This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 2,849 patients with node-positive breast cancer who had their axilla downstaged after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The researchers compared sentinel lymph node biopsy with targeted axillary dissection to see which approach was better for survival and recurrence.
The study found no difference in overall survival between the two groups. Patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy had a modestly reduced disease-free survival compared to those who had targeted axillary dissection, but the confidence intervals were wide. The rate of axillary recurrence did not differ between the two methods.
Safety concerns were not reported in the data provided. The authors note that further studies are warranted to confirm whether targeted axillary dissection provides a clear survival advantage compared with sentinel lymph node biopsy in long-term follow-up. Accurate axillary staging remains important to guide adjuvant therapies for these patients.