Pathologic Evaluation and Prognostic Implications of Nodal Micrometastases in Breast Cancer

摘要

Using modern sentinel lymph node techniques, occult nodal metastases including micro metastases or isolated tumor cells are being increasingly discovered in up to 10% of early stage breast cancers. Furthermore, the rate of nonsentinel lymph node involvement is approximately 10%. However, the impact of these findings on disease-free survival is low, particularly with regards to axillary recurrences. Current evidence suggests small-volume lymph node involvement in breast cancer patients is only one of several factors that should guide adjuvant therapy options. In otherwise favorable patients, adjuvant radiation and systemic therapy can help mitigate the risk of recurrence when omitting axillary lymph node dissection. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.