Magtrace® node marker

Frequently asked questions

What is “Magtrace”?

The Magtrace® node marker is a specially-designed non-radioactive tracer for sentinel lymph node biopsies, made up of a material called ‘superparamagnetic iron oxide’ (SPIO).

How does the Magtrace® node marker work?

The Magtrace® node marker is detected using our Sentimag® probe. When the node marker is injected in the breast, it is totally inert. After tissue-massage or enough time for the tracer to migrate to the lymph nodes has passed, it is only when the probe is passed near the axillary site that it becomes detectable.

Tissue-massage is especially advised if the Magtrace® node marker is administered shortly before surgery (20 minutes) and/or the breast size is large.

Learn more about how the Sentimag® probe works here.

How much does the Magtrace® node marker cost?

This differs from country to country. There are many assessments of node localisation that have shown significant cost savings for the hospital. Follow this link to get in touch with your nearest sales distribution partner directly.

How is the Magtrace® node marker injected into the breast?

Begin by drawing 2 ml of the Magtrace® node marker via a sterile needle into an appropriate sterile hypodermic syringe and check the quantity.

Administer the Magtrace® node marker by subcutaneous injection into interstitial tissue, and follow with 5 minutes vigorous massage at the injection site. Surgeons should wait at least 20 minutes before attempting transcutaneous measurement of the axilla.

Proceed with the incision only after obtaining a clear transcutaneous signal with the Sentimag® probe. Migration time may be prolonged due to high age, obesity and large cup size.

Subareolar subcutaneous injection is recommended as it:

  1. Limits discoloration (as nipple tissue is darker anyway)
  2. Pinching/lifting up the nipple induces a kind of negative pressure resp. surge
  3. Clinical data has been gathered with this injection site on hundreds of patients
  4. Tracer travels more rapidly to the nodes from sub-areolar injection

Can I do a post-anaesthesia subareolar injection?

Yes, and it is recommended that this be done 20 minutes prior to SLNB being attempted.

Alternatively local anaesthetic can be given to the patient if the injection is done in the awake patient

What about peritumoral injection?

We have observed several European surgeons who opt for peritumoral injection (see ‘Magtrace clinical data‘ page).

In some patients a peritumoral injection may take longer to migrate to the axilla than a subareolar injection would. Injecting days ahead of surgery will always improve migration regardless of which injection technique chosen.

How many nodes should I remove?

The number of nodes removed is at the surgeons discretion. Literature on our ‘Magtrace clinical data‘ page shows that the optimal number of nodes removed is three.

In the US SentimagIC study, the number of nodes removed was 2.4. This number will depend upon surgeon technique and preference. We advocate that nodes should be removed in accordance with the 10% rule.

Can the Magtrace® node marker be used at the same time as a Magseed® marker?

Yes. Several centres now use the products in combination. It is important to note that currently the Sentimag® probe does not distinguish between the signal from a Magseed® marker versus the Magtrace® node marker.

It is sensible to separate the injection site from the area you wish to sense the Magseed® marker transcutaneously. A distance of 2-3 cm will ensure a separate signal for the Magseed® marker is attained.

How should I store the Magtrace® node marker?

Between +2 to +30°C under controlled conditions in a way that temperature variations are minimised. Storage is considered optimal in a climatised surrounding at room temperature e.g. in / or next to the operating theatre or other in-house storage.

Does the Magtrace® node marker cause ‘staining’?

For some patients, the Magtrace® node marker leaves a brown ‘bruise-like’ colouration that fades over time. See our ‘Magtrace clinical data‘ page to find results data on this point.

How can I evaluate or get the Magtrace® node marker?

Type your details on this form and someone will be in touch soon to arrange an evaluation.

Where can I ask further questions?

If you’ve not found the answer you are looking for, please get in touch with our team.

References

*† Data and clinical references on file at Endomag.

Indications may vary in different countries; please either visit our indications page, consult the appropriate IFU or your local distributor for more information.