Axillary Lymph Node Changes After Neoadjuvant Therapy In Breast Cancer

Implications Of Posttreatment Changes In Axillary Lymph Nodes And Axillary Surgical Procedure Optimization In Breast Cancer Patients After Neoadjuvant Systemic Treatment

The purpose of this study is to improve regional surgical treatment in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastases (cN+) who received neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST) by using ultrasound elastography.

This study aims to optimize regional surgical treatment in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node metastases (cN+) after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST). Ultrasound elastography will be validated as a method for identifying metastases or regressive posttreatment changes in removed axillary lymph nodes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female patients aged 18 years or older
• Histologically confirmed breast cancer
• Clinically positive axillary lymph nodes before neoadjuvant systemic treatment (cN+)
• Completed neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NAST)
• Planned axillary surgery (sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or axillary lymph node dissection)
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• Male patients
• Metastatic disease at diagnosis
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• New primary breast cancer
• Bilateral breast cancer
• Pregnancy
• Previous breast or axillary surgery