The Efficacy of Sentimag in Detection of Sentinel Node Biopsy

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is now the standard technique used in breast cancer patients with a clinically and radiologically negative axilla. SLNB for breast cancer was introduced in the 1990s3 and it significantly reduces the morbidity associated with axillary node dissection (ALND) including lymphedema, seroma, numbness, wound infection, reduced shoulder motility, and chronic pain.2 The gold standard for sentinel node detection is the 'combined technique'; using both blue dye and radioisotope injection. After allowing both radioisotope and blue dye to localize in the lymphatic system, the clinician uses a 'gamma probe' (a handheld scintillation counter) to locate the SLNs. The blue dye assists in localisation post-incision, with lymph nodes that are blue and/or radioactive are judged as 'SLNs' and excised. Some centres use either radioisotope or blue dye alone. Although detection rates are lower, they can still reach satisfying values in experienced centres.

The use of radioisotope exposes patients and healthcare workers to radiation, is heavily controlled by legislation (both on the specific training for operators and subsequent disposal of surgical waste), and provides poor pre-operative imaging. As a result, many centres have stopped undertaking routine pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy. There is thus a clinical need to develop new techniques for detecting sentinel nodes without these drawbacks.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with primary breast cancer scheduled for Sentinel node biopsy;
• Patients who are clinically and radiologically node negative;.
• Patients aged ≥18 years at time of consent
• Patients are able and willing to give informed consent
• Ability and willingness to undertake all scheduled visits and assessments

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who are currently Pregnantcy or lactatingon;
• Patients with metastatic cancer;
• Subject has a known hypersensitivity to blue dye;
• Patients with intolerance or hypersensitivity to iron oxide or dextran compounds;, or to Sienna+
• Patients who have iron overload disease;
• Patients who has a pacemaker or other implantable device in the chest wall or shoulder;
• Previous axilla surgery, or impaired lymphatic function
• Subject is deprived of liberty or under guardianship
• Subject is indicated or scheduled for post-operative MRI investigation of the breast