Sentinel node biopsy, which is used to check the risk of cancer metastasis in an early stage breast cancer patient, is an investigational procedure; but many surgeons are performing this procedure routinely. There are ongoing clinical trials that are addressing its accuracy and safety. However, the use of this technique outside of clinical trials has increased significantly since the trials began in the late 1990s. There is concern that acceptance of this technique as the standard-of-care in breast cancer treatment may compromise the ongoing clinical trials.
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