A Modern Treatment in Breast Cancer: The Role of ICG

Comsa D, Faure M, Helgiu A, Chira DN, Veres VV, Lixandru GA, Chokr A, Domnariu P and Tanasescu C

Published on: 2025-10-04

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN)s are the regional nodes that drain lymph from the primary tumor, as SLN biopsy is a method for screening and identifying metastases in regional lymph nodes. The objectives were to determine the sensitivity and safety of Indocyanine green (ICG) for SLN identification and lymphatic mapping in malignancies in early BC. Combining 26 articles, this study was conducted October 2023 - December 2024, on more than 100 women with early BC that underwent this intervention. By using ICG, the subcutaneous lymphatic drainage pathway and the deeper lymphatic vessels (LV)s were able to get observed. Benefits included no risk of injuring LVs, axillary lymphadenectomy was not needed, complications were rare; becoming advantageous for patients and surgeons. SLNs identification was successfully carried out with a sensitivity of 100%. Allergic reactions and local infections were less reported. SLNs were removed in all cases. ICG allowed real-time transcutaneous lymphography, visualization of the lymphatic pathway(s) to the axilla. Results confirmed the high sensitivity of ICG fluorescence for SLN detection in early BC, proving this method is safe, less allergic reactions following subareolar injection.