Prediction of Non-SN Involvement in Patients with SN Isolated Tumor Cells or Micrometastases

Issue title: Nodal Micrometastases or Isolated Tumor Cells and the Outcome of Breast Cancer

Guest editors: Vivianne C.G. Tjan-Heijnen

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Pesce, Catherine | Balch, Charles | Jacobs, Lisa^{; *}

Affiliations: Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA | Maastricht University Medical Centre, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, P.O. Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Lisa Jacobs, M.D., 600 N. Wolfe Street, Carnegie 681, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Tel.: +1 410 502 0197; Fax: +1 410 502 0403; E-mail: Ljacob14@jhmi.edu

Abstract: Sentinel lymph node biopsy has allowed improved staging of the axilla with reduced morbidity in breast cancer patients. However, as with any new technology there are questions as to how to best implement the technique into clinical practice. Changes in the staging system for breast cancer have incorporated sentinel lymph node biopsy findings, resulting in questions as to how to manage the remainder of the axilla when there is low volume disease in the sentinel lymph nodes. The use of the sentinel lymph node to predict additional positive nodes and to direct surgical management of the axilla and adjuvant systemic and radiation therapy is reviewed.

Keywords: Breast cancer, AJCC stage, axillary surgery, predictive factors

DOI: 10.3233/BD-2010-0301

Journal: Breast Disease, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 99-106, 2010