Clinical Research Directory

Tumor Margin Skin Tattooing Before Neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients With Breast Cancer

Study Description This prospective cohort study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of pre-neoadjuvant tumor localization using skin tattooing, with or without radiopaque clips, in patients with biopsy-proven T2-T3 breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis. Eligible patients will undergo tumor localization in the supine position with the ipsilateral arm abducted to 90°. Palpable tumor margins will be marked with sterile tattoo ink, and deep or mobile tumors will receive additional localization with ultrasonography-guided radiopaque clips. Following localization, patients will receive standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor response will be monitored clinically and radiologically. Post-therapy, the tattoo markings and/or clips will guide breast-conserving surgery. Primary outcomes include feasibility of breast conservation, achievement of negative margins (R0 resection), and avoidance of mastectomy, while intraoperative technical challenges will also be documented.