Abstract
BACKGROUND: The validation series of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the treatment of breast cancer have shown that 10-20% more lymph node metastases are detected. However, their impact has never been studied in populations where the method has been fully implemented. In a population-based setting, the objective of the current study was to estimate the increased risk of metastases after introduction of the sentinel lymph node biopsy technique. METHODS: We identified all new breast cancer patients in three different counties in two time periods (1996-1997 and 2002-2003). The study cohort was comprised of 2 932 patients. The main outcome was the frequency of patients with metastases. The frequencies of patients with metastases were compared as well as adjusted (using a multivariate logistic regression) and unadjusted odds-ratio for detecting lymph node metastases. RESULTS: In counties where sentinel lymph node biopsy was implemented, the frequency of patients with lymph node metastases increased significantly 7.3% (95% CI: 1.0-13.7%) and 13.3% (95% CI: 7.3-19.3%), respectively. In the county without sentinel lymph node biopsy, an insignificant increase of 6.9% (-0.1-13.9%) in the frequency of patients with metastases was seen. The adjusted odds- ratio for detecting lymph node metastases was 1.41 (1.07-1.87) and 1.70 (1.30-2.23) in the counties with SLNB. Conclusion: The frequency of patients with metastases increased significantly in counties where sentinel lymph node biopsy was implemented.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Acta Oncologica |
Volume | 47 |
Pages (from-to) | 239-47 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISSN | 0284-186X |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Adult
- Aged
- Breast Neoplasms
- Denmark
- Disease Progression
- Female
- Humans
- Lymph Node Excision
- Lymph Nodes
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- Registries
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Time Factors