Axillary Ultrasound Accurately Excludes Clinically Significant Lymph Node Disease in Patients With Early Stage Breast Cancer

Ultrasound-based radiomics for early predicting response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound imaging (US)-based radiomics for the early prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to 1 January 2023 for eligible studies. We assessed the methodological quality of the enrolled studies with Radiomics Quality Score (RQS) and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tools. We performed meta-analyses to summarize the diagnostic efficacy of US-based radiomics in response to NAC in breast cancer patients.

RESULTS

Eight studies proved eligible. Eligible studies exhibited an average RQS score of 12.88 (35.8% of the total score), with the RQS score ranging from 8 to 19. In the meta-analyses, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.87 (95% CI 0.81-0.92), 0.78 (95% CI 0.72-0.83), 4.02 (95% CI 3.18-5.08), 0.16 (95% CI 0.10-0.25), and 25.17 (95% CI 15.10-41.95), respectively. Results from subgroup analyses indicated that prospective studies apparently exhibited more optimal sensitivity than retrospective studies. Sensitivity analyses exhibited similar results to the primary analyses.

CONCLUSION

US-based radiomics may be a potentially crucial adjuvant method for evaluating the response of breast cancer to NAC. Due to limited data available and low quality of eligible studies, more multicenter prospective studies with rigorous methods are required to confirm our findings.

Axillary ultrasonography for early-stage invasive breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Among women with early invasive breast cancer and 1-2 positive sentinel nodes, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is non-inferior to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).1-3 However, preoperative axillary ultrasonography (AxUS) may not be sensitive enough to discriminate burden of nodal metastasis in these patients, potentially leading to overtreatment.4-6 This study compares axillary operation rates in patients who did and did not receive preoperative AxUS, assessing its utility and risks for overtreatment.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with clinical T1/T2 breast tumors who were clinically node negative and underwent an axillary operation.

RESULTS

Patients who had preoperative AxUS received more ALND compared to patients who did not (5.6% vs. 1.4%, p ​< ​0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of additional axillary operations following SLNB (2.1% vs. 2.3%, p ​= ​0.77).

CONCLUSION

Eliminating preoperative AxUS is associated with fewer invasive ALND procedures, without increased rate of axillary reoperations.

Deep learning radiomics based prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer

This study aimed to develop and validate a deep learning radiomics nomogram (DLRN) for the preoperative evaluation of axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis status in patients with a newly diagnosed unifocal breast cancer. A total of 883 eligible patients with breast cancer who underwent preoperative breast and axillary ultrasound were retrospectively enrolled between April 1, 2016, and June 30, 2022. The training cohort comprised 621 patients from Hospital I; the external validation cohorts comprised 112, 87, and 63 patients from Hospitals II, III, and IV, respectively. A DLR signature was created based on the deep learning and handcrafted features, and the DLRN was then developed based on the signature and four independent clinical parameters. The DLRN exhibited good performance, yielding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.914, 0.929, and 0.952 in the three external validation cohorts, respectively. Decision curve and calibration curve analyses demonstrated the favorable clinical value and calibration of the nomogram. In addition, the DLRN outperformed five experienced radiologists in all cohorts. This has the potential to guide appropriate management of the axilla in patients with breast cancer, including avoiding overtreatment.

Value of Breast MRI and Nomogram After Negative Axillary Ultrasound for Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients With Clinically T1-2 N0 Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

There are increasing concerns about that sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) could be omitted in patients with clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancers who has negative axillary ultrasound (AUS). This study aims to assess the false negative result (FNR) of AUS, the rate of high nodal burden (HNB) in clinically T1-2 N0 breast cancer patients, and the diagnostic performance of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nomogram.

METHODS

We identified 948 consecutive patients with clinically T1-2 N0 cancers who had negative AUS, subsequent MRI, and breast conserving therapy between 2013 and 2020 from two tertiary medical centers. Patients from two centers were assigned to development and validation sets, respectively. Among 948 patients, 402 (mean age ± standard deviation, 57.61 ± 11.58) were within development cohort and 546 (54.43 ± 10.02) within validation cohort. Using logistic regression analyses, clinical-imaging factors associated with lymph node (LN) metastasis were analyzed in the development set from which nomogram was created. The performance of MRI and nomogram was assessed. HNB was defined as ≥ 3 positive LNs.

RESULTS

The FNR of AUS was 20.1% (81 of 402) and 19.2% (105 of 546) and the rates of HNB were 1.2% (5/402) and 2.2% (12/546), respectively. Clinical and imaging features associated with LN metastasis were progesterone receptor positivity, outer tumor location on mammography, breast imaging reporting and data system category 5 assessment of cancer on ultrasound, and positive axilla on MRI. In validation cohorts, the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI and clinical-imaging nomogram was 58.5% and 86.5%, and 56.0% and 82.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The FNR of AUS was approximately 20% but the rate of HNB was low. The diagnostic performance of MRI was not satisfactory with low PPV but MRI had merit in reaffirming negative AUS with high NPV. Patients who had low probability scores from our clinical-imaging nomogram might be possible candidates for the omission of SLNB.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

Axillary lymph node status is an important prognostic factor for breast cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of MRI in assessing the axillary nodal status in breast cancer patients receiving neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected for 88 patients between 2011 and 2016 from the hospital records. All patients had baseline MRI, followed by the end of neoadjuvant chemotherapy MRI. Patient demographics, cancer type, grade, stage, receptor status, and the number of positive lymph nodes identified on the baseline and preoperative MRI were recorded. The imaging results were compared to post-operative histopathological lymph node findings. The median patient age of the patients was 54 years (32-77 years).

RESULTS

There were 67 (76.1%) patients with histologically proven positive axillary lymph nodes on baseline MRI. The overall conversion from abnormal to normal axillary nodes following chemotherapy (ypN0) was 38.8% (26 patients out of 67). The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for predicting axillary status was 68.85 and 85.71%, respectively, with an overall MRI diagnostic accuracy of 73.07%.

CONCLUSION

MRI has low sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy in predicting axillary nodal status in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Given the low NPV of MRI of the axilla, a negative MRI does not obviate the need for definitive axillary surgery.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

In its current state, MRI cannot obviate the need for axillary surgery in patients receiving NACT. Long: short axis ratio (L: S) of the axillary lymph node is not a good predictor of axillary metastases.

Factors Predicting Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Clinically Node-Negative Breast Cancer

Purpose

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB) is the standard tool to stage the axilla of breast cancer patients. This study aimed to identify the predictors of positive SLNB in patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective, single-institution cohort of patients with early-stage breast cancer without clinically identifiable axillary lymphadenopathy was chosen from January 2010 to December 2018. Logistic regression was used to identify possible predictors of positive SLNB.

Results

Four hundred and seventy patients were identified; their mean age was 50±11 years. Most patients had the following characteristics: invasive ductal carcinoma (n=382, 81.3%), unilateral tumor (n=461, 98.1%), unifocal disease (n=351, 74.7%), intermediate grade (n=276, 59.0%), and estrogen and progesterone receptor positivity with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negativity (n=305, 64.9%). The mean size of the breast mass was 2.3±1.5 cm. SLNB was positive in 128 (27.2%) cases. The mean number of SLNs was 2±1.2. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 109 patients. The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 15±6. In 66 (60.6%) of the 109 patients with metastatic axillary nodes, only the SLNs were found to be positive. The number of SLNs, tumor size, tumor grade, receptor status, prominent axillary lymph nodes, and lymphovascular invasion predicted positive SLNB (P = 0.01, 0.03, 0.03, and 0.04 and <0.001 and <0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a number of histopathological and radiological characteristics of breast cancer can predict SLNB positivity in clinically node-negative breast cancer patients.

Recent advancement of imaging strategies of the lymphatic system: Answer to the decades old questions

The role of the lymphatic system in maintaining tissue homeostasis and a number of different pathophysiological conditions has been well established. The complex and delicate structure of the lymphatics along with the limitations of conventional imaging techniques make lymphatic imaging particularly difficult. Thus, in-depth high-resolution imaging of lymphatic system is key to understanding the progression of lymphatic diseases and cancer metastases and would greatly benefit clinical decisions. In recent years, the advancement of imaging technologies and development of new tracers suitable for clinical applications has enabled imaging of the lymphatic system in both clinical and pre-clinical settings. In this current review, we have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of different modern techniques such as near infra-red spectroscopy (NIRS), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence optical imaging, that has significantly impacted research in this field and has led to in-depth insights into progression of pathological states. This review also highlights the use of current imaging technologies, and tracers specific for immune cell markers to identify and track the immune cells in the lymphatic system that would help understand disease progression and remission in immune therapy regimen.

Evaluation of perfluoropropane (C3F8)-filled chitosan polyacrylic acid nanobubbles for ultrasound imaging of sentinel lymph nodes and tumors

Accurate sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification is an important prerequisite for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, existing SLN mapping techniques, mainly imaging-guided methods, are severely restricted by the high cost of the instruments, harmful radiation or unsatisfactory imaging depths. Herein, we prepared a new ultrasound contrast agent by filling perfluoropropane (C₃F₈) into chitosan polyacrylic acid nanobubbles for precise SLN identification. The obtained ultrasound contrast agent, coined C₃F₈-CS-PAA nanobubbles, presents a nanometer size with a diameter of approximately 120 nm. The C₃F₈-CS-PAA nanobubbles of desirable size are able to enter lymphatic vessels and accumulate in the sentinel lymph node to enhance ultrasound imaging. As a result, the injection of C₃F₈-CS-PAA nanobubbles can remarkably enhance the ultrasound imaging lymph system, providing image guidance for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Furthermore, it was shown that such C₃F₈-CS-PAA nanobubbles can effectively permeate into the tumor region via the tumor-enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect to enhance tumor ultrasound imaging for monitoring tumorigenesis. This work highlights a novel nanoscale ultrasound contrast agent for the lymphatic system and tumor imaging, with great promise for subsequent studies and clinical applications.

Clinical Value of Preoperative Ultrasound Signs in Evaluating Axillary Lymph Node Status in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Purpose. To explore the clinical value of preoperative ultrasound signs in evaluating axillary lymph node status in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 162 patients with TNBC who were admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to June 2021. A total of 62 patients with axillary lymph node metastasis and 100 patients with normal axillary lymph nodes were included. Univariate and logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between clinicopathological parameters, ultrasound features, and axillary lymph node metastasis between these two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of each index was drawn to predict positive axillary lymph node. Results. The lymph node positive rate was higher in patients with tumor size ( $2\text{mm}<T\le 5\text{mm}$ ) and tumor stage III, and the difference between these two groups was statistically significant ( $P<0.05$ ). The patients with $\text{cortical}\text{thickness}\ge 3$ , blood flow grades II-III, $\text{aspect}\text{ratio}\left(\text{L}/\text{S}\right)\ge 2$ , and $\text{RI}\ge 0.7$ had higher lymph node positive rate, and the difference between these two groups was statistically significant ( $P<0.05$ ). Other index shows no correlation with ancillary lymph node positive rate, or the correlation was not statistically significant ( $P>0.05$ ). Further regression analysis indicated that the blood flow grade and L/S of axillary lymph nodes were independent influencing factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients ( $P<0.05$ ). Relevant receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed, and the AUC of axillary lymph node blood flow grade and L/S for predicting axillary lymph node status was 0.6329 and 0.6498, respectively. The AUC for the joint prediction of the two indicators is 0.6898. Conclusion. Ultrasound sign combined with clinicopathological characteristics can predict the axillary lymph nodes metastasis in TNBC, which could guide clinical decision of axillary lymph node surgery.

Ultrasonographic morphological characteristics determined using a deep learning-based computer-aided diagnostic system of breast cancer

To investigate the correlations between ultrasonographic morphological characteristics quantitatively assessed using a deep learning-based computer-aided diagnostic system (DL-CAD) and histopathologic features of breast cancer.This retrospective study included 282 women with invasive breast cancer (<5 cm; mean age, 54.4 [range, 29-85] years) who underwent surgery between February 2016 and April 2017. The morphological characteristics of breast cancer on B-mode ultrasonography were analyzed using DL-CAD, and quantitative scores (0-1) were obtained. Associations between quantitative scores and tumor histologic type, grade, size, subtype, and lymph node status were compared.Two-hundred and thirty-six (83.7%) tumors were invasive ductal carcinoma, 18 (6.4%) invasive lobular carcinoma, and 28 (9.9%) micropapillary, apocrine, and mucinous. The mean size was 1.8 ± 1.0 (standard deviation) cm, and 108 (38.3%) cases were node positive. Irregular shape score was associated with tumor size (P < .001), lymph nodes status (P = .001), and estrogen receptor status (P = .016). Not-circumscribed margin (P < .001) and hypoechogenicity (P = .003) scores correlated with tumor size, and non-parallel orientation score correlated with histologic grade (P = .024). Luminal A tumors exhibited more irregular features (P = .048) with no parallel orientation (P = .002), whereas triple-negative breast cancer showed a rounder/more oval and parallel orientation.Quantitative morphological characteristics of breast cancers determined using DL-CAD correlated with histopathologic features and could provide useful information about breast cancer phenotypes.

Imaging Protocol and Criteria for Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes in the NAUTILUS Trial

Axillary ultrasonography (US) is the most commonly used imaging modality for nodal evaluation in patients with breast cancer. No Axillary Surgical Treatment in Clinically Lymph Node-Negative Patients after Ultrasonography (NAUTILUS) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial investigating whether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be safely omitted in patients with clinically and sonographically node-negative T1–2 breast cancer treated with breast-conserving therapy. In this trial, a standardized imaging protocol and criteria were established for the evaluation of axillary lymph nodes. Women lacking palpable lymph nodes underwent axillary US to dismiss suspicious nodal involvement. Patients with a round hypoechoic node with effaced hilum or indistinct margins were excluded. Patients with T1 tumors and a single node with a cortical thickness ≥ 3 mm underwent US-guided biopsy. Finally, patients with negative axillary US findings were included. The NAUTILUS axillary US nodal assessment criteria facilitate the proper selection of candidates who can omit SLNB.

Predictors of sentinel lymph node metastasis in Chinese women with clinical T1-T2 N0 breast cancer and a normal axillary ultrasound

BACKGROUND

The clinicopathological predictors of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in clinical T1-T2 N0 (cT1-T2 N0) patients with a normal axillary ultrasound (AUS) are unclear.

PURPOSE

To assess the association between clinicopathological characteristics of a primary tumor and SLN metastasis in cT1-T2 N0 patients with a normal AUS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with cT1-T2 N0 invasive breast cancer and who obtained normal AUS results between October 2016 and September 2018 in a single hospital were included. Clinicopathological data were collected to explore the predictors of SLN metastasis using a multivariate logistic regression model.

RESULTS

SLN metastasis occurred in 26 patients (18.4%) among 141 AUS-normal patients, of which 24 cases (17.0%) had one or two nodal involvements. In the univariate analysis, tumor location, estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status, and lymphovascular invasion (LVI) were significantly associated with SLN metastasis (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that tumor location in the upper outer quadrant (odds ratio [OR] = 4.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63-12.37; P = 0.004), positive PR status (OR = 13.35, 95% CI = 1.60-111.39; P = 0.017), and positive LVI (OR = 8.66, 95% CI = 2.20-34.18; P = 0.002) were independent high-risk factors for SLN metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the regression model was 0.787 (95% CI = 0.694-0.881; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tumor location in the upper outer quadrant, positive PR, and LVI status were found to be significantly high-risk factors for SLN metastasis among cT1-T2 N0 breast cancer patients with a normal AUS result.

Current Clinical and Pre-Clinical Imaging Approaches to Study the Cancer-Associated Immune System

In the light of the success and the expected growth of its arsenal, immuno-therapy may become the standard neoadjuvant procedure for many cancers in the near future. However, aspects such as the identity, organization and the activation status of the peri- and intra-tumoral immune cells would represent important elements to weigh in the decision for the appropriate treatment. While important progress in non-invasive imaging of immune cells has been made over the last decades, it falls yet short of entering the clinics, let alone becoming a standard procedure. Here, we provide an overview of the different intra-vital imaging approaches in the clinics and in pre-clinical settings and discuss their benefits and drawbacks for assessing the activity of the immune system, globally and on a cellular level. Stimulated by further research, the future is likely to see many technological advances both on signal detection and emission as well as image specificity and resolution to tackle current hurdles. We anticipate that the ability to precisely determine an immune stage of cancer will capture the attention of the oncologist and will create a change in paradigm for cancer therapy.

Evolving Trends in Surgical Management of Breast Cancer: An Analysis of 30 Years of Practice Changing Papers

The management of breast cancer has evolved into a multidisciplinary evidence-based surgical speciality, with emphasis on conservative surgery. A number of landmark trials have established lumpectomy followed by radiation as the standard of care for many patients. The aim of this study is to construct a narrative review of recent developments in the surgical management of breast cancer and how such developments have impacted surgical practice. A comprehensive literature search of Pubmed was conducted. The latest search was performed on October 31^st, 2020. Search terms “breast cancer” were used in combinations with specific key words and Boolean operators relating to surgical management. The reference lists of retrieved articles were comprehensively screened for additional eligible publications. Articles were selected and reviewed based on relevance. We selected publications in the past 10 years but did not exclude commonly referenced and highly regarded previous publications. Review articles and book chapters were also cited to provide reference on details not discussed in the academic literature. This article reviews the current evidence in surgical management of early-stage breast cancer, discusses recent trends in surgical practice for therapeutic and prophylactic procedures and provides commentary on implications and factors associated with these trends.

Can preoperative axillary ultrasound and biopsy of suspicious lymph nodes be an alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy in clinical node negative early breast cancer?

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of preoperative axillary ultrasonography (AUS) and preoperative axillary fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) from suspicious lymph nodes in clinically node-negative breast cancer to compare with radiologically positive and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) positive involvement.

METHOD

Clinically node-negative early-stage breast cancer patients were included in the study. These patients underwent preoperative AUS examination, suspicious lymph nodes were evaluated with FNAB. AUS-FNAB results were compared with those of SLNB or axillary dissection.

RESULTS

Of 181 patients undergoing AUS, 32 were reported to have axillary metastasis, 25 suspicious, and 124 benign nodes. The suspicious group underwent FNAB examination and metastasis was found in 9 of them. The sensitivity of AUS-FNAB was found to be 64.06%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 83.5%. The false negativity rate (FN) of this method was 16,4%. Lymphovascular invasion and tumour size were found statistically significant factors for false negativity.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that axillary AUS-FNAB with its high NPV, low FN rate, may be a clinical alternative to SLNB for early-stage breast cancer patients.

Identifying Clinicopathological Risk Factors of the Regional Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with T1-2 Mucinous Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study

Background

Pure mucinous breast cancer (PMBC) has a better prognosis than other types of invasive breast cancer. However, regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) might reverse this outcome. We aim to determine the independent predictive factors for regional LNM and further develop a nomogram model for clinical practice.

Method

Data of PMBC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between Jan 2010 and Dec 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for LNM in T_1-2 MBC. The nomogram was constructed and further evaluated by an internal validation cohort. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves were performed to evaluate the accuracy of this model.

Result

Five variables, including age, race, tumor size, grade, and breast subtype, were identified to be significantly associated with regional LNM in female patients with T_1-2 PMBC. A nomogram was successfully established with a favorable concordance index (C-index) of 0.780, supported by an internal validation cohort with a C-index of 0.767.

Conclusion

A nomogram for predicting regional LNM in female patients with T_1-2 PMBC was successfully established and validated via an internal cohort. This visualized model would assist surgeons to make appropriate clinical decisions in the management of primary PMBC, especially in terms of whether axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is warranted.

Staging of the Axilla in Breast Cancer and the Evolving Role of Axillary Ultrasound

Axillary lymph nodes have long been recognized as a route for breast cancer to spread systemically. As a result, staging of the axilla has always played a central role in the treatment of breast cancer. Anatomic staging was believed to be important for two reasons: 1) it predicts prognosis and guides medical therapy, and 2) it is a potential therapy for removal of disease in the axilla. This paradigm has now been called into question. Prognostic information is driven increasingly by tumor biology, and trials such as the ACOSOG Z0011 demonstrates removal of axillary disease is not therapeutic. Staging of the axilla has undergone a dramatic de-escalation; however, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is still an invasive surgery and represents a large economic burden on the healthcare system. In this review, we outline the changing paradigms of axillary staging in breast cancer from emphasis on anatomic staging to tumor biology, and the evolving role of axillary ultrasound, bringing patients less invasive and more personalized therapy.

Is pre-operative axillary ultrasound alone sufficient to determine need for axillary dissection in early breast cancer patients?

Pre-operative status of axillary lymph node (ALN) in early breast cancer is usually initially assessed by pre-operative ultrasound, followed by ultrasound-guided needle biopsy (UNB) confirmation. Patients with positive nodal status will undergo axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), while those with negative nodal status will have sentinel lymph node biopsy. ALND is associated with higher morbidity than Sentinel lymph node biopsy. The objective of this study is to determine if axillary ultrasound alone without UNB is predictive enough to assign patients to ALND and to identify ultrasound features that are significantly associated with pathologically positive ALN.383 newly diagnosed primary breast cancer patients between 2012 and 2014, and who had undergone pre-operative axillary ultrasound in University Malaya Medical Centre with a complete histopathology report of the axillary surgery were retrospectively reviewed. ALN was considered positive if it had any of these features: cortical thickening > 3 mm, loss of fatty hilum, hypoechoic solid node, mass-like appearance, round shape and lymph node size > 5 mm. Post-operative histopathological reports were then analyzed for nodal involvement.The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of pre-operative axillary ultrasound in detecting diseased nodes were 45.5%, 80.7%, and 60.3% respectively. The positive (PPV) and negative predictive values were 76.5% and 51.8%. Round shape, loss of fatty hilum and mass-like appearance had the highest PPVs of 87%, 83% and 81.6% respectively and significant odds ratios (ORs) of 5.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52 - 17.86), ORs of 4.77 (95% CI: 2.62 - 8.70) and ORs of 4.26 (95% CI: 2.37 - 7.67) respectively (P-value < .05). Cortical thickness of > 3 mm was identified to have low PPV at 69.1%, ORs of 1.71 (95% CI: 0.86 - 3.41, P = .126).There are features on axillary ultrasound that confer high PPV for axillary involvement i.e. round shape, loss of fatty hilum, and mass-like appearance. In a low resource setting, these features may benefit from ALND without further pre-operative biopsies. However, pre-operative UNB for features with low PPV that is, cortical thickness > 3 mm should be considered to obviate the unnecessary morbidity associated with ALND.

Breast cancer patients with a negative axillary ultrasound may have clinically significant nodal metastasis

INTRODUCTION

The non-invasive nature of the preoperative axillary ultrasound (AUS) fits the current trend of increasingly conservative axillary management. Recent publications suggest that early disease patients with clinically and radiologically negative axillae do not require sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). This study aims to determine the true extent of axillary node disease in negative preoperative AUS patients.

METHODS

A 10-year breast cancer registry was reviewed to identify women with pathologically confirmed T1-2 invasive breast cancer and a negative preoperative AUS. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy were excluded. Combined positive lymph node count of SLNB ± ALND was used to determine total nodal burden (TNB). Axillae were classified into low nodal burden (LNB) defined as 1-2 positive nodes and high nodal burden (HNB) defined as ≥ 3 positive nodes.

RESULTS

762 patients with negative AUS were included. There were 46.9% and 53.0% T1 and T2 tumours, respectively. 76.9% were node negative (0 LN +), 18.9% had LNB (1-2 LN +) and 4.2% had HNB (≥ 3LN +). Specifically, HNB disease was seen in 2% of T1 tumours and 6.2 % of T2 tumours with a negative AUS. In multivariate analysis, T2 strongly associated with ≥ 3 positive ALNs (OR 2.66 CI 1.09-6.51 p = 0.03) as did lymphovascular invasion (OR 3.56 CI 1.52-8.30 p =  < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that AUS in its current form cannot exclude HNB axillary metastasis to the extent of eliminating the need for surgical staging of the axilla. This may impact axillary local-regional recurrence and disease-free survival. We caution that a negative AUS has a rate of 4.2% of HNB. Therefore, in cases of negative AUS with a T2 tumour, we advocate continued use of SLNB.

PET/CT in breast cancer staging is useful for evaluation of axillary lymph node and distant metastases

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer outcome is dependent on disease stage. The aim of the study was to assess the role of PET/CT in the evaluation of axillary lymph node and distant metastases in women with newly diagnosed primary breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed, among patients with newly diagnosed primary breast cancer, associations of [¹⁸F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake (maximum standardized uptake value [SUV_max]) with clinical variables of the primary tumor, including regional nodal status and the presence of distant metastases.

RESULTS

Of 324 patients, 265 (81.8%) had focal uptake of FDG that corresponded with the cancerous lesion, and 21 (6.5%) had no FDG-avid findings. The remaining 38 patients had diffuse or nonspecific uptake of FDG. Among patients with a focal uptake of FDG (n = 265), the mean tumor size was 2.6 ± 1.9 (range 0.5-13.5), and the mean SUV_max was 5.3 ± 4.9 (range 1.2-25.0). In 83 patients (25.6%), PET/CT demonstrated additional suspected foci in the same breast. FDG-avid lymphadenopathy was observed in 156 patients (48.1%). Further assessment of lymph node involvement was available for 55/156 patients (axillary lymph node dissection [n = 21]; core needle biopsy [n = 34]) and confirmed axillary lymph node metastases in 47 (85.5%)). Thirteen patients (4.0%) had FDG-avid supraclavicular lymph nodes and six (1.9%) had FDG-avid internal mammary lymph nodes. Distant FDG-avid lesions were detected in 33 patients (10.2%).

CONCLUSION

PET/CT is a useful diagnostic tool for staging breast cancer patients, but its use should be limited to specific clinical situations; further evaluation is needed.

Clinical effect of the pathological axillary assessment method in breast cancer without clinical nodal metastasis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the clinical effect of the pathological axillary assessment method in breast cancer without clinical lymph node metastasis.

METHODS

Data of patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer were retrospectively reviewed. The study period was divided into early (January 2000-July 2007) and late (August 2007-December 2014) periods based on the pathological assessment method used (single-sectional and detailed multi-sectional lymph node processing). In the late period, lymph nodes were evaluated at six levels including immunohistochemistry on each 1.5-2 mm interval section. The axillary diagnostic accuracy and role of chemotherapy were assessed.

RESULTS

In 1698 patients, 27 isolated tumor cells (ITCs), 39 micrometastases, and 205 macrometastases were noted. The sensitivity for pathological N0 diagnosis was dependent on clinical T stage, Tis (97.8%), T1 (83.0%), T2 (74.2%), T3 (54.5%), and T4 (63.6%). ITCs and micrometastases were detected only in the late period, and 84.7% and 91.6% of cases in the early and late period, respectively, did not have macrometastases. The 5-year disease-free interval (DFI) rates were 95.2% in node-negative cases, 98.4% in ITCs/micrometastases, and 91.4% in macrometastases (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the predictor for DFI was estrogen receptor negativity (P = 0.013). Chemotherapy did not improve DFI in patients with node-positive breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The detailed multi-sectional pathological assessment of axillary lymph nodes detected ITCs and micrometastases. Implementation of chemotherapy should not be based on the minimal nodal metastasis and this type of serially nodal sectioned processing had little clinical significance.

Predictive risk factors for sentinel lymph node metastasis using preoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound in early-stage breast cancer patients

Background

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard procedure for axillary staging in clinically node-negative (cN0) breast cancer patients. The positive rate of SLNs in cN0 stage patients ranges from 20.5% to 25.5%, so identifying appropriate candidates for SLNB is quite challenging. The aims of this study were to assess whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be utilized to noninvasively predict SLN metastasis, and to explore the predictive value of the involved factors.

Methods

Between May 2016 and May 2018, 217 consenting breast cancer patients undergoing SLNB were enrolled. Before the surgery, CEUS was utilized to identify the SLNs, and predict whether metastasis had occurred according to their enhancement pattern. Blue dye was also used to identify the SLNs during SLNB. The rates of identification and accuracy of both methods were recorded. The predictive outcomes of SLNs identified by CEUS were recorded and compared with the pathological diagnosis.

Results

Of the 217 cases, SLNs in 212 cases were successfully identified, comprising 208 cases identified by CEUS and 206 cases by blue dye, with no significant difference between the two methods (P=0.6470). A total of 78 cases were predicted SLN-positive preoperatively by CEUS, comprising 61 cases of SLN metastasis confirmed by pathology and 17 cases of no SLN metastasis, and 130 cases were predicted SLN-negative by CEUS, comprising 6 cases of SLN metastasis and 124 cases of no SLN metastasis. The sensitivity of CEUS preoperative prediction was 91.0%, the specificity was 87.9%, the positive and negative predictive values were 78.2% and 95.4%, respectively, and the accuracy was 88.9%. The maximum diameter size of positive SLNs predicted by CEUS was greater than that of negative SLNs (mean value 1.67±0.06 vs. 1.40±0.05 cm, P=0.0007). Similarly, the primary tumor size predicted SLN-positive by CEUS was greater than that in patients with negative SLNs (mean value 2.64±0.12 vs. 1.79±0.09 cm, P<0.0001).

Conclusions

CEUS accurately identified SLNs and can be used to noninvasively predict SLN metastasis in early-stage breast cancer patients. However, the primary tumor size and the SLN size should not be overlooked by clinicians when judging the status of SLNs. This novel method may be a recommended strategy for identifying appropriate SLNB candidates.

Diagnostic accuracy of axillary staging by ultrasound in early breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Axillary ultrasound (AUS) is a standard procedure in the preoperative clinical identification of axillary metastatic lymph node (LN) involvement. It guides decisions about local and systemic therapy for patients with early breast cancer (EBC). But there is only weak evidence on the diagnostic criteria and standard interpretation. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of AUS in the detection and exclusion of LN metastases.

METHODS

In a retrospective single-center study, 611 consecutive EBC patients with 622 axillae underwent AUS +/- core needle biopsy (CNB) plus axillary surgery, i.e. sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or axillary lymph node dissection. For all patients, AUS image documentation of at least the most suspicious LN was saved during the initial diagnostic work-up. The diagnostic outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden-index (YI), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) on the basis of the daily routine interpretation and on the basis of previously recommended diagnostic criteria by two blinded examiners.

RESULTS

On the basis of the daily routine interpretation, AUS had a sensitivity (95 % CI) of 53.3 % (46.4-60.1), a specificity (95 % CI) of 93.6 % (90.8-95.8), an accuracy (95 % CI) of 79.7 % (76.4-82.8), a YI (95 % CI) of 0.47 (0.40 - 0.54), and a DOR (95 % CI) of 16.75 (10.37-27.05). Systematic application of previously recommended diagnostic criteria did not improve the diagnostic accuracy of routinely interpreted AUS.

CONCLUSION

AUS performance alone is not sufficient to accurately identify or exclude axillary metastatic disease in unselected patients with EBC.

Nodal staging affects adjuvant treatment choices in elderly patients with clinically node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer

Background

In response to Choosing Wisely recommendations that sentinel lymph node biopsy (slnb) should not be routinely performed in elderly patients with node-negative (cN0), estrogen receptor-positive (er+) breast cancer, we sought to evaluate how nodal staging affects adjuvant treatment in this population.

Methods

From a prospective database, we identified patients 70 or more years of age with cN0 breast cancer treated with surgery for er+ her2-negative invasive disease during 2012-2016. We determined rates of, and factors associated with, nodal positivity (pN+), and compared the use of adjuvant radiation (rt) and systemic therapy by nodal status.

Results

Of 364 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 331 (91%) underwent slnb, with 75 (23%) being pN+. Axillary node dissection was performed in 11 patients (3%). On multivariate analysis, tumour size was the only factor associated with pN+ (p = 0.007). Nodal positivity rates were 0%, 13%, 23%, 33%, and 27% for lesions preoperatively sized at 0-0.5 cm, 0.5-1 cm, 1.1-2.0 cm, 2.1-5.0 cm, and more than 5.0 cm. Compared with patients assessed as node-negative, those who were pN+ were more likely to receive axillary rt (lumpectomy: 53% vs. 1%, p < 0.001; mastectomy: 43% vs. 2%, p < 0.001), and adjuvant systemic therapy (endocrine: 82% vs. 69%; chemotherapy plus endocrine: 7% vs. 2%, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Of elderly patients with cN0 er+ breast cancer, 23% were pN+ on slnb. Size was the primary predictor of nodal status, and yet significant rates of nodal positivity were observed even in tumours preoperatively sized at 1 cm or less. The use of rt and systemic adjuvant therapies differed by nodal status, although the long-term oncologic implications require further investigation. Multidisciplinary input on a case-by-case basis should be considered before omission of slnb.

Deep learning radiomics of ultrasonography: Identifying the risk of axillary non-sentinel lymph node involvement in primary breast cancer

Background

Completion axillary lymph node dissection is overtreatment for patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in whom the metastatic risk of residual non-SLN (NSLN) is low. However, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network panel posits that none of the previous studies has successfully identified such subset patients. Here, we develop a multicentre deep learning radiomics of ultrasonography model (DLRU) to predict the risk of SLN and NSLN metastasis.

Methods

In total, 937 eligible breast cancer patients with ultrasound images were enrolled from two hospitals as the training set (n = 542) and independent test set (n = 395) respectively. Using the images, we developed and validated a prediction model combined with deep learning radiomics and axillary ultrasound to sequentially identify the metastatic risk of SLN and NSLN, thereby, classifying patients to relevant axillary management groups.

Findings

In the test set, the DLRU yields the best performance in identifying patients with metastatic disease in SLNs (sensitivity=98.4%, 95% CI 96.6–100) and NSLNs (sensitivity=98.4%, 95% CI 95.6–99.9). The DLRU also accurately stratifies patients without metastasis in SLN or NSLN into the corresponding low-risk (LR)-SLN and high-risk (HR)-SLN&LR-NSLN category with the negative predictive value of 97% (95% CI 94.2–100) and 91.7% (95% CI 88.8–97.9), respectively. Moreover, compared with the current clinical management, DLRU appropriately assigned 51% (39.6%/77.4%) of overtreated patients in the entire study cohort into the LR group, perhaps avoiding overtreatment.

Interpretation

The performance of the DLRU indicates that it may offer a simple preoperative tool to promote personalized axillary management of breast cancer.

Funding

The National Nature Science Foundation of China; The National Outstanding Youth Science Fund Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China; The Scientific research project of Heilongjiang Health Committee; The Postgraduate Research &Practice Innovation Program of Harbin Medical University.

Cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrate that observation is superior to sentinel lymph node biopsy for postmenopausal women with HR + breast cancer and negative axillary ultrasound

PURPOSE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of axillary observation versus sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after negative axillary ultrasound (AUS). In patients with clinical T1-T2 N0 breast cancer and negative AUS, SLNB is the current standard of care for axillary staging. However, SLNB is costly, invasive, decreasing in importance for medical decision-making, and is not considered therapeutic. Observation alone is currently being evaluated in randomized clinical trials, and is thought to be non-inferior to SLNB for patients with negative AUS.

METHODS

We performed cost-effectiveness analyses of observation versus SLNB after negative AUS in postmenopausal women with clinical T1-T2 N0, HR⁺/HER2^- breast cancer. Costs at the 2016 price level were evaluated from a third-party commercial payer perspective using the MarketScan® Database. We compared cost, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and net monetary benefit (NMB). Multiple sensitivity analyses varying baseline probabilities, costs, utilities, and willingness-to-pay thresholds were performed.

RESULTS

Observation was superior to SLNB for patients with N0 and N1 disease, and for the entire patient population (NMB in US$: $655,659 for observation versus $641,778 for SLNB for the entire patient population). In the N0 and N1 groups, observation incurred lower cost and was associated with greater QALYs. SLNB was superior for patients with > 3 positive lymph nodes, representing approximately 5% of the population. Sensitivity analyses consistently demonstrated that observation is the optimal strategy for AUS-negative patients.

CONCLUSION

Considering both cost and effectiveness, observation is superior to SLNB in postmenopausal women with cT1-T2 N0, HR⁺/HER2^- breast cancer and negative AUS.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography for differentiation of benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes: a meta-analysis

AIM

To investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography (UE) for benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted from PubMed, Cochrane EMBASE, and Medline. Fourteen studies including 1,186 patients with 1,411 lymph nodes were enrolled. Overall, diagnostic descriptive statistics included pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were generated by random effect model. Subgroup analyses were performed in (real-time elastography [RTE] versus shear wave elastography [SWE]) and (conventional ultrasound versus combination of traditional ultrasound and elastography). Meta-regression was used to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of UE was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.83-0.95), and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.93), respectively. In the subgroup analysis of the two UE techniques, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of SWE was higher than that of RTE (sensitivity: 0.82>0.77; specificity: 0.91>0.89; AUC: 0.94>0.89). The pooled diagnostic value of ultrasound combined with UE were significantly improving compared with traditional ultrasound (sensitivity: 0.87>0.82, specificity: 0.83>0.78, and AUC: 0.91>0.87). No independent heterogeneous factor was found in meta-regression.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that UE was an effective technique for identifying malignant axillary lymph nodes due to its high diagnostic efficiency, which can provide useful information for surgical procedure selection.

Nomogram to Predict Internal Mammary Lymph Nodes Metastasis in Patients With Breast Cancer

Background: Numerous studies have showed that internal mammary lymph node (IMLN) metastasis is an important adverse prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer (BC), however, there are no available prediction model for the preoperative diagnosis of IMLN metastasis.

Methods: Data from 102 breast cancer patients treated with IMLN operation were used to establish and calibrate a nomogram for IMLN status based on multivariate logistic regression. Prediction performance of this model was further validated with a second set of 50 patients with BC. Discrimination of the predict model was assessed by the C-index, and calibration assessed by calibration plots. Moreover, we conducted the decision curve analysis (DCA) to evaluate the clinical value of the nomogram. Finally, the survival status of patients in different risk groups based on nomogram were also compared.

Results: The final multivariate regression model included tumor location, lymph vascular invasion (LVI), and pathological axillary lymph node stage (pALN stage). A nomogram was developed as a graphical representation of the model and had good calibration and discrimination in both sets (with C-index of 0.86 and 0.83 for the training and validation set, respectively). Moreover, the DCA showed the clinical usefulness of our constructed nomogram. False negative (FN) in low risk group classified by nomogram (FN-LR-nomogram) did not significantly impact adjuvant treatment decision making, and more importantly, patients with FN-LR-nomogram had recurrence-free survival equivalent to patients with pathologically ture negative in low risk group classified by nomogram (TN-LR-nomogram).

Conclusions: As a non-invasive prediction tool, our nomogram shows favorable predictive accuracy for IMLN metastasis in patients with BC and can serve as a basis to integrate future molecular markers for its clinical application.

Ultrasound Imaging for Detecting Metastasis to Level II and III Axillary Lymph Nodes after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection for Invasive Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVES

The diagnostic value of axillary ultrasound (US) for level II and III axillary lymph node metastasis after axillary lymph node dissection for invasive breast cancer is currently not clear. The objectives of this study were to retrospectively analyze the diagnostic value of axillar US for level II and III axillary lymph node metastasis and compare it with palpation and to analyze the US features of level II and III axillary lymph nodes that are predictive of metastatic recurrence during follow-up.

METHODS

Cases with level II or III axillary lymph nodes detected by US between January 2005 and December 2017 at a cancer center were divided into 2 groups according to a retrospective analysis of US findings: potential malignancy group and follow-up group. Biopsy was performed in all patients in the potential malignancy group. In the follow-up group, the patients were followed for at least 2 years, and biopsy was performed if suspicious US features were detected.

RESULTS

The 401 enrolled cases were followed by axillary US and physical examination (PE) for comparison. Finally, 55 axillary metastases were pathologically confirmed (14%). The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for axillary US were 92.7%, 93.9%, and 0.933, respectively, and the corresponding values for PE were 49.1%, 91.3%, and 0.702 (P < .001). An increase in the major or minor axis diameter of the lymph nodes of greater than 2 mm, a Solbiati index value of less than 1.5, and the presence of new suspicious lesions in other regions were significant predictors of lymph node metastasis based on the US findings (P = .013, .006, .015, and .036).

CONCLUSIONS

Axillary is helpful in the follow-up of level II and III axillary lymph nodes after axillary lymph node dissection for invasive breast cancer and can detect cancer recurrence earlier than PE.

Evaluating the preoperative breast cancer characteristics affecting the accuracy of axillary ultrasound staging

We evaluate the preoperative breast cancer (BC) characteristics that affect the diagnostic accuracy of axillary ultrasound (US) and determine the reliability of US in the different subgroups of BC patients. Axillary US assessments in women with invasive BC diagnosed between 2009 and 2016 in a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. The diagnostic accuracy of axillary US was obtained using surgical nodal histology as the gold standard. Preoperative breast tumor sonographic and histological factors affecting axillary US diagnostic accuracy were examined. Of the 605 newly diagnosed invasive BC cases reviewed, 251 (41.5%) had nodal metastases. Axillary US sensitivity was 75.7%, specificity 92.9%, positive predictive value 88.4%, negative predictive value 84.4%, and false-negative rate 24.3%. Lower US sensitivity was seen with invasive lobular cancer (ILC) (P = .043), grade I/II, (P = .021), unifocal (P = .039), and smaller tumors (P < .001). US specificity was lower in grade III (P < .001), estrogen receptor (ER)-negative (P < .001), progesterone receptor (PR)-negative (P = .004), HER2-positive (P = .015), triple-negative (P = .001), and larger breast tumors (P < .001). US has moderate sensitivity and good specificity in detecting metastatic axillary lymph nodes. Based on preoperative cancer characteristics, US was less sensitive for nodal metastases from ILC, unifocal, lower grade, and smaller breast tumors. It was also less specific in grade III, ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2-positive, triple-negative, and larger breast tumors. Caution is suggested in interpreting the US axillary findings of patients with these preoperative tumor features.

Minimal prognostic significance of sentinel lymph node metastasis in patients with cT1-2 and cN0 breast cancer

Background

The prognostic value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases may be minimized by the limited disease burden of lymph node metastases and tailoring adjuvant therapy based on breast cancer biology. The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic significance of SLN metastasis in patients with cT1–2N0M0 breast cancer.

Patients and methods

Between January 2006 and December 2015, 582 patients underwent SLN biopsy for cT1–2N0M0 breast cancers. cN0 was essentially diagnosed by ultrasound sonography. The prognostic values of SLN metastases were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

Among 582 patients with cT1–2N0M0 breast cancer, 111 patients (19.1%) were positive for SLN metastasis, including 39 cases (6.7%) of micrometastasis and 72 cases (12.4%) of macrometastases. The median size of SLN metastasis was 3.0 mm (range 0.2–16 mm, mean 4.1 mm). In log-rank test, presence of SLN metastasis was not associated with breast cancer recurrence (p = 0.21); 5-year and 10-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) were 93.0% and 96.5%, and 93.0% and 90.4% in the SLN-positive and SLN-negative groups, respectively. In the propensity score matching cohort (n = 178), there was no significant difference in RFS between the SLN-positive and SLN-negative groups (p = 0.90). In Cox regression analysis, a continuous value of Ki67 expression was a significant prognostic factor (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

SLN metastasis has a minimal impact on RFS for patients with cT1–2N0M0 breast cancer in the modern medical era. A proliferation marker is a better factor for poor prognosis than the presence of SLN metastases in this population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12957-019-1585-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Restaging the axilla after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: Predictive factors for residual metastatic lymph node disease with negative imaging findings

To evaluate predictive factors for residual metastatic axillary lymph node (ALN) disease in patients with negative imaging findings after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer. From January 2011 to December 2015, 206 patients underwent imaging including ultrasonography, MRI, and PET/CT for restaging the axilla after NAC. Data collected included preoperative information regarding histologic grade, hormone receptor (HR) status, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to compare patients with and without residual metastatic ALN disease among patients who showed negative imaging findings after NAC. Of the 181 and 25 patients with initially node-positive and node-negative disease, 131 (72.4%) and 23 (92.0%), respectively, showed negative imaging findings after NAC. Among these 131 and 23 patients, 53 (40.5%) and two patients (8.7%), respectively, had residual metastatic ALN disease. Low to moderate tumor grade (odds ratio [OR] = 5.2, P = 0.009), positive HR status (OR = 6.6, P = 0.003), and negative HER2 status (OR = 2.6, P = 0.048) were associated with residual metastatic ALN disease. Low to moderate histologic grade, positive HR status, and negative HER2 status may serve as predictors of residual metastatic ALN disease in patients with negative imaging findings after NAC for breast cancer.

The influence of breast cancer subtypes on axillary ultrasound accuracy: A retrospective single center analysis of 583 women

INTRODUCTION

Axillary ultrasound staging (AUS) is an important tool to guide clinical decisions in breast cancer therapy, especially regarding axillary surgery but also radiation therapy. It is unknown whether biological subtypes influence axillary staging using ultrasound (AUS).

METHOD

This is a retrospective single center analysis. All patients with breast cancer, a preoperative axillary ultrasound and a complete surgical axillary staging were included between 1999 and 2014, except patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). The results of the AUS were compared with final pathological results. Biological subtypes were identified by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

583 women were included in the study. Sensitivity, Specificity, positive and negative predictive value for AUS were 39%, 96%, 91% and 83%. While sensitivity was significantly lower in Luminal A and B patients (25.0%; 39.8%) as compared to non Luminal breast cancer patients (TN 68.8%; Her2+ 71.4%; p = 0.0032), there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to specificity, PPV and NPV.

CONCLUSION

Solely regarding sensitivity of AUS, our study could show significant differences between biological subtypes of breast cancer with lower sensitivity in Luminal patients. While PPV was excellent, standing for a low overtreatment rate using AUS for clinical decision making, sensitivity was poor overall, comparable to the results of other studies.

ASBRS Great Debate: Sentinel Node Biopsy in Patients Over 70 Years of Age

INTRODUCTION

Controversy over the need for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) continues to exist for the optimal treatment of breast cancer in patients ≥ 70 years of age, especially in those with lower-risk disease. Clinicians must balance competing risks to give the best individualized care.

METHODS

The American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) conducted a debate discussing the pros and cons of routinely performing SNB in this age group. Small, randomized studies have been conducted that show no overall survival benefit to axillary intervention (either axillary dissection or SNB) in patients with clinically T1N0 estrogen receptor (ER)- and progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, HER2/neu-negative tumors. There may be a small local recurrence benefit to axillary staging in patients who do not undergo radiation. Alternatively, axillary ultrasound, which carries a low false-negative rate for heavy disease burden, can be used to select patients who can avoid SNB.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons must continue to individualize care of breast cancer patients over 70 years of age in whom competing comorbidities may dictate care. No randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have found a survival benefit to axillary staging in this low-risk population. However, in healthy patients, axillary staging may improve local control, provide prognostic information, and help guide decisions regarding adjuvant therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation. Ongoing RCTs are evaluating the benefit of SNB in patients with a negative axillary ultrasound. Until those results are available, clinicians and patients must balance the risk and benefits to determine if SNB adds significant value to their overall care.

Are Lymph Node Characteristics on Axillary Ultrasound Associated with ≥3 Positive Lymph Nodes in Patients Managed by the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 Trial Criteria?

Patients often receive axillary ultrasound-biopsy (AUS-B) before clinical evaluation. One positive biopsy in the absence of palpable disease rarely indicates additional nodal involvement, but it eliminates patients from being managed by the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial criteria. To determine which patients may benefit from AUS-B, we analyzed whether characteristics on AUS were associated with large-volume axillary disease and, thus, the need for axillary lymph node (LN) dissection. A retrospective review identified patients who met Z0011 criteria and underwent AUS. Clinicopathologic and ultrasound characteristics were compared between patients with ≤2 versus ≥3 positive LNs. Two hundred and seven patients with cT1-2N0 tumors underwent preoperative AUS and breast-conserving surgery. On multivariate analysis, three AUS combinations were associated with ≥3 positive LNs: cortical thickness (CT) > 4 mm + loss of fatty hilum + round shape (P = 0.0218), CT > 4 mm + loss of fatty hilum (P = 0.0211), and CT > 4 mm + round shape (P = 0.0155). Preoperative axillary LN biopsy in patients with a single abnormal LN characteristic on AUS may be unnecessary because a positive finding will eliminate management according to Z0011 criteria. Cortical thickness >4 mm combined with any other abnormal characteristic was associated with ≥3 positive LNs, supporting the performance of AUS-B in this population.

Preoperative prediction nomogram based on primary tumor miRNAs signature and clinical-related features for axillary lymph node metastasis in early-stage invasive breast cancer

More than half patients who undergo axillary lymph node (ALN) surgery are ALN negative in early-stage invasive breast cancer (EIBC). Thus, to avoid excessive treatment, we aim to establish and validate a novel nomogram model for the preoperative diagnosis of ALN status in patients with EIBC. In total, 864 patients with EIBC from two independent centers were enrolled in our study. For the discovery set, miRNAs expression profiling with functional roles in ALN metastasis was discovered by microarray analysis and validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For the training and validation cohorts, we used PCR to quantify miRNAs expression in a model development cohort and assessed miRNAs signature in an internal validation cohort and external independent validation cohort. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to establish a nomogram model for the likelihood of ALN metastasis from miRNAs signature and clinical variables. A signature of nine-miRNA was significantly associated with ALN status. The predictive ability of our nomogram that included miRNAs signature and clinical-related variables (age, tumor size, tumor location and axillary ultrasound-reported ALN status) was significantly greater than a model that only considered clinical-related factors (concordance index: 0.856, 0.796) and also performed well in the two validation cohorts (concordance index: 0.841, 0.747). Our nomogram is a reliable prediction method that can be conveniently used to preoperatively predict ALN status in patients with EIBC. Therefore, after further confirmation in prospective and multicenter clinical trial, omission of axillary surgery may be feasible for some patients with EIBC in the future.

Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Non-palpable and Suspicious Axillary Lymph Nodes with Subsequent Removal after Tattooing: False-Negative Results and Concordance with Sentinel Lymph Nodes

Ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-guided FNA) for axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is currently used with various techniques for the initial staging of breast cancer and tagging of ALNs. With the implementation of the tattooing of biopsied ALNs, the rate of false-negative results of US-guided FNA for non-palpable and suspicious ALNs and concordance with sentinel lymph nodes were determined by node-to node analyses. A total of 61 patients with breast cancer had negative results for metastasis on US-guided FNA of their non-palpable and suspicious ALNs. The biopsied ALNs were tattooed with an injection of 1-3 mL Charcotrace (Phebra, Lane Cove West, Australia) ink and removed during sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary dissection. We determined the rate of false-negative results and concordance with the sentinel lymph nodes by a retrospective review of surgical and pathologic findings. The association of false-negative results with clinical and imaging factors was evaluated using logistic regression. Of the 61 ALNs with negative results for US-guided FNA, 13 (21%) had metastases on final pathology. In 56 of 61 ALNs (92%), tattooed ALNs corresponded to the sentinel lymph nodes. Among the 5 patients (8%) without correspondence, 1 patient (2%) had 2 metastatic ALNs of 1 tattooed node and 1 sentinel lymph node. In multivariate analysis, atypical cells on FNA results (odds ratio = 20.7, p = 0.040) was independently associated with false-negative FNA results. False-negative ALNs after US-guided FNA occur at a rate of 21% and most of the tattooed ALNs showed concordance with sentinel lymph nodes.

Precise intraoperative sentinel lymph node biopsies guided by lymphatic drainage in breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to present a novel surgical method for intraoperative precise sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and to determine its clinical efficacy and sensitivity in breast cancer patients. The sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were preoperatively evaluated by axillary ultrasound. The intraoperative detection of SLNs was guided by lymphatic drainage pathway. The lymphatic vessels and SLNs were visualized. During operation, we searched for all the true SLNs (trSLNs), para-SLNs (paSLNs) and post-SLNs (poSLNs) followed lymphatic drainage ducts. After precisely locating the lymphatic channels and lymph node, all the lymph nodes that firstly receive lymphatic drainage are designated as trSLNs. We precisely distinguished the trSLNs, paSLNs and poSLNs. We found the average number of trSLNs ranged from1 to 6. In addition, we assessed the novel technique in a total of 125 breast cancer patients. trSLNs were successfully identified in all patients (detection rate: 100 %). The accuracy of trSLNs is 99.2%. Data from our study strongly suggest that our method is a feasible and effective for the detection of precise trSLNs in breast cancer with real-time observations. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02651142).

Redefining radiotherapy for early-stage breast cancer with single dose ablative treatment: a study protocol

BACKGROUND

A shift towards less burdening and more patient friendly treatments for breast cancer is currently ongoing. In low-risk patients with early-stage disease, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is an alternative for whole breast irradiation following breast-conserving surgery. MRI-guided single dose ablative APBI has the potential to offer a minimally burdening, non-invasive treatment that could replace current breast-conserving therapy.

METHODS

The ABLATIVE study is a prospective, single arm, multicenter study evaluating preoperative, single dose, ablative radiation treatment in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Patients with core biopsy proven non-lobular invasive breast cancer, (estrogen receptor positive, Her2 negative, maximum tumor size 3.0 cm on diagnostic MRI) and a negative sentinel node biopsy are eligible. Radiotherapy (RT) planning will be performed using a contrast enhanced (CE) planning CT-scan, co-registered with a CE-MRI, both in supine RT position. A total of twenty-five consecutive patients will be treated with a single ablative RT dose of 20 Gy to the tumor and 15 Gy to the tumorbed. Follow-up MRIs are scheduled within 1 week, 2, 4 and 6 months after single-dose RT. Breast-conserving surgery is scheduled at six months following RT. Primary study endpoint is pathological complete response. Secondary study endpoints are the radiological response and toxicity. Furthermore, patients will fill out questionnaires on quality of life and functional status. Cosmetic outcome will be evaluated by the treating radiation oncologist, patient and 'Breast Cancer Conservation Treatment cosmetic results' software. Recurrence and survival rates will be assessed. The patients will be followed up to 10 years after diagnosis. If patients give additional informed consent, a biopsy and a part of the irradiated specimen will be stored at the local Biobank and used for future research on radiotherapy response associated genotyping.

DISCUSSION

The ABLATIVE study evaluates MRI-guided single dose ablative RT in patients with early-stage breast cancer, aiming at a less burdening and non-invasive alternative for current breast-conserving treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT02316561 . The trial was registrated prospectively on October 10th 2014.

Successful Completion of the Pilot Phase of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy to No Further Axillary Staging in Patients with Clinical T1-T2 N0 Breast Cancer and Normal Axillary Ultrasound

BACKGROUND

Axillary surgery is not considered therapeutic in patients with clinical T1-T2 N0 breast cancer. The importance of axillary staging is eroding in an era in which tumor biology, as defined by biomarker and gene expression profile, is increasingly important in medical decision making. We hypothesized that axillary ultrasound (AUS) is a noninvasive alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and AUS could replace SLNB without compromising patient care.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with clinical T1-T2 N0 breast cancer and normal AUS were eligible for enrollment. Subjects were randomized to no further axillary staging (arm 1) vs SLNB (arm 2). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the results of the pilot phase of the randomized controlled trial.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight subjects were enrolled in the pilot phase of the trial (34 subjects in arm 1, no further staging; 32 subjects in arm 2, SLNB; and 2 subjects voluntarily withdrew from the trial). The median age was 61 years (range 40 to 80 years) in arm 1 and 59 years (range 31 to 81 years) in arm 2, and there were no significant clinical or pathologic differences between the arms. Median follow-up was 17 months (range 1 to 32 months). The negative predictive value (NPV) of AUS for identification of clinically significant axillary disease (>2.0 mm) was 96.9%. No axillary recurrences have been observed in either arm.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful completion of the pilot phase of the randomized controlled trial confirms the feasibility of the study design, and provides prospective evidence supporting the ability of AUS to exclude clinically significant disease in the axilla. The results provide strong support for a phase 2 randomized controlled trial.