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Annals of Surgical Oncology

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01-05-2009 | Breast Oncology

Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients with Large or Multifocal Tumors

Authors: Tuomo J. Meretoja, MD, PhD, Marjut H. Leidenius, MD, PhD, Päivi S. Heikkilä, MD, PhD, Heikki Joensuu, MD, PhD

Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology | Issue 5/2009

Abstract

Background

The axillary recurrence (AR) rate after negative sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with high risk of axillary metastases is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors for isolated AR after negative SNB with special interest in large or multifocal tumors.

Methods

A prospective SNB registry was analyzed for 2,408 invasive breast cancer patients operated between 2001 and 2007. No axillary clearance was performed in 1,309 cases with a negative SNB, including 1,138 small unifocal tumors, 121 small multifocal tumors, 48 large unifocal tumors, and 2 large multifocal tumors.

Results

Six (0.5%) isolated AR were observed during a median follow-up of 43 months. Four (0.4%) patients with small unifocal tumors and two (1.6%) with small multifocal tumors had isolated AR (p = 0.179). None of the patients with large unifocal or multifocal tumors had isolated AR. Instead of tumor size and multifocality, estrogen receptor negativity (p < 0.001), nuclear grade III (p < 0.001), Her-2 status (p = 0.002), no radiotherapy (p = 0.005), and mastectomy (p = 0.005) were found to be associated with AR.

Conclusions

A remarkable proportion of patients with large unifocal tumors and small multifocal tumors may avoid unnecessary AC due to tumor negative SNB, without an excessive risk of AR.

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Title: Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients with Large or Multifocal Tumors
Authors: Tuomo J. Meretoja, MD, PhD
Marjut H. Leidenius, MD, PhD
Päivi S. Heikkilä, MD, PhD
Heikki Joensuu, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-05-2009
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Annals of Surgical Oncology / Issue 5/2009
Print ISSN: 1068-9265
Electronic ISSN: 1534-4681
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-009-0397-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Patients with Large or Multifocal Tumors

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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