Role Of Sentinel Lymph Node Research Articles

Concurrent endometrial cancer in atypical endometrial hyperplasia and the role of sentinel lymph nodes: clinical insights from a multicenter experience

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of concurrent endometrial cancer in patients pre-operatively diagnosed with atypical endometrial hyperplasia undergoing hysterectomy. Additionally, we assessed the occurrence of high to intermediate-risk...

Sentinel lymph node mapping: current applications and future perspectives in thyroid carcinoma.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is a standard, minimally-invasive diagnostic method in the surgical treatment of many solid tumors, as for example melanoma and breast cancer, for detecting the presence of regional nodal metastases. A negative SLN accurately indicates the absence of metastases in the other regional lymph nodes (LN), thus avoiding unnecessary lymph nodal dissection. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid carcinoma (TC) with cervical LN metastases at diagnosis in 20-90%, and nodal involvement correlates with local persistence/recurrence. The SLN in PTC is an intraoperative method for staging preoperative N0 patients and for detecting metastatic LNs "in and outside" the cervical LN central compartment; it represents an alternative method to prophylactic central neck node dissection. In this review we summarize different methods and results of the use of SLN in TC. The SLN identification techniques currently used include the selective vital-dye (VD) method, 99mTc-nanocolloid planar lymphoscintigraphy with intraoperative use of a hand-held gamma probe (LS), the combination LS + VD, and the combination LS and preoperative SPECT-CT (LS + SPECT/CT). The application of the SLN procedure in TC has been described in many studies, however, the techniques are heterogeneous, and the role of SLN in TC, with indications, results, advantages and limits, is still debated.

Rolul ganglionului-santinelă în tratamentul actual al cancerului de endometru

Introduction. Endometrial cancer is the most prevailing gynecological malignancy in developed countries, with an incidence rising annually. For years, systematic lymphadenectomy had been the preferred method for staging purposes, but a less aggressive approach, with no negative impact on the oncologic outcomes, is the current trend in endometrial cancer management. In this review, we aim to evaluate the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping as an eligible alternative to complete pelvic lymphadenectomy in the surgical staging process, as well as its influence on the adjuvant treatment options. Materials and method. We analyzed the leading international guidelines regarding sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer, published between 2018 and 2023, as well as several studies that met the inclusion criteria, from the PubMed database, to outline the recommended surgical techniques, the algorithm, the accuracy, and the advantages of the SLN sampling procedure compared to pelvic lymphadenectomy. Results. Most international guidelines conclude that SLN sampling is the desirable alternative to systematic lymphadenectomy. However, it is agreed that, in case of failed SLN mapping, the radical option consisting in complete pelvic lymphadenectomy is recommended. As far as high-risk patients are concerned, most of the reviewed studies and guidelines encourage the use of SLN mapping in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Our findings revealed high sensitivity and detection rates of SLN mapping, influenced especially by the type of tracer used, indocyanine green having the best outcomes. Conclusions. Considering the high sensitivity and the low morbidity rates of the procedure, SLN mapping is soon to become a gold standard practice for the surgical staging process of endometrial cancer in many gynecologic oncology centers. Thus, SLN mapping represents a viable alternative to complete pelvic lymphadenectomy, acknowledging the principles of minimally invasive surgery and personalized medicine, without compromising the oncologic outcomes.

Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Drainage Mapping for Localization of Contralateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Locally Advanced Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - A Prospective Pilot Study.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard of care for nodal staging in early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as an alternative to elective neck dissection. However, the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) and lymphatic drainage mapping with image-guided surgery has not been studied in locally advanced OSCC. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the role of lymphatic drainage mapping in the identification of contralateral cervical lymph node metastasis in locally advanced OSCC (Stage III-IVb). We have prospectively analyzed treatment-naïve patients of locally advanced, lateralized OSCC (n = 20). All patients underwent SLN imaging using peritumoral injection 0.5-1.0 mCi of 99 mTc-Sulfur colloid (Filtered) and intraoperative identification of contralateral neck nodes using a handheld gamma probe (Crystal Photonics). A total of 20 patients (18 males and 2 females) with a median age of 52.5 (33-70 years) were included. Ipsilateral SLN was localized in 18 (90%) patients. Bilateral cervical nodes were visualized only in 7 (35%) patients on lymphoscintigraphy (LSG). Out of the seven patients, 5 patients underwent bilateral neck dissection and 2 patients had unilateral neck dissection with LSG-guided exploration of contralateral cervical node and intraoperative frozen section examination. Six out of these seven patients had one or other risk factor for contralateral metastasis (patients had either primary in the tongue, involvement of floor of mouth, or tumor thickness >3.75 mm). On postoperative HPE, only 1/20 (5%) patient showed metastasis in the contralateral cervical lymph node. Correct identification of metastatic disease in contralateral neck directly influences clinical management, as it can reduce contralateral neck failure rate and limit the morbidity associated with unnecessary contralateral neck dissection, and it is also crucial in radiotherapy planning in locally advanced OSCC. In the current study, lymphatic drainage mapping showed a metastatic rate of 5% in the contralateral neck nodes in locally advanced, lateralized OSCC. However, the role of SLNB and lymphatic drainage mapping in this subgroup of OSCC needs to be studied in larger population to validate these findings.

The role of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer

Introduction. The problem of improving early diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer remains one of the most actual for current oncological practice. Taking into account a close correlation between the general prevalence of breast neoplasms and mortality from breast cancer, this problem is not only of professional interest, but also has medical-social and socio-economic significance.
 The purpose of the study is to improve the quality of the sentinel lymph node detection in patients with breast cancer using ICG.
 Material and methods. At the period 2009–2016, 400 patients with T1-T3N0M0 breast cancer were operated on. All the patients were divided into two groups using two dyes – Patent Blue and ICG. The patients after mastectomy with a sentinel lymph node biopsy had a clinical diagnosis of T2-T3N0M0 breast cancer more often.
 In group I, 100 patients had the sentinel lymph node biopsy. Lymph node staining was performed using Patent Blue dye.
 In group II, sentinel lymph nodes biopsy was conducted with the Patent Blue dye and another fluorescent dye — ICG, which was also injected on the affected side of the breast. After ICG dye introduction, in 15 minutes the stained green lymph nodes were detected using special equipment.
 Criteria for inclusion of patients in the clinical trial:
 1) breast cancer patients of any age with T1-3N0M0, I-II AB disease stage;
 2) patients with clinically unaffected lymph nodes N0 after examination.
 Criteria for exclusion of patients from the clinical trial:
 The exceptions were T3-T4 tumors > 5 cm in diameter, or the skin and chest wall invasion, as well as palpable axillary lymph nodes, 3 or more affected lymph nodes with sentinel lymph node biopsy;
 3) patients after radiation therapy.
 Results. The tumor histology was performed after the node trephine biopsy. The main aims of sentinel nodes detection were staging and improving the breast cancer patients’ life quality after surgical treatment. The post-mastectomy syndrome, the main manifestation of which is swelling of the upper extremity is a big problem for patients because it affects their life quality and disturbs their usual lifestyle. The sentinel lymph node detection, in contrast to axillary lymph node dissection of I-II level, significantly minimizes all the risks of postmastectomy syndrome, in particular, impaired lymphatic drainage in the form of lymphatic edema of the upper extremity, impaired venous outflow in the form of stenoses or the axillary and/or subclavian veins occlusion, rough scars which limit the function of the extremity in the shoulder joint, and brachioplexitis.
 Conclusions. The study of sentinel lymph nodes significantly improves the results of surgical treatment of breast cancer patients. Based on the clinical-laboratory and histological examinations, new data were obtained concerning the sentinel lymph node detection using two dyes, the choice of the surgical intervention volume and reduction of complications rate at the postoperative period. We found that fluorescent lymphography is highly effective, which allows to recommend it for implementation into the clinical practice. The frequency of sentinel lymph node detection in breast cancer patients is 98% in the control group, 100% – in the main group.
 On the basis of the obtained results, the sentinel lymph node detection algorithm and the surgical management of patients with breast cancer was developed and implemented into practice, which allowed to reduce the number of complications with using two dyes for the sentinel lymph node detection from 19% to 2% (χ2 =15.37, p<0.001). Recurrence of breast cancer fell from 13% to 8%.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with clinical stage IIB/C cutaneous melanoma: A national cohort study

Approval of adjuvant anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy for pathologic stage IIB/C cutaneous melanoma has led some to question the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in the clinical stage IIB/C disease. To determine the prognostic significance of SLN staging on disease-specific survival (DSS) for clinical stage IIB/C primary cutaneous melanoma in the preimmunotherapy era. A retrospective cohort study was performed evaluating patients who underwent excision of clinical stage IIB/C cutaneous melanoma using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004-2011). Patients who did and did not undergo SLN biopsy were compared using propensity matching, and among those who underwent SLN biopsy, matched patients were further stratified by SLN status (SLN positive [SLN+] or SLN negative [SLN-]). Of the 8562 patients evaluated, 6021 (70.3%) underwent SLN biopsy. SLN positivity was associated with significantly reduced 5-year DSS among matched patients who underwent SLN biopsy (47.1% SLN+vs 75.5% SLN-; P<.001). Five-year DSS remained significantly different across matched T-stages: T3b (54.2% SLN+vs 64.8% SLN-; P=.004), T4a (55.5% SLN+vs 71.6% SLN-; P=.001), and T4b (38.6% SLN+vs 60.9% SLN-; P<.001). Retrospective study. For patients with clinical stage IIB/C cutaneous melanoma, SLN status provides essential prognostic information.

Role of sentinel lymph node in endometrial cancer: rationale and surgical aspects, a review of the literature

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecological cancer in Europe, with 130,000 new cases per year, and the incidence has been rising with aging and increased obesity of the population. Most women with endometrial cancer will present with early-stage disease, with a tumor confined to the uterus and without metastasis, and the first approach is surgery. Approximately 10% to 15% of these patients have a metastatic nodal disease, which is why guidelines have always emphasized the importance of lymphadenectomy to stratify the risk and tailor adjuvant treatment. However, comprehensive lymphadenectomy is related to significant morbidity and seems not to improve either progression-free or overall survival in these patients. Lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node biopsy has emerged as an alternative and an optimal compromise instead of systematic lymphadenectomy. This review presents the current evidence supporting sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with endometrial cancer.

Advances in management of nonendometrioid endometrial carcinoma, with an emphasis on the sentinel lymph node technique.

During the last few years there have been important advances in our understanding of endometrial cancer biology, staging, and therapy. In this article, we discuss updates and controversies in the treatment of nonendometrioid endometrial carcinoma (non-EEC), with an emphasis on the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. Lymph node involvement is an important factor in determining prognosis and guiding adjuvant therapy in endometrial carcinoma. SLN biopsy has emerged as a less morbid alternative to lymphadenectomy in surgical staging, and it has generally gained acceptance in the setting of low-grade endometrial carcinoma; however, its role in the setting of high-grade disease remains a topic of debate. Several prospective studies have demonstrated the accuracy of SLN biopsy in detecting nodal metastasis in high-grade endometrial carcinoma. Retrospective series have compared oncologic outcomes of patients with high-grade disease, surgically staged by SLN biopsy, to those staged with lymphadenectomy, and have reported similar survival outcomes. Prospective data on survival is lacking. Currently, there is sufficient data to support the diagnostic accuracy of SLN biopsy in the surgical staging of non-EEC. The retrospective evidence demonstrates similar survival for SLN biopsy versus lymphadenectomy.

Ultrastaging protocol in sentinel lymph node for apparent early stage ovarian cancer

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to determine the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) ultrastaging in apparent early-stage ovarian cancer. MethodsWe previously demonstrated the feasibility of SLN in early-stage ovarian cancer in a pilot study and in a clinical trial (NCT03452982). The SLN of the 30 patients involved in both were processed following an ultrastaging protocol. The cost of ultrastaging processing was also reported. ResultsA SLN was detected in up to 91.3% and 90% in the pelvic and para-aortic region, respectively. In all cases, a SLN was detected at least in one field, pelvic or para-aortic. The mean time from injection to SLN resection was 53.3 ± 20.3 min. Two of 30 (6.6%) patients had a contralateral SLN in the para-aortic field, but no patients had contralateral SLN within the pelvic field after injection. The mean number of harvested SLN was 2.1 ± 1.4 (range: 0–5) and 2.7 ± 1.5 (range: 0–7) in the pelvic and para-aortic region, respectively.Two patients were upgraded to stage IIIA1 because of lymph node metastasis. In the first case, based on single sections and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) examination, a pelvic SLN micrometastasis (1 mm) was found on the first H&E section. By using the ultrastaging protocol, the size of the metastasis was increased to 2.1 mm (macrometastasis). In the same patient, the ultrastaging study of the inframesenteric para-cava SLNs found isolated tumour cells in the subcapsular and interfollicular lymph nodes sinus in one of the two SLN harvested (in one of the sections at the fourth and fifth ultrastage levels). The other upstaged case was a para-aortic macrometastasis in a patient in whom the SLN was not identified in the para-aortic field because of the absence of migration from the infundibulo-pelvic stump injection.The cost of ultrastaging in each patient depended on the total number of SLN retrieved, averaging 96.8 € (range: 0–230.5) and 124.5 € (range: 0–322.7€) for pelvic and para-aortic SLN, respectively. ConclusionsA uniform protocol for ultrastaging is essential for lower-volume metastasis detection and to provide reproducible information between upcoming studies, as evidence about SLN in ovarian cancer is growing.

Sentinel Node Biopsy for Conjunctival Melanoma; Single Centre Experience and Review of Current Literature.

PurposeTo evaluate the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with conjuctival melanoma (CjM).Study designRetrospective observational cohort study and literature review.SubjectsSlovenian patients with CjM are included in the study.MethodsProspectively collected data of CjM patients treated from June 2005 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed.Main outcome measuresThe numbers of SLN biopsy procedures, positive and false positive SLN, and local and regional relapses have been described together with overall survival.ResultsFrom June 2005 until December 2016, 24 patients with CjM were treated. The median follow-up time was 65.3 months. The mean Breslow thickness was 1.5 mm (sd = 1.8 mm), and ulceration was present in 29% of cases. Altogether, 14/24 (58%) SLN biopsy procedures were performed. SLN was positive in 2/14 (14%) cases. The estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) of the group was 72.5%, with a median survival of 151 months (95% CI 77–224). From January 2013 to January 2020, five (5/140, 3%) authors reported results comparable to our study.ConclusionOur results confirm that CjM is a rare disease with approximately 14% of positive SLN. At the moment, there are no firm conclusions regarding who would benefit most from SLN biopsy or whether or not CLND should be offered. Data from literature emphasize the need for consistent and uniform staging and future multicentric studies.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in high-risk endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the staging of endometrial cancer (EC), the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for high-risk EC is still unclear. Two authors independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion and assessed study quality. English studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library before 20th SEP, 2019 were retrieved to perform a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis which evaluate the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of SLN mapping in high-risk EC. Statistical analysis was conducted using stata14.0 software. A total of 12 studies were included, including 758 high-risk EC patients. The detection rate of SLN mapping was 84.8% (95% CI, 79.9-89.6%). The pooled bilateral detection rate was 67.0% (95% CI, 56.8-77.3%). The pooled para-aortic detection rate was 8.4% (95% CI, 1.8-14.9%). The pooled sensitivity was 87% (95% CI, 79-92%), and the pooled specificity was 98% (95% CI, 96-99%). Pooled negative predictive value (NPV) was 97.7% (95% CI, 96.4-99.1%), AUC =0.99 (95% CI, 0.97-0.099). SLN mapping still has a high detection rate and diagnostic accuracy in high-risk EC. SLN mapping is a reliable alternative to systematic lymph node dissection, but its prognostic effect on high-risk EC is yet to be further studied and verified by large sample studies.

The role of sentinel lymph node mapping in lower genital tract melanoma.

Vulvar and vaginal melanomas are rare cancers of the female genital tract and account for 1% to 3% of all melanomas diagnosed in women. Due to the rarity of the disease, few data are available on the clinical and pathologic features of these cancers. Furthermore, treatment options are generally based on extrapolations of the information available for the more common cutaneous counterparts. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment for lower genital tract melanoma. Moreover, the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) assessment is controversial because no prospective data are available. Data were collected from Medline, Embase, Web of Sciences and Scopus databases. On July 10, 2020, we used the search comprising the terms "vulvar melanoma," "genital melanoma" and "vulvovaginal melanoma" including only studies in which SLN biopsy was performed. Ten retrospective studies have been found. No randomized trials have been reported. The studies included 132 patients while only 63 (47%) undergone SLN. 99mTC with or without blue dye followed by ultrastaging was highly accurate and is currently the gold standard. Mean detection rate was 98.3%. No clear evidence supported the execution of back lymphadenectomy (after SLN mapping), in fact, extrapolating data from cutaneous melanomas of other sites, completion of lymphadenectomy does not confer a melanoma-specific survival advantage. Although the small amount of available data, sentinel lymph node procedure is feasible and capable of identifying patients who have occult lymph node metastases. However, the potential role of the sentinel lymph node procedure as an alternative method of lymph node staging in patients with vulvar or vaginal melanoma needs further investigation.

Diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node scintigraphy and 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the detection of metastatic lymph nodes in patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is staged clinically using the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics staging system. Although lymph node status does not form part of the staging, it has important prognostic and potential therapeutic implications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) scintigraphy and 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in detecting lymph node metastases in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Thirty-six patients with early-stage cervical cancer underwent SLN detection during primary operation. Of the 36 patients, 28 patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before surgery. The 18F-FDG PET/CT images were analyzed with the histopathological findings as the reference standard. The diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of nodal disease was reported in terms of accuracy value. The SLN detection rate was the highest (91.7%) using the combined method (lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative gamma probe, and blue dye). Seven of the thirty-six patients had lymph node involvement (19.4%), of which five had preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. On overall patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT were 40.0%, 78.3%, 28.6%, 85.7%, and 71.4%, respectively. The combination of radiolabeled nanocolloid with blue dye is safe and reliable and allows successful detection of SLNs in patients with early-stage cervical cancer in a population with high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus. The specificity and NPV of 18F-FDG PET/CT are high and can be used in conjunction with SLN biopsy.

Outcome of sentinel lymph node biopsy in early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity with methylene blue dye alone: a prospective validation study

Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using methylene blue dye alone in identifying occult lymph node metastases in early oral cancer (cT1, T2, and cN0). The study was done from 2013–15 in 94 patients in a large cancer centre. The blue nodes were dissected and sent for frozen section, routine histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical testing for cytokeratin, and was followed by elective neck dissection in all patients. The identification rate was 93.61%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for frozen section and haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were 84.6%, 100%, 100%, 93.9% and 95.5%, respectively. Occult lymph node metastasis was seen in 27.6% cases. Biopsy of SLN with blue dye alone might be used successfully with good sensitivity and negative predictive value in countries with limited resources in the developing world. Immunohistochemistry contributes to it by increasing the sensitivity and NPV, and thereby improves the diagnostic value.

Techniques and Current Role of Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) Concept in Gastric Cancer Surgery.

Gastric cancer patients represent a rather divergent patient group and in certain carefully selected cases of early forms of gastric cancer the D2 gastrectomy could be considered a more radical procedure than the biological and oncological characteristics of the primary tumor on the gastric wall would require. As any unnecessary dissection increases morbidity without always respective survival benefits, an approach that could accurately predict and actually dictate the exact extent of lymph node dissection would be ideal. It is more than logical the assumption that the standard D2 lymphadenectomy could represent an overtreatment in distinct patients groups such as patients with early gastric cancer with favorable pathological characteristics and clinically negative nodes not suitable for endoscopic treatment because this early stage disease shows limited lymph node metastasis incidence and excellent overall survival. Considering that the D2 gastrectomy has a negative impact on the quality of life of gastric cancer patients due to the post-gastrectomy functional results, a concept of a more targeted lymph node dissection, when appropriate, is certainly appealing. It is yet to be proven whether sentinel lymph node navigation surgery can fulfill such expectations providing the appropriate balance between morbidity and oncological safety in selected gastric cancer patients.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial and cervical cancer: current and controversial issues

The authors review the controversial issues regarding the management algorithms, the impact of ultrastaging to adjuvant treatment, and outcomes from the role of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in endometrial cancer (EC) and cervical cancer (CC). According to standard recommendation, side specific nodal resection is required in case of failed mapping. Alternative algorithms were proposed to reduce overtreatment in low risk EC and CC. The positive results of new algorithms may lead to a proper selection of patients in which pelvic lymphadenectomy could be avoided. Ultrastaging had an impact on accuracy by increasing the detection rate by 25-50%. Occult LN metastasis was associated with myometrial invasion in EC, but the relationships between other known factors of CC recurrence are unclear. Prognosis for the patient with either EC or CC in SLN algorithm group was similar to those in the lymphadenectomy group while the latter group had shown a higher surgical morbidity.

Sensitivity and negative predictive value for sentinel lymph node biopsy in women with early-stage cervical cancer

ObjectiveThe role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy alone for staging of early-stage cervical cancer remains controversial. We aimed to determine the validity of this technique in women with early-stage cervical cancer. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed women with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent SLN mapping followed by complete pelvic lymphadenectomy as part of initial surgical management from August 1997 through October 2015. All modes of surgical approach were included. Lymphatic mapping was performed using blue dye, technetium-99m sulfur colloid (Tc-99), and/or indocyanine green (ICG). We determined SLN detection rates, sensitivity and negative predictive value. ResultsOne hundred eighty-eight patients were included, and 35 (19%) had lymph node metastases. At least one SLN was identified in 170 patients (90%), and bilateral SLNs were identified in 117 patients (62%). The majority of SLNs (83%) were found in the pelvis. There was no difference in detection rates between mapping agents, surgical approach, patients with and without prior conization or between patients with tumors <2cm and ≥2cm. The detection rate for bilateral SLNs was significantly lower in women with body mass index (BMI)>30kg/m2 than in women with lower BMI (p=0.03). Metastatic disease in sentinel nodes was detected by H&E staining in 78% of cases and required ultrastaging/immunohistochemistry in 22% of cases. Only one patient had a false-negative result, yielding a sensitivity of 96.4% (95% CI 79.8%–99.8%) and negative predictive value of 99.3% (95% CI 95.6%–100%). The false-negative rate was 3.6%. ConclusionsIn these women with early-stage cervical cancer, SLN biopsy had very high sensitivity and negative predictive value. We believe it is time to change the standard of care for women with early-stage cervical cancer to SLN biopsy only.

The role of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. The current state of the problem.

The role of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. The current state of the problem.

Sentinel node mapping in endometrial cancer: A Brazilian cancer center experience

Objectives: The role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in endometrial cancer is still in debate. Our aim was to determine the detection rate, sensitivity, and negative predictive value of SLN mapping in low- and high-risk (grade 3, serous, clear cell, deep invasion, or angiolymphatic invasion) endometrial cancer. Methods: We analyzed a series of 91 patients treated at AC Camargo Cancer Center from January 2013 to August 2015 who underwent SLN mapping with cervical injection of blue dye. Forty-nine (53.8%) patients had low-risk tumors and no further lymph node dissection (LND) or only pelvic LND. Forty-two (46.2%) patients had high-risk tumors and received pelvic ± para-aortic LND. Results: Median age was 59.7 years (range, 37-84 years). Median body mass index (BMI) was 28.1 (range, 18-54). Twenty-one patients (23.1%) had open surgeries and 70 underwent (76.9%) minimally invasive surgeries. Thirty-two patients (36.8%) had pelvic LND, and 27 (28.2%) pelvic + para-aortic LND. The rate of SLN detection was 79.1% overall, and bilateral in 50.5% of cases. The median SLN detected was 2 per patient (range, 1-8). Sixteen patients (18.2%) had histologic grade 3, 17 (18.7%) had angiolymphatic invasion, 8 (8.8%) had serous/clear cell histology, and 22 (24.2%) had deep myometrial invasion. Notably, endometrial cancer was diagnosed after subtotal hysterectomy in 3 cases, and bilateral SLN was detected in all. BMI, age, open surgery, blue dye volume (2 vs 4 mL), and first 30 cases did not influence the detection rate. Four patients (4.4%) had technical difficulty with cervical injection, and in this situation, SLN was detected in only 1 (25%) case. No positive node was found in low-risk cases. In high-risk cases, 4 patients had only SLN with no further LND for medical reasons. In the high-risk group, at least 1 SLN was found in 34 (81%) patients and was positive in 8 (23.5%) cases. Two (5.8%) cases had isolated tumor cells, 1 (2.9%) had micrometastasis, and 5 had (14.7%) macrometastasis. Notably, 3 (37.5%) of 8 SLN metastases were found only on immunohistochemistry. Only 1 patient had false-negative SLNs, with ipsilateral pelvic and para-aortic non–sentinel positive nodes. The sensitivity was 88.9%, negative predictive value was 97.4%, and false-negative rate was 11.1%. Two (25%) patients with positive SLN had also other pelvic and para-aortic positive non-SLN. Conclusions: Our data suggest that SLN mapping is a safe and accurate technique for high-risk tumors, and increases metastatic detection rate by 8.7% in high-risk tumors.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma.

The management of melanoma is constantly evolving. New therapies and surgical advances have changed the landscape over the last years. Since being introduced by Dr Donald Morton, the role of sentinel lymph node has been debated. In many melanoma centers, sentinel node biopsy is not a standard of care for melanoma above 1 mm in thickness. The results of the MSLT-II Trial are not available for a while and in the meantime, this procedure is offered as a prognostic indicator as it has been shown to be very useful for assessing risk of relapse. The biology of lymph node spread in melanoma is a complex field and there are many factors which influence it such as age, melanoma body site, thickness but other factors such as regression, ulceration and gender need further evaluation. In this review, we address the clinical value of sentinel lymph node biopsy and how its indication has changed over the years especially recently with the setup of many adjuvant trials which are offered to stage 3 melanomas.