Risk of lymphedema after mastectomy – potential benefit of applying ACOSOG Z0011 protocol to mastectomy patients

摘要

PurposeAxillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and radiation therapy (RT) are commonly recommended for mastectomy patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Effective alternatives to ALND that reduce lymphedema risk are needed. We evaluated rates of lymphedema in mastectomy patients who received SLNB with RT, compared to ALND with or without RT.