Micrometastases in Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer, Post-neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

Micrometastases in Axillary Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer, Post-neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

This study aims to investigate the significance of minimal residual axillary disease following NAC, with a particular focus on micrometastases (ypNmi), in comparison to pathologic lymph node-negative (ypN0) or macrometastases (ypN+). The investigators will further explore the prognostic implications of SLNmi for the prediction of axillary LN status and survival outcomes.

This study aims to investigate the significance of minimal residual axillary disease following NAC, with a particular focus on micrometastases (ypNmi), in comparison to pathologic lymph node-negative (ypN0) or macrometastases (ypN+). The investigators will further explore the prognostic implications of SLNmi for the prediction of axillary LN status and survival outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stage II or III primary breast cancer patients
• Patients who performed neoadjuvant chemotherpay
• Patients who underwent axillary lymph node dissection with or without sentinel lymph node biopsy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who performed upfront surgery
• De novo stage IV patients