Erschienen in:
01.09.2013 | Breast Oncology
Residual Lymph Node Disease After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Predicts an Increased Risk of Lymphedema in Node-Positive Breast Cancer Patients
verfasst von:
Michelle C. Specht, MD, Cynthia L. Miller, BS, Melissa N. Skolny, MSHA, Lauren S. Jammallo, BS, Jean O’Toole, PT, MPH, Nora Horick, MS, Steven J. Isakoff, MD, PhD, Barbara L. Smith, MD, PhD, Alphonse G. Taghian, MD, PhD
Erschienen in:
Annals of Surgical Oncology
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Ausgabe 9/2013
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Abstract
Background
Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is recommended for patients with clinically node-positive breast cancer and carries a risk of lymphedema >30 %. Patients with node-positive breast cancer may consider neoadjuvant chemotherapy, which can reduce node positivity. We sought to determine if neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduced the risk of lymphedema in patients undergoing ALND for node-positive breast cancer.
Methods
The 229 patients who underwent unilateral ALND and chemotherapy were divided into two groups: 30 % (68/229) had neoadjuvant and 70 % (161/229) had adjuvant chemotherapy. Prospective arm volumes were measured via perometry preoperatively and at 3- to 7-month intervals after surgery. Lymphedema was defined as relative volume change (RVC) ≥10 %, >3 months from surgery. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate regression models were used to identify risk factors for lymphedema.
Results
Fifteen percent (10/68) of neoadjuvant patients compared with 23 % (37/161) of adjuvant patients developed RVC ≥10 % (hazard ratio = 0.76, p = 0.39). For all patients, body mass index was significantly associated with lymphedema (p = 0.0003). For neoadjuvant patients, residual lymph node disease after chemotherapy was associated with a ninefold greater risk of lymphedema compared to those without residual disease (p = 0.038).
Conclusions
Patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not have a statistically significant reduction in risk of lymphedema. Among patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy, residual lymph node disease predicted a greater risk of lymphedema. These patients should be closely monitored for lymphedema and possible early intervention for the condition.