Advanced Localization Technique for Non-Palpable Breast Cancer: Radiofrequency alone VS Combined Technique with Ultrasound

Breast conservative surgery is the primary therapeutic choice for non-aggressive early breast cancers, and a minimally-invasive approach is strongly recommended. The breast localization represents a modern challenge for surgery. Wire-guided localization is still the gold standard technique, but new wireless systems have been proposed, such as radiofrequency identification with LOCalizer (TM) (Hologic, Santa Carla, CA, USA), which reports encouraging results. The current study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of the combined use of LOCalizer (TM) and ultrasound compared with the results obtained using LOCalizer (TM) alone for the detection of non-palpable breast cancer. Ninety-six patients who were candidates for breast localization were enrolled. Group A received a combined localization with LOCalizer (TM) and US, while group B underwent only LOCalizer (TM) identification. Oncological radicality was reached in 100% of the patients in Group A and in 89.2% of the patients in Group B, with p = 0.006. The mean specimens' volume was 13.2 +/- 0.6 cm(3) for Group A and 16.1 +/- 1.4 cm(3) for Group B, while mean specimen weights were 21.8 +/- 2.2 and 24.4 +/- 1.8 g, respectively (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively). LOCalizer (TM) with ultrasound, in the current series, has resulted in the preferred option for the localization of non-palpable breast cancer, allowing limited resection (in weight and volume), guaranteeing excellent oncological outcomes, and great satisfaction for patients and physicians.