Application of EndoScell Intraoperative Cellular Probing Technology for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is a common surgical treatment for breast cancer and a primary method for assessing the pathological status of axillary lymph nodes. Precise intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes during surgery assists in timely evaluation of axillary lymph node pathology and helps in formulating further treatment strategies. Touch imprint cytology (TIC) is one of the most commonly used intraoperative detection techniques. The new intraoperative cellular detection technology, EndoScell Scanner (ES), uses an improved real-time miniaturized fluorescence microscopy system for image acquisition. The ultra-high-resolution images obtained can reach the cellular level. In previous studies, the accuracy and sensitivity of this technology for intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes were comparable to imprint cytology, but it is much more rapid. The detection technology uses fluorescein sodium and methylene blue as fluorescent dyes, which is non-invasive and also non-consumptive of tissue samples. This study involves patients scheduled for sentinel lymph node biopsy and aims to evaluate the clinical application value of the EndoScell Scanner (ES) for intraoperative assessment of the pathological status of sentinel lymph nodes through a prospective self-controlled study. To avoid the potential impact of methylene blue on the ES detection technology, we will use mitoxantrone as a new dye for sentinel lymph node tracing in this study. The primary study objective is to compare the accuracy of the ES detection technology in assessing sentinel lymph node status, using paraffin pathology examination as the gold standard. The primary endpoint is the accuracy of the ES technology. Secondary endpoints include the image quality score of the ES detection, the learning curve of the surgeons, and the time required for detection.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years and older (inclusive)
* Female
* Preoperative pathology confirmed invasive breast carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ
* Scheduled for sentinel lymph node biopsy
* Capable of and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a confirmed allergy to methylene blue or sodium citrate tracers
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Patients unwilling to participate in the clinical study