First Reported Use of Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) Technique for Targeted Excision of Suspicious Axillary Lymph Nodes in Early Stage Breast Cancer – Evaluation of Feasibility and Review of Current Recommendations

Background/aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate, whether radio frequency identification (RFID) labeling of axillary lymph nodes (LNs) for the use of targeted resection is feasible in primary breast cancer patients with suspicious LNs. Patients and methods We analyzed 10 consecutive patients where RFID technique was used for intraoperative detection of suspicious LNs without preceding neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). We compared the specifics of these procedures to 10 consecutive sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in the cN0 situation. Results Intraoperative detection rate (DR) for the RFID-labeled target lymph node (TLN) was 100%. Perioperative complications were infrequent and comparable to SLNB. Average time for location of the RFID labeled TLN was quicker than for the SLN. In 71.4% the chip bearing TLN equaled a SLN. Conclusion The use of the RFID technique for intraoperative localization of axillary LNs for targeted excision seems feasible. RFID technique for targeted axillary dissection (TAD) following NACT should be investigated in a prospective manner.