Predictors of Nonsentinel Nodal Involvement to Aid Intraoperative Decision Making in Breast Cancer Patients with Positive Sentinel Lymph Nodes. (16th August 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Ern Yu; Ho, Bernard; Chen, Juliana J. C.; Ho, Pey Woei; Teo, Christine; Earnest, Arul; Chan, Patrick M. Y.
• Other Names: Pinto A. E. Academic Editor.; Rizos H. Academic Editor.; Sueoka E. Academic Editor.; Wolfson A. H. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: ISRN oncology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-08-16
• Subjects: Oncology -- Periodicals; Neoplasms; Oncology; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.5402/2011/539503
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-5661

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Up to 60% of patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) have no additional nodal involvement and do not benefit from completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We aim to identify factors predicting for non-SLN involvement and to validate the MSKCC nomogram and Tenon score in our population. Methods . Retrospective review was performed of 110 consecutive patients with positive SLNs who underwent ALND over an 8-year period. Results . Fifty patients (45%) had non-SLN involvement. Non-SLN involvement correlated positively with the number of positive SLNs (P = 0.04 ), macrometastasis (P = 0.01 ), and inversely with the total number of SLNs harvested (P = 0.03 ). The MSKCC nomogram and Tenon score both failed to perform as previously reported. Conclusions . The MSKCC nomogram and Tenon score have limited value in our practice. Instead, we identified three independent predictors, which are more relevant in guiding the intraoperative decision for ALND.