[Sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer using magnetic tracer: preliminary study]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of the magnetic technique for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in breast cancer.

Patients and methods: A total of 10 consecutives patients with breast cancer scheduled for SNB, who were clinically node negative, were recruited. SNB was undertaken after injection of both magnetic and radio-isotopic tracers.

Results: One or more SN were identified among 10 patients (identification rate of 100%). The median number of GS taken was 1.7 (range 1-3). In total, 17 GS were taken. SN were radioactive and ferromagnetic (82.3%), 3 were only radioactive and none was only ferromagnetic.

Discussion and conclusion: The magnetic technique is feasible, but cannot be used alone due to technical constraints.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer du sein; Fer magnétique; Ganglion sentinelle; Identification; Magnetic tracer; Sentinel node.