前哨淋巴结活检在中国皮肤和肢端恶性黑色素瘤患者诊治中的临床意义

背景与目的：恶性黑色素瘤近年来在中国发病率呈上升趋势。前哨淋巴结活检（sentinel lymph node biopsy,SLNB）在欧美是皮肤恶性黑色素瘤外科诊治规范的重要环节,但在中国却未广泛开展。中国黑色素瘤具有多肢端亚型、浸润深度厚、溃疡率高和预后差等特点。但中国黑色素瘤外科治疗后的预后仍未明确。该研究旨在分析中国黑色素瘤患者的临床数据,评价SLNB的可行性及其对预后的影响。方法：回顾性分析2009—2017年在复旦大学附属肿瘤医院治疗的无临床淋巴转移和远处转移征象的黑色素瘤患者。每例患者在接受原发病灶扩大切除的同时,进行相应区域淋巴结的SLNB。前哨淋巴结（sentinel lymph node,SLN）的定位通过美兰染色和同位素示踪完成。所有患者术后均进行随访。结果：本研究共纳入452例黑色素瘤患者。平均Breslow浸润深度为3.29 mm,66.4%为肢端病灶,溃疡率达59.7%。SLN阳性率为26.8%,假阴性率为4%,淋巴结总转移率为30.8%。本组患者5年总生存率（overall survival,OS）和无病生存率（disease-free survival,DFS）分别为66.6%和55.8%。SLN状态是显著影响患者预后的独立危险因素,而Breslow浸润深度是预测SLN转移状态的独立危险因素。结论：对于无临床大体转移的中国黑色素瘤患者,应常规开展SLNB。SLN状态是影响复发和总体生存的重要因素,SLNB能提高淋巴结微转移患者的生存,提供准确的临床分期。     

肢端黑色素瘤前哨淋巴结活检临床结果分析

目的探讨肢端黑色素瘤前哨淋巴结活检的临床规律及临床意义。方法对2012年3月至2019年8月北京积水潭医院骨肿瘤科收治的肢端黑色素瘤患者中符合前哨淋巴结活检指征的110例行前哨淋巴结活检,前哨淋巴结活检结果阳性的患者再行淋巴结清扫术。术后常规行病理检查,统计非前哨淋巴结阳性结果。结果110例黑色素瘤患者中,发病于手部20例,其余90例发病于足部。所有病例均检出前哨淋巴结,检出率为100％。前哨淋巴结阳性24例,阳性率为22％。24例患者均行淋巴结清扫术,术后病理分析发现,非前哨淋巴结阳性患者9例,占38％。结论前哨淋巴结活检在肢端黑色素瘤的分期诊断、临床治疗中具有重要的临床意义。     

Clinical utilities and biological characteristics of melanoma sentinel lymph nodes

An estimated 73870 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in the United States in 2015, resulting in 9940 deaths. The majority of patients with cutaneous melanomas are cured with wide local excision. However, current evidence supports the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) given the 15%-20% of patients who harbor regional node metastasis. More importantly, the presence or absence of nodal micrometastases has been found to be the most important prognostic factor in early-stage melanoma, particularly in intermediate thickness melanoma. This review examines the development of SLNB for melanoma as a means to determine a patient’s nodal status, the efficacy of SLNB in patients with melanoma, and the biology of melanoma metastatic to sentinel lymph nodes. Prospective randomized trials have guided the development of practice guidelines for use of SLNB for melanoma and have shown the prognostic value of SLNB. Given the rapidly advancing molecular and surgical technologies, the technical aspects of diagnosis, identification, and management of regional lymph nodes in melanoma continues to evolve and to improve. Additionally, there is ongoing research examining both the role of SLNB for specific clinical scenarios and the ways to identify patients who may benefit from completion lymphadenectomy for a positive SLN. Until further data provides sufficient evidence to alter national consensus-based guidelines, SLNB with completion lymphadenectomy remains the standard of care for clinically node-negative patients found to have a positive SLN.     

Accuracy of lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy after previous wide local excision in patients with primary melanoma

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) status is the most important prognostic factor with respect to the survival of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma. However, lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsies (LM/SLNBs) performed in patients who have had a wide local excision (WLE) may not accurately reflect the pathologic status of the draining lymph node basins. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of LM/SLNB in patients who have had a previous WLE. METHODS: A single-institution database was examined to identify patients who had a WLE before LM/SLNB and patients who had a concomitant LM/SLNB. Primary clinicopathologic features (age, tumor thickness, and ulceration), SLN identification rate, SLN pathologic status, and the incidence and sites of recurrences were compared between patients with and without prior WLE. RESULTS: Of the 1395 patients identified, 104 had WLE before LM/SLNB. The mean preoperative WLE radial margin was 1.4 cm (median, 1.0 cm). LM/SLNB was successful in 103 of 104 (99%) patients. Age, tumor thickness, incidence of ulceration, and incidence of SLN positivity in the group with prior WLE were similar to those of the cohort of patients who had concomitant LM/SLNB and WLE (n = 1291). In 97 (93%) of the 104 prior-WLE patients, the surgical defects were closed by either primary closure or skin graft; 7 patients (7%) had rotational flaps. The median follow-up of these 104 patients was 51 months. Among the prior-WLE group, 19 patients (18%) had a positive SLNB; of these 19 patients, 4 (21%) had recurrences (3 distant failures and 1 local and distant failure). There were no lymph node recurrences-in a mapped or unmapped basin-in these 104 patients with a negative or positive SLNB. CONCLUSIONS: SLNs can be successfully identified and accurately reflect the status of the regional lymph node basin in carefully selected melanoma patients with a previous WLE. Prior WLE does not appear to adversely impact the ability to detect lymphatic metastases, although the utility of LM/SLNB in patients who have undergone extensive reconstruction of the primary excision site remains to be defined. Because more extensive surgery may be required to accomplish accurate lymph node staging in patients who have undergone prior WLE-including the possible removal of SLNs from additional lymph node basins and an additional surgical procedure-to minimize morbidity and cost, concomitant WLE and LM/SLNB is strongly preferred whenever possible.     

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a filter role in AJCC stage I/II melanoma patients

One of the most significant advances in melanoma staging is sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). It is a surgical technique to detect occult nonpalpable micrometastases in regional lymph nodes. Recently, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was introduced as a noninvasive procedure, in spite of SLNB, for the detection of SLNs in patients with cutaneous melanoma. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS in the diagnostic workup of patients with melanoma in comparison with the final histology of SLNs detected through preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. Fifteen patients with cutaneous melanoma underwent prompt excisional biopsy with narrow margins in order to avoid impairment of the melanoma lymphatic basin and were referred for SLNB according to routine indications between January and February 2009. In our study CEUS showed, albeit based on a small patient sample, a negative predictive value of 100%, that means that all negative results were confirmed by negative SLN histopathological examination; all ultrasonographically negative lymph nodes corresponded to nonmetastatic sentinel nodes.     

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: It remains controversial whether modified radical neck dissection (MRND) for patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma improves prognosis. However, it is highly probable that the incidence of local recurrence is reduced by lymph node dissection. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SLNB) for patients with melanoma and breast carcinoma has been validated as an accurate method for assessing lymph node status. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of SLNB for the evaluation of cervical lymph node status in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: After injection of methylene blue around the tumor in 22 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, blue-stained lymph nodes were dissected as SLNs. After the SLNB, all patients also underwent subtotal thyroidectomy and MRND. SLNs and other lymph nodes were investigated with regard to their number, distribution, size, lymph node status, and ratio of metastatic area. RESULTS: There was concordance between the SLN findings and the regional lymph node status in 19 of 21 patients (90.5%; 7 patients had both positive SLN and regional lymph node results, and 12 patients had both negative SLN and regional lymph node results). Two patients had negative SLN results but, in the end, had positive nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLNs). The overall reliability rate of SLNB was 86.3% (19 of 22 patients). The authors experienced no complications with the use of methylene blue for the detection of SLNs. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB using methylene blue is feasible technically and is safe, and the findings correlate with cervical lymph node status. Therefore, SLNB is a good technique for estimating the status of cervical lymph nodes in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.     

99Tcm-IT-Rituximab示踪的前哨淋巴结活检在四肢皮肤恶性黑色素瘤中的应用

  目的  研究99Tcm-IT-Rituximab示踪的前哨淋巴结活检(sentinel lymph node biopsy, SLNB)的准确性及可行性; 探讨其在四肢皮肤恶性黑色素瘤(malignant melanoma, MM)诊治中的应用价值。  方法  2008年3月至2012年3月期间, 北京肿瘤医院骨与软组织肿瘤科收治的67例四肢皮肤MM患者接受99Tcm-IT-Rituximab示踪的SLNB。统计SLNB的检出率和阳性率, 分析SLB状态与T分期、溃疡、年龄、性别、部位等临床特征的关系, 分析其对总生存时间(overall survival, OS)和无病生存时间(disease free survival, DFS)的影响。  结果  67例患者均通过γ探测仪检测到SLN, 检出率为100%;SLN阳性15例, 阳性率为22.4%。χ2检验提示SLN转移与患者年龄、原发灶T分期及是否溃疡有关(P < 0.05)。63例患者获得随访, 随访时间24~69个月, 中位随访时间43个月; Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示, SLN阴性组的3年OS和DFS均优于SLN阳性组(OS:93.9% vs.57.1%, P < 0.01;DFS:79.6% vs.28.6%, P < 0.01);Cox多因素回归分析提示SLN状态和T分期是影响黑色素瘤DFS的独立因素。  结论  99Tcm-IT-Rituximab标记的SLNB能很好地反映恶性黑色素瘤的淋巴结转移状态, 对判断预后、准确分期和指导治疗有重要的意义; 其操作简单, 准确性良好, 是一种方便可行的SLNB手段。      

Clinical and biological aspects of sentinel node biopsy in malignant melanoma — an update

The diagnostic usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been well established, but its therapeutic value remains unproven. First introduced by Morton and colleagues, the SLNB procedure is now widely available, and markedly enhances our ability to pathologically stage the regional nodes. Although the SLN status is acknowledged as the most powerful indicator of prognosis in melanoma, there is no evidence to-date, of survival advantage for complete lymphadenectomy in SLN-positive patients. Also, there is no effective adjuvant therapy that could benefit these sentinel node-positive patients, as yet. Additionally, new data have emerged indicating a possible increase in local/in-transit recurrence following complete lymphadenectomy in sentinel node-positive patients. To understand fully and to evaluate these observations we need information from randomized controlled trials. Major changes have occurred following the latest revision of melanoma staging system (AJCC, 6th edition). Concerning N category, these include the incorporation of the number of metastatic lymph nodes, the tumour burden of nodal metastases, and the ulceration of the primary tumour. The data obtained from the new staging system will reflect differences in prognosis that were not previously emphasized and which, we hope, will serve as a guide to more accurate analysis of metastatic pathways in cutaneous melanoma as well as a rationale for new forms of treatment.     

黑色素瘤前哨淋巴结活检的意义

黑色素瘤可发生于皮肤和黏膜,是目前发病率增长较快、易早期淋巴结转移的恶性肿瘤。淋巴结状态的评估对于黑色素瘤的分期和治疗具有重要意义,前哨淋巴结活检（sentinel lymph node biopsy,SLNB）扮演着重要角色。目前,SLNB技术发展较快,但是SLNB阳性患者行淋巴结清扫（complete lymph node dissection,CLND）是否显著延长总生存期（overall survival,OS）仍然存在争议。全球多中心临床试验结果对前哨淋巴结阳性病例行CLND仍存争议,未得到黑色素瘤特异性生存率（melanoma specific survival,MSS）获益,但是可以确定SLNB能显著提高患者局部控制率,是现阶段循证医学证据下评估和分期的可靠方法。本文就黑色素瘤SLNB的研究进展和意义进行述评。      

前哨淋巴结活检在皮肤型和肢端型黑色素瘤临床诊疗中的价值

背景与目的：前哨淋巴结活检（sentinel lymph node biopsy,SLNB）是评估皮肤型和肢端型黑色素瘤区域淋巴结转移情况及病理学分期的重要手段。SLNB作为外科诊疗规范的重要环节,已在各大诊疗指南中被推荐,也已在中国临床应用近10年。自2017年靶向和免疫治疗应用于中国黑色素瘤治疗领域,患者预后得到显著改善。本研究旨在分析复旦大学附属肿瘤医院近5年恶性黑色素瘤患者的临床资料,评估在新药治疗时代前哨淋巴结（sentinel lymph node,SLN）状态在临床应用的价值和对预后的影响。方法：对2017—2021年在复旦大学附属肿瘤医院黑色素瘤诊治中心接受诊治的381例恶性黑色素瘤患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。每例患者均接受原发灶扩大切除和相应的SLNB,手术后随访至少6个月。SLN定位使用美兰染色或同位素示踪。结果：本研究共入组381例恶性黑色素瘤患者,平均Breslow浸润深度为3.10 mm,69.8%为肢端型,溃疡率为57.1%,SLN阳性率为34.6%,中位无复发生存率（relapse-free survival,RFS）为17个月。SLN状态是显著影响患者预后的独立危险因素。在N_1a和T₄亚组,SLN活检数>2枚的患者具有更好的RFS。接受完整的区域淋巴结清扫（complete lymph node dissection,CLND）和未清扫患者的RFS差异无统计学意义,在SLN活检数>2枚和SLN微转移直径<1 mm的亚组未清扫者反而具有更优的RFS。结论：SLN状态仍是影响临床无显性转移的黑色素瘤预后的重要因素,对于恶性黑色素瘤患者应常规开展SLNB,在保证微创的前提下,提高SLN定位的准确性,保证SLNB充分。SLN阳性后行即刻CLND对于皮肤型和肢端型黑色素瘤患者未能带来进一步的预后改善。     

前哨淋巴结活检对黑色素瘤预后的预测价值

目的探讨前哨淋巴结活检(SLNB)对黑色素瘤预后的预测价值。方法回顾性分析2012年3月至2019年6月北京积水潭医院诊治的118例黑色素瘤患者的临床病理资料。患者术前行体格检查和影像学检查排除区域淋巴结转移,采用99Tcm-右旋糖酐行术前示踪显像,术中γ射线探测仪精准定位,切取前哨淋巴结(SLN)行病理活检;原发灶局部行扩大切除重建术;SLN病理阳性患者行区域淋巴结清扫。采用Cox回归模型分析患者的预后及其影响因素。结果118例患者的病史为2~360个月,平均病史为53.6个月。原发灶位于手足84例,甲下27例,皮肤7例。平均Breslow厚度为3.6 mm,合并溃疡72例(61.0%,72/118)。全组患者平均切取SLN 2.8枚,SLN阳性29例(24.6%,29/118),假阴性率为2.5%(3/118)。淋巴结显性转移和远处转移24例(20.3%,24/118),其中远处转移合并淋巴结转移7例(5.9%,7/118),单纯淋巴结显性转移8例(6.8%,8/118),远处脏器转移9例(7.6%,9/118)。全组患者病理分期为Ⅰ期33例,Ⅱ期56例,Ⅲ期29例,5年生存率为69.5%。Breslow厚度为SLN阳性的独立危险因素,Breslow厚度、SLN状态、SLN阳性数目和远处转移是影响患者总生存的独立影响因素(均P<0.05)。结论对于临床及影像学检查无区域淋巴结转移的患者,SLNB能够提供准确的病理分期并预测患者的预后,临床应常规开展。     

Frozen section analysis of sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma patients

BACKGROUND: The sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a diagnostic or staging option in the treatment of patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) and is investigated intensively. A positive SLNB has appeared to identify patients who might have benefited from a lymph node dissection (LND). Intraoperative frozen section analysis (FSA) of the sentinel lymph node (SLN) during surgery would allow SLNB and LND to be performed in the same procedure. In the current study, we tested the reliability of FSA on the sentinel lymph node in patients with CMM. METHODS: Before definitive treatment of their melanomas began, FSA was performed on the SLNBs of 58 patients, whose median age was 56 (22-81) years, and who were 55% male and 45% female. Serial sections (500 micrometer interval), stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry (S-100 and HMB-45), obtained definitive histology of the sentinel lymph node. RESULTS: Detection of the sentinel lymph node was possible in 56 patients (97%). Sixty-one SLNBs were performed in these patients. FSA detected metastases in 5 of 108 SLN (5%) in 5 patients. This was upgraded after definitive histology to 13 SLN (12%) in 11 patients (20%). Sensitivity of the FSA was 38%. After a median follow-up of 35 (range: 24-54) months, the false-negative rate of the SLN was 4% (2 patients). CONCLUSION: The combination of the low sensitivity of FSA and a finding that only 12% of the SLNBs contained metastases does not justify routine use of FSA on the SLN of patients with CMM.     

Sentinel node status in melanoma patients is not predictive for overall survival upon multivariate analysis

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become a widely accepted standard procedure in the staging of patients with cutaneous melanoma and absence of clinical lymph node metastases, although there is no final proof that SLNB influences overall survival in these patients. This study investigated the accuracy of SLNB and the clinical outcome of patients after a mean follow-up of 22 months. Between 1998 and 2003, SLNB was performed in 309 consecutive patients. Patients with one or more positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were subjected to selective lymphadenectomy (SL). Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier approach. A Cox proportional-hazard analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analysis to explore the effect of variables on survival. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 299 of 309 patients (success rate: 96.8%). Of these, 69 (23%) had a positive SLN. The false-negative rate was 9.2%. Recurrence of disease to the regional lymph node basin (3.0%) and to the locoregional skin (2.6%) was rare in SLN-negative patients in contrast to SLN-positive patients (7.2 and 17.4%, respectively). The 3-year overall survival was 93 and 83% for SLN-negative and SLN-positive patients, respectively. Upon multivariate analysis, SLN status (P<0.001), Breslow thickness (P<0.02) and ulceration (P<0.026) were all found to be independent prognostic factors with respect to disease-free survival, whereas Breslow thickness proved to be the only significant factor with respect to overall survival.     

The place of lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in oncology

The techniques of sentinel lymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) have become almost routine for the staging of clinically node-negative patients with high-risk cutaneous melanoma. The techniques are also widely applied to staging of the axilla in breast cancer. Investigations of the use of LM and SLNB for other solid malignancies have also shown promise. LM/SLNB requires a multidisciplinary effort involving experienced surgeons, nuclear medicine physicians, and surgical pathologists. The techniques require a learning curve for all involved personnel, requiring experience with at least 30 cases followed by complete nodal dissection after SLNB to achieve full competency. Surgical pathologists play a pivotal role in determining optimum sentinel node analysis. The techniques have lower morbidity and greater accuracy than traditional complete regional node dissection. Pathologists are receiving increasing numbers of SLN specimens and are expected to evaluate the results of the application of the LM/SLNB techniques to a range of solid tumors. We have reviewed LM/SLNB in regard to melanoma and breast cancer and other types of malignancies. The techniques have much to offer, but despite their seeming simplicity, need considerable technical skill and clinical judgment if they are to be effectively applied. They also provide unique opportunities for basic and translational research.     

Incidence and location of positive nonsentinel lymph nodes in head and neck melanoma

Background

The complex lymphatic drainage in the head and neck makes sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanomas in this region challenging. This study describes the incidence, and location of additional positive nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLN) in patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma following a positive SLNB.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed using a single institution prospective database. Patients with a primary melanoma in the head or neck with a positive cervical SLNB were identified. The lymphadenectomy specimen was divided intraoperatively into lymph node levels I–V, and NSLN status determined for each level.

Results

Of 387 patients with melanoma of the head and neck who underwent cervical SLNB, 54 had a positive SLN identified (14%). Thirty six patients (67%) underwent immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) of whom eight patients (22%) had a positive NSLN. The remaining 18 patients (33%) did not undergo CLND and were observed. Half of positive NSLNs (50%) were in the same lymph node level as the SLN and 33% were in an immediately adjacent level; only two patients were found to have NSLNs in non-adjacent levels. The only factor predictive of NSLN involvement was the size of the tumor deposit in the SLN>0.2 mm (p = 0.05). Superficial parotidectomy at CLND revealed metastatic melanoma only in patients with a positive parotid SLN.

Conclusions

A positive NLSN was identified in 22% of patients undergoing CLND after a positive SLNB. The majority of positive NSLNs are found within or immediately adjacent to the nodal level containing the SLN.     

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in squamous cell carcinomas of the lips and the oral cavity - a single center experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the availability of initial data on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in OSCC, its value in clinical practice remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential of SLNB as a reliable staging procedure in early stage SCC of the lips and the oral mucosa. METHODS: From 2001 to 2004, 40 patients with early stage SCC of the lips and oral cavity were enrolled. The main inclusion criteria were: cN0 category by MRI and ultrasound, tumor category T1-T2, for certain sites also T3. Patients with positive SLN underwent MRND and/or radiation. Patients with negative SLN were monitored monthly. RESULTS: In eight patients, the SLN were positive. Two patients with negative SLN subsequently developed nodal disease (5% false negatives). Twenty-one patients have a follow-up longer than 24 months. Five patients died (one from nodal disease, one from local recurrence, and three from unrelated causes). One patient developed a second primary tumor, the remaining patients are free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: SLNB may contribute to more targeted lymph node dissection strategies. Further studies will have to ensure the safety of this procedure in comparison to selective neck dissection.     

Prediction of gastric cancer lymph node status by sentinel lymph node biopsy and the Maruyama computer model.

AIMS: The extent of lymph node dissection in gastric cancer remains controversial. The Maruyama computer model and the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are compared for their value to predict the nodal status and lead to stage-adapted surgery. METHODS: Thirty four patients with stage I-IV gastric cancer underwent both staging procedures. For SLNB, 15 patients underwent endoscopic, peri-tumoural injection of (99m)Tc-colloid, and 19 patients were injected of Patent blue V. All 'hot' or blue sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were separately excised and histopathologically assessed. If the SLN was negative after routine staining by H&E, it was processed completely and reanalysed after immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: At least, one SLN was detected by means of SLNB in 33/34 of the patients. The sensitivity to identify a positive nodal status was 22/33 and the specificity/positive predictive value was 10/10 and 22/22. Additional micrometastases or isolated tumour cells in the SLN led to 'upstaging' of 5/15, initially classified as nodal negative by H&E-staining. Using the Maruyama computer model, a sensitivity of 22/23 for the correct prediction of the lymph node involvement was associated with a specificity of 2/10 and a positive predictive value of 22/30. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical impact of the Maruyama computer model is limited due to low specificity and a low positive predictive value, rendering the method less useful as an indicator for individualised surgery.     

Assessment of the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy for primary cutaneous desmoplastic melanoma

BACKGROUND: The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the treatment of desmoplastic melanoma (DM) remains undefined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of SLNB for DM. METHODS: In all, 1850 patients with cutaneous melanoma underwent wide local excision and SLNB. Patients with DM were identified and stratified as 'pure' DM or 'mixed' DM (i.e., DM associated with at least one other common histologic subtype). RESULTS: Of the 1850 patients, 65 (3.5%) had DM. Of these, 46 (70.8%) had pure DM and 19 (29.2%) had mixed DM. Patients with pure DM had a median tumor thickness of 3.5 mm and 6.5% were ulcerated. Compared with patients with pure DM, patients with either mixed DM or non-DM (n = 1785) had thinner primary tumors (median, 1.7 mm and 1.5 mm, respectively, each P < 0.001 vs. pure DM) that were more likely to be ulcerated (27.7% and 21.3%, respectively, each P < 0.05 vs. pure DM). Although the incidence of a positive SLN was similar in patients with mixed DM (15.8%) and non-DM (17.5%), patients with pure DM were less likely to have a positive SLN (2.2%) (each P < 0.01 vs. non-DM and mixed DM). At a median follow-up of 2.9 years, no patient with pure DM had recurred. CONCLUSIONS: Despite having thicker primary tumors, patients with pure DM have a lower incidence of positive SLNs compared with patients with non-DM. Whereas the treatment approach for patients with mixed DM should be similar to that of other melanoma patients, patients with pure DM are unlikely to have metastatic disease in regional lymph nodes and SLNB may not be warranted.     

Does sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous head and neck melanoma alter disease outcome?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the head and neck region, value, reliability, and safety of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) have not yet been determined conclusively. The aim of study was to assess impact of SLNB on disease outcome in cutaneous head and neck melanoma. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with a clinically node-negative head and neck melanoma, > or =1.0 mm Breslow thickness, participated in a prospective study from 1995 to 2005. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) tumor-positive patients underwent completion lymphadenectomy. SLN tumor-negative patients underwent clinical monitoring. Median follow-up was 54 (range 10-114) months. Recurrence-free and overall survival curves were constructed by Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: SLNs could be identified in 33 patients (92%). In 7 patients (21%) the SLN was tumor-positive. In 1 patient (13%) the SLNB was false-negative. In 17 patients (47%) SLNs could be identified in the parotid region (success rate parotid region 100%). This study showed no significant difference in recurrence-free and overall survival between patients with tumor-positive and tumor-negative SLN. CONCLUSIONS: The safety and accuracy of SLNB in the neck and parotid nodal basins were similar to those in non-head and neck sites. However, the technique is technically demanding in this region. In this small series SLNB did not alter disease outcome.     

PET CT imaging in patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy for melanoma.

AIMS: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been adopted in the surgical treatment of melanoma to reduce morbidity and enhance staging. Positron emission tomography with computerised tomography (PET/CT) has been utilised in the staging of patients with malignancy though the role of this imaging modality in early stage melanoma is unclear. This study examined the preoperative value of PET/CT in patients undergoing SLNB for malignant melanoma. METHODS: Patients presenting with primary melanoma without evidence of either locoregional or systemic metastasis were considered candidates for SLNB. Selected patients underwent preoperative PET/CT followed by definitive surgical therapy including SLNB with regional lymphadenectomy, where indicated. RESULTS: During a 12-month period 83 patients were identified as having undergone SLNB for melanoma, of which 37 (45%) had preoperative PET/CT. Mean melanoma thickness 1.9 mm and 2.4 mm (PET/CT vs. no PET/CT, p>0.05). 13 (15.6%) patients were found to have lymphatic metastasis at SLNB; nine of these patients underwent PET/CT, only two of these scans were suggestive of lymphatic metastasis (positive predictive value 24%, negative predictive value 76%). PET/CT revealed no unheralded metastatic disease but did identify a second occult malignancy in 4 (10.8%) patients undergoing therapy for melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study do not support the use of PET/CT in patients undergoing SLNB for melanoma. SLNB appears to be a more sensitive staging modality in the detection of lymphatic metastasis; however PET/CT may have a future role as a screening tool for malignancy.