Sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer
Imoto, S.; Wada, N.; Hasebe, T.; Ebihara, S.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 29(7): 1120-1124
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 12145990 Document Number: 544214
Sentinel node biopsy is a promising surgical technique to avoid unnecessary axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer patients with histologically negative nodes. Several randomized phase III trials in Western countries are underway to assess sentinel node biopsy in cases of breast cancer in comparison with conventional axillary lymph node dissection. Other investigators have also started observational studies in cases when sentinel lymph nodes are proven histologically negative. In Japan, many issues regarding this minimally invasive surgery remain unresolved: optimal procedure, pathologic work-up, radiation exposure, health insurance coverage, and indication for sentinel node biopsy. The current status and problems of sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer are discussed herein.