Project description:BackgroundBreast magnetic resonance (MR) imaging does not usually assess axillary lymph nodes -using dedicated axillary sequence. The additional utility of dedicated axillary sequence is poorly understood. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of dedicated axillary imaging sequence for evaluation of axillary lymph node.MethodsIn this retrospective study from January 2018 to March 2018, 750 consecutive women underwent breast MR imaging. 263 patients were excluded, due to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (n = 235), incomplete histopathological information (n = 14) and follow-up loss (n = 14), 487 women were included. Two radiologists scored lymph node on confidence level scale from 0 (definitely benign) to 4 (definitely malignant), -using standard MR and dedicated axillary imaging sequences. Diagnostic performance parameters were compared and calculated correlation coefficient of quantitative features (largest dimension, cortical thickness, and the ratio of cortical thickness to largest dimension of lymph node).Results68 (14.0%) were node-positive and 419 (86.0%) were node-negative. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, negative predictive values and accuracy were respectively, 66.2, 93.3, 61.6, 94.4, and 89.5% for dedicated axillary sequence and 64.7, 94.0, 63.8, 94.3, 89.9% for standard MR sequence The dedicated axillary and standard sequences s did not exhibit significant differences in detection of positive lymph nodes (AUC, 0.794 for standard and 0.798 for dedicated axillary sequence, P = 0.825). The cortical thickness appeared to be the most discriminative quantitative measurement using both axillary (AUC, 0.846) and standard sequences (AUC, 0.823), with high correlation coefficient (0.947).ConclusionEvaluation of axillary nodal status using standard breast MR imaging is comparable to dedicated axillary MR imaging.
Project description:BackgroundSentinel node-based management (SNBM) is the international standard of care for early breast cancer that is clinically node-negative based on randomised trials comparing it with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and reporting similar rates of axillary recurrence (AR) without distant disease. We report all ARs, overall survival, and breast cancer-specific survival at 10-years in SNAC1.Methods1.088 women with clinically node-negative, unifocal breast cancers 3 cm or less in diameter were randomly assigned to either SNBM with ALND if the sentinel node (SN) was positive, or to SN biopsy followed by ALND regardless of SN involvement.ResultsFirst ARs were more frequent in those assigned SNBM rather than ALND (11 events, cumulative risk at 10-years 1·85%, 95% CI 0·95-3.27% versus 2 events, 0·37%, 95% CI 0·08-1·26%; HR 5·47, 95% CI 1·21-24·63; p = 0·013). Disease-free survival, breast cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were similar in those assigned SNBM versus ALND. Lymphovascular invasion was an independent predictor of AR (HR 6·6, 95% CI 2·25-19·36, p < 0·001).ConclusionFirst ARs were more frequent with SNBM than ALND in women with small, unifocal breast cancers when all first axillary events were considered. We recommend that studies of axillary treatment should report all ARs to give an accurate indication of treatment effects. The absolute frequency of AR was low in women meeting our eligibility criteria, and SNBM should remain the treatment of choice in this group. However, for those with higher-risk breast cancers, further study is needed because the estimated risk of AR might alter their choice of axillary surgery.
Project description:As part of a proof-of-concept study for future delivery of targeted near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) tracers, we sought to assess the delivery of micrograms of indocyanine green to all the axillary lymph nodes following intraparenchymal breast injections and intradermal arm injections in 20 subjects with advanced breast carcinoma and undergoing complete axillary lymph node dissection. Lymphatic vessels and nodes were assessed in vivo. Ex vivo images demonstrated that 87% of excised lymph nodes, including 81% of tumor-positive lymph nodes, were fluorescent. Future clinical studies using microdose amounts of tumor-targeting NIRF contrast agents may demonstrate improved surgical intervention with reduced morbidity.
Project description:BackgroundsThis study compares the long-term outcomes of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) versus sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in clinically node-positive (cN+) breast cancer (BC) patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 322 cN+ BC patients who became clinically node-negative (ycN0) post-NAT. Patients were categorized based on the final type of axillary surgery performed: ALND or SLNB. Recurrence-free survival (RFS), distant disease-free survival (DDFS), overall survival (OS), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were evaluated and compared between the two groups.ResultsPatients in the SLNB group had significantly better 3-, 5-, and 10-year RFS, DDFS, OS, and BCSS compared to those in the ALND group. The SLNB group also had a higher proportion of patients achieving pathologic complete response (pCR). Multivariate analysis identified pCR, ypN0 status, and SLNB as favorable prognostic factors for all survival metrics. Axillary recurrence rates were low for both groups (0.6-2.1%).ConclusionsSLNB may be a safe and effective alternative to ALND for selected cN+ BC patients who convert to ycN0 after NAT. These findings suggest that careful patient selection is crucial, and further research is needed to validate these results in more comparable populations.
Project description:BackgroundNear infrared fluorescence imaging with Indocyanine Green (ICG) is now used for the imaging of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. In this work, we investigated the impact of its pre-operative and peri-operative administration on our ability to detect axillary lymphatic loss after breast cancer surgery.MethodsOne subcutaneous injection of ICG was administered in the ipsilateral hand of 109 women who were scheduled to have either a mastectomy with total axillary lymph node dissection (CALND) or a lumpectomy with selective lymphadenectomy (SLN) the day before (n = 53) or the same day of surgery (n = 56). The lymph leakages were assessed by means of the application of a compress in the operated armpit and by the presence or absence of fluorescence on it, as well as in the post-operative axillary drains.ResultsThe compress was fluorescent in 28% of SLN patients and 71% of CALND patients. The liquids in the axillary drains were also fluorescent in 71% of patients with CALND. No statistical significance was observed between the ICG injection groups. The association between compressive fluorescent and the presence of fluorescence in the axillary drains is significant in the pre-operative subgroup and in the whole group.ConclusionOur research demonstrates that lymphatic leaks aid in the development of seromas and calls into question the effectiveness of the ligatures and/or cauterizations used during surgery. A prospective, multicentric, randomized trial should be conducted to verify the efficacy of this approach.
Project description:Chronic imaging windows in mice have been developed to allow intravital microscopy of many different organs and have proven to be of paramount importance in advancing our knowledge of normal and disease processes. A model system that allows long-term intravital imaging of lymph nodes would facilitate the study of cell behavior in lymph nodes during the generation of immune responses in a variety of disease settings and during the formation of metastatic lesions in cancer-bearing mice. We describe a chronic lymph node window (CLNW) surgical preparation that allows intravital imaging of the inguinal lymph node in mice. The CLNW is custom-made from titanium and incorporates a standard coverslip. It allows stable longitudinal imaging without the need for serial surgeries while preserving lymph node blood and lymph flow. We also describe how to build and use an imaging stage specifically designed for the CLNW to prevent (large) rotational changes as well as respiratory movement during imaging. The entire procedure takes approximately half an hour per mouse, and subsequently allows for longitudinal intravital imaging of the murine lymph node and surrounding structures for up to 14 d. Small-animal surgery experience is required to successfully carry out the protocol.
Project description:Breast cancer treatment has undergone major changes in the last 20 years. Specifically, the role of axillary lymph node dissection has changed from radical axillary dissection with excision of a high number of lymph nodes to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). This paradigm shift is associated with a controversial debate regarding the significance of axillary staging, the need for surgery, and the role of radiotherapy. Looking ahead, lymph node staging and axillary treatment might shift from SLNB and/or axillary dissection to ultrasound-guided needle biopsy and irradiation of regional lymph nodes in order to reduce treatment-related sequelae in early-stage breast cancer.
Project description:BackgroundTriple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are the most deadly form of breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Axillary lymph node involvement (ALNI) has been described to be prognostic in BC taken as a whole, but its prognostic value in each subtype is unclear. We explored the prognostic impact of ALNI and especially of small size axillary metastases in early TNBCs.MethodsWe analysed in this multicentre study all patients treated for early TNBC in 12 French cancer centres. We explored the correlation between clinicopathological data and ALNI, with a specific focus on the dichotomisation between macrometastases and occult metastases, which is defined as the presence of isolated tumour cells or micrometastases. The prognostic value of ALNI both in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was also explored.ResultsWe included 1237 TNBC patients. Five-year DFS and OS were 83.7% and 88.5%, respectively. The identified independent prognostic features for DFS were tumour size >20 mm (hazard ratio (HR)=1.86; 95% CI: 1.11-3.10, P=0.018), lymphovascular invasion (HR=1.69; 95% CI: 1.21-2.34, P=0.002) and ALNI both in case of macrometastases (HR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.38-2.81, P<0.0001) and occult metastases (HR=1.72; 95% CI: 1.1-2.71, P=0.019). DFS and OS were similar between tumours with occult metastases and macrometastases. Tumours presenting at least two pejorative features (out of ALNI, lymphovascular invasion and large tumour size) displayed a significantly poorer DFS in both the training set and validation set, independently of chemotherapy administration. Tumours with no more than one of the above-cited pejorative features had a 5-year OS of ⩾90% vs 70% for other cases (P<0.0001).ConclusionsAxillary lymph node involvement is a key prognostic feature for early TNBC when isolated tumour cells were identified in lymph nodes. This impact is independent of chemotherapy use.
Project description:BackgroundFor patients with cN0 and T1-2 breast cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can provide survival results equivalent to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, whether it can be performed on T3-4c patients is still controversial.Materials and methodsFemale patients diagnosed with cN0, T3-4c, and M0 breast cancer from 2004 to 2019 were identified using the surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) database and divided into 2 groups, the SLNB group (1-5 regional lymph nodes examined) and the ALND group (≥10 regional lymph nodes examined). Finally, only those with pN0 disease were included in the SLNB group. The baseline differences in clinicopathological characteristics between groups were eliminated by propensity score matching (PSM). We also conducted subgroup analyses according to age, overall TNM stage, breast cancer subtypes, surgical approaches, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was survival.ResultsWith a mean follow-up of 75 months, a total of 186 deaths were reported among 864 patients. The overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) in the SLNB group were 78.2% and 87.5%, respectively, and that in the ALND group were 78.7% and 87.3%, respectively. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for OS and BCSS in the SLNB group (vs. the ALND group) was 0.922 (95% CI, 0.691-1.230, P = .580) and 0.874 (95% CI, 0.600-1.273, P = .481), respectively. Besides, the OS and BCSS between the 2 groups were also similar in all subgroup analyses.ConclusionsSLNB may be performed on female patients with cN0, T3-4c, and M0 breast cancer.