Impact of Mastectomy Flap Necrosis on Patient-Reported Quality-of-Life Measures After Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Preliminary Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy skin flap necrosis (SFN) is common following nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM), but studies on its quality-of-life (QOL) impact are limited. We examined patient-reported QOL and satisfaction after NSM with/without SFN utilizing the BREAST-Q patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing NSM between April 2018 and July 2021 at our institution were examined; the BREAST-Q PROM was administered preoperatively, and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. SFN extent/severity was documented at 2-3 weeks postoperatively; QOL and satisfaction domains were compared between patients with/without SFN. RESULTS: A total of 573 NSMs in 333 patients were included, and 135 breasts in 82 patients developed SFN (24% superficial, 56% partial thickness, 16% full thickness). Patients with SFN reported significantly lower scores in the satisfaction with breasts (p = 0.032) and psychosocial QOL domains (p = 0.009) at 6 months versus those without SFN, with scores returning to baseline at 1 year in both domains. In the "physical well-being-of-the-chest" domain, there was an overall decline in scores among all patients; however, there were no significant differences at any time point between patients with or without SFN. Sexual well-being scores declined for patients with SFN compared with those without at 6 months and also at 1 year, but this did not reach significance (p = 0.13, p = 0.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing NSM who developed SFN reported significantly lower satisfaction and psychosocial well-being scores at 6 months, which returned to baseline by 1 year. Physical well-being of the chest significantly declines after NSM regardless of SFN. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are needed to determine SFN's impact on long-term QOL.

Society of Surgical Oncology Breast Disease Site Working Group Statement on Contralateral Mastectomy: Indications, Outcomes, and Risks.

Rates of contralateral mastectomy (CM) among patients with unilateral breast cancer have been increasing in the United States. In this Society of Surgical Oncology position statement, we review the literature addressing the indications, risks, and benefits of CM since the society's 2017 statement. We held a virtual meeting to outline key topics and then conducted a literature search using PubMed to identify relevant articles. We reviewed the articles and made recommendations based on group consensus. Patients consider CM for many reasons, including concerns regarding the risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC), desire for improved cosmesis and symmetry, and preferences to avoid ongoing screening, whereas surgeons primarily consider CBC risk when making a recommendation for CM. For patients with a high risk of CBC, CM reduces the risk of new breast cancer, however it is not known to convey an overall survival benefit. Studies evaluating patient satisfaction with CM and reconstruction have yielded mixed results. Imaging with mammography within 12 months before CM is recommended, but routine preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging is not; there is also no evidence to support routine postmastectomy imaging surveillance. Because the likelihood of identifying an occult malignancy during CM is low, routine sentinel lymph node surgery is not recommended. Data on the rates of postoperative complications are conflicting, and such complications may not be directly related to CM. Adjuvant therapy delays due to complications have not been reported. Surgeons can reduce CM rates by encouraging shared decision making and informed discussions incorporating patient preferences.

Mutational Status is Associated with a Higher Rate of Pathologic Complete Response After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) occurs in up to 20% of hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancers. Whether this differs among BRCA mutation carriers is uncertain. This study compared pCR between BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and matched sporadic control subjects. METHODS: From November 2013 to January 2022, this study identified 522 consecutive women with clinical stage I to III HR+/HER2- breast cancer treated with NAC and surgery. The study matched BRCA1/2 mutation carriers 1:2 to non-carriers in terms of age, clinical tumor (cT) and nodal (cN) stage, and differentiation. Two-sample non-parametric tests compared baseline characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression assessed pCR (i.e., ypT0/ispN0) by BRCA1/2 mutational status. RESULTS: Of the 522 women (median age, 50 years), 59 had BRCA1/2 mutations, 78% of which were clinically node positive. Anthracycline-based NAC was administered to 97%. More BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were younger, had cT1 tumors, and had poorly differentiated disease. After matching, 58 BRCA1/2 mutation carriers were similar to 116 non-carriers in terms of age (p = 0.6), cT (p = 0.9), cN stage (p = 0.7), and tumor differentiation (p > 0.9). Among the mutation carriers, the pCR rate was 15.5% for BRCA1/2, 38% (8/21) for BRCA1, and 2.7% (1/37) for BRCA2 versus 7.8% (9/116) for the non-carriers (p < 0.001). After NAC, 5 (41.7%) of the 12 BRCA1 mutation carriers converted to pN0 versus 10 (37%) of the 27 BRCA2 mutation carriers and 19 (20.9%) of the 91 non-carriers (p = 0.3). In the multivariable analysis, BRCA1 mutation status was associated with higher odds of pCR than non-carrier status (odds ratio [OR] 6.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-20.5; p = 0.002), whereas BRCA2 mutation status was not (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.02-2.67; p = 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that BRCA1 mutation carriers with HR+/HER2- breast cancers have a higher rate of pCR than sporadic cancers and may derive greater benefit from chemotherapy. The use of NAC to downstage these patients should be considered.

Strategies to avoid mastectomy skin-flap necrosis during nipple-sparing mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy is associated with a higher risk of mastectomy skin-flap necrosis than conventional skin-sparing mastectomy. There are limited prospective data examining modifiable intraoperative factors that contribute to skin-flap necrosis after nipple-sparing mastectomy. METHODS: Data on consecutive patients undergoing nipple-sparing mastectomy between April 2018 and December 2020 were recorded prospectively. Relevant intraoperative variables were documented by both breast and plastic surgeons at the time of surgery. The presence and extent of nipple and/or skin-flap necrosis was documented at the first postoperative visit. Necrosis treatment and outcome was documented at 8-10 weeks after surgery. The association of clinical and intraoperative variables with nipple and skin-flap necrosis was analysed, and significant variables were included in a multivariable logistic regression analysis with backward selection. RESULTS: Some 299 patients underwent 515 nipple-sparing mastectomies (54.8 per cent (282 of 515) prophylactic, 45.2 per cent therapeutic). Overall, 23.3 per cent of breasts (120 of 515) developed nipple or skin-flap necrosis; 45.8 per cent of these (55 of 120) had nipple necrosis only. Among 120 breasts with necrosis, 22.5 per cent had superficial, 60.8 per cent had partial, and 16.7 per cent had full-thickness necrosis. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, significant modifiable intraoperative predictors of necrosis included sacrificing the second intercostal perforator (P = 0.006), greater tissue expander fill volume (P < 0.001), and non-lateral inframammary fold incision placement (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Modifiable intraoperative factors that may decrease the likelihood of necrosis after nipple-sparing mastectomy include incision placement in the lateral inframammary fold, preserving the second intercostal perforating vessel, and minimizing tissue expander fill volume.

Is local recurrence higher among patients who downstage to breast conservation after neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND: In early studies, local recurrence (LR) rates were higher after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in comparison with upfront surgery. Modern outcomes are uncertain, particularly among those who are initially breast-conserving surgery-ineligible (BCSi) and downstage to being breast-conserving surgery-eligible (BCSe). METHODS: Among patients with cT1-3 breast cancer treated from 2014 to 2018 who were BCSe after NAC, clinicopathologic characteristics and LR were compared between initially BCSe patients and BCSi patients who downstaged. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) eligibility was determined prospectively. RESULTS: Among 685 patients, 243 (35%) were BCSe before and after NAC and had BCS; 282 (41%) were BCSi before NAC, downstaged to BCSe, and had BCS; and 160 (23%) were BCSi before NAC, downstaged to BCSe, and chose mastectomy. The median age was 52 years, and most cancers were cT1-2 (84%), cN+ (61%), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+; 38%) or triple-negative (34%). Those who were BCSe before NAC had a lower cT stage, whereas those who chose mastectomy were younger (P < .05). NAC was usually ACT (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and a taxane)-based (92%), 99% of HER2+ patients received dual blockade, and 99% of BCS patients received adjuvant radiation. At a median follow-up of 35 months, 22 patients (3.2%) had developed LR. The Kaplan-Meier 4-year LR rates were not different among the groups (1.9% for those who were BCSe before and after NAC, 6.3% for those who downstaged to being BCSe and underwent BCS, and 2.7% for those who downstaged and underwent mastectomy; P = .17). CONCLUSIONS: LR rates are low after NAC and BCS, even among BCSi patients who downstage, and they are not improved in patients who downstage and choose mastectomy. Mastectomy can be safely avoided in BCSi patients who downstage with NAC.

Is Nodal Clipping Beneficial for Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND: In cN1 patients rendered cN0 with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the false-negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is < 10% when ≥ 3 sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are removed. The added value of nodal clipping in this scenario is unknown. Here we determine how often the clipped node is a sentinel node when ≥ 3 SLNs are retrieved. METHODS: We identified cT1-3N1 patients treated between 02/2018 and 10/2021 with a clipped lymph node at presentation. SLNB was performed with a standardized approach of dual-tracer mapping and retrieval of ≥ 3 SLNs. Clipped nodes were not localized; SLNs were X-rayed intraoperatively to determine clip location. Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed for any residual disease or retrieval of < 3 SLNs. RESULTS: Of 269 patients, 251 (93%) had ≥ 3 SLNs. Median age was 51 years; the majority (92%) had ductal histology; 46% were HR+/HER2-. The median number of SLNs removed was 4 (IQR 3,5). The clipped node was an SLN in 88% (220/251) of cases. Of the 31 where the clipped node was not, 13 had a positive SLN mandating ALND, and the clip was identified in the ALND specimen. In the remaining 18, where ≥ 3 negative SLNs were retrieved and an ALND was not performed, the clip was not retrieved, with no axillary failures in this group (median follow-up: 55 months). CONCLUSION: When the SLNB procedure is optimized with dual tracer and retrieval of ≥ 3 SLNs, the clipped node is an SLN in the majority of cases, suggesting that failure to retrieve the clipped node should not be an indication for ALND.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer In the Elderly: Are We Accomplishing Our Treatment Goals?

INTRODUCTION: Rates of downstaging and tolerability to NAC in women age ≥ 70 years with operable breast cancer have not been well studied. We sought to compare downstaging rates and NAC completion between women age 50-69 years and age ≥ 70 years. METHODS: Consecutively treated women age ≥ 50 years with cT1-3N0-1 breast cancer receiving NAC followed by surgery from November 2013 to April 2020 were studied. Rates of downstaging from breast-conserving surgery (BCS)-ineligible to BCS-eligible and avoidance of axillary dissection (ALND) in cN1 patients were compared between patients age 50-69 and ≥ 70 years. NAC regimens and rates of completion also were assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 651 women, age ≥ 50 years, with 668 cT1-3N0-1 breast cancers that were treated with NAC, were identified; 75 (11.1%) were age ≥ 70 years. Patients age ≥ 70 years were less likely to have lobular cancers (5% vs. 10%, p = 0.03), receive an anthracycline-based regimen (69% vs. 93%, p < 0.001), and complete their entire prescribed regimen (57% vs. 78%, p < 0.001). Of 312 BCS-ineligible patients eligible for downstaging, conversion rates to BCS-eligibility were similar between age groups (72% [≥ 70] vs. 74% [50-69], p > 0.9). Women age ≥ 70 years who converted to BCS-eligible post-NAC were more likely to undergo BCS than younger patients (93% vs. 74%, p = 0.04). Of 390 cN1 patients, 162 (42%) achieved a nodal pCR; ALND avoidance was similar between age groups (43% [≥ 70] vs. 42% [50-69], p > 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: While patients age ≥ 70 years received less anthracycline-based NAC and were less likely to complete their prescribed regimen, they experienced high rates of breast and axillary downstaging, similar to younger patients, suggesting that well-selected elderly patients can safely receive NAC with substantial clinical benefit.

Omission of Intraoperative Frozen Section May Reduce Axillary Overtreatment Among Clinically Node-Negative Patients Having Upfront Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: The growing use of postmastectomy radiation/regional nodal irradiation (PMRT) has resulted in many women receiving both axillary dissection (ALND) and PMRT, increasing lymphedema rates. After developing standardized PMRT criteria, we adopted a policy of ALND omission among cN0 patients with 1-2 positive sentinel nodes (+SLNs) requiring PMRT. We evaluated how often overtreatment with ALND+PMRT was avoided with this approach. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed beginning 1 year before policy adoption. Intraoperative SLN evaluation was routine pre- and post-policy. ALND was performed for SLN macrometastasis pre-policy, and selectively performed post-policy for 1-2 +SLNs based on PMRT criteria. ALND+PMRT was required for ≥ 3 +SLNs. RESULTS: From March 1, 2018 to November 30, 2020, a total of 2207 cT1-3N0 patients had mastectomy and 231 had +SLNs; 109 (47%) were treated pre-policy and 122 (53%) post-policy. Most (81%) had 1-2 +SLNs. There was no change in rates of ALND+PMRT (64% pre-policy vs. 58% post-policy, p = 0.09), including in patients with 1-2 +SLNs (61% vs. 51%, p = 0.20). Post-policy, ALND was omitted in 9 (7%) patients recognized intraoperatively as PMRT candidates; avoidable ALND was performed in 40 (33%) patients not identified as PMRT candidates until receipt of final pathology. Overall, had intraoperative SLN evaluation been deferred, only 5.7% of patients would have required completion ALND: 2.2% (n = 49/2207) for ≥ 3 +SLNs and 3.5% (n = 77/2207) for 1-2 +SLNs without PMRT indication. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients could have avoided ALND+PMRT if decision making was deferred until final pathology was available. Selective intraoperative SLN evaluation in cN0 patients having upfront mastectomy may reduce avoidable overtreatment.

Can We Successfully De-Escalate Axillary Surgery in Women Aged ≥ 70 Years with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ or Early-Stage Breast Cancer Undergoing Mastectomy?

BACKGROUND: Omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in older women with clinically node-negative, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) early-stage breast cancer undergoing lumpectomy is accepted, given established low rates of regional recurrence. The safety of omitting SLNB in women undergoing mastectomy is unknown and may differ depending on extent of breast disease and variation in radiotherapy use. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2018, 123 cTis and 328 cT1-2 HR+/HER2- tumors from 410 women aged ≥ 70 years who underwent mastectomy and SLNB were included (41 bilateral cases). The rate of nodal positivity and effect of nodal positivity on adjuvant therapy use were examined. RESULTS: Median age was 74 years; 21% of patients had positive sentinel lymph nodes, 7% had micrometastases, and 14% had macrometastases. Of cases of cTis tumors, 31% were upstaged to invasive carcinoma; 1% had macrometastases. Fewer cases of cT1 than cT2 tumors had macrometastases [13% (26/200) versus 29% (37/128); p < 0.001]. Eight percent of patients with pT1 tumors (18/228) and 27% of patients with pT2 tumors (30/113) received chemotherapy. Most patients with pT1, pN1 disease (78%; 25/32) did not receive chemotherapy. Rates of locoregional recurrence were similar between patients with cT1 or cT2 tumors with and without nodal metastases (median follow-up, 4.5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Women aged ≥ 70 years with cTis and cT1N0 HR+/HER2- tumors who underwent mastectomy had low rates of nodal positivity, similar to rates reported for lumpectomy. Given this and the RxPONDER results, omission of SLNB may be considered, as findings are unlikely to alter adjuvant therapy recommendations.

Accuracy, Sensitivity, and Specificity of the LLIS and ULL27 in Detecting Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer-related lymphedema occurs in up to 30% of women following axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and less commonly following sentinel lymph node biopsy. To quantify disability in these patients, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have proven useful; however, given the overlap of symptoms between ALND and lymphedema, examination of their accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting lymphedema in breast cancer patients undergoing ALND is needed. METHODS: The Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS) and the Upper Limb Lymphedema 27 scale (ULL27) were administered to patients who had undergone ALND at least 2 years prior and either did or did not develop lymphedema. Survey responses and the degree of disability were compared to generate receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and the sensitivity and specificity of PROMs to diagnose lymphedema were analyzed. RESULTS: Both PROMs were highly accurate, sensitive, and specific for detecting lymphedema. The LLIS had an accuracy of 97%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 84.8% at a cutoff of ≥ 5.88 overall percent impairment score (higher scores indicate worse disability). The ULL27 had an accuracy of 93%, sensitivity of 88.6%, and specificity of 90.9% at a cutoff of ≤ 83.3 global score (lower scores indicate worse disability). CONCLUSIONS: The LLIS and the ULL27 appear to be highly specific for lymphedema and capable of differentiating it from symptoms resulting from ALND alone. Our findings suggest that use of these questionnaires with a threshold may be effective for diagnosing lymphedema, potentially reducing the need for frequent clinic visits and time-consuming measurements.

Longitudinal Prospective Evaluation of Quality of Life After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Patients often fear axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) because of its associated complications; however, its effect on quality of life (QOL) is not well described. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ALND on QOL over time and to identify predictors of worse QOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Breast cancer patients undergoing ALND were enrolled in a prospective lymphedema screening study. Arm volumes were measured and QOL questionnaires completed at baseline, postoperatively, and at 6-month intervals. The upper limb lymphedema-27 questionnaire was used to assess the effect of upper extremity symptoms on QOL in three domains (physical, psychological, and social). Predictors of QOL were identified by univariate and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: From November 2016 through March 2020, 304 ALND patients were enrolled; 242 patients with at least two measurements and 6 months of follow-up were included. Median age was 48 years, and median follow-up was 1.2 years. The 18-month lymphedema rate was 18%. Overall, QOL scores in all three domains decreased postoperatively and improved over time. On multivariable analysis, after adjusting for baseline scores, symptoms necessitating lymphedema therapy referral (p = 0.006) were associated with worse physical QOL. Younger age (p = 0.005) and lymphedema therapy referral (p = 0.006) were associated with worse psychological QOL. Arm volume was not correlated with QOL. CONCLUSIONS: QOL scores initially decreased after ALND but improved by 6 months post-surgery. Decreases in QOL were independent of arm volume. Patients with worse QOL more often sought lymphedema therapy, although the effect of therapy on QOL remains unknown.

The Effect of Age on Outcomes After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Younger women (age ≤ 40 years) with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) have higher rates of pathologic complete response (pCR); however, it is unknown whether axillary or breast downstaging rates differ by age. In this study, we compared pCR incidence and surgical downstaging rates of the breast and axilla post NAC, between patients aged ≤ 40, 41-60, and ≥ 61 years. METHODS: We identified 1383 women with stage I-III breast cancer treated with NAC and subsequent surgery from November 2013 to December 2018. pCR and breast/axillary downstaging rates were assessed and compared across age groups. RESULTS: Younger women were significantly more likely to have ductal histology, poorly differentiated tumors, and BRCA mutations; 35% of tumors were hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-), 36% were HER2-positive (HER2+), and 29% were triple negative (TN), with similar subtype distribution across age groups (p = 0.6). Overall, pCR rates did not differ by age, however among patients with TN tumors (n = 394), younger women had higher pCR rates (52% vs. 35% among those aged 41-60 years and 29% among those aged ≥61 years; p = 0.007) and were more likely to have tumors with high tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) concentrations (p < 0.001). Downstaging to breast-conserving surgery (BCS) eligibility post NAC among initially BCS-ineligible patients was similar across age groups; younger women chose BCS less often (p < 0.001). Among cN1 patients (n = 813), 52% of women ≤40 years of age avoided axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with NAC, versus 39% and 37% in the older groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Younger women undergoing NAC for axillary downstaging were more likely to avoid ALND across all subtypes; however, overall pCR rates did not differ by age. Despite equivalent breast downstaging and BCS eligibility rates across age groups, younger women were less likely to undergo BCS.

How Often Does Modern Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Downstage Patients to Breast-Conserving Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been proven to increase breast-conserving surgery (BCS) rates, but data are limited on conversion rates from BCS-ineligible (BCSi) to BCS-eligible (BCSe), specifically, in patients with large tumors. METHODS: Consecutive patients with stage I-III breast cancer treated with NAC from November 2013 to March 2019 were identified. BCS eligibility before and after NAC was prospectively determined. Patients deemed BCSi before NAC due to large tumor size were studied. Statistical analyses were conducted using Student's t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Chi-square test, Fisher's test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: In this study, 600 of 1353 cancers were BCSi with large tumors; 69% were non-BCS candidates, 31% were borderline-BCS (bBCS) candidates. Of non-BCS candidates, 69% became BCSe after NAC; 66% chose BCS, and 90% were successful. Among bBCS candidates, 87% were BCSe after NAC, 73% chose BCS, and 96% were successful. On univariate analysis, bBCS candidacy, lower cT stage, cN0 status, absence of calcifications, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+)/triple negative (TN) receptor status, poor differentiation, ductal histology, and breast pCR were associated with conversion to BCS eligibility. On multivariable analysis, receptor status (hormone receptor positive [HR+]/HER2- ref; odds ratio [OR] HER2+ 1.63, P = 0.047; HR-/HER2- OR, 2.26, P = 0.003) and breast pCR (OR 2.62, P < 0.001) predicted successful downstaging, while larger clinical tumor size (OR 0.86, P = 0.003), non-BCS candidacy (OR 0.46, P = 0.003), cN+ status (OR 0.54, P = 0.008), and calcifications (OR 0.56, P = 0.007) predicted lower downstaging rates. CONCLUSION: In patients with large tumors precluding BCS, conversion to BCS eligibility was high with NAC, particularly in bBCS candidates. HER2+/TN receptor status predicted successful downstaging, while lower downstaging rates were observed with larger tumors, cN+ status, and calcifications. These factors should be considered when selecting patients for NAC.

Is Residual Nodal Disease at Axillary Dissection Associated with Tumor Subtype in Patients with Low Volume Sentinel Node Metastasis After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?

BACKGROUND: In patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), the likelihood of residual nodal disease at axillary dissection (ALND) is high. Whether non-SLN metastasis frequency varies based on tumor subtype and SLN metastasis size is uncertain. We examined the association between tumor subtype and frequency of non-SLN metastases in patients with SLN micro- vs macrometastases after NAC. METHODS: Patients with invasive breast cancer and a positive SLN biopsy after NAC between July 2008 and July 2019 were identified. Associations between tumor subtype, SLN disease volume, and frequency of non-SLN metastases were examined. RESULTS: Among 273 patients with ≥ 1 positive SLN and a completion ALND, mean age was 51 years, 87% of tumors were ductal, 80% were clinically node-positive at presentation, and 85% were cT2-3. The frequency of non-SLN metastases was non-significantly higher in HR+/HER2- (61%) vs. HER2+ (52%) and triple negative tumors (45%) (p = 0.09). Frequency of SLN micrometastasis was 9% for triple negative tumors compared with 17% for HR+/HER2- and 34% for HER2+ tumors (p = 0.015). Size of SLN metastasis (micro- vs. macrometastases) was not associated with non-SLN metastasis frequency or number within any subtype. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a positive SLN after NAC, the likelihood of non-SLN metastasis at ALND was high across all tumor subtypes and did not vary significantly for SLN micro- versus macrometastases. ALND is recommended for SLN micro- and macrometastases after NAC, irrespective of tumor subtype.

Extranodal Tumor Deposits in the Axillary Fat Indicate the Need for Axillary Dissection Among T1-T2cN0 Patients with Positive Sentinel Nodes.

BACKGROUND: The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011 trial demonstrated the safety of omitting axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in T1-T2cN0 patients with fewer than three positive sentinel nodes (SLNs) undergoing breast-conservation therapy. While microscopic extracapsular extension (mECE) > 2 mm is associated with increased nodal burden, the significance of extranodal tumor deposits (ETDs) in the axillary fat is uncertain. METHODS: Consecutive patients with T1-T2cN0 breast cancer undergoing sentinel node biopsy and ALND for SLN metastases from January 2010 to December 2018 were identified. ETDs were defined as intravascular tumor emboli or metastatic deposits in the axillary fat. Clinicopathologic characteristics and nodal burden were compared by ETD status. RESULTS: Among 1114 patients, 113 (10%) had ETDs: 81 (72%) were intravascular tumor emboli and 32 (28%) were soft tissue deposits. Patients with ETDs had larger tumors (median 2.2 vs. 2.1 cm; p = 0.033) and more often had mECE (83% vs. 44%; p < 0.001). On univariable analysis, presence of ETDs (odds ratio [OR] 9.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.36-14.68), larger tumors (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.25-1.72), and mECE (OR 10.73, 95% CI 6.86-16.78) were associated with four or more additional positive non-SLNs (NSLNs; all p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, ETDs remained associated with four or more positive NSLNs (OR 5.67, 95% CI 3.53-9.08; p < 0.001). ETDs were strongly associated with four or more positive NSLNs (OR 7.15, 95% CI 4.04-12.67) among patients with one to two positive SLNs (n = 925). CONCLUSIONS: Among T1-T2cN0 patients with SLN metastases, ETDs are strongly associated with four or more positive NSLNs at ALND. Even among those who may otherwise meet the criteria for omission of ALND, the presence of ETDs in axillary fat warrants consideration of ALND.

Selecting Node-Positive Patients for Axillary Downstaging with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can be avoided in node-positive patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) if three or more negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are retrieved. We evaluate how often node-positive patients avoid ALND with NAC, and identify predictors of identification of three or more SLNs and of nodal pathological complete response (pCR). METHODS: From November 2013 to July 2019, all patients with cT1-3, biopsy-proven N1 tumors who converted to cN0 after NAC received SLN biopsy (SLNB) with dual mapping and were identified from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: 630 consecutive N1 patients were eligible for axillary downstaging with NAC; 573 (91%) converted to cN0 and had SLNB, and 531 patients (93%) had three or more SLNs identified. Lymphovascular invasion (LVI; odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.87; p = 0.02) and increasing body mass index (BMI; OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.96 per 5-unit increase; p = 0.02) were significantly associated with failure to identify three or more SLNs. 255/573 (46%) patients achieved nodal pCR; 237 (41%) had adequate mapping. Factors associated with ALND avoidance included high grade (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.6-3.94, p = 0.001) and receptor status (HR+/HER2- [referent]: OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.15-3.46 [p = 0.01] for HR-/HER2-, OR 3.93, 95% CI 2.40-6.44 [p < 0.001] for HR+/HER2+, and OR 8.24, 95% CI 4.16-16.3 [p < 0.001] for HR-/HER2+). LVI was associated with a lower likelihood of avoiding ALND (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.18-0.43; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ALND was avoided in 41% of cN1 patients after NAC. Increased BMI and LVI were associated with lower retrieval rates of three or more SLNs. ALND avoidance rates varied with receptor status, grade, and LVI. These factors help select patients most likely to avoid ALND.

Correction to: Is Low-Volume Disease in the Sentinel Node After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy an Indication for Axillary Dissection?

The following are corrections to the original article.

Changing the Default: A Prospective Study of Reducing Discharge Opioid Prescription after Lumpectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Whether routinely prescribed opioids are necessary for pain control after discharge among lumpectomy/sentinel node biopsy (Lump/SLNB) patients is unclear. We hypothesize that Lump/SLNB patients could be discharged without opioids, with a failure rate < 10%. This study prospectively examines outcomes after changing standard discharge prescription from an opioid/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to NSAID/acetaminophen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Standard discharge pain medication orders included opioids in the first 3-month study period and were changed to NSAID/acetaminophen in the second 3-month period. Patient-reported medication consumption and pain scores were collected by post-discharge survey. Frequency of discharge with opioid, NSAID/acetaminophen failure rate, opioid use, and pain scores were examined. RESULTS: From May to October 2019, 663 patients had Lump/SLNB: 371 in the opioid study period and 292 in the NSAID period. In the opioid period, 92% (342/371) of patients were prescribed an opioid at discharge; of 142 patients who documented opioid use on the survey, 86 (61%) used zero tablets. Among 56 (39%) patients who used opioids, the median number taken by POD 5 was 4. After the change to NSAID/acetaminophen, rates of opioid prescription decreased to 14% (41/292). The NSAID/acetaminophen failure rate was 2% (5/251). Among survey respondents, there was no significant difference in the maximum reported pain scores (POD 1-5) between the opioid period and the NSAID period (p = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS: In Lump/SLNB patients, a change to default discharge with NSAID/acetaminophen resulted in a 78% absolute reduction in opioid prescription, with a failure rate of 2% and no difference in patient-reported pain scores. Most Lump/SLNB patients can be discharged with NSAID/acetaminophen.

Microscopic Extracapsular Extension in Sentinel Lymph Nodes Does Not Mandate Axillary Dissection in Z0011-Eligible Patients.

BACKGROUND: In the ACOSOG (American College of Surgeons Oncology Group) Z0011 trial and the AMAROS (After Mapping of the Axilla: Radiotherapy or Surgery?) trial, matted nodes with gross extracapsular extension (ECE), a risk factor for locoregional recurrence, were an indication for axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), but the effect of microscopic ECE (mECE) in the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) on recurrence was not examined. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2017, 811 patients with cT1-2N0 breast cancer and SLN metastasis were prospectively managed according to Z0011 criteria, with ALND for those with more than two positive SLNs or gross ECE. Management of mECE was not specified. In this study, we compare outcomes of patients with one to two positive SLNs with and without mECE, treated with SLN biopsy alone (n = 685). RESULTS: Median patient age was 58 years, and median tumor size was 1.7 cm. mECE was identified in 210 (31%) patients. Patients with mECE were older, had larger tumors, and were more likely to be hormone receptor positive and HER2 negative, have two positive SLNs, and receive nodal radiation. At a median follow-up of 41 months, no isolated axillary failures were observed. There were 11 nodal recurrences; two supraclavicular ± axillary, four synchronous with breast, and five with distant failure. The five-year rate of any nodal recurrence was 1.6% and did not differ by mECE (2.3% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.84). No differences were observed in local (p = 0.08) or distant (p = 0.31) recurrence rates by mECE status. CONCLUSIONS: In Z0011-eligible patients, nodal recurrence rates in patients with mECE are low after treatment with SLN biopsy alone, even in the absence of routine nodal radiation. The presence of mECE should not be considered a routine indication for ALND.