Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure In Patients Research Articles

Anatomical basis of lymph node detection in gynecologic cancers: a review from a surgical perspective.

Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy are associated with increased risk of complications and are responsible for a significant proportion of morbidity and impaired quality of life following surgical management of pelvic malignancies. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) was developed as a trade-off between systematic and no lymphadenectomy to limit morbidity while conserving good oncological staging and outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to synthetize the anatomical basis of the SLN procedure in patients with pelvic malignancies from a surgical perspective. The reliability of the SLN procedure is based on the knowledge of the dissemination pathways for each type of tumors. The most recent understanding of the uterine lymphatic anatomy defined three consistent channels: an upper paracervical pathway (UPP) with draining medial external and/or obturator lymph nodes; a lower paracervical pathway (LPP) with draining internal iliac and/or presacral lymph nodes and the infundibulo-pelvic pathway (IPP) with a course along the fallopian tube and upper broad ligament via the infundibulo-pelvic ligament to its origin. In patients with endometrial cancer, most SLNs are located on the UPP pathway: obturator and external iliac whereas 80% of the SLNs in patients with cervical cancer are located in the external iliac, interiliac and obturator area. Surgical training is a key step toward improving detection rates and exhaustiveness of SLN research while reducing overall morbidity. This is all the more important that the indications for performing complete lymphadenectomy are becoming increasingly rare.

Repeat sentinel lymph node procedure in patients with recurrent vulvar squamous cell carcinoma is feasible

ObjectiveStandard treatment of primary T1 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva <4cm consists of wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure of the groin(s). In case of a local recurrence WLE and inguino femoral lymphadenectomy (IFL) is generally recommended. In this study we assessed the feasibility of repeat SLN procedure in patients with recurrent vulvar SCC who were not able or willing to undergo IFL. MethodsA retrospective study was performed in consecutive patients with recurrent vulvar SCC who underwent a repeat SLN procedure between 2006 and 2014. We present the clinical and pathological outcomes. The study conforms to the STROBE guidelines. ResultsA total number of 27 patients aged 35–87years at first diagnosis of SCC of the vulva were identified. Median follow-up after 2nd surgery was 27.4 (range 2–96) months. In 78% of patients and in 84% of the groins the repeat SLN procedure was successful. No structured questionnaires were used to describe details on the repeat SLN procedures but in general the gynecologic oncologists experienced repeat SLN procedures more challenging compared to primary procedures. There were no groin recurrences documented. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that it is feasible to perform a repeat SLN procedure in recurrent vulvar SCC, but the procedure appears technically more challenging compared to primary setting, resulting in a lower SLN identification rate.

Sentinel node in ovarian cancer: study protocol for a phase 1 study

BackgroundThe concept of sentinel lymph node surgery is to determine whether the cancer has spread to the very first lymph node or sentinel node. If the sentinel node does not contain cancer, then there is a high likelihood that the cancer has not spread to other lymph nodes. The sentinel node technique has been proven to be effective in different types of cancer. In this study we want to determine whether a sentinel node procedure in patients with ovarian cancer is feasible when the tracers are injected into the ovarian ligaments.Methods/DesignPatients with a high likelihood of having an ovarian malignancy in whom a median laparotomy and a frozen section analysis is planned and patients with endometrial cancer in whom a staging laparotomy is planned will be included.Before starting the surgical staging procedure, blue dye and radioactive colloid will be injected into the ligamentum ovarii proprium and the ligamentum infundibulo-pelvicum. In the analysis we calculate the percentage of patients in whom it is feasible to identify sentinel nodes. Other study parameters are the anatomical localization of the sentinel node(s) and the incidence of false negative lymph nodes.Trial registrationApproval number: NL40323.068.12Name: Medical Ethical Committee Maastricht University Hospital, University of MaastrichtAffiliation: Maastricht University HospitalBoard Chair Name: Medisch Ethische Commissie azM/UM

Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure Leads to Upstaging of Patients with Resectable Colon Cancer: Results of the Swiss Prospective, Multicenter Study Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure in Colon Cancer

The value of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure in colon cancer patients remains a matter of debate. The objective of this prospective, multicenter trial was 3-fold: to determine the identification rate and accuracy of the SLN procedure in patients with resectable colon cancer; to evaluate the learning curve of the SLN procedure; and to assess the extent of upstaging due to the SLN procedure. One hundred seventy-four consecutive colon cancer patients were enrolled onto this prospective trial. They underwent an intraoperative SLN procedure with isosulfan blue 1% injected peritumorally followed by open standard colon resection with oncologic lymphadenectomy. Three levels of each SLN were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunostained with the pancytokeratin marker AE1/AE3 if H&E was negative. SLN identification rate and accuracy were 89.1% and 83.9%, respectively. SLN were significantly more likely to contain tumor infiltrates than non-SLN (P < 0.001). Both SLN identification rate (P = 0.021) and the sensitivity of the procedure (P = 0.043) significantly improved with experience. The use of immunohistochemistry in SLN resulted in an upstaging of 15.4% (16 of 104) stage I and II patients considered node-negative in initial H&E analysis. The SLN procedure for colon cancer has good identification and accuracy rates, which further improve with increasing experience. Most importantly, the SLN procedure results in upstaging of >15% of node-negative patients. The potential advantage of performing the SLN procedure appears to be particularly important in these patients because they may potentially benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Stratégie ganglionnaire et cancer de l’endomètre : résultats de senti-endo

Based on two randomized trials and a meta-analysis, the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute (INCa) have validated the absence of systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy for patients with endometrial cancer at low risk (type 1 histology stage IA grade 1-2) and intermediate (type 1 histology stage IA grade 3 and IB grade 1-2) but without taking into account the contribution of the sentinel node (SN) procedure. The senti-endo trial assessing the role of the SN procedure in patients with early stages endometrial cancer showed that the detection rate by hemi-pelvis right and left were 77 and 76%, respectively. The detection rate per patient was 89%. Among patients with at least a SN detected, the detection was unilateral in 34 cases (31%) and bilateral in 77 cases (69%). Of the 111 patients with at least a SN detected, 19 had lymph node metastases (17%). Considering the hemi-pelvis right and left as a unit, no false negative case was observed, hence the sensitivity and NPV was 100%. Considering the NPV per patient, three false negative cases were observed. Among the 57 patients at low risk, six (11%) had lymph node metastases on SN with negative non sentinel nodes. Of the 33 patients at intermediate risk, five (15%) had lymph node metastases on SN with negative non sentinel nodes. Senti-endo results emphasize the contribution of the SN procedure to assess the nodal status in patients with low or intermediate risk group raising the issue on new definition of the recommendations of INCa.

Geographic variation in breast cancer care in Switzerland

Purpose: Regional disparities in breast cancer outcomes have been reported in Switzerland. The purpose of this study is to investigate geographic variation in early diagnosis and management of breast cancer. Methods: We used data from a representative sample of 4820 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005 identified by seven Swiss population based cancer registries. We collected retrospectively detailed information on mode of detection, tumor characteristics and treatments. Differences across geographic regions were tested for statistical significance using chi-square tests and uni- and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Considerable disparities in early detection and management of early breast cancer were found across regions. In particular, the proportion of early detected cancer varied from 43% in Valais to 27% in St. Gallen-Appenzell. Mastectomy rates varied from 24% in Geneva to 38% in St. Gallen-Appenzell and Grisons-Glarus. Higher reconstruction rates were observed in regions with lower rates of mastectomy. The use of sentinel node procedure in patients with nodal negative disease was high in Geneva and low in Eastern Switzerland. Differences in compliance with recommendations on the use of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy were less pronounced but statistically significant. Conclusions: This analysis shows considerable geographic variation in breast cancer care in a health system characterized by high expenditures, universal access to services and high decentralization. Further study into the causes and effects of this variation on short- and long term patient outcomes is needed.

Validation of the accuracy of the sentinel lymph node procedure in patients with vulvar cancer: Results of a multicenter study in Germany

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the sentinel node procedure in patients with vulvar cancer, a multicenter study was launched in Germany in 2003 involving 7 oncology centers. Patients and methodsBetween 2003 and 2006, 127 women with primary T1–T3 vulvar cancer were entered in the study and treated with sentinel node removal after application of 99mTechnetium labeled nanocolloid and/or blue dye. Subsequently, in all women a complete inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy and the adequate vulvar operation were performed. Sentinel lymph nodes were examined by routine pathologic examination (H&E), followed by step-sectioning and immunhistochemistry if negative. ResultsThe sentinel node procedure was successful in 125 out of 127 cases, in 2 cases no sentinel nodes were detected. 21 patients received unilateral lymphadenectomy, 103 women were operated on both groins. In 39 women out of 127, positive lymph nodes in one or both groins were identified (30.7%). In 36 women, the sentinel nodes were also positive (sensitivity 92.3%). We had three cases with a false negative sentinel node (false negative rate: 7.7%), all of these women presenting with tumors in midline position. One tumor was a T1 tumor (10 mm), 2 tumors being classified as T2 (40 and 56 mm, respectively). In one additional case (18 mm T1 tumor, midline position), the sentinel was positive in the right groin, but false negative on the left side. ConclusionsThis study shows that identification of SLN in squamous cell cancer of the vulva is feasible, however not highly accurate depending on tumor localization and size. The false negative rate seems to be acceptable if the procedure is restricted to stage 1 tumors with clinically negative lymph node status. Tumors situated in or close to the midline seem to be less suitable for this procedure. Implementation of SLNB into clinical practice should be performed with care and only by experienced teams as to avoid preventable groin relapses.

Sentinel Node Detection in Patients with Thyroid Carcinoma: A Meta‐analysis

ObjectiveThis study was designed to review the diagnostic performance of sentinel node (SN) detection for assessment of the nodal status in thyroid carcinoma patients and to determine the technique (using blue dye or Technetium-99m colloid (99mTc)) that demonstrated the highest success rate with regard to the detection rate and sensitivity.MethodsA comprehensive computer literature search of studies published in English language through December 2007 and regarding SN procedures in patients with thyroid disorders was performed in MEDLINE. Pooled values regarding the SN detection rate and the pooled sensitivity values of the SN procedure were presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for the different SN detection techniques.ResultsUltimately, we identified 14 studies comprising a total of 457 patients. Of these, ten studies (n = 329 patients) used the blue dye technique with a pooled SN detection of 83% (95% CI, 79–87%). The remaining four studies (n = 128) used 99mTc-colloid with a pooled SN detection of 96% (95% CI, 91–99%; p < 0.05 vs. blue dye technique).ConclusionIn patients with suspected thyroid carcinoma, SN biopsy demonstrated a higher SN detection rate when 99mTc was used (96%) instead of the blue dye technique (83%).

Adequacy of sentinel node procedure in patients with synchronous primary skin melanoma: report of a patient with five melanomas

Nejc, Dariusza; Chalubinska, Justynaa; Piekarski, Janusza; Pluta, Piotra; Pasz-Walczak, Grazynab; Kusmierek, Jacekc; Berner, Andrzeja; Sek, Piotra; Bilski, Adama; Durczynski, Adama; Jeziorski, Arkadiusza Author Information

Accuracy and reliability of sentinel node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. Single centre study with long term follow-up

The aim of our study is to evaluate the frequency of false-negative (FN) sentinel node procedures in patients with breast cancer. A total of 791 breast cancer patients underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy at our institution between July 1997 and February 2005. A 2-day protocol was used to localise the sentinel node with the injection of 99mTc-nanocolloid. There were two phases in the study: the learning phase (50 patients) and the application phase (741 patients). In the learning phase, a complete lymphadenectomy was always performed. In the application phase, sentinel nodes were studied postoperatively with breast cancer and lymphadenectomy was performed when considered warranted by the pathological postoperative results. The median follow-up duration in the 741 patients studied during the application phase was 32.3 months (range 6-72 months). In this phase a total of 787 sentinel nodes (719 axillary and 68 intramammary chain) were obtained (range 0-5 per patient, mean 1.01), with 153 (41 with micrometastasis) positive sentinel nodes. We observed a total of three FN SLN results (0.5%). All three presented as an axillary recurrence into 24 months from operation. After a median follow-up of 32.3 months we observed only three clinical recurrences among 741 patients. Our results indicate that the sentinel node protocol can give an adequate local control.

Clinical axillary recurrence after sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer: a follow-up study of 220 patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of false-negative (FN) sentinel node procedures in patients with breast cancer and the subsequent clinical outcome in such patients. A total of 325 breast cancer patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy at our institution between June 1998 and May 2004. A 2-day protocol was used to localise the sentinel node with the injection of 99mTc-nanocolloid. There were two phases in the study: the learning phase (105 patients) and the application phase (220 patients). In the learning phase, a complete lymphadenectomy was always performed. In the application phase, sentinel nodes were studied intraoperatively and lymphadenectomy was performed when considered warranted by the pathological intraoperative results. The median follow-up duration in the 220 patients studied during the application phase was 21.2 months (range 4-45 months). In this phase a total of 427 sentinel nodes were obtained (range 1-5 per patient, median 1.99), with 66 positive sentinel nodes in 56 patients (26%). The lymphadenectomies performed were also positive in 25% of cases (14 patients). We observed a total of two false-negative sentinel lymph node results (3.45%). One of them was found during the surgical excision of non-sentinel nodes, and the other presented as an axillary recurrence 17 months postoperatively (1.72% clinical false-negative rate). The latter patient died 1 year after the first recurrence. After a median follow-up of 21.2 months we observed only one clinical recurrence among 220 patients. Our results indicate that adequate local control is achieved by application of the sentinel node protocol.

Ex vivo sentinel node procedure in patients with colorectal carcinoma; a feasible technique

Ex vivo sentinel node procedure in patients with colorectal carcinoma; a feasible technique

Eight false negative sentinel node procedures in breast cancer: what went wrong?

Aims: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the false negative sentinel node procedures in patients with breast cancer at our institution.Methods: A total of 606 sentinel node biopsies were performed on 599 clinical N0 breast cancer patients between January 1997 and November 2001.Results: The axillary sentinel node revealed metastasis in 204 (36.1%) of the 565 patients in whom it was identified and was false negative in eight patients. Two false negative results came to light by confirmatory axillary lymph node dissection during the learning phase. Tumour-positive lymph nodes were incidentally found in the axillary tail of the simple mastectomy specimen in two patients. Excision of a firm, non-radioactive, unstained but tumour-positive non-sentinel node occurred in three other patients. One patient developed an axillary recurrence 22 months postoperatively. Presumptive causes were surgical delay, pathological sampling error and tumour blocking.Conclusion: Intra-operative palpation of the axilla to identify suspicious lymph nodes is recommended. In a two-day protocol, surgery should be performed first thing in the morning. Seven slices of 50–150-μm strike an acceptable balance between sensitivity and work load for the pathologist.

DETECTION OF OCCULT METASTASIS IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE PENIS USING A DYNAMIC SENTINEL NODE PROCEDURE

We evaluated the so-called dynamic sentinel node procedure in patients with penile cancer. This new staging technique consists of excisional biopsy of the first lymph node onto which a tumor drains the so-called sentinel node, based on individual mapping of lymphatic drainage. From 1994 to 1998, 55 consecutive patients with stage T2 or greater bilateral or unilateral node negative squamous cell carcinoma of the penis were prospectively entered in this study. Tumor stage was T2N0 in 42, T2N1 in 4 and T3N0 in 9 cases. To locate the sentinel node each patient underwent lymphoscintigraphy with 99mtechnetium nanocolloid injected intradermally around the tumor. The following day the sentinel node was identified intraoperatively using patent blue dye injected intradermally around the tumor and a gamma detection probe. Regional lymph node dissection was restricted to patients with a tumor positive sentinel node only. Scintigraphy revealed 125 sentinel nodes in 107 inguinal regions, including no sentinel node in 2 patients, 1 or more unilateral nodes in 10 and bilateral drainage in 43. At surgery 108 sentinel nodes were removed. In 8 patients with 2 or more sentinel nodes on lymphoscintigraphy only 1 was noted intraoperatively and in 9 an additional sentinel node was removed, which was not identified by scintigraphy. All nodes were identified with the gamma detection probe. In 1 patient a wound abscess developed. Regional lymph node dissection was performed in 11 patients with sentinel node metastasis. Median followup was 22 months (range 4.1 to 61). In 1 patient lymph node metastasis was noted at followup despite prior excision of a tumor-free sentinel node. The dynamic sentinel node procedure is a promising staging technique to detect early metastatic dissemination of penile cancer based on individual mapping of lymphatic drainage, and enables identification of patients with clinically node negative disease requiring regional lymph node dissection.