Targeted axillary dissection for breast cancer after chemotherapy

Feasability Study of a New Technique of Axillary Evaluation in Patients With Node Positive Breast Cancer Following Neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy

Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · NCT05071911

This study is testing if a new surgery method that targets specific lymph nodes can help breast cancer patients who have had chemotherapy and still have cancer in their lymph nodes, while causing less harm than traditional surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Jette, Brussel)
Trial IDNCT05071911 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of targeted axillary dissection (TAD) in breast cancer patients who have undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and have confirmed axillary lymph node metastasis. The study aims to determine if TAD can reduce surgical morbidity by focusing on lymph nodes that still show metastasis after treatment, as many patients achieve a complete pathological response. By placing a clip in the affected lymph node at diagnosis, the researchers will assess the outcomes of this targeted approach compared to traditional axillary lymph node dissection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 with cT1-3N1M0 breast cancer who are eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced disease (cN2-3), previous axillary surgery, or those with certain medical conditions such as pregnancy or a pacemaker may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce surgical complications for breast cancer patients while maintaining effective cancer management.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of targeted axillary dissection is innovative, similar studies have shown promising results in reducing morbidity in breast cancer surgeries.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with cT1-3N1M0 breast cancer, histopathologically confirmed.
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years and less than or equal to 85 years.
* Necessity and agreement to neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous surgery ipsilateral axillary or radiation ipsilateral axillary / chest.
* Extranodal metastases M1
* cN2-3 status
* Breast cancer with direct invasion of chest wall and / or skin cT4
* Disease progression (clinical /radiological) under neoadjuvant treatment
* Pregnancy
* Presence of a pacemaker in the ipsilateral chest wall

Where this trial is running

Jette, Brussel

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Breast Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.