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Seminars in Oncology Dec 2020This historical surgical retrospection focuses on the temporal de-escalation axillary surgery, focusing on the unceasing efforts of researchers toward new challenges, as... (Review)
Review
This historical surgical retrospection focuses on the temporal de-escalation axillary surgery, focusing on the unceasing efforts of researchers toward new challenges, as documented by extensive studies and trials. Axillary surgery has evolved, aiming to offer the best oncologic treatment and improve the quality of life of women. Axillary lymph-node dissection (ALND) has been replaced by sentinel lymph-node biopsy (SLNB) in women with early clinically node-negative breast cancer, providing adequate axillary nodal staging information with minimal morbidity, and becoming the standard of care in the management of breast cancer. However, this is only the beginning. Strategies in defining systemic and radiotherapeutic treatments have gradually been optimized, offering increasingly refined and targeted breast cancer treatment tools. In recent years, the paradigm of completion ALND after a positive SLNB has been questioned, and several studies have led to revolutionary changes in clinical practice. Moreover, the increasingly pivotal role played by neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has had a profound effect on the extent of axillary surgery, paving the way to a more finite "targeted" procedure in women with node-positive breast cancer who convert to negative nodes clinically after NAC. The utility of SLNB itself and its subsequent omission in women with negative nodes clinically and breast conservative surgery is also under scientific evaluation. The changes over time in the surgical approach to breast cancer have been numerous and significant. The novel emerging perspective characterized by recent advances in biology and genetics, in dedicated axillary ultrasound imaging and chemotherapy regimens, is the present reality that points to the future of axillary node treatment in breast cancer.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; History, 15th Century; History, 16th Century; History, 17th Century; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; History, Ancient; History, Medieval; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 33131896
DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2020.09.001 -
The Oncologist Feb 2020The detection of lymph node metastasis affects the management of patients with primary breast cancer significantly in terms of staging, treatment, and prognosis. The... (Review)
Review
The detection of lymph node metastasis affects the management of patients with primary breast cancer significantly in terms of staging, treatment, and prognosis. The main goal for the radiologist is to determine and detect the presence of metastatic disease in nonpalpable axillary lymph nodes with a positive predictive value that is high enough to initially select patients for upfront axillary lymph node dissection. Features that are suggestive of axillary adenopathy may be seen with different imaging modalities, but ultrasound is the method of choice for evaluating axillary lymph nodes and for performing image-guided lymph node interventions. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available imaging modalities for lymph node assessment in patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The detection of lymph node metastasis affects the management of patients with primary breast cancer. The main goal for the radiologist is to detect lymph node metastasis in patients to allow for the selection of patients who should undergo upfront axillary lymph node dissection. Features that are suggestive of axillary adenopathy may be seen with mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, but ultrasonography is the imaging modality of choice for evaluating axillary lymph nodes. A normal axillary lymph node is characterized by a reniform shape, a maximal cortical thickness of 3 mm without focal bulging, smooth margins, and, depending on size, a discernable central fatty hilum.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 32043792
DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0427 -
JAMA Oncology Dec 2021Prospective trials have demonstrated sentinel lymph node (SLN) false-negative rates of less than 10% when 3 or more SLNs are retrieved in patients with clinically...
IMPORTANCE
Prospective trials have demonstrated sentinel lymph node (SLN) false-negative rates of less than 10% when 3 or more SLNs are retrieved in patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer rendered clinically node-negative with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, rates of nodal recurrence in such patients treated with SLN biopsy (SLNB) alone are unknown because axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed in all patients, limiting adoption of this approach.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate nodal recurrence rates in a consecutive cohort of patients with clinically node-positive (cN1) breast cancer receiving NAC, followed by a negative SLNB using a standardized technique, and no further axillary surgery.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
From November 2013 to February 2019, a cohort of consecutively identified patients with cT1 to cT3 biopsy-proven N1 breast cancer rendered cN0 by NAC underwent SLNB with dual tracer mapping and omission of ALND if 3 or more SLNs were identified and all were pathologically negative. Metastatic nodes were not routinely clipped, and localization of clipped nodes was not performed. The study was performed in a single tertiary cancer center.
INTERVENTION
Omission of ALND in patients with cN1 breast cancer after NAC if 3 or more SLNs were pathologically negative.
MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was the rate of nodal recurrence among patients with cN1 breast cancer treated with SLNB alone after NAC.
RESULTS
Of 610 patients with cN1 breast cancer treated with NAC, 555 (91%) converted to cN0 and underwent SLNB; 234 (42%) had 3 or more negative SLNs and had SLNB alone. The median (IQR) age of these 234 patients was 49 (40-58) years; median tumor size was 3 cm; 144 (62%) were ERBB2 (formerly HER2)-positive, and 43 (18%) were triple negative. Most (212 [91%]) received doxorubicin-based NAC; 205 (88%) received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), and 164 (70%) also received nodal RT. At a median follow-up of 40 months, there was 1 axillary nodal recurrence synchronous with local recurrence in a patient who refused RT. Among patients who received RT (n = 205), there were no nodal recurrences.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This cohort study found that in patients with cN1 disease rendered cN0 with NAC, with 3 or more negative SLNs with SLNB alone, nodal recurrence rates were low, without routine nodal clipping. These findings potentially support omitting ALND in such patients.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Prospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 34617979
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.4394 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Apr 2016Placing clips in nodes with biopsy-confirmed metastasis before initiating neoadjuvant therapy allows for evaluation of response in breast cancer. Our goal was to...
Improved Axillary Evaluation Following Neoadjuvant Therapy for Patients With Node-Positive Breast Cancer Using Selective Evaluation of Clipped Nodes: Implementation of Targeted Axillary Dissection.
PURPOSE
Placing clips in nodes with biopsy-confirmed metastasis before initiating neoadjuvant therapy allows for evaluation of response in breast cancer. Our goal was to determine if pathologic changes in clipped nodes reflect the status of the nodal basin and if targeted axillary dissection (TAD), which includes sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) and selective localization and removal of clipped nodes, improves the false-negative rate (FNR) compared with SLND alone.
METHODS
A prospective study of patients with biopsy-confirmed nodal metastases with a clip placed in the sampled node was performed. After neoadjuvant therapy, patients underwent axillary surgery and the pathology of the clipped node was compared with other nodes. Patients undergoing TAD had SLND and selective removal of the clipped node using iodine-125 seed localization. The FNR was determined in patients undergoing complete axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND).
RESULTS
Of 208 patients enrolled in this study, 191 underwent ALND, with residual disease identified in 120 (63%). The clipped node revealed metastases in 115 patients, resulting in an FNR of 4.2% (95% CI, 1.4 to 9.5) for the clipped node. In patients undergoing SLND and ALND (n = 118), the FNR was 10.1% (95% CI, 4.2 to 19.8), which included seven false-negative events in 69 patients with residual disease. Adding evaluation of the clipped node reduced the FNR to 1.4% (95% CI, 0.03 to 7.3; P = .03). The clipped node was not retrieved as an SLN in 23% (31 of 134) of patients, including six with negative SLNs but metastasis in the clipped node. TAD followed by ALND was performed in 85 patients, with an FNR of 2.0% (1 of 50; 95% CI, 0.05 to 10.7).
CONCLUSION
Marking nodes with biopsy-confirmed metastatic disease allows for selective removal and improves pathologic evaluation for residual nodal disease after chemotherapy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Agents; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; False Negative Reactions; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Neoplasm Staging; Neoplasm, Residual; Prospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 26811528
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2015.64.0094 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Mar 2024Surgical treatment of breast cancer has changed towards less invasive procedures as summarised in this review. Breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy (RT) are... (Review)
Review
Surgical treatment of breast cancer has changed towards less invasive procedures as summarised in this review. Breast conserving surgery (BCS) and radiotherapy (RT) are now recommended as standard of care. Several flexible marking methods for removal of non-palpable tumours have gradually replaced wire-guided localisation. Neoadjuvant systemic treatment increases tumour shrinkage and BCS and may lead to omission of axillary clearance (AC). The prognostic significance of AC in patients with metastases to 1-2 sentinel nodes at primary surgery is questioned. Results from the SENOMAC trial are expected to change guidelines from AC to axillary RT.
Topics: Female; Humans; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mastectomy, Segmental; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 38533870
DOI: 10.61409/V01230033 -
International Journal of Environmental... Oct 2021Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is defined as a visible and palpable network of cords in the skin of the axillary cavity that are tensed by shoulder abduction following... (Review)
Review
Axillary web syndrome (AWS) is defined as a visible and palpable network of cords in the skin of the axillary cavity that are tensed by shoulder abduction following surgery for breast cancer, causing significant functional limits of the ipsilateral upper limb (UL) and pain. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss rehabilitation approaches for greater efficacy with respect to pain and novel suggestions. AWS is a frequent complication of axillary lymphadenectomy that necessitates a thorough follow-up in the medium to long term. Physiotherapy is effective in the treatment of functional limb deficits, the management of pain, and the treatment of upper limb disability. The best management approach involves the use of soft tissue techniques to slow the natural course of the syndrome, in association with therapeutic exercises for functional recovery and muscle strengthening. AWS is linked secondary lymphedema, requiring integration with manual lymphatic drainage. The physiotherapy management of AWS is currently fragmented, and insufficient information is available on the nature of the disease. Thus, randomized and controlled studies that compare rehabilitation approaches in AWS are desirable, including the possibility of using mesotherapy in the treatment of axillary and upper limb pain.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphedema; Pain; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 34639683
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910383 -
Annals of Surgery Sep 2010Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) has eliminated the need for axillary dissection (ALND) in patients whose sentinel node (SN) is tumor-free. However, completion ALND... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Locoregional recurrence after sentinel lymph node dissection with or without axillary dissection in patients with sentinel lymph node metastases: the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 randomized trial.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) has eliminated the need for axillary dissection (ALND) in patients whose sentinel node (SN) is tumor-free. However, completion ALND for patients with tumor-involved SNs remains the standard to achieve locoregional control. Few studies have examined the outcome of patients who do not undergo ALND for positive SNs. We now report local and regional recurrence information from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial.
METHODS
American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 was a prospective trial examining survival of patients with SN metastases detected by standard H and E, who were randomized to undergo ALND after SLND versus SLND alone without specific axillary treatment. Locoregional recurrence was evaluated.
RESULTS
There were 446 patients randomized to SLND alone and 445 to SLND + ALND. Patients in the 2 groups were similar with respect to age, Bloom-Richardson score, estrogen receptor status, use of adjuvant systemic therapy, tumor type, T stage, and tumor size. Patients randomized to SLND + ALND had a median of 17 axillary nodes removed compared with a median of only 2 SN removed with SLND alone (P < 0.001). ALND also removed more positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001). At a median follow-up time of 6.3 years, there were no statistically significant differences in local recurrence (P = 0.11) or regional recurrence (P = 0.45) between the 2 groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the potential for residual axillary disease after SLND, SLND without ALND can offer excellent regional control and may be reasonable management for selected patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with breast-conserving therapy and adjuvant systemic therapy.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Chi-Square Distribution; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Prognosis; Prospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Survival Rate
PubMed: 20739842
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0b013e3181f08f32 -
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 -
Chirurgia (Bucharest, Romania : 1990) 2014The present paper is a presentation of our technique of axillopexy, used after the excision of the axillary lymph nodes in 29 cases of breast cancer patients. We have...
The present paper is a presentation of our technique of axillopexy, used after the excision of the axillary lymph nodes in 29 cases of breast cancer patients. We have used this technique after Madden modified radical mastectomy or after quadrantectomy for tumors in the external quadrants of the mammary gland. We have studied and compared with a 30 case control group, the duration of the lymphorrhagia the moment of removing the drains, the presence absence of other local complications. We have also measured the time until the beginning of the oncological postoperative therapy. Every one of the aspects we have studied was improved in the axillopexy group.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Case-Control Studies; Drainage; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Mastectomy, Modified Radical; Mastectomy, Segmental; Romania; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25149619
DOI: No ID Found -
Seminars in Radiation Oncology Jul 2022Historically, axillary lymph node dissection was considered necessary for regional control of breast cancer. Moreover, nodal status was the major determinant of the need... (Review)
Review
Historically, axillary lymph node dissection was considered necessary for regional control of breast cancer. Moreover, nodal status was the major determinant of the need for chemotherapy. The increased use of systemic therapy coupled with expanding indications for nodal irradiation has led to interest in optimizing patient outcomes by leveraging the local control benefits of radiotherapy and systemic therapy to decrease the extent of surgery. A series of landmark surgical and radiotherapeutic trials has demonstrated low rates of disease recurrence with concomitant improvements in treatment-associated lymphedema and quality of life with the use of sentinel node biopsy and nodal irradiation as opposed to complete axillary dissection in the management of node positive breast cancer. This chapter will explore the evolution of regional nodal management, culminating in current approaches to tailored patient selection for axillary lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and adjuvant regional nodal irradiation.
Topics: Axilla; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Quality of Life; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
PubMed: 35688520
DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2022.01.004