Factors predicting the sentinel and non-sentinel lymph node metastases in breast cancer

Association between postoperative pathological results and non-sentinel nodal metastasis in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node-positive breast cancer

OBJECTIVE

For patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) identified by biopsy, the necessity of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) remains a matter of debate. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between postoperative pathological factors and non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastases in Chinese patients diagnosed with sentinel node-positive breast cancer.

METHODS

This research involved a total of 280 individuals with SLN-positive breast cancer. The relationship between postoperative pathological variables and non-sentinel lymph node metastases was scrutinized using univariate, multivariate, and stratified analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 280 patients with a complete count of SLN positives, 126 (45.0%) exhibited NSLN metastasis. Within this group, 45 cases (35.71%) had 1 SLN positive, while 81 cases (64.29%) demonstrated more than 1 SLN positive. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HER2 expression status (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.10-4.60, P = 0.0269), LVI (OR 6.08, 95% CI 3.31-11.14, P < 0.0001), and the number of positive SLNs (OR 4.17, 95% CI 2.35-7.42, P < 0.0001) were positively correlated with NSLNM.

CONCLUSION

In our investigation, the risk variables for NSLN metastasis included LVI, HER2 expression, and the quantity of positive sentinel lymph nodes. However, further validation is imperative, including this institution, distinct institutions, and diverse patient populations.

Factors Associated with Axillary Lymph Node Status in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Adequate axillary lymph node (ALN) staging is critical for patients with invasive breast cancer. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was associated with a lower risk of ALN metastasis compared with those who underwent primary surgery among clinically node-negative (cN0) patients. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with ALN status among patients with cN0 breast cancer undergoing NAC. A total of 222 consecutive patients with cN0 breast cancer undergoing NAC between January 2012 and December 2021 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare factors associated with positive ALN status. Seventeen patients (7.7%) had ALNs metastases. Here, 90 patients (40.5%) achieved pathologic complete response in the breast (breast-pCR), and all had negative ALN status. Lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio: 29.366, p < 0.0001) was an independent risk predictor of ALN metastasis in all study populations. Among patients without breast-pCR, mastectomies were performed more frequently in patients with ALN metastasis (52.9%) than in those without metastasis (20.9%) (p = 0.013). Our findings support the omission of axillary surgery in patients who achieve breast-pCR. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the feasibility of a future two-stage surgical plan for breast-conserving surgery in patients who are likely to achieve breast-pCR during clinical evaluation.

Risk factors of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in 443 breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node-positive

Axillary lymph node dissection is the standard surgical procedure for breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) positive. In clinical practice, axillary lymph node dissection may be an unnecessary treatment for some breast cancer patients with non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) negative. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors of NSLN metastasis in breast cancer patients with SLN positive. Four hundred fifty-six clinical early stage breast cancer patients with SLN positive were collected and analyzed in the oncological surgery department of Fujian Provincial Hospital during 2013 to 2018. All these patients underwent surgical treatment. The average age and tumor size of 443 patients with SLN positive breast cancer were (49.8 ± 10.8) years and (2.42 ± 0.94) cm. Univariate analysis showed that the size of primary tumor, the number of positive SLN, the number of negative SLN, the ratio of positive SLNs, and the type of metastases in SLN were the influencing factors of NSLN metastasis. Multivariate regression analysis showed that primary tumor size T > 2 cm (P < .001, OR = 2.609), the positive number of SLNs ≥3 (P = .002, OR = 5.435), the ratio of positive SLNs ≥ 50% (P = .017, OR = 1.770), and SLN macrometastases (P < 0.001, OR = 16.099) were independent risk factors for NSLN metastasis. Combined with the 4 independent risk factors, the area under the curve to predict NSLN metastasis was 0.747 > 0.7. For clinical early breast cancer with positive SLN, primary tumor size T > 2 cm,the positive number of SLNs ≥ 3, the ratio of positive SLNs ≥ 50%, and SLN macrometastases could predict NSLN metastasis well, and guide surgery to avoid overtreatment.

Prediction of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Status in Breast Cancers with PET/CT Negative Axilla

Background and Aim  Prior knowledge of axillary node status can spare a lot of patients with early breast cancer morbidity due to an unnecessary axillary dissection. Our study compared various metabolic and pathological features that can predict the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) status in patients with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) negative axilla.

Patients and Methods  All consecutive patients with early breast cancers (< 5 cm) with PET/CT negative axilla who underwent breast surgery and SLNB from November 2016 to February 2020 were included. Various primary tumor (PT) pathological variables and metabolic variables on PET/CT such as maximum standardized uptake value (PT-SUV _max ), metabolic tumor volume (PT-MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (PT-TLG) were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses for prediction of SLNB status.

Results  Overall 70 patients, all female, with mean age 55.6 years (range: 33–77) and mean tumor size 2.2 cm (range: 0.7–4.5), were included. SLNB was positive in 20% of patients ( n  = 14) with nonsentinel nodes positive in 4% ( n  = 3) patients. Comparing SLNB positive and negative groups, univariate analysis showed significant association of SLNB with low tumor grade, positive lymphovascular invasion (LVI), positive estrogen receptor (ER) status with lower mean K _i -67 index (34.41 vs. 52.02%; p  = 0.02), PT-SUV _max (5.40 vs. 8.68; p  = 0.036), PT-MTV (4.71 cc vs. 7.46 cc; p  = 0.05), and PT-TLG (15.12 g/mL.cc vs. 37.10 g/mL.cc; p  = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, only LVI status was a significant independent predictor of SLNB status (odds ratio = 6.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.15–33.6; p  = 0.033).

Conclusion  SLNB is positive in approximately 20% of early breast cancers with PET/CT negative axilla and SLNB status appears to be independent of PT size. SLNB+ PTs were more likely to be LVI+ and ER + ve, with lower grade/K _i -67/metabolic activity (SUV _max /MTV/TLG) compared with SLNB–ve tumors. Logistic regression analysis revealed LVI status as the only significant independent predictor of sentinel lymph node status.

Predictors of Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Postoperatively Upgraded Invasive Breast Carcinoma Patients

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB) usually need not be simultaneously performed with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) by preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB), but must be performed once there is invasive carcinoma (IC) found postoperatively. This study aimed to investigate the factors contributing to SLN metastasis in underestimated IC patients with an initial diagnosis of DCIS by CNB. We retrospectively reviewed 1240 consecutive cases of DCIS by image-guided CNB from January 2010 to December 2017 and identified 316 underestimated IC cases with SLNB. Data on clinical characteristics, radiologic features, and final pathological findings were examined. Twenty-three patients (7.3%) had SLN metastasis. Multivariate analysis indicated that an IC tumor size > 0.5 cm (odds ratio: 3.11, p = 0.033) and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio: 32.85, p < 0.0001) were independent risk predictors of SLN metastasis. In the absence of any predictors, the incidence of positive SLNs was very low (2.6%) in the total population and extremely low (1.3%) in the BCS subgroup. Therefore, omitting SLNB may be an acceptable option for patients who initially underwent BCS without risk predictors on final pathological assessment. Further prospective studies are necessary before clinical application.

Intra-tumoural lipid composition and lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer via non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy

OBJECTIVES

Despite improved survival due to new treatments, the 10-year survival rate in patients with breast cancer is approximately 75%. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI), a prognostic marker independent from histological grade and stage, can only be fully determined at final histological examination. Lipid composition is deregulated in tumour via de novo lipogenesis, with alteration in lipogenic genes in LVI. We hypothesise alteration in lipid composition derived from novel non-invasive spectroscopy method is associated with LVI positivity.

METHODS

Thirty female patients (age 39-78) with invasive ductal carcinoma were enrolled, with 13 LVI negative and 17 LVI positive. Saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids and triglycerides (SFA, MUFA, PUFA and TRG) were quantified from ex vivo breast tumours freshly excised from patients on a 3 T clinical MRI scanner, and proliferative activity marker Ki-67 and serotonin derived histologically.

RESULTS

There were significantly lower MUFA (p = 0.0189) in LVI positive (median: 0.37, interquartile range (IQR): 0.25-0.64) than negative (0.63, 0.49-0.96). There were significantly lower TRG (p = 0.0226) in LVI positive (1.32, 0.95-2.43) than negative (2.5, 1.92-4.15). There was no significant difference in SFA (p = 0.6009) or PUFA (p = 0.1641). There was no significant correlation between lipid composition against Ki-67 or serotonin, apart from a borderline negative correlation between PUFA and serotonin (r = - 0.3616, p = 0.0496).

CONCLUSION

Lipid composition might provide a biomarker to study lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer.

KEY POINTS

• Monounsaturated fatty acids in lymphovascular invasion (LVI) positive invasive breast carcinoma were significantly lower than that in LVI negative. • Triglycerides in LVI positive invasive breast carcinoma were significantly lower than that in LVI negative. • Lipid composition from MR spectroscopy reflects the rate of de novo lipogenesis and provides a potential biomarker independent from histological grade and stage.

Omitting ALND Is Not Safe for a Cohort of Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients with 1-2 SLNs Macro-Metastases and Breast-Conserving Therapy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background:

Omitting axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is recommended for early-stage breast cancer patients with 1–2 sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) macro-metastases and breast-conserving therapy. However, it is not safe for part of patients, so it is significant to find risk factors and develop a predictive model of non-SLNs metastases in breast cancer patients with 1–2 SLNs macro-metastases and breast-conserving therapy.

Methods:

This retrospective study enrolled 228 breast cancer patients with 1–2 SLNs macro-metastases who underwent ALND and breast-conserving surgery between Jan 2012 and Dec 2017 at Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Chi-square test and backward stepwise binary logistic regression were used to find factors that influenced non-SLN metastases, then a predictive model was formulated and obtained its area under the curve.

Results:

Tumor pathologic invasion size, number of positive SLNs and ALN status on imaging was associated with non-SLNs metastases. The predictive model was also formulated based on these three factors to assess and the area under the curve of model was 0.708.

Conclusion:

We developed a predictive model to assess the high-risk cohort of patients of non-SLNs metastases which can be an auxiliary tool for doctors.

Associated Features with Non-Sentinel Lymph Node Involvement in Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients who Have Positive Macrometastatic Sentinel Lymph Node

Objective

The main goal of this study is to determine the clinico-pathological factors that correlate non-sentinel lymph nodes (LNs) involvement in clinically node negative breast cancer (BC) patients with positive macrometastatic sentinel lymph node (SLN) in order to derive future evidence to define a subgroup where completion axillary lymph node dissection (cALND) might not be recommended.

Materials and Methods

Total 289 SLN biopsies were performed in clinically node negative BC patients between March 2014 and April 2017. Seventy patients who performed cALND due to positive macrometastatic SLN were retrospectively selected and classified into two groups, according to non-SLN involvement (NSLNI). Clinico-pathological features of patients were examined computerized and documentary archives.

Results

Extracapsular extension (ECE) of SLN, number of harvested SLNs, metastatic rate of SLNs, absence of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and presence of multilocalization were significantly associated with the likelihood of non-SLN involvement after univariate analysis (p<0,05). Absence of DCIS and presence of multilocalization were found to be significant after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Careful examination of clinico-pathological features can help to decide avoiding cALND if enough LNs are removed and the rate of SLN metastases is low, particularly in case DCIS accompanying invasive cancer in patients without multi localized tumour.

Omission of axillary lymph node dissection in patients who underwent total mastectomy with 1 or 2 metastatic lymph nodes

Purpose

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard axillary procedure in early breast cancer patients. In a randomized trial, the survival rates were not different when axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was omitted in patients with 1 or 2 lymph node metastases who underwent breast conserving surgery. This study aimed to compare the outcomes in patients who underwent total mastectomy (TM) with 1 or 2 metastatic nodes according to the types of axillary surgery.

Methods

In total, 79,058 patients registered in the Korean Breast Cancer Society database who underwent TM were included in the analysis. The inclusion criteria were history of TM and SLNB, pathologic T stage 1 or 2, clinically negative axillary lymph nodes, 1 or 2 metastatic axillary lymph nodes, no radiation therapy, and no neoadjuvant therapy. We divided the patients into the SLNB only and SLNB + ALND groups. The groups were matched by propensity scores. We retrospectively analyzed the differences in the overall survival (OS) between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 883 patients were matched in a 1:4 ratio for the SLNB only and SLNB + ALND groups in the cohort from 1999 to 2014. There were no significant differences in OS between the 2 groups (P = 0.413). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant survival benefit in the SLNB + ALND group in the T2 subgroup (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

OS did not differ between the 2 groups in early breast cancer patients with 1 or 2 metastatic axillary lymph nodes who underwent TM. Omission of ALND may be considered in selected patients.

Methylene Blue Absorption in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Early Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy is claimed to cause lymphatic drainage damage because of the tumor cell's apoptosis process. This event might cause decreased marker (radioactive solution and/or blue dye) absorption on sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). In this study, the researchers used methylene blue only and wished to evaluate the methylene blue absorption of the SLNB procedure on early-stage breast-cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The method used was the historical cohort study conducted from 2016-2019 in Indonesia. Samples were collected from 117 patients of stage I and II breast cancer with clinically negative axillary lymph nodes, who were then grouped into post-NAC and no-NAC (control group), in which SLNB procedures were conducted on the two groups by using single-method methylene blue. The results of methylene blue absorption were then analyzed by the Chi-square hypothesis test.

RESULTS

From the total of 564 early-stage patients who were referred to surgical oncologists, 117 patients were found to meet criteria of inclusion, consisting of the control group (52 patients) and the post-NAC group (65 patents). Of 65 patients who had undergone NAC treatment and SLNB procedure, it was found that 40 patients (61.5%) showed positive blue SLN. Of 52 pre-NAC breast-cancer patients, it was found that 47 patients (90.4%) showed methylene blue absorption on SLN with the p-value of 0.000 (P<0.05, significant). The relative risk value amounted to 0.522. Post-NAC patients had a tendency of decreased absorption of methylene blue.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can cause the decrease of methylene blue absorption on SLNB procedure.

Predictors of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in clinical early stage (cT1-2N0) breast cancer patients with 1-2 metastatic sentinel lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors that caused non-sentinel lymph nodes (nonSLNs) metastasis by considering the clinicopathological characteristics of patients who have 1-2 sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in the clinical early stage (T1-2, N0) breast cancer.

METHODS

The demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were recorded retrospectively. Among these, age, size of the primary breast tumor, tumor localization and multifocality/multicentricity status, preoperative serum Neutrophil/Lymphocyte rate (NLR), c-erbB2/HER2-neu status, Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Progesterone Receptor (PR) status, primary tumor proliferation index (Ki-67), histopathological grade, molecular subtypes, histopathological subtypes, nipple/areola infiltration, Lymphatic Invasion (LI), Vascular Invasion (VI), Perineural Invasion (PNI), number of metastatic SLN m(SLN), mSLN diameter, SLN Extranodal Extension (ENE) status, and number of metastatic nonSLNs were recorded.

RESULTS

According to the univariate analysis, the HER2 positivity, Ki-67≥%20, mSLN diameter, LI, VI, PNI, ENE and molecular subtypes were found to be significant. However, the age, tumor localization, multifocality/multicentricity, T stage, ER and PR status, tumor size, histopathological grade and subtypes, nipple/areola infiltration and NLR were not found to be significant. In the multivariate analysis, significant independent predictors in nonSLN metastasis development were found to be HER2 positivity, PNI, mSLN diameter ≥10,5 mm and ENE.

CONCLUSION

The HER2 positivity, ENE, PNI and mSLN diameter ≥10,5 mm were found to be very strong predictors in nonSLN metastasis development. The findings of this study have the potential to be a guideline for surgeons and oncologists when determining their patients' treatment plan. These components are candidates for inclusion among the clinicopathological factors that may be used in the new nomograms due to their higher sensitivity and specificity.

Positive sentinel node in luminal A-like breast cancer patients - implications for adjuvant chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND

In luminal A-like breast cancer, the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy still is largely based on lymph nodestatus. Sentinel node (SN) positive patients who are no longer recommended an axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) risk undertreatment, especially if they have ≥4 lymph node metastases (LNMs).

AIM

To quantify the group of SN positive luminal A-like patients with ≥4 LNMs and to investigate if the ratio between positive SNs and examined SNs (SN ratio) can provide information of the axillary tumor burden.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nearly 370 patients between 2014-2016 in Western Sweden with a clinically node-negative invasive breast cancer treated with both SNB and subsequent ALND were included. SNB findings were compared to ALND findings and the ability of the SN ratio to describe the axillary tumor burden was evaluated using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

In total,17.6% of patients with luminal A-like tumors had ≥4 LNMs. The SN ratio was statistically significant for predicting ≥4 LNMs among luminal A-like patients (p = .013, OR 1.89 (95% CI 1.14-3.12) per 0.1 increment in SN ratio).

CONCLUSIONS

One sixth of patients with SN positive luminal A-like tumors risk undertreatment. The SN ratio may aid in identifying many of these patients.

Predictive Factors for Non-Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with ACOSOG Z0011 Criteria

Background

Nodal staging constitutes an element of great importance in the treatment planning for early breast cancer. The ACOSOG Z0011 trial demonstrated that sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy alone results in rates of local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival equivalent to those seen after axillary lymph node dissection. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of patients that fulfill the ACOSOG Z0011 inclusion criteria and to define predictive factors for non-SLN positivity.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the breast surgery database of the Argentinian Society of Mastology was carried out. Patients were selected if they fulfilled the ACOSOG Z0011 inclusion criteria. The association of clinical and pathological factors with non-SLN positivity was evaluated in univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Among 8,262 patients, 973 had positive SLN, and 348 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Histological grade (G3 vs. G1-2, odds ratio (OR) 1.81; p = 0.024), tumor size (T2 vs. T1, OR 2.39; p = 0.001), and age (>50 vs. <50 years, OR 1.95; p = 0.007) were associated with non-SLN positivity in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Although the clinical relevance of our data is not established, older women with tumors bigger than 2 cm and/or high histological grade are at greater risk of having metastatic disease in the lymph nodes if axillary lymph node dissection is avoided. This subgroup of patients represents only 30% of the trial population.

The Pre-Treatment Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio: a Useful Tool in Predicting Non-Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Cases

Background:

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a highly accurate predictor of overall axillary nodal status in early breast cancer patients. There is however, still a debate on which patients with a positive SLN can benefit from axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Numerous studies have been designed to identify variables that are predictive of non-SLN metastasis to avoid a complete ALND. The aim of this study was to determine whether the pre-treatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be a predictive factor of non-SLN metastasis in early breast cancer patients.

Materials and Methods:

The records of 214 consecutive patients with cT1-3N0 invasive breast cancer who had undergone intraoperative SLN evaluation at Songklanagarind Hospital between the 1st of March 2011 and the 30th of May 2016 were examined. Data on patient demographics, tumor variables and NLR were collected and factors for non-SLN metastasis were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. The power of the NLR was quantified with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves as measured by the areas under curves (AUC).

Results:

Multivariate analysis established presence of lymphovascular invasion (OR 8.4, 95%CI 2.3-31.3, p=0.002), macrometastasis (OR 6.6, 95%CI 1.8-24.7, p=0.005), and NLR (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.1-4.8, p=0.033) as predictive factors of non-SLN metastasis with statistical significance. The AUC for NLR was 0.7 (95%CI 0.6-0.8) with an optimal cut-off of 2.6 giving a sensitivity of 62%, a specificity of 83.8%, a positive predictive value of 77.3% and a negative predictive value of 70.5%.

Conclusion:

Pre-treatment NLR is a useful diagnostic aid for predicting additional non-SLN metastasis.

Prediction of nonsentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients with one or two positive sentinel lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between non sentinel lymph node metastasis (NSLNM) and clinicopathological factors, particularly in the case of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in one or two, in clinically node negative patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Between 10/2010 and 10/2014, 350 sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with histologically proven primary breast cancer in our clinic. The data collection includes the following characteristics: age, pathological tumor size, histological type, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), number of positive SLN, size of the SLN metastasis (macrometastasis, micrometastasis, isolated tumor cells), multifocality (MF), extracapsuler invasion (ECI) of the SLN, the estrogen receptor (ER) status, the progesterone receptor (PR) status and the Her 2 receptor status, Ki 67 reseptor status. Data were collected retrospectively and then analyzed.

RESULTS

A successful SLN biopsy were performed in 345 (98.5%) cases. SLN metastases were detected in 110 (31.8%) cases. These patients then underwent axillary dissection; among these patients, 101 (91.8%) had only one to two positive SLNs. Of the 101 patients with positive SLN biopsies, 32 (31.6%) had metastases in the NSLNs. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular invasion (ECI), Her-2 receptor positive, and Ki-67 > 14% were related to NSLNM (p<.0.05).

CONCLUSION

The predicting factors of NSLNM were LVI, ECI, Ki-67 level, Her-2 reseptor positive and but should be further validated in our institutions, different institutions and different patient groups prospectively.

Clinical and Pathological Factors Affecting the Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Breast Cancer

Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become the routine procedure in axilla-negative breast cancer patients at most medical centers for axillary staging and local control in the recent years. Sentinel lymph node is the only focus in axillary lymph metastasis in a large portion of patients. In our trial, we investigated the clinical and pathological factors that affect the positive status of sentinel lymph node. We included 89 patients, who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with methylene blue and/or technetium-99 m Sulphur Colloid due to early-stage breast cancer. Five patients, in whom SLN was not detected and who underwent axillary dissection, were excluded from the trial. The patient age, location of the tumor, the type of the tumor, the T stage by the TNM staging system, the histological grade and type of the tumor, the status of multifocality, the lymphovascular invasion status of the tumor, and the ER, PR, and HER-neu2 status were recorded. The median age of the 89 patients was 52, 9 (±10) years. Fifty-seven (64 %) and 32 (36 %) of the 89 patients were detected to have positive and negative SLN, respectively. Assessing the SLNB positivity and the patient age, tumor size, tumor grade, multifocality, tumor localization, the T stage by the TNM staging, the ER/PR positivity/negativity, and the HER/neu2 and p53 status, the data revealed no statistically significant results with respect to SLN metastasis. The lymphovascular invasion status (LVI) was observed to statistically affect the SLN positivity (p < 0.016). We showed that LVI could be an important marker in predicting the SLN positivity in patients with axilla-negative early-stage breast cancer. In the future, upon introduction of new biomarkers and with relevant studies, it may be possible to predict the SLNB status of patients at an adequately high accuracy and a low risk.

Factors Influencing Non-sentinel Node Involvement in Sentinel Node Positive Patients and Validation of MSKCC Nomogram in Indian Breast Cancer Population

Current guidelines recommend completion axillary lymphnode dissection (ALND) when sentinel lymphnode (SLN) contains metastatic tumor deposit. In consequent ALND sentinel node is the only node involved by tumor in 40-70 % of cases. Recent studies demonstrate the oncologic safety of omitting completion ALND in low risk patients. Several nomograms (MSKCC, Stanford, MD Anderson score, Tenon score) had been developed in predicting the likelihood of additional nodes metastatic involvement. We evaluated accuracy of MSKCC nomogram and other clinicopathologic variables associated with additional lymph node metastasis in our patients. A total of 334 patients with primary breast cancer patients underwent SLN biopsy during the period Jan 2007 to June 2014. Clinicopathologic variables were prospectively collected. Completion ALND was done in 64 patients who had tumor deposit in SLN. The discriminatory accuracy of nomogram was analyzed using Area under Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). SLN was the only node involved with tumor in 69 % (44/64) of our patients. Additional lymph node metastasis was seen in 31 % (20/64). On univariate analysis, extracapsular infiltration in sentinel node and multiple sentinel nodes positivity were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with additional lymph node metastasis in the axilla. Area under ROC curve for nomogram was 0.58 suggesting poor performance of the nomogram in predicting NSLN involvement. Sentinel nodes are the only nodes to be involved by tumor in 70 % of the patients. Our findings indicate that multiple sentinel node positivity and extra-capsular invasion in sentinel node significantly predicted the likelihood of additional nodal metastasis. MSKCC nomogram did not reliably predict the involvement of additional nodal metastasis in our study population.

Elaboration of a nomogram to predict non sentinel node status in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel node, intra-operatively assessed with one step nucleic acid amplification method

BACKGROUNDS

Tumor-positive sentinel node(SLN) biopsy results in a risk of nonsentinel node metastases in case of micro and macro metastases ranging from 20 to 50 %, respectively. Therefore, most patients underwent unnecessary axillary lymph node dissections. Thus, the development of a mathematical model for predicting patient-specific risk of non sentinel node(NSLN) metastases is strongly warranted.

METHODS

The following parameters were recorded:

CLINICAL

hospital, age, medical record number Bio-pathological: tumor (T) size, grading (G), multifocality, histological type, LVI, ER-PR status, HER-2, ki67, molecular classification (luminal A, luminal B, HER2 like, triple negative) Sentinel and nonsentinel lymph node related: number of removed SLNs, number of positive and negative SLNs, copy number of positive sentinel nodes, ratio: number of positive SLNs to number of removed SLNs, number of removed and number of positive nodes after ALND. A total of 2460 patients have been included in the database. All the patients have been provided by the authors of this paper.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that only the number of a CK19 mRNA copies (p < 0.0001), T size (p < 0.0001) and LVI (p < 0.0001) were associated with NSN metastases. The discrimination of the model, quantified with the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, was 0.71 (95 %, C.I. 0.69-0.73), thus confirming a good level of reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

The nomogram may be employed by the surgeon as a decision making tool on whether to perform an intraoperative axillary lymph node dissection on breast cancer patients with SLN positive. The large population employed and the standardized method of measuring the value of CK19 mRNA copies are appropiate prerequisites for a reliable nomogram.

Clinicopathologic features predicting involvement of non- sentinel axillary lymph nodes in Iranian women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Almost half of the breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes have no additional disease in the remaining axillary lymph nodes. This group of patients do not benefit from complete axillary lymph node dissection. This study was designed to assess the clinicopathologic factors that predict non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in Iranian breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy, between 2003 and 2012, were reviewed. Patients with at least one positive sentinel lymph node who underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection were enrolled in the present study. Demographic and clinicopathologic characteristics including age, primary tumor size, histological and nuclear grade, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, extracapsular invasion, and number of harvested lymph nodes, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The data of 167 patients were analyzed. A total of 92 (55.1%) had non-sentinel lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis of data revealed that age, primary tumor size, histological grade, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, extracapsular invasion, and the number of positive sentinel lymph nodes to the total number of harvested sentinel lymph nodes ratio, were associated with non-sentinel lymph node metastasis. After logistic regression analysis, age (OR=0.13; 95% CI, 0.02-0.8), primary tumor size (OR=7.7; 95% CI, 1.4-42.2), lymphovascular invasion (OR=19.4; 95% CI, 1.4- 268.6), extracapsular invasion (OR=13.3; 95% CI, 2.3-76), and the number of positive sentinel lymph nodes to the total number of harvested sentinel lymph nodes ratio (OR=20.2; 95% CI, 3.4-121.9), were significantly associated with non-sentinel lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, age, primary tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular invasion, and the ratio of positive sentinel lymph nodes to the total number of harvested sentinel lymph nodes, were found to be independent predictors of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis.

A new model for predicting non-sentinel lymph node status in Chinese sentinel lymph node positive breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Our goal is to validate the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomogram and Stanford Online Calculator (SOC) for predicting non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis in Chinese patients, and develop a new model for better prediction of NSLN metastasis.

METHODS

The MSKCC nomogram and SOC were used to calculate the probability of NSLN metastasis in 120 breast cancer patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between NSLN metastasis and clinicopathologic factors, using the medical records of the first 80 breast cancer patients. A new model predicting NSLN metastasis was developed from the 80 patients.

RESULTS

The MSKCC and SOC predicted NSLN metastasis in a series of 120 patients with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.688 and 0.734, respectively. For predicted probability cut-off points of 10%, the false-negative (FN) rates of MSKCC and SOC were both 4.4%, and the negative predictive value (NPV) 75.0% and 90.0%, respectively. Tumor size, Kiss-1 expression in positive SLN and size of SLN metastasis were independently associated with NSLN metastasis (p<0.05). A new model (Peking University People's Hospital, PKUPH) was developed using these three variables. The MSKCC, SOC and PKUPH predicted NSLN metastasis in the second 40 patients from the 120 patients with an AUC of 0.624, 0.679 and 0.795, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MSKCC nomogram and SOC did not perform as well as their original researches in Chinese patients. As a new predictor, Kiss-1 expression in positive SLN correlated independently with NSLN metastasis strongly. PKUPH model achieved higher accuracy than MSKCC and SOC in predicting NSLN metastasis in Chinese patients.

Positive sentinel lymph node: the evolution of axillary surgery and intraoperative assessment of sentinel lymph nodes

SUMMARY 

Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has been the treatment for breast cancer in patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy metastasis for prognostic information, local control and maybe for a small survival benefit. In recent years, clinicians have been questioning the need for axillary dissection in patients with positive SLN as the rate of axillary recurrences remains low when no ALND is performed in this group. Several variables incorporated in nomograms have been examined to predict axillary metastasis in patients with SLN metastasis and these nomograms have helped to determine which patients can spare the morbidity of the ALND. The combined multimodality in breast cancer treatments and the improvement in targeted therapies based in tumor biology have contributed to the low recurrence rates in early-stage breast cancer. As the multimodal treatment and the screening programs will improve, more patients with SLN metastasis will spare an ALND without compromising their oncologic outcome.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: predictors of axillary and non-sentinel lymph node involvement

BACKGROUND

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a standard method for the evaluation of axillary status in patients with T1-2N0M0 breast cancers.

AIMS

To determine the prognostic significance of primary tumour-related clinico-histopathological factors on axillary and non-sentinel lymph node involvement of patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective clinical study.

METHODS

In the present study, 157 sentinel lymph node biopsies were performed in 151 consecutive patients with early stage breast cancer between June 2008 and December 2011.

RESULTS

Successful lymphatic mapping was obtained in 157 of 158 procedures (99.4%). The incidence of larger tumour size (2.543±1.21 vs. 1.974±1.04), lymphatic vessel invasion (70.6% vs. 29.4%), blood vessel invasion (84.2% vs. 15.8%), and invasive lobular carcinoma subtype (72.7% vs. 27.3%) were statistically significantly higher in patients with positive SLNs. Logistic stepwise regression analysis disclosed tumour size (odds ratio: 1.51, p=0.0021) and lymphatic vessel invasion (odds ratio: 4.68, p=0.001) as significant primary tumour-related prognostic determinants of SLN metastasis.

CONCLUSION

A close relationship was identified between tumour size and lymphatic vessel invasion of the primary tumour and axillary lymph node involvement. However, the positive predictive value of these two independent variables is low and there is no compelling evidence to recommend their use in routine clinical practice.

Quantitation of sentinel node metastatic burden and Her-2/neu over-expression accurately predicts residual axillary nodal involvement and extranodal disease in breast cancer

BACKGROUND DATA

Recent literature has suggested that completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in breast carcinoma patients with positive SLN may not be necessary. However, a method for determining the risk of non-SLN or extranodal disease remains to be established.

AIMS

To determine if pathological variables from primary tumors and sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases could predict the probability of non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastases and extranodal disease in patients with breast carcinoma and SLN metastases.

METHODS

84 women with T1-3 breast cancer and clinically-negative axillae underwent completion ALND. Maximum diameter and width of SLN metastases were measured to calculate metastatic area. When multiple SLNs contained metastases, areas were summed to calculate the Total Metastatic Area (TMA). Multiple linear regression models were used to identify predictive factors.

RESULTS

Her-2/neu over-expression increased the odds of NSLN metastases (OR 4.3, p = 0.01) and extranodal disease (OR 7.9, p < 0.001). Independent SLN predictors were ≥1 positive SLN (OR, 7.35), maximum diameter and area of SLN metastases (OR 2.26, 1.85 respectively) and TMA (OR, 2.12). Maximum metastatic diameter/SLN diameter (OR 3.71, p = 0.04) and the area of metastases/SLN area (OR 3.4, p = 0.04) were predictive. For every 1 mm increase in diameter of SLN metastases, the odds of NSLN extranodal disease increased by 8.5% (p = 0.02). TMA >0.40 cm(2) was an independent predictor for NSLN metastases and extranodal disease.

CONCLUSION

Her-2/neu over-expression and parameters assessing metastatic burden in the SLN, particularly TMA, predicted the presence of NSLN involvement and extranodal disease in patients with breast carcinoma and SLN metastases.

Assessment of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nomogram to predict sentinel lymph node metastases in a Dutch breast cancer population

AIM

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an accepted alternative to axillary lymph node dissection to assess the axillary tumour status in breast cancer patients. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) developed a nomogram to predict the likelihood of SLN metastases in breast cancer patients. Nomogram performance was tested on a Dutch population.

METHODS

Data of 770 breast cancer patients who underwent successful SLN biopsy were collected. SLN metastases were present in 222 patients. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn and the area under the curve was calculated to assess the discriminative ability of the MSKCC nomogram. A calibration plot was drawn to compare actual versus nomogram-predicted probabilities.

RESULTS

The area under the ROC curve for the predictive nomogram was 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.63-0.72) as compared to 0.75 in the original population. The nomogram was well-calibrated in the Dutch population.

CONCLUSIONS

In a Dutch population, the MSKCC nomogram estimated risk of sentinel node metastases in breast cancer patients well (i.e. calibration) with reasonable discrimination (area under ROC curve). Nomogram performance on core needle biopsy data has to be evaluated prospectively.

Whole sentinel lymph node analysis by a molecular assay predicts axillary node status in breast cancer

Background:

The one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay is a rapid procedure for the detection of lymph node (LN) metastases using molecular biological techniques. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the whole sentinel lymph node (SLN) analysis by the OSNA assay as a predictor of non-SLN metastases.

Methods:

Consecutive 742 patients with breast cancer were enroled in the study. The association of non-SLN or ⩾4 LN metastases with clinicopathological variables was investigated using multivariate logistic analysis.

Results:

In total, 130 patients with a positive SLN who underwent complete axillary LN dissection were investigated. The frequency of non-SLN metastases in patients who were OSNA+ and ++ was 19.3% and 53.4%, respectively, and that in patients with ⩾4 LN metastases who were OSNA+ and ++ was 7.0% and 27.4%, respectively. The cytokeratin 19 (CK19) mRNA copy number (⩾5.0 × 10³; OSNA++) in the SLN was the most significant predictors of non-SLN metastases (P=0.003). The CK19 mRNA copy number (⩾1.0 × 10⁵) in the SLN was the only independent predictor of ⩾4 LN metastases (P=0.014).

Conclusion:

Whole SLN analysis using the OSNA assay could become a valuable method for predicting non-SLN and ⩾4 LN metastases.

Lymphangiogenesis and cancer

Historically, lymphatic vessels were considered passive participants in tumor metastasis by simply providing channels for tumor cells to transit to draining lymph nodes. The discovery of several key lymphatic-specific molecular markers and an increased availability of in vitro and in vivo experimental systems to study lymphatic biology have however highlighted a much more complex, active role for the lymphatic vasculature in metastatic tumor spread. This review will briefly describe the lymphatic system and lymphangiogenesis and then focus on the role of the lymphatic system in cancer metastasis. The progression of our understanding from the lymphatic system as a somewhat passive conduit for metastasis to an active participant in metastatic tumor dissemination, regulated by a complex array of lymphangiogenic factors, chemokines, and immune cell subsets, will be described.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sentinel lymph node biopsy compared with axillary node dissection in patients with early-stage breast cancer: a decision model analysis

Background:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is less invasive than axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for staging early breast cancer, and has a lower risk of arm lymphoedema and similar rates of locoregional recurrence up to 8 years. This study estimates the longer-term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of SLNB.

Methods:

A Markov decision model was developed to estimate the incremental quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs of an SLNB-based staging and management strategy compared with ALND over 20 years’ follow-up. The probability and quality-of-life weighting (utility) of outcomes were estimated from published data and population statistics. Costs were estimated from the perspective of the Australian health care system. The model was used to identify key factors affecting treatment decisions.

Results:

The SLNB was more effective and less costly than the ALND over 20 years, with 8 QALYs gained and $883 000 saved per 1000 patients. The SLNB was less effective when: SLNB false negative (FN) rate >13% 5-year incidence of axillary recurrence after an SLNB FN>19% risk of an SLNB-positive result >48% lymphoedema prevalence after ALND <14% or lymphoedema utility decrement <0.012.

Conclusion:

The long-term advantage of SLNB over ALND was modest and sensitive to variations in key assumptions, indicating a need for reliable information on lymphoedema incidence and disutility following SLNB. In addition to awaiting longer-term trial data, risk models to better identify patients at high risk of axillary metastasis will be valuable to inform decision-making.

Factors predicting the non-sentinel lymph node involvement in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node metastases

OBJECTIVE

In a significant proportion of patients, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) is the only involved axillary node. The goal of the present study was to identify predictive factors associated with a positive SLN and with a positive non-SLN in patients in whom axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed.

METHODS

Data was reviewed for patients with T1-2 invasive breast cancer who underwent SLN biopsy with or without axillary dissection in a single institution between July 2000 and May 2010. The SLNs were examined by serial sectioning and H&E staining, and by cytokeratin immunostaining in suspicious cases.

RESULTS

Of 332 patients with SLNB, 134 had SLN positivity, and 116 of them further underwent completion axillary dissection. Patients with T2 tumors (OR=3.2; 95% CI, 1.74-5.58), or tumors with lymphovascular invasion (OR=8.0; 95% CI, 4.44-14.27), or invasive ductal cancer (OR=2.92; 95% CI, 1.1-8.0) were more likely to have a positive SLN. In patients with ALND, the non-SLN involvement rates were 10%, 11.5% and 50% in patients with isolated tumor cells (ITC), micrometastasis and macrometastasis, respectively. Finding of ITC or micrometastasis in SLNs (OR=0.28; 95% CI, 0.08-0.99) or presence of extracapsular invasion (ECI) in SLN (OR=0.24; 95% CI, 0.09-0.67) were the predictive factors of not having a non-SLN metastasis in logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest further axillary surgery can be best omitted in patients with micrometastasis while validation of nomograms including factors such as ECI are still needed to be studied in patients with macrometastasis.

Incorporation of sentinel lymph node metastasis size into a nomogram predicting nonsentinel lymph node involvement in breast cancer patients with a positive sentinel lymph node

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis size is an important predictor of non-SLN involvement. The goal of this study was to construct a nomogram incorporating SLN metastasis size to accurately predict non-SLN involvement in patients with SLN-positive disease.

METHODS

We identified 509 patients with invasive breast cancer with a positive SLN who underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Clinicopathologic data including age, tumor size, histology, grade, presence of multifocal disease, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, HER2/neu status, presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), number of SLN(s) identified, number of positive SLN(s), maximum SLN metastasis size and the presence of extranodal extension were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors predictive of positive non-SLNs. Using these variables, a nomogram was constructed and subsequently validated using an external cohort of 464 patients.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, the following factors were predictive of positive non-SLNs: number of SLN identified (P < 0.001), number of positive SLN (P < 0.001), SLN metastasis size (P < 0.001), extranodal extension (P < 0.001), tumor size (P = 0.001), LVI (P = 0.019), and histology (P = 0.034). On multivariate analysis, all factors remained significant except LVI. A nomogram was created using these variables (AUC = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.75-0.84). When applied to an external cohort, the nomogram was accurate and discriminating with an AUC = 0.74 (95% CI, 0.68-0.77).

CONCLUSION

SLN metastasis size is an important predictor for identifying non-SLN disease. In this study, we incorporated SLN metastasis size into a nomogram that accurately predicts the likelihood of having additional axillary metastasis and can assist in personalizing surgical management of breast cancer.

Meta-analysis of predictive factors for non-sentinel lymph node metastases in breast cancer patients with a positive SLN

AIMS

A meta-analysis was performed to identify the clinicopathological variables most predictive of non-sentinel node (NSN) metastases when the sentinel node is positive.

METHODS

A Medline search was conducted that ultimately identified 56 candidate studies. Original data were abstracted from each study and used to calculate odds ratios. The random-effects model was used to combine odds ratios to determine the strength of the associations.

FINDINGS

The 8 individual characteristics found to be significantly associated with the highest likelihood (odds ratio >2) of NSN metastases are SLN metastases >2mm in size, extracapsular extension in the SLN, >1 positive SLN, ≤1 negative SLN, tumour size >2cm, ratio of positive sentinel nodes >50% and lymphovascular invasion in the primary tumour. The histological method of detection, which is associated with the size of metastases, had a correspondingly high odds ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 8 factors predictive of NSN metastases that should be recorded and evaluated routinely in SLN databases. These factors should be included in a predictive model that is generally applicable among different populations.

Axillary sentinel node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

INTRODUCTION

The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) with potentially sterilized axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remains unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2002 and 2008, SLNB with both blue-dye and radioisotope injection was performed in 77 patients with LABC whose cytopathologically confirmed positive axillary node(s) became clinically negative after NAC. Factors associated with SLN identification and false-negative rates, presence of non-sentinel lymph node (non-SLN) metastasis were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

SLNB was successful in 92% of the patients. Axillary status was predicted with 90% accuracy and a false-negative rate of 13.7%. Patients with residual tumor size >2 cm had a decreased SLN identification rate (p=0.002). Axillary nodal status before NAC (N2 versus N1) was associated with higher false-negative rates (p=0.04). Positive non-SLN(s) were more frequent in patients with multifocal/multicentric tumors (versus unifocal; p=0.003) and positive lymphovascular invasion (versus negative; p=0.0001). SLN(s) positive patients with pathologic tumor size >2 cm (versus <or=2 cm; p=0.004), positive extra-sentinel lymph node extension (versus negative; p=0.002) were more likely to have metastatic non-SLN(s).

CONCLUSIONS

SLNB has a high identification rate and modest false-negative rate in LABC patients who became clinically axillary node negative after NAC. Residual tumor size and nodal status before NAC affect SLNB accuracy. Additional involvement of non-SLN(s) increases with the presence of multifocal/multicentric tumors, lymphovascular invasion, residual tumor size >2 cm, and extra-sentinel node extension.

Lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer

Lymphatic metastasis is the main prognostic factor for survival of patients with breast cancer and other epithelial malignancies. Mounting clinical and experimental data suggest that migration of tumor cells into the lymph nodes is greatly facilitated by lymphangiogenesis, a process that generates new lymphatic vessels from pre-existing lymphatics with the aid of circulating lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells. The key protein that induces lymphangiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), which is activated by vascular endothelial growth factor-C and -D (VEGF-C and VEGF-D). These lymphangiogenic factors are commonly expressed in malignant, tumor-infiltrating and stromal cells, creating a favorable environment for generation of new lymphatic vessels. Clinical evidence demonstrates that increased lymphatic vessel density in and around tumors is associated with lymphatic metastasis and reduced patient survival. Recent evidence shows that breast cancers induce remodeling of the local lymphatic vessels and the regional lymphatic network in the sentinel and distal lymph nodes. These changes include an increase in number and diameter of tumor-draining lymphatic vessels. Consequently, lymph flow away from the tumor is increased, which significantly increases tumor cell metastasis to draining lymph nodes and may contribute to systemic spread. Collectively, recent advances in the biology of tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis suggest that chemical inhibitors of this process may be an attractive target for inhibiting tumor metastasis and cancer-related death. Nevertheless, this is a relatively new field of study and much remains to be established before the concept of tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis is accepted as a viable anti-metastatic target. This review summarizes the current concepts related to breast cancer lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis while highlighting controversies and unanswered questions.

Assessment of the performance of the Stanford Online Calculator for the prediction of nonsentinel lymph node metastasis in sentinel lymph node-positive breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Several models for the prediction of nonsentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis in sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive breast cancer patients have been proposed. In this study, the authors evaluate the Stanford Online Calculator (SOC), which was designed to predict the likelihood of NSLN metastasis using only 3 variables: primary tumor size, SLN metastasis size, and angiolymphatic invasion status. They compared it with the Mayo and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomograms.

METHODS

The SOC was used to calculate the probability of NSLN metastasis in 464 breast cancer patients with SLN metastasis who underwent completion axillary lymph node dissection at the Mayo Clinic. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for each model. Mean probabilities of patients with and without NSLN metastasis were compared. Patients with <or=5%, <or=10%, and 100% NSLN metastasis probabilities were examined.

RESULTS

The AUCs of the Stanford, MSKCC, and Mayo models were 0.72, 0.74, and 0.77, respectively (P=.13). The mean Stanford probabilities for patients with and without NSLN metastasis were 0.75 (range, 0.06-1.0) and 0.50 (range, 0.05-1.0), respectively (P<.0001). The false-negative rates for patients with a Stanford probability of <or=5% and <or=10% were 0% and 13%, respectively. Of the patients with a Stanford probability of 100%, 26% did not have NSLN metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite using only 3 variables, the Stanford nomogram appears to perform on a par with, but not better than, the MSKCC and Mayo nomograms. Further validation in other patient populations is needed.

Prognostic implications of positive nonsentinel lymph nodes removed during selective sentinel lymphadenectomy for breast cancer

Nonsentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are commonly removed at the time of selective sentinel lymphadenectomy (SSL). Their predictive value for the rest of the nodal basin is unknown. A retrospective review of 436 breast cancer patients who underwent SSL between 12/97 and 04/03 at a single institution. One-hundred nineteen patients had non-SLNs removed at SSL; eight were positive (6.7%). Positive non-SLNs predicted that SLNs would also be positive (p = 0.008). There was no difference in rates of additional positive nodes found on completion axillary node dissection between the non-SLN and SLN positive patients (p = 0.62). After adjustment for covariates, the presence of positive non-SLNs was not associated with poorer disease free survival (p = 0.24), time to systemic recurrence (p = 0.57), or overall survival (p = 0.70). Positive non-SLNs removed during SSL are not a significant risk factor for additional positive nodes on completion axillary nodal dissection (CALND) or for worse survival than positive SLNs.

Validation of breast cancer nomograms for predicting the non-sentinel lymph node metastases after a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy in a multi-center study

OBJECTIVE

In the study, our aim was to evaluate the predictability of four different nomograms on non-sentinel lymph node metastases (NSLNM) in breast cancer (BC) patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in a multi-center study.

METHODS

We identified 607 patients who had a positive SLN biopsy and completion axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) at seven different BC treatment centers in Turkey. The BC nomograms developed by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Tenon Hospital, Cambridge University, and Stanford University were used to calculate the probability of NSLNM. Area under (AUC) Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC) was calculated for each nomogram and values greater than 0.70 were accepted as demonstrating good discrimination.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighty-seven patients (287) of 607 patients (47.2%) had a positive axillary NSLNM. The AUC values were 0.705, 0.711, 0.730, and 0.582 for the MSKCC, Cambridge, Stanford, and Tenon models, respectively. On the multivariate analysis; overall metastasis size (OMS), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and proportion of positive SLN to total SLN were found statistically significant. We created a formula to predict the NSLNM in our patient population and the AUC value of this formula was 0.8023.

CONCLUSIONS

The MSKCC, Cambridge, and Stanford nomograms were good discriminators of NSLNM in SLN positive BC patients in this study. A newly created formula in this study needs to be validated in prospective studies in different patient populations. A nomogram to predict NSLNM in patients with positive SLN biopsy developed at one institution should be used with caution.

Clinicopathological factors and nomograms predicting nonsentinel lymph node metastases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Studies have demonstrated the feasibility and accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer. Some SLN-positive patients have low risk of nonsentinel lymph node (non-SLN) involvement. Our goal was to determine clinicopathological factors correlating with the presence of non-SLN metastases in patients after NAC and to assess the validity of nomograms predicting additional axillary metastases.

METHODS

Patients with infiltrating breast carcinoma (n = 132) were studied prospectively. All patients received NAC. At surgery, SLN biopsy followed by axillary lymph node dissection was performed. Lymphatic mapping was done using the isotope method. Fifty-one patients were SLN positive.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, tumor size (P = 0.016) and the size of SLN metastases (P = 0.0055) were significantly correlated with the presence of non-SLN metastases. In multivariate analysis, SLN macrometastases (P = 0.047) conferred significantly increased risk of non-SLN metastases. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nomogram was not reliably predictive for non-SLN metastases (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC, of 0.542), whereas the MD Anderson (AUC 0.716) and Tenon scoring systems (AUC 0.778) were validated.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that clinicopathological factors predicting non-SLN involvement in SLN-positive patients with and without NAC are essentially the same. The risk of involvement may be assessed using existing nomograms, but additional large prospective studies are needed to determine their accuracy in patients after NAC.

The sentinel node in breast cancer

Biopsy of the sentinel lymph node now forms part of routine management in many centres dealing with early stage breast cancer. This article seeks to discuss developments over the past number of years and to summarise current practice.

New models and online calculator for predicting non-sentinel lymph node status in sentinel lymph node positive breast cancer patients

Background

Current practice is to perform a completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer patients with tumor-involved sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), although fewer than half will have non-sentinel node (NSLN) metastasis. Our goal was to develop new models to quantify the risk of NSLN metastasis in SLN-positive patients and to compare predictive capabilities to another widely used model.

Methods

We constructed three models to predict NSLN status: recursive partitioning with receiver operating characteristic curves (RP-ROC), boosted Classification and Regression Trees (CART), and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) informed by CART. Data were compiled from a multicenter Northern California and Oregon database of 784 patients who prospectively underwent SLN biopsy and completion ALND. We compared the predictive abilities of our best model and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Breast Cancer Nomogram (Nomogram) in our dataset and an independent dataset from Northwestern University.

Results

285 patients had positive SLNs, of which 213 had known angiolymphatic invasion status and 171 had complete pathologic data including hormone receptor status. 264 (93%) patients had limited SLN disease (micrometastasis, 70%, or isolated tumor cells, 23%). 101 (35%) of all SLN-positive patients had tumor-involved NSLNs. Three variables (tumor size, angiolymphatic invasion, and SLN metastasis size) predicted risk in all our models. RP-ROC and boosted CART stratified patients into four risk levels. MLR informed by CART was most accurate. Using two composite predictors calculated from three variables, MLR informed by CART was more accurate than the Nomogram computed using eight predictors. In our dataset, area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.83/0.85 for MLR (n = 213/n = 171) and 0.77 for Nomogram (n = 171). When applied to an independent dataset (n = 77), AUC was 0.74 for our model and 0.62 for Nomogram. The composite predictors in our model were the product of angiolymphatic invasion and size of SLN metastasis, and the product of tumor size and square of SLN metastasis size.

Conclusion

We present a new model developed from a community-based SLN database that uses only three rather than eight variables to achieve higher accuracy than the Nomogram for predicting NSLN status in two different datasets.