1
|
Veverkova L, Koleckova M, Vomackova K, Zlamalova N, Lowova L. Ultrasonographic signs as predictors of metastatic involvement in the axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients: from minimal changes to the appearance of the pathological lymph node. A retrospective analysis. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2024; 168:216-222. [PMID: 36896800 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2023.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the ultrasound findings in the axillary lymph nodes in breast cancer patients with morphological changes that required biopsy. In most cases the morphological changes were minimal. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2014 and September 2019 examination of axillary lymph nodes with subsequent core-biopsy was performed in 185 breast cancer patients at the Department of Radiology. Lymph node metastases were detected in 145 cases, while in the remaining 40 cases benign changes or normal lymph node (LN) histology was observed. Ultrasound morphological characteristics and the sensitivity and specificity were evaluated retrospectively. Seven ultrasound characteristics were evaluated - diffuse cortical thickening, focal cortical thickening, absence of the hilum, cortical non-homogeneities, L/T ratio (longitudinal to transverse axis), type of vascularization and perinodal oedema. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION It is a diagnostic challenge to recognize metastases in the lymph nodes with minimal morphological changes. The most specific signs are non-homogeneities in the cortex of the lymph node as well as the absence of fat hilum and perinodal oedema. Metastases are significantly more frequent in LNs with a lower L/T ratio, in LNs with perinodal oedema and with a peripheral type of vascularization. Biopsy of these lymph nodes is necessary to confirm or exclude metastases, especially if it affects the type of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Veverkova
- Department of Radiological Methods, Faculty of Health Sciences, Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Koleckova
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | | | - Nora Zlamalova
- Department of First Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lubica Lowova
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Olomouc, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Wild SR, Koppert LB, van Nijnatten TJA, Kooreman LFS, Vrancken Peeters MJTFD, Smidt ML, Simons JM. Systematic review of targeted axillary dissection in node-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy: variation in type of marker and timing of placement. Br J Surg 2024; 111:znae071. [PMID: 38531689 PMCID: PMC10965400 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znae071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In node-positive (cN+) breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy, combining sentinel lymph node biopsy and targeted lymph node excision, that is targeted axillary dissection, increases accuracy. Targeted axillary dissection procedures differ in terms of the targeted lymph node excision technique. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of targeted axillary dissection procedures regarding definitive marker type and timing of placement: before neoadjuvant systemic therapy (1-step procedure) or after neoadjuvant systemic therapy adjacent to a clip placed before the neoadjuvant therapy (2-step procedure). METHODS PubMed and Embase were searched, to 4 July 2023, for RCTs, cohort studies, and case-control studies with at least 25 patients. Studies of targeted lymph node excision only (without sentinel lymph node biopsy), or where intraoperative localization of the targeted lymph node was not attempted, were excluded. For qualitative synthesis, studies were grouped by definitive marker and timing of placement. The targeted lymph node identification rate was reported. Study quality was assessed using a National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool. RESULTS Of 277 unique records, 51 studies with a total of 4512 patients were included. Six definitive markers were identified: wire, 125I-labelled seed, 99mTc, (electro)magnetic/radiofrequency markers, black ink, and a clip. Fifteen studies evaluated one-step procedures, with the identification rate of the targeted lymph node at surgery varying from 8 of 13 to 47 of 47. Forty-one studies evaluated two-step procedures, with the identification rate of the clipped targeted lymph node on imaging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy varying from 49 to 100%, and the identification rate of the targeted lymph node at surgery from 17 of 24 to 100%. Most studies (40 of 51) were rated as being of fair quality. CONCLUSION Various targeted axillary dissection procedures are used in clinical practice. Owing to study heterogeneity, the optimal targeted lymph node excision technique in terms of identification rate and feasibility could not be determined. Two-step procedures are at risk of not identifying the clipped targeted lymph node on imaging after neoadjuvant systemic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine R de Wild
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Linetta B Koppert
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thiemo J A van Nijnatten
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Loes F S Kooreman
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marie-Jeanne T F D Vrancken Peeters
- Department of Surgery, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein L Smidt
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Janine M Simons
- Department of Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Copeland JE, Cherian CJ, Lyew MA. Technetium-99-Guided Axillary Lymph Node Identification: A Case Report of a Novel Technique for Targeted Lymph Node Excision Biopsy for Node Positive Breast Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. J Med Cases 2023; 14:419-425. [PMID: 38186556 PMCID: PMC10769653 DOI: 10.14740/jmc4172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted axillary lymph node identification for breast cancer involves localization and removal of previously marked metastatic lymph nodes after the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), when clinical and radiological complete responses of the axillary nodes are achieved. Traditionally, axillary lymph node dissection is performed for patients with node positive disease, but the high rates of pathological complete responses now seen after NACT have ushered in lower morbidity techniques such as sentinel lymph node excision biopsies, targeted axillary lymph node dissection and targeted axillary lymph node identification (clip node identification) in node positive disease which has converted to clinical/radiologically node negative. The latter two techniques often require the use of expensive seeds and advanced localization techniques. Here we describe the case of a 59-year-old woman who was diagnosed with node positive invasive breast cancer who was sequenced with NACT. We developed a novel technique, where technetium-99m was injected directly into a previously clipped metastatic axillary lymph node which was then localized with the Neoprobe gamma detection system intra-operatively and removed. This is a relatively low-cost technique that can be easily introduced in limited resourced health systems where radio-guided sentinel lymph node biopsies are already being performed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason E. Copeland
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesia, Radiology and Emergency Medicine, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Department of General Surgery, Kingston Public Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
- The Breast Health & Oncology Care Centre at the Andrews Memorial Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Cherian J. Cherian
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesia, Radiology and Emergency Medicine, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Department of General Surgery, Kingston Public Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
- The Breast Health & Oncology Care Centre at the Andrews Memorial Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Matthew A. Lyew
- Department of Surgery, Anaesthesia, Radiology and Emergency Medicine, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
- Department of General Surgery, Kingston Public Hospital, Kingston, Jamaica
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Munck F, Jepsen P, Zeuthen P, Carstensen L, Hauerslev K, Paaskesen CK, Andersen IS, Høyer U, Lanng C, Gerlach MK, Vejborg I, Kroman NT, Tvedskov THF. Comparing Methods for Targeted Axillary Dissection in Breast Cancer Patients: A Nationwide, Retrospective Study. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:6361-6369. [PMID: 37400618 PMCID: PMC10506928 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13792-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several techniques exist for performing targeted axillary dissection (TAD) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with the removal of the sentinel node and a marked metastatic lymph node (LN). Two-step methods include coil-marking of the metastatic LN at diagnosis and re-marking with an intraoperatively identifiable marker before surgery. Because nondetection of the marked lymph node (MLN) warrants axillary clearance and many patients achieve axillary pathological complete response (ax-pCR), the success of TAD is crucial. We compare various two-step TAD methods in a Danish national cohort. METHODS We included patients who received two-step TAD between January 1, 2016 and August 31, 2021. Patients were identified from the Danish Breast Cancer Group database and cross-checked with locally accessible lists. Data were extracted from the patient's medical files. RESULTS We included 543 patients. In 79.4%, preoperative, ultrasound-guided re-marking was possible. Nonidentification of the coil-marked LN was more likely in patients with ax-pCR. The second markers used were hook-wire, iodine seeds, or ink marking on the axillary skin. Of patients with successful secondary marking, the MLN identification rate (IR) was 91%, and the sentinel node (SN) IR was 95%. Marking with iodine seeds was significantly more successful than ink marking with an odds ratio of 5.34 (95% confidence interval 1.62-17.60). The success rate of the complete TAD with the removal of MLN and SN was 82.3%. CONCLUSIONS With two-step TAD, nonidentification of the coiled LN before surgery is frequent, especially in patients with ax-pCR. Despite successful remarking, the IR of the MLN at surgery is inferior to one-step TAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederikke Munck
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark.
| | - Pernille Jepsen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital Roskilde, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Pernille Zeuthen
- Department of Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Lillebaelt Hospital, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Lena Carstensen
- Department of Surgery Esbjerg, Hospital of South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Katrine Hauerslev
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Inge S Andersen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Ute Høyer
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Lanng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Maria K Gerlach
- Department of Pathology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Ilse Vejborg
- Department of Breast Examinations and Capital Mammography Screening, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Niels T Kroman
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Tove H F Tvedskov
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Hellerup, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Munck F, Andersen IS, Vejborg I, Gerlach MK, Lanng C, Kroman NT, Tvedskov THF. Targeted Axillary Dissection with 125I Seed Placement Before Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in a Danish Multicenter Cohort. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:4135-4142. [PMID: 37062781 PMCID: PMC10250439 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-13432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted axillary dissection (TAD), with marking of the metastatic lymph node before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), is increasingly used for breast cancer axillary staging. In the case of axillary pathological complete response (ax-pCR), axillary lymph node clearance can be omitted. Several marking methods exist, most using re-marking before surgery. Feasibility, learning curve, and identification rate (IR) vary. Marking with 125I seed before NACT makes re-marking at surgery redundant, possibly increasing feasibility and IR. Here, TAD with 125I seed placed before NACT is evaluated in a Danish multicenter cohort. METHODS Patients staged with 125I TAD in Denmark between 1 January 2016 and 31 August 2021 were included. Patients were identified in radioactivity-emitting implant registries at the radiology departments and from the Danish Breast Cancer Group database. Data were extracted from patients' medical records. Information on patient/tumor characteristics, 125I seed activity, marking period, TAD success, number of sentinel nodes (SNs), the histopathological status of excised nodes, and whether the marked lymph node (MLN) was an SN were registered. RESULTS 142 patients were included. The IR of the MLN was 99.3%, and the IR of the SLNB was 91.5%. TAD success was 91.5%. Minor challenges in marking or removal of the MLN were noted in three patients. In 72.3% of the patients, the MLN was a sentinel node. Overall, 40.8% had axillary pCR. CONCLUSION TAD with 125I seed marking before NACT is feasible without re-marking at surgery and with only minor surgical challenges. The IR is high. Staging with TAD spares 41% of breast cancer patients an axillary dissection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederikke Munck
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark.
| | - Inge S Andersen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Viborg Regional Hospital, Viborg, Denmark
| | - Ilse Vejborg
- Department of Breast Examinations and Capital Mammography Screening, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Maria K Gerlach
- Department of Pathology, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Lanng
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Niels T Kroman
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Tove H F Tvedskov
- Department of Breast Surgery, Herlev-Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|