Comparing sentinel lymph node biopsy to no surgery in early breast cancer

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Versus No Axillary Surgery in Early Breast Cancer Clinically and Ultrasonographically Node-negative

Not applicable Interventional University of Campinas, Brazil · NCT05315154

This study is testing if women with early breast cancer can safely skip a specific type of surgery called sentinel lymph node biopsy, to see if it helps avoid unnecessary procedures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment800 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity of Campinas, Brazil Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations18 sites (Fortaleza, CE and 17 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05315154 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The VENUS trial is a multicenter, randomized clinical trial that evaluates the safety of omitting sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in women with early breast cancer who have clinically and sonographically negative axilla. The study aims to determine if avoiding SLNB is a safe option for well-selected patients, potentially reducing unnecessary surgical interventions. Participants include women aged 18 and older with invasive breast carcinoma and tumors smaller than 5 cm. The trial will compare outcomes between those undergoing SLNB and those who do not have any axillary surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma, tumors smaller than 5 cm, and clinically negative axilla.

Not a fit: Patients with previous invasive neoplasia, metastatic disease, or those who have started treatment for breast cancer prior to enrollment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to less invasive treatment options for women with early breast cancer, reducing surgical risks and improving quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as ACOSOG Z0011, have shown that omitting axillary surgery can be safe in certain patient populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Women
* Aged 18 years or older
* Histologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma (core or open biopsy), independent of hormone receptor and HER2 status
* Tumor smaller than 5 cm (T1 or T2) in clinical and radiological exams
* Clinically negative axilla
* Sonographically negative axilla or negative core biopsy/ fine needle biopsy (FNB) when ultrasound is suspect (lymph node tissue is required in core/FNB sample)
* Planned breast conservative surgery or mastectomy
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous diagnostic of any invasive neoplasia (excluded skin cancer no melanoma)
* Metastatic disease in biopsy or image before treatment
* Withdrawal from participating of the study
* Initiated treatment for current breast cancer prior to study enrollment
* Pregnancy
* Breastfeed

Where this trial is running

Fortaleza, CE and 17 other locations

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 CancerBreast cancerSentinel Lymph Node
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.