Use of Fluorescence Imaging in Combination with Patent Blue Dye versus Patent Blue Dye Alone in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer

Purpose

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has the potential to improve sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in breast cancer. In this clinical trial, we compared the potential value of ICG combined with blue dye with that of blue dye alone for detecting SLNs.

Methods

Patients undergoing SLN biopsy (SLNB) between November 2010 and November 2013 were included. Up to December 2011, SLNs were detected by using patent blue (PB) alone, and since January 2012, by using PB in combination with ICG. The patients were divided into the following two groups: group A (ICG-PB; n=96) and group B (PB; n=73), and SLN detection parameters were compared between the groups. All patients underwent level I and II axillary dissections after SLNB.

Results

In group A, the SLN detection rate was 96.9% (93/96), the accuracy of detection was 98.9% (92/93), and the false-negative rate (FNR) was 3.4% (1/29). In group B, the SLN detection rate was 84.9% (62/73), the accuracy of detection was 96.8% (60/62), and the FNR was 11.1% (2/18). The ICG-PB group showed significantly superior results compared to the PB group for SLN detection (p=0.005) and a greatly improved FNR.

Conclusion

The combined fluorescence and blue dye-based tracer technique was superior to the use of blue dye alone for identifying SLNs, and for predicting axillary lymph node status in patients with breast cancer; in addition, the combined technique had reduced false-negative results.     

Breast cancer sentinel lymph node mapping using near-infrared guided indocyanine green in comparison with blue dye

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) was considered to have the potential to improve sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in breast cancer. Herein, we performed a randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of ICG fluorescence imaging compared with blue dye imaging in SLN navigation surgery. We also analyzed lymph drainage pathways to identify targets for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Finally, 68 consecutive patients diagnosed with breast cancer and who underwent SLNB between November 2010 and September 2012 were enrolled in the study. The cases were randomly grouped into either the ICG fluorescence or blue dye group, with 36 in the ICG fluorescence group and 32 in the blue dye group. Levels I and II axillary dissection was performed in all cases after SLNB. A single lymph drainage pathway was detected in 21 of 36 (58.3 %) patients, and multiple lymph drainage pathways were detected in 15 of 36 (41.7 %) cases. The detection rate of SLNB was higher by ICG fluorescence than by blue dye (97.2 vs. 81.3 %, p?<?0.05), as 3.6 SLNs were detected on average in the ICG fluorescence group compared to 2.1 in the blue dye group. However, the sensitivity and false-negative rate were similar in the two groups. In conclusion, ICG fluorescence was superior to blue dye for the identification of the SLN.     

The use of indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence imaging to assist sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous melanoma: A systematic review

Background and objectivesDespite the use of blue dye and radioisotopes, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is still associated with a high false-negative rate (FNR). The off-label use of indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging has been introduced with the objective of assisting SLNB and thereby improving regional control in melanoma. The objective of this study was to review and summarize the general experience, protocols and outcomes of the use of ICG and NIRF to assist SLNB in melanoma.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed in December 2019 as per the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were articles written in English describing the applications of ICG in patients with melanoma. Systematic reviews, animal studies, case reports and letters to editors were excluded.ResultsOf the 585 studies retrieved, 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. The reported sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection rate using ICG was between 86 and 100% of nodes identified by lymphoscintigraphy. The average number of nodes per patient detected using ICG was 2. ICG fluorescence imaging contributed to the identification of 2.0% of the total number of SLNs harvested.ConclusionsICG fluorescence may be a useful adjunct to lymphoscintigraphy, although high-level comparative data is lacking. It was found to be superior to blue dye at detecting sentinel lymph nodes.     

A feasibility study (ICG-10) of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence mapping for sentinel lymph node detection in early breast cancer

Background

There is now increasing evidence to support the use of indocyanine green (ICG) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in early breast cancer. The primary objective of this feasibility study (ICG-10) was to determine the sensitivity and safety of ICG fluorescence imaging in sentinel lymph node identification when combined with blue dye and radiocolloid.

Methods

One hundred women with clinically node negative breast cancer (95 unilateral; 5 bilateral) had sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy using blue dye, radioisotope and ICG. One patient was excluded from analysis and sensitivity, or detection rate, of ICG alone, and in combination with blue dye and/or radioisotope, was calculated for the remaining 104 procedures in 99 patients.

Results

Transcutaneous fluorescent lymphography was visible in all 104 procedures. All 202 true SLNs, defined as blue and/or radioactive, were also fluorescent with ICG. Detection rates were: ICG alone 100%, ICG & blue dye 95.0%, ICG & radioisotope 77.2%, ICG & blue dye & radioisotope 73.1%. Metastases were found in 25 of 201 SLNs (12.4%) and all positive nodes were fluorescent, blue and radioactive. The procedural node positivity rate was 17.3%.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirm the high sensitivity of ICG fluorescence for SLN detection in early breast cancer. The combination of ICG and blue dye had the highest nodal sensitivity at 95.0% defining a dual approach to SLN biopsy that avoids the need for radioisotope.     

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Versus Blue Dye or Radioisotope Regarding Detection Rate of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy and Nodes Removed in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Either blue dye (BD) or radioisotope (RI) is mainly used for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients. Unlike the BD, RI has lower false-negative rate of SLNB. However, its lymphoscintigraphy, difficulty in preoperative injection, and undetected sentinel lymph nodes in some cases cause surgeons to rely only on BD. Currently, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence method (ICG-SLNB) is increasingly used as an alternative to the conventional mapping methods in many centers. This systematic review compared ICG with the conventional method of BD or RI in terms of detection rate of SLNB and the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) removed in. Methods:  We searched all relevant studies published between January 2000 and October 2019. All data on for evaluation of SLN detection rate, number of SLNs removed per patient, and tumor positive rate of SLNB were extracted. Results: A total of 30 studies, including 4,216 SLN procedures were retrieved. There was a statistically significant difference between ICG and BD method in terms of SLN detection rate (OR, 6.73; 95% CI, 4.20-10.78). However, there was no significant difference between ICG and RI in this regard (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.40-2.03). The number of SLNs removed per patient were 2.35 (1.46-5.4), 1.92 (1.0-3.64), and 1.72 (1.35-2.08) for ICG, BD, and RI, respectively. Only in 8 studies, the tumor positive rates in SLNB could be analyzed (ICG, 8.5-20.7%; BD, 12.7-21.4%; RI, 11.3-16%). Conclusion: ICG-SLNB could be an additional or an alternative method for axillary node mapping in breast cancer.     

Axillary lymph node recurrence after sentinel lymph node biopsy performed using a combination of indocyanine green fluorescence and the blue dye method in early breast cancer

Background

There is limited information on indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence and blue dye for detecting sentinel lymph node (SLN) in early breast cancer. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the feasibility of an SLN biopsy using the combination of ICG fluorescence and the blue dye method.

Methods

Seven hundred and fourteen patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer were included in this study. They underwent SLN biopsy using a combination of ICG fluorescence and the blue dye method from March 2007 to February 2014. The ICG (a fluorescence-emitting source) and patent blue (the blue dye) were injected into the patients’ subareolar region. The removed lymph nodes that had ICG fluorescence and/or blue dye uptake were defined as SLNs. The results of the SLN biopsies and follow-up results of patients who underwent SLN biopsy alone were investigated.

Results

In 711 out of 714 patients, SLNs were identified by a combination of ICG fluorescence and the blue dye method (detection rate, 99.6 %). The average number of SLNs was 2.4 (range 1–7), and the average number of resected swollen para-SLNs was 0.4 (range 0–5). Ninety-nine patients with an SLN and/or para-SLN involvement during the intraoperative pathological diagnosis underwent axillary lymph node resection (ALND). In addition, two of three patients whose SLN was not identified also underwent ALND. In 46 of 101 patients with an ALND, non-SLN involvement was not found. Follow-up results were analyzed in 464 patients with invasive carcinoma excluding those with ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 148) and those who underwent ALND (n = 101). During the follow-up period (range 4.4–87.7 months; median, 38 months), two patients (0.4 %) developed axillary lymph node recurrence. They were successfully salvaged, and to date, no further locoregional recurrence has been observed.

Conclusions

A high rate of SLN detection and low rate of axillary lymph node recurrence were confirmed by an SLN biopsy using a combination of ICG fluorescence and the blue dye method. Therefore, it is suggested that this method may replace the combination of dye and radioisotope methods.

     

Isotope-Only Localization for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy - Medium-Term Oncological Outcomes

AimsIsotope and blue dye dual localization in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) gives localization rates of over 98% and is the recommended technique. However blue dye risks a range of adverse reactions. Since 2010, for clinically node negative disease, we have only used blue dye if there is no clear isotope signal at surgery.MethodsElectronic records of patients who underwent isotope-only SLN localization between July 2010 and April 2012 were examined. Data were collected on localization and oncological outcomes.Results426 patients were included. Isotope-only localization rate was 97.4% (415/426). The median follow-up was 63.5 months (IQR: 60.7-70.9). Median age was 57 (IQR: 48-67). Median SLN yield was 2 (range: 1-5). Axillary recurrence rate was 1.4% with median time to recurrence of 39.3 months. In-breast recurrence, distant disease and contralateral breast cancer rates were 2.8%, 7%, and 1.9% respectively and 15 (3.5%) patients died of metastatic breast cancer.ConclusionIsotope-only SLNB has a comparable localization rate to dual isotope/blue dye SLNB and can spare the risk of blue dye adverse reactions. The low axillary recurrence rate, maintained to more than 5 years, confirms that isotope-only SLNB is a feasible and safe alternative to dual blue dye/isotope localization.     

吲哚菁绿联合美蓝在乳腺癌腋窝前哨淋巴结活检的临床应用价值

目的:探讨吲哚菁绿（indocyanine green,ICG ）荧光导航法联合美蓝示踪法在乳腺癌腋窝前哨淋巴结活检（sentinel lymph node biopsy ,SLNB）中的临床应用价值。方法:收集2013年5 月至2014年4 月广东省汕头中心医院符合入组标准的89例早期乳腺癌患者。其中第一阶段,53例术中行ICG 联合美蓝注射,并利用淋巴荧光显像及美蓝示踪行前哨淋巴结活检术联合腋窝淋巴结清扫术（axillary lymph node dissection ALND ）;第二阶段,36例术中前哨淋巴结（sentinel lymphnode ,SLN ）冰冻病理阴性患者不再行腋窝淋巴结清扫。统计SLN 的检出成功率、准确率及假阴性率。结果:89例患者的SLN 检出成功率为96.6%（86/ 89）,第一阶段检出成功率为94.3%（50/ 53）、准确率98.0%（49/ 50）、假阴性率2.6%（1/ 38）,第二阶段检出成功率为100%（36/ 36）。 ICG 荧光导航法联合美蓝示踪法检出196 枚SLN 中荧光显示为179 枚,196 枚SLN 其中显示蓝染142 枚、未显示蓝染的54枚仅显示荧光。196 枚SLN 中有转移为45枚,5 枚仅显示荧光。22例患者SLN 转移,转移率为24.7%（22/ 89）,2 例患者的SLN 仅显示荧光而未蓝染。中位随访时间为25个月,未发现同侧区域淋巴结复发。结论:ICG 荧光导航法联合美蓝示踪法能够安全有效地应用于乳腺癌前哨淋巴结活检。      

Factors affecting failed localisation and false-negative rates of sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer – results of the ALMANAC validation phase

SummaryBackground Despite the widespread application of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for early stage breast cancer, there is a wide variation in reported test performance characteristics. A major aim of this prospective multicentre validation study was to quantify detection and false-negative rates of SLNB and evaluate factors influencing them.Methods Eight-hundred and fourty-two patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer underwent SLNB according to a standardised protocol that used a combination of radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-albumin colloid and Patent Blue V dye. SLNB was followed by standard axillary treatment at the same operation in all patients.Results Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were identified in 803 (96.1%) of 836 evaluable cases. The median number of SLNs removed per patient was 2 (range 1–9). There were 19 false negatives, resulting in a sensitivity of 263/282 (93.3%) and accuracy 782/803 (97.6%). SLNs were successfully identified by blue dye in 698 (85.6%), by isotope in 698 (85.6%), and by the combination of blue dye and isotope in 782 (96.0%) of 815 patients. Among 276 node positive patients, one or more positive SLNs were identified by blue dye in 251 (90.9%), by isotope in 246 (89.1%) and by the combination of blue dye and gamma probe in 258 (93.5%). Obesity, tumor location other than upper outer quadrant and non-visualisation of SLNs on the pre-operative lymphoscintiscan were significantly associated with failed localisation (p<0.001, p=0.008, p<0.001, respectively). The false-negative rate in patients with grade 3 tumors was 9.6%, compared with 4.7% in those with grade 2 tumors (p=0.022). The false-negative rate in patients who had one SLN harvested was 10.1%, compared with 1.1% in those who had multiple SLNs (three or more) removed (p=0.010).Conclusion SLNB can accurately determine whether axillary metastases are present in patients with early stage breast cancer with clinically negative axillary nodes. Both success and accuracy of SLNB are optimised by the combined use of blue dye and isotope. SLNB success decreases with increasing body mass, tumor location other than the upper outer quadrant and non-visualisation of hot nodes on the pre-operative lymphoscintiscan. This study demonstrates reduction in the predictive value of a negative SLNB in grade 3 tumors.     

Combination of subareolar blue dye and peritumoral RI for sentinel lymph node biopsy

BACKGROUND: The identification rate of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is variable because numerous different methods employing different tracers have been used for sentinel lymph node detection. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal technique for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). METHODS: From May 1999 to December 2001, SLNB was performed for 376 patients with T1-3 and N0-1 primary breast cancer using blue dye alone, radioisotope (RI) alone and combination of RI and blue dye. Two hundred sixty-eight patients underwent SLNB using blue dye alone. They were divided into 4 groups (Group A: n=50; peritumoral injection, Group B: n=83; the first half to receive subareolar injection, Group C: n=83; the second half to receive subareolar injection, and Group D: n=52; small incision according to an axillary skin landmark). One hundred eight patients underwent SLNB using RI. Tin colloid was used in 49 cases (Tin Colloid Group) and phytate in 59 cases (Phytate Group). Among them, 29 patients underwent injection of RI alone and 79 patients received a combination of RI and blue dye. RESULTS: The identification rates of SLN using blue dye alone were 60%, 82%, 92% and 79% in Groups A, B, C and D, respectively. The identification rates of SLN in patients receiving RI alone and in those receiving combination of RI and blue dye were 40% and 89%, respectively, in Tin Colloid Group, and 92% and 94%, respectively, in Phytate Group. CONCLUSION: When using blue dye alone, subareolar injection provided a better identification rate than peritumoral injection. The combination of peritumoral phytate and subareolar blue dye provided the best identification rate (94%) in all the groups. The combination of intraparenchymal phytate and subareolar blue dye was the most efficient technique for sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer patients.     

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in papillary thyroid cancer: Comparison study of blue dye method and combined radioisotope and blue dye method in papillary thyroid cancer

Aim

Occult lymph node metastasis is common in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, the role of lymph node dissection in the treatment of DTC remains controversial. The authors investigated the usefulness of methylene blue dye only method and combined radioisotope and methylene blue dye method for detecting SLN and compared the values of these two methods in patients with DTC.

Methods

From February to May 2008, 97 patients with DTC underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The methylene blue dye method (dye only method) was used in 54 of the 97 patients, and radioisotope and methylene blue dye method (combined method) in 43 patients.

Results

The SLNs were identified in 89 patients, and the sensitivity and specificity of SLNB in the 97 patients were 85% and 100% respectively. For the dye only method, sensitivity, specificity, and the false negative rate (FNR) were 79%, 100%, and 21%; and for the combined method (43 patients) the corresponding figures were, 91%, 100%, and 9%, respectively. Six patients with SLN metastasis in the lateral neck underwent additional modified radical neck dissection (MRND).

Conclusions

SLNB was found to be feasible, repeatable, and accurate in evaluating the lymph node status in patient with DTC. The present study indicates that the combined method could reduce false negative rate and increase detection rates of sentinel lymph node metastases, especially in lateral neck, compared to the dye only method.     

ICG fluorescence-guided sentinel node biopsy for axillary nodal staging in breast cancer

Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a selective approach to axillary staging of breast cancer with reduced morbidity. Current detection methods including radioisotope and blue dye show good results but some drawbacks are remaining. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence detection was evaluated as a new method for SLN biopsy in breast cancer allowing both transcutaneous visualization of lymphatic vessels and intraoperative identification of SLN. Methods: Forty-three women with clinically node negative breast cancer received subareolar injection of ICG for fluorescence detection of SLN. All patients underwent either planned axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) with SLN biopsy or selective SLN biopsy to determine need for ALND. Clinical feasibility, detection rate, sensitivity, and axillary recurrence after isolated SLN biopsy were analyzed. Results: Overall ICG fluorescence imaging identified 2.0 SLN in average in 42 of 43 patients (detection rate: 97.7%). Metastatic involvement of the SLN was found in 17 of 18 nodal positive patients by conventional histopathology (sensitivity: 94.4%). Immunohistochemistry revealed isolated tumor cells in five further cases. There was only one false-negative case in 43 patients (5.6%). In 17 of 23 overall nodal positive patients, the SLN was the only positive lymph node. After a median follow-up of 4.7 years none of the patients presented with axillary recurrence. Conclusion: ICG fluorescence imaging is a new method for SLN biopsy in breast cancer with acceptable sensitivity and specificity comparable to conventional methods. One advantage of this technique is that it allows transcutaneous visualization of lymphatic vessels and intraoperative lymph node detection without radioisotope.     

Sentinel lymph node biopsy alone without axillary lymph node dissection--follow up of sentinel lymph node negative breast cancer patients.

AIMS: To evaluate the rate of axillary recurrences in sentinel lymph node (SLN) negative breast cancer patients after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone without further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). METHODS: Between May 1999 and February 2001 all patients who had primary invasive breast cancer and were SLN negative were eligible for this prospective study. SLNB was performed by using the combined method with radioactive tracer and blue dye. SLNs were examined by frozen section, standard H/E staining and immunohistochemistry staining. SLN negative patients did not receive further ALND. Follow-up was done three-monthly with clinical controls, blood samples and ultrasound of the breast and axilla. An annual mammogram was performed. RESULTS: 116 patients with T1 or T2 invasive breast cancer were included in this trial. All 116 patients had negative SLNs in frozen sections, in H/E staining and in immunohistochemistry staining. The mean number of removed SLNs was 2.03+/-1.22. Mean tumor size was 17.15+/-7.62 mm. Postmenopausal patients totalled 79.3 and 20.7% of patients were premenopausal. No local or axillary recurrences occurred at a mean duration of follow-up of 22.12+/-6.38 months. CONCLUSION: The absence of axillary recurrences after SLNB without ALND in SLN negative breast cancer patients supports the hypothesis that SLNB is accurate and safe while providing less surgical morbidity. Short term results are very promising. SLNB without ALND in SLN negative patients is an excellent procedure for axillary staging in a cohort of breast cancer patients with small tumors.     

Sentinel lymph node biopsy using carbon nanoparticles for Chinese patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Aims

To compare the efficacies of methylene blue (MB) and carbon nanoparticles (CNs) as tracers for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and assess the value of SLNB in predicting the cervical LN status of patients with thyroid microcarcinoma.

Methods

This retrospective analysis comprised 200 thyroid microcarcinoma patients who underwent intraoperative SLNB. Among them, 100 patients were injected with MB dye. The other 100 patients received a CN suspension injection. Routine pathological examination was performed in all resected specimens.

Results

SLNs detected in the experimental and control groups were 126 and 102, respectively, of which the metastatic LNs confirmed by histopathology were 77 and 48, respectively. The staining rate of cervical level VI LNs in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). For the CN method, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy rate, and false negative rate were 93.3%, 100%, 97%, and 5.2%, respectively, whereas the corresponding figures for the MB method were 80.6%, 100%, 93%, and 9.9%, respectively. The positive rate of cancer metastases for SLNs in the experimental group was 61.1%, which is significantly higher than that in the control group (47.1%; P = 0.034).

Conclusions

In contrast to the MB method, CNs can maintain the durability of SLN imaging and accurately forecast the LN status of patients with thyroid microcarcinoma; in addition, the CN method was found to be feasible and repeatable. The CN method better aids the screening and selection of patients who are most likely to benefit from cervical LN dissection.     

Value of Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) Mapping and Biopsy using Combined Intracervical Radiotracers and Blue Dye Injections for Endometrial Cancer

Background: Lymphadenectomy, as part of the initial surgical staging of patients with endometrial carcinoma, remains a controversial topic in gynecologic oncology. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has become a well-accepted procedure for melanomas and breast cancer; a number of investigators have begun to explore the utility and accuracy of this technique with regard to endometrial cancer. Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate SLN mapping of early stage endometrial cancer with blue dye in conjunction with a radioactive tracer. Subjects and methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, patients with stage I and II endometrial cancer who were candidates for systemic lymph node dissection during surgery were enrolled, some underwent lymph node mapping and SLN biopsy using combined intra cervical radiotracer and blue dye injections and some applying only an intra cervical radiotracer. SLNs and other lymph nodes were sent for pathological assessment. Sensitivity, specificity, the positive predictive value, and the negative predictive value were calculated as predictive values for the radiotracer and blue dye. Results: Pre-operative lymph node mapping showed SLN in 29 out of 30 patients. Intra operations in 29/30 patients, SLNs were harvested by gamma probe; in 13 out of 19 patients SLNs were detected by blue dye. The median number of SLNs per patient was 3 and the total number of SLNs detected was 81. Four patients had positive pelvic lymph nodes. All of the positive nodes were SLNs. Using this technique (radiotracer and blue dye) an overall detection rate of 96.7%, an NPV of 100%, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 3.85% were achieved. Conclusion: Results of SLN research for endometrial cancer are promising and make feasible the possibility of avoiding unnecessary aggressive surgical procedures in near future by advances in SLN mapping.     

Preoperative dynamic lymphoscintigraphy predicts sentinel lymph node metastasis in patients with early breast cancer

Background

Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy is commonly used in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients with early breast cancer; however, its significance to predict SLN metastasis remains to be determined.

Patients and methods

Sixty patients were enrolled in a feasibility study of SLNB. Patients with clinically node-negative breast cancer were eligible for this study. Dynamic lymphoscintigraphy was performed before SLNB. All patients underwent SLNB followed by axillary lymph node dissection.

Results

A dual mapping procedure using isotope and dye injections was performed. SLNs were identified in 59 of 60 patients (98.3%), with a node-positive rate of 41.7% and a false-negative rate of 1.7%. No SLN was identified in 4 of 60 patients (6.7%) on preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. Interestingly, abnormal accumulation of the radiotracer close to hot spots was observed in 29 of 56 patients (51.8%). Lymph node metastases were detected in 18 of 29 patients (62.0%) with this pattern and 5 of 27 patients (18.5%) without this pattern (P < 0.05). Micrometastases were more frequently detected in node-positive patients without this pattern than in those with this pattern (80 vs. 16.7%). Diagnostic parameters of this pattern to predict SLN metastases, including micrometastases, were 62.1% for sensitivity, 81.5% for specificity, and 71.4% for accuracy.

Conclusions

Abnormal accumulation of the radiotracer close to radioactive spots may indicate SLN metastasis. When dynamic lymphoscintigraphy shows this pattern, surgeons should consider the presence of SLN metastasis and carefully remove additional lymph nodes surrounding radioactive lymph nodes so as not to leave metastatic SLNs behind.     

Near-infrared fluorescence sentinel lymph node mapping in breast cancer: a multicenter experience

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) has the potential to improve the sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure by facilitating percutaneous and intraoperative identification of lymphatic channels and SLNs. Previous studies suggested that a dose of 0.62 mg (1.6 mL of 0.5 mM) ICG is optimal for SLN mapping in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of NIR fluorescence for SLN mapping in breast cancer patients when used in conjunction with conventional techniques. Study subjects were 95 breast cancer patients planning to undergo SLN procedure at either the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (Boston, MA, USA) or the Leiden University Medical Center (Leiden, the Netherlands) between July 2010 and January 2013. Subjects underwent the standard-of-care SLN procedure at each institution using ⁹⁹Technetium-colloid in all subjects and patent blue in 27 (28 %) of the subjects. NIR fluorescence-guided SLN detection was performed using the Mini-FLARE imaging system. SLN identification was successful in 94 of 95 subjects (99 %) using NIR fluorescence imaging or a combination of both NIR fluorescence imaging and radioactive guidance. In 2 of 95 subjects, radioactive guidance was necessary for initial in vivo identification of SLNs. In 1 of 95 subjects, NIR fluorescence was necessary for initial in vivo identification of SLNs. A total of 177 SLNs (mean 1.9, range 1–5) were resected: 100 % NIR fluorescent, 88 % radioactive, and 78 % (of 40 nodes) blue. In 2 of 95 subjects (2.1 %), SLNs-containing macrometastases were found only by NIR fluorescence, and in one patient this led to upstaging to N1. This study demonstrates the safe and accurate application of NIR fluorescence imaging for the identification of SLNs in breast cancer patients, but calls into question what technique should be used as the gold standard in future studies.     

200 Sentinel lymph node biopsies without axillary lymph node dissection -- no axillary recurrences after a 3-year follow-up

The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of axillary recurrences in sentinel lymph node (SLN)-negative breast cancer patients after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone without further axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Between May 1999 and February 2002, 333 consecutive patients with primary invasive breast cancer up to 4 cm and clinically negative axillae were entered into this prospective study. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified using the combined method with blue dye (Patent blue V) and technetium 99m-labelled albumin (Nanocoll). Sentinel lymph nodes were examined by frozen sections, standard haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining. In SLN-positive patients, ALND was performed. Sentinel lymph node-negative patients had no further ALND. The SLN identification rate was 98.5% (328 out of 333). In all, 128 out of 328 (39.0%) patients had positive SLNs and complete ALND. A total of 200 out of 328 (61.0%) patients were SLN negative and had no further ALND. The mean tumour size of SLN-negative patients was 16.5 mm. The mean number of SLNs removed was 2.1 per patient. There were no local or axillary recurrences at a median follow-up of 36 months. The absence of axillary recurrences after SLNB without ALND in SLN-negative breast cancer patients supports the hypothesis that SLNB is accurate and safe while providing less surgical morbidity than ALND. Short-term results are very promising that SLNB without ALND in SLN-negative patients is an excellent procedure for axillary staging in a cohort of breast cancer patients with small tumours.     

Sentinel lymph node localization and staging with a low-dose of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) enhanced MRI and magnetometer in patients with cutaneous melanoma of the extremity - The MAGMEN feasibility study

BackgroundIn patients with melanoma, sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is pivotal for treatment decisions. Current routine for SLN detection combines Technetium^99m (Tc⁹⁹) lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye (BD). The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of using a low dose of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) injected intracutaneously to detect and identify the SLN, and the secondary aim was to investigate if a low dose of SPIO would enable a preoperative MRI-evaluation of SLN status.MethodsPatients with melanoma of the extremities were eligible. Before surgery, a baseline MRI of the nodal basin was followed by an injection of a low dose (0.02–0.5 mL) of SPIO and then a second MRI (SPIO-MRI). Tc⁹⁹ and BD was used in parallel and all nodes with a superparamagnetic and/or radioactive signal were harvested and analyzed.ResultsFifteen patients were included and the SLNB procedure was successful in all patients (27 SLNs removed). All superparamagnetic SLNs were visualized by MRI corresponding to the same nodes on scintigraphy. Micrometastatic deposits were identified in four SLNs taken from three patients, and SPIO-MRI correctly predicted two of the metastases. There was an association between MRI artefacts in the lymph node and the dose SPIO given.DiscussionIt is feasible to detect SLN in patients with melanoma using a low dose of SPIO injected intracutaneously compared with the standard dual technique. A low dose of SPIO reduces the lymph node MRI artefacts, opening up for a non-invasive assessment of SLN status in patients with cancer.     

美蓝染色法鉴别哨兵淋巴结及其临床意义

目的：探讨美蓝染色法鉴别哨兵淋巴结（SLN）的可行性及其活检的临床意义。方法：采用美蓝染色法，对50例乳腺癌患者行腋窝淋巴作图，所得SLN和非哨兵淋巴结（NSLN）均行常规HE染色。阴性SLN再行连续切片及免疫组化检查，结果：50例患者中SLN阳性45例，SLN鉴别成功率为90．0％，45例中常规病检16例SLN阳性，对29例SLN阴性者采用连续切片和免疫组化检查发现7例（24．1％）有微转移，硝兵淋巴结活检的准确率，灵敏度和假阴性率分别为91．1％，85．7％和8．9％，结论：采用美蓝染色法能准确鉴别SLN，反映乳腺癌患者腋窝淋巴结状况，采用连续切片和免疫组化检查可检测出NSLN中的微转移灶，降低假阴性率。