Predictive factors for supraclavicular lymph node recurrence in N1 breast cancer patients

• Published in: Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 2509 - 2514
• Main Authors: Kong, Moonkyoo, Hong, Seong Eon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thailand 01.01.2013
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - mortality; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - pathology; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous - therapy; Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Axilla; Breast Neoplasms - mortality; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Breast Neoplasms - therapy; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast - mortality; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast - pathology; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast - therapy; Carcinoma, Lobular - mortality; Carcinoma, Lobular - pathology; Carcinoma, Lobular - therapy; Carcinoma, Medullary - mortality; Carcinoma, Medullary - pathology; Carcinoma, Medullary - therapy; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Clavicle - pathology; Cyclophosphamide - administration & dosage; Doxorubicin - administration & dosage; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Lymph Nodes - pathology; Lymphatic Metastasis; Mastectomy, Segmental; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Grading; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - diagnosis; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local - mortality; Neoplasm Staging; Prognosis; Radiotherapy Dosage; Survival Rate
• ISSN: 1513-7368; 2476-762X
• DOI: 10.7314/APJCP.2013.14.4.2509

The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors for supraclavicular lymph node recurrence (SCLR) in N1 breast cancer patients and define a high-risk subgroup who might benefit from supraclavicular nodal radiotherapy (RT). From January 1995 to December 2009, 113 breast cancer patients with 1 to 3 positive axillary lymph nodes were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS) or modified radical mastectomy (MRM). RT was given to all patients who received BCS. Among the patients given MRM, those with breast tumors >5 cm in size received RT. Regional nodal irradiation was not applied. Systemic chemotherapy was given to 105 patients (92.9%). Patient data were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed to identify predictive factors for SCLR. The median follow-up duration was 6.5 years, with 5- and 10-year actuarial SCLR rates of 9.3% and 11.2%, respectively. Factors associated with SCLR on univariate analysis included histologic grade, number of dissected axillary lymph nodes, lymphovascular invasion, extracapsular extension (ECE), and adjuvant chemotherapy. On multivariate analysis, histologic grade and ECE remained significant. The patient group with grade 3 and ECE had a significantly higher rate of SCLR compared with the remainder (5-year SCLR rate; 71.4% vs. 4.0%, p<0.001). Histologic grade and ECE status are significant predictive factors for SCLR. Supraclavicular nodal RT is necessary in N1 breast cancer patients featuring histologic grade 3 and ECE.