Our Summary

The research paper examines whether a specific procedure, known as sentinel lymph node biopsy, should be performed in patients aged 70 and above who have early-stage, invasive breast cancer. In this procedure, doctors check if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

The study looked at patients over 70 who had this procedure, followed by either mastectomy (removal of the whole breast) or lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue) between 2010 and 2019. These patients were then categorized based on whether their sentinel lymph nodes were cancerous or not.

The results showed that having cancerous sentinel lymph nodes did not significantly impact the patient’s subsequent treatment or survival rates compared to those with non-cancerous nodes. In other words, whether the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes or not didn’t seem to make a difference in terms of how long the patients lived or whether their disease got worse.

The study concluded that for patients over 70 with breast cancer, the status of the sentinel lymph nodes may not affect decisions about treatment or affect their survival.

FAQs

  1. What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy and why is it performed?
  2. How does the presence of cancerous sentinel lymph nodes affect the treatment and survival rates of elderly patients with early-stage invasive breast cancer?
  3. Based on the study, should sentinel lymph node biopsy be recommended for patients over 70 with breast cancer?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about sentinel lymph node biopsy is that it is a safe and effective procedure that can provide valuable information about the spread of cancer. It can help guide further treatment decisions and provide important prognostic information. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your healthcare team and ask any questions you may have before undergoing the biopsy.

Suitable For

Therefore, patients who are typically recommended sentinel lymph node biopsy are those with early-stage, invasive breast cancer who are younger than 70 years old. In these patients, the status of the sentinel lymph nodes can help guide treatment decisions and provide important information about the spread of the cancer. However, for older patients aged 70 and above, the study suggests that the presence of cancerous sentinel lymph nodes may not have a significant impact on their treatment or survival outcomes.

Timeline

Before the sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  • The patient is diagnosed with early-stage, invasive breast cancer
  • The patient undergoes discussions with their doctor about treatment options
  • The decision is made to proceed with a sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • The patient undergoes pre-operative testing and preparation for the procedure

After the sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  • The patient undergoes either a mastectomy or lumpectomy based on the results of the biopsy
  • The sentinel lymph nodes are examined for cancerous cells
  • If cancer is found in the sentinel lymph nodes, the patient may undergo further treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • The patient is monitored for any signs of cancer recurrence or progression
  • The patient follows up with their doctor for ongoing care and surveillance

Overall, the sentinel lymph node biopsy is a key step in determining the extent of breast cancer spread and guiding treatment decisions for patients over 70 with early-stage breast cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a sentinel lymph node biopsy and why is it recommended for patients with early-stage, invasive breast cancer?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  3. How is a sentinel lymph node biopsy performed and what should I expect during the procedure?
  4. What are the potential benefits of undergoing a sentinel lymph node biopsy in terms of guiding treatment decisions?
  5. How will the results of the sentinel lymph node biopsy impact my treatment plan and prognosis?
  6. Are there alternative methods for assessing lymph node involvement in breast cancer besides a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  7. How does age factor into the decision to undergo a sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients with breast cancer?
  8. Are there any specific considerations or differences in outcomes for patients over 70 who undergo a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
  9. What are the implications of the study findings that suggest the status of sentinel lymph nodes may not significantly impact treatment decisions or survival rates for patients over 70 with breast cancer?
  10. Based on my individual case and medical history, do you recommend proceeding with a sentinel lymph node biopsy and how will the results be used in determining my treatment plan?

Reference

Authors: Gu C, Chen X, Wang L, He Y, Ouyang T, Li J, Wang T, Fan T, Fan Z. Journal: Technol Cancer Res Treat. 2022 Jan-Dec;21:15330338221137216. doi: 10.1177/15330338221137216. PMID: 36545696