JAMA: 2011-02-09, Vol. 305, No. 6, Author in the Room™ Audio Interview

Interview with Monica Morrow, MD, author of Axillary Dissection vs No Axillary Dissection in Women With Invasive Breast Cancer and Sentinel Node Metastasis. Summary Points: 1. Axillary dissection is a major cause of morbidity after breast cancer surgery. 2. In women who have 3 or fewer sentinel nodes and are undergoing breast conserving surgery, removal of only the sentinel nodes produces local axillary control in 99% of cases. 3. Axillary dissection does not contribute to survival. 4. In women with T1 and T2 clinically node negative BRCA who are undergoing lumpectomy and whole breast radiation, removal of sentinel nodes only is an appropriate management strategy.