Additional Sentinel Lymph Node Research Articles

Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure in Pediatric Patients with Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, or Sarcoma Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Indocyanine Green: A Feasibility Trial

BackgroundStandard sentinel lymph node procedure (SNP) in pediatric cancer consists of a preoperative injection with 99mtechnetium nanocolloid in combination with an optional intraoperative injection with blue dye. However, blue dye has disadvantages, and the detection rate is low, with only 60% of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) staining blue. In adult oncology, fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has been shown to be a safe and accurate method for visual detection of SLNs, with a higher sensitivity (up to 97%) compared with blue dye. Therefore, our aim is to determine the feasibility of the addition of ICG to 99mtechnetium nanocolloid (ICG–TC) for visual detection of SLN in pediatric patients.MethodsA total of 15 pediatric patients with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoma were prospectively included. Preoperatively, patients were injected with ICG–TC and imaging with lymphoscintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography– computed tomography was performed. Intraoperatively, SLN was detected with fluorescence and the gamma probe. Postoperatively, fluorescence was quantified by tumor-to-background ratio (TBR) and surgeons evaluated the use of ICG using a standardized questionnaire.ResultsIn 10/15 (67%) patients, SLNs were visible transcutaneously. Of all intraoperatively detected SLNs, 35/37 (95%) were fluorescent and 37/37 (100%) were radioactive. Furthermore, ICG–TC led to the identification of six additional SLNs as compared with preoperative imaging. The median TBR in vivo was 6.5 (IQR 5.3). The surgical evaluation showed that ICG assisted in SLN detection and was easy to use.ConclusionsICG–TC for the SNP is a feasible procedure in pediatric patients. It showed an accurate detection rate, was helpful for visual guidance, and no adverse events occurred.

Comparison of indirect computed tomographic lymphography and near-infrared fluorescence sentinel lymph node mapping for integumentary canine mast cell tumors.

To compare the independent and combined use of indirect computed tomographic lymphography (ICTL) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in dogs with integumentary mast cell tumors (MCT) and report the metastatic LN rate. Prospective clinical study. Twenty client-owned dogs. Dogs underwent preoperative ICTL, then intraoperative NIRF SLN mapping and excision of the anatomic lymph node (ALN) and/or SLN, and primary MCT. Technique agreement was complete if the same SLN was detected, and partial if the same SLN was detected along with additional SLN. No agreement occurred if the techniques detected different or no SLN. MCT were graded using two- and three-tier schemes, and LN were graded from HN0-3; HN2-3 were considered metastatic. Complete, partial, and no agreement between ICTL and NIRF was seen in 8/20 (40%), 8/20 (40%), and 4/20 (20%) dogs, respectively. Detection of ICTL-SLN and NIRF-SLN failed in 1/20 (5%) and 4/20 (20%), respectively. Tumors were grade II/low-grade in 19/20 (95%) and grade III/high-grade in 1/20 (5%) dogs. Nineteen out of 20 (95%) dogs had HN2-3 LN. Technique agreement of at least one SLN was seen in 16/20 (80%) dogs. Although most MCT were classified as intermediate to low grade, LN metastases were commonly detected. Combining ICTL and NIRF for MCT SLN mapping yields high SLN detection rates. Lymph node metastasis may be more common than previously reported for intermediate to low grade MCT.

99mTc-labeled colloid SPECT/CT versus planar lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node detection in patients with breast cancer: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT/CT) and planar lymphoscintigraphy (PL) in patients with primary breast cancer, undergoing lymphoscintigraphy at initial staging. Specifically, we assessed the detection rate (DR) for sentinel lymph node (SLN), the absolute number of detected SLNs by each technique, and the proportion of patients with additional SLNs detected by one technique compared to the other one. Finally, we aimed to evaluate the impact of SPECT/CT on the surgical approach. Methods Original articles, providing a head-to-head comparison between SPECT/CT and PL, including patients with primary breast cancer at first presentation, were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus databases through March 31st, 2022. The DR of the imaging techniques was calculated on a per-patient analysis; studies were pooled on their odds ratios (ORs) with a random-effects model to assess the presence of a significant difference between the DRs of SPECT/CT and PL. The number of additional SLNs, calculated as relative risk (RR), and the pooled proportion of patients with additional SLNs using one imaging technique rather than the other one were investigated. The pooled ratio of surgical procedures (SLN harvesting) influenced by the use of SPECT/CT, according to the surgeons, was calculated. Results Sixteen studies with 2693 patients were eligible for the calculation of the DR of SPECT/CT and PL. The DR was 92.11% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 89.32–94.50%] for SPECT/CT, and 85.12% (95% CI 80.58–89.15%) for PL, with an OR of 1.96 (95% CI 1.51–2.55) in favor of SPECT/CT. There was a relative risk of detection of larger number of SLNs (RR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.14–1.32; 12 studies; 979 patients) for SPECT/CT (n = 3983) compared to PL (n = 3321) and a significant proportion of patients with additional SLNs detected by SPECT/CT, which were missed by PL (18.88%, 95% CI: 11.72%-27.27%; 13 studies). Four articles, with a total number of 1427 patients, revealed that 23.98% of the surgical procedures benefited from the use of SPECT/CT. Conclusions This meta-analysis favors SPECT/CT over PL for the identification of SLN in patients with primary breast cancer at staging due to higher DR, more SLNs depicted, and a significant proportion of subjects with additional detected SLNs by SPECT/CT compared to PL. Furthermore, SPECT/CT positively influences the surgical procedure. However, PL remains a satisfactory imaging option for imaging departments not equipped with SPECT/CT due to its good patient-based DR.

CT Lymphography Using Lipiodol® for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Oral Cancer.

This study evaluated sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification with CT lymphography (CTL) following peritumoral administration of Lipiodol® relative to conventional 99mTc-nanocolloid lymphoscintigraphy (including SPECT/CT) in 10 early-stage oral cancer patients undergoing SLN biopsy. Patients first underwent early dynamic and static scintigraphy after peritumoral administration of 99mTc-nanocolloid. Subsequently, Lipiodol® was administered at the same injection sites, followed by fluoroscopy and CT acquisition. Finally, late scintigraphy and SPECT/CT were conducted, enabling the fusion of late CTL and SPECT imaging. The next day, designated SLNs were harvested, radiographically examined for Lipiodol® uptake and histopathologically assessed. Corresponding images of CT, 99mTc-nanocolloid lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/late CTL fusion were evaluated. 99mTc-nanocolloid lymphoscintigraphy identified 21 SLNs, of which 7 were identified with CTL (33%). CTL identified no additional SLNs and failed to identify any SLNs in four patients (40%). Out of six histopathologically positive SLNs, two were identified by CTL (33%). Radiographic examination confirmed Lipiodol® uptake in seven harvested SLNs (24%), of which five were depicted by CTL. CTL using Lipiodol® reached a sensitivity of 50% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 75% (median follow-up: 12.3 months). These results suggest that CTL using Lipiodol® is not a reliable technique for SLN mapping in early-stage oral cancer.

Diagnostic value of nuclear medicine modaities for the detection of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer

Purpose of the study. To determine and compare the diagnostic efficacy of planar scintigraphy, SPECT (including SPECT/CT) and intraoperative gamma probe radiometry in the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in patients with breast cancer.Material and methods. The study included 200 patients with diagnosed breast cancer who underwent SLN biopsy in the period 2020–2021. To identify SLN s, all patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy with a 99mtc-labeled colloidal radiopharmaceutical one day before surgery. Planar lymphoscintigraphy was performed on 200 patients included into the study, 181 underwent examination in the volume of SPECT or SPECT/CT (147 and 34 studies, respectively). The SLN was detected intraoperatively using a portable gamma probe (n=200). Subsequent histological examination determined the presence of lymphoid tissue and the status of the removed SLN.Results. SLN were detected in a comprehensive study (planar and tomographic studies) in all 200 patients studied (100 %), while planar scintigraphy did not visualize any SLN in 6 (3 %) cases, but they were determined during examination in tomographic mode. Also, in some cases, additional SLN were determined during tomography, which were not considered in the planar study. In 95 % of cases, SLN were localized in the axillary region. All non-axillary slns were identified on tomograms. The sensitivity of SPECT for SLN detection was 100 % (ci 98.0–100 %), which was higher than the sensitivity of planar scintigraphy and gamma probe (97.0 %, ci 96.5–97.4 % and 97.0 %, ci 96.1–97.4 %, respectively). The PPV values were also high (99.5 %, ci 99.0–100 % for planar scintigraphy, 99.5 %, ci 98.6–100 % for gamma probe and 98.3 %, ci 95.2–99.7 % for SPECT.Conclusion. Nuclear medicine imaging of sln with lymphotropic radiopharmaceuticals in patients with breast cancer is an effective and reliable method of navigation during surgery to perform a biopsy. SPECT and SPECT/CT can identify more lymph nodes than planar scintigraphy, improving their anatomical localization, and reducing the false negative rate. The diagnostic performance of SPECT/CT and SPECT is believed to be superior to that of planar lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative navigation in detecting SLN.

Within-patient comparison between [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy and [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept lymphoscintigraphy for sentinel lymph node detection in oral cancer: a pilot study

To compare sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification using [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy to [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept lymphoscintigraphy (including SPECT/CT) in early-stage oral cancer. Furthermore, to assess whether reliable intraoperative SLN localization can be performed with a conventional portable gamma-probe using [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept without the interference of [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept in these patients. This prospective within-patient comparison pilot study evaluated SLN identification by [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy compared to conventional lymphoscintigraphy using [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept (~ 74MBq) in 10 early-stage oral cancer patients scheduled for SLN biopsy. After conventional [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept lymphoscintigraphy, patients underwent peritumoral administration of [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept (~ 10MBq) followed by PET/CT acquisition initiated 15min after injection. Intraoperative SLN localization was performed under conventional portable gamma-probe guidance the next day; the location of harvested SLNs was correlated to both lymphoscintigraphic images in each patient. A total of 24 SLNs were identified by [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept lymphoscintigraphy, all except one were also identified by [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy. [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy identified 4 additional SLNs near the injection site, of which two harbored metastases. Lymphatic vessels transporting [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept were identified by PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy in 80% of patients, while draining lymphatic vessels were visualized by [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept lymphoscintigraphy in 20% of patients. Of the 33 SLNs identified by [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy, 30 (91%) were intraoperatively localized under conventional gamma-probe guidance. [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy provided more accurate identification of SLNs and improved visualization of lymphatic vessels compared to [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept lymphoscintigraphy. When combined with peritumoral administration of [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept, SLNs detected by [68Ga]Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT lymphoscintigraphy can be reliably localized during surgery under conventional gamma-probe guidance.

Sentinel-Lymphnode Biopsy in primary breast cancer: 99mTc versus ICG—A prospective, randomized trial.

575 Background: Sentinel-Lymphnode Biopsy (SLNB) is the standard procedure in primary breast cancer, routinely performed with 99mTechnetium radioactive tracers. Awareness of nuclear waste, costs and time consumption lead to the desire of breast surgeons to find safe and effective alternative options for detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in breast cancer and melanoma. Indocyaningreen is a tracer which emits fluorescence with near-infrared light of 780-810 nm when injected in the peritumoral or periareolar region, enabling surgeons to detect SLN and lymphatic pathways at the breast. Methods: We performed a prospective, randomized trial with patients with primary breast cancer. Both detection methods have been applied to patients of the study cohort comparing the preparation time, time to identify, concordance of the two methods and costs. Reference method was preoperative lymphszintigraphy. Results: 55 patients have been analyzed in this first report. Preparation time was 75,8 min (range 60-120 min) for 99mTc-tracer and a standard of 20 min for ICG. Time to identify SLN at a mean of 3,8 min(range 1-15 min) for 99mTc and 3 min (range 1-8 min) for ICG. Concordance rates were 98,2 % for the 1st SLN, 93,8 % both for 2nd and 3rd SLN. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, all SLN have been been detected by both techniques, in 3 patients additional SLN have been found by ICG. Costs have been cut down to 1/10 with the use of ICG, coming up to saving of 27 000 US-$ per each 100 SLNB procedures performed. Conclusions: We report a high concordance rate between the 2 techniques - 99mTechnetium and ICG with near-infrared - for detection of SLN in breast cancer. Preparation time is cut down to less than 30 %, and costs to less the 10 % of radioactive labelling. Clinical trial information: 18-8054-BO .

Factors that affect the false negative rate of sentinel lymph node mapping with methylene blue dye alone in breast cancer.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological factors of the false negative rate (FNR) and accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) mapping with 1% methylene blue dye (MBD) alone, and to examine how to reduce the FNR in patients with breast cancer.MethodsA total of 365 patients with invasive breast carcinoma who received axillary lymph node dissection after SLNB were retrospectively analyzed. SLNB was performed with 2 to 5 mL of 1% MBD. We studied the clinicopathological factors that could affect the FNR of SLNB.ResultsThe identification rate of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) was 98.3% (359/365) and the FNR of SLNB was 10.4% (16/154). Multivariate analysis showed that the number of dissected SLNs and metastatic lymph nodes were independent predictive factors for the FNR of SLNB. The FNR in patients with 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 SLNs was 23.53%, 15.79%, 3.85%, and 1.79%, respectively.ConclusionsSLNB mapping with MBD alone in patients with breast cancer can produce favorable identification rates. The FNR of SLNB decreases as the number of SLNs rises. Because of side effects of searching for additional SLNs and the FNR, removal of three or four SLNs may be appropriate.

Effect of Sentinel Node Biopsy in Clinically N0, BRAF V600E-Mutated, Small Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Pilot Study.

BRAF V600E mutation papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is more aggressive with a higher risk of lymph node involvement and a poorer prognosis. Prior studies failed to demonstrate the superiority of prophylactic lymphadenectomy. We investigated the utility of additional radio-guided sentinel node biopsy (SNB). We analyzed 15 patients with N0 PTC by ultrasound and BRAF mutation on preoperative biopsy treated with total thyroidectomy (TT) or TT + prophylactic central neck dissection (PCND) alone or with SNB. Conventional surgery was performed before SNB. We recorded primary tumor diameter, multifocality, extrathyroid infiltration, neoplastic emboli, and tall cell variant. At follow-up, we evaluated basal and stimulated thyroglobulin and ultrasound or radioiodine scintigraphy. Of 15 consecutive patients, 5 received conventional surgery alone, and 10 had SNB. For the first group, 4 underwent TT, and 1 had TT + PCND. Among the SNB group, 1 had no sentinel node detected and underwent a simple TT, 2 had TT + PCND+ SNB in the lateral compartment, and 7 had TT + SNB in 1 to 3 neck compartments. Micrometastases were found in 1 of 3 PCND specimens. Sentinel node biopsy revealed metastasis in 3 of 6 central compartment biopsies, in 2 of 6 biopsies in the ipsilateral lateral compartment, and in none of 2 biopsies in the contralateral compartment. Sentinel node biopsy allowed the removal of micrometastases in 4 of 10 patients. At 53 months' (mean) follow-up, no relapse was documented. Radio-guided SNB correctly and efficiently stages cN0 BRAF-mutated PTC patients. Sentinel node biopsy could limit time-consuming, risk-exposing compartmental prophylactic dissections.

Intraoperative Imaging with a Portable Gamma Camera May Reduce the False-Negative Rate for Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Node Surgery

BackgroundPreoperative imaging and intraoperative gamma probe (GP) localization is standard for identifying sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in melanoma patients. The aim of this prospective Institutional Review Board-approved study was to investigate whether an intraoperative portable gamma camera (PGC) improves SLN detection over the GP.MethodsLymphoscintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography were performed after injection of 99mTc-Tilmanocept in melanoma patients (≥ 18 years, Breslow thickness ≥ 1.0 mm). A GP was used to localize the SLNs in each basin, which was explored by the GP to ensure that the operative field was < 10% counts of the hottest SLN. The PGC was then used after a negative GP screening. Any residual hotspots identified by the PGC were considered as additional SLNs and were removed following the 10% rule.ResultsPreoperative imaging of 100 patients identified 138 SLN basins, with 306 SLNs being identified by conventional surgery. The PGC localized 89 additional SLNs in 54 patients. Thus, the PGC identified an additional 23% of SLNs [95% confidence interval (CI) 18–27%]. Four of these 89 SLNs showed micrometastasis in four patients, in two of whom the only tumor-positive SLN was identified by the PGC, preventing two false-negative cases. Thus, the null hypothesis that the PGC did not detect additional positive SLNs was rejected (p = 0.000). The overall SLN positive rate was 9.9% (39/395, 95% CI 6–12), and the overall patient positive rate was increased using the PGC, from 25 to 27% (27/100).ConclusionsIntraoperative PGC imaging yielded additional SLNs in a significant number of patients over GP alone. Identification of these additional SLNs resulted in upstaging of four patients with two patients being converted from a negative to a positive status, thus, preventing two false-negative cases.

Molecular Imaging of endometrial sentinel lymph nodes utilizing fluorescent-labeled Tilmanocept during robotic-assisted surgery in a porcine model.

Molecular imaging with a fluorescent version of Tilmanocept may permit an accurate and facile detection of sentinel nodes of endometrial cancer. Tilmanocept accumulates in sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) by binding to a cell surface receptor unique to macrophages and dendritic cells. Four female Yorkshire pigs underwent cervical stromal injection of IRDye800-Tilmanocept, a molecular imaging agent tagged with near-infrared fluorescent dye and radiolabeled with gallium-68 and technetium-99m. PET/CT scans 1.5 hours post-injection provided pre-operative SLN mapping. Robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy was performed two days after injection, using the FireFly imaging system to identify nodes demonstrating fluorescent signal. After removal of fluorescent nodes, pelvic and periaortic node dissections were performed. Nodes were assayed for technetium-99m activity, and SLNs were established using the “10%-rule”, requiring that the radioactivity of additional SLNs be greater than 10% of the “hottest” SLN. Thirty-four nodal samples were assayed ex vivo for radioactivity. All the SLNs satisfying the “10%-rule” were detected using the FireFly system. Five fluorescent nodes were detected, corresponding with preoperative PET/CT scan. Three pigs had one SLN and one pig had two SLNs, with 100% concordance between fluorescence and radioactivity. Fluorescent-labeled Tilmanocept permits real-time intraoperative detection of SLNs during robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer in a porcine model. When radiolabeled with gallium-68, Tilmanocept allows for preoperative localization of SLNs using PET/CT, and shows specificity to SLNs with persistent fluorescent signal, detectable using the FireFly system, for two days post-injection. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a phase I trial in human subjects is warranted, and that a long-term goal of an intra-operative administration of non-radioactive fluorescent-labeled Tilmanocept is possible.

Real-time navigation system for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients using projection mapping with indocyanine green fluorescence.

Inability to visualize indocyanine green fluorescence images in the surgical field limits the application of current near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIR) systems for real-time navigation during sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the Medical Imaging Projection System (MIPS), which uses active projection mapping, for SLN biopsy. A total of 56 patients (59 procedures) underwent SLN biopsy using the MIPS between March 2016 and November 2017. After SLN biopsy using the MIPS, residual SLNs were removed using a conventional NIR camera and/or radioisotope method. The primary endpoint of this study was identification rate of SLNs using the MIPS. In all procedures, at least one SLN was detected by the MIPS, giving an SLN identification rate of 100% [95% confidence interval (CI) 94-100%]. SLN biopsy was successfully performed without operating lights in all procedures. In total, 3 positive SLNs were excised using MIPS, but were not included in the additional SLNs excised by other methods. The median number of SLNs excised using the MIPS was 3 (range 1-7). Of procedures performed after preoperative systemic therapy, the median number of SLNs excised using the MIPS was 3 (range 2-6). The MIPS is effective in detecting SLNs in patients with breast cancer, providing continuous and accurate projection of fluorescence signals in the surgical field, without need for operating lights, and could be useful in real-time navigation surgery for SLN biopsy.

SPECT/CT Adds Distinct Lymph Node Basins and Influences Radiologic Findings and Surgical Approach for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Melanoma

Planar lymphoscintigraphy (PL) has a lower detection rate of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in head and neck melanoma compared with other sites. We assessed situations when single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) identified nodes not seen by PL. We also evaluated the impact of SPECT/CT on surgical approach and oncologic outcomes. Patients who underwent SLN biopsy (SLNB) for head and neck melanoma with PL and SPECT/CT between November 2011 and December 2016 were included. Surgeons and radiologists completed a real-time survey inquiring about the utility of SPECT/CT. Patients were divided into two groups: patients with nodal basins identified by both PL and SPECT/CT ('PL+SPECT/CT'), and patients in whom SPECT/CT identified additional nodal basins not seen on PL ('SPECT/CT only'). Patient demographics and long-term outcomes including follow-up duration, recurrence, and survival are described. In the PL+SPECT/CT group, 73 (61.9%) patients were included and 45 (38.1%) patients were included in the SPECT/CT-only group. SPECT/CT added 51 basins to those seen on PL, primarily in the supraclavicular region (43.1%). Eighteen patients had positive node(s) in the PL+SPECT/CT group compared with two patients in the SPECT/CT-only group. Surgeons reported that 81% of the time, SPECT/CT influenced the location of incision for SLNB. SPECT/CT influences the location of incision and contributes most to identification of nodes in the supraclavicular region. It also detects additional SLN basins when compared with PL. Further studies are necessary to determine when these additional basins require sampling.

Localizing the Clipped Node in Patients with Node-Positive Breast Cancer Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Early Learning Experience and Challenges.

Placement of a clip in the positive node in patients presenting with node-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) allows resection of the clipped node at SLN surgery and improves the accuracy of surgical staging. We sought to evaluate our experience with SLN surgery with resection of the clipped node since incorporation into our practice. With Institutional Review Board approval, we evaluated all breast cancer patients with a percutaneous biopsy-positive axillary lymph node, clipped at the time of diagnosis, who underwent NAC followed by surgery. Fifty-six node-positive patients were identified. Eighteen patients (32.1%) underwent axillary dissection without sentinel lymph node (SLN) surgery, and 38 patients underwent SLN surgery (18 patients underwent SLN surgery alone, and 20 patients underwent SLNsurgery andaxillary lymph node dissection). In 25patients, preoperative localization of the clipped node with an 125I radioactive seed was attempted. This was performed by ultrasound guidance in 18 cases (72%), computed tomography (CT) guidance in two cases (8%), and was unable to be localized in five cases (20%). In all 20 seed-localized cases, the seed and the clipped node were resected along with additional SLNs. In 14 patients without seed localization (nine not attempted, five unable to be localized), the clipped node was resected in 11 cases (79%)-as one of the SLNs (6), by intraoperative ultrasound (4), or by palpation (1). Overall, the clipped node was resected in 31/34 (91%) cases. Preoperative ultrasound localization of the clipped node was successful in 72% of cases. Alternatively, the clipped node can be identified by preoperative CT, routine SLN surgery, intraoperative ultrasound, or palpation.

Advances in radioguided surgery in oncology.

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is probably the most well-known radioguided technique in surgical oncology. Today SLN biopsy reduces the morbidity associated with lymphadenectomy and increases the identification rate of occult lymphatic metastases by offering the pathologist the lymph nodes with the highest probability of containing metastatic cells. These advantages may result in a change in clinical management both in melanoma and breast cancer patients. The SLN evaluation by pathology currently implies tumor burden stratification for further prognostic information. The concept of SLN biopsy includes pre-surgical lymphoscintigraphy as a "roadmap" to guide the surgeon toward the SLNs and to localize unpredictable lymphatic drainage patterns. In addition to planar images, SPECT/CT improves SLN detection, especially in sites closer to the injection site, providing anatomic landmarks which are helpful in localizing SLNs in difficult to interpret studies. The use of intraoperative imaging devices allows a better surgical approach and SLN localization. Several studies report the value of such devices for excision of additional sentinel nodes and for monitoring the whole procedure. The combination of preoperative imaging and radioguided localization constitutes the basis for a whole spectrum of basic and advanced nuclear medicine procedures, which recently have been encompassed under the term "guided intraoperative scintigraphic tumor targeting" (GOSTT). Excepting SLN biopsy, GOSTT includes procedures based on the detection of target lesions with visible uptake of tumor-seeking radiotracers on SPECT/CT or PET/CT enabling their subsequent radioguided excisional biopsy for diagnostic of therapeutic purposes. The incorporation of new PET-tracers into nuclear medicine has reinforced this field delineating new strategies for radioguided excision. In cases with insufficient lesion uptake after systemic radiotracer administration, intralesional injection of a tracer without migration may enable subsequent excision of the targeted tissue. This approach has been helpful in non-palpable breast cancer and in solitary pulmonary nodules. The introduction of allied technologies like fluorescence constitutes a recent advance aimed to refine the search for SLNs and tracer-avid lesions in the operation theatre in combination with radioguidance.

The added value of SPECT-CT for the identification of sentinel lymph nodes in early stage oral cancer

PurposeTo assess the role of single-photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography (SPECT-CT) for the identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with early stage (T1–T2) oral cancer and a clinically negative neck (cN0).MethodsIn addition to planar lymphoscintigraphy, SPECT-CT was performed in 66 consecutive patients with early stage oral cancer and a clinically negative neck. The addition of SPECT-CT to planar images was retrospectively analyzed for the number of additional SLNs, more precise localization of SLNs, and importance of anatomical information by a team consisting of a nuclear physician, surgeon, and investigator.ResultsIdentification rate for both imaging modalities combined was 98% (65/66). SPECT-CT identified 15 additional SLNs in 14 patients (22%). In 2/15 (13%) of these additional SLNs, the only metastasis was found, resulting in an upstaging rate of 3% (2/65). In 20% of the patients with at least one positive SLN, the only positive SLN was detected due to the addition of SPECT-CT. SPECT-CT was considered to add important anatomical information in two patients (3%). In 5/65 (8%) of the patients initially scored SLNs on planar lymphoscintigrams were scored as non-SLNs when SPECT-CT was added. There were four false-negative SLN biopsy procedures in this cohort.ConclusionsThe addition of SPECT-CT to planar lymphoscintigraphy is recommended for the identification of more (positive) SLNs and better topographical orientation for surgery in sentinel lymph node biopsy for early stage oral cancer.

Use of indocyanine green and the HyperEye system for detecting sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer within a population of European patients: a pilot study.

BackgroundCertain studies suggest that using indocyanine green (ICG) could be comparable with using radioisotopes (RI) in detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in breast cancer. A number of these studies were performed in Asia. The objective of our pilot study was to evaluate within a European population of breast cancer patients the detection rate of SLNs using ICG and the HyperEye system and the concordance in SLNs detected using this method and the standard method involving RI and a gamma probe.MethodsTen female patients with early-stage breast cancer (Czech Republic) indicated for partial mastectomy and SLN biopsy were subjected to standard application of RI. Before surgery, ICG was administered periareolarly in the amount of 1 ml of 0.5% solution. Sentinel lymph nodes were first detected perioperatively exclusively using ICG fluorescence and the HyperEye device (Mizuho, Japan). Only after removal of all SLNs found in this way was the standard hand-held gamma probe used to detect RI, and any potential additional SLNs not found with ICG were then extirpated.ResultsIn all 10 cases, at least one SLN was successfully detected using ICG. Nevertheless, in five patients, 1–4 additional SLNs were found using the gamma probe. Complete concordance in detecting SLNs therefore occurred in only one half of the cases. Metastases in SLNs were found in a total of two cases. Had we used only ICG for detection, one of these two cases would have been incorrectly evaluated as N0 (ICG false negativity).ConclusionsThe study did not confirm the hypothesis that the use of ICG with the HyperEye system can currently be considered a method fully comparable with using RI and a gamma probe in a population of European patients. Although the detection rate is high, a significantly lower number of SLNs were detected using ICG than using RI (p = 0.03). Thus, there would be a higher probability for false negatives to occur in using SLN biopsy. This is caused mainly by the limited permeability of tissues to fluorescent radiation and the difficulty therefore of detecting nodes located deeper beneath the body’s surface.

Utility of hybrid SPECT/CT in primary melanoma lymphoscintigraphy: A retrospective case series.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is widely accepted as an important part of staging cutaneous malignant melanoma. Hybrid single photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography (SPECT/CT) may identify additional SLN and provide important information to the surgeon performing SLN biopsy. We report our experience at a major referral centre for melanoma surgery. Retrospective case series of pre-operative sentinel node lymphoscintigraphy for primary melanoma over a consecutive 12-month period. All patients had planar imaging and hybrid SPECT/CT. At least 1 SLN was successfully identified in 82 of 86 eligible patients (95.3%). These 82 patients had 144 SLNs (mean 1.8). There were no patients where the SLN was seen only with SPECT/CT. Additional information was provided by SPECT/CT in 32 patients (39.0%). Histology reports were available for 52 patients, 9 (17.3%) had at least 1 SLN positive for metastatic disease. We achieved a high rate of SLN identification. SPECT/CT was most frequently helpful when the primary melanoma was located in the head, neck and trunk. Routine use of SPECT/CT during lymphoscintigraphy provides important anatomical information and may reduce the false-negative rate.

SPECT-CT and intraoperative portable gamma-camera detection protocol for sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a multimodality approach to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) detection with lymphoscintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT). When combined with intraoperative imaging by a portable gamma camera (PGC), improved SLNB accuracy and detection rate may result. A total of 42 patients selected for SLNB in node-negative T1 and T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The detection protocol consisted of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT performed the day before surgery. Intraoperative sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection was done with the aid of a PGC in association with hand-held gamma probe. All SLN detected in the preoperative study could be harvested except for one case. A total of 131 SLN were resected. This number was higher than the SLN depicted on lymphoscintigraphy (119 SLNs) and SPECT/CT (123 SLNs). Sublingual SLNs were observed in two cases (4.76%). These SLNs were detected by SPECT/CT but not by lymphoscintigraphy. Five (3.8%) additional SLNs not previously visualized on lymphoscintigraphy or on SPECT/CT were detected intraoperatively with the aid of the PGC. Positive SLNs were detected in eight cases (19%). Micrometastases were detected in five cases (62%) and macrometastases in three cases (38%). The SLNB detection protocol described contributes to more accurate study and detection.

Abstract P2-01-05: Correlation of percutaneously biopsied axillary lymph nodes marked with black tattoo ink prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients

Abstract Introduction: Sonographic evaluation of the axilla and percutaneous biopsy of abnormal lymph nodes with fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core needle biopsy (CNB) has become more common practice in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is considered the gold standard for axillary staging in clinically node negative breast cancer patients. Currently, there is no clear correlation of sonographically detected abnormal lymph nodes and open surgical assessment. We conducted an exploratory pilot study which marked suspicious axillary lymph nodes with black tattoo ink at the time of percutaneous needle biopsy prior to NAC. Black nodes visualized during axillary surgery were evaluated in comparison to SLNs. Methods: Breast cancer patients with clinical and/or sonographically suspicious axillary lymph nodes prior to NAC were included in the study. Following FNA or CNB biopsy of node, 0.1 to 0.5 ml of a sterile, highly purified, biocompatible fine carbon suspension (Spot™) was injected into the cortex of the lymph node and adjacent soft tissue. A total of 12 patients were injected with black ink prior to NAC. Intraoperative presence of black pigment was assessed and correlation between sentinel and tattooed nodes were evaluated. Results: Nine patients had a positive percutaneous lymph node biopsy prior to NAC. The average number of days that elapsed between injection and to surgery was 130 days. A successful SLN procedure was performed in all patients. A black tattooed node was identified in all patients and correlated to a SLN. 7 patients were down-staged in the axilla and 6 patients did not go onto completion axillary dissection. One patient with a negative SLN had a completion axillary dissection, but no additional positive lymph nodes were found. Four patients with positive SLN had a completion axillary dissection (1 of whom was a false negative percutaneous biopsy). In all four patients, the positive sentinel node contained visible black ink. There was one patient who had an additional positive sentinel node, which was not black. Two axillary dissections contained additional positive nodes. Conclusion: Black ink tattooing with sterile black ink (Spot™), successfully marked suspicious lymph nodes prior to NAC. These correlated to a SLN. In node positive patients with a partial response in the axillary lymph nodes following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, previously marked, black-inked node proved to be the persistent positive node. Tattooing of lymph nodes at the time of percutaneous biopsy may improve the accuracy of surgical axillary staging by aiding in the intra-operative identification of previously biopsied nodes. Citation Format: Nicole Choy, Jafi Lipson, Sunita Pal, Debra Ikeda, Long Trinh, Kimberly Allison, Michael Ozawa, Amanda Wheeler, Irene Wapnir. Correlation of percutaneously biopsied axillary lymph nodes marked with black tattoo ink prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-05.