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A Radiation Oncologist’s Guide to Axillary Management in Breast Cancer: a Walk Through the Trials

  • Clinical Trials (JE Lang, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Breast Cancer Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

A Correction to this article was published on 11 January 2020

This article has been updated

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The axilla is the most common site for breast cancer nodal metastases. Aggressive management includes axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, but carries the risks of lymphedema and “overtreatment”. We review the clinical trials that led to de-escalation of axillary management and their nuances that are often overlooked.

Recent Findings

With the rise of sentinel lymph node biopsy, several trials conclude that ALND can be omitted in specific populations. However, the subtleties in those trials, such as the role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have yet to be clarified. These discussions carry forward into the era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, where ongoing trials investigate who needs ALND and/or radiation.

Summary

This review examines the clinical trials that form the standard of care, and highlights why axillary management is individualized today.

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Change history

  • 11 January 2020

    The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

  • 11 January 2020

    The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake.

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Jang, J.K., Sverdlik, E.R. & Schechter, N.R. A Radiation Oncologist’s Guide to Axillary Management in Breast Cancer: a Walk Through the Trials. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 11, 293–302 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-019-00330-6

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