Radiotherapy or Surgery of the Axilla After a Positive Sentinel Node in Breast Cancer: 10-Year Results of the Randomized Controlled EORTC 10981-22023 AMAROS Trial

The AMAROS trial evaluated axillary lymph node dissection (ALND; n=744) vs. axillary radiotherapy (ART; n=681) in patients with cT1-2 breast cancer with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The pre-planned 10 year analysis examines axillary recurrence rate (ARR), overall survival (OS), and disease free survival (DFS), as well as an updated 5 year analysis of morbidity and quality of life. The 10 year cumulative ARR was 0.93% after ALND and 1.82% after ART (HR 1.71; 95% CI, 0.67 to 4.39). There was no difference in OS (HR 1.17; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.52) or DFS (HR 1.19; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.46). ALND resulted in higher lymphoedema rate (24.5% vs. 11.9%; p<0.001). Quality of life scales did not differ between the two groups. 

Classifications: Breast & Oncoplastic Surgery

Keywords: Axilla Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy/ SLNB Trials Radiotherapy