Reducing axillary surgery in breast cancer / Reduciendo la cirugía axilar en el cáncer de mama

This article provides a brief account of the recent evolution of the highly controversial surgical management of the positive axilla in patients with breast cancer, an issue still open to disparate surgical procedures. This short review highlights the reports that supply the rationale for current trends in reducing the aggressiveness of this surgery and discusses the course of the trials still in progress pointing in the same direction, thus supporting the principle of not performing axillary lymph node dissection for staging purposes alone.(AU)

Este artículo es un breve resumen de la reciente evolución del controvertido tratamiento quirúrgico de la axila en pacientes con cáncer de mama, que sigue estando abierto a procedimientos quirúrgicos demasiado dispares. Esta corta revisión destaca las publicaciones que constituyen la base lógica de las tendencias actuales hacia la reducción de la agresividad quirúrgica y recalca los ensayos clínicos aún en progreso apuntando en esta misma dirección, apoyando así el principio de evitar la linfadenectomía axilar solo por razones de estadiaje.(AU)

Reducing axillary surgery in breast cancer.

This article provides a brief account of the recent evolution of the highly controversial surgical management of the positive axilla in patients with breast cancer, an issue still open to disparate surgical procedures. This short review highlights the reports that supply the rationale for current trends in reducing the aggressiveness of this surgery and discusses the course of the trials still in progress pointing in the same direction, thus supporting the principle of not performing axillary lymph node dissection for staging purposes alone.

Current management of patients with cutaneous melanoma with a positive sentinel lymph node / Tratamiento actual de pacientes con melanoma cutáneo y ganglio centinela positivo

Abstract Introduction : Immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) performed in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) cutaneous melanoma is not associated with improved melanoma specific survival versus active surveillance (AS) using nodal ul trasound. Clinical practice experience and outcomes of AS and adjuvant therapy is now starting to be published in literature. Methods : Retrospective analysis of patients with a positive-SLNB between June/2017-February/2022. Impact of management on any-site recurrence free survival (RFS), isolated nodal recurrence (INR), distant metasta sis-free survival (DMFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) was evaluated. Results : From 126 SLNB, 31 (24.6%) were positive: 24 received AS and 7 CLND. Twenty-one (68%) received ad juvant therapy (AS, 67% and CLND, 71%). With a median follow-up of 18 months, 10 patients developed recur rent disease with an estimated 2-yr RFS of 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% in AS group vs. 43% in dissection group; P = 0.65). Four died of melanoma with an estimated 2-yr MSS of 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92) and no differences between AS and CLND groups (P = 0.21). Estimated 2-yr DMFS of the whole cohort was 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88) with no differences between groups (P = 0.33). Conclusion : Active surveillance strategy has been adopted for most positive-SLNB cutaneous melanoma patients. Adjuvant therapy without immediate CLND was delivered in nearly 70% of patients. Our results align with outcomes of randomized control trials and previous real-world data.

Resumen Introducción : La linfadenectomía inmediata (LI) re alizada en pacientes con biopsia de ganglio centinela (BGC) positivo por melanoma cutáneo no está asociada a mejoría en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad vs. vigilancia activa (VA). Resultados oncológicos y experi encia en la práctica clínica con dicha conducta asociados a tratamiento adyuvante comienzan a ser publicados en la literatura. Métodos : Análisis retrospectivo incluyendo paci entes con BGC-positiva por melanoma cutáneo entre junio/2017-febrero/2022. Se evaluó impacto del manejo en: supervivencia libre de recurrencia (SLR), recurren cia ganglionar aislada (RGA), supervivencia libre de metástasis a distancia (SLMD) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Resultados : De 126 pacientes, 31 (24.6%) fueron positi vos: en 24 se realizó VA y en 7 LI. Veintiún pacientes (68%) recibieron tratamiento adyuvante (VA, 67% y LI, 71%). Con una media de seguimiento de 18 meses, 10 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad con una SLR estimada a 2 años del 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% en VA vs. 43% en LI; P = 0.65). Cuatro murieron de melanoma con una SLE a 2 años del 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92); sin diferencia entre ambos grupos (P = 0.21). La SLMD a 2 años de toda la cohorte fue de 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88; P = 0.33). Conclusión : La vigilancia activa se ha adoptado como conducta para la mayoría de los pacientes con BGC-positivo. El tratamiento adyuvante sin linfadenectomía inmediata se realizó en cerca del 70% de nuestra serie. Los resultados de nuestra serie son similares a los re portados en la literatura.

Biopsia del ganglio centinela y disección axilar dirigida en mujeres con cáncer de mama y axila positiva en el momento del diagnóstico: caminando hacia el futuro / Sentinel node biopsy and targeted axillary dissection in women with positive axilla breast cancer at diagnosis: walking into the future

Objetivo: conocer la tasa de concordancia del ganglio marcado con semilla Magseed® con el ganglio centinela marcado mediante tecnecio, en las pacientes con enfermedad ganglionar en el momento del diagnóstico que han recibido tratamiento neoadyuvante. Pacientes y métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 44 mujeres diagnosticadas de carcinoma de mama estadios cT1-4/cN1/cM0, que recibieron quimioterapia neoadyuvante entre enero 2016 y diciembre 2020, y que tras una reevaluación radiológica se realizaron una cirugía mamaria con ganglio centinela en el Hospital General Universitario de Alicante. En las pacientes cN1 con respuesta radiológica axilar completa, la detección del ganglio centinela se llevó a cabo mediante doble técnica, extrayéndose por lo menos 3 ganglios. Además, se realizó una disección axilar dirigida mediante semilla magnética Magseed®, para su correcta localización y escisión. Resultados: la tasa de concordancia al realizar la disección axilar dirigida fue del 93,2%. La tasa de respuesta completa tras la quimioterapia neoadyuvante fue del 45,45%. Conclusiones: la disección axilar dirigida mejora la estadificación axilar tras la quimioterapia neoadyuvante, ya que reduce la tasa de falsos negativos respecto a la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela de manera aislada. (AU)

Objectives:To know the concordance rate of the ganglion marked with Magseed® with the sentinel node marked by technetium, in patients with limph node disease at diagnosis, that had received neoadjuvant treatment. Patients and methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 44 women, diagnosed with stage cT1-4 / cN1 / cM0 breast carcinoma, who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy between January 2016 and December 2020, and who after radiological re-evaluation, have undergone breast surgery with sentinel node at the General University Hospital of Alicante. In cN1 patients with a complete axillary radiological response, detection of the sentinel node is performed using a double technique, removing at least 3 nodes. In addition, axillary dissection directed by Magseed® magnetic seed is performed, for its correct location and excision. Results: The concordance rate when performing targeted axillary dissection was 93.2%. The complete response rate after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 45.45%. Conclusions: Targeted axillary dissection improves the axillary staging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, since it improves the false negative rate with respect to sentinel lymph node biopsy in isolation. (AU)

Predictive factors of non-sentinel lymph node disease in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node.

INTRODUCTION: Management of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer remains a matter of debate. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and identify predictive factors of non-sentinel lymph node metastases. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cN0 breast cancer patients treated between January 2013 and December 2017, with positive SLNB that were submitted to ALND. RESULTS: Of the 328 patients included, the majority of tumors were cT1 or cT2, with lymphovascular invasion in 58.4% of cases. The mean isolated nodes in SLNB was 2.7, with a mean of 1.6 positive nodes, 60.7% with extracapsular extension. Regarding ALND, a mean of 13.9 nodes were isolated, with a mean of 2.1 positive nodes. There was no residual disease in the ALND in 50.9% of patients, with 18.9% having ≥4 positive nodes. In the multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular extension in SLN, largest SLN metastases size (>10 mm) and ratio of positive SNL (>50%) were independent predictors of non-sentinel lymph node metastases. These four factors were used to build a non-pondered score to predict the probability of a positive ALND after a positive SLNB. The AUC of the model was 0.69 and 81% of patients with score = 0 and 65.6% with score = 1 had no additional disease in ALND. CONCLUSION: The absence of non-sentinel lymph node metastases in the majority of patients with 1-2 positive SLN with low risk score questions the need of ALND in this population. The identified predictive factors may help select patients in which ALND can be omitted.

Factores predictivos de metástasis en ganglios no centinela en el cáncer de mama con ganglio centinela positivo / Predictive factors of non-sentinel lymph node disease in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node Mariana Peyroteo

Introducción: Manejo del ganglio centinela positivo en cáncer de mama sigue siendo un tema de debate. El objetivo es evaluar la incidencia e identificar los factores predictivos de metástasis en ganglios no centinela. Métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes con cáncer de mama con axila clínicamente negativa (cN0) tratados entre enero del 2013 y diciembre del 2017, con biopsia de ganglio centinela (BGC) positiva a quienes se les realizó linfadenectomía axilar (LA). Resultados: De los 328 pacientes incluidos, la mayoría tenía tumores cT1 o cT2, con invasión linfovascular en el 58,4% de casos. La media de ganglios detectados en BGC fue 2,7, con una media de 1,6 ganglios positivos, el 60,7% con extensión extracapsular. En LA, una media de 13,9 ganglios fueron detectados, con media de 2,1 ganglios positivos. No se observó metástasis en LA en el 50,9% de los pacientes y el 18,9% tenía ≥ cuatro ganglios positivos. En análisis multivariado, la invasión linfovascular, la extensión extracapsular, la dimensión de mayor metástasis (>10 mm) y la ratio de ganglios centinela positivos (> 50%) fueron factores predictivos independientes de metástasis en ganglios no centinela. Estos factores fueron usados para construir un score para predecir la posibilidad de LA positiva después de BGC positiva. El área bajo la curva ROC (AUC) del modelo fue 0,69 y el 81% de los pacientes con score = 0, y el 65,6% con score = 1 no tenían metástasis en la LA. Conclusión: La ausencia de metástasis en ganglios no centinela en la mayoría de los casos con uno a dos ganglios positivos en la BGC con score de bajo riesgo cuestiona la necesidad de hacer LA en estos pacientes. Los factores predictivos identificados pueden ayudar a seleccionar pacientes para omitir la LA (AU)

Introduction: Management of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer remains a matter of debate. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and identify predictive factors of non-sentinel lymph node metastases. Methods: Retrospective review of all cN0 breast cancer patients treated between January 2013 and December 2017, with positive SLNB that were submitted to ALND.ResultsOf the 328 patients included, the majority of tumors were cT1 or cT2, with lymphovascular invasion in 58.4% of cases. The mean isolated nodes in SLNB was 2.7, with a mean of 1.6 positive nodes, 60.7% with extracapsular extension. Regarding ALND, a mean of 13.9 nodes were isolated, with a mean of 2.1 positive nodes. There was no residual disease in the ALND in 50.9% of patients, with 18.9% having ≥ four positive nodes. In the multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular extension in SLN, largest SLN metastases size (>10 mm) and ratio of positive SNL (> 50%) were independent predictors of non-sentinel lymph node metastases. These four factors were used to build a non-pondered score to predict the probability of a positive ALND after a positive SLNB. The AUC of the model was 0.69 and 81% of patients with score = 0 and 65.6% with score = 1 had no additional disease in ALND. Conclusion: The absence of non-sentinel lymph node metastases in the majority of patients with 1-2 positive SLN with low risk score questions the need of ALND in this population. The identified predictive factors may help select patients in which ALND can be omitted (AU)

Factores predictivos de alta carga residual ganglionar axilar post biopsia de ganglio centinela positiva / Predictive factors of high residual burden in axillary lymph node after positive sentinel node biopsy

El estado axilar es un factor pronóstico para los estadios tempranos de cáncer de mama. Existen factores que podrían predecir riesgo de mayor enfermedad axilar. El objetivo es determinar cuáles son los factores predictivos independientes de alta carga residual ganglionar axilar (4 o más GNC comprometidos) luego de la BGC positiva. Estudio analítico, observacional, cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con tumores T1-2, axila clínicamente negativa, a las que se les realizó cirugía conservadora (CC) y BGC con resultado positivo (marco o micrometástasis) y se les realizó posterior linfadenectomía axilar (LA). Del total de 325 pacientes, 96 tuvieron resultado positivo para metástasis en el ganglio centinela (29,5%) y también se les realizó LA. Se dividió a la población seleccionada en dos grupos según el compromiso de los GNC: baja carga axilar 0-3 GNC positivos, y alta carga axilar 4 o más GNC positivos. Se observaron como factores que demostraron mayor riesgo para alta carga axilar ganglionar residual al grado histológico, ki-67 y la invasión extracapsular en el GC; pero solamente la invasión extracapsular en el GC demostró ser significativa en el análisis multivariado. Probablemente con un mayor número de pacientes otras variables pudieran haber resultado factores de riesgo independiente

Axillary status is a prognostic factor for early stages of breast cáncer. There are predictive factors that might indicate the risk of greater axilary disease. The aim is to determine which are the independent predictive factor sor a high residual axillary nodal burden (four or more non-sentinel lymph nodes involved) after a positive sentinel node biopsy. Retrospective cohort analytic observational study of patients with T1-2 tumors, negative axilla, who underwent breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy with a positive result (macro ­ or micro-metastasis) and later underwent lymph node dissection. Out of the total 325 patients, 96 got a positive result for metástasis in the sentinel lymph node (29.5%) and also underwent lymph node dissection. The selected population was divided into two groups according to the involvement of NSLNs: low axillary burden: 0-3 NSLNs, and high axillary burden: 4 or more positive NSLNs. Among the factors found to have a higher risk of high residual axillary nodal burden were the histologic grade, Ki-67 and the extracapsular invasión of the SLN, but only the extracapsular invasión of the SLN was found to be significant in the multivariate analysis. It is likely that with a higher number of patients, other variables might have been independent risk factors

Predictive factors of non-sentinel lymph node disease in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node. / Factores predictivos de metástasis en ganglios no centinela en el cáncer de mama con ganglio centinela positivo.

INTRODUCTION: Management of positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer remains a matter of debate. Our aim was to evaluate the incidence and identify predictive factors of non-sentinel lymph node metastases. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cN0 breast cancer patients treated between January 2013 and December 2017, with positive SLNB that were submitted to ALND. RESULTS: Of the 328 patients included, the majority of tumors were cT1 or cT2, with lymphovascular invasion in 58.4% of cases. The mean isolated nodes in SLNB was 2.7, with a mean of 1.6 positive nodes, 60.7% with extracapsular extension. Regarding ALND, a mean of 13.9 nodes were isolated, with a mean of 2.1 positive nodes. There was no residual disease in the ALND in 50.9% of patients, with 18.9% having ≥ four positive nodes. In the multivariate analysis, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular extension in SLN, largest SLN metastases size (>10 mm) and ratio of positive SNL (> 50%) were independent predictors of non-sentinel lymph node metastases. These four factors were used to build a non-pondered score to predict the probability of a positive ALND after a positive SLNB. The AUC of the model was 0.69 and 81% of patients with score = 0 and 65.6% with score = 1 had no additional disease in ALND. CONCLUSION: The absence of non-sentinel lymph node metastases in the majority of patients with 1-2 positive SLN with low risk score questions the need of ALND in this population. The identified predictive factors may help select patients in which ALND can be omitted.

Disección axilar dirigida: Nuestra experiencia con el uso de suspensión de carbón activado / Target axillary dissection: Our experience with the use of charcoal suspension

Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de identificación intra operatoria por el médico cirujano de los ganglios marcados con suspensión de carbón activado previo a la neoadyuvancia. El objetivo secundario es determinar la concordancia entre los ganglios linfáticos marcados con carbón y aquellos considerados ganglios centinelas. Material y método: Es un estudio retrospectivo desde el año 2016 hasta el año 2020. Se incluyeron 27 pacientes con cáncer de mama en estadios T1 - T3 que realizaron quimioterapia neoadyuvante y con axila con estadio N1 y N2. Los ganglios axilares biopsiados con resultado positivo fueron marcados con suspensión de carbón activado, posteriormente las pacientes realizaron quimioterapia neoadyuvante. Se evaluó la tasa de detección y concordancia del ganglio marcado con el ganglio centinela durante el procedimiento quirúrgico. Resultados: Del total de pacientes en 20 casos se realizó efectivamente la identificación por inspección visual de la suspensión de carbón activado en la cavidad axilar durante la cirugía. La tasa de detección fue del 74%. Del total de 20 pacientes en los cuales se identificó carbón visualmente en el acto quirúrgico, 16 se sometieron a biopsia de ganglio centinela. En 81% de los casos hubo una coincidencia entre el ganglio marcado con carbón y el ganglio centinela. Conclusión: En nuestro trabajo la tasa de detección intraoperatoria de los ganglios marcados con carbón está en concordancia con lo publicado en la literatura. Esto catapulta a este método de marcación como una alternativa factible para realizar una disección axilar dirigida asegurándole al médico cirujano la resección de una ganglio positivo de inicio para su análisis anatomopatológico de respuesta. Hemos comprobado que la marcación con carbón no interfiere con la técnica estándar utilizada para la biopsia de ganglio centinela sino que su uso en conjunto mejora la técnica dignóstica.

Objetive: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of identification of activated charcoal suspension during surgery in positive lymph nodes before neadjuvant chemotherapy. The secondary objetive is to determine the rate of concordance between the marked lymph nodes and the sentinel lymph nodes. Material and method: A retrospective study that goes from the year 2016 - 2020. It includes 27 patients with breast cancer (T1 - T3) and positive lymph nodes (N1 - N2). Patients with biopsy - confirmed nodal metatases were marked with activated charcoal suspension in the sampled node. After this procedure patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and axillary surgery. The rate of detection and the concordance of the marked lymph node with the sentinel lymph nodes was calculated. Results: Of the 27 patients enrolled in this study in 20, the marked node was detected during surgery. The detection rate was of 74%. Of these 20 patientes, 16 had sentinel node biopsy. There was an 81% rate of concordance between the sentinel lymph node and the tattooed lymph node. Conclusions: In our study, the detection rate of marked lymph node is concordant with the numbers publised by other studies. This shows that axillary lymph node tattooing with activated charcoal suspension is a viable, low cost and precise method when performing targeted axillary dissection. We identified that the tattooing procedure does not affect the standard sentinel node biopsy, in fact, when used together it improves its diagnostic performance.

Major ambulatory surgery in breast diseases. / Cirugía mayor ambulatoria en patología mamaria.

INTRODUCTION: The use of ambulatory surgery (AS) for breast pathology (BP) has increased. The objective of this study is to analyse a group of patients treated surgically for breast pathology in order to evaluate its quality and security in a MAS setting in 2017. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing breast surgery was conducted within an AS programme from January to December 2017 in Consorcio Hospital General Universitario of Valencia (CHGUV). The study analysed the number of patients, exclusion reasons, type of surgical procedures, evolution of substitution rate (SR), rate and causes of conversion to admission, postoperative complications, motives for not being included in the ambulatory programme and the satisfaction rate of the patients treated with ambulatory surgery. This has been compared with a 2013 group. RESULTS: In 2017, 396 procedures for BP were performed: 170 for benign and 226 for malignant disease. The SR for the global mammary pathology was 72.8%. The SR for benign pathology was 93.4% and the SR for malignant pathology was 57.2%, which has increased in recent years from 45.4% in 2013. The unexpected hospitalization rate (HR) of malignant pathologies was 14.1%, while the HR in benign pathologies was 0.6%. Patients hospitalized for malignant pathologies presented higher complications (17%) than ambulatory patients (8.5%) and benign pathologies (6.5%). CONCLUSIONS: At the CHGUV, the SR has steadily increased in malignant pathologies. The unexpected hospitalization rate is determined by perioperative sentinel lymph node biopsy results. AS for the treatment of mammary pathology is efficient and safe.

Comparación entre los melanomas de cabeza y cuello con los de tronco y extremidades / Comparison between head and neck melanomas with trunk and extremity melanomas

Antecedentes: los melanomas en cabeza y cuello (MCC) han sido asociados con factores pronósticos diferentes de aquellos en otras localizaciones. Objetivo: comparar características demográficas, clínicas y resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de pacientes con MCC y pacientes con melanomas en tronco y extremidades (MTE). Material y métodos: se llevó a cabo una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de pacientes operados por melanoma entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2017. Quince pacientes (22,3%) tuvieron MCC y 52 (77,7%) MTE. Resultados: ambos grupos tuvieron edad similar (63,8 ± 21,1 versus 58,5 ± 16), pero los MCC mostraron una tendencia con predominio masculino (80% versus 61,3%). Los MCC tuvieron menor espesor tumoral que los MTE (2,07 versus 5,5 mm) y mayor porcentaje de melanoma in situ, 5 (33,3%) versus 8 (15,3%), pero requirieron vaciamientos ganglionares más a menudo (33% versus 25%) así como reconstrucción del defecto primario con colgajos locales y miocutáneos. Durante el seguimiento, en el grupo de MCC, dos pacientes desarrollaron recidivas locales que fueron extirpadas, y otros tres desarrollaron metástasis a distancia en pulmón, intestino delgado y abdomen y fallecieron por la enfermedad; en el grupo de MTE un paciente tuvo recidiva local y cinco fallecieron de metástasis sistémicas. El tamaño de la muestra no permitió aplicar pruebas de significación entre las diferencias encontradas. Conclusión: los MCC se presentan en un amplio rango de edad y estadios, y tuvieron algunas diferencias clínicas con el MTE. Los defectos producidos por la extirpación de la lesión primaria requieren procedimientos reconstructivos más complejos la mayoría de las veces y se aconseja un abordaje multidisciplinario.

Background: Head and neck melanomas (HNMs) have been associated with prognostic factors different from those on other locations. Objective: The goal of the present study was to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics and the outcomes of surgical treatment between patients with HNM and those with trunk and extremity melanoma (TEM). Material and methods: The clinical records of patients undergoing surgery for melanoma between October 2014 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen patients (22.3%) had HNM and 52 (77.7) presented TEM. Results: There were no differences in age between both groups (63.8 ± 21.1 versus 58.5 ± 16), but there was a trend toward higher percentage of men in the HNM group (80% versus 61.3%). Patients with HNM had lower tumor thickness than those with TEM (2.07 versus 5.5 mm), higher incidence of melanoma in situ [5 (33.3%) versus 8 (15.3%)]; lymph node resection was more common (33% versus 25%) as well as reconstruction of the primary defect with local and musculocutaneous flaps. During follow-up, two patients in the HNM group developed local recurrences that were excised and three presented distant metastases in the lung, small bowel and abdomen and finally died due to the disease. In the TEM group, one patient had local recurrence and five died due to systemic metastases. The sample size was not sufficient to assess statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Head and neck melanomas occur in a wide age range and stages and has some clinical differences with TEM. The defects produced after the excision of the primary lesion often require more complex procedures and should be managed with a multidisciplinary approach.

The decline of axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer. Evolution of its indication over the last 20 years. / El declive de la linfadenectomía axilar en el cáncer de mama. Evolución de su indicación durante los últimos 20 años.

INTRODUCTION: In last 20 years, lymph node staging procedures in breast cancer have been modified. The objective of this study is to describe the evolution of these procedures at our hospital. METHODS: A prospective observational study that included women with breast cancer who were treated surgically between 2001 and 2017. Four groups were identified according to the therapeutic regimen and 3 study periods defined by the lymph node dissection. RESULTS: 1319 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary conservative surgery was the most frequent therapy (54.13%), and 615 (46.62%) axillary lymph node dissections (ALND) were performed in the 20-year study period. The percentage of ALND decreased progressively over time, going from 91% in the first period to 34% in the last period. The futile ALND fell to 6.6% in the last year. In the primary conservative surgery, no futile ALND was performed in the last two years. CONCLUSION: The introduction of sentinel lymph node biopsy and the ACOSOG Z0011 criteria have modified the indication for ALND. Thus, ALND without involvement have been reduced, thereby avoiding the associated morbidity. The study demonstrates the progressive decrease in the indication of lymphadenectomy in the different study groups, similar to reports by other authors. Several clinical trials have described that these changes have not negatively impacted survival.

Efficacy and reproducibility of lymphatics mapping technique with sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: The study of the Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) in Melanoma is a procedure that aims the identification of the first node to which the affected cutaneous sector drains in order to avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomies. The present study documents the frequency of identification of SLN; the relationship between positive SLN (PSLN) and recurrence, between the Breslow index (BI) and PSLN, and between BI and disease recurrence. METHOD: We analyzed the records of 148 patients with melanoma stages I and II undergoing lymphatic mapping and GC biopsy from 1999 to 2017 in a third level institution in Córdoba, Argentina. We performed preoperative lympho centellography, lymphatic mapping with combined technique and SLN biopsy. Postoperative controls were established in order to detect recurrences. RESULTS: SLN was identified in 145 patients (97.9%), being positive in 25 cases (17.2%). Recurrence was detected in 10 (8.3%) patients with negative SLN (NSLN), and in 2 (9.09%) with PSLN (p = 0.188). The median BI was 2 mm in PCG patients and 1.2 mm in GCN patients (p = 0.002). The mean BI in patients with recurrence was 2.77 mm, and 2.01 mm in those who did not show relapse (p = 0.311). CONCLUSIONS: The combined technique allows a high GC identification rate. A greater tendency to recurrence was observed in the presence of CPG. A statistically significant relationship between GCP and IB was found. The GC technique is effective and replicable in our environment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El estudio del ganglio centinela (GC) en el melanoma maligno es un procedimiento que busca la identificación del primer ganglio al cual drena el sector cutáneo comprometido a fin de evitar linfadenectomías innecesarias. El presente estudio documenta la frecuencia de identificación del GC y la relación entre GC positivo (GCP) y recurrencia, entre el índice de Breslow (IB) y GCP, y entre el IB y la recurrencia de la enfermedad. MÉTODO: Se analizaron los registros de 148 pacientes con melanoma maligno en estadios I y II sometidos a mapeo linfático y biopsia de GC desde 1999 hasta 2017 en una institución de tercer nivel de Córdoba, Argentina. Se realizaron linfocentellografía preoperatoria, mapeo linfático con técnica combinada y biopsia de GC. Se establecieron controles posoperatorios reglados a fin de detectar recurrencias. RESULTADOS: Se identificó el GC en 145 pacientes (97.9%) y resultó positivo en 22 (17.2%). Se detectó recurrencia en 10 pacientes (8.3%) con GC negativo (GCN), y en 2 (9.09%) con GCP (p = 0.188). La mediana del IB fue de 2 mm en los pacientes con GCP y de 1.2 mm en los pacientes con GCN (p = 0.002). La media del IB en los pacientes con recurrencia fue de 2.77 mm, y en los que no mostraron recaída fue de 2.01 mm (p = 0.311). CONCLUSIONES: La técnica combinada permite una alta tasa de identificación del GC. Se observó una mayor tendencia a la recurrencia en presencia de GCP. Se comprobó una relación estadísticamente significativa entre GCP e IB. La técnica del GC es efectiva y replicable en nuestro medio.

Reporte de nuestra experiencia en la identificación del ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama: comparación entre la técnica de azul patente y la técnica combinada (azul patente + tecnecio 99) / Diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (sln) in the management of breast cancer at Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba: comparison of the detection rate between blue dye (patent blue) technique and combined technique (blue dye + radioactive coloid Tc99)

Objetivo Determinar la capacidad diagnóstica de la técnica del ganglio centinela (gc) en cáncer de mama temprano en el Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba. Comparar la tasa de detección entre la técnica de azul patente y la técnica combinada (azul patente + Tecnecio 99). Material y método Se estudiaron 640 pacientes con cáncer de mama en las que se realizó la biopsia del gc entre los años 2008 y 2016. Fueron divididas en: Grupo 1 (565 pacientes), en el que se utilizó solo azul patente como técnica para su identificación; y Grupo 2 (75 pacientes), en el que se empleó la técnica combinada. El estudio del gc se llevó a cabo con impronta citológica para el examen intraoperatorio y con hematoxilina y eosina (h/e) para el examen diferido. Se concretó la linfadenectomía axilar (la) en aquellos casos donde el gc fue positivo (por congelación o diferido) o bien en los que no pudo ser identificado. Resultados La tasa de detección global del gc fue del 94% (587), siendo del 91% (514) cuando se utilizó solo azul patente y de 97% (73) con la técnica combinada. El 18,6% (109) del total de los gc fueron positivos. La sensibilidad de la impronta citológica del gc fue del 69,7%. Conclusiones La biopsia del gc es el método de elección para la estadificación axilar en el cáncer mama inicial, ya que ha demostrado ser seguro, eficaz y asociarse a una baja morbilidad. Los porcentajes de identificación del gc ascendieron del 91% al 97% con la incorporación del Tc 99. Al comparar con series internacionales y nacionales, no hubo diferencias significativas en cuanto a la sensibilidad y tasa de falsos negativos del método intraoperatorio.

Objectives To determine the diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (sln) in the management of breast cancer at Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba. To compare the detection rate between blue dye (patent blue) technique and combined technique (blue dye + radioactive coloid Tc99). Materials and method 640 breast cancer patients treated with sln were studied between 2008 and 2016. They were divided in 2: Group 1, where snl was identified using blue dye; and Group 2, where a combined technique was used. The imprint cytology was used for intraoperative examination, and the evaluation with hematoxylin and eosin (h&e) was used for the deferred examination. An axillary lymph node dissection (alnd) was performed in positive sln cases and when the sln wasn´t founded. Results Overall detection rate of sln was 94% (587), while only 91% (514) when using patent blue, and 97% (73) when using blue dye and radioactive tracer combined. The 18,6% (109) of all sln were positive. The overall sensitivity of imprint cytology of sln was 69,7%. Conclusions sln biopsy is an accurate and safe technique to assess the axillary stage in our population. The identification percentage rose from 91% to 97% with the introduction of Tc 99. It was no difference in sensitivity and false negative rate between our results and national and international data.

Factores predictivos histológicos e inmunohistoquimícos de metástasis en ganglio no centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama y ganglio centinela positivo / Histological and histochemical predicting factors of increased risk of metastatic compromise of non sentinel nodes, in patients with positive sentinel node biopsy

Introducción La biopsia del ganglio centinela (bgc) permite estadificar la axila en pacientes con cáncer de mama (cm) y axila clínicamente negativa. Mediante este procedimiento, se evita la linfadenectomía axilar en una proporción de pacientes. Sin embargo, frente a la positividad del ganglio centinela, una vez completada la linfadenectomía, un subgrupo de pacientes no tienen enfermedad residual en el resto de los ganglios axilares, definidos como ganglios no centinela. Objetivo Analizar los factores de predicción histológicos e inmunohistoquímicos de compromiso en ganglios no centinelas (gnc) en aquellas pacientes con bgc positiva seguida de linfadenectomía axilar, operadas por el Servicio de Patología Mamaria del Hospital Fernández en el período que transcurre entre enero de 1998 y marzo de 2016. Material y método Se realizaron 712 bgc entre los meses de enero de 1998 y marzo de 2016, en el Servicio de Patología Mamaria del Hospital Fernández. Del total, 140 resultaron positivas. Se analizó retrospectivamente la vinculación entre diversas características y la existencia de enfermedad axilar en gnc en 119 casos. Resultados Cuando la bgc resultó positiva, se encontró enfermedad en gnc en el 53,8% de los casos. El análisis univariable demostró correlación estadísticamente significativa entre presencia de metástasis en gnc y la presencia de 2 o más gc positivos, el tamaño tumoral mayor a 2 cm, el compromiso por macrometástasis del gc, la presencia del receptor her2 en el tumor y el alto grado mitótico y el compromiso de la cápsula ganglionar. Conclusiones Los factores independientes de compromiso de gnc son los siguientes: el alto grado mitótico, la presencia del receptor her2, la existencia de 2 o más gc positivos, el compromiso de la cápsula ganglionar.

Introduction The sentinel node biopsy can stage breast cancer patients with negative axillary lymph node examination. Using this procedure it is possible to avoid axillary lymph node dissection in some patients. However, when sentinel node biopsy results positive, once achieved the axillary node dissection, some patients do not have residual disease in the non sentinel nodes. Objective To study histological and histochemical predicting factors of increased risk of metastatic compromise of non sentinel nodes, in patients with positive sentinel node biopsy and subsequent axillary lymph node dissection, treated in the Breast Disease Division of Hospital Fernandez between January 1998 and March 2016. Materials and method Between January 1998 and March 2016, 712 patients underwent to node sentinel biopsy in the Breast Disease Division of Hospital Fernández. This study assessed, in a retrospective way, the association between the histological and histochemical predicting factors and non sentinel node disease in 119 cases. Results When sentinel node biopsy was positive, there was non sentinel lymph node metastasis in 53,8% of cases. The following variables were found to be potentially associated with non-sentinel node metastases in the univariated analysis: number of positive sentinel lymph node, size of the tumor, size of the metastasis in the sentinel lymph node, presence of her2 receptor in the tumor, high mitotic rate and extracapsular perinodal spread. Conclusions Independent factors for involvement of non sentinel nodes are: the high mitotic rate, the presence of her2 receptor in the tumor, the number of positive sentinel lymph nodes and the extracapsular perinodal spread.

El SPECT/CT optimiza la técnica ROLL en cáncer tiroideo recurrente / SPECT/CT optimises the ROLL technique in recurrent thyroid cancer

Resumen El cáncer de tiroides es una enfermedad cada vez más frecuente. Uno de los factores que contribuye, es el uso de las imágenes de radiología para evaluar dolencias del área de cabeza y cuello. Una vez se completa el manejo, se continúa con el seguimiento usando la tiroglobulina y los anticuerpos tiroideos tiroglobulínicos, acompañados de ecografía de alta resolución. Esta puede detectar recaídas de escasos milímetros que no son palpables, y que en zonas ya operadas son difíciles de resecar. La técnica ROLL (radioguided occult lesion localization) ha sido usada en los últimos años con gran éxito en estos casos. Para optimizar la cirugía radioguiada en cáncer tiroideo recurrente, aplicamos la ventaja que tienen los estudios tomográficos en medicina nuclear denominados SPECT/CT (single photon emision tomography, por su sigla en inglés) fusionados con técnicas de imágenes anatómicas de tomografía (CT) para refinar la localización anatómica precisa de las lesiones radiomarcadas.

Abstract Differentiated thyroid cancer is an increasingly diagnosed disease. One of the contributing factors is the routine use of high-resolution imaging techniques to assess patients with head and neck symptoms. Serum thyroglobulin monitoring and neck ultrasound are the cornerstone of early detection of recurrent disease after surgery and radioiodine remnant ablation. Resection of non-palpable small tumour foci in previously operated sites is difficult. In recent years, the use of a radioguided technique for locating lesions (ROLL) has shown to be useful for optimising recurrent thyroid cancer surgery. SPECT/CT has also been added to refine the anatomical location of the radio-marked tumour foci.

[Update of breast cancer in Primary Care (III/V)]. / Actualización del cáncer de mama en Atención Primaria (III/V).

Breast cancer is a prevalent disease with implications in all aspects of patients life, therefore, family doctors must know this pathology in depth, in order to optimize the health care provided to these patients with the best available resources. This series of five articles on breast cancer is based on a review of the scientific literature of the last ten years. This third article will review the clinical context and the staging and prognostic factors of the disease. This summary report aims to provide a global, current and practical review about this problem, providing answers to family doctors and helping them to be by the patients for their benefit throughout their illness.

[Sentinel node biopsy in patients with multifocal and multicentric breast cancer: A 5-year follow-up]. / Biopsia de ganglio centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama multifocal y multicéntrico: 5 años de seguimiento.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as a staging procedure in multiple breast cancer is a controversial issue. We have aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sentinel node (SN) detection in patients with multifocal or multicentric breast cancer as well as the safety of its clinical application after a long follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was performed. Eighty-nine patients diagnosed of multiple breast cancer (73 multifocal; 16 multicentric) underwent SLNB. These patients were compared to those with unifocal neoplasia. Periareolar radiocolloid administration was performed in most of the patients. Evaluation was made at an average of 67.2 months of follow-up (32-126 months). RESULTS: Scintigraphic and surgical SN localization in patients with multiple breast cancer were 95.5% and 92.1%, respectively. A higher percentage of extra-axillary nodes was observed than in the unifocal group (11.7% vs 5.4%) as well as a significantly higher number of SN per patient (1.70 vs 1.38). The rate of SN localization in multicentric cancer was slightly lower than in multifocal cancer (87.5% vs 93.1%), and the finding of extra-axillary drainages was higher (20% vs 10%). Number of SN per patient was significantly higher in multicentric breast cancer (2.33 vs 1.57). No axillary relapses have been demonstrated in the follow-up in multiple breast cancer patients group. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB performed by periareolar injection is a reliable and accurate staging procedure of patients with multiple breast cancer, including those with multicentric processes.

Valoración de la impronta transoperatoria en la evaluación del ganglio centinela en mujeres con cáncer de mama en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Lima-Perú / Assessment of intraoperative imprint in sentinel node evaluation in Women with breast Ccncer at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN), Lima-Perú

Objetivo: describir el valor de la impronta transoperatoria como método diagnóstico para la detección de metástasis del ganglio centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama. Material y Métodos: se revisó las historias clínicas de 226 pacientes con cáncer de mama EC 0, I y II con axila cl¡nicamente negativa, sin quimioterapia neoadyuvante, sometidas a mapeo ganglionar y biopsia de ganglio centinela con sonda gamma y/o azul patente, a quienes se les realizó un examen transoperatorio de impronta citológica del ganglio centinela de abril del 2011 hasta marzo del 2012. Resultados: la edad promedio de las pacientes 54,5 años. Dos (0,9%) EC 0, 38 (16,8%) EC I, 170 (75,2%) EC IIA y 16 (7,1%) EC IIB. El resultado definitivo del ganglio centinela fue positivo en 78 (34,5%) casos y negativo en 148 (65,5%). Los resultados de la impronta transoperatoria mostraron una sensibilidad de 67,9% y una especificidad de 99,3%. El valor predictivo positivo fue 98,1% y el valor predictivo negativo de 85,5%. El índice de concordancia entre los resultados de la impronta y la prueba confirmatoria de metástasis se calculó en 0,72. Hubo 25 falsos negativos, 15 (60,0%) de ellos presentaron células aisladas y micro metástasis. Conclusiones: los resultados apoyan la validez y seguridad del método de impronta transoperatoria como prueba diagnóstica para la evaluación de metástasis del ganglio centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama. Se observó un alto grado de concordancia entre los resultados de la impronta y la prueba confirmatoria para metástasis ganglionar.

Objetives: to evaluate the value of intraoperative imprint evaluation of the sentinel node as a method of diagnosis for node metastasis in breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: the clinical charts of 226 patients with breast cancer diagnosis in clinical stages 0, I and II were reviewed during April 2011 through March 2012. These patients had clinical negative axilla, none had neoadyuvant chemotherapy. They had a sentinel node biopsy with a prior lynphocintigraphy using Technecio 99 and had imprint citology in the operating room. Results: mean age was 54,5 years. Two (0,9%) were pathological stage 0, 38 (16,8%) I, 170 (75,2%) IIA and 16 (7,1%) IIB. We observed both a positive sentinel node in 78 (34,5%) cases and negative sentinel node in 148 (65,5%) cases. The imprint intraoperative results had a sensitivity of 67,9%, specificity of 99,3%, positive predictive value of 98,1% and negative predictive value of 85,5%. The index of concordance between de results of the imprint citology and the final pathology report was 0,72. There were 25 false negative cases, 15 (60,0%) from this group of patients only had micro metastasis or isolated cells. Conclusions: the results support the value and security of the intraoperative imprint cytology of the sentinel node as a diagnosis of node metastasis. There is a great level of concordance between the imprint results and the final pathology result.

Rol de la linfadenectomía en el manejo quirúrgico del cáncer de piel / Role of lymphadenectomy in the surgical management of skin cancer

El estado de los ganglios que drenan el tumor primario permanece como el más potente predictor de supervivencia y recurrencia en los pacientes con melanoma, los otros factores predictores de las metástasis ganglionares no han reemplazado la resección quirúrgica y el examen histopatológico como el más preciso método para la identificación de diseminación de la enfermedad. Debido a que el ganglio centinela es el primer sitio de drenaje ganglionar, su estado tumoral puede ser usado como predictor del estado tumoral de los restantes ganglios del vaciamiento regional, por lo tanto, su detallado análisis histopatológico y molecular proporciona una información más precisa del estadiaje que el examen patológico de rutina de numerosos ganglios removidos al azar. Esta información identifica a los pacientes quienes se benefician de la completa linfadenectomía, la cual es la única opción terapéutica efectiva para el control local y cura potencial. La actual controversia se mantiene respecto a si el mapeo linfático y la biopsia de ganglio centinela es un procedimiento diagnóstico o una intervención terapéutica. El siguiente trabajo nos permitirá evidenciar el rol de la linfadenectomía en el melanoma, particularmente a la luz de los ensayos clínicos en curso

The disease status of the tumor-draining regional lymph node remains the most important predictor of survival and recurrence in patients with melanoma; others predictor factors of nodal metastases do not have to replace surgical resection and histopathologic examination as the most accurate method for assessing spread of disease to the lymph nodes. Because the sentinel lymph node is the first nodal drainage site, its tumor status can be used to predict the tumor status of the remaining nodes in the regional draining; furthermore, its detailed histopathological and molecular analysis provides far more accurate staging information than standard pathological assessment of the numerous nodes randomly removed. This assessment identifies patients who may benefit from a completion lymphadenectomy which is the only effective therapeutic option for local control and potential cure. Current controversy remains regarding whether lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy is a diagnostic procedure or a therapeutic intervention. This study allows us to reflect the role of lymphadenectomy in melanoma, particularly at light on ongoing clinical trials