Radiation therapy of the internal mammary lymph node chain

Practice Point

Radiation therapy of the internal mammary lymph node chain

For patients where involvement of the internal mammary lymph nodes is identified during sentinel node biopsy or an 18F-FDG PET study, consider radiation to the internal mammary lymph node chain.

How this guidance was developed

The extent of nodal irradiation is an area of ongoing debate and research (ACS/ASTRO/SSO 2016 Focused guideline update on postmastectomy radiotherapy).

This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. A potentially relevant ‘moderate’ (using ASCO methods) source recommendation was identified from the ASCO/ASTRO/SSO 2016 guidelines (US) that provided guidance regarding radiation therapy of the nodal regions. This recommendation was not adopted or adapted because it was considered too detailed.

Radiation therapy of the internal mammary lymph node chain

Practice Point

For patients where involvement of the internal mammary lymph nodes is identified during sentinel node biopsy or an 18F-FDG PET study, consider radiation to the internal mammary lymph node chain.

Principles in action
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Safe and quality care

The extent of nodal irradiation is an area of ongoing debate and research (ACS/ASTRO/SSO 2016 Focused guideline update on postmastectomy radiotherapy).

This practice point was developed using an expert consensus process. A potentially relevant ‘moderate’ (using ASCO methods) source recommendation was identified from the ASCO/ASTRO/SSO 2016 guidelines (US) that provided guidance regarding radiation therapy of the nodal regions. This recommendation was not adopted or adapted because it was considered too detailed.