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Pesapane F, Mariano L, Magnoni F, Rotili A, Pupo D, Nicosia L, Bozzini AC, Penco S, Latronico A, Pizzamiglio M, Corso G, Cassano E. Future Directions in the Assessment of Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients with Breast Cancer. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1544. [PMID: 37763661 PMCID: PMC10534800 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and accurate assessment of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) is crucial for patient management and outcomes. We aim to summarize the current state of ALN assessment techniques in BC and provide insights into future directions. Materials and Methods: This review discusses various imaging techniques used for ALN evaluation, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. It highlights advancements in these techniques and their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy. The review also examines landmark clinical trials that have influenced axillary management, such as the Z0011 trial and the IBCSG 23-01 trial. The role of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically deep learning algorithms, in improving ALN assessment is examined. Results: The review outlines the key findings of these trials, which demonstrated the feasibility of avoiding axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in certain patient populations with low sentinel lymph node (SLN) burden. It also discusses ongoing trials, including the SOUND trial, which investigates the use of axillary ultrasound to identify patients who can safely avoid sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Furthermore, the potential of emerging techniques and the integration of AI in enhancing ALN assessment accuracy are presented. Conclusions: The review concludes that advancements in ALN assessment techniques have the potential to improve patient outcomes by reducing surgical complications while maintaining accurate disease staging. However, challenges such as standardization of imaging protocols and interpretation criteria need to be addressed. Future research should focus on large-scale clinical trials to validate emerging techniques and establish their efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Over-all, this review provides valuable insights into the current status and future directions of ALN assessment in BC, highlighting opportunities for improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Pesapane
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Luciano Mariano
- Breast Imaging Division, AOU Città della Scienza e della Salute di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Francesca Magnoni
- Division of Breast Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (G.C.)
- European Cancer Prevention Organization (ECP), 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Rotili
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Davide Pupo
- Radiology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luca Nicosia
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Anna Carla Bozzini
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Silvia Penco
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Antuono Latronico
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Maria Pizzamiglio
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Giovanni Corso
- Division of Breast Surgery, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (F.M.); (G.C.)
- European Cancer Prevention Organization (ECP), 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Cassano
- Breast Imaging Division, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (A.R.); (L.N.); (A.C.B.); (S.P.); (A.L.); (M.P.); (E.C.)
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Magnoni F, Corso G, Gilardi L, Pagan E, Massari G, Girardi A, Ghidinelli F, Bagnardi V, Galimberti V, Grana CM, Veronesi P. Does failed mapping predict sentinel lymph node metastasis in cN0 breast cancer? Future Oncol 2021; 18:193-204. [PMID: 34882010 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: The clinical significance of nonvisualized sentinel lymph nodes (non-vSLNs) is unknown. The authors sought to determine the incidence of non-vSLNs on lymphoscintigraphy, the identification rate during surgery, factors associated with non-vSLNs and related axillary management. Patients & methods: A total of 30,508 consecutive SLN procedures performed at a single institution from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively studied. Associations between clinicopathological factors and the identification of SLNs during surgery were assessed. Results: Non-vSLN occurred in 525 of the procedures (1.7%). In 73.3%, at least one SLN was identified intraoperatively. Nodal involvement was only significantly associated with SLN nonidentification (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with non-vSLN had an increased risk for SLN metastasis. The detection rate during surgery was consistent, reducing the amount of unnecessary axillary dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Magnoni
- Breast Cancer Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corso
- Breast Cancer Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, 20141, Italy.,Departmentof Oncology & Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Laura Gilardi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, 20141, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pagan
- Department of Statistics & Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, 20126, Italy
| | - Giulia Massari
- Breast Cancer Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | - Antonia Girardi
- Breast Cancer Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Bagnardi
- Department of Statistics & Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, 20126, Italy
| | - Viviana Galimberti
- Breast Cancer Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, 20141, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Grana
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, 20141, Italy
| | - Paolo Veronesi
- Breast Cancer Surgery Division, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, 20141, Italy.,Departmentof Oncology & Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, 20122, Italy
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Nowikiewicz T, Głowacka‐Mrotek I, Tarkowska M, Nowikiewicz M, Zegarski W. Failure of sentinel lymph node mapping in breast cancer patients qualified for treatment sparing axillary lymph nodes—Clinical importance and management strategy—One‐center analysis. Breast J 2020; 26:873-881. [DOI: 10.1111/tbj.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Nowikiewicz
- Head and Department of Surgical Oncology Ludwik Rydygier's Collegium Medicum UMK Bydgoszcz Poland
- Department of Clinical Breast Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery Oncology Centre Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Iwona Głowacka‐Mrotek
- Department of Rehabilitation Ludwik Rydygier's Collegium Medicum UMK Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Magdalena Tarkowska
- Department of Physiotherapy Ludwik Rydygier's Collegium Medicum UMK Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Magdalena Nowikiewicz
- Student Scientific Society – Head and Department of Surgical Oncology Ludwik Rydygier's Collegium Medicum UMK Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Wojciech Zegarski
- Head and Department of Surgical Oncology Ludwik Rydygier's Collegium Medicum UMK Bydgoszcz Poland
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Zhang J, Pei J, Liu H. Clinical risk analysis of non-visualized sentinel lymph node in breast cancer. Cancer Biomark 2018; 23:179-183. [PMID: 30198862 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the positive rate of non-visualized sentinel lymph nodes (non-vSLN) [1] in breast cancer (BC) patients and the discrepancy of non-vSLN among different molecular subtypes, in order to further evaluate the clinical risk of non-vSLNs. METHODS A total of 627 patients were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were pathologically confirmed with invasive breast cancer and underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Various factors were compared using chi-square test. The positive rate of SLNs between non-vSLNs and visible sentinel lymph nodes (vSLNs) were compared. Moreover, factors that influenced the prognosis, such as ER, PR, HER-2, histological grade and lymph node metastasis were compared between these two groups. RESULTS Among the 627 patients who underwent SLNB, 196 patients had non-vSLNs, accounting for 31.26% (196/627) and 113 patients had positive SLNs, accounting for 18.02% (113/627). Furthermore, 40.71% (46/113) of patients with positive SLNs had non-vSLN, and 17.39% (8/46) of patients with non-vSLN had HER-2+BC. In contrast, 35.82% (24/67) of patients with vSLNs had HER-2+BC. Moreover, 23.91% (11/46) of patients with non-vSLN and 5.97% (4/67) of patients with vSLNs had triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The metastasis rate was 41.30% (19/46) in the non-vSLN group and 43.28% (29/67) in the vSLN group. The difference in the rate of positive SLNs between the non-vSLN and the vSLN groups was statistically significant (P< 0.05), in which the positive rate of SLNs in the non-vSLN group was remarkably higher than that in the vSLN group. The differences in the proportion of HER-2+BC and TNBC between the non-vSLN and the vSLN groups were statistically significant (P< 0.05), in which HER-2+BCwas evidently higher in the vSLN group than in the non-vSLN group. Meanwhile, TNBC was markedly higher in non-vSLN group than in the vSLN group. Furthermore, differences in Luminal A subtype, Luminal B subtype and non-SLN metastasis between these two groups was not statistically significant. In addition, the difference in non-SLN metastasis rate was not statistically significant among breast cancers of different molecular subtypes and between the non-vSLN and the vSLN groups. CONCLUSION Breast cancer patients with positive non-vSLNs are more likely to have a TNBC subtype relative to patients with positive vSLN. Breast cancer patients with non-vSLN have higher positive rate of SLNs. The non-SLN metastasis rate in positive SLN patients was not correlated to the molecular subtype of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300070, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300070, China.,Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing Pei
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China.,Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China.,Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300070, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China.,Key Laboratory of Cancer prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300070, China.,Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China.,Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300070, China.,The Second Department of Breast Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300070, China
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