Conventional Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Research Articles

Ten-year outcomes of targeted axillary surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

600 Background: When pathological complete response (pCR) is achieved in node-positive breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), identifying traces of the previous lesion becomes challenging which makes accurate surgery difficult. We conducted targeted axillary surgery (TAS) in node-positive breast cancer after NAC, which involves accurately targeting the lymph nodes where metastasis occurred and performing surgery using a less extensive method. The 10-year outcomes were compared with those of patients who underwent conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 235 patients with cT1-3N1-2 breast cancer who received NAC from 2012 to 2017. In this cohort, 78 patients underwent TAS only, and 157 underwent conventional ALND, including 31 patients who initially received TAS followed by additional ALND. Oncologic results, including locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS), were assessed over a 10-year follow-up period. Survival outcomes for all patients and each subtype were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival methods. Results: The TAS group had significantly more postmenopausal patients (p=0.022), and the most common type of breast cancer was invasive ductal carcinoma [TAS: 75 (96.2%); ALND: 157 (100.0%)]. There was no statistical difference in the T stage and the number of lymph nodes suspected of metastasis at diagnosis (p=0.062, 0.985). Mastectomy was performed in 60.3% of patients in the TAS group and 93.0% in the ALND group (p<0.001), and 68 (87.2%) of the TAS group and 41 (26.1%) of the ALND group received additional axillary radiotherapy (p=0.019). There was no significant difference in oncologic outcomes between the TAS and ALND groups in all patients (LRFS, p=0.673; DMFS, p=0.729; OS, p=0.396) and based on subtypes, including hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In the HR-positive breast cancer group, the TAS and ALND groups showed very similar trends (LRFS, p=0.954; DMFS, p=0.993; OS, p=0.617). In HER2-positive breast cancer, although not statistically significant, the survival outcomes were better in the TAS group than in the ALND group (LRFS, p=0.967; DMFS, p=0.999; OS, p=0.423). However, the OS in the TAS group for TNBC was lower than that in the ALND group, though not significantly (LRFS, p=0.411; DMFS, p=0.697; OS, p=0.210). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TAS is comparable to ALND in terms of 10-year oncological outcomes across different types of node-positive breast cancer, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative. However, further research focusing on patient quality of life and postoperative complications is essential to establish TAS as a superior surgical option to ALND.

Abstract PO4-22-08: Ten-Year Oncologic Outcomes in T1-3N1 Breast Cancer After Targeted Axillary Sampling: A Retrospective Study

Abstract Background Targeted axillary sampling (TAS) is a new surgical concept for the assessment of axillary lymph node status in breast cancer that is hypothesized to be more effective at minimizing postoperative morbidities than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), provided the metastatic axillary lymph node can be accurately detected without missing data; however, the oncologic outcomes over long-term follow-up have not been sufficiently investigated. This was a retrospective analysis to evaluate the 10-year oncologic outcomes in T1-3N1 breast cancer after TAS. Methods Clinically, we defined TAS as removal of a bunch of ALNs located around SLNs and targeted LNs, but without full exposure of the axillary vein, long thoracic nerve and thoracodorsal nerve. Between 2008 and 2013, 230 female patients with cT1-3N1 breast cancer underwent breast and axillary surgery (ALND, n = 171; TAS, n = 59) at our institute. After TAS was applied, additional axillary radiotherapy was performed. Various postoperative complications, including postoperative seroma, lymphedema, and 10-year oncological outcomes, were evaluated and compared between the ALND and TAS groups. Results Although overall survival during the 10-year follow-up period was better in the TAS group, there was no statistically significant difference in oncologic outcomes, including locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival (p = 0.395, 0.818, and 0.555, respectively). Furthermore, the incidence of lymphedema on the ipsilateral arm was significantly higher in the ALND group (p < 0.001). Conclusions The 10-year oncological outcomes of TAS were not inferior to those of conventional ALND in T1-3N1 breast cancers; however, the incidence of lymphedema was significantly higher in the ALND group. Citation Format: Byeongju Kang, Jeeyeon Lee, Yee Soo Chae, Ho Yong PARK, Jin Hyang Jung. Ten-Year Oncologic Outcomes in T1-3N1 Breast Cancer After Targeted Axillary Sampling: A Retrospective Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO4-22-08.

Evaluation of targeted axillary dissection in node positive locally advanced breast cancer patients with complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background This study aimed to evaluate targeted axillary dissection in node locally advanced node positive breast cancer patients with complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and methods This is a prospective cohort study including 25 females diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer with proven lymph node involvement who had complete pathological response to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regarding the clipped previously involved lymph node. Lymph node biopsy and frozen section of the clipped lymph node after wire localization and the sentinel lymph node after patent blue dye injection was done. This is followed by paraffin section examination of the lymph node biopsy and 6 months follow-up for the patients. Results Twenty-four patients out of 25 patients had successful localization of the clipped and sentinel lymph node with no macrometastasis detected in frozen section. Twenty-two out of the 24 patients had no micrometastasis in paraffin section. Two of the 24 patients had micrometastasis on paraffin section and required axillary radiotherapy. One of the 25 patients failed localization of the clipped lymph node and received conventional axillary lymph node dissection. Two patients developed lymphedema, one of them after axillary radiotherapy, and the other one after axillary lymph node dissection. Conclusion The combination of targeted axillary dissection and sentinel lymph node biopsy can replace axillary clearance in patients with node positive locally advanced breast cancer with complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Evaluating the utility of robotic axillary lymph node dissection in patients with invasive breast cancer: a systematic review.

Robot-assisted axillary lymph node dissection (RALND) has been proposed to improve surgical and oncological outcomes for patients with breast cancer.To perform a systematic review of current literature evaluating RALND in patients with invasive breast cancer.A systematic search was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies outlining outcomes following RALND were included.Two studies involving 92 patients were included in this review. Of these, 41 underwent RALND using the da Vinci© robotic system (44.57%), and 51 underwent conventional axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) (55.43%). There was no significant difference observed with respect to intra-operative blood loss or duration of procedure in those undergoing CALND and RALND (P > 0.050). One study reported a significant difference in lymphoedema rates in support of RALND (6.67% vs 26.67%, P = 0.038). Overall, data in relation to postoperative fat necrosis (10.00% vs 33.33%, P = 0.028), wound infection rates (3.33% vs. 20.00%, P = 0.044), and wound ≤ 40mm in length (63.63% vs. 19.05%, P = 0.020) supported RALND. Oncological outcomes were only reported in one of the studies, which concluded that there was no local or metastatic recurrence in either group at 3-month follow-up.These provisional results support RALND as a safe alternative to CALND. Notwithstanding, the paucity of data limits the robustness of conclusions which may be drawn surrounding the adoption of RALND as the standard of care. Further high-quality studies are required to ratify these findings.

Conservative Axillary Surgery May Prevent Arm Lymphedema without Increasing Axillary Recurrence in the Surgical Management of Breast Cancer.

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been associated with postoperative morbidities, including arm lymphedema, shoulder dysfunction, and paresthesia. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy emerged as a method to assess axillary nodal status and possibly obviate the need for ALND in patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) breast cancer. The majority of breast cancer patients are eligible for SLN biopsy only, so ALND can be avoided. However, there are subsets of patients in whom ALND cannot be eliminated. ALND is still needed in patients with three or more positive SLNs or those with gross extranodal or matted nodal disease. Moreover, ALND has conventionally been performed to establish local control in clinically node-positive (cN+) patients with a heavy axillary tumor burden. The sole method to avoid ALND is through neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Recently, various forms of conservative axillary surgery have been developed in order to minimize arm lymphedema without increasing axillary recurrence. In the era of effective multimodality therapy, conventional ALND may not be necessary in either cN0 or cN+ patients. Further studies with a longer follow-up period are needed to determine the safety of conservative axillary surgery.

Ten-Year Oncologic Outcomes in T1-3N1 Breast Cancer After Targeted Axillary Sampling: A Retrospective Study.

Targeted axillary sampling (TAS) is a new surgical concept for the assessment of axillary lymph node status in breast cancer that is hypothesized to be more effective at minimizing postoperative morbidities than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), provided the metastatic axillary lymph node can be accurately detected without missing data; however, the oncologic outcomes over long-term follow-up have not been sufficiently investigated. This was a retrospective analysis to evaluate the 10-year oncologic outcomes in T1-3N1 breast cancer after TAS. Between 2008 and 2013, 230 female patients with cT1-3N1 breast cancer underwent breast and axillary surgery (ALND, n=171; TAS, n=59) at our institute. After TAS was applied, additional axillary radiotherapy was performed. Various postoperative complications, including postoperative seroma, lymphedema, and 10-year oncological outcomes, were evaluated and compared between the ALND and TAS groups. Although overall survival during the 10-year follow-up period was better in the TAS group, there was no statistically significant difference in oncologic outcomes, including locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival (p=0.395, 0.818, and 0.555, respectively). Furthermore, the incidence of lymphedema on the ipsilateral arm was significantly higher in the ALND group (p<0.001). The 10-year oncological outcomes of TAS were not inferior to those of conventional ALND in T1-3N1 breast cancers; however, the incidence of lymphedema was significantly higher in the ALND group.

Conservative axillary surgery is emerging in the surgical management of breast cancer.

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been the standard axillary treatment for breast cancer for a long time. However, ALND is associated with postoperative morbidities, including local sensory dysfunction, reduced shoulder mobility and most notably arm lymphedema. Recently, ALND can be avoided not only in clinically node-negative (cN0) patients with negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), but also in patients with less than 3 positive SLNs receiving breast radiation, axillary radiation, or a combination of the two. Moreover, SLN biopsy has been adopted for use in clinically node-positive (cN +) patients presenting as cN0 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC); ALND may be avoided in cN + patients who convert to SLN-negative following NAC. Patients who undergo SLN biopsy alone have less postsurgical morbidities than those who undergo ALND. Nevertheless, ALND is still required in a select group of patients. A variety of conservative approaches to ALND have been developed to spare arm lymphatics to minimize arm lymphedema. These conservative procedures seem to decrease the incidence of lymphedema without increasing axillary recurrence. In the era of effective multimodality therapy, full conventional ALND removing all microscopic axillary disease may now be unnecessary in both cN0 patients and cN + patients. Regardless, emerging procedures for ALND should still be considered as investigational approaches, as further studies with longer follow-up are necessary to determine the safety of conservative ALND to spare arm lymphatics.

17-Year Follow-up of Comparing Mastoscopic and Conventional Axillary Dissection in Breast Cancer: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Longer follow-up was necessary to determine the exact value of mastoscopic axillary lymph node dissection (MALND). From January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2005, 1027 patients with breast cancer were randomly assigned to two groups: MALND and CALND (conventional axillary lymph node dissection); 996 eligible patients were enrolled. The final cohort of 996 patients was followed for an average of 198months. Events other than death differed significantly between the two cohorts (p = 0.0311; 46.3% in MALND and 53.2% in CALND, respectively). The sum of events other than death and deaths from other causes was much higher in the CALND (59.6%) than MALND (53.4%) group (p = 0.0494). The 17-year disease-free survival DFS rates were 36.7% for the MALND and 33.6% for the CALND group, respectively. There was a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.0306). Overall survival (OS) rates were 53.2% after MALND and 46.0% after CALND (p = 0.0119). MALND patients had much less axillary pain (p = 0.0000), numbness or paresthesia (p = 0.0000), arm mobility (p = 0.0000) and arm swelling on the operated side (p = 0.0000). Aesthetic appearance of the axilla was much better in the MALND than CALND group (p = 0.0000) at an average follow-up of 17 years. The use of MALND in breast cancer surgery not only decreases the relapse and arm complications but also improves long-term survival of patients. Therefore, MALND should be one of the preferred approaches for breast cancer surgery when ALND is needed. The comparison of long-term outcomes of mastoscopic and conventional axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer: a multicenter randomized control trial. ChiCTR-TRC-11001477, CHiCTR. First registration 08/14/2011.

The involvement of axillary reverse mapping nodes in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer.

Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) was developed to preserve the lymphatic drainage from the upper arm during sentinel lymph-node (SLN) biopsy or axillary lymph-node dissection (ALND). However, the oncological safety of ARM has been controversial because of not infrequent involvement of ARM nodes. Patients with clinically negative nodes (cN0) underwent SLN biopsy and ARM. SLNs were identified using blue dye and radioisotope, and ARM nodes were traced using the fluorescent method. Patients with positive SLN underwent the standard ALND. After surgery, they were followed up for more than 3 years. A total of 507 patients with cN0 breast cancer were enrolled between May 2009 and November 2017. SLNs were identified in 499 (98%) of 507 patients, and ARM nodes were identified in 159 (31%) patients in the SLN field. The crossover rate of SLN-ARM nodes was 28%. Among 95 patients with positive SLNs, 70 patients underwent conventional ALND. ARM nodes were identified in 65 (93%) of those patients in the ALND field. The mean number of removed ARM nodes was 7.2 (range 0-25) in patients who underwent the standard ALND. Although ARM nodes were involved in 18 of 65 patients, the involved ARM nodes were the same SLNs identified in 14 (78%) patients. Since SLN-ARM nodes should be removed, ARM nodes were involved only in 4 (5.7%) patients after SLN biopsy. Except for positive SLN-ARM nodes, the involvement of ARM nodes is infrequent in patients with positive SLN.

Efficacy of da Vinci robot-assisted lymph node surgery than conventional axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer- A comparative study.

da Vinci robot-assisted axillary lymph node dissection (dVALND) can be a minimally invasive technique to minimize post-operative complications. To explore the clinical efficacy of dVALND in breast cancer (BC) patients for mitigating the postoperative complications than conventional ALND. Total 60 female patients with BC were admitted to our hospitals since September 2018, and these patients segregated into two groups of 30 patients each. Modified radical mastectomy for BC was performed to the patients in both groups. In Group 1 (control group), ALND was performed using conventional mode of axillary lymph node surgery. In Group 2 (Test group), the dVALND was performed using da Vinci robot-assisted surgery. Wound healing, aesthetic effect and patient's satisfaction were evaluated after conventional method and dVALND. Postoperative complications viz., wound infection (1/30 (3.33%), p<0.05), fat necrosis (3/30 (10%), p<0.05) and lymphedema of upper limbs (2/30 (6.67%), p<0.05) were observed in dVALND than conventional surgery. Local recurrence or metastasis was minimized and overall aesthetic effect not observed during follow-up. dVALND improved the overall patient's quality of life by mitigating postoperative complications than ALND.

126TiP Tailored axillary surgery with or without axillary lymph node dissection followed by radiotherapy in patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer (SAKK 23/16 / IBCSG 57-18 / ABCSG-53 / GBG 101 - TAXIS): A multicenter randomized phase III trial

Complete lymph node removal through conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been standard treatment for breast cancer patients for almost a century. However, ALND came under increasing scrutiny due to its association with significant patient morbidity. Several studies have since provided evidence to suggest omission of ALND, often in favor of axillary radiation, in selected clinically node-negative sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive patients. Clinically node-positive patients, by contrast, continue to undergo ALND in many cases.

Evaluation of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) in clinically axillary node negative breast cancer patients - Randomised controlled trial.

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is an important procedure for control of axillary nodal metastasis in breast cancer patients. Lymphedema, restriction of shoulder movement and axillary nodal recurrence are the most disabling complications of the procedure. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) procedure for arm lymph node identification emerged as a step for their preservation during ALND. Here we are testing the effect of ARM on lymphedema development and whether it compromises oncological safety in early breast cancer patients. 98 clinically node free breast cancer female patients undergoing completion ALND after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy were recruited in the study. They were put into group A (49 patients with ARM+ve preservation ALND) and group B (49 patients in the conventional ALND group). ARM procedure was performed in both groups, ARM positive nodes were preserved in group A, marked and taken out with other axillary LN in group B. The outcome was histopathology of ARM+ve LN, development of arm lymphedema, and restriction of shoulder movement on follow-up. ARM was positive in 46 patients (93.8%) in group A and 43 patients (87.8%) in group B, ARM+ve LN revealed positive metastasis only in 1 patient (2.3%) in group B. Lymphedema developed in 3 (6.5% patients in group A and 9 patients (20.9%) in group B. Restriction of shoulder movement showed a non-significant difference between the two groups. Axillary reverse mapping and preservation of arm lymphatics helped to decrease the lymphedema rate without compromising oncological safety in early breast cancer.

CLO19-041: Lymphatic Ligation Versus Conventional Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Objective: The primary objective was to evaluate seroma formation in a comparison between the lymphatic ligation technique and conventional axillary lymph node dissection. The secondary objective was to evaluate the factors affecting seroma formation. Materials and Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted between January 2014 and November 2017. 68 consecutive patients undergoing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection by one experienced surgeon. The patients were randomly sampled and assigned to Group 1 (lymphatic ligation; n=34) and Group 2 (conventional surgery; n=35). Results: 18 patients had developed seroma (26.09%) with 8 (23.53%) patients who were in the lymphatic ligation group and 10 (28.57%) patients who were in the conventional group. No statistical significance was discovered in seroma formation (P=.633), drain duration (P=.238) or total drain volume (P=.330) between the two groups. Longer operative time was statistically and significantly correlated with lymphatic ligation (P=.002). Age, BMI, total drain volume, and drain dislodgement were significant factors influencing seroma formation (P=.005, P=.002, P=.008, P=.015, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed age and BMI were significant factors influencing seroma formation (P=.008, P=.025, respectively). Conclusion: The lymphatic ligation technique could not reduce the incidence of seroma formation. Age, BMI were the factors influencing seroma formation in the patients undergoing mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Different Surgical Procedures for Axillary Staging After Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy in Node-positive Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective:The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of different surgical axillary staging procedures compared with ALND.Summary of Background Data:Optimal axillary staging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) in node-positive breast cancer is an area of controversy. Several less invasive procedures, such as sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), marking axillary lymph node with radioactive iodine seed (MARI), and targeted axillary dissection (a combination of SLNB and a MARI-like procedure), have been proposed to replace the conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with its concomitant morbidity.Methods:PubMed and Embase were searched for studies comparing less invasive surgical axillary staging procedures to ALND to identify axillary burden after NST in patients with pathologically confirmed node-positive breast cancer (cN+). A meta-analysis was performed to compare identification rate (IFR), false-negative rate (FNR), and negative predictive value (NPV).Results:Of 1132 records, 20 unique studies with 2217 patients were included in quantitative analysis: 17 studies on SLNB, 1 study on MARI, and 2 studies on a combination procedure. Overall axillary pathologic complete response rate was 37%. For SLNB, pooled rates of IFR and FNR were 89% and 17%. NPV ranged from 57% to 86%. For MARI, IFR was 97%, FNR 7%, and NPV 83%. For the combination procedure, IFR was 100%, FNR ranged from 2% to 4%, and NPV from 92% to 97%.Conclusion:Axillary staging by a combination procedure consisting of SLNB with excision of a pre-NST marked positive lymph node appears to be most accurate for axillary staging after NST. More evidence from prospective multicenter trials is needed to confirm this.

Abstract PD2-06: Preoperative diagnosis of sentinel lymph node metastasis using computed tomography lymphography for early breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) biopsy has been established as a standard of care in the treatment of early breast cancer. This technique represents a minimally invasive, highly accurate method of axillary staging and is an alternative to conventional axillary lymph node dissection. However, an indication of SLN navigation to metastatic disease may lead to misdiagnosis for staging. Recently, SLN identification using computed tomography lymphography (CTLG) has been reported in Japan. This study investigated the value of CTLG for preoperative prediction of SLN status in early breast cancer patients. Patients and method: Between January 2013 and August 2016, 350 breast cancer patients without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis were treated. On the day before the operation, CTLG was performed using 64-row multidetector helical CT scanner. Patients were placed in a supine position with their arms positioned in a cranial direction with CT guidelineattached to the skin at the axilla. We performed an intradermal injection in the periareolar area, using 4 ml of iopamidolwith 1 ml of local anesthetic. The contrasted lymph route and SLN were identified in reconstructed three-dimensional imaging. The SLN spot was indicated by CT laser light navigator system. We established typical pattern of the lymphography: stain defect of SLN, stagnation of lymphatic route for preoperative diagnosis of metastatic SLN. SLN biopsy was performed using the fluorescence imaging system, Photpdynamic Eye (pde-neo, Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Japan) referring to the point by axillary compression technique by plastic device. Intraoperative pathological analysis of SLN was examined, and an axillary lymph node dissection was performed in patients with SLN metastasis pathologically. Results: The median age of the 350 patients was 59 (range 28 – 90) years old. One patient was male and others were female. CTLG were safely performed in all patients. CTLG could visualize lymphatic route and accurately identify SLN in 336 (96.0 %) and 343 (98.0 %) cases, respectively. Lymphatic routes of CTLG were completely consistent with those of fluorescence imaging. The mean number of SLN identified by CTLG was 1.1. Fifty of 350 patients had metastatic SLN pathologically, and 11 of them had micrometastases of SLNs. The accuracy for metastatic diagnosis of SLN using CTLG without micrometastasis was 84.1 %, sensitivity was 82.1 % and specificity was 84.3 %. The positive predictive value was 40.5 % and negative predictive value was 97.3 %. There were no complications associated with SLN identification. Conclusion: CTLG in SLN biopsy has some advantages in that this method is simple and quite useful for obtaining accurate anatomic images of the SLN, lymph vessels, and tumor. CTLG could select the candidate with truly node negative cases in early breast cancer patients, because it predicts lymph node metastasis preoperatively from natural status of the lymphographic image. Citation Format: Abe H, Teramoto A, Tanaka M, Yamasaki K, Yoneda K. Preoperative diagnosis of sentinel lymph node metastasis using computed tomography lymphography for early breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PD2-06.

Abstract P2-01-17: The combination of preoperative computed tomography lymphography and intraoperative fluorescence imaging navigation for sentinel lymph node biopsy of early breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) biopsy has been established as a standard of care in the treatment of early breast cancer. This technique represents a minimally invasive, highly accurate method of axillary staging and is an alternative to conventional axillary lymph node dissection. The combination of the radioisotope and dye-staining methods is the most accurate way to identify SLN. We had reported feasibility and safety of a new technique of SLN identification using fluorescence imaging of indocyanine green (ICG) injection without any need for training. Recently, SLN identification using computed tomography lymphography (CTLG) has been reported in Japan. This study investigated a usefulness of the combination of CTLG and fluorescence imaging for SLN biopsy of early breast cancer patients. Patients and method: Between January 2013 and March 2016, 296 breast cancer patients without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis were treated. On the day before the operation, CTLG was performed using 64-row multidetector CT. We performed an intradermal injection in the periareolar area, using 4 ml of contrast agent with 1 ml of local anesthetic. The contrasted lymph route and SLN were identified in reconstructed three-dimensional imaging. The SLN spot was indicated by CT laser light navigator system. We established typical pattern of the lymphography: stain defect of SLN, stagnation of lymphatic route for preoperative diagnosis of metastatic SLN. During the operation, fluorescence images were obtained using the fluorescence imaging system, Photpdynamic Eye (pde-neo, Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Japan). After 0.5 ml dye mixed indigocarmin and ICG was injected intradermally into the periareolar skin, lymphatic route was observed with fluorescence images. SLN biopsy was performed referring to the point by axillary compression technique by plastic device. Intraoperative pathological analysis of SLN was examined. Results: The median age of the 296 patients was 59 (range 28 – 90) years old. One patient was male and others were female. CTLG and fluorescence imaging were safely performed in all patients. CTLG could visualize lymphatic route and accurately identify SLN in 284 (95.9 %) and 290 (98.0 %) cases, respectively, whereas fluorescence imaging identified successfully lymphatic route and SLN in all patients. Lymphatic routes of CTLG were completely consistent with those of fluorescence imaging. The number of SLN identified by CTLG was significantly lower than that by fluorescence imaging (1.1 vs. 1.6, p&amp;lt;0.01). Thirty-nine of 296 patients had metastatic SLN pathologically, and 10 of them had micrometastases of SLNs. The accuracy for metastatic diagnosis of SLN using CTLG without micrometastasis was 83.9 %, sensitivity was 82.1 % and specificity was 84.1 %. The positive predictive value was 35.9 % and negative predictive value was 97.7 %. Conclusion: The combination of CTLG and fluorescence imaging revealed easy and effective to detect SLN. The fluorescence imaging was more high detection rate and number of SLN than CTLG. Otherwise, preoperative diagnosis of SLN metastasis using CTLG would be useful to detect negative SLNs. Citation Format: Abe H, Teramoto A, Yamasaki K, Yoneda K, Ogawa M, Kawasaki M, Kameyama M. The combination of preoperative computed tomography lymphography and intraoperative fluorescence imaging navigation for sentinel lymph node biopsy of early breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-17.

Abstract P3-01-02: A comparison of significance with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging method and computed tomography-lymphography in sentinel lymph node identification for early breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) biopsy has been established as a standard of care in the treatment of early breast cancer. This technique represents a minimally invasive, highly accurate method of axillary staging and is an alternative to conventional axillary lymph node dissection. The combination of the radioisotope and dye-staining methods is the most accurate way to identify sentinel lymph nodes. We had reported feasibility and safety of a new technique of SLN identification using fluorescence imaging of indocyanine green (ICG) injection without any need for training. Recently, SLN identification using computed tomography-lymphography (CTLG) has been reported in Japan. This study investigated the comparison of significance with fluorescence imaging method and CTLG. Patients and method: Between January 2013 and May 2015, 213 breast cancer patients without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis were treated. On the day before the operation, CTLG was performed using 64-row multidetector CT. We performed an intradermal injection in the periareolar area, using 4 ml of contrast agent with 1 ml of local anesthetic. The contrasted lymph flow and SLN were identified in reconstructed three-dimensional imaging. The SLN spot was indicated by CT laser light navigator system. During the operation, fluorescence images were obtained using the fluorescence imaging system, Photpdynamic Eye (pde-neo, Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Japan). After 5 mg / 0.3ml ICG was injected intradermally in to the periareolar skin, lymphatic drainage was observed with fluorescence images. SLN biopsy was performed referring to the point by axillary compression technique by plastic device. Results: The median age of the 213 patients was 59 (range 28 – 87) years old. CTLG and fluorescence imaging was safely performed in all patients. CTLG could visualize lymphatic flow and accurately identify SLN in 189 (89 %) and 196 (92 %) cases, respectively, whereas fluorescence imaging identified successfully lymphatic flow and SLN in all patients. Fluorescence imaging with axillary compression technique was visually easy to identify the location of SLN on the axillary skin even in obese patients. Lymphatic flows of CTLG were completely consistent with those of fluorescence imaging. The number of SLN identified by CTLG was significantly lower than that by fluorescence imaging (1.1 vs. 1.6, p&amp;lt;0.01). Twenty seven patients (13%) were found to have lymph node metastases pathologically, and 7 of them had micrometastases of lymph node. In case of partial enhancement of SLN with CTLG, the rate of positive metastasis was significant higher compared to the cases of whole enhancement (p&amp;lt;0.01), however, even if enhancement is poor, about 70 % cases without metastasis are present. Conclusion: Both of fluorescence imaging and CTLG revealed easy and effective to detect SLN. The fluorescence imaging with fluorescence mapping showed strong fluorescence from all parts of the surgical field, which hindered identification of SLNs, and fluorescence imaging was more high detection rate of SLN. Citation Format: Abe H, Yamasaki K, Teramoto A, Yoneda K, Ogawa M, Kawasaki M, Kameyama M. A comparison of significance with indocyanine green fluorescence imaging method and computed tomography-lymphography in sentinel lymph node identification for early breast cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-02.

The accuracy of intraoperative frozen section analysis of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer

Background: The biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) has widely replaced conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for assessing the axillary lymph node (LN) status. Rapid intraoperative frozen section (FS) analysis of SLNs enables surgeon to perform ALND during the same operative procedure. However, there is an ongoing controversy regarding the accuracy and usefulness of FS for the evaluation of SLNs. The aim of the study was to investigate the accuracy of FS analysis in the management of patients with breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Between 2007 and 2014, 214 breast cancer patients who underwent SLN biopsy procedure with intraoperative FS were included in this retrospective study. The SLNs were examined using standard FS procedures, and each section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) only. The remaining tissues were then further sectioned and examined with H and E postoperatively. The results of FS and permanent sections were compared (the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FS were calculated). Results: FS analysis detected LN metastases in 50 patients, while the permanent histopathologic examination detected metastases in another 9 patients. The sensitivity of FS for all kinds of metastases was 84.7%, but it reached up to 98% for macrometastases, and the specificity was 100%. FS allowed immediate completion of ALND in 50 patients (96%) with positive SLNs, and second-step surgery was only performed in 2 patients with discordant FS results. Conclusion: FS examination of SLNs is a reliable and safe procedure for the diagnosis of LN metastasis. FS provides immediate completion of ALND in case of metastatic disease in the SLNs.

Clinical application of sentinel lymph node biopsy based on axillary anatomy in breast cancer: A single institution experience

BackgroundSentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), mostly with the use of vital dye or radioisotope, is a method for predicting axillary status in patients with breast cancer. Conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is used in cases where sentinel lymph node (SLN) is not detected by existing methods, but a series of studies have found that most of SLNs are present in specific anatomical spaces. We attempted to determine the feasibility of SLNB based on axillary anatomy in cases where SLN was not detected by conventional lymphatic mapping methods. MethodsA retrospective analysis involving 208 patients who received anatomical SLNB between January 2003 and December 2010 was performed. Lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle and lateral thoracic vein were defined as the anatomical landmarks, and ALND was performed to at least level II, regardless of the results of frozen section analysis. Pathologic results were used to measure false negative rate and accuracy. Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were performed to find factors affecting results. ResultsFalse negative rate and accuracy of anatomical SLNB were 21.7% (13/60) and 93.3% (182/195), respectively. T stage, clinical node status, number of dissected SLNs and body mass index were analyzed as factors affecting results, but none of them was found as having a statistically significant influence. ConclusionThese results suggest that anatomical SLNB may not replace ALND in cases where SLN is not detected by conventional lymphatic mapping method, but may be considered as a method for predicting axillary status before conducting a node dissection.

Feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in clinically node-positive breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a meta-analysis.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has replaced conventional axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in axillary node-negative breast cancer patients. However, the use of SLNB remains controversial in patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The aim of this review is to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of SLNB after NAC in clinically node-positive patients. Systematic searches were performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from 1993 to December 2013 for studies on node-positive breast cancer patients who underwent SLNB after NAC followed by ALND. Of 436 identified studies, 15 were included in this review, with a total of 2,471 patients. The pooled identification rate (IR) of SLNB was 89% [95% confidence interval (CI) 85–93%], and the false negative rate (FNR) of SLNB was 14% (95% CI 10–17%). The heterogeneity of FNR was analyzed by meta-regression, and the results revealed that immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining may represent an independent factor (P = 0.04). FNR was lower in the IHC combined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining subgroup than in the H&E staining alone subgroup, with values of 8.7% versus 16.0%, respectively (P = 0.001). Thus, SLNB was feasible after NAC in node-positive breast cancer patients. In addition, the IR of SLNB was respectable, although the FNR of SLNB was poor and requires further improvement. These findings indicate that IHC may improve the accuracy of SLNB.