Axillary reverse mapping – chance to prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients

Czech version

Authors: D. Pavlišta; P. Koliba ml.; O. Eliška
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN, Onkogynekologické centrum, Praha, přednosta prof. MUDr. A. Martan, DrSc.
Published in: Ceska Gynekol 2011; 76(5): 355-359

Overview

Objective:
The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) technique has been developed to map and preserve arm lymphatic drainage during axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and/or sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, thereby minimizing arm lymphedema. However, several problems remain to be resolved in the practical application of this technique. This article presents a review of current knowledge regarding ARM and discusses the practical applicability and relevance of this technique.

Type of study:
Review.

Setting:
Oncogynecologic center, Gynecology-Obstetrics Clinic, 1st Medical Faculty and General Teaching Hospital, Prague.

Conclusions:
The axillary reverse mapping (ARM) procedure is based on the hypothesis that the lymphatic drainage from the upper arm is different from that of the breast and offers the opportunity to prevent lymphedema in breast cancer patients. However, the oncologic safety of the procedure has not yet been determined.

Key words:
breast cancer, axillary reverse mapping, lymphedema, sentinel node biopsy.

Sources

1. Boneti, C., Korourian, S., Diaz, Z., et al. Scientific Impact Award: Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) to identify and protect lymphatics draining the arm during axillary lymphadenectomy. Am J Surg, 2009,198, 4, p. 482-487.

2. Borgstein, P., Meijer, S., Pijpers, R., et al. Functional lymphatic anatomy for sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer. Echoes from the past and the periareolar blue method. Ann Surg, 2000, 232, 1, p. 81-89.

3. Britton, B., Solanki, K., Pinder, E., et al. Lymphatic drainage pathways of the breast and the upper limb. Nucl Med Commun, 2009, 30, 6, p. 427-430.

4. Casabona, F., Bogliolo, S., Valenzano, M., et al. Feasibility of axillary reverse mapping during sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients. Ann Surg Oncol, 2009, 16, 9, p. 2459-2463.

5. Cruikshank, C. The anatomy of the absorbing vessels of the human body. London: G. Nicol, 1786.

6. Delamere, G., Poirier, P., Cuneo, B. The lymphatics. In: Charpy PP eds. A trearise of human anatomy. Westminster: Archibald Constable, 1903.

7. Eliška, O., Teisinger, P. Možnosti kolaterální cirkulace lymfatických cév axily v RTG-obraze. Čs Radiol, 1976, 30, 3, s. 145-152.

8. Gerber, L., Lampert, M., Wood, C., et al. Comparison of pain, motion, and edema after modified radical mastectomy versus local excision with axillary dissection and radiation. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 1992, 21, 2, p. 139-145.

9. Haagensen, C. Anatomy of the mammary glans. In: Haagensen CD, ed. Diseases of the breast. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1971.

10. Kelley, M., Hansen, N., McMaster, K., et al. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy for breast cancer. Am J Surg, 2004, 188, 1, p. 49-61.

11. Kett, K., Szilagyi, K., Anga, B. Axillary lymph drainage as a prognostic factor of survival in breast cancer. Lymphology, 2002, 35, 4, p. 161-170.

12. Kiel, K., Rademacker, A. Early-stage breast cancer: Arm edema after wide excision and breast irradiation. Radiology, 1996, 198, 1, p. 279-283.

13. Klimberg, S. A new concept toward the prevention of lymphedema: axillary reverse mapping. J Surg Oncol, 2008, 97, 7, s. 563-564.

14. Noguchi, M., Yokoi, M., Nakano, Y. Axillary reverse mapping with indocyanine fluorescence imaging in patients with breast cancer. J Surg Oncol, 2010, 101, 3, p. 217-221.

15. Noguchi, M. Axillary reverse mapping for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat, 2010, 119, 3, p. 529-535.

16. Nos, C., Lesieur, B., Clough, B., et al. Blue dye injection in the arm in order to conserve the lymphatic drainage of the arm in breast cancer patients requiring an axillary dissection. Ann Surg Oncol, 2007, 14, 9, p. 2490-2496.

17. Nos, C., Kaufmann, G., Clough, B., et al. Combined axillary mapping (ARM) technique for breast cancer patients requiring axillary dissection. Ann Surg Oncol, 2008, 15, 9, p. 2550–2555.

18. Pavlišta, D., Eliška, O. Mapa povrchových lymfatik prsu a jejich vztah k sentinelové uzlině. Čes Gynek, 2005, 70, 3, s. 192-197.

19. Pecha, V., Kolarik, D., Kozevnikova, R., et al. Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cancer, 2011 Mar 22. doi: 10.1002/cncr.26102. [Epub ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 21437896.

20. Ponzone, R., Mininanni, P., Cassina, E. Axillary reverse mapping in breast cancer: can we spare what we find? Ann Surg Oncol, 2008, 15, 1, p. 390–391.

21. Sakorafas, H., Peros, G., Cataliotti, L., et al. Lymphedema following axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Surg Oncol, 2006, 15, 3, p. 153–165.

22. Sappey, C. Anatomie, Physiologie, Pathologie des vaisseaux Lymphatiques consideres chez L’homme at les Vertebres. Paris: A. Delahaye and E. Lecrosnier, 1874.

23. Suami, H., Pan, R., Taylor, I. Changes in the lymph structure of the upper limb after axillary dissection: radiographic and anatomical study in a human cadaver. Plast Reconstr Surg, 2007, 120, 4, p. 982-991.

24. Suami, H., Pan, R., Mann, B., et al. The lymphatic anatomy of the breast and its implications for sentinel node biopsy: A human cadaver study. Ann Surg Oncol, 2008, 15, 3, p. 863-871.

25. Suami, H., Taylor, I., Pan, R. The lymphatic territories of the upper limb: anatomical study and clinical implications. Plast Reconstr Surg, 2007, 119, 6, p. 1813-1822.

26. Swenson, K., Niseen, M. Comparison of side effects between sentinel lymph node and axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. Ann Surg Oncol, 2002, 9, 8, p. 745-753.

27. Thompson, M., Korourian, S., Henry-Tillman, R., et al. Axillary reverse mapping (ARM): A new concept to identify and enhance lymphatic preservation. Ann Surg Oncol, 2007, 14, 6, p. 1890-1895.

28. Turner-Warwick, T. The lymphatics of the breast. Br J Surg, 1959, 46, p. 574-582.

29. Wilke, G., McCall, M., Posther, E., et al. Surgical complications associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy: results from a prospective international cooperative group trial. Ann Surg Oncol, 2006,13, 4, p. 491-500.