Mid- and long-term risk of atrial fibrillation among breast cancer surgery survivors.

BACKGROUND: The risk of incident atrial fibrillation (AF) among breast cancer survivors, especially for younger women, and cancer treatment effects on the association remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the risk of AF among breast cancer survivors and evaluate the association by age group, length of follow-up, and cancer treatment. METHODS: Using data from the Korean Health Insurance Service database (2010-2017), 113,232 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer (aged ≥ 18 years) without prior AF history who underwent breast cancer surgery were individually matched 1:5 by birth year to a sample female population without cancer (n = 566,160) (mean[SD] follow-up, 5.1[2.1] years). Sub-distribution hazard ratios (sHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) considering death as a competing risk were estimated, adjusting for sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular/non-cardiovascular comorbidities. RESULTS: BCS had a slightly increased AF risk compared to their cancer-free counterparts (sHR 1.06; 95% CI 1.00-1.13), but the association disappeared over time. Younger BCS (age < 40 years) had more than a 2-fold increase in AF risk (sHR 2.79; 95% CI 1.98-3.94), with the association remaining similar over 5 years of follow-up. The increased risk was not observed among older BCS, especially those aged > 65 years. Use of anthracyclines was associated with increased AF risk among BCS (sHR 1.57; 95% CI 1.28-1.92), which was more robust in younger BCS (sHR 1.94; 95% CI 1.40-2.69 in those aged ≤ 50 years). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that younger BCS had an elevated risk of incident AF, regardless of the length of follow-up. Use of anthracyclines may be associated with increased mid-to-long-term AF risk among BCS.

Cutting Healthcare Costs with Hematoma-Directed Ultrasound-Guided Breast Lumpectomy.

BACKGROUND: Localization of nonpalpable breast lesions for breast-conserving surgery (BCS) remains highly variable and includes needle/wire localization (NL), radioactive seed localization, radar localization, and hematoma-directed ultrasound-guided (HUG) lumpectomy. The superiority of HUG lumpectomy over NL has been demonstrated repeatedly in terms of safety, accuracy, low positive margin rates, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction. In this study, we evaluate the cost effectiveness of HUG lumpectomy over NL for nonpalpable breast lesions. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 569 patients who underwent lumpectomy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences from May 2014 through December 2017. Lumpectomies were stratified by localization technique, i.e. NL versus HUG. A cost-savings estimate was determined for the HUG localization technique, and a total amount of dollars saved over the study period was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, 569 lumpectomies were performed: 501 (88.0%) via HUG and 68 (12.0%) via NL. Intraoperative ultrasound was used in 566 operations (99.5%). Of the lumpectomies performed by HUG, 190 lesions (33.4%) were visible only on mammogram or breast magnetic resonance imaging prior to diagnostic core needle biopsy (CNB). Cost estimates comparing HUG with NL demonstrated a cost savings of $497.00 per procedure, the cost of preoperative needle localization by a radiologist, and a total of $94,430.00 for the study period. CONCLUSION: In utilizing HUG lumpectomy, the initial CNB serves as the diagnostic and localization procedure, thus saving time and a painful second procedure on the day of operation. HUG lumpectomy is safe, accurate, reduces healthcare costs, and results in a better patient experience for the surgical removal of nonpalpable breast lesions.

The tale of two stories: Challenges and innovations in breast cancer management.

The keynote address The Tale of Two Stories: Challenges and Innovations in Breast Cancer Management presented on March 19-20, 2017 at the celebratory Festschrift Lecture in honor of the great Dr. LaSalle Leffall's on behalf of his impact and contributions to the field of Breast cancer science and treatment as a leader, surgeon, and mentor. This presentation and follow up opinion paper in the field of Breast Disease highlights the challenges that have baffled us and the innovations that have changed and translated into outcomes and those that have not. Where do they parallel and what are the gaps?

Insurance coverage mandates: Impact of physician utilization in moderating colorectal cancer screening rates.

Precision public health requires research that supports innovative systems and health delivery approaches, programs, and policies that are part of this vision. This study estimated the effects of health insurance mandate (HiM) variations and the effects of physician utilization on moderating colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. A time-series analysis using a difference-in-difference-in-differences (DDD) approach was conducted on CRC screenings (1997-2014) using a multivariate logistic framework. Key variables of interest were HiM, CRC screening status, and physician utilization. The adjusted average marginal effects from the DDD model indicate that physician utilization increased the probability of being "up-to-date" vs. non-compliance by 9.9% points (p = 0.007), suggesting that an estimated 8.85 million additional age-eligible persons would receive a CRC screening with HiM and routine physician visits. Routine physician visits and mandates that lower out-of-pocket expenses constitute an effective approach to increasing CRC screenings for persons ready to take advantage of such policies.

Colorectal cancer screening in rural and poor-resourced communities.

To test the efficacy of a community-based intervention, Empowering Communities for Life (EC4L), designed to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening through fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in rural underserved communities in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized into 3 groups (2 interventions and 1 control). Interventions were delivered by community lay health workers or by academic health professionals. The main outcome of interest was return rate of FOBT screening kit within 60 days. Participants included 330 screening-eligible adults. The overall return rate of FOBT kits within 60 days was 32%. The professional group (Arm 2) had the highest proportion of returned FOBTs within 60 days at 42% (n = 46/110), a significantly higher return rate than the lay group (Arm 1) [28%(n = 29/103);P = 0.0422] or control group (Arm 3) [25%(n = 29/117);P = 0.0099]. Thus, one arm (Arm 2) of our intervention produced significantly higher CRC screening through FOBT. Community-based participation partnered with academic health professionals enhanced CRC screening among rural and poor-resourced communities.

Germline Genetic Variants in TEK, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, MMP9, FGF2 and VEGFA Are Associated with Pathologic Complete Response to Bevacizumab in Breast Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported improved pathologic complete response (pCR) in a prospective phase II study using neoadjuvant bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone in breast cancer patients (41% vs. 25%, p = 0.0291). In this study, we queried germline single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in angiogenesis-related genes for their impact on pCR and overall survival (OS). METHODS: DNA for genotyping was available from 34 subjects who received bevacizumab in addition to chemotherapy and 29 subjects who did not. Using Illumina® technology, we queried 504 SNPs with a minor allele frequency (MAF) of at least 5%, located in 10 angiogenesis-related genes, for their effect on pCR via logistic regression with an additive-inheritance model while adjusting for race and bevacizumab treatment. SNPs that showed significant associations with pCR were selected for additional characterization. RESULTS: After adjusting for race and tumor type, patients who had bevacizumab added to their neoadjuvant therapy were found to experience a significantly improved rate of pCR compared to patients who did not (adjusted OR 8.40, 95% CI 1.90-37.1). When patients were analyzed for SNP effects via logistic regression with race and bevacizumab treatment included as covariates, two SNPs in angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), six in ANGPT2, three in fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), four in matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), three in tyrosine kinase, endothelial (TEK) and two in vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were associated with pCR (P<0.05). However, when overall survival was considered, there was no difference between treatment groups or between genotypes. CONCLUSION: Genetic variability in TEK, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, FGF2, MMP9 and VEGFA is associated with pCR in bevacizumab-treated patients. Consistent with other studies, adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy did not impact OS, likely due to other factors and thus, while SNPs in TEK, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, FGF2, MMP9 and VEGFA were associated with pCR, they were not predictive of OS in this patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00203502.

Combined neoadjuvant chemotherapy with bevacizumab improves pathologic complete response in patients with hormone receptor negative operable or locally advanced breast cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pathologic complete response (pCR) and safety of bevacizumab (B) with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting of breast cancer (BC). METHODS: A prospective single-arm, single-institution phase II trial for women with stage IIA-B/IIIA-B-C BC. Patients received neoadjuvant docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, B every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by doxorubicin every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by surgery. After healing, B was given every 3 weeks for 9 cycles. Radiation therapy, trastuzumab and endocrine therapy were given as indicated. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of 40 patients were evaluable. Median age of participants was 45 years (range, 26 to 72 y). The most serious grade ≥3 adverse events were infection (4), congestive heart failure (2), and pulmonary embolism (1). Thirty-eight of 39 patients underwent surgery. The pCR rate was 41% (16/39), significantly higher than the null-hypothesis rate of 25% (P=0.0204). Rates of pCR were 52% (15/29) in ductal carcinoma compared with 10% (1/10) in nonductal disease (P=0.021), and 59% (10/17) in estrogen receptor-/progesteron receptor- patients compared with 27% (6/22) among patient with at least one positive hormone receptor (P=0.047). African Americans (AA) had 75% pCR (9/12), whereas Whites had only 28% pCR (7/25; P=0.0069), possibly in part because 100% of AA (12/12) had ductal carcinoma compared with only 64% (16/25) of Whites (P=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy with B improved pCR in BC patients, but was associated with significant toxicity and rare but very serious complications. The improvement was more pronounced in AA patients, those with ductal carcinoma, and those with estrogen receptor-/progesteron receptor - BC.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00203502.

Reducing cancer disparities through community engagement in policy development: the role of cancer councils.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S and a source of large racial and ethnic disparities in population health. Policy development is a powerful but sometimes overlooked public health tool for reducing cancer burden and disparities. Along with other partners in the public health system, community-based organizations such as local cancer councils can play valuable roles in developing policies that are responsive to community needs and in mobilizing resources to support policy adoption and implementation. This paper examines the current and potential roles played by local cancer councils to reduce cancer burden and disparities. Responsive public health systems require vehicles for communities to engage in policy development. Cancer councils provide promising models of engagement. Untapped opportunities exist for enhancing policy development through cancer councils, such as expanding targets of engagement to include private-sector stakeholders and expanding methods of engagement utilizing the Affordable Care Act's Prevention and Public Health Fund.

Evaluating coalition capacity to strengthen community-academic partnerships addressing cancer disparities.

The Arkansas Cancer Connection Program is a community-academic partnership between the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and nine community-based coalitions designed to address cancer health disparities through community-based participatory research. In 2005, a survey measuring coalition capacity was administered to 51 Cancer Council members to assess training needs and increase coalition capacity. The highest scoring components were leadership and member engagement while the lowest were development and capacity effectiveness. Effectiveness correlated with aspects of coalition capacity. The evaluation identified training needs, which were met by projects leveraging the coalition's strengths to advance community-based participatory research addressing cancer disparities.

Oncologic safety of nipple skin-sparing or total skin-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Success with skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) has led to the reconsideration of the necessity to remove the skin overlying the nipple-areola complex. The aim of our study was to compare complications and local recurrence in patients undergoing SSM and total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSSM) with immediate reconstruction. METHODS: This IRB-approved retrospective study involved patients who underwent mastectomy with reconstruction (1998 to 2010). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, type of surgery, cosmesis, postoperative complications, and recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: The 293 patients in our study group had a total of 508 procedures: 281 TSSMs and 227 SSMs, distributed among 215 patients with bilateral procedures and 78 with unilateral operations. Mean age was 51.2 ± 10.9 years for TSSM and 53.1 ± 11.5 years for SSM. The average tumor size was 1.9 ± 1.6 cm for TSSM versus 2.1 ± 1.7 cm for the SSM group. The overall complication rate (TSSM 7.1% [20 of 281] and SSM 6.2% [14 of 227], p = 0.67) and local-regional recurrence rate (TSSM 6% [7 of 152] and SSM 5.0% [7 of 141], p = 0.89) were comparable. The TSSM rating was significantly higher (score 9.2 ± 1.1) than the SSM group (score 8.3 ± 1.9, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: TSSM appears to be oncologically safe with superior cosmesis, affords one-step immediate reconstruction, and can be offered to patients with stages I and II breast cancer and those who have been down-staged with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Ronda S. Henry-Tillman, MD, FACS.

Dr Henry-Tillman was recently appointed as a member of the Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This committee assists the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH) and the NIH in addressing scientific, legal, and ethical issues affecting the health of the nation's women through biomedical and behavioral research and related career opportunities. The ORWH was established in 1990 by the NIH and statutorily mandated by Congress in 1993 as a mechanism for eliciting advice and recommendations on priority issues affecting women's health research. Advisory committee members are expected to provide guidance in such areas as refinement of the NIH's women's health research agenda, exploration of questions regarding gender difference in clinical drug trials, development of methodologies that enhance research on health needs of women, and monitoring the inclusion of women in clinical trials funded by the NIH. The director of the Office of Research on Women's Health is Dr Vivian W. Pinn, former president of the National Medical Association.

Stage migration with sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Axillary staging provides the single most important piece of prognostic information in breast cancer patients. This retrospective study was performed to document the phenomenon of stage migration. METHODS: Of 392 patients, 5 (1%) failed identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and therefore underwent axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Four patients (80%) had metastatic lymph nodes, 302 (77%) patients had negative SLNs, 47 (15%) underwent ALND, 85 (22%) had positive SLNs, 11 (13%) received adjuvant radiation treatment to the axilla, and 74 (87%) underwent completion ALND. RESULTS: The median (quartiles) follow-up period was 29 months (19-46 mo). Twenty of 392 (5%) patients had disease relapse; 2 of which were local (.5%) and the rest were systemic. Earlier relapse was related significantly to lymph node status, tumor grade, and tumor size. SLN-negative patients who did not receive ALND had a relapse rate of 2.3% (6 of 256) compared with 0% in those who were truly negative based on confirmatory ALND. SLN-positive patients who did not receive ALND had a 9% (1 of 11) relapse rate. DISCUSSION: The stage-matched pattern of relapse between SLN biopsy and ALND patients revealed lower relapse rates in SLN biopsy-staged patients, documenting the stage migration phenomenon.

Axillary reverse mapping: mapping and preserving arm lymphatics may be important in preventing lymphedema during sentinel lymph node biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Several recent reports have shown a lymphedema rate of about 7% with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) only. We hypothesized that this higher than expected rate of lymphedema may be secondary to disruption of arm lymphatics during an SLNB procedure. STUDY DESIGN: This IRB-approved study, from May 2006 to June 2007, involved patients undergoing SLNB with or without axillary lymph node dissection. After sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization with subareolar technetium was assured, 2 to 5 mL of dermal blue dye was injected in the upper inner arm for localization of lymphatics draining the arm (axillary reverse mapping, ARM). The SLNB was then performed through an incision in the axilla. Data were collected on identification rates of hot versus blue nodes, variations in ARM lymphatic drainage that might impact SLNB, crossover between the hot and the blue lymphatics, and final pathologic nodal diagnosis. RESULTS: Median age was 57.6+/-12.5 years. Lymphatics draining the arm were near or in the SLN field in 42.7% (56 of 131) of the patients, placing the patient at risk for disruption if not identified and preserved during an SLNB or axillary lymph node dissection. ARM demonstrated that arm lymphatics do not cross over with the SLN drainage of the breast 96.1% of the time and that none of the ARM lymph nodes removed were positive, even when the SLN was (5 of 12). Seven (5.5%) blue ARM lymphatics were juxtaposed to the hot SLNBs. CONCLUSIONS: Disruption of the blue ARM node because of proximity to the hot SLN may explain the surprisingly high rate of lymphedema seen after SLNB. Identifying and preserving the ARM blue nodes may translate into a lower incidence of lymphedema with SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection.

The receptor expression pattern in ductal carcinoma in situ predicts recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is based on size and pathologic morphology. We hypothesized that as with invasive breast cancer, receptor expression in DCIS is important for predicting recurrence. METHODS: Retrospective review from 1990 through 2002 identified 94 DCIS patients who had documented estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), p53, Her-2/neu (HER), tumor characteristics, type of surgery, use of radiation or tamoxifen, and site of recurrence. RESULTS: Median age and tumor size was 57.5 years and 2.0 cm, respectively. Median follow-up was 4 years. Overall recurrence rate was 6%. The ER-positive/PR-negative/HER-positive receptor pattern represented 50% (3 of 6) of total recurrences (P = .01). The length of disease-free-survival in the ER-positive/PR-negative/HER-positive receptor pattern was significantly shorter than in the rest of the patients (P = .0011). COMMENTS: Receptor expression may be important in DCIS for predicting recurrence. HER positivity, even with ER positivity, is significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence.

Prevention of nausea and vomiting following breast surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of nausea and vomiting in women following breast surgery (PONV) under general anesthesia (GA), before and after the introduction of a standardized prophylactic anti-emetic (AE) regimen. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of eligible patients, between July 2001 and March 2003. Patients operated on before September 2002 had standard preoperative care (old cohort [OC]); patients operated on after September 2002 were treated prophylactically with oral dronabinol 5 mg and rectal prochlorperazine 25 mg (new cohort [NC]). Data were collected from hospital records regarding age, diagnosis, comorbid conditions, previous anesthesia history, anesthesia and operative details, episodes PONV, and use of AE. The rate and severity of PONV was calculated for both cohorts. RESULTS: Two hundred forty-two patients were studied: 127 patients in the OC and 115 patients in the NC. The median age was 56 years (range 32 to 65). The rate of nausea and vomiting were significantly better in the patients treated prophylactically with dronabinol and prochlorperazine (59% vs. 15%, P < .0001 and 29% vs. 3%, P < .0001). Twenty patients in the OC were given some prophylactic AE treatment and 12 (60%) of them required further treatment; only 12 of 109 patients (11%) in the NC required further AE treatment (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: PONV is a significant problem in breast surgical patients. Preoperative treatment with dronabinol and prochlorperazine significantly reduced the number and severity of episodes of PONV.

Total skin-sparing mastectomy without preservation of the nipple-areola complex.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSM) including where the skin overlying the nipple and areola is preserved would be oncologically safe and facilitate improved cosmetic reconstruction. METHODS: A review (May 2003 through January 2005) was completed on all procedures that were performed through an inframammary incision or a previous scar with reconstruction using Botox, AlloDerm, and a subpectoral tissue implant. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients had 50 TSMs. Twelve percent (6/50) of TSMs had the skin of the nipple and areola resected: 4 (14% of tumors) because of tumor involvement and 2 (4%) because of skin necrosis. Fourteen percent of patients had other complications: 4% (2/50) had infection and/or flap necrosis and 10% (5/50) had superficial epidermolysis requiring no intervention, for a total complication rate of 18%. Average cosmetic score was 8.5 (range 4 to 10). No recurrences are evident after mean follow-up of 7.9 +/- 5.4 months. CONCLUSION: Our short-term experience suggests that TSM has an acceptable complication rate, is theoretically oncologically safe, and facilitates an improved cosmetic result.

Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging and pathologic size of infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND: Determining the extent of infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILCA) in the breast is difficult. This study was designed to determine if the size of ILCA on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlated with final pathology. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients between 1998 and 2004, who were evaluated for extent of ILCA prior to definitive treatment, was conducted. Demographic data and radiology and pathology results were obtained. Spearman correlation coefficient was used. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (median age 62 years) had MRI of breast. Fourteen patients (48%) had contralateral MRIs; 13 (45%) normal; 1 (8%) prompted core biopsy; 6 of 13 patients underwent contralateral mastectomies, which were benign. The distribution of tumor size was: T1 = 15 (52%); T2 = 7 (24%); T3 = 5 (17%); T4 = 2 (7%). Spearman correlation coefficient between tumor size on ultrasound and MRI with pathology was .19 (P = .5) and .88 (P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSION: MRI provided superior correlation between tumor size and pathology.

Botulinum toxin infiltration for pain control after mastectomy and expander reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: We hypothesized botulinum toxin (BT) infiltration of the chest wall musculature after mastectomy would create a prolonged inhibition of muscle spasm and postoperative pain, facilitating tissue expander reconstruction. METHODS: An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved prospective study was conducted of all patients undergoing mastectomy with tissue expander placement during a 2-year period. Study patients versus controls had 100 units of diluted BT injected into the pectoralis major, serratus anterior, and rectus abdominis insertion. Pain was scored using a visual analog scale of 0 to 10. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for continuous variables and the chi2 test for nominal level data to test for significance. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were entered into the study; 22 (46%) with and 26 (54%) without BT infiltration. Groups were comparable in terms of age (55 +/- 11 years versus 52 +/- 10 years; P = 0.46), bilateral procedure (59% versus 61%; P = 0.86), tumor size (2 +/- 2 cm versus 2 +/- 3 cm; P = 0.4), expander size and volume (429 +/- 119 mL versus 510 +/- 138 mL; P = 0.5). The BT group did significantly better with pain postoperatively (score of 3 +/- 1 versus 7 +/- 2; P < 0.0001), during initial (score of 2 +/- 2 versus 6 +/- 3; P = 1.6 x 10(-6)), and final expansion (1 +/- 1 versus 3 +/- 2; P = 0.009). Volume of expansion per session was greater thus expansion sessions required less in the BT group (5 +/- 1 versus 7 +/- 3; P = 0.025). There was a significant increase in narcotic use in control patients in the first 24 hours (17 +/- 10 mg versus 3 +/- 3 mg; P < 0.0001), initial as well as final expansion periods (P = 0.0123 and 0.0367, respectively). One expander in the BT group versus 5 in the control group required removal (P = 0.13). There were no BT-related complications. CONCLUSION: Muscular infiltration of botulinum toxin for mastectomy and tissue expander placement significantly reduced postoperative pain and discomfort without complications.

Intraoperative subareolar radioisotope injection for immediate sentinel lymph node biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the identification of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients after intraoperative injection of unfiltered technetium-99m sulfur colloid (Tc-99) and blue dye. BACKGROUND: SLNB guided by a combination of radioisotope and blue dye injection yields the best identification rates in breast cancer patients. Radioisotope is given preoperatively, without local anesthesia, whereas blue dye is given intraoperatively. We hypothesized that, because of the rapid drainage noted with the subareolar injection technique of radioisotope, intraoperative injection would be feasible and less painful for SLN localization in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Intraoperative injection of Tc-99 and confirmation blue dye was performed using the subareolar technique for SLNB in patients with operable breast cancer. The time lapse between injection and axillary incision, the background count, the preincision and ex vivo counts of the hot nodes, and the axillary bed counts were documented. The identification rate was recorded. RESULTS: Ninety-six SLNB procedures were done in 88 patients with breast cancer employing intraoperative subareolar injection technique for both radioisotope (all 96 procedures) and blue dye (93 procedures) injections. Ninety-three (97%) procedures had successful identification; all SLNs were hot; 91 (of 93 procedures with blue dye) were blue and hot. The mean time from radioisotope injection to incision was 19.9 minutes (SD 8.5 minutes). The mean highest 10 second count was 88,544 (SD 55,954). Three of 96 (3%) patients with failure of localization had previous excisional biopsies: 1 circumareolar and 2 upper outer quadrant incisions that may have disrupted the lymphatic flow. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative subareolar injection of radioisotope rapidly drains to the SLNs and allows immediate staging of the axilla, avoiding the need to coordinate diagnostic services and a painful preoperative procedure.