Update on new imaging technologies in sentinel node detection

Minerva Ginecol. 2020 Dec;72(6):404-412. doi: 10.23736/S0026-4784.20.04707-3. Epub 2020 Dec 11.

Abstract

In most cancers, lymph node status is the most critical factor impacting the evolution of the disease and the overall survival. Identifying potential nodal metastasis allows the oncologist to adjust the stage and, consequently, the patient's treatment. For this reason, a precise evaluation of the regional nodes is mandatory. In gynecological cancers, pelvic, paraaortic, and inguinal nodes are the region most frequently interested by metastasis. In the past years, comprehensive lymphadenectomy was the standard of care for endometrial, cervical, ovarian, and vulvar cancers. However, after introducing the sentinel lymph node (SNL) biopsy in breast cancers, this technique has gained much more interest in gynecology oncology. Several studies have shown that SLN allows an evaluation of the node status without the complications related to the lymphadenectomy that impacts the patient's quality of life. In this review, we discuss the role of SNL biopsy in gynecological cancers and the technique's evolution over the years. Moreover, we debate the OSNA method for SLN analysis that is recently introduced for uterine cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coloring Agents / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / diagnostic imaging
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / pathology*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / surgery
  • Humans
  • Injections / methods
  • Lymph Node Excision / methods
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Methylene Blue / administration & dosage
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / administration & dosage
  • Rosaniline Dyes / administration & dosage
  • Sentinel Lymph Node / diagnostic imaging
  • Sentinel Lymph Node / pathology*
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / methods*
  • Technetium / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Rosaniline Dyes
  • iso-sulfan blue
  • Technetium
  • sulfan blue
  • Methylene Blue