From Axillary Dissection to Sentinel Node Biopsy: Three Decades Redefining Axillary Surgery in Early Breast Cancer - A Narrative Review

Key Points

• To examine the changes in axillary surgery techniques for early breast cancer over the past three decades.
• Reviewed literature on axillary dissection and sentinel node biopsy advancements.
• Analyzed high-level evidence supporting the de-escalation of surgery.
• Considered implications of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on surgical approaches.
• Sentinel node biopsy is now the standard for staging in cases with a clinically negative axilla.
• Axillary dissection has been largely replaced without compromising survival rates.
• Further research is needed to explore the feasibility of reducing surgical interventions after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.