The POSNOC trial is evaluating which specific management question in early breast cancer with 1–2 sentinel lymph node macrometastases?

• A Observation (no further axillary treatment) versus axillary treatment ✓
• B Axillary radiotherapy versus axillary lymph node dissection
• C Sentinel node biopsy versus no axillary staging
• D Neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus primary surgery

Explanation

POSNOC (POsitive Sentinel NOde: adjuvant therapy alone versus therapy plus Clearance or axillary radiotherapy) is a non-inferiority RCT comparing no further axillary treatment versus axillary treatment (ALND or radiotherapy) in patients with 1–2 sentinel node macrometastases receiving adjuvant systemic therapy. It builds on the ACOSOG Z0011 paradigm. Results will define whether axillary treatment can be omitted entirely in this group.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.