Evaluation of Targeted Axillary Lymph Nodes Dissection in Node Positive Breast Cancer Patients Post Neo Adjuvant Therapy

Targeted axillary dissection (TAD) is a novel technique in the field of surgical oncology. During TAD, patients with node-positive breast cancer who clinically responded to neoadjuvant chemotherapy undergo resection of a previously proven metastatic node together with sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND).

Compared to sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND), axillary lymph node dissection [ALND] is associated with increased morbidity, higher rates of lymphedema, paraesthesia, sensory loss in the arm, and impairment in shoulder function. Patients undergoing SLND have fewer infections and a better quality of life, so axillary dissection has been largely replaced by SLND in early-stage breast cancer.

Targeted axillary dissection (TAD) is an innovative surgical procedure that emerged in an attempt to further decrease the false negative results of SLND.

Breast cancer patients suitable for neoadjuvant systemic therapy [NAST] with node-positive disease (N1,N2) were assessed by the multi-disciplinary team and if potentially eligible for TAD, a metallic marker[clip] is inserted in the suspicious node prior to neoadjuvant therapy.

The procedure is performed together with SLND using a single-tracer technique. Towards the end of NAST, a progress ultrasound and mammogram are performed to assess the breast and axillary response, Clip position within node is confirmed.