Imaging Protocol and Criteria for Evaluation of Axillary Lymph Nodes in the NAUTILUS Trial
- Author:
Jung Min CHANG
1
;
Hee Jung SHIN
;
Ji Soo CHOI
;
Sung Ui SHIN
;
Bo Hwa CHOI
;
Min Jung KIM
;
Jung Hyun YOON
;
Jin CHUNG
;
Tae Hee KIM
;
Boo-Kyung HAN
;
Hak Hee KIM
;
Woo Kyung MOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:Journal of Breast Cancer 2021;24(6):554-560
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Axillary ultrasonography (US) is the most commonly used imaging modality for nodal evaluation in patients with breast cancer. No Axillary Surgical Treatment in Clinically Lymph Node-Negative Patients after Ultrasonography (NAUTILUS) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial investigating whether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can be safely omitted in patients with clinically and sonographically node-negative T1–2 breast cancer treated with breast-conserving therapy. In this trial, a standardized imaging protocol and criteria were established for the evaluation of axillary lymph nodes. Women lacking palpable lymph nodes underwent axillary US to dismiss suspicious nodal involvement.Patients with a round hypoechoic node with effaced hilum or indistinct margins were excluded. Patients with T1 tumors and a single node with a cortical thickness ≥ 3 mm underwent US-guided biopsy. Finally, patients with negative axillary US findings were included. The NAUTILUS axillary US nodal assessment criteria facilitate the proper selection of candidates who can omit SLNB.
