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Radioguided Surgery and Axillary Management in Breast Cancer: From Molecular Imaging to 3D Navigation Toward Personalized Treatment

delete2026-07-09
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OA
AI
J
John Orozco Cortés *
M
Marta Tapia *
J
Jorge Sabater Sancho
C
Carolina Castillo Arias
E
Elvira Buch
E
Ernesto Muñoz Sornosa
V
Vicente Lopez Flor
R
Rafael Diaz Exposito
L
Luisa Fernanda Leon
C
Catalina Sampol Bas
D
David Carrera Salazar
S
Sergi Vidal‐Sicart
J
Juan Miguel Cejalvo
DOI:10.3390/life16071133delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Radioguided surgery has become a key component of contemporary breast cancer care, supporting less invasive approaches while maintaining oncologic safety. This narrative review summarizes current practice and recent developments in radioguided breast and axillary surgery, from established molecular imaging workflows to emerging three-dimensional and intraoperative technologies. Modern breast cancer management is increasingly shaped by tumor biology and the widespread use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy, which is transforming surgical decision-making and driving a shift toward personalized, patient-tailored pathways. In this context, radioguided techniques help maintain procedural accuracy despite therapy-induced changes in breast and nodal anatomy, enabling reliable lesion localization and targeted management of the axilla. We discuss sentinel lymph node strategies and de-escalation concepts, including targeted axillary dissection (TAD) after neoadjuvant therapy using marked nodes and selective removal approaches. We also review localization methods, including radioactive seed–based techniques, and the expanding role of molecular imaging–guided surgery to support intraoperative decision-making. Particular attention is paid to technologies aimed at improving surgical precision and margin assessment, including portable/freehand SPECT concepts and intraoperative PET/CT-based specimen imaging for immediate evaluation of excised tissue. Finally, we highlight how artificial intelligence and digital tools may enable workflow optimization, navigation, image interpretation, and decision support, accelerating the transition toward individualized treatment. Overall, integrating molecular information with real-time 3D guidance can help tailor breast and axillary management to each patient while reducing morbidity.
Keywords:
breast cancer
nuclear medicine
radioguided surgery
molecular imaging
axillary management
neoadjuvant therapy
sentinel lymph node biopsy
targeted axillary dissection
I-125 seed localization
freehand SPECT

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Life cover
Life
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