Omission of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

Kimberly S. Corbin, MD, radiation oncologist; Diana Dickson-Witmer, MD, FACS, breast surgeon; and Christina A. Minami, MD, surgical oncologist, members of the Cancer Research Program (CRP), 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 recommend 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 U.S. The purpose of this video is to provide clinicians with a short, 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 this video to be viewed and shared with breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists during a multidisciplinary tumor board to understand and discuss these complex considerations. Please email the Cancer Research Program with any questions at cancerresearchprogram@facs.org.