Validity of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Post Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Using Gamma-Probe Technique

Authors

Ahmed Samy Mashal, General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine - Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt.Follow
Yasser Nasif, General Surgery Faculty of Medicine - Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
Mahmoud Hagag, General Surgery and Surgical Oncology Faculty of Medicine - Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt
Mohammed Nazeeh Shaker Nassar, General and GIT Surgery Faculty of Medicine - Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt.

Abstract

Objectives: to estimate the validity of sentinel lymph node biopsy post neoadjuvant chemotherapy in clinically and radiologically negative axilla using gamma probe technique. Background: The second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the most common cancer among women is breast cancer. The treatment varies according to the stage of the cancer and includes systemic (chemotherapy, endocrine) and locoregional (surgery, radiation) therapies. Because it minimizes needless axillary dissection (AD) while preserving high identification rates and low false negatives, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a crucial procedure for staging and treatment decisions, particularly for patients who are clinically node-negative. Patients and methods: a prospective study conducted on 50 breast cancer patients with radiologically and clinically confirmed negative (not palpable) axillary lymph nodes were recruited for this from Menoufia University Hospital General Surgery department. Using the gamma probe technique, we evaluated the validity of sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in axillas that were radiologically and clinically negative. Results: 30(31.3%) patients were Her2/Neu positive, 30(62.5%) were PR positive, and 31(64.6%) were ER positive in the group under study. 20 patients experienced neuropathic pain following surgery, one had arm lymphedema, and there were no restrictions on movement. With a 96% identification rate, sentinel lymph nodes were found in 48 of 50 cases. Conclusion: Even after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the use of intraoperative gamma probes for sentinel lymph node identification is a practical and effective way to assess whether axillary lymph node dissection is necessary in breast cancer surgery

Subject Area

Surgery

Article Type

Original Study

Recommended Citation

Mashal, Ahmed Samy; Nasif, Yasser; Hagag, Mahmoud; and Nassar, Mohammed Nazeeh Shaker (2025) "Validity of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Post Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Using Gamma-Probe Technique," Menoufia Medical Journal: Vol. 38: Iss. 1, Article 27.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59204/2314-6788.3344

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