title: Molecular analysis of breast sentinel lymph nodes.
abstract: Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy have become the standard of care for staging the axilla in patients with invasive breast cancer. Current histologic methods for SLN evaluation have limitations, including subjectivity, limited sensitivity, and lack of standardization. The discovery of molecular markers to detect metastases has been reported over the last 2 decades. The authors review the historical development of these markers and the clinical use of one of the molecular platforms in 478 patients at their institution. Controversies and future directions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Breast Care Center of Tampa Bay, Morton Plant Hospital, 303 Pinellas Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA. peter.blumencranz@baycare.org
authors.forename: Peter W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Blumencranz
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pieretti
authors.forename: Kathleen G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Lisa E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Blumencranz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001365:Axilla; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D018275:Carcinoma, Lobular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008875:Middle Aged; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D059039:Standard of Care
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor