Survey of UK practice for management of breast cancer metastases to the neck

The therapeutic value of ipsilateral supraclavicular lymphadenectomy in locally advanced breast cancer: A review

The treatment of isolated ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis for locally advanced breast cancer has always been a controversial issue for breast surgeons. However, with the further understanding of the metastasis and treatment of breast cancer, it is now considered to be a locally advanced disease, and there is a new debate on the treatment of isolated ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. The author reviewed the relevant literature and briefly discussed the clinical significance of supraclavicular lymph node resection in patients with locally advanced breast cancer presenting with isolated ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis.

Clinical implication of neck dissection for metastatic lymph nodes originating from non-head and neck regions

BACKGROUND

Cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) from remote primary sites is rare in head and neck cancer. The efficacy of neck dissection is still being investigated for therapeutic benefits of local management in oligometastasis from non-head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of neck dissection (ND) in CLNM from distant primary cancers and identify factors contributing to improved survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective case-control study enrolled patients who underwent ND for CLNM from distant primary cancer at Asan Medical Centre between January 2010 and December 2020. We analysed overall survival and association between clinical covariate and survival.

RESULTS

The study included 31 (14 males, 17 females) among 114 patients. Ovarian cancer was the most common primary malignancy (32.3%). Patients with fewer than three metastatic lymph nodes, without extranodal extension and with adjuvant therapy after surgery had better survival rates.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

In patients with CLNM from a distant primary cancer, ND is beneficial as local treatment. And adequate selection of patients for ND is pivotal to improve prognosis.

Comparison of supraclavicular surgery plus radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone in breast cancer patients with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis: a multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the outcomes of supraclavicular lymph node dissection plus radiotherapy (RT) and RT alone for patients with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis.

METHODS

In all, 293 patients with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis across three centers were included. Of these, 85 (29.0%) received supraclavicular lymph node dissection plus RT (Surgery + RT) and 208 (71.0%) received RT alone. All patients received preoperative systemic therapy followed by mastectomy or lumpectomy and axillary dissection. Supraclavicular recurrence-free survival (SCRFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox models. Multiple imputation was used for missing data.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration of the RT and Surgery + RT groups were 53.7 and 63.5 months, respectively. For the RT and Surgery + RT groups, the 5-year SCRFS rates were 91.7% vs. 85.5% (P=0.522), LRRFS rates were 79.1% vs. 73.1% (P=0.412), DMFS rates were 60.4 vs. 58.8% (P=0.708), DFS rates were 57.6% vs. 49.7% (P=0.291), and OS rates were 71.9% vs. 62.2% (P=0.272), respectively. There was no significant effect on any outcome when comparing Surgery +RT versus RT alone in the multivariate analysis. Based on four risk factors of DFS, patients were classified into three risk groups: the intermediate- and high-risk groups had significantly lower survival outcomes than the low-risk group. Surgery +RT did not improve outcomes of any risk group compared with RT alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis may not benefit from supraclavicular lymph node dissection. Distant metastasis remained the major failure pattern, especially for intermediate- and high-risk groups.

Breast cancer combined with contralateral neck lymph node metastasis: a case report

Background

Contralateral neck lymph node metastasis is rare in primary breast cancer. Its clinical staging and treatment principles lack authoritative guidelines. A case of a 30-year-old breast cancer patient with contralateral neck lymph node metastasis is presented. The clinical treatment is discussed in combination with current research.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old woman presented with a right breast mass for 5 months and left neck lymph node enlargement for 5 days. Mammography showed a 33 mm*14.3 mm mass in the inner quadrant of the right breast. The ultrasound showed several hypoechoic nodules on the left side of the neck. Rapid intraoperative pathological examination diagnosed a right breast malignant tumor and poorly differentiated carcinoma of the left cervical lymph nodes. Then, right mastectomy was performed immediately. The patient was scheduled to undergo chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, radiotherapy and endocrine therapy after the operation. The long-term efficacy remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The infrequent presentation of breast cancer with metastasis to the contralateral neck lymph node can be challenging for standard therapies.

Impact of Ipsilateral Supraclavicular Lymph Node Dissection (ISLND) for Breast Cancer Patients and a Nomogram for Predicting Ipsilateral Supraclavicular Pathological Complete Response (ispCR)

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node dissection (ISLND) on the outcomes of breast cancer patients with ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (ISLNM), and to evaluate the prognostic value of ipsilateral supraclavicular pathological complete response (ispCR). Meanwhile, a nomogram was constructed to predict ispCR.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical documents of 353 patients with ISLNM but no distant metastasis at presentation. Based on whether ISLND was performed, patients were divided into radiotherapy (RT) and ISLND + RT groups. The impact of ISLND was evaluated after propensity score matching, and the prognostic value of ispCR was also analyzed. A nomogram to predict the probability of ispCR was constructed based on clinicopathologic variables.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, we found that the use of ISLND was associated with a higher rate of ipsilateral supraclavicular relapse-free survival (ISRFS; p < 0.0001). Among 307 patients who underwent ISLND, ispCR was associated with a higher rate of ISRFS and disease-free survival (p = 0.018 and p = 0.00033, respectively). Furthermore, the nomogram constructed with number of axillary lymph node metastases, breast pCR, size of the ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), number of NAC cycles, and Ki67 level showed a good fit for predicting ispCR.

CONCLUSION

For breast cancer patients with ISLNM but no distant metastasis, ISLND may be beneficial in some certain subtypes, and ispCR indicated a better prognosis. Our nomogram is well-fitted to predict the probability of achieving ispCR.

Combined Therapy Can Improve the Outcomes of Breast Cancer with Isolated Supraclavicular Lymph Node Involvement

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of systemic combined with local therapies in isolated metachronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (mISLM) breast cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed the data of mISLM patients admitted by Breast Disease Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, from January 2009 to July 2019. Ninety-nine patients were included and were divided into two groups: the systemic group, which referred to patients who received only systemic therapy, and the combined group, which referred to patients who received systemic therapy plus local therapy (including neck radiotherapy (RT) and/or supraclavicular lymph node dissection surgery). In the combined group, patients were further divided into systemic therapy plus: 1) neck RT, 2) supraclavicular lymph node dissection surgery, and 3) neck RT and supraclavicular lymph node dissection surgery.

Results

The median duration of follow-up was 36 months. The median PFS was 15 months, and the median OS was 35 months. Local control rates of 1 year, 2 years and 3 years were 92.9%, 86.9% and 84.8%, respectively. The combined group (n=56) had a significantly better PFS (P<0.001) and OS (P=0.001) than the systemic group (n=43). Compared with Group B (n=13) and Group C (n=14), Group A (n=29) had a significantly better PFS (P=0.007). Higher dose and conventional dose showed no significant differences regarding the local control rate (P=1.000), PFS (P=0.787) or OS (P=0.690) in the patients who received RT. In multivariate analysis, pN3 stage and combined therapy (systemic therapy plus local therapy) for mISLM affected PFS (P<0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). Neck RT was an independent parameter affecting OS (P=0.002).

Conclusion

In breast cancer patients with mISLM, systemic therapy combined with local therapy could improve PFS and OS. Based on systemic therapy, RT had a better effect on survival than surgery. However, more aggressive methods, such as systemic therapy combined with both RT and surgery or a higher dose of RT, may not be associated with improved PFS or OS in these patients.

Neck Dissection for Cervical Lymph Node Metastases from Remote Primary Malignancies

Background and Objectives: Patients with cervical lymph node metastases from remote primary tumours have poor prognoses because of the advanced stage of their cancer. Owing to recent progress in the nonsurgical management of various cancer types, options for surgical treatment to reduce tumour volume are increasing, and may help improve survival rates. For example, neck dissection may be a good option as a definitive therapy for some patients with resectable cervical metastases. We assessed patients who underwent neck dissection with curative intent and discuss the effectiveness of this approach for cervical metastases from remote malignancies. Material and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 18 patients (10 males and 8 females in an age range of 30–79 years) who underwent neck dissections for neck lymph node metastases from a remote primary tumour between 2010 and 2019. Patient clinical characteristics, preoperative accuracy of positive node localisation using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (FDG/PET-CT), and patient survival rates were estimated. Results: Primary sites included ten lungs, two mammary glands, one thymus, one thoracic oesophagus, one stomach, one uterine cervix, one ovary, and one testis per patient. There were 19 levels with FDG/PET-CT positive nodes in 17 out of 18 patients. Conversely, there were 28 pathological positive levels out of 50 dissected levels. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of FDG-PET/CT in predicting positive nodes were 69%, 88%, 95%, 47%, and 74%, respectively. The three-year overall survival (OS) rate for all patients was 70%. The three-year OS rate of the group with zero or one pathological positive nodes was 81%, which was significantly higher than that of the group with more than two positive nodes (51%) (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Neck dissection for cervical lymph node metastases from remote primary malignancies may improve prognoses, especially considering anticancer agents and radiotherapy advancements.

Distribution of Neck Metastases and Survival in Patients with Breast Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Neck metastases in breast carcinoma are relatively rare and patients show poor survival rates. A controversy exists over whether neck metastases can be treated as distant or loco-regional metastases. The literature concerning the distribution of metastases in the neck is lacking, as well as data about whether metastases in the higher neck regions cause poorer survival than those in the supraclavicular fossa.

METHODS

Ultrasound investigation with fine-needle biopsy was performed on 41 breast cancer and confirmed neck metastases patients in a 6-year period. We analysed the distribution of neck metastases and patient survival rates using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression.

RESULTS

The median survival time from the diagnosis of primary disease to that of neck metastases was 21 months. The presence of metastases in sites other than the neck significantly worsened survival, but multiple metastatic sites did not make it significantly worse. The number of nodes and presence of conglomerates did not considerably affect survival.

CONCLUSION

Neck metastases in breast carcinoma can be found not only in the supraclavicular fossa, but elsewhere in the neck as well. Survival of patients with metastases in higher neck regions was shorter, but not very much so. Survival of patients with metastases limited just to the neck was substantially better, therefore early detection and aggressive treatment that could include neck dissection should be considered.

Metastatic disease in head & neck oncology

The head and neck district represents one of the most frequent sites of cancer, and the percentage of metastases is very high in both loco-regional and distant areas. Prognosis refers to several factors: a) stage of disease; b) loco-regional relapses; c) distant metastasis. At diagnosis, distant metastases of head and neck cancers are present in about 10% of cases with an additional 20-30% developing metastases during the course of their disease. Diagnosis of distant metastases is associated with unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of about 10 months. The aim of the present review is to provide an update on distant metastasis in head and neck oncology. Recent achievements in molecular profiling, interaction between neoplastic tissue and the tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease concepts, and the role of immunotherapy have all deeply changed the therapeutic approach and disease control. Firstly, we approach topics such as natural history, epidemiology of distant metastases and relevant pathological and radiological aspects. Focus is then placed on the most relevant clinical aspects; particular attention is reserved to tumours with distant metastasis and positive for EBV and HPV, and the oligometastatic concept. A substantial part of the review is dedicated to different therapeutic approaches. We highlight the role of immunotherapy and the potential effects of innovative technologies. Lastly, we present ethical and clinical perspectives related to frailty in oncological patients and emerging difficulties in sustainable socio-economical governance.

Supraclavicular lymph node dissection with radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for operable breast cancer with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastases: a real-world cohort study

Background

The role of supraclavicular lymph node dissection (SCLD) in the treatment of breast cancer with ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (ISLM) remains controversial. We evaluated the role of SCLD in the treatment of breast cancer with ISLM and identified patients who may benefit from SCLD.

Methods

Data on patients presenting with breast cancer to the Breast Disease Center, Southwest Hospital, The Army Medical University from January 2004 and December 2017 were retrospectively screened. The median duration of follow-up was 36 months (2-175 months). 305 patients who were recently diagnosed with ISLM were eligible for the analysis.

Results

Overall, 9,236 women presented with breast cancer during the study period. Among the patients included, 146 and 159 received SCLD with radiotherapy (RT) and RT alone, respectively. Synchronous ISLM without distant metastases were present in 3.6% cases. The 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 79.5% and 73.9%, respectively, and 67.5% and 54.8%, respectively. However, SCLD with RT was not associated with superior survival on both univariate and multivariate analyses. On stratified analyses, patients with non-luminal A tumors with 4-9 positive axillary lymph nodes who underwent SCLD with RT had both superior OS (HR =5.296; 95% CI: 1.857-15.107; P=0.001) and DFS (HR =5.331; 95% CI: 2.348-12.108; P<0.001) compared with those who received RT alone.

Conclusions

SCLD may not beneficial in improving survival for unselected breast cancer patients with ISLNM. There is less of a tendency to perform SCLD in the luminal A group.

Cervical Lymph Node Involvement above the Supraclavicular Fossa in Breast Cancer: Comparison with Stage IIIC (KROG 18-02)

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the treatment outcomes of ipsilateral cervical lymph node (CLN)-positive breast cancer without other distant metastasis and compare the outcomes with those of supraclavicular lymph node (SCL)-positive breast cancer.

Methods

Seventy-eight patients with breast cancer and ipsilateral CLN metastasis above the supraclavicular fossa (CLN[+] group) were treated at 7 institutions (2000–2014). Seventy-four patients received systemic chemotherapy and breast surgery followed by locoregional radiotherapy. Outcomes of the CLN(+) group were compared with those of the SCL(+) group, which included 183 patients with SCL involvement.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 55.9 months. Twenty-two regional failures were found in 15 patients—axillary lymph node (LN) in 8, SCL in 6, internal mammary LN in 3, previously involved CLN in 4, and previously uninvolved ipsilateral CLN in one patient. The 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 68.6%, 46.7%, 68.4%, and 57.0%, respectively. Neck dissection did not improve LRRFS and DFS (p = 0.86 and p = 0.26, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that hormone receptor negativity and the presence of extracapsular extension were prognostic factors for poor DFS. On comparison with stage IIIC using propensity score matching, survival outcomes of the CLN(+) and SCL(+) groups were not different (5-year OS, p = 0.75; DFS, p = 0.88; LRRFS, p = 0.86; and DMFS, p = 0.45).

Conclusion

The comparable clinical outcomes indicate that patients with breast cancer who have ipsilateral CLN metastasis without other distant metastasis may benefit from locoregional treatment of the ipsilateral breast and systemic therapies, as do those with N3c disease.

Surgery of the Primary Tumor Offers Survival Benefits of Breast Cancer with Synchronous Ipsilateral Supraclavicular Lymph Node Metastasis

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists around the locoregional management of the primary tumor for breast cancer associated with synchronous ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastasis (sISLM) due to the rarity of the disease and limited available data. This study aimed to compare outcomes of patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database with sISLM who underwent surgical resection and radiation of the primary tumor with those who did not.

METHODS

This population-based retrospective study included breast cancer patients with sISLM without distant metastases from 2004 to 2016 in the SEER database. In this study, patients had been stratified by operative management, and propensity score matching (PSM) had been successfully applied.

RESULTS

A total of 1172 breast cancer patients with sISLM were included in the study: 863 (73.6%) of patients underwent the primary tumor resection, and 309 (26.4%) patients did not undergo surgery. The median survival time in the surgery group was longer compared to the nonsurgery group in the overall cohort and the PSM cohort. We concluded that the primary tumor resection was associated with improved survival. Subgroup analysis further demonstrated that local surgery was not inferior to radical surgery.

CONCLUSION

For selected breast cancer patients with sISLM, surgery is a promising local intervention which may improve the survival.

Cervical lymph node metastases from remote primary tumor sites

Although most malignant lymphadenopathy in the neck represent lymphomas or metastases from head and neck primary tumors, occasionally, metastatic disease from remote, usually infraclavicular, sites presents as cervical lymphadenopathy with or without an obvious primary tumor. In general, these tumors metastasize to supraclavicular lymph nodes, but occasionally may present at an isolated higher neck level. A search for the primary tumor includes information gained by histology, immunohistochemistry, and evaluation of molecular markers that may be unique to the primary tumor site. In addition, 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglocose positron emission tomography combined with CT (FDG-PET/CT) has greatly improved the ability to detect the location of an unknown primary tumor, particularly when in a remote location. Although cervical metastatic disease from a remote primary site is often incurable, there are situations in which meaningful survival can be achieved with appropriate local treatment. Management is quite complex and requires a truly multidisciplinary approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2374-E2385, 2016.