RETROSPECTIVE REGISTRY STUDY OF NODE-POSITIVE BREAST CANCER CASES: SINGLE-CENTER EXPERIENCE OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

Introduction: Node-positive breast cancer, where cancer cells spread to regional lymph nodes, accounts for approximately 30–40% of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases. It serves as a key prognostic factor, indicating an elevated risk of recurrence and systemic spread. The number of affected nodes significantly impacts staging and treatment decisions, with survival outcomes declining as nodal burden increases. With modern treatment strategies, the 5-year overall survival rate for node-positive breast cancer ranges from around 85% for patients with 1–3 positive nodes to approximately 60% for those with extensive nodal involvement. Standard management includes surgery, systemic therapy (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy), and often radiation, with treatment tailored based on tumor biology (ER/PR/HER2 status) and patient-specific factors. Advances in personalized medicine continue to refine therapeutic approaches, improving survival while reducing toxicity. Materials and Methods: Data was collected from medical records at the German Oncology Center in Limassol, Cyprus, creating a registry of node-positive breast cancer cases. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. Aim: To establish a clinical registry, recording medical history, epidemiological data, and prognosis of node-positive breast cancer patients treated over the past four years. Results: A total of 141 cases were recorded, all in female patients, with 61% aged 50–70 years. Symptoms led to diagnosis in 20% of cases, though data on BMI, smoking, exercise, and births were often missing. Most patients (83%) had N1 disease, 40% N2, and the remainder N3. Ductal carcinoma was predominant (74%), with 85% ER+, 71% PR+, and 13% HER2+. Triple-negative cases accounted for 2%. Chemotherapy was administered in 81%, with all HER2+ patients receiving targeted therapy. Aromatase inhibitors were prescribed for 67.8%, and 23.4% received CDK4/6 inhibitors, though none received olaparib. Recurrence occurred in 14.2%, while genetic testing identified BRCA1 (2.8%), BRCA2 (1.4%), PALB2 (0.7%), and PIK3CA (0.7%) mutations. Median DFS was 31.38 months, and OS was 39 months. Conclusion: Prognosis for node-positive breast cancer remains favorable with appropriate (neo)adjuvant treatment. Standard care includes chemotherapy and adjuvant endocrine therapy, often with CDK4/6 inhibitors in hormone-sensitive cases. Comprehensive patient history remains crucial for epidemiological insights and preventive strategies.