ObjectiveTo understand the progress of postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in patients with T1–2N1M0 breast cancer. MethodThe studies and the treatment guidelines relevant to PMRT in the patients with T1–2N1M0 breast cancer in recent years were analyzed and summarized. ResultsThe ability of PMRT to improve the prognosis of patients with T1–2N1M0 breast cancer remained controversial. Owing to the patients with T1–2N1M0 breast cancer were heterogeneous, and the indications for PMRT had not been standardized. With the increasing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer, some studies had attempted to formulate decisions about PMRT based on changes in tumor characteristics before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, but the findings were currently controversial. ConclusionsWhether PMRT can improve prognosis and decision-making for patients with T1–2N1M0 breast cancer is still controversial. Some ongoing clinical trials may provide some references for the optimal decision-making of PMRT for patients with T1–2N1M0 breast cancer.
ObjectiveThe study was aimed to further explore risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in Luminal A breast cancer and revealed high-risk clinicopathological features.MethodsFrom January 2017 to December 2019, the clinical and pathological data of 237 Luminal A breast cancer patients diagnosed in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. For the identification of related risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in Luminal A breast cancer, χ2 test for univariate analysis and logistic regression model for multivariate analysis were conducted.ResultsAmong the 237 patients with Luminal A breast cancer, 115 patients were associated with lymph node metastasis (48.5%). The univariate analysis indicated that multifocal tumor (P=0.001), p53 mutation (P=0.012), and lymphovascular invasion (P=0.022) were correlated with axillary lymph node metastasis in the Luminal A breast cancer. The multivariate analysis identically showed that multifocal tumor (P=0.009), p53 mutation (P=0.019), and lymphovascular invasion (P=0.021) were independent risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis.ConclusionMultifocal breast cancer, p53 mutation, and lymphovascular invasion are risk factors of axillary lymph node metastasis in Luminal A breast cancer.
ObjectiveTo explore the factors associated with non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis in early breast cancer patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN), seeking the basis for exempting some SLN-positive patients from axillary lymph node dissection. MethodsA total of 299 early breast cancer patients who were diagnosed with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and underwent axillary lymph node dissection at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2019 to April 2023 were selected. Univariate analysis was performed on the clinical and pathological data of patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors related to axillary non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) metastasis of patients with SLN positive in early breast cancer. GraphPad Prim 9.0 was used to draw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the area under curve (AUC) of ROC was calculated to quantify the predictive value of risk factors. ResultsAmong the 299 breast cancer patients with 1-2 SLN positive, 101 cases (33.78%) were NSLN positive and 198 cases (66.22%) were NSLN negative. Univariate analysis showed that the number of positive SLN, clinical T staging and lymphovascular invasion were related to the metastasis of NSLN (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that having 2 positive SLN [OR=3.601, 95%CI (2.005, 6.470), P<0.001], clinical T2 staging [OR=4.681, 95%CI (2.633, 8.323), P<0.001], and presence lymphovascular invasion [OR=3.781, 95%CI (2.124, 6.730), P<0.001] were risk factors affecting axillary NSLN metastasis. The AUCs of the three risk factors were 0.623 3, 0.702 7 and 0.682 5, respectively, and the AUCs all were greater than 0.6, suggesting that the three risk factors had good predictive ability for NSLN metastasis. ConclusionThe number of positive SLN, clinical T staging, and lymphovascular invasion are related factors affecting NSLN metastasis in early breast cancer patients with positive SLN, and these factors have guiding significance for whether to exempt axillary lymph node dissection.
Objective To analyze the correlation among the clinicopathologic features, ultrasound imaging features, and axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients with negative clinical evaluation of axillary lymph nodes (cN0), and to establish a logistic regression model to predict axillary lymph node metastasis, so as to provide a reference for more accurate evaluation of axillary lymph node status in cN0 breast cancer patients. Methods The data of 501 female patients with cN0 breast cancer who were hospitalized and operated in the Affiliated Hospital of Wuhan University of Science and Technology (Xiaogan Central Hospital) from December 2013 to October 2020 were collected. Among them, 376 patients from December 2013 to December 2019 were selected to establish a prediction model for axillary lymph node metastasis of cN0 breast cancer. In the modeling group, the basic information, clinical pathological characteristics, and ultrasound imaging features of patients were analyzed by single factor analysis. The factors with statistical significance were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the logistic regression prediction model was established. The model was evaluated by the correction curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test goodness of fit. The model was validated in the validation group (125 patients from January to October 2020), and the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. Results The probability of positive axillary lymph nodes in 501 patients with cN0 breast cancer was 28.14% (141/501). The univariate analysis results of the modeling group showed that the histological grade, vascular invasion, progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, age, molecular typing, ultrasound breast imaging-reporting and data system (BI-RADS) grade were associated with axillary lymph node metastasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the vascular infiltration, positive estrogen receptor (ER) , ultrasound BI-RADS grade 4C and Ki-67≥14% increased the probability of axillary lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Using the above prediction factors to establish the prediction nomogram, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the modeling group was 0.72 [95%CI (0.66, 0.78)], the cut-off value was 0.30, the sensitivity was 61.00%, and the specificity was 71.20%. The newly established axillary lymph node transfer logistic regression model was applied to the validation group (n=125), and the AUC was 0.72 [95%CI (0.53, 0.76)]. The truncation value was 0.40, and the total coincidence rate was 69.60% (87/125), positive predictive value was 47.37% (18/38), and negative predictive value was 91.95% (80/87). Conclusions Vascular invasion, positive ER , ultrasound BI-RADS grade 4C, and Ki-67≥14% are risk predictors of axillary lymph node metastasis in cN0 breast cancer patients. The negative predictive value of the model is 91.95%, which has a higher value in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in early breast cancer patients, and can provide a reference for screening exempt sentinel lymph node biopsy population.
ObjectiveTo summarize recent research on the surgical treatment of breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to review the impact of NAC on the surgical treatment of breast cancer. MethodRelevant studies on NAC and surgical treatment of breast cancer from both domestic and international sources were reviewed. The literatures were analyzed, summarized, and discussed. ResultsFollowing NAC, the survival outcomes and risk of local recurrence in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery were similar to those undergoing mastectomy. The using of image-guided minimally invasive biopsy accurately predicted pathological complete remission (pCR) of breast lesions after NAC, potentially allowed some breast cancer patients to undergo only radiation therapy after NAC, thus avoiding breast surgery. For patients with positive axillary lymph nodes, techniques such as dual-tracer, triple-tracer, and targeted axillary lymph node dissection had achieved clinical requirements in terms of detection rate and false-negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy, provided a safe alternative to axillary lymph node dissection. ConclusionsNAC is an important component of comprehensive breast cancer treatment. However, there is still controversy regarding the local treatment of the primary breast lesion and axillary lymph nodes after NAC. Currently, individualized treatment based on the specific circumstances of the patient remains the approach in clinical practice, aiming to achieve the optimal control of local recurrence and survival benefits for patients.
Objective To investigate the effect of radiotherapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and modified radical surgery on breast cancer specific survival (BCSS) of patients with stage cT1–2N1M0 breast cancer. Methods A total of 917 cT1–2N1M0 stage breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and modified radical surgery from 2010 to 2017 were extracted from the The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Of them 720 matched patients were divided into radiotherapy group (n=360) and non-radiotherapy group (n=360) by using propensity score matching (PSM). Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to explore the factors affecting BCSS. Results Patients were all interviewed for a median follow-up of 65 months, and the 5-year BCSS was 91.9% in the radiotherapy group and 93.2% in the non-radiotherapy group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (χ2=0.292, P=0.589). The results were the same in patients with no axillary lymph node metastasis, one axillary lymphnode metastasis, two axillary lymph node metastasis and 3 axillary lymph node metastasis group (χ2=0.139, P=0.709; χ2=0.578, P=0.447; χ2=2.617, P=0.106; χ2=0.062, P=0.803). The result of Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that, after controlling for Grade grade, time from diagnosis to treatment, efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, number of positive axillary lymph nodes, molecular typing, and tumor diameter at first diagnosis, radiotherapy had no statistically significant effect on BCSS [HR=1.048, 95%CI (0.704, 1.561), P=0.817]. Conclusions The effect of radiotherapy on the BCSS of patients with stage cT1–2N1M0 breast cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and modified radical surgery with 0 to 3 axillary lymph nodes metastases is limited, but whether to undergo radiotherapy should still be determined according to the comprehensive risk of individual tumor patients.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of extranodal extension of axillary lymph nodes metastasis on the prognosis of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). MethodsThe TNBC patients with axillary lymph node metastasis admitted to the Nanyang Central Hospital from January 2017 to January 2019 were collected. The clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of TNBC patients with or without extranodal extension were analyzed and compared, and the factors affecting prognosis were analyzed. ResultsA total of 216 patients were included, including 123 patients without extranodal extension and 93 patients with extranodal extension. Compared with the patients without extranodal extension, the proportions of the patients with histological grade Ⅲ, 10 or more metastatic lymph nodes, and 5 cm or greater tumor diameter were higher in the patients with extranodal extension (P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that the 10 or more metastatic lymph nodes was the risk factor affecting the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of the TNBC patients (P<0.05), and the histological grade Ⅲ and lower human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) expression were the risk factors affecting the OS of the TNBC patients (P<0.05), as well as the extranodal extension was the risk factor affecting the DFS of the TNBC patients (P<0.05). The 5-year cumulative disease-free survival rate of the patients with extranodal extension was worse than that of the patients without extranodal extension (70.2% vs. 83.3%, χ2=6.934, P=0.008). The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate had no statistically significant difference between the them (75.3% vs. 82.1%, χ2=1.969, P=0.161). ConclusionsFrom the results of this study, the prognosis of TNBC patients with extranodal extension is worse. Especially the patients with histological grade Ⅲ, 10 or more metastatic lymph nodes, and with lower HER-2 expression should be paid attention.
ObjectiveTo investigate the metastatic status and risk factors of axillary non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN) in breast cancer patients with 1–2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLN), and to provide theoretical basis for exemption of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in these patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 54 patients diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and confirmed to have 1–2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNS) and received ALND in the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of Tongling People’s Hospital from January 2018 to April 2023. The patients were divided into NSLN metastatic group (17 cases) and NSLN non-metastatic group (37 cases) according to whether there was metastasis. Chi-square test was used to compare the basic information and clinicpathological features of the two groups. The independent risk factors for axillary NSLN metastasis were screened out by multivariate binary logistic regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of independent risk factors combined with axillary NSLN metastasis. Results There were 54 cases with 1–2 metastasis of SLN, 17 cases with axillary NSLN metastasis (31.5%). The incidence of axillary NSLN metastasis in patients with tumor at T1 stage (maximum diameter ≤2 cm) was only 14.3% (4/28), however, the metastatic rate of axillary NSLN in patients with tumor in T2–T3 stage (maximum diameter >2 cm) was as high as 50.0% (13/26). The axillary NSLN metastasis rate was only 21.2% (7/33) with 1 SLN metastasis, while the axillary NSLN metastasis rate was 47.6% (10/21) with 2 SLN metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that T stage (tumor diameter >2 cm), 2 SLN metastases, number of SLN >5 and tumor with vascular embolus were more likely to develop axillary NSLN metastases (P<0.05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed that T stage (tumor diameter >2 cm) and 2 SLN metastases were independent risk factors for axillary NSLN metastasis in breast cancer patients, the area under ROC curve of combined prediction of axillary NSLN metastasis by the two was 0.747, 95%CI was (0.657, 0.917), sensitivity was 0.765 and specificity was 0.649. Conclusions The combination of tumor T stage and the number of SLN metastases can better predict axillary NSLN metastasis in breast cancer patients. ALND is recommended for breast cancer patients with T stage (tumor diameter >2 cm) and 2 SLN metastases to reduce the risk of residual axillary NSLN metastasis.
The treatment of breast cancer has fully entered the era of precision therapy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) first replaced axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in breast cancer patients with clinical negative lymph nodes (cN0). Subsequent clinical studies have confirmed the feasibility of using SLNB alone in selected patients with limited lymph node metastasis, which has changed clinical practice. For even lower-risk patients, there is growing evidence supporting the complete omission of axillary surgery. Furthermore, with the emerging evidence from studies on axillary preservation after neoadjuvant therapy in patients from cN+ (clinical positive lymph nodes) to cN0 status, it has become possible for these patients to avoid ALND. Even for those with persistent node-positive disease after neoadjuvant therapy, the possibility of avoiding ALND is under clinical investigation. However, it is important to acknowledge the remaining uncertainties in clinical practice. These include the challenges to the conventional concept of radical resection, the balance between axillary surgery and radiotherapy, the implications of de-escalated axillary staging on systemic therapy decisions. Careful evaluation and a balanced integration of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy are crucial to achieving truly precise de-escalation in axillary management.
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in axillary and internal mammary lymph node metastasis of invasive breast cancer. Methods A total of 100 patients with invasive breast cancer treated from September 2020 to September 2022 were selected. Preoperative CEUS examination was completed, and the perfusion sequence, enhancement mode and enhancement sequence of lymph nodes were dynamically observed. The CEUS characteristics of metastatic and benign lymph nodes were compared. Using postoperative pathological results as the gold standard, the diagnostic efficacy of CEUS in evaluating lymph node status was analyzed. Results Among the 100 patients, 28 patients were diagnosed with metastatic axillary lymph nodes (ALN) by pathological biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive prediction rate and negative prediction rate of CEUS in evaluating ALN status were 71.4%, 87.5%, 83.0%, 69.0% and 88.7%, respectively. In 9 patients, CEUS showed internal mammary lymph node metastasis, and postoperative pathological examination confirmed that 5 patients had internal mammary lymph node metastasis, so the positive predictive rate of CEUS was 55.6%. Conclusion CEUS can evaluate the metastatic status of axillary and internal mammary lymph nodes.