Evaluation of new tracers in the identification of sentinel lymph node in patients with early breast cancer

Purpose: Sentinel node mapping is the standard of care for evaluation of axilla for women with early node negative breast cancer. Validation of a new tracer for sentinel node biopsy requires full axillary lymph node dissection to establish its performance indicators. This exposes about 70% of women to unnecessary axillary dissection with its attendant morbidity. Aims and Objective: To investigate the predictive value of identification of sentinel lymph nodes by a tracer for knowing its sensitivity and false-negative rates (FNR). Methods: A linear regression on data from a network meta-analysis was carried out, and the correlation between identification and sensitivity and its predictive value were ascertained. Results: A strong linear relationship was observed between identification and sensitivity of sentinel node biopsy (correlation coefficient r = 0.97). The sensitivity and false negativity can be predicted by the identification rate. An identification rate of 93% corresponds to sensitivity = 90.51% and a FNR = 9.49%. The current literature on newer tracers has been succinctly reviewed. Conclusion: The linear regression demonstrated a very high predictive value of identification rate for ascertaining the sensitivity and FNRs of sentinel node biopsy. A new tracer for sentinel node biopsy can be introduced in clinical practice, if it achieves an identification rate of 93% or more.