Oncologic outcomes of de-escalating axillary treatment in clinically node-positive breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant systemic therapy - A two center cohort study.

Background: The aim of the present study was to report the 5-year axillary recurrence-free interval (aRFI) in clinically node-positive breast cancer patients treated according to a de-escalating axillary treatment protocol after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST).

Methods: All patients diagnosed in two hospitals between October 2014 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. Data on diagnostic workup, treatment and follow-up was collected.