Comparison of Radiofrequency Identification, Radioactive Seed, and Wire Localization Techniques for Nonpalpable...

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Breast Surgery
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Accurate resection of non-palpable breast cancers (NPBC) is crucial for breast conserving surgery.
• Several localization techniques exist, but comparative outcomes data are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the surgical outcomes of three breast cancer localization techniques: radiofrequency identification (RFID), radioactive seed localization (RSL), and wire localization (WL).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 777 patients (2015-2022) undergoing lumpectomy with RFID, RSL, or WL.
• Evaluation of demographic and tumor characteristics.
• Analysis of primary outcomes (pathological margin status, reoperation rates) and secondary outcomes (DCIS close margin, specimen volume, device-to-edge distance, procedure time, intraoperative shave margins).

Main Results:

• No significant differences in positive margins or reoperation rates among the three techniques.
• Radiofrequency identification (RFID) was associated with larger specimen volume and greater device-to-specimen edge distance.
• Radioactive seed localization (RSL) demonstrated lower rates of intraoperative selective shave margins and decreased specimen volume compared to wire localization (WL).

Conclusions:

• While primary outcomes like margin status are comparable, secondary outcomes differ significantly among localization techniques.
• These differences in specimen volume, procedure time, and margin proximity can influence overall patient and surgeon satisfaction.