SNLB vs. Standard Axillary Treatment in Operable Breast Cancer

Overview

Featured Article

Mansel RE, Fallowfield L, Kissin M, et al; Randomized Multicenter Trial of Sentinel Node Biopsy Versus Standard Axillary Treatment in Operable Breast Cancer: The ALMANC Trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; 98(9): 599-609

Expert Reviews:

Methodological Reviewer
Steve Latosinsky MD, MSc, FRCSC, Department of Surgery, University of Manitoba

Clinical Reviewer
Kelly Dabbs MD, FRCSC, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta

Clinical Reviewer
Fredrick Moffat MD, MBA, FACS, Department of Surgery, University of Miami

Supplementary Articles

Guyatt, GH, Naylor CD, Juniper E, Heyland DK, Jaeschke R, Cook DJ, for the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group: Users’ Guide to the Medical Literature. XII. How to Use Articles About Health-Related Quality of Life. JAMA 1997; 277(15):1232-37

Questions

Please read the provided articles and be prepared to discuss the following:

  1. What is the clinical question being addressed?
  2. Have the investigators measured aspects of patients’ lives that patients consider important?
  3. Did the HRQL Instruments work in the way they are supposed to?
  4. Are there important aspects of HRQL that have been omitted?
  5. If there were trade-offs between quality and quantity of life, or an economic evaluation, have the investigators used the right measures?
  6. What was the magnitude of effect on HRQL?
  7. Will the information from the study help me inform my patients?
  8. Did the study design simulate clinical practice?
  9. State the conclusion. Have the authors addressed the clinical question?
  10. Does the evidence support the conclusion?