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Extent of sentinel lymph node biopsy influences lymphedema risk

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A higher number of resected lymph nodes increased the likelihood for lymphedema after sentinel lymph node biopsy, according to study results presented at Miami Breast Cancer Conference.

The association was most apparent among patients who had more than five lymph nodes resected.

“In clinical practice, expanding close follow-up and early education for lymphedema is the key to reduce clinical lymphedema in patients with more than five lymph nodes dissected,” Atilla Soran, MD, MPH, FACS, breast surgical oncologist at Magee-Womens Hospital of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and colleagues wrote.

Arm lymphedema is the most prevalent complication after axillary lymph node dissection. There is no cure for this condition, which reduces quality of life.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended to evaluate the axilla.

Soran and colleagues hypothesized there may be certain patients who demonstrate greater risk for lymphedema after the procedure.

Researchers identified 2,940 patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy only between 2013 and 2017. Investigators collected information on demographics, clinicopathologic features and outcomes.

Median follow-up was 24 months.

Forty-seven patients (1.6%; mean age 59.1 years) developed lymphedema and 2,893 (98.4%; mean age, 59.9 years) did not.

Patients who had more than five lymph nodes dissected appeared more than twice as likely to develop lymphedema as those who had five or fewer nodes dissected (3.7% vs. 1.4%; P = .006).

Results also showed patients who had more than three lymph nodes dissected, as well as those whose nodes were positive, had elevated lymphedema risk. However, those differences did not reach statistical significance.

Researchers observed no significant differences in lymphedema incidence based on BMI, radiation therapy receipt, mastectomy receipt or age at diagnosis.

Soran and colleagues acknowledged a lack of infection information as a limitation of their study, and they noted longer follow-up is necessary. – by Mark Leiser

Reference:

Soran A, et al. Abstract 755. Presented at: Miami Breast Cancer Conference; March 7-10, 2019; Miami.

Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.