Jajini Varghese

Dr. Jajini Varghese


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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7 June 2024 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
JVJajini Varghese
Jajini Varghese
NPNeill Patani
Neill Patani
UWUmar Wazir
Umar Wazir
SNShonnelly Novintan
Shonnelly Novintan
MMMichael J. Michell
Michael J. Michell
Kefah MokbelKefah Mokbel
Kefah Mokbel
Recent advances in neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) have significantly improved pathologic complete response rates in early breast cancer, challenging the role of axillary lymph node dissection in nose-positive patients. Targeted axillary dissection (TAD) integrates marked lymph node biopsy (MLNB) and tracer-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The introduction of new wire-free localisation markers (LMs) has streamlined TAD and increased its adoption. The primary endpoints include the successful localisation and retrieval rates of LMs. The secondary endpoints include the pathological complete response (pCR), SLNB, and MLNB concordance, as well as false-negative rates. Seventeen studies encompassing 1358 TAD procedures in 1355 met the inclusion criteria. The localisation and retrieval rate of LMs were 97% and 99%. A concordance rate of 67% (95% CI: 64–70) between SLNB and MLNB was demonstrated. Notably, 49 days (range: 0–272) was the average LM deployment time to surgery. pCR was observed in 46% (95% CI: 43–49) of cases, with no significant procedure-related complications. Omitting MLNB or SLNB would have under-staged the axilla in 15.2% or 5.4% (p = 0.0001) of cases, respectively. MLNB inclusion in axillary staging post-NST for initially node-positive patients is crucial. The radiation-free Savi Scout, with its minimal MRI artefacts, is the preferred technology for TAD.