nodes
PubMed: 35996255
DOI: 10.2174/1573405618666220822093226 -
JMA Journal Jul 2023Somatostatin analogs are expected to reduce lymphatic leakage. However, whether they can be used after axillary lymphadenectomy is unclear. This study aimed to assess... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Somatostatin analogs are expected to reduce lymphatic leakage. However, whether they can be used after axillary lymphadenectomy is unclear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of somatostatin analogs in axillary lymphadenectomy for breast cancer patients.
METHODS
We performed a random-effects meta-analysis by searching electronic databases for randomized trials and trial registries until June 2022. The primary outcomes were the volume of drained fluid, the duration of drainage, and seroma incidence. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach.
RESULTS
Six trials (738 participants) and one protocol without results were included. Somatostatin analogs may reduce the volume of drained fluid (mean difference = -22.07 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -42.09 to -2.05; I = 56%) while resulting in a slight-to-no difference in the duration of drainage (mean difference = -0.48 days, 95% CI = -1.43 to 0.46; I = 87%) and seroma incidence (risk ratio = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.61-1.34; I = 55%). The certainty of the evidence was low.
CONCLUSIONS
There was limited evidence supporting somatostatin analogs for lymphorrhea after axillary lymphadenectomy. Multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of somatostatin analogs after axillary lymphadenectomy.
PubMed: 37560373
DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2022-0219 -
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Apr 2014It is still unclear whether the deep and superficial lymphatics of the breast always drain into the same nodes and which route best simulates the spread of breast... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Axillary concordance between superficial and deep sentinel node mapping material injections in breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.
It is still unclear whether the deep and superficial lymphatics of the breast always drain into the same nodes and which route best simulates the spread of breast cancer. In the current study, we systematically searched the available literature to find the studies evaluated the sentinel node locations of deep and superficial injections in the same patients simultaneously or serially. We searched SCOPUS, and PUBMED for relevant studies. Patient basis concordance rate was defined as the ratio of patients with at least one identified axillary sentinel node by both deep and superficial injections to all patients with identified axillary sentinel nodes using either methods. Sentinel node basis concordance was defined as the ratio of the number of axillary sentinel nodes identified by both deep and superficial injections to the sum of all identified axillary sentinel nodes using either methods. Pooled sentinel node detection rates were 94 % [92.1-95.5], 91.2 % [87.1-94.1], and 97.2 % [96-98] for superficial, deep, and combined (superficial and deep) injections. Pooled patient basis and sentinel node basis concordance rates were 90 % [86.7-92.4] and 73 % [63.3-80.9]. Pooled false negative rates were 9.1 % [5.9-14], 8.6 % [3.7-18.8], and 6.5 % [3.4-11.9] for superficial, deep, and combined (superficial and deep) injections, respectively. Axillary lymphatic drainage concordance between superficial and deep sentinel node mapping material in breast cancer patients is fairly high and clinically acceptable. However, both injection techniques can complement each other and the combined superficial/deep injection technique seems to be more successful clinically and can decrease the overall false negative rate.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; False Negative Reactions; Female; Humans; Injections, Intralymphatic; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 24522377
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2866-1 -
Breast Cancer (Tokyo, Japan) Jul 2023Various surgical energy devices are used for axillary lymph-node dissection. However, those that reduce seroma during axillary lymph-node dissection are unknown. We... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Various surgical energy devices are used for axillary lymph-node dissection. However, those that reduce seroma during axillary lymph-node dissection are unknown. We aimed to determine the best surgical energy device for reducing seroma by performing a network meta-analysis to synthesize the current evidence on the effectiveness of surgical energy devices for axillary node dissection for breast cancer patients. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Platform Search Portal. Two reviewers independently selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealing (EBVS), ultrasonic coagulation shears (UCS), and conventional techniques for axillary node dissection. Primary outcomes were seroma, drained fluid volume (mL), and drainage duration (days). We analyzed random-effects and Bayesian network meta-analyses. We evaluated the confidence of each outcome using the CINeMA tool. We registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022335434). We included 34 RCTs with 2916 participants. Compared to the conventional techniques, UCS likely reduces seroma (risk ratio [RR], 0.61; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.49-0.73), the drained fluid volume (mean difference [MD], - 313 mL; 95% CrI - 496 to - 130), and drainage duration (MD - 1.79 days; 95% CrI - 2.91 to - 0.66). EBVS might have little effect on seroma, the drained fluid volume, and drainage duration compared to conventional techniques. UCS likely reduce seroma (RR 0.44; 95% CrI 0.28-0.69) compared to EBVS. Confidence levels were low to moderate. In conclusion, UCS are likely the best surgical energy device for seroma reduction during axillary node dissection for breast cancer patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Network Meta-Analysis; Breast Neoplasms; Seroma; Lymph Node Excision; Drainage; Axilla
PubMed: 37058224
DOI: 10.1007/s12282-023-01460-7 -
Journal of Cancer Survivorship :... Dec 2015Axillary web syndrome (AWS) can result in early post-operative and long-term difficulties following lymphadenectomy for cancer and should be recognised by clinicians.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Axillary web syndrome (AWS) can result in early post-operative and long-term difficulties following lymphadenectomy for cancer and should be recognised by clinicians. This systematic review was conducted to synthesise information on AWS clinical presentation and diagnosis, frequency, natural progression, grading, pathoaetiology, risk factors, symptoms, interventions and outcomes.
METHODS
Electronic searches were conducted using Cochrane, Pubmed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, AMED, PEDro and Google Scholar until June 2013. The methodological quality of included studies was determined using the Downs and Black checklist. Narrative synthesis of results was undertaken.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven studies with methodological quality scores ranging from 11 to 26 on a 28-point scale were included. AWS diagnosis relies on inspection and palpation; grading has not been validated. AWS frequency was reported in up to 85.4 % of patients. Biopsies identified venous and lymphatic pathoaetiology with five studies suggesting lymphatic involvement. Twenty-one studies reported AWS occurrence within eight post-operative weeks, but late occurrence of greater than 3 months is possible. Pain was commonly reported with shoulder abduction more restricted than flexion. AWS symptoms usually resolve within 3 months but may persist. Risk factors may include extensiveness of surgery, younger age, lower body mass index, ethnicity and healing complications. Low-quality studies suggest that conservative approaches including analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or physiotherapy may be safe and effective for early symptom reduction.
CONCLUSIONS
AWS appears common. Current evidence for the treatment of AWS is insufficient to provide clear guidance for clinical practice.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
Cancer survivors should be informed about AWS. Further investigation is needed into pathoaetiology, long-term outcomes and to determine effective treatment using standardised outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Axilla; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postoperative Complications; Range of Motion, Articular; Risk Factors; Shoulder Pain; Survivors; Syndrome
PubMed: 25682072
DOI: 10.1007/s11764-015-0435-1 -
Journal of Geriatric Oncology Mar 2017Management of early breast cancer in the elderly population is challenging due to different breast cancer biology and limited tolerance to aggressive treatments. The aim... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Management of early breast cancer in the elderly population is challenging due to different breast cancer biology and limited tolerance to aggressive treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the omission of axillary staging impacts breast cancer outcomes in elderly patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The electronic databases were searched in August 2014 using the following inclusion criteria: RESULTS: Two RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included. A meta-analysis of the included RCTs of 692 patients found that axillary staging reduced the risk of axillary recurrence compared to no axillary staging (RR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.95, I=0%, p=0.04). There were no differences observed in in-breast recurrence or distant recurrence (RR 1.20, 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.64, I=62%, p=0.65, RR 1.17, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.82, I=0%, p=0.48, respectively). There were no differences observed in overall or breast-cancer specific mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.24, I=0%, p=0.92, RR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.72 to 1.57, I=0%, p=0.75, respectively).
DISCUSSION
Omission of axillary staging in elderly patients with clinically negative axillae results in increased regional recurrence but does not appear to impact survival.
Topics: Age Factors; Aged; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Disease-Free Survival; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Risk; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27986500
DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2016.12.003 -
European Journal of Surgical Oncology :... Jun 2020Chyle leaks following surgery to the axilla are seldom encountered with an incidence <0.7%. Management varies with no consensus in the literature. Injury to branching...
INTRODUCTION
Chyle leaks following surgery to the axilla are seldom encountered with an incidence <0.7%. Management varies with no consensus in the literature. Injury to branching tributaries of the thoracic duct may require lengthy management at significant cost to patient and clinical team. This paper aims to provide an up-to-date review to support clinical management.
METHODS
The term 'chyle' was combined with 'breast' or 'axilla.' EMBASE, Medline and PubMed database searches were conducted. All papers published in English were included with no exclusion date limits.
RESULTS
51 cases from 31 papers. All were female (mean age = 53.3yrs). 47/51 leaks were left-sided. 5/51 underwent sentinel node biopsy, 19/51 level II axillary node clearance (ANC), 23/51 level III ANC, 5/51 not specified. 59% (30/51) of leaks were identified within 2 postoperative days (mean = 3.3days). 96% initially managed conservatively: Drain = 38/51; low-fat diet = 34/51; compression bandaging = 20/51; Aspiration = 6/51. 40/51 (78%) were successfully managed conservatively, 11 patients returned to theater for secondary management. 7/11 recorded volumes >500mls/24 hrs before secondary surgery. Mean resolution time from initial surgery was 17.3days (range = 4-64days). No statistically significant difference (p = 0.72) in time to resolution between conservatively and surgically managed patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Chyle leaks are rarely seen following axillary surgery. Aberrant thoracic duct anatomy represents the likeliest aetiology. We advocate early recognition and tailored individual management. Conservative management with non-suction drainage, low-fat diet and axillary compression bandaging appear effective where output <500ml/24 hrs. Secondary surgical management should be considered in high chylous output (<500mls/24 hrs) patients unresponsive to conservative measures. We propose a management algorithm to aide clinicians.
Topics: Chylous Ascites; Disease Management; Drainage; Global Health; Humans; Incidence; Lymph Node Excision; Postoperative Complications; Thoracic Duct
PubMed: 32033823
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2020.01.029 -
Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland) Jun 2017Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a technique to map and preserve arm lymphatics which may be damaged during surgery, resulting in lymphoedema. This work systematically... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a technique to map and preserve arm lymphatics which may be damaged during surgery, resulting in lymphoedema. This work systematically reviews the incidence of lymphoedema following sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) + ARM, compared to SLNB alone, for clinically node negative disease, as well as recurrence rate, other morbidity and the feasibility and difficulties of ARM.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library. Abstracts submitted to recognised societies dedicated to research in oncology were included. Studies were eligible if performed within the last 10 years; ARM was used in any form; ARM performed during SLNB ± axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Studies were analysed using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
No studies were found meeting the initial inclusion criteria. Therefore, studies reporting use of SLNB + ARM (i.e. no comparison to SLNB) were reviewed. A second search was performed to identify studies reporting outcome following SLNB alone. Twelve studies reported data on patients undergoing SLNB + ARM and 23 studies on patients undergoing SLNB. Incidence of lymphoedema following SLNB + ARM was quoted between 0-4% and 0-63.4% following SLNB. Few studies commented on recurrence rate. Studies included were of mainly low level of evidence.
CONCLUSION
Evidence is beginning to emerge for the use of ARM in order to reduce lymphoedema following axillary surgery. However, data regarding oncological safety of ARM is not clear and randomised controlled trials, with adequate follow-up, need to be performed to determine this.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Axilla; Breast Cancer Lymphedema; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Incidence; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28282588
DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2017.02.019 -
Breast Cancer (Dove Medical Press) 2016Mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) are important treatment options for breast cancer patients. A previous meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk of certain... (Review)
Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of Harmonic technology compared with conventional techniques in mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery with lymphadenectomy for breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) are important treatment options for breast cancer patients. A previous meta-analysis demonstrated that the risk of certain complications can be reduced with the Harmonic technology compared with conventional methods in mastectomy. However, the meta-analysis did not include studies of BCS patients and focused on a subset of surgical complications. The objective of this study was to compare Harmonic technology and conventional techniques for a range of clinical outcomes and complications in both mastectomy and BCS patients, including axillary lymph node dissection.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was performed for randomized controlled trials comparing Harmonic technology and conventional methods in breast cancer surgery. Outcome measures included blood loss, drainage volume, total complications, seroma, necrosis, wound infections, ecchymosis, hematoma, hospital length of stay, and operating time. Risk of bias was analyzed for all studies. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models for mean differences of continuous variables and a fixed-effects model for risk ratios of dichotomous variables.
RESULTS
Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Across surgery types, compared to conventional techniques, Harmonic technology reduced total complications by 52% (P=0.002), seroma by 46% (P<0.0001), necrosis by 49% (P=0.04), postoperative chest wall drainage by 46% (P=0.0005), blood loss by 38% (P=0.0005), and length of stay by 22% (P=0.007). Although benefits generally appeared greatest in mastectomy patients with lymph node dissection, Harmonic technology showed significant reductions in complications in the BCS study subgroup.
CONCLUSION
In this meta-analysis of both mastectomy and BCS procedures, the use of Harmonic technology reduced the risk of most complications by about half across breast cancer surgery patients. These benefits may be due to superior hemostatic capabilities of Harmonic technology and better dissection, particularly lymph node dissection. Reduction in complications and other resource outcomes may engender lower downstream health care costs.
PubMed: 27486342
DOI: 10.2147/BCTT.S110461