Use of technetium-99m-labeled colloid albumin for preoperative and intraoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions

Comparison of wire-guided localization (WGL) and radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) in localization of non-palpable breast lesions

BACKGROUND

The number of patients with non-palpable breast lesions has increased gradually. This is because of the technological development in imaging techniques and the screening programs that lead to early detection of breast lesions. The number of patients with non-palpable breast lesions has increased gradually. This is because of the technological development in imaging techniques and the screening programs that lead to early detection of breast lesions. The aim of marking the non-palpable breast lesions is to achieve accurate lesion localization, to obtain the better cosmetic result with less tissue loss and to provide negative surgical margin.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the current study, we aimed to compare the wire-guided localization (WGL) technique with the radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique to assess their accuracy and efficacy in non-palpable breast lesions localization.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study conducted at Baheya center for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer from January 2018 and June2022,where 670 patients with non-palpable breast lesions underwent an excision were enrolled randomly in ROLL group (n = 320) and WGL (n = 350).

RESULTS

Both the localization time and the time of operation were significantly decreased with the ROLL in comparison to WGL(P < 0.001). Complete lesion excision with clear margins were reported in 119/135(88.2%) of ROLL group and in 130/159 (81.8%) of WGL group and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). Reoperations (re-lumpectomy or mastectomy) were done as a second procedure on 16(11.8%) of the ROLL patients compared with 29(18.2%) in the WGL patients(P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that ROLL is as effective as WGL for non-palpable breast lesions excision. Also, ROLL improve the outcomes by decreasing the duration of surgery, localization time, achieving a higher percentage of clear margin in spite of lower specimen size and scar length.

Comparison of wire-guided localization (WGL) and radio-guided occult lesion localization(ROLL) in localization of non-palpable breast lesions.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3153699/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Background: The number of patients with non-palpable breast lesions has increased gradually. This is because of the technological development in imaging techniques and the screening programs that lead to early detection of breast lesions. The aim of marking the non-palpable breast lesions is to achieve accurate lesion localization, to obtain the better cosmetic result with less tissue loss and to provide negative surgical margin. Aim:the aim of the study is to compare the wire-guided localization (WGL) technique with the radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique to assess their accuracy and efficacy in non-palpable breast lesions localization. Methods:From January 2018 and June2022 a total of 670 patients underwent an excision for non-palpable lesions were enrolled randomly in ROLL group (n = 320 ) and WGL (n =350 ) at Baheya center for Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer. Results: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, localization technique.Both the localization time and the time of operation were decreased with the ROLL. Complete lesion excision with clear margins were reported in (88.2%) of ROLL patients and in (81.8%) of WGL patients. Reoperations were done as a second operation on16( 11.8%)of ROLL patients and on 29( 18.2%) of WGL patients. Conclusion:This study shows that ROLL is as effective as WGL for non-palpable breast lesions excision. Also, ROLL improve the outcomes by decreasing the duration of surgery, localization time,achieving a higher percentage of clear margin in spite of lower specimen size and scar length.

Multimodal soft tissue markers for bridging high-resolution diagnostic imaging with therapeutic intervention

Diagnostic imaging often outperforms the surgeon's ability to identify small structures during therapeutic procedures. Smart soft tissue markers that translate the sensitivity of diagnostic imaging into optimal therapeutic intervention are therefore highly warranted. This paper presents a unique adaptable liquid soft tissue marker system based on functionalized carbohydrates (Carbo-gel). The liquid state of these markers allows for high-precision placement under image guidance using thin needles. Based on step-by-step modifications, the image features and mechanical properties of markers can be optimized to bridge diagnostic imaging and specific therapeutic interventions. The performance of Carbo-gel is demonstrated for markers that (i) have radiographic, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound visibility; (ii) are palpable and visible; and (iii) are localizable by near-infrared fluorescence and radio guidance. The study demonstrates encouraging proof of concept for the liquid marker system as a well-tolerated multimodal imaging marker that can improve image-guided radiotherapy and surgical interventions, including robotic surgery.

Radioguided Occult Lesion Localization: Technical Procedures and Clinical Applications

PURPOSE

Regarding radioguided surgery, the concept of "radioguided occult lesion localization" (ROLL) is based on both preoperative interventional imaging and intraoperative radioguided detection of a clinically occult neoplastic lesion.

METHODS

This methodology consists in the direct administration into the lesion of Tc-macroaggregated human albumin formed by relatively large particles retained at the injection site, which direct radioguided excisional biopsy.

RESULTS

This modality has expanded from the classic application of ROLL for nonpalpable breast lesions to other tumors, such as solitary pulmonary nodules or recurrences from differentiated thyroid carcinoma. In 2011, in order to improve the classification of different radioguided surgical procedures, ROLL applications were included in the more complete concept of GOSTT (Guided intraOperative Scintigraphic Tumor Targeting). This concept was introduced to include the entire range of basic and advanced radioguided procedures necessary to supply a "road map" for the surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

The terms ROLL and GOSTT have further developed by incorporating novel modalities such as hybrid tracers for simultaneous fluorescence and radioactive signal detection and innovative navigation systems based on mixed-reality protocols.

First Case of ROLL Technique for Mesorectal Recurrence Excision

The radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique has been in use since the mid-1990s, mainly in breast surgery. Today, ROLL is used for numerous oncologic pathologies, including parathyroid lesions, melanomas, and colorectal tumors. We report a patient with an 11-mm left mesorectal solitary recurrence of a primary ovarian cancer in whom the ROLL technique was used to identify the implant. A radioisotope was introduced through a 22-gauge needle with endoscopic ultrasound technique using an linear echo endoscope. On the day of surgery, the patient's perianal region was scanned with a gamma probe to identify the area of maximal radioactivity, to determine the optimal placement of the incision over the lesion. After macroscopic excision of the lesion, radioactivity was measured in the lesion bed to ensure complete removal of affected tissues. In our case, the ROLL technique was performed safely for the detection and excision of a recurrent lesion of difficult identification. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case involving use of the ROLL technique to aid the excision of a mesorectal lesion.

Randomized controlled clinical trial comparing radioguided occult lesion localization with wire-guided lesion localization to evaluate their efficacy and accuracy in the localization of nonpalpable breast lesions

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) technique with the wire-guided lesion localization (WGLL) technique to assess their efficacy and accuracy in the localization of nonpalpable breast lesions in patients at a unique reference medical center. These patients' reports were negative for malignancy but included highly suspicious imaging findings.

METHODS

A controlled clinical trial was designed to compare the WGLL and ROLL techniques in women presenting with breast lesions diagnosed by mammography or ultrasonography at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Bogotá, Colombia, from March 2006 to June 2011.

RESULTS

This study examined 129 patients; 64 (49.6%) patients were treated with ROLL, and 65 (51.4%) were treated with WGLL. The ROLL technique achieved better median lesion centricity (ROLL = 11.7 and WGLL = 15.4; P = .038). No significant differences were found regarding demographic variables, operative specimen characteristics, the need to extend margins, operative complications, the degree of difficulty, or patient or surgeon satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The ROLL technique is as effective as WGLL for the localization of nonpalpable breast lesions. In our study, ROLL achieved better lesion centricity. Therefore, we propose that this technique could be used as a standard procedure in the detection of nonpalpable breast lesions at experienced centers.

Internal Mammary Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer. Is it Indicated?

Axillary sentinel node (A-SN) biopsy is a standard procedure in breast cancer surgery. Sampling of intenal mammary sentinel nodes (IM-SN) is not performed routinly, although it is also considered an important prognostic factor of breast cancer. The role of this latter procedure was investigated in cases of IM-SN visualized on lymphoscintigraphy. Between January 2001 and June 2012 1542 patients with clinically node negative operable primary breast cancer had sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Both axillary and IM-SN were sampled (whenever detected), based on lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative gamma probe detection and blu dye mapping. Lymphoscintigraphy showed IM-SN in 83 cases. IM-SN biopsy (IM-SNB) was succesfull in 77 patients (93%). A total of 86 IM-SNs were removed. IM-SN involvement was identified in 14 cases, representing 18% of patients who underwent IM-SNB. This included macrometastases (MAC) in 5 cases, micrometastases (MIC) in 2 cases, isolated tumor cells (ITC) in 7 cases. No significant differences were found between patients with and without IM-SN involvement in terms of age, tumor location, tumor size, axillary involvement, tumor grade or estrogen receptor status. The IM-SN involvement has lead to new therapeutic indications in 2 cases (2.6%), both of them due to MAC in the IM-SN: in 1 case change in chemotherapy and in 1 case change in radiotherapy, with the addition of iradiation of the internal mammary chain. Based on this series and information from the literature, we conclude that the indication for an IM-SNB procedure is very limited and its routine use should not be recommended.

Intra-operative radiological margins assessment in conservative treatment for non-palpable DCIS: correlation to pathological examination and re-excision rate

What constitutes an adequate surgical margin in partial mastectomy is still controversial: intra-operative specimen radiogram is commonly used during partial mastectomy for nonpalpable lesions in order verify the adequacy of the resection but what margin is to be considered “adequate” is still debatable.

An intraoperative specimen mammogram was performed during all consecutive conservative resections for nonpalpable DCIS and a 15-mm radiological margin was considered “adequate”. Margins were pathologically assessed and classified as “negative”, “close” or “positive” and the rate of margin involvement constitued the main outcome of the study.

Among 272 conservative interventions, 80.51% had negative margins at final pathology, 3.31% had close margins and 16.18% had positive margins.

An intraoperative “adequate” margin of 15 mm as defined on intraoperative specimen mammogram granted a high rate of histologically negative margin at primary surgery; this finding was paralleled by confirmation of the treatment as conservative in 95% of cases.

Selective ductectomy for the diagnosis and treatment of intraductal papillary lesions presenting with single duct discharge

Solitary ductal papilloma of the breast, although considered a benign disorder has a potential association with carcinomas. We studied and analyzed the role of selective ductectomy (SD) for the diagnosis and treatment of intraductal lesions presenting with single duct discharge and ductography suggestive of intraductal (papillary) lesions. During a ten-year-period, files of patients presenting with single (or rarely dual) duct discharge were retrospectively reviewed. The examinations included mammography, ductography and ultrasonography and cytology of the fluid discharged from the duct in all patients. Patients treated with SD were considered further and their histological diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. The series included 100 patients. In 6 cases malignancy was found in the specimen consisting of four in situ and two invasive ductal carcinomas. These 6 patients had a second operation and this was followed by adjuvant treatment. Nine further patients had atypical ductal hyperplasia in or around papillomas and one patient had lobular neoplasia around her papilloma. In the present series, the incidence of carcinoma associated with the clinical suspicion of papillary lesions was 6%, and further 10% had low grade neoplastic proliferations resulting in the diagnosis of atypical papillomas or atypical ductal hyperplasia or lobular neoplasia around the papilloma, indicating that single duct discharge may be a symptom a malignancy, and that ductal papillomas have malignant potential. For such a low risk and grade of malignancy simple follow-up could be one option, but in some cases SD could be applied to relieve the patients from symptoms and establish a diagnosis.

Non-palpable breast lesions marked with coal suspension: evaluation of anatomopathological aspects, viability of interpretation and inflammatory response

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficiency of labeling impalpable breast lesions with inert charcoal suspension; to evaluate the morphological alterations associated with its use and to determine whether the use of charcoal labeling hampers the diagnostic interpretation of the pathologist.

METHODS

Was evaluated a total of 135 cases of impalpable breast lesions previously labeled with charcoal suspension. Histological H&E stained slides containing charcoal pigments were analyzed using optical microscopy, by which both quantitative and qualitative evaluations with regards to inflammatory response and interference in diagnosis were performed. Lymphocyte, giant cells and neutrophils were evaluated and quantified. Moreover, the distribution of the charcoal suspension present in the lesions was evaluated.

RESULTS

As to the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the inflammatory response caused by the use of charcoal labeling, granulomas were present in all samples regardless of the quantity of injected charcoal. Lymphocytic inflammatory response was absent in only 5.19% of the samples, 82.22% exhibited discrete intensity and 12.59% were moderate. With regards to acute inflammatory response, 42.96% showed total absence of neutrophilic exudate, whereas 42.22% contained discrete and 11.11% moderate neutrophilic exudate, and only 3.7% of cases had intense neutrophilic exudate.

CONCLUSION

This study corroborates the utility and easiness of the charcoal method as a mean of efficient labeling of impalpable breast lesions; this technique is easy to use, has a low cost, high efficiency and does not interfere with the histological analysis. Moreover, it is comfortable for the patient and is of great help in finding and localizing the lesions for both the surgeon and pathologist.

Radio-guided occult lesion localisation for breast lesions under computer-aided MRI guidance: the first experience and initial results

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to present an alternative technique for the pre-operative localisation of solely MRI-detected suspicious breast lesions using a computer-assisted MRI-guided radio-guided occult lesion localisation (ROLL) technique.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and June 2010, 25 females with a total of 25 suspicious breast lesions that could be detected only by MRI, and for whom breast surgery was planned, underwent the computer-assisted MRI-guided ROLL technique. A seven-channel biopsy breast array coil and computerised diagnostic workstation were used for the localisation procedure. Three-phase dynamic contrast-enhanced axial images were taken. After investigating the localisation co-ordinates with the help of intervention software on a workstation, an 18 G coaxial cannula was placed in the exact position determined. Following verification of the cannula position by additional axial scans, (99m)Tc-labelled macroalbumin aggregate and MRI contrast material were injected. Post-procedure MRI scans were used to confirm the correct localisation.

RESULTS

All the procedures were technically successful. The mean lesion size was 10.8 mm (range: 4-25 mm). The mean total magnet and the mean localisation times were 28.6 min (range: 18-46 min) and 13.1 min (range: 8-20 min), respectively. Grid and pillar methods were used for localisation in 24 procedures and 1 procedure, respectively. On histopathological examination, 6 malignant, 10 high-risk and 9 benign lesions were identified. All patients tolerated the procedure well. There were no major complications.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report documenting the application of MRI-guided ROLL. Based on our preliminary results, this technique is very efficient and seems to be a good alternative to wire localisation.

Diagnostic and therapeutic imaging for cancer: therapeutic considerations and future directions

As cancer treatment cost soar and the mantra for "personalized medicine" grows louder, we will increasingly be searching for solutions to these diametrically opposed forces. In this review we highlight several exciting novel imaging strategies including MRI, CT, PET SPECT, sentinel node, and ultrasound imaging that hold great promise for improving outcomes through detection of lymph node involvement. We provide clinical data that demonstrate how these evolving strategies have the potential to transform treatment paradigms.

Systematic review of radioguided surgery for non-palpable breast cancer

BACKGROUND

This systematic review examines whether radioguided localization surgery (RGL) (radioguided occult lesion localization - ROLL and radioguided seed localization - RSL) for non-palpable breast cancer lesions produces lower positive margin rates than standard wire-guided localization surgery.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature review to identify clinical studies using either ROLL or RSL. Included studies examined invasive or in situ BC and reported pathologically assessed margin status or specimen volume/weight. Two reviewers independently assessed study eligibility and quality and abstracted relevant data on patient and surgical outcomes. Quantitative data analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-two clinical studies on ROLL (n = 46) and RSL (n = 6) were identified. Twenty-seven met our inclusion criteria: 12 studies compared RGL to WGL and 15 studies were single cohorts using RGL. Ten studies were included in the quantitative analyses. Data for margin status and re-operation rates from 4 randomized controlled trials (RCT; n = 238) and 6 cohort studies were combined giving a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.367 and 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.277 to 0.487 (p < 0.001) for margins status and OR 0.347, 95% CI: 0.250 to 0.481 (p < 0.001) for re-operation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this systematic review of RGL versus WGL demonstrate that RGL technique produces lower positive margins rates and fewer re-operations. While this review is limited by the small size and quality of RCTs, the odds ratios suggest that RGL may be a superior technique to guide surgical resection of non-palpable breast cancers. These results should be confirmed by larger, multi-centered RCTs.

Radioguided occult lesion localization versus wire-guided localization for non-palpable breast lesions: randomized controlled trial

AIM

This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted to compare radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) with wire-guided localization to evaluate optimum localization techniques for non-palpable breast lesions.

METHODS

A total of 108 patients who were undergoing an excisional biopsy for non-palpable breast lesions requiring pathologic diagnosis were randomly assigned to the ROLL group (n = 56) and wire-guided localization group (n = 52). In the study, patients' characteristics, radiological abnormalities, radiological technique of localization, localization time, operation time, weight of the excised specimen, clearance margins, pathological diagnosis and perioperative complications were assessed.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, radiological abnormalities and localization technique (p = non-significant for all). ROLL techniques resulted in 100% retrieval of the lesions; for the wire-guided localization technique, 98%. Both localization time and operation time were significantly reduced with the ROLL technique (p = significant for all). The weight of the specimen was significantly lower in the ROLL group than in the wire-guided localization group (p = significant). The overall complication rate and pathological diagnosis were similar for both groups (p = non-significant for all). Clear margins were achieved in 91% of ROLL patients and in 53% of wire-guided localization patients, and the difference was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated that the ROLL technique is as effective as wire-guided localization for the excision of non-palpable breast lesions. In addition, ROLL improved the outcomes by reducing localization and operation time, preventing healthy tissue excision and achieving clearer margins.

Radio-guided ultrasound lymph node localization: feasibility of a new technique for localizing and excising nonpalpable lymph nodes ultrasound suspicious for melanoma metastases

Identification of lymph nodes suspicious for metastases is crucial in melanoma patients during the follow-up. We propose a procedure called radio-guided ultrasound lymph node localization (RULL) for melanoma patients with ultrasound (US) suspicious, not palpable, lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique, and to assess the efficacy of this new method. RULL was applied in 12 consecutive melanoma patients with non-palpable lymph nodes found suspicious for metastases during US follow-up. Macro-aggregates of human serum albumin labelled with diluted technetium-99m were injected into the suspected lymph node under US guidance and followed by a scintigraphy. The surgical treatment was carried out with the support of hand-held gamma-probe used for sentinel node biopsy. The tracer was correctly positioned in all 12 patients. Pathological examination revealed seven patients with metastatic lymph nodes, four with no metastatic lymph node, one patient with Hodgkin disease. No surgical complications were described. In conclusion, RULL may integrate the standard ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration to improve the diagnostic accuracy on US suspicious nodes and might replace the more logistically complicated wire identification or less accurate cutaneous marker identification of these nodes. Sensibility and specificity of this approach should be defined through a large multicentric study.

Preoperative and intraoperative sonographic visibility of collagen-based breast biopsy marker clips

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the sonographic visibility of implanted collagen-based breast biopsy marker clips in the clinic and operating room.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female patients aged > or =18 years who presented for preoperative surgical evaluation within 4 weeks of ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and collagen-based marker clip placement were eligible for this pilot study. The sonographic visibility of the marker clips was rated from 1 (not visible) to 5 (clearly visible) by surgeons at the preoperative appointment, by radiologists at wire localization, and by surgeons in the operating room. Visibility was considered inadequate for values of 1 or 2 and adequate for values of 3, 4, or 5. The data were compared using Wilcoxon's signed-rank test for paired differences across physician (radiologist vs surgeon), time (preoperative visit vs day of surgery), and target (lesion vs clip).

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients with 26 lesions were enrolled, and 19 patients returned for all imaging procedures. The mean lesion size was 12 mm (range, 5-24 mm). Adequate marker clip visibility assessed by the surgeons decreased from 80% (20 of 25) at the preoperative appointment to 65% (11 of 17) in the operating room, but the difference was not significant (P=.27). Visibilities of the lesions and clips were similar at the preoperative appointment (P=.61), but the clips were significantly less visible on the day of operation (P=.03).

CONCLUSION

The sonographic visibility of collagen-based marker clips is variable and likely decreases over time but may be adequate to guide intraoperative surgical excision in many cases.

Radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) for non-palpable breast cancer: a comparison between day-before and same-day protocols

BACKGROUND

Although radioguided occult lesion localization (ROLL) has become a widely accepted technique, the optimal time interval between the radioisotope injection and surgery has not yet been determined.

AIM

To delineate the effects of time from the injection of the radionuclide until surgery on the ROLL success rate in a patient population diagnosed as having non-palpable breast cancer.

METHODS

Between December 2004 and May 2009, 75 patients underwent ROLL procedure. The day-before protocol and same-day protocols included 50 and 25 breast cancer patients respectively.

RESULTS

The two study groups were comparable in terms of age, localization technique, radiological findings and the type of surgical procedures (P > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was noticed in the pathological diagnosis, cancer size and the surgical margin clearance between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Same-day injection of the radiotracer was not superior to the day-before injection in ROLL. The day-before protocol can be scheduled for the convenience of both patients and hospital staff.

Excision of axillary lymph node recurrences in breast cancer patients with axillary ROLL (A-ROLL)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Conventional surgical exploration to find clinically occult axillary lymph node recurrence of breast cancer can be challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the place of our alternative technique, axillary-ROLL (A-ROLL), in previously treated breast cancer patients with nonpalpable axillary lymph node recurrences.

METHODS

Between March 2005 and May 2009, included in this retrospective study were four women (age, 42-51 years) without clinical evidence of distant metastasis who had treatment for breast cancer and were subsequently found to have suspicious axillary lymph node(s) detected by control ultrasonography (US) examination during follow-up. A-ROLL was utilized for the identification of lymph nodes. 0.5-1 mCi (99m)Tc-human serum albumin makroaggregate was injected under US guidance. A gamma probe was then used to guide the excision of the lymph nodes.

RESULTS

The involved lymph nodes were successfully localized by A-ROLL technique and removed surgically. Of all four patients, postoperative histopathologic examination revealed nodal cancer metastases in three patients (75%) and lymphoid hyperplasia in one patient. No complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

A-ROLL technique has proved to be accurate and safe in the identification and excision of clinically occult axillary lymph node recurrence.

Recent advances in the surgical care of breast cancer patients

A tremendous improvement in every aspect of breast cancer management has occurred in the last two decades. Surgeons, once solely interested in the extipartion of the primary tumor, are now faced with the need to incorporate a great deal of information, and to manage increasingly complex tasks.

As a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of breast cancer care is beyond the scope of the present paper, the current review will point out some of these innovations, evidence some controversies, and stress the need for the surgeon to specialize in the various aspects of treatment and to be integrated into the multisciplinary breast unit team.

A comprehensive overview of radioguided surgery using gamma detection probe technology

The concept of radioguided surgery, which was first developed some 60 years ago, involves the use of a radiation detection probe system for the intraoperative detection of radionuclides. The use of gamma detection probe technology in radioguided surgery has tremendously expanded and has evolved into what is now considered an established discipline within the practice of surgery, revolutionizing the surgical management of many malignancies, including breast cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer, as well as the surgical management of parathyroid disease. The impact of radioguided surgery on the surgical management of cancer patients includes providing vital and real-time information to the surgeon regarding the location and extent of disease, as well as regarding the assessment of surgical resection margins. Additionally, it has allowed the surgeon to minimize the surgical invasiveness of many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, while still maintaining maximum benefit to the cancer patient. In the current review, we have attempted to comprehensively evaluate the history, technical aspects, and clinical applications of radioguided surgery using gamma detection probe technology.

[Radioguided breast surgery. Evolution of the use of minimal-invasive technologies and current situation]

The increase in the detection of occult lesions has led to the development of new localisation methods using radiopharmaceutical products. The use of these products allows us to perform a "thrifty" (less-aggressive) surgical excision and, to simultaneously carry out the biopsy of the sentinel node in cases of breast cancer. On making a search for the most up to date references on this particular topic, we found many articles on radioguided surgery by many leading international work groups. These articles clearly show the advantages of the radioguided surgery method, its effectiveness and attractiveness to surgeons who are very much involved in the search for excellence in their daily work. We also contribute our experience as a functional group, with 413 interventions on occult lesions performed using the radioguided method (ROLL). In 229 cases out of these 413, we found a malignancy (75%); in all these 229 cases it was possible to perform the intervention simultaneously with the biopsy of the sentinel node (SNOLL), during the same surgical act. However the interest created by the new procedure, it is essential to keep a critical but innovative and reflexive mind on this issue, in order to accurately analyze the results obtained by each group. We must remember that these types of methods involve several clinical specialties and, therefore, each one will have to contribute with the highest efficiency.

[US-guided localization of non-palpable breast cancer and sentinel node using 99mTechnetium-albumin colloid]

OBJECTIVE

Surgery on non-palpable breast lesions is becoming increasingly common and new techniques for preoperative lesion localization have appeared. Radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) enables malignant or probably malignant non-palpable breast lesions to be located and biopsy of the sentinel node to be performed (SNOLL: sentinel node and occult lesion localization).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Included were 118 patients with malignant or probably malignant non-palpable breast lesions visible on ultrasonography in whom radio-guided lesion resection and sentinel node biopsy were indicated. 99mTechnetium-albumin colloid was injected into the periphery of the lesion under ultrasonographic guidance and all patients underwent preoperative scintigraphy.

RESULTS

From November 2001 to December 2004, 118 patients were included. All patients underwent conservative surgery, with the non-palpable lesion being located in all cases (100% lesion detection rate). The histological diagnoses were: 81 invasive ductal carcinomas (68.64%), 7 infiltrating lobular carcinomas (5.93%), 5 mixed-type carcinomas (4.24%), 17 carcinomas in situ (14.40%), and 8 other invasive carcinomas (6.78%). The sentinel node was detected in 98.41%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Radio-guided ROLL surgery on non-palpable lesions located under ultrasonographic guidance is a simple, fast technique that enables the lesion to be safely excised. Both ROLL and SNOLL can be carried out in the same intervention with a single ultrasound-guided injection of 99mTechnetium-albumin colloid with satisfactory results.

Radiolabelled somatostatin analogs for diagnosis and radio-guided surgery of neuroendocrine breast cancer undetectable with conventional imaging procedures

Some neoplasms are classified as primary neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) because of their positivity for neuroendocrine markers [chromogranins A and B (CgA, CgB) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE)]. Neuroendocrine differentiation has been reported, for example, in both "in situ" and infiltrating breast cancer. Diagnosis of NET is bio-humoral (CgA, NSE, synaptophysin) and instrumental. Even if the final diagnosis is made by open biopsy, radionuclide imaging using radiolabelled somatostatin analogs, such as In-111 pentetreotide, may detect neuroendocrine primary tumours and metastases before they become detectable using traditional and advanced imaging modalities [mammography (MX), ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)]. When neuroendocrine breast lesions are not detectable, radio-guided surgery (RGS) is able to localise cancer. We report a case of a woman with a palpable lymph node in the left axilla. She underwent a US-guided lymph node biopsy, which was positive for massive metastases, probably of neuroendocrine breast origin. Mammary plus axillary US showed only lymphadenopathy in the left axilla. MX and breast MRI were negative. Neoplastic markers (CEA, CA 15.3, CA 125 and CA 19.9) were negative too. On the other hand, neuroendocrine markers (NSE and CgA) were positive. A whole body scintigraphic scan plus thorax and abdomen single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with In-111 pentetreotide (222 MBq; 6 mCi) showed an uptake in the left mammary gland. No other pathological localisations were observed. The day after the intravenous injection of In-111 pentetreotide, the patient underwent RGS breast tumour resection and left axillary lymphadenectomy. In conclusion, we would like to emphasise: (1) the role of radionuclide imaging for the detection of breast NETs in relation to conventional diagnostic procedures; (2) the role of RGS in localising and removing a non-palpable breast NET that was undetectable with the use of conventional imaging techniques.

Occult Breast Lesion Localization plus Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNOLL): Experience with 959 Patients at the European Institute of Oncology

BACKGROUND

Non-palpable breast lesions are diagnosed frequently posing the problem of localization and removal. When such lesions are malignant, axillary node status must be determined. We report our experience using radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL) for locating and removing non-palpable breast lesions together with sentinel node biopsy (SNB) to assess axillary status. We call the technique SNOLL.

METHODS

From March 1997 to April 2004, 1046 consecutive patients presented suspicious non-palpable breast lesions and were programmed for conservative surgery and SNB. In 87 patients intraoperative histological examination revealed a benign lesion and SNB was not performed. The remaining 959 patients, with cytologically or histologically proven cancer, underwent SNOLL with immobile radiotracer injected under mammographic or ultrasound (US) guidance into the lesion, and subsequent injection of mobile tracer subdermally to localize the sentinel node (SN). Patients then underwent breast surgery and SNB.

RESULTS

Breast lesions were localized by ROLL in 99.6% of cases and were removed radically with negative margins in 91.9% of cases. Sentinel nodes were detected in all but one case. Intraoperative or definitive histological examination revealed 776 invasive/microinvasive carcinomas and 182 with in situ disease. Sentinel nodes were positive in 154 (19.8%) of 776 invasive/microinvasive cancers and in two with ductal intraepithelial neoplasia (1.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

In SNOLL the injection procedures are performed separately, but both lesion and SNs are removed together; axillary dissection is performed if the SN is positive, thus definitive treatment of malignant non-palpable lesions occurs in a single surgical session.

Radioguided Localization of Clinically Occult Breast Lesions (ROLL): A Pilot Study

Management of nonpalpable breast lesions requiring pathologic diagnosis has been with wire localization during the last few decades. Recently, radioguided localization (ROLL) became an alternative for this type of lesions. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique in a tertiary referral center in Mexico City. Consecutive patients requiring pathologic diagnosis from a nonpalpable breast lesion were included in the present study. On the same day of operation, all patients were injected with particles of human serum albumin. Localization of the lesion was performed in the operation theater with the aid of a hand-held gamma-probe. All lesions were identified in a control x-ray of the surgical specimen. Demographic, clinical, surgical and pathologic data were recorded. Forty patients with a mean age of 56.8 +/- 7.8 years were included. In 39 of the 40 patients (97.5%) the "hot spot" was identified easily. In all patients, the area of maximum radioactivity corresponded to the site of the lesion. Imaging confirmation of the lesion in the surgical specimen was done during the first excision in 37 patients (92.5%). In the remaining cases (7.5%), a wider excision was performed during the same procedure, finding the suspected lesion in all cases. Diagnosis of cancer was made in seven patients, (17.5%). There were no significant surgical complications. Our data suggest that ROLL offer a simple and reliable method to localize occult breast lesions, allowing complete removal of the lesion in 100% of the patients. Because of the small quantity of radioactivity, the procedure is safe for both patients and the medical staff, producing less discomfort in patients than wire localization.

Hematoma-Directed Ultrasound-Guided (HUG) Breast Lumpectomy

BACKGROUND

Needle localization breast biopsy (NLBB) is presently the primary means of localizing non-palpable lesions. Disadvantages of NLBB include vasovagal episodes, patient discomfort, and miss rates. Because hematomas naturally fill the cavity after vacuum-assisted breast biopsies (VABB), we hypothesized that ultrasound (US) could be used to find and accurately excise the actual biopsy site of non-palpable breast lesions without a needle.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from January 2000 to July 2005. Electronic chart review identified patients with non-palpable breast lesions detected by means of mammogram who then underwent lumpectomy via NLBB or the hematoma-directed ultrasound-guided technique (HUG). HUG involved localizing the hematoma with a 7.5-MHz US probe and using the "line of sight" technique straight down toward the chest wall. A block of tissue encompassing the hematoma was then excised.

RESULTS

Localization procedures were performed in 186 patients-63 (34%) via needle localization and 123 (66%) via HUG. The previous VABB site in 100% of patients was successfully excised using HUG, 65 of 123 (53%) were benign and 58 of 123 (47%) were malignant; margins were positive in 13 of these 58 (22%). NLBB was successful in 100% of patients, 44 of 63 (70%) were benign and 19 of 63 (30%) were malignant; margins were positive in 14 of these 19 (73%). Margin positivity was significantly higher for NLBB than HUG (P = 0.0001, Fisher Exact).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that HUG is more accurate in localizing non-palpable lesions than NLBB. By eliminating the additional procedure needed for NLBB, HUG may also be more time- and cost efficient. HUG makes VABB not only a less invasive diagnostic procedure, but also a localization procedure.

Occult breast lesions: A comparison between radioguided occult lesion localisation (ROLL) vs. wire-guided lumpectomy (WGL)

Mammographic screening increases the number of impalpable breast cancers requiring surgical excision. It is important to optimise the localisation technique to remove the smallest amount of tissue, still adequately excising the lesion. The last 65 wire-guided lumpectomies (WGLs) were compared vs. the first 65 radioguided occult lesion localisations (ROLLs) performed for impalpable breast cancers. Data collection included patient's age, radiological abnormality, pre-operative core biopsy, type of primary surgery, length of localisation and excision, hospital stay, cancer size, weight and volume of the excised specimen, clearance margins. All patients were successfully localised with ROLL and WGL. Localisation time was reduced with ROLL (P<0.001). Clear margins were achieved in 83% ROLLs and 57% WGLs (P=0.001). Pathological cancer size and specimen weight were similar in both groups, although the specimen volume was slightly smaller for ROLL. A total of 74% ROLLs had excellent cosmetic outcomes and 26% good, vs. 55% excellent and 45% good in WGLs. A larger amount of normal breast tissue was excised with WGL, without achieving any better cancer clearance. ROLL provides a feasible alternative to WGL. This quick and simple technique achieves an improved rate of clear margins.

Radio-guided localization of clinically occult breast lesions (ROLL): a DGH experience

AIM

Wire-guided localization (WGL) of clinically occult breast lesions is a well established technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate radio-guided localization (ROLL) within the breast screening service of a district general hospital.

METHOD

The study group comprised 70 women who underwent ROLL under US and stereotaxis. This required an injection of Technetium-labelled colloidal albumen into the impalpable breast lesion. The women then proceeded to theatre, where localization was achieved with the use of a gamma probe. The lesion was identified by the presence of a high signal, caused by the injected isotope. The results of 70 consecutive cases in which a breast lesion was localized using ROLL were compared with the results of the latest 70 WGLs.

RESULTS

All 140 lesions were successfully localized. However, the change in technique from WGL to ROLL offered significant benefits to patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that ROLL is a practical and reliable localization technique. It can be implemented in hospital units without using valuable gamma camera time. The cost compares well with WGL. There is an improved cosmetic outcome for patients, and the very small quantity of radioactivity used is safe for both patients and staff.

Radiolocalización de lesiones mamarias no palpables combinada con la biopsia del ganglio centinela en mujeres con cáncer de mama

INTRODUCTION

The practice of intratumoral radiocolloid injection for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) allows localization of nonpalpable breast tumors in the same surgical intervention, using the technique known as radio-guided occult lesion localization (ROLL).

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We present our experience with the combined use of both techniques (SNB and ROLL). A total of 233 patients were retrospectively analyzed: 65 patients underwent ROLL and 168 patients underwent wire-guided localization (control group) as the excision modality. Both groups had comparable pathologic and radiologic features.

RESULTS

Complete excision of the lesion was achieved at the first attempt in only 169 patients. There were no significant differences among groups in surgical margin status (margins were adequate in 80% of ROLL patients vs 69.9% of non-ROLL patients) or in maximum specimen diameter (6.85 cm vs 6.52 cm, respectively).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that ROLL is an acceptable alternative to wire-guided localization in patients with nonpalpable breast tumors undergoing SNB, leading to easier lesion excision and greater patient comfort.

Sentinel node biopsy in elderly breast cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Even if an increasing body of data suggests that sentinel node biopsy is a safe and accurate method of screening the axillary nodes for metastasis, there is a tendency to perform less extensive or no axillary surgery in older breast cancer women. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the safety of the procedure as well as the rate of axillary recurrences after sentinel node biopsy in this older population.

METHODS

Between May 1997 and March 2003, 241 consecutive elderly patients (>or=70 years) with operable breast cancer up to 3 cm and clinically negative axillary lymph nodes were entered into this study. Sentinel node was identified using 5-10 MBq of 99 mTc-labeled colloidal particles and examined with immediate complete intraoperative frozen-section.

RESULTS

The sentinel node identification rate was 100%. Ninety-seven percent of the patients underwent breast-conserving surgery. In 90 out of 241 patients (37.3%) the sentinel node was positive for metastasis and complete axillary dissection was immediately performed. In 56.7% of these patients the sentinel node was the only lymph node involved. Micrometastasis in the sentinel node was detected in 30 of the 90 (33.3%) patients. A total of 151 patients (62.7%) were sentinel node negative and no further surgical treatment was done. There were no axillary recurrences at a median followup of 29.7 months (range 3-87 months). The overall survival of this group of patients was 97.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Sentinel node biopsy is a safe and accurate method of screening the axillary nodes for elderly women with operable breast cancer less than 3 cm. The absence of axillary recurrences after sentinel node biopsy without complete axillary dissection supports the hypothesis.

Radioguided occult lesion localisation (ROLL) and sentinel node biopsy for impalpable invasive breast cancer

AIM

The aim of this study was to simplify the technique of ROLL and sentinel node biopsy without compromising tumour excision and sentinel node biopsy.

METHODS

Twenty patients with impalpable primary invasive breast carcinoma underwent an injection of 99mTc-nanocolloid mixed with radiographic contrast medium Iohexol into the centre of the lesion under ultrasound or stereotactic guidance pre-operatively. No guidewire localisation was performed. Under general anaesthesia, a periareolar intradermal/subcutaneous injection of patent blue-V dye was performed. The sentinel node was identified by blue-stained lymphatics and node and a hot spot on the gamma probe. Surgical excision of the primary tumour was then carried out using the gamma probe.

RESULTS

In eight of 20 cases an immediate re-excision was carried out and on histological assessment, all 20 patients were clear of invasive disease at the margins. In two patients, in situ disease was present at the margins and a further re-excision was therefore performed. The sentinel node was identified in all cases. In all, five of 20 patients were node positive on routine HE staining. In a further two patients, tumour cells were identified by immunohistochemistry with CAM5.2 antibody. Completion axillary clearance in six patients confirmed that the sentinel node was the only positive node.

CONCLUSIONS

This modification of the previously described ROLL technique is feasible and safe and does not compromise tumour excision or sentinel node detection.

Radioactive seed localization of nonpalpable breast lesions is better than wire localization

BACKGROUND

The current study sought to validate radioactive seed localization (RSL) as an alternative to wire localization (WL) to facilitate the operative excision of nonpalpable breast lesions.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients underwent preoperative WL and the next 100 RSL. Margins were considered negative if > or =2 mm from in situ and invasive disease.

RESULTS

RSL resulted in 100% retrieval of the seeds and lesions. Sixty-eight percent of patients underwent RSL at least 1 day before surgery. RSL resulted in a 35% relative improvement in the rate of negative margins in the first specimen (P = 0.01) and a 62% relative improvement in the rate of reoperation for positive margins (P = 0.01). The sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification rate was 100% in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

RSL is effective and safe, and this procedure significantly improved the rate of negative margins in the first specimen and the rate of reoperation for positive margins compared to WL. We highly favor RSL over WL.

Breast carcinoma in elderly women: features of disease presentation, choice of local and systemic treatments compared with younger postmenopasual patients

BACKGROUND

Aging remains one of the single greatest risk factors for the development of new breast carcinoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between biologic features at first diagnosis of breast carcinoma and treatment choice for postmenopausal women > or = 50 years to optimize treatment in the elderly.

METHODS

The sample included 2999 consecutive postmenopausal patients referred for surgery at the European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy) from April 1997 to February 2002. The patients were grouped according to age: young postmenopausal (YPM; 50-64 years, n = 2052), older postmenopausal (OPM; 65-74, n = 801), and elderly postmenopausal (EPM; > or = 75, n = 146).

RESULTS

EPM patients referred to surgery had larger tumors compared with YPM patients (pT4: 6.7% vs. 2.4%) as well as greater lymph node involvement (lymph node positive: 62.5% vs. 51.3%). EPM patients showed a higher degree of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression (P < 0.01), less peritumoral vascular invasion (P < 0.01), and less HER-2/neu expression (P < 0.01) than YPM patients. Comorbidities were more often recorded for elderly patients (72% EPM vs. 45% YPM; P < 0.001), did not influence surgical choices, and were similar across groups (breast conservation: 73.9%, 76.9%, and 72.9%, respectively). No systemic therapy (either chemotherapy or endocrine therapy) was recommended for 19.1% of the EPM compared with 5.4% and 4.7% of the two other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In spite of larger tumor size at presentation, older patients had tumors with more favorable biologic characteristics, when compared with younger postmenopausal patients. Reluctance to prescribe systemic treatments was due to the complexity of evaluation for these patients. Taking into account the data from the current study and given the climate of uncertainty regarding optimal treatment, the authors decided to individualize care on the basis of biologic characteristics, comorbidity, social support, functional status, and patient preferences. Trials of tailored adjuvant therapy should be a health care priority.

A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial of tissue adhesive (2-octylcyanoacrylate) versus standard wound closure in breast surgery

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that the use of tissue adhesive for closure of both traumatic lacerations and incisional surgical wounds leads to cosmetic outcome comparable to conventional sutures. To date, no studies have investigated tissue adhesive in breast surgery and costs. Our aim was to compare the tissue adhesive 2-octylcyanoacrylate (OCA) with standard suture in breast surgery.

METHODS

A prospective randomized study was conducted in which 151 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 133 were randomly allocated to skin closure with OCA adhesive or monofilament suture. Cosmetic outcome with blinded assessment, wound management by the patients, complication rates, and economic outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

There was no difference in cosmetic score in the 2 groups, nor in complications at the early, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. Patient satisfaction with the wound closed with OCA was rated significantly higher when compared with standard suture (P <.0001). The application of the tissue adhesive was significantly faster than that for standard suture (P <.001). In economic terms total costs were less in the tissue adhesive group, mainly due to lower postoperative costs of physician and assistant services (P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

OCA is effective and reliable in skin closure for breast surgery, yielding similar cosmetic results to standard suture. OCA is faster than standard wound closure and offers several practical advantages over suture repair for patients. Cost analysis has found that OCA adhesive can significantly decrease health care costs.