Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method Research Articles

Clinical use of Indocyanine green fluorescence method for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer in France in 2021

IntroductionIndocyanine green (ICG) for axillary sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in early breast cancer is at least equivalent to radioisotopic and/or colorimetric techniques. This procedure has not yet been recommended by learned societies in France. Following the recent drug approval of Infracyanin ® in this indication, we wished to study the use of ICG in France. MethodsWe conducted a web-based survey among members of multiple French breast cancer societies throughout November 2021. The survey assessed the profile of the respondent, the use or not of ICG for the detection of SLN in breast cancer, the technique used and the opinion of non-users and their expectations on the subject. ResultsSeventy-five surgeons participated. More than a third (37 %) have been using ICG for the detection of SLN in breast cancer for 2 to 3 years. Technique was highly variable. According to 82.1 % of the respondents, less than 20 procedures are necessary to master the use of ICG. The main advantage reported for this method is the reduction of organizational constraints. The obstacles to the use of the ICG are the near infra-red camera equipment, but also the lack of validation by the French guidelines. Among non-users, 83 % would like to develop this technique in their center and 72.3 % are interested in training on this subject. ConclusionThis work highlights the need for French learned societies to take a stand on this issue but also the need to carry out studies on the technical aspects in order to standardise practices.

Biopsy of the sentinel lymph nodes using indocyanine green fluorescence method in local cutaneous melanoma

Timely diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma are important problems as mortality for this pathology exceeds 70 % of all skin tumors, and in Russia this disease is diagnosed at stage I only in 35.7 % of cases. Correctly selected therapy offers good results, but effective treatment requires accurate staging involving detection of metastases in the sentinel lymph nodes which cannot be identified clinically. This review analyzes study data showing the effectiveness of detection of the sentinel lymph nodes using indocyanine green fluorescence method.

Minimizing invasiveness and simplifying the surgical procedure for upper and middle early gastric cancer with near-infrared light and organ traction

BackgroundSurgeons are often faced with optimal resection extent and reconstructive method problems in laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in the upper and middle body of the stomach. Indocyanine green (ICG) marking and Billroth I (B-I) reconstruction were used to solve these problems with the organ retraction technique.Case presentationA 51-year-old man with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 0-IIc lesion in the posterior wall of the upper and middle gastric body 4 cm from the esophagogastric junction. Clinical T1bN0M0 (clinical stage IA) was the preoperative diagnosis. Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) and D1 + lymphadenectomy was decided to be performed considering postoperative gastric function preservation. The ICG fluorescence method was used to determine the accurate tumor location since the determination was expected to be difficult to the extent of optimal resection with intraoperative findings. By mobilizing and rotating the stomach, the tumor in the posterior wall was fixed in the lesser curvature, and as large a residual stomach as possible was secured in gastrectomy. Finally, delta anastomosis was performed after increasing gastric and duodenal mobility sufficiently. Operation time was 234 min and intraoperative blood loss was 5 ml. The patient was allowed to be discharged on postoperative day 6 without complications.ConclusionThe indication for LDG and B-I reconstruction can be expanded to cases where laparoscopic total gastrectomy or LDG and Roux-en-Y reconstruction has been selected for early-stage gastric cancer in the upper gastric body by combining preoperative ICG markings and gastric rotation method dissection.

Current Status and Future Perspectives of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy by Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method in Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Current Status and Future Perspectives of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy by Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method in Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Impact of the indocyanine green fluorescence method for anastomotic blood flow in robotic distal gastrectomy.

To evaluate the blood flow at the site of delta-shaped anastomosis during robotic distal gastrectomy and determine surgical outcomes and risk factors for ischemia at the anastomotic site from the perspective of clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes and perigastric vascular anatomy. We included 55 patients who underwent robotic distal gastrectomy with a blood flow evaluation in the duodenal walls using intravenous indocyanine green injection with the da Vinci Xi-equipped Firefly system. Additional resection was performed in patients with a poor blood flow. Clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes and perigastric vascular anatomy were compared between the 45 patients with sufficient blood flow (group S) and the 10 patients with insufficient blood flow (group I). Vascular anatomy was assessed by preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography according to Hiatt's classification. The patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were not significantly different. No patient developed anastomotic complications requiring intervention; more patients in group I had aberrant branching of the left hepatic artery than those in group S (p = 0.047). An indocyanine green-based blood flow evaluation might be an effective method of preventing anastomotic complications of delta-shaped anastomosis. Anatomical branching variations of the left hepatic artery might be a risk factor for impaired vascular perfusion of the anastomotic site.

A Pilot Study for the Validation of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method in Early Endometrial Cancer at Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital

Background: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is a technique developed to predict lymphatic involvement in patients with early endometrial cancer, decreasing the morbimortality associated with routine systematic lymphadenectomy and improving quality of life. Main Objective: To determine the detection rate and negative predictive value of the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy by Immunofluorescence in patients with early endometrial cancer. Methods: A descriptive observational study in patients with early endometrial cancer (FIGO stage I-II) for all histological types and grades, who underwent the Sentinel Lymph Node by immunofluorescence Technique, between June 2019 and March 2020 at the Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital. We used indocyanine green powder for injection, with a concentration of 25 milligrams (mg). We proceeded to dissolve it in 10 cubic centimeters (cc) of distilled water to. After which, we injected 2 cc of the prepared solution into the cervix at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions at a depth of 1 centimeter. Results: Eighteen patients were included, analysing a total of 26 sentinel nodes: 24 pelvic and 2 paraortic; and a total of 273 lymph nodes (sentinel and non-sentinel nodes): 83 right pelvic, 86 left pelvic and 104 paraortic. All nodes were negative for metastasis. Global and bilateral detection rates were 77.78% and 50% respectively. The Negative Predictive Value and sensitivity were 100%. No significant difference in morbimortality was found between performing only Sentinel Lymph Node technique or systematic lymphadenectomy, but the association with quality of life was significant, with better results for those who only underwent the sentinel lymph node technique versus systematic lymphadenectomy (0% vs 77%). Conclusion: The global and bilateral detection rates of the Sentinel Lymph Node Technique by immunofluorescence were 77.78% and 50% respectively, obtaining a Negative Predictive Value and Sensitivity of 100%. Sentinel Node Biopsy is a valid technique to predict lymphatic affectation in early endometrial cancer, with lower morbimortality than systematic lymphadenectomy.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Breast Cancer Using the Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Technique: A Validation Study

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is now recognized as the standard of care for early breast cancer patients with negative axillary lymph nodes. Various approaches for Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) identification using either the blue dye method or scintigraphy alone or their combination have been proposed. However, this method is costly and may not be applicable in certain developing countries. SLNB involving the use of indocyanine green (ICG) offers several advantages, and it is valid and safe when in direct comparison with the blue dye method and scintigraphy. Hence, we performed SLNB using this method in early breast cancer as the first center that involves the use of ICG in Malaysia. We performed validation study on this method with the aims to determine its sensitivity and safety profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a validation and non-randomised prospective observational study involving 20 patients underwent SLNB wherein ICG is used for localisation. The patients were recruited according to the recommendations stipulated in the Malaysia Clinical Practice Guideline. RESULT: The average number of SLNs removed per patient was 4.0 (range, 3–6) with sentinel lymph nodes detection rate at 98.75% (79/80). The false negative rate is at 5%. No adverse events were observed in all cases. CONCLUSION: The ICG fluorescence method is simple, reliable and safe. Moreover, it demonstrates a high SLN detection rate with a low false-negative rate, and it does not require a special instrument for radioisotope use.

Usefulness and Prospects of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Patients With Breast Cancer Using the Medical Imaging Projection System.

BackgroundThe Medical Imaging Projection System (MIPS) projects indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence images directly on the surgical field using a projection mapping technique. We conducted an observational study of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using the prototype MIPS; we found a high identification rate. However, the number of SLN-positive cases was small, and the sensitivity could not be evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of the MIPS assisted ICG fluorescence method using commercially available equipment.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study. Patients with primary breast cancer who underwent SLN biopsy using the MIPS at Kyoto University Hospital from April to December 2020 were included in the study. The primary endpoints were the identification rate of SLNs and detection of positive SLNs by the MIPS. The secondary endpoint was the number of SLNs excised using the MIPS per patient. We also conducted a questionnaire survey focused on the utility of the MIPS; it involved doctors with an experience in using the MIPS.ResultsSeventy-nine patients (84 procedures) were included in the study. In 60 (71%) procedures, both the radioisotope (RI) method and MIPS were used. At least one SLN could be detected by the MIPS in all the procedures, with an identification rate of 100% (95% confidence interval 95.6–100%). A total of 19 (7%) positive SLNs were removed, which were identifiable by the MIPS. Among 57 patients in whom the MIPS and RI methods were used, there was no positive SLN only identified by the RI method. The results of the questionnaire survey showed that the MIPS enabled the operator and assistant to share the ICG fluorescence image in the surgical field and to communicate with each other easily.ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that the identification rate of SLNs using the MIPS was high, and the MIPS can be used for detecting positive SLNs. It was suggested that the MIPS will be useful in learning SLN biopsy procedures.

Sentinel Lymph Nodes Detection in Early-Stage Breast Cancer: ICG-Enhanced Fluorescence and Radioactivity Detection Methods Comparison

Introduction: A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard procedure for surgical staging in the early stage of breast cancer, avoiding excess lymphadenectomy in most patients. Among the new methods of SLNB, there is a prospective method based on the use of indocyanine green (ICG) as a contrast medium. Numerous studies to assess the possibility of the routine use of ICG fluorescence method generally favored the use of ICG. The main issue discussed is whether it can be used alone or in combination with the RI method. In this work, using the specified device, we conducted a study aimed at intercomparing of ICG fluorescence imaging and the radioactivity detection methods in order to assess prospects for the use of the ICG method of imaging for SLN detection in early-stage breast cancer. Material and Methods: A prospective, non-randomized single-center study was conducted at the oncological breast unit Pavlov State Medical University, Russia. The study included 32 patients aged from 34 to 78 (median-55.2 years) with breast cancer (cTis-3, N0-2). 4 patients underwent surgery after neoadjuvant systemic treatment. 30-45 minutes before the surgery, additionally, 2 ml of the ICG solution was administered near the tumor margin via single skin puncture. The solution was prepared by dissolving 25 mg ICG in 20% of human albumin. Then the place of injection was massaged for at least 5 minutes. SLN biopsy was performed by two criteria by the presence of radioactivity in the axillary region, which was monitored using a handheld gamma-detector or by the ICG fluorescence, location of which was visualized using the ICG-Scope system. The lymph node was recognized as a sentinel if its intensity exceeded the background radioactivity level of 99mTc or exceeded the threshold value upon the ICG fluorescence, which was 1% of the standard sample intensity.

Indocyanine green fluorescence method for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Background/ObjectiveBreast biopsy and analysis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) accurately predict tumor status in the affected basin and help in avoiding unnecessary axillary lymph node dissection, which is associated with remarkable morbidity risk. Blue dye and radioisotope are the most widely used mapping agents, but non-radioactive tracers of comparable accuracy warrant further investigation. This study aimed to investigate utilization of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in sentinel node localization compared with blue dye and to assess the incremental value of ICG. MethodsA total of 39 consecutive patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) (40 cases: 38 unilateral and 1 bilateral) with combined blue dye and ICG for localization. The obtained fluorescence images of the lymphatic system were investigated. ResultsAll 84 lymph nodes removed in 40 procedures were identified by ICG, but only 37 were identified by blue dye. The ICG method identified an average of 2.1 SLNs in 39 of 40 cases with a detection rate of 97.5%, but only 0.93 SLN per case with blue dye. Subcutaneous lymphatic channel patterns were also detected by fluorescent imaging in 37 procedures, which all revealed lymphatic drainage toward the axilla except in one case with internal mammary pathway. ConclusionThis study demonstrated the accuracy and safety of ICG for SLNB and its superiority to blue dye method in SLN localization. Therefore, ICG fluorescence method is safe and effective addition in breast clinical settings, wherein blue dye alone is used.

Blood Supply Assessment of a Gastric Tube Using the Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method during Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Patient with Previous Esophagectomy

Blood Supply Assessment of a Gastric Tube Using the Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method during Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Patient with Previous Esophagectomy

Abstract P3-03-21: Usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy by indocyanine green fluorescence method for cN0 breast cancer patients

Abstract Background. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence method (ICG-f) has been recently widely used in sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection. The advantages of ICG-f are no radiation exposure, no limitation to use in high-volume medical centers without radioactive facility, and to confirm lymph flow as a real-time image from outside the body. ICG-f identified an average of 2.3-3.4 SLNs and the detection rate was 99%, compared to 1.7-2 SLNs by RI methods. Long-term observation after SNB using ICG-f has not been reported, including arm lymphedema as the complication of this method.We evaluate the usefulness of SLN biopsy (SNB) for cN0 breast cancer patients from data of multicenter cohort study on long-term results after negative SNB by ICG-f. Methods. Eleven hundred and thirty-two women were enrolled who had histologically proved clinical stage T1-4, pN0, M0 primary invasive breast cancer with SNB using ICG-f (ICG alone or combination of RI/blue dye method) sparing axillary lymph node dissection from May 2007 to December 2015. This study is retrospective, multicenter cohort study conducted at 6 centers in Japan. Primary endpoint is axillary recurrence rate. We analyzed the correlation with the axillary recurrence and adjuvant systemic therapy, adjuvant radiotherapy, and the clinicopathological characteristics. Secondary endpoint is lymphedema. Results and Discussion. The median follow-up time was 41 (range 21-117) months, and axillary recurrence was found in 6 patients (0.53%). Five out of 6 patients were not received standard adjuvant systemic therapy or adjuvant radiation therapy after breast conserving surgerybecause of patient's preference or old age. Lymphedema was identified only 4 patients in 632 patients. It is reported that axillary recurrence after SNB was 0.3-1.65%, which was consistent with our result. Lymphedema was not frequent in patients received SNB using ICG-f, because SLNs are removed along with lymphatic ducts in the limited area of axillary adipose tissue. Conclusion.Axillary recurrence after negative SNB using ICG-f was comparable to RI or blue dye method. It might be important to perform appropriate adjuvant medication or radiation therapy for preventing axillary recurrence after SNB using ICG-f. Next, ICG-f after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is to be investigated, because itis reported that removing more than 2 SLNs were associated with a lower likelihood of false negative ratio in patients with clinically node-positive disease converted to clinically node-negative after chemotherapy, and ICG-f might overcome this issue. Citation Format: Maeshima Y, Takahara S, Yamauchi A, Yamagami K, Sugie T, Yamashiro H, Kato H, Torii M, Takada M, Torii M. Usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy by indocyanine green fluorescence method for cN0 breast cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-03-21.

Clinical application of photodynamic medicine technology using light-emitting fluorescence imaging based on a specialized luminous source.

The natural amino acid 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) precursor and a new-generation photosensitive substance that accumulates specifically in cancer cells. When indocyanine green (ICG) is irradiated with near-infrared (NIR) light, it shifts to a higher energy state and emits infrared light with a longer wavelength than the irradiated NIR light. Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) using ALA and ICG-based NIR fluorescence imaging has emerged as a new diagnostic technique. Specifically, in laparoscopic examinations for serosa-invading advanced gastric cancer, peritoneal metastases could be detected by ALA-PDD, but not by conventional visible-light imaging. The HyperEye Medical System (HEMS) can visualize ICG fluorescence as color images simultaneously projected with visible light in real time. This ICG fluorescence method is widely applicable, including for intraoperative identification of sentinel lymph nodes, visualization of blood vessels in organ resection, and blood flow evaluation during surgery. Fluorescence navigation by ALA-PDD and NIR using ICG imaging provides good visualization and detection of the target lesions that is not possible with the naked eye. We propose that this technique should be used in fundamental research on the relationship among cellular dynamics, metabolic enzymes, and tumor tissues, and to evaluate clinical efficacy and safety in multicenter cooperative clinical trials.

65P - The possibility of omitting axillary clearance by using indocyanine green fluorescence method in detection of sentinel lymph nodes in early-stage breast cancer

65P - The possibility of omitting axillary clearance by using indocyanine green fluorescence method in detection of sentinel lymph nodes in early-stage breast cancer

Assessment of the blood supply using the indocyanine green fluorescence method and postoperative endoscopic evaluation of anastomosis of the gastric tube during esophagectomy.

Postoperative anastomotic leakage is a severe complication after gastric tube reconstruction during esophagectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of postoperative endoscopic assessment of anastomosis and its correlation with intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence assessment of the gastric tube. We retrospectively reviewed 72 consecutive patients who underwent gastric tube reconstruction using the ICG fluorescence method during esophagectomy. Forty-six patients underwent the ICG line-marking method (LMM group; ICG before gastric tube creation). The other 26 underwent the conventional procedure and comprised the control group (ICG after gastric tube creation). Postoperative endoscopic assessment (PEA) of anastomosis was performed 7days after surgery and results were classified as follows: grade 1 (normal or partial white coat), grade 2 (ulcer comprising less than half the circumference), and grade 3 (ulcer comprising more than half the circumference). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 7 of 72 patients (9.7%). The incidence of anastomotic leakage in the LMM group was tended to be lower than those in the control group (6.5% vs. 15.4%; P=0.244). Of the 40 patients who underwent PEA, 3 (7.5%) had leakage. PEA grading was significantly associated with anastomotic leakage (P<0.001). Better intraoperative ICG assessment was significantly associated with better endoscopic assessment grade (P=0.041). Intraoperative ICG assessment of the gastric tube was associated with PEA grading on anastomosis during esophagectomy.

P270 - Indocyanine green fluorescence method for sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer

P270 - Indocyanine green fluorescence method for sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer

Sentinel lymph node biopsy using indocyanine green fluorescence in early-stage breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence is safe and has a high detection rate for SLNs. However, the results of this novel technique are heterogeneous. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ICG fluorescence method compared with the standard radioisotope (RI) method. All eligible studies were identified from 2005 through 2015. A proportion meta-analysis was performed using a fixed effects and/or random effects model based on the study heterogeneity. A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and included 1736 women. There was no significant difference between ICG fluorescence and RI for SLN detection using either the fixed effects model [odds ratio (OR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87-1.90] or the random effects model (OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.54-3.18). There were seven studies reporting the detection rate for tumor-positive SLN. The ICG fluorescence method was significantly better than the RI method in the fixed effects model (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00-3.49) for staging axilla. However, there was no difference in the random effects model (OR 1.90, 95% CI 0.74-4.86). There was study outcome heterogeneity for the detection of SLN but not for tumor-positive SLN. There was no publication bias observed in the studies included. The ICG fluorescence method has valid diagnostic performance for SLN detection and shows a trend toward better axilla staging compared with the RI method. ICG fluorescence is a useful alternative to RI for SLN biopsy.

Macro- and microscopic findings of ICG fluorescence in liver tumors.

BackgroundReports detailing microscopic observations of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging (IFI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastatic liver cancer are rare. We were able to perform macro- and microscopic IFI results in postoperative paraffin-embedded tissue samples and formalin-fixed specimens from liver tumors.MethodsBetween April 2010 and March 2014, 19 patients with HCC or liver metastases of colorectal tumors underwent liver resection. ICG solution was injected into the peripheral vein from 14 to 2 days prior to operation. We observed liver tumor IFI during the laparotomy and IFI in resected liver sections using a photo dynamic emission (PDE) camera. The IFI of paraffin-embedded tissue samples was observed using a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Moreover, we microscopically performed tissue section IFI using a fluorescence microscope with an ICG-B-NQF.ResultsWe performed that IFI characteristics depended on tumor type macroscopically and microscopically. In normal liver tissue, fluorescence consistent with the bile canaliculus was observed. HCC had heterogeneous IFI, forming a total or partial tumor and rim pattern. In metastatic carcinoma, we performed that non-tumor cells in the marginal region showed fluorescence and tumor cells in the central region did not fluoresce.ConclusionsWe confirmed that the variations of ICG fluorescence imaging patterns reflect different tumor characteristics in not only macroscopic imaging as previous reports but also microscopic imaging. Moreover, the ICG fluorescence method is useful for postoperative pathological detection of microscopic lesions in histopathological specimens. ICG fluorescence in paraffin-embedded tissue samples and formalin-fixed specimens is preserved in the long term.

Abstract P2-01-24: Sentinel lymph node biopsy using intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging navigated with preoperative computed tomography lymphography for early breast cancer

Abstract Background: Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) biopsy has been established as a standard of care in the treatment of early breast cancer. The combination of the radioisotope and dye-staining methods is the most accurate way to identify sentinel lymph nodes. We had reported a novel technique of SLN identification using fluorescence imaging of indocyanine green (ICG) injection. However, if any lymphatic vessels are injured, further fluorescence navigation will be difficult because of ICG contamination in the surgical field in overweight or obese patients. In this study, a new diagnostic approach for imaging lymphatic drainage and identifying SLN using preoperative computed tomography-lymphography (CTLG) and an intraoperative ICG fluorescence method was investigated. Patients and method: Between January 2013 and April 2014,105 breast cancer patients without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis were treated. On the day before the operation, CTLG was performed using 64-row multidetector CT. We performed an intradermal injection in the periareolar area, using 4 ml of contrast agent with 0.5 ml of local anesthetic. The contrasted lymph flow and SLN were identified in reconstructed three-dimensional imaging. The SLN spot was indicated by CT laser light navigator system. During the operation, fluorescence images were obtained using the fluorescence imaging system, Photpdynamic Eye (pde-neo, Hamamatsu Photonics Co., Japan). After ICG was injected intradermally in to the periareolar skin, lymphatic drainage was observed with fluorescence images. SLN biopsy was performed by referring to the marker preoperatively placed on the CTLG. Moreover, we classified enhancement of SLN as "whole" and "partial" by CTLG with visual patterns, and examined the relation with SLN metastasis. Results: The median age of the 105 patients was 63 (range 33 – 87) years old. CTLG and fluorescence imaging was safely performed in all patients. This method was visually easy to identify the location of SLN on the axillary skin even in obese patients. CTLG could visualize lymphatic flow and accurately identify SLN in 99 (94%) of 105 patients, whereas fluorescence imaging identified successfully lymphatic flow and SLN in all patients. Lymphatic flows of CTLG were completely consistent with those of fluorescence imaging. The number of SLN identified by CTLG was significantly lower than that by fluorescence imaging (1.1 vs. 1.6, p&amp;lt;0.01). Fifteen patients (14%) were found to have lymph node metastases pathologically, and five of them had micrometastases of lymph node. In 6 patients without detected SLN by CTLG, only one patient had lymph node metastasis. In case of partial enhancement of SLN with CTLG, the rate of positive metastasis was significant higher compared to the cases of whole enhancement (p&amp;lt;0.01). Enhancement of SLNs by CTLG Metastasis(+)Metastasis(-)Whole459Partial1026Not identified15 Conclusion: This new navigation method of CTLG and fluorescence imaging revealed more easy and effective to detect SLN intraoperatively than fluorescence imaging alone. In addition, the information from CTLG may be helpful for the prediction of SLN metastasis. Citation Format: Hajime Abe, Keiichi Yamazaki, Masao Ogawa, Masayasu Kawasaki, Kohri Yoneda, Masao Kameyama. Sentinel lymph node biopsy using intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging navigated with preoperative computed tomography lymphography for early breast cancer [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 P2-01-24.

Assessing the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on lymphatic pathways to sentinel lymph nodes in cases of breast cancer: Usefulness of the indocyanine green-fluorescence method

BackgroundsIt is not clear how lymphatic pathways to the sentinel lymph node (SLN) change during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer. MethodsUsing the indocyanine green (ICG)-fluorescence method, we compared lymphatic pathways to the SLN (sentinel lymphatic pathways) and SLN location before and after NAC in 36 patients (38 breasts). ResultsDespite that 42.8% of the sentinel lymphatic pathways were changed by NAC, the locations of the SLNs were not affected by NAC. ConclusionThese results suggest that the true SLN can be detected even after NAC, and that SLNB can be performed after NAC for clinically node-negative patients.