Axillary Recurrence in Breast Cancer Patients After Negative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Retrospective Cohort Study From Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Breast cancer (BC) is among the most prevalent cancers globally. For minimally invasive axillary staging in early breast cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is commonly regarded as the gold standard. Historically, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was used as a staging procedure, but the less morbid SLNB has now replaced it. This retrospective cohort study, undertaken with patients at King Saud University Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, evaluates mid-term follow-up data on axillary recurrences and outcomes for breast cancer patients with negative SLNB. The results indicate that the five-year risk of developing regional recurrence following negative SLNB is 0% in breast cancer patients. The low relapse rate further contributes to the evidence base suggesting the efficacy of SLNB and the higher morbidity associated with ALND. Future researchers should conduct a nationwide and long-term follow-up study to offer additional insights into the efficacy of SLNB.