The Role of Margin Status on Local Recurrence in Microinvasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for researchers?

A: Excellent

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Very good

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Very good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Good

Comments:

Results from this study show that sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) could not be useful in microinvasive ductal carcinoma (MIDC) according to the low risk of lymph node metastasis. The Discussion puts forth the rationale for taking up the study, effectively describes the relevant literature and enlists the implications of the findings from the present study in that context. The rate of local recurrence was 5% and the findings suggested a possible role of margin status in the development of local recurrence (LR). The study concludes that accurate risk estimates are essential to assess margin status and determine the consequent appropriate disease management. The study is apt in recommending further studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up to establish if positive or close margins are associated with an increased risk of local recurrence specifically for MIDC.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Very good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Very good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This retrospective single-center study explores factors related to local recurrence in microinvasive carcinoma of the breast. The study holds significance as controversy on the management of microinvasive ductal carcinoma (MIDC) is related to the limited information available regarding lymph node involvement, recurrence rate and prognosis of the disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate axillary lymph node involvement, treatment management and recurrence rate in the cohort of patients and to identify risk factors for local recurrence. Further, the findings indicated a possible role of margin status in the development of local recurrence (LR). The small sample size, short duration of follow up and heterogeneity in treatment come out as some of the limitations of the study.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team