Related Experiment Videos
Outcomes after localized axillary node recurrence in breast cancer
F C Wright1, J Walker, C H L Law
1Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Annals of Surgical Oncology
|November 5, 2003
Summary
Early localized axillary recurrence (LAR) after breast cancer surgery indicates a poor prognosis. Multimodal treatment offers a 56% ten-year survival rate for patients with LAR.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Localized axillary recurrence (LAR) is a rare event, occurring in 0.5%–3% of patients post-adequate axillary surgery.
- Data on LAR outcomes are limited, yet gain relevance with the increasing use of sentinel node biopsy (SNB).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the survival outcomes of patients experiencing localized axillary recurrence (LAR) after initial breast cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 15 patients diagnosed with LAR.
- Analysis of patient demographics, primary tumor characteristics, and recurrence details.
- Collection of data on treatments received for LAR and overall survival.
Main Results:
- LAR occurred at a median of 77 months post-initial dissection.
- Five patients (33%) died, with all three early recurrences (<2 years) resulting in mortality.
- Ten-year overall survival for patients with LAR was 56%.
Conclusions:
- Early localized axillary recurrence (<24 months) is associated with a poor prognosis.
- Multimodal treatment strategies can achieve a 56% ten-year overall survival rate in patients with LAR.