Emmanuel Barranger

An axilla scoring system to predict non-sentinel lymph node status in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node involvement

Background. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is the current standard of care for breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node (SN) involvement. However, the SN is the only involved axillary node in a significant proportion of these patients. Here we examined factors predictive of non-SN involvement in patients with a metastatic SN, in order to develop a scoring system for predicting non-SN involvement.Materials and Methods. This study was based on a prospective database of 337 patients who underwent SN biopsy for breast cancer, of whom 81 (24) were SN-positive; we examined factors predictive of non SN involvement in the 71 of these 81 women who underwent complementary ALND. All clinical and histological criteria were recorded and analysed according to non-SN status, by using Chi-2 analysis, Student’s t-test, and multivariate logistic regression.Results. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between non-SN involvement and histological primary tumor size (p=0.0001), SN macrometastasis (p=0.01), the method used to detect SN metastasis (H&E versus immunohistochemistry) (p=0.03), the number of positive SNs (p=0.049), the proportion of involved SNs among all identified SNs (p=0.0001) and lymphovascular invasion (p=0.006). Histological primary tumor size (p=0.006), SN macrometastasis (p=0.02) and the proportion of involved SNs among all identified SNs (p=0.03) remained significantly associated with non-SN status in multivariate analysis. Based on the multivariate analysis, we developed an axilla scoring system (range 0–7) to predict the likelihood of non-SN metastasis in breast cancer patients with SN involvement.Conclusion. In patients with invasive breast cancer and a positive SN, histological primary tumor size, the size of SN metastases, and the proportion of involved SNs among all identified SNs were independently predictive of non-SN involvement.

Comparison of models to predict nonsentinel lymph node status in breast cancer patients with metastatic sentinel lymph nodes: a prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE Several models have been developed to predict nonsentinel lymph node (non-SN) status in patients with breast cancer with sentinel lymph node (SN) metastasis. The purpose of our investigation was to compare available models in a prospective, multicenter study. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a cohort of 561 positive-SN patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection, we evaluated the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs), calibration, rates of false negatives (FN), and number of patients in the group at low risk for non-SN calculated from nine models. We also evaluated these parameters in the subgroup of patients with micrometastasis or isolated tumor cells (ITC) in the SN. RESULTS At least one non-SN was metastatic in 147 patients (26.2%). Only two of nine models had an AUC greater than 0.75. Three models were well calibrated. Two models yielded an FN rate less than 5%. Three models were able to assign more than a third of patients in the low-risk group. Overall, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center nomogram and Tenon score outperform other methods for all patients, including the subgroup of patients with only SN micrometastases or ITC. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that all models do not perform equally, especially for the subgroup of patients with only micrometastasis or ITC in the SN. We point out available evaluation methods to assess their performance and provide guidance for clinical practice.

Evaluation of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in the Detection of Axillary Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer

AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to determine axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer undergoing sentinel node (SN) biopsy. Methods: Thirty-two patients with breast cancer and clinically negative axillary nodes were recruited. All patients underwent FDG-PET before SN biopsy. After SN biopsy, all patients underwent complete axillary lymph node (ALN) dissection. Results: The SNs were identified in all patients. Fourteen patients (43.8%) had metastatic SNs (macrometastatic in seven, micrometastatic in six, and isolated tumor cells in one). The false-negative rate of SN biopsy was 6.6% (1 in 15). FDG-PET identified lymph node metastases in 3 of the 14 patients with positive SNs. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of FDG-PET in the diagnosis of axillary metastasis were 20%, 100%, 100%, and 58.6%, respectively. No false-positive findings were obtained with FDG-PET. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the limitations of FDG-PET in the detection of ALN metastases in patients with early breast cancer. In contrast, FDG-PET seems to be a specific method for staging the axilla in breast cancer. SN biopsy can be avoided in patients with positive FDG-PET, in whom complete ALN dissection should be the primary procedure.

Laparoscopic Sentinel Node Procedure Using a Combination of Patent Blue and Radiocolloid in Women With Endometrial Cancer

AbstractBackground: We assessed the feasibility of a laparoscopic sentinel node (SN) procedure based on the combined use of radiocolloid and patent blue labeling in patients with endometrial cancer. Methods: Seventeen patients (median age, 69 years) with endometrial cancer of stage I (16 patients) or stage II (1 patient) underwent a laparoscopic SN procedure based on combined radiocolloid and patent blue injected pericervically. After the SN procedure, all patients underwent complete laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy and either laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (16 patients) or laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (1 patient). Results: SNs (mean number per patient, 2.6; range, 1–4) were identified in 16 (94.1%) of the 17 patients. Macrometastases were detected in three SNs from two patients by hematoxylin and eosin staining. In three other patients, immunohistochemical analysis identified six micrometastatic SNs and one SN containing isolated tumor cells. No false-negative SN results were observed. Conclusions: An SN procedure based on a combination of radiocolloid and patent blue is feasible in patients with early endometrial cancer. Combined use of laparoscopy and this SN procedure permits minimally invasive management of endometrial cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with gynecologic cancers: Expert panel statement from the International Sentinel Node Society Meeting, February 21, 2008

An expert panel was formed for the 6th biennial International Sentinel Node Society to review the status of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in gynecologic oncology. This paper presents the opinion of the experts who participated regarding indications for SLNB, technical considerations, and directions for future investigation.

Validation of the Tenon breast cancer score for predicting non-sentinel lymph node status in breast cancer patients with sentinel lymph node metastasis: a prospective multicenter study

Background Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is the standard treatment for patients with sentinel node (SN) metastasis, but most of these patients have negative non-sentinel nodes (non-SN). We have developed a scoring system (the Tenon score) to help identify a subgroup of patients who have a low risk of having non-SN metastases and who may thus forgo ALND. Here we validated the Tenon score in an independent cohort of SN-positive patients. Patients and methods We tested the accuracy of the Tenon score for predicting non-SN status in a prospective multicenter study of 226 SN-positive breast cancer patients. We calculated the false-negative rate, sensitivity, specificity, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed and the areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated as a measure of discriminatory capacity. Results At least one non-SN was positive in 63 patients (27.9%). One hundred and twenty (53.1%) of the 226 patients had a Tenon score of 3.5 or less. Among these 120 patients, five had at least one positive non-SN. With a score cut-off of 3.5, the negative predictive value was 95.8% and the false-negative rate was 4.2%. Overall, the Tenon score accurately predicted non-SN status, with an AUC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.88). Conclusion In this multicenter study of an independent patient population, the Tenon score was accurate and reproducible for predicting non-SN status in breast cancer patients. The simplicity and reliability of the variables on which the Tenon score is based may be an advantage over other scoring systems.

Sentinel lymph node evaluation in endometrial cancer and the importance of micrometastases

The presence of lymph node (LN) metastases has a major impact on the prognosis of women with endometrial cancer and compromises recurrence-free time. LN assessment has become the standard of care in the surgical staging of patients and plays a crucial role in decision making. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection improves the accuracy of lymphatic drainage mapping compared to pelvic node dissection used alone. Serial sectioning of SLNs followed by immunohistochemical examination with conventional histology improves accuracy of micrometastatic identification. In this review, we found a high incidence of micrometastases in endometrial cancer, reaching 25% depending on the stage and the techniques used for the node examination. Current data are insufficient to evaluate the prognostic impact of the presence of micrometastases, but it seems that more accurate detection of lymphatic spread will allow better stratification of intermediate risk patients. Ultimately, this will assist in tailoring adjuvant treatment.

Ovarian metastases from breast cancer: report of 29 cases.

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics and survival outcomes of patients with breast cancer who had ovarian metastases.

Prospective Multicenter Comparison of Models to Predict Four or More Involved Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients With Breast Cancer With One to Three Metastatic Sentinel Lymph Nodes

PURPOSE Three models have been developed to predict four or more involved axillary lymph nodes (ALNs) in patients with breast cancer with one to three involved sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). Two scores were developed by Chagpar et al (Louisville scores excluding or including method of detection), and a nomogram was developed by Katz et al. The purpose of our investigation was to compare these models in a prospective, multicenter study. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our study involved a cohort of 536 patients having one to three involved SLNs who underwent ALN dissection. We evaluated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration (for the Katz nomogram only), false-negative (FN) rate, and clinical utility of the three models. Results were compared with the optimal logistic regression (OLR) model that was developed from the validation cohort. RESULTS Among the 536 patients, 57 patients (10.6%) had > or = four involved ALNs. The AUC for the Katz nomogram was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.86). The Louisville score excluding method of detection was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.78). The Louisville score including method of detection was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.79). The FN rates were 2.5% (eight of 321 patients), 1.8% (two of 109 patients), and 0% (zero of 27 patients) for the Katz nomogram and the Louisville scores excluding and including method of detection, respectively. The Katz nomogram was well calibrated. Optimism-corrected bootstrap estimate AUC of the OLR model was 0.86. Using this result as a reasonable target for an external model, the performance of the Katz nomogram was remarkable. CONCLUSION We validated the three models for their use in clinical practice. The Katz nomogram outperformed the two other models.

Value of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Upstaged to Invasive Carcinoma

Abstract:  The role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with initial diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is still a dilemma. Different studies are trying to define predicting factors of invasive cancer in DCIS. The aim of this study was to confirm the value of SLN biopsy in DCIS because of the invasive upstaging risk on final histology. Patients with initial diagnosis of DCIS and with axillary SLN biopsy were selected. All diagnoses were confirmed by biopsy of mammographic lesions. Surgical treatment was lumpectomy or mastectomy associated with SLN biopsy. Imprint stains were performed, and then serial sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and with immunohistochemistry (IHC). A complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed during the same surgery when a node metastasis was found. Eighty patients were enrolled in the study. Of the 61 patients who were initially diagnosed with DCIS, 12 (20%) were upstaged to microinvasive or invasive carcinoma and 9 (15%) had a metastatic SLN. Patients upstaged to invasive carcinoma had macrometastatic SLN immediately fed by a complete ALND. SLN micrometastases and isolated cells were detected by IHC and secondary complete ALND found an additional metastatic lymph node in one patient. Tumor size larger than 30 mm and mastectomy were the only significative predicting factors of upstaged disease (p < 0.0001) in our study. In patients with initial diagnosis of large DCIS programmed for mastectomy, SLN biopsy should be discussed in order to detect underlying invasive disease and to spare patients a second operating time.