Prediction of non-sentinel lymph node metastasis using the clinical features of thrombin time under the status of 1-2 positive sentinel lymph node of breast cancer.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate biomarkers for predicting non-SLN metastasis and tumor metastatic burden in patients with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

581 patients with SLN metastasis were enrolled, and their blood biochemical indices and clinical information were tested and analyzed.

RESULTS

Among patients with 1-2 positive SLNs, the SLN positivity rate was higher in the non-SLN metastasis group than in the non-metastasis group. Additionally, thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (Fbg) levels were lower in the non-SLN metastasis group compared with the non-metastasis group, with ROC AUC = 0.712. Regarding tumor burden, among patients with 1-2 positive SLNs, the SLN positivity rate was significantly higher in those with metastasis lymph nodes (mLNs) ≥ 4 than in those with <4 mLNs, with ROC AUC = 0.727.

CONCLUSIONS

The SLN positivity rate, TT, and Fbg may serve as potential biomarkers for non-SLN metastasis in patients with 1-2 positive SLNs. Additionally, the SLN positivity rate may serve as a potential biomarker for mLNs ≥ 4 in cases with 1-2 positive SLNs and in those with only 1 positive SLN.