Avoiding sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer patients

Omission of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB ) in Early Breast Cancer Patients with Clinically Assessed Negative Axillary Lymph Nodes (cN0): a Phase II, Prospective Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University · NCT05935150

This study is testing whether women with early breast cancer can safely skip a specific lymph node surgery to see if it helps them recover better and have less swelling in their arms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment311 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nanjing, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT05935150 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The OMSLNB trial is a prospective, single-arm, non-inferiority study designed for female patients with unilateral invasive breast cancer and clinically assessed negative axillary lymph nodes. Eligible participants will undergo imaging tests to confirm the absence of lymph node involvement and will proceed with breast surgery without sentinel lymph node biopsy. This approach aims to reduce upper arm edema and enhance the quality of life for patients post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients aged 18-70 with pathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer and negative axillary lymph nodes.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral breast cancer, those who are pregnant or lactating, or those with a history of malignant tumors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help reduce unnecessary surgical procedures and improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, indicating a novel exploration in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Female patients aged 18-70 years;
2. Pathologically confirmed invasive breast cancer (regardless of pathological type) with a tumor diameter ≤ 3 cm, and planning to undergo breast surgery;
3. Negative axillary lymph nodes assessed by physical examination and imaging (2 or more of the following tests including ultrasound, breast MRI, breast PET-CT, breast PET-MRI, breast PET);
4. All patients are required to undergo immunohistochemical staining for Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Ki-67 proliferation index, and further fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) should be performed in HER2 2+ cases;
5. Good compliance, normal comprehension and ability to receive treatment and follow-up as required;
6. ECOG score 0-1;
7. Patients volunteered for this study and signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Bilateral/lactating/pregnant breast cancer;
2. Previous history of malignant tumor or neoplasm;
3. Clinical or imaging confirmation of distant metastasis;
4. History of previous surgery on the affected axilla; or history of surgery affecting the function of the upper extremity;
5. Prior history of radiotherapy to the breast or chest;
6. Positive pathological margins after breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy;
7. Severe coagulation disorder, or a serious systemic disease, or an uncontrollable infection;
8. Aspartate aminortransferse (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 1.5 times the upper limit of normal, alkaline phosphatase ≥ 2.5 times the upper limit of normal, total bilirubin ≥ 1.5 times the upper limit of normal, serum creatinine ≥ 1.5 times the upper limit of normal; left ventricular injection fraction (LVEF) \< 50% on cardiac ultrasound;
9. Inability to complete the full course of follow-up adjuvant therapy as prescribed by the doctor for various reasons;
10. No personal freedom and independent civil capacity;
11. Presence of mental disorders, addictions, etc;
12. Not eligible for enrollmentas as judged by the investigator.

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerClinically Assessed Negative Axillary Lymph NodesSentinel Lymph Nodebreast cancerclinically assessed negative axillary lymph nodessentinel lymph node biopsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.