Outcome After Pathologic Complete Eradication of Cytologically Proven Breast Cancer Axillary Node Metastases Following Primary Chemotherapy

ALN pCR is associated with an excellent prognosis, even with a residual primary tumor, pointing to biologic differences between primary and metastatic cells. ALN pCR represents an early surrogate marker of long-term outcome. Response to initial PCT has important potential as a guide to subsequent therapy.