CRP Tumor Board Video: Omission of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients 70 Years and Older with cT1N0 HR+ Breast Cancer

Members of the Cancer Research Program (CRP)—including radiation oncologist Kimberly S. Corbin, MD; breast surgeon Diana Dickson-Witmer, MD, FACS; and surgical oncologist Christina A. Minami, MD,—recently recorded an educational video discussing the omission of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients 70 years and older with cT1N0 HR+ breast cancer. The Choosing Wisely recommendations issued by the Society of Surgical Oncology advise against routine use of sentinel lymph node biopsy in women 70 years and older with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, but rates are known to be above 80% in the US. The purpose of this video is to provide clinicians with a concise review of the data behind this recommendation as well as disease and patient considerations in omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy and radiation therapy in this population.

We encourage breast surgeons to view and share this video with radiation and surgical oncologists during a multidisciplinary tumor board to better understand these complex considerations. Email the CRP with any questions at cancerresearchprogram@facs.org.