[Sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer using magnetic tracer: preliminary study]. / Technique d'identification du ganglion sentinelle dans le cancer du sein par traceur magnétique : étude préliminaire.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of the magnetic technique for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 10 consecutives patients with breast cancer scheduled for SNB, who were clinically node negative, were recruited. SNB was undertaken after injection of both magnetic and radio-isotopic tracers. RESULTS: One or more SN were identified among 10 patients (identification rate of 100%). The median number of GS taken was 1.7 (range 1-3). In total, 17 GS were taken. SN were radioactive and ferromagnetic (82.3%), 3 were only radioactive and none was only ferromagnetic. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The magnetic technique is feasible, but cannot be used alone due to technical constraints.