BACKGROUND: This pilot study evaluates the feasibility of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients. METHODS: This study included 72 women with new breast cancer diagnosis, tumor size <2 cm, and clinically negative axilla. At the time of surgery, 2 mL of dermal blue patent were injected intradermally, subcutaneously, and intramuscularly in the ipsilateral upper inner arm in order to map and preserve the lymphatics of the arm. Blue arm lymphatics were preserved when in SLNB field. Microsurgical lymphatic-venous anastomosis (LYMPHA) was performed in women who underwent ALND. RESULTS: In 27 of 72 patients (37.5%), the blue lymphatics draining the arm were observed in the SLNB field. In all these patients, the blue lymphatics were preserved. During ALND, the blue lymphatics draining the arm were visible in 8 out of 9 patients (88.9%); in all these women, the LYMPHA procedure was performed. All ARM blue nodes removed during ALND were negative for malignancy. At 9-month follow-up, no patient had lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Arm lymphatic drainage can be observed in the SLNB field in 37.5% of the cases. Using the ARM during SLNB may facilitate the preservation of lymphatics draining the arm.
BACKGROUND: This pilot study evaluates the feasibility of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) during sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancerpatients. METHODS: This study included 72 women with new breast cancer diagnosis, tumor size <2 cm, and clinically negative axilla. At the time of surgery, 2 mL of dermal blue patent were injected intradermally, subcutaneously, and intramuscularly in the ipsilateral upper inner arm in order to map and preserve the lymphatics of the arm. Blue arm lymphatics were preserved when in SLNB field. Microsurgical lymphatic-venous anastomosis (LYMPHA) was performed in women who underwent ALND. RESULTS: In 27 of 72 patients (37.5%), the blue lymphatics draining the arm were observed in the SLNB field. In all these patients, the blue lymphatics were preserved. During ALND, the blue lymphatics draining the arm were visible in 8 out of 9 patients (88.9%); in all these women, the LYMPHA procedure was performed. All ARM blue nodes removed during ALND were negative for malignancy. At 9-month follow-up, no patient had lymphedema. CONCLUSIONS: Arm lymphatic drainage can be observed in the SLNB field in 37.5% of the cases. Using the ARM during SLNB may facilitate the preservation of lymphatics draining the arm.
Authors: Jung Woo Han; Yu Jeong Seo; Jung Eun Choi; Su Hwan Kang; Young Kyung Bae; Soo Jung Lee Journal: J Breast Cancer Date: 2012-03-28 Impact factor: 3.588
Authors: Elisabeth G Klompenhouwer; Paul D Gobardhan; Martinus A Beek; Adri C Voogd; Ernest J T Luiten Journal: Trials Date: 2013-04-25 Impact factor: 2.279