Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) seems to represent a reliable method for early breast cancer staging, offering an alternative to complete axillary dissection.


METHODS
The identification of sentinel node(s), their localization and the predictive capacity of SLN were analysed in 42 patients who had neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Dextran labelled with (99m)Tc was injected close to the tumor. The radioactive uptake in the axilla was detected by scintigraphic images and by a hand-held probe guided the SLN.


RESULTS
One or more sentinel nodes were identified in 41 patients (97.6%). We could accurately predict axillary lymph nodes status in 93% of the cases.


CONCLUSIONS
SLN can predict the status of the axilla in patients who have received primary chemotherapy.
Piato
José Roberto M
JR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil. piato@uol.com.br
Barros
Alfredo Carlos S D
AC
Pincerato
Kátia M
KM
Sampaio
Ana Paula Q
AP
Pinotti
José Aristodemo
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003911:Dextrans; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
D003911:Dextrans; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C034146:technetium Tc 99m dextran; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide