SCOUT Localization at Time of Lymph Node Biopsy.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Axillary lymph node biopsy is crucial for staging breast cancer.
• Accurate localization of biopsied lymph nodes is essential for effective treatment.
• Neoadjuvant treatment can alter lymph node characteristics, complicating localization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of SCOUT radar localization placement during axillary lymph node core-needle biopsy.
• To determine the utilization rate and impact of SCOUT in guiding axillary surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 127 patients undergoing SCOUT placement during axillary lymph node core-needle biopsy (January 2018 - September 2023).
• SCOUT utilization defined by detection and removal during axillary dissection.
• Statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Main Results:

• SCOUT was placed in 127 patients; 70% were utilized in subsequent axillary surgery.
• The SCOUT-localized node was not identified by blue dye or radiotracer in 28% of malignant cases, especially post-neoadjuvant treatment.
• Utilization was significantly higher in patients under 50 years old (87%).

Conclusions:

• SCOUT placement facilitates accurate detection of the biopsied lymph node.
• The technology is particularly beneficial in patients who received neoadjuvant treatment.
• SCOUT shows promise for improving lymph node localization in younger women (<50 years old).