Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer: When, how and in which patients

Eur J Surg Oncol. 2024 Mar;50(3):107956. doi: 10.1016/j.ejso.2024.107956. Epub 2024 Jan 17.

Abstract

The role of nodal dissection in patients with endometrial cancer has been intensively studied in several studies. Historically, systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy represented the gold standard surgical treatment to assess potential nodal involvement and consequently define the appropriate stage of the tumor. Over the last years, sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) has been introduced as a more targeted alternative to lymph node dissection for lymph node staging and it has become popular among gynecologic oncologists. However, no level A evidence is still available, and several features of the SLNB technique have been matter of discussion among clinicians and a universally accepted methodology is still not currently available. This narrative review aims to summarize the body of knowledge on SLNB to offer the reader a complete picture about the evolution of this technique over the last decades.

Keywords: Endometrial cancer; Lymphadenectomy; Outcome; Sentinel node; Surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Endometrial Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Node Excision / methods
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymph Nodes / surgery
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / methods
  • Sentinel Lymph Node* / pathology