Evaluating lymph node biopsy accuracy after chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients Presenting With Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study

Not applicable Interventional Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT03255577

This study is testing how well a specific type of lymph node biopsy can find leftover cancer in women with advanced breast cancer after they have received chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations8 sites (Miami, Florida and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03255577 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the accuracy of the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) procedure in detecting residual cancer cells in patients with locally advanced breast cancer who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Female patients over 18 years with biopsy-proven breast cancer and specific clinical characteristics will be included. The study will involve surgical intervention to perform SLNB and evaluate its effectiveness in identifying remaining cancer post-chemotherapy. The findings could help refine treatment approaches for this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female patients over 18 with biopsy-confirmed locally advanced breast cancer who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of ipsilateral breast cancer or persistent palpable axillary nodes after chemotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of cancer staging and treatment decisions for patients with locally advanced breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using SLNB after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female patients over 18 years of age with biopsy-proven breast cancer
* Patients presenting with locally advanced disease in the breast (cT4) and/or in the nodes (cN2/N3) as assessed by clinical exam and imaging
* Patients presenting to surgery clinic after receipt of NAC at outside hospital with documentation of cT4 or cN2/3 disease on initial outside physical exam and imaging studies
* Patients receiving NAC and having a nodal complete clinical response as assessed by physical exam

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a prior history of ipsilateral breast cancer
* Pregnant patients
* Patients with persistent palpable axillary nodes after NAC, as assessed by physical exam
* Patients not consenting to ALND

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida and 7 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 CancerLocally Advanced Breast CancerSentinel Lymph Node Biopsy17-384
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.