Current management of patients with cutaneous melanoma with a positive sentinel lymph node / Tratamiento actual de pacientes con melanoma cutáneo y ganglio centinela positivo

Abstract Introduction : Immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) performed in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) cutaneous melanoma is not associated with improved melanoma specific survival versus active surveillance (AS) using nodal ul trasound. Clinical practice experience and outcomes of AS and adjuvant therapy is now starting to be published in literature. Methods : Retrospective analysis of patients with a positive-SLNB between June/2017-February/2022. Impact of management on any-site recurrence free survival (RFS), isolated nodal recurrence (INR), distant metasta sis-free survival (DMFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) was evaluated. Results : From 126 SLNB, 31 (24.6%) were positive: 24 received AS and 7 CLND. Twenty-one (68%) received ad juvant therapy (AS, 67% and CLND, 71%). With a median follow-up of 18 months, 10 patients developed recur rent disease with an estimated 2-yr RFS of 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% in AS group vs. 43% in dissection group; P = 0.65). Four died of melanoma with an estimated 2-yr MSS of 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92) and no differences between AS and CLND groups (P = 0.21). Estimated 2-yr DMFS of the whole cohort was 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88) with no differences between groups (P = 0.33). Conclusion : Active surveillance strategy has been adopted for most positive-SLNB cutaneous melanoma patients. Adjuvant therapy without immediate CLND was delivered in nearly 70% of patients. Our results align with outcomes of randomized control trials and previous real-world data.

Resumen Introducción : La linfadenectomía inmediata (LI) re alizada en pacientes con biopsia de ganglio centinela (BGC) positivo por melanoma cutáneo no está asociada a mejoría en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad vs. vigilancia activa (VA). Resultados oncológicos y experi encia en la práctica clínica con dicha conducta asociados a tratamiento adyuvante comienzan a ser publicados en la literatura. Métodos : Análisis retrospectivo incluyendo paci entes con BGC-positiva por melanoma cutáneo entre junio/2017-febrero/2022. Se evaluó impacto del manejo en: supervivencia libre de recurrencia (SLR), recurren cia ganglionar aislada (RGA), supervivencia libre de metástasis a distancia (SLMD) y supervivencia libre de enfermedad (SLE). Resultados : De 126 pacientes, 31 (24.6%) fueron positi vos: en 24 se realizó VA y en 7 LI. Veintiún pacientes (68%) recibieron tratamiento adyuvante (VA, 67% y LI, 71%). Con una media de seguimiento de 18 meses, 10 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad con una SLR estimada a 2 años del 73% (CI95%, 0.55-0.86) (30% en VA vs. 43% en LI; P = 0.65). Cuatro murieron de melanoma con una SLE a 2 años del 82% (CI 95%, 0.63-0.92); sin diferencia entre ambos grupos (P = 0.21). La SLMD a 2 años de toda la cohorte fue de 76% (CI 95%, 0.57-0.88; P = 0.33). Conclusión : La vigilancia activa se ha adoptado como conducta para la mayoría de los pacientes con BGC-positivo. El tratamiento adyuvante sin linfadenectomía inmediata se realizó en cerca del 70% de nuestra serie. Los resultados de nuestra serie son similares a los re portados en la literatura.

Carcinoma sebáceo, 6 años de experiencia en el Instituto Nacional del Cáncer

Objetivo: El carcinoma sebáceo (CS) es una neoplasia infrecuente, de la cual no existen reportes nacionales, ni guías de manejo en Chile. El Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (INC) es un centro de referencia nacional en el manejo de patologías oncológicas; el objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia y tratamiento del carcinoma sebáceo en nuestro centro. Material y Método: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva, descriptiva, de fichas clínicas entre marzo de 2016 y marzo de 2022 en el INC, en las cuales la biopsia definitiva fuese confirmatoria de CS. Resultados: Se reclutaron 10 pacientes, 6 hombres (60%) y 4 mujeres. Edad promedio fue de 62,9 años ± 18,7 DS. En el 80% de los casos el tumor se encontró en cabeza y cuello y solo 2 casos fueron CS ocular (20%). 4 pacientes tenían asociación al Síndrome de Muir-Torre (SMT) (40%), en el 100% de la muestra se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico con resección oncológica y control de márgenes intraoperatorio, utilizándose en solo 3 casos la técnica Cirugía Micrográfica de Mohs (MMS). En 4 pacientes (40%) se realizó biopsia de linfonodo centinela (BLNC), de los cuales ninguno resulto positivo para metástasis. Ningún paciente presento recidiva local, después de la cirugía y no hubo casos de mortalidad a causa de CS. Ningún paciente recibió radioterapia, quimioterapia o inmunoterapia adyuvante, solo 1 paciente recibió braquiterapia (BT) adyuvante. Conclusión: El CS es una patología compleja e infrecuente, que requiere un tratamiento multidisciplinario y cuyo pilar es la cirugía.

Objective: Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an infrequent neoplasm, without national reports nor management guidelines in Chile. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a reference center for this kind of disease. The aim of this research is to describe the experience and treatment of the sebaceous carcinoma in our center. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive review of clinical records was performed, between March 2016 and March 2022 at the INC, in which the definitive biopsy was confirmatory of CS. Results: A total of 10 patients were enrolled; 6 male (60%) and 4 women. The mean age was 62.9 years ± 18.7 (SD). 80% of the cases were located at the head or the cervical area and only 2 cases were found in the ocular region (20%). Association with SMT (40%) was found in 4 patients. Surgical treatment with oncological resection and intraoperative assessment of margins was performed in 100% of the cases, using MMS technique. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (BLNC) was performed in 4 patients (40%), of which none had metastasis. No patient presented local recurrence after surgery and there were no cases of mortality due to CS. No patient received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or adjuvant immunotherapy. Just 1 received adjuvant brachytherapy. Conclusion: SC is a complex and infrequent disease, which requires multidisciplinary treatment mainly with surgery.

Validación de técnica de ganglio centinela en cáncer de endometrio en el Hospital de Talca / Validation of sentinel lymph node technique in endometrial cancer at the Hospital de Talca

Objetivo: Validar la técnica de ganglio centinela utilizando verde de indocianina en la estadificación del cáncer de endometrio. Método: Realizamos un estudio prospectivo entre enero y diciembre de 2021. Se incluyeron todas las pacientes portadoras de cáncer de endometrio clínicamente en etapa 1, de todos los grados de diferenciación e histologías. Todas las pacientes fueron sometidas a una estadificación laparoscópica. Se inició el procedimiento con identificación de ganglio centinela utilizando verde de indocianina. Posteriormente, se completó la cirugía de estadiaje estándar en todas las pacientes. Los ganglios centinelas fueron procesados con técnica de ultraestadiaje. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes. El 81% presentaron histología endometrioide. El 100% fueron sometida además a una linfadenectomía pelviana estándar y el 20% a una linfadenectomía paraaórtica simultáneamente. Se detectó al menos un ganglio centinela en el 100% de los casos. La detección bilateral ocurrió en el 90,9%. La localización más frecuente fue la fosa obturatriz y la arteria hipogástrica. Obtuvimos una sensibilidad del 90% para detectar enfermedad ganglionar y un valor predictivo negativo del 95,8%. Conclusiones: La técnica de ganglio centinela utilizando verde de indocianina es replicable. Los resultados de nuestra serie nos permiten realizar procedimientos menos agresivos al estadificar el cáncer de endometrio.

Objective: To validate sentinel node mapping using indocyanine green in endometrial cancer staging. Method: A prospective study was conducted between January and December 2021. All patients with clinically stage 1 endometrial cancer, of all grades and histologies were included. All patients underwent laparoscopic staging. The procedure began with identification of the sentinel node using indocyanine green. Subsequently, standard staging surgery was completed in all patients. Sentinel nodes were processed using ultrastaging technique. Results: Thirty-three patients were enrolled. 81% of cases had endometrioid histology. All patients also underwent a standard pelvic lymphadenectomy and in 20% of cases a para-aortic lymphadenectomy. At least one sentinel node was detected in 100% of the cases. Bilateral detection occurred in 90.9%. The most frequent location was obturator fossa and hypogastric artery. Sensitivity to detect lymph node disease was 90% and negative predictive value 95.8%. Conclusions: Sentinel lymph node mapping using indocyanine green is a replicable technique. Our results allows us to perform less aggressive procedures in endometrial cancer staging.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy after nipple?sparing mastectomy in early postoperative period: Is it feasible?

Background: Axillary lymph node status is one of the most important prognostic factors for breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after mastectomy is highly controversial. There is not enough data about SLNB in the early period after nipple?sparing mastectomy (NSM). This study investigated the feasibility of SLNB in the early postoperative period of NSM. Materials and Methods: Patients who were operated on for breast cancer in Acibadem Maslak Hospital between 2009 and 2018 were searched retrospectively. Results of SLNB as the second session in patients whose final pathology report revealed breast carcinoma after contralateral/bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and mastectomy for benign lesions were evaluated. Results: In the early period (median 14 days) after NSM, SLNB was performed by intradermal radioisotope injection in five patients with occult breast cancer in contralateral/bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and in one patient with preoperatively suspicious mass which yielded breast cancer at final pathology. In five (80%) patients, SLNB was performed, whereas in one patient axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was performed due to the undetectability of SLN. In one patient, micrometastasis was observed, whereas no metastasis was observed in other patients including the one who underwent ALND. No complication due to SLNB was detected. No recurrence and distant metastasis were detected in a mean follow?up of 42.82 (19�) months. While SLNB did not change the treatment of patients with contralateral occult carcinoma, other patients had hormonal therapy due to negative SLNB. Conclusion: SLNB in the early postoperative period of NSM can be performed by intradermal radioisotope injection. However, further studies are needed to determine the feasibility of SLNB in the early postoperative period of NSM

Outcomes and bioethical implications of lymphadenectomy in mastectomized patients: Importance and indication of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy / Resultados e implicaciones bioéticas de la linfadenectomía en pacientes mastectomizadas: Importancia y recomendación de biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ecografía / Resultados e implicações bioéticas da linfadenectomia em pacientes mastectomizadas: Importância e recomendação da biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina guiada por ultrassom

Introduction: Lymph node involvement is the main prognostic factor in breast cancer. Mastectomized patients usually undergo lymphadenectomy (LA) of micrometastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) despite the evidence of AMAROS trial to replace this therapy with radiotherapy in select cases. Objective: Demonstrate the ability of ultrasonography to detect non-metastatic or micrometastatic SLNs. Materials and methods: 132 patients who underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was indicated for suspicious lymph nodes. LA and SNL biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with positive and negative FNAB, respectively. LA was performed in FNAB positive or SLNB positive cases, except in the presence of isolated tumor cells and micrometastatic SLNs. The tumor burden after LA in patients with negative FNAB and positive SLNB was measured; the presence of two or fewer positive SLNs was considered a low burden. Results: Sensitivity of FNAB for detecting positive lymph nodes in patients with a high tumor burden was 93% and specificity was 84%. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 60% and 79%, respectively. Conclusions: LA could have been avoided in 90% of mastectomized patients with negative FNAB and a low tumor burden who met the AMAROS criteria with a high NPV (79%).

Introducción: La afectación ganglionar es el principal factor pronóstico en cáncer de seno. Generalmente, pacientes mastectomizadas se somenten a linfadenectomia (LA) de ganglios linfáticos centinela micrometastásicos (GLCs), a pesar de la evidencia del ensayo AMAROS en ciertos casos para reemplazarla con radioterapia. Objetivo: Demostrar la importancia de la ecografía para detectar GLCs no metastásicos o micrometastásicos. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron132 pacientes sometidas a mastectomía. Se recomendó biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina (BAAF) por ultrasonido para ganglios linfáticos sospechosos. Se realizó Biopsia LA y biopsia de GLCs (BGLC) en pacientes con BAAF positiva y negativa, respectivamente. En casos positivos de BAAF o BGLC se ejecutó LA, excepto en presencia de células tumorales aisladas y GLCs. Se evaluó la carga tumoral posterior a LA en pacientes con BAAF negativa y BGLC positiva. La presencia de dos o menos GLC positivos se consideró carga baja. Resultados: La sensibilidad de BAAF para detectar nódulos linfáticos positivos en pacientes con alta carga tumoral fue del 93%; la especificidad fue del 79%. Valores predictivos positivo (60%) y negativo (79%). Conclusiones: Se podría haber evitado LA en 90% de pacientes mastectomizadas con BAAF negativa y baja carga tumoral que cumplían criterios AMAROS con alto VPN (79%).

Introdução: O comprometimento dos gânglios é o principal fator prognóstico no câncer de mama. Geralmente, pacientes mastectomizadas são submetidas a linfadenectomia (LA) de gânglios linfáticos sentinelas de micrometástases (GLSs), apesar da evidência do estudo AMAROS em certos casos para substituí-la por radioterapia. Objetivo: Demonstrar a importância da ultrassonografia na detecção de GLSs não metastáticos ou micrometástase. Materiais e métodos: Foram avaliadas 132 pacientes submetidas à mastectomia. A biópsia aspirativa com agulha fina (BAAF) ultrassônica foi recomendada para gânglios linfáticos suspeitos. A biópsia LA e a biópsia do GLSs (BGLS) foram realizadas em pacientes com BAAF positivo e negativo, respectivamente. Nos casos positivos de BAAF ou BGLS, a LA foi realizada, exceto na presença de células tumorais isoladas e GLSs. A carga tumoral após a LA foi avaliada em pacientes com BAAF negativa e BGLS positiva. A presença de dois ou menos GLS positivos foi considerada carga baixa. Resultados: A sensibilidade do BAAF para detectar linfonodos positivos em pacientes com alta carga tumoral foi de 93%; a especificidade foi de 79%. Valores preditivos positivos (60%) e negativos (79%). Conclusões: a LA poderia ter sido evitada em 90% das pacientes mastectomizadas com BAAF negativa e baixa carga tumoral que preencheram os critérios AMAROS com alto VPN (79%).

Measurement of extracapsular extension in sentinel lymph node as a possible predictor of residual axillary disease in breast cancer

Abstract Background The presence of Extracapsular Extension (ECE) in the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) is still a doubt in the literature. Some studies suggest that the presence of ECE may be related to a greater number of positive axillary lymph nodes which could impact Disease Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS). This study searches for the clinical significance of the ECE. Methods Retrospective cohort comparing the presence or absence of ECE in T1-2 invasive breast cancer with positive SLNB. All cases treated surgically at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP) between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed. All patients with axillary disease in SLNB underwent AD. Outcomes Identify the association between the presence and length of ECE and additional axillary positive lymph nodes, OS and DFS between both groups. Results 128 patients with positive SLNB were included, and 65 had ECE. The mean metastasis size of 0.62 (SD = 0.59) mm at SLNB was related to the presence of ECE (p < 0.008). The presence of ECE was related to a higher mean of positive sentinel lymph nodes, 3.9 (± 4.8) vs. 2.0 (± 2.1), p = 0.001. The median length of follow-up was 115 months. The OS and DFS rates had no differences between the groups. Conclusion The presence of ECE was associated with additional positive axillary lymph nodes in this study. Therefore, the OS and DFS were similar in both groups after 10 years of follow-up. It is necessary for additional studies to define the importance of AD when SLNB with ECE.

Evaluation of tumor load in sentinel lymph node in patients with cutaneous melanoma / Avaliação da carga do tumor em linfonodo sentinela nos doentes portadores de melanoma cutâneo

ABSTRACT Introduction: cutaneous melanoma (MC) is a malignant neoplasm derived from melanocytic cells with an aggressive behavior. It is usually associated with the multifactorial interaction of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposure, usually ultraviolet radiation. Despite advances in treatment, the disease remains relentless with poor prognosis. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a technique used to screen patients in need of lymph node dissection. Objectives: to correlate the tumor burden in the SLN with the mortality of patients undergoing SLN biopsy. Methodology: the medical records and histological slides of patients with MC who underwent SLN biopsy treated at HC-Unicamp from 2001 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The positive SLN were measured according to the size of the tumor infiltration area, for analysis of the depth of invasion (DI), closest proximity to the capsule (CPC) and tumor burden (TB). For statistical analysis, associations between variables were analyzed using Fishers exact test, with post Bonferroni test and Wilcoxon test. Results: 105 records of patients who underwent SLN biopsy of MC were identified. Of these, nine (8.6%) had positive SLN and 81 (77.1%) had negative SLN. The performed lymphadenectomies resulted in 55.6% (n=5) affected, 22.2% (n=2) without disease and 22.2% (n=2) were not performed. Mean CPC, TB, and DI were 0.14mm, 32.10mm and 2.33mm, respectively. Patients with T2 and T3 tumors were more likely to show the SLN affected (p=0.022). No patient with positive SLN died during follow-up. Conclusion: patients who presented T3 staging are the ones who most presented positive SLN.

RESUMO Introdução: o melanoma cutâneo (MC) é uma neoplasia maligna de comportamento agressivo, derivada das células melanocíticas, geralmente causado pela associação de interação da suscetibilidade genética e a exposição ambiental. A biópsia do linfonodo sentinela (LNS) é um procedimento utilizado para rastreamento de doentes com necessidade ou não de linfadenectomia, diminuindo a exposição do paciente a cirurgias maiores. Objetivos: correlacionar a carga do tumor no LNS com a mortalidade de pacientes com MC. Métodos: foram examinados retrospectivamente prontuários e lâminas histológicas de doentes com MC submetidos a biópsia de LNS atendidos no HC-Unicamp entre o período compreendido de 2001 a 2021. Os LNS positivos foram mensurados quanto ao tamanho da área de infiltração do tumor, para análise da profundidade de invasão (PI), menor proximidade com a cápsula (MPC) e carga do tumor (CT). As associações entre as variáveis foram analisadas pelo teste Exato de Fisher, com pós teste de Bonferroni e Wilcoxon. Resultados: foram identificados 105 pacientes com biópsia de LNS, sendo nove (8,6%) casos com LNS positivo. A média de MDC, CT e PI foram 0,14 mm, 32,10 mm, e 2,33 mm, respectivamente. Doentes com tumores T2 e T3 apresentaram maior chance de acometimento do LNS (p=0,022). Nenhum paciente com LNS positivo foi a óbito durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão: doentes que apresentaram tumores maiores (T2 e T3) apresentaram maior chance de linfonodos sentinelas positivos. Além do tamanho do tumor, a presença de maior carga do tumor demonstrou que os mesmos podem ser beneficiados pela biópsia de LNS.

Analysis of clinicopathologic features of false negative sentinel lymph nodes in patients with endometrial cancer / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To compare the clinicopathological features of patients with false negative and true negative pathological biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial cancer, and to explore the related factors of missed diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes.Methods:From January 2020 to January 2022, 31 patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy combined with systematic lymph node resection in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University were retrospectively analyzed, of which 2 were false negative and 29 were true negative. PubMed literature on sentinel lymph node false negative of endometrial cancer was searched from the establishment of the database to December 2022, with the search terms "Sentinel lymph node" "Endometrial neoplasms" and "False negative" . A total of 15 cases of false negative patients with similar methods to this study were extracted. In the false negative group, there were 17 false negative patients with sentinel lymph node negative but systemically excised lymph node positive, including 2 cases in our hospital and 15 cases in the literature. The true negative group included 29 true negative patients with negative sentinel and systemic lymph nodes, all from our hospital. The clinicopathologic features of the two groups were compared.Results:There were statistically significant differences in tumor grade ( χ2=6.09, P=0.014) , lymph vascular space invasion ( P=0.012) and myometrial invasion ( χ2=9.66, P=0.002) between the two groups. However, there was no significant difference in histological type between the two groups ( χ2=0.19, P=0.661) . Conclusion:There is a risk of false negative for sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with endometrial carcinoma with high-grade tumor, myometrial invasion ≥1/2 and lymph vascular space invasion.

Research advances in near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology for breast cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) is a new noninvasive detection and diagnosis technology, with the continuous development of NIRFI technology, now widely used in the clinic, characterized by high sensitivity, high penetration, no harmful radiation and simple equipment operation. This article describes the recent applications of NIRFI in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and looks at future developments and perspectives in this field.

Meta-analysis of the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients with axillary lymph nodes turned to negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients with positive axillary lymph nodes turned to clinical negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods:Full-text journal databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI were searched to include research literature on sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients who had axillary lymph nodes turned negative after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The retrieval time was self-established to November 2020. Meta-analysis was performed on the literature that met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity among studies was analyzed by I2 test. If I2<30%, the heterogeneity among studies was considered to be small. If the value of I2 was between 30% and 70%, it was considered that there was a certain heterogeneity among the studies. If I2> 70%, it was considered that there was great heterogeneity among the studies. Small heterogeneity was analyzed by fixed effects model, otherwise, random effects model was used. Publication bias was evaluated by funnel plot and Egger′s test. Results:Finally, 14 literatures were included, including 4 Chinese literatures and 10 English literatures. The results of Meta-analysis showed that the sentinel lymph node detection rate was 90.7% and the false negative rate was 12.2%.Conclusions:In breast cancer patients with axillary lymph node turning negative, the detection rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy can meet the acceptable clinical standard for sentinel lymph node biopsy, but the false negative rate is still higher than the clinically acceptable standard. It is necessary to screen suitable patients and apply new techniques to reduce the false negative rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy / 国际外科学杂志

Neoadjuvant therapy has been continuously improved the outcomes of early breast cancer patients, and more patients with positive axillary lymph node achieve complete pathological responds. The timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy for patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy has also had a new strategy, especially for the patients with clinical positive axillary lymph node before treatment and become clinical negative after neoadjuvant therapy, sentinel lymph node biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy has gradually become a standard axillary surgery procedure. However, there are still many differences in clinical practice domestic in China and abroad. This article discussed the timing of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, in order to draw the attention of domestic surgical colleagues to this issue and promote standardized surgery and multidisciplinary cooperation.

Advantages of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the localization and diagnostics of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are the first station of lymph nodes that extend from the breast tumor to the axillary lymphatic drainage. The pathological status of these LNs can predict that of the entire axillary lymph node. Therefore, the accurate identification of SLNs is necessary for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to replace axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). The quality of life and prognosis of breast cancer patients are related to proper surgical treatment after the precise identification of SLNs. Some of the SLN tracers that have been identified include radioisotope, nano-carbon, indocyanine green (ICG), and methylene blue (MB). However, these tracers have certain limitations, such as pigmentation, radiation dangers, and the requirement for costly detection equipment. Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) have good specificity and sensitivity, and thus can compensate for some shortcomings of the mentioned tracers. This technique is also being applied to SLNB in patients with breast cancer, and can even provide an initial judgment on SLN status. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has the advantages of high distinguishability, simple operation, no radiation harm, low cost, and accurate localization; therefore, it is expected to replace the traditional biopsy methods. In addition, it can significantly enhance the accuracy of SLN localization and shorten the operation time.

Ganglio centinela positivo en melanoma: factores predictivos y resultados del vaciamiento ganglionar / Positive sentinel lymph node in melanoma: predictive factors and results of completion lymph node dissection

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la biopsia del ganglio centinela (GC) es la técnica aceptada para determinar el pronóstico en estadios iniciales de melanoma cutáneo. La ventaja del vaciamiento ganglionar (VG) cuando el GC resulta positivo ha sido recientemente cuestionada. Objetivo: describir los porcentajes y factores asociados a metástasis en el GC, y en los ganglios no centinela (GnC) en los VG de pacientes con GC positivo. Material y métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de los registros clínicos y patológicos de 139 pacientes operados por melanoma cutáneo entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: a 96 (69%) pacientes se les realizó biopsia de GC. El promedio de edad fue 61,7 años ± 17,5 (19-93); 53 (55,2%) fueron hombres. La lesión primaria estuvo ubicada en: extremidades 47 (49%), tronco 39 (40,6%), cabeza y cuello 10 (10,4%). El promedio de espesor de Breslow fue 5,01 mm (1,05- 50 mm) y se encontró ulceración en 35 casos (36,4%). El GC fue identificado en todas las oportunidades y en 39 (40,6%) fue positivo. Hubo asociación con el espesor ≥ 3 mm (p = 0,000017) y con la ulceración (p = 0,0011). A los pacientes con GC positivo se les efectuó el VG del territorio afectado: 23 axilar, 10 inguinal y 6 cervical. Veintitrés (59%) presentaron metástasis en GnC. Se asoció con el espesor (p = 0,022) y la ulceración (p = 0,019). Conclusión: existió un alto porcentaje de GnC positivos en la población estudiada, vinculado al espesor y la ulceración. Estas características, así como la dificultad de un estricto seguimiento, inducen a no abandonar el VG en pacientes con GC positivo.

ABSTRACT Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the technique accepted to determine the prognosis of early cutaneous melanomas. The advantage of lymph node dissection (LND) when SLN biopsy is positive has recently been questioned. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the percentages and factors associated with SLN and non-sentinel node (NSN) metastases in LNDs of SLN-positive patients. Material and methods: The clinical records and pathology reports of 139 patients undergoing surgery for cutaneous melanoma between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Ninety-six (69%) patients underwent SLN biopsy. Mean age was 61.7 ± 17.5 years (19-93) and 53 (55.2%) were men. The primary lesion was located in the extremities in 47 (49%) cases, in the trunk in 39 (40.6%), and in the head and neck in 10 (10.4%). Mean Breslow thickness was 5.01 mm (1.05-50 mm) and ulceration was found in 35 cases (36.4%). The SLN was identified in all the cases and was positive in 39 (40.6%). There was an association with thickness ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.000017) and ulceration (p = 0.0011). Those patients with positive SLN biopsy underwent LND of the territory involved: axillary in 23, inguinal in 10 and cervical in 6. Twenty-three (59%) presented NSLN metastases and were associated with thickness (p = 0.022) and ulceration (p = 0.019). Conclusion: There was a high percentage of positive NSLN in the population studied which was associated with thickness and ulceration. These characteristics and the difficulty to achieve strict follow-up are the reasons for completion LND in SLN-positive patients.

Predictive factors of melanoma thickness

Abstract Background: Melanoma thickness is a relevant prognostic marker that is crucial for staging and its calculation relies on the histopathological examination. There is a risk of thickness underestimation with an incisional biopsy if the latter is not performed on a tumor area where the thickness is maximal. This occurrence may have an impact on a therapeutic decision, particularly regarding the excision margins and the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy. Objective: To assess the association between melanoma thickness and dermoscopic, demographic, epidemiological and clinical variables, aiming to identify predictive factors of thickness >1 mm. Methods: This was an observational and cross-sectional study, carried out on patients diagnosed with melanoma, from a single center over a time span of four years. Anatomopathological (thickness), dermoscopic, demographic, epidemiological, and clinical variables were collected. The associations between the variables with melanoma thickness were assessed. Results: A total of 119 patients were included. The presence of atypical vessels on the dermoscopic examination was an independent predictive factor of thickness >1 mm. Conversely, an atypical reticular pattern predicted melanoma thickness <1 mm. The presence of ephelides and a previous history of sunburn were also associated with melanomas thinner than 1 mm in the univariate analysis. Study limitations: The lack of data related to some variables and the absence of an optimal correlation between the dermoscopic and the anatomopathological examination constituted study limitations. Conclusion: An atypical vascular pattern on dermoscopy is associated with thickness >1 mm, helping with the choice of the optimal site to perform an incisional biopsy when an excisional biopsy is not feasible.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer - A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Meta-Analyses / Biópsia do linfonodo sentinela no câncer de endométrio - Uma revisão sistemática e avaliação da qualidade de meta-análises

Abstract Objective To assess the quality of recent meta-analyses reviewing the diagnostic utility of sentinel node biopsy in endometrial cancer. Methods With the MeSH terms endometrial neoplasms and sentinel lymph node biopsy, PubMed and Embase databases were searched on October 21, 2020, and again on November 10, 2021, with meta-analysis and publication date filters set to since 2015. The articles included were classified with the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) assessment tool. Results The database searches found 17, 7 of which, after the screening, were selected for full review by the author, finally extracting six meta-analyzes for quality analysis. The rating with the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool found that overall confidence in their results was critically low. Conclusion This study found that the quality of recent meta-analyses on the utility of the staging of endometrial cancer with sentinel node biopsy, evaluated by the AMSTAR 2 assessment tool, is classified as critically low, and, therefore, these meta-analyses are not reliable in the summary of their studies.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de meta-análises recentes que revisaram a utilidade diagnóstica da biópsia do linfonodo sentinela no câncer de endométrio. Métodos Com os termos MeSH endometrial neoplasms e =biópsia do linfonodo sentinela, as bases de dados PubMed e Embase foram pesquisadas em 21 de outubro de 2020 e novamente em 10 de novembro de 2021, com filtros de meta-análise e data de publicação configurados para desde 2015. Os artigos incluídos foram classificados com o instrumento de avaliação A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2). Resultados As pesquisas de banco de dados encontraram 17 artigos, sete dos quais, após a triagem, foram selecionados para revisão completa pelo autor, extraindo finalmente 6 meta-análises para análise de qualidade. A classificação com a ferramenta de avaliação AMSTAR 2 descobriu que a confiança geral em seus resultados era criticamente baixa. Conclusão Este estudo constatou que a qualidade de meta-análises recentes sobre a utilidade do estadiamento do câncer de endométrio com biópsia do linfonodo sentinela, avaliada pela ferramenta de avaliação AMSTAR 2, é classificada como criticamente baixa e, portanto, essas meta-análises não são confiáveis no resumo de seus estudos.

Utilidad de la palpación intraoperatoria del ganglio centinela en el cáncer de mama: estudio transversal

Objetivo. Determinar la utilidad de la palpación intraoperatoria y las características macroscópicas del ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama en predecir su afectación en el examen microscópico. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con análisis secundario del registro personal de un cirujano entre el 1 de mayo de 2018 y el 31 de octubre de 2020, en un centro de referencia en Medellín, Colombia. Se incluyeron mujeres con cáncer de mama sin afectación clínica axilar llevadas a cirugía para biopsia de ganglio centinela. Se recopilaron los datos demográficos, clínicos y paraclínicos que fueron analizados utilizando estadística descriptiva. Resultados. De 355 pacientes sometidas a biopsia de ganglio centinela por cáncer de mama, la tasa de detección de ganglio centinela fue del 98,3 % (n= 347). Se encontró mayor probabilidad de estar afectado en las pacientes a quienes se les realizaba una mastectomía (ORa= 4,61; IC95%: 1,07 a 19,81), cuando la consistencia del ganglio era dura o semidura (ORa= 3,90; IC 95%: 2,00 a 7,62) y cuando la forma del ganglio era lobulada o irregular (ORa= 12,98; IC 95%: 2,10 a 80,19). Por el contrario, era menos probable que estuviera afectado cuando había recibido quimioterapia neoadyuvante (ORa= 0,11; IC 95%: 0,02 a 0,57). Conclusión. La evaluación de las características macroscópicas durante la técnica del ganglio centinela para la estadificación axilar puede predecir su afectación en el examen microscópico.

Objective: To determine the usefulness of intraoperative palpation and macroscopic characteristics of the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer in predicting its involvement on microscopic examination. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with secondary analysis of a surgeon's personal registry between May 1, 2018, and October 31, 2020, at a referral center in Medellin, Colombia. Women with breast cancer without clinical axillary involvement taken to surgery for sentinel node biopsy were included. Demographic, clinical and paraclinical data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 355 patients who underwent sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer, the sentinel node detection rate was 98.3 % (n= 347). A higher probability of being affected was found in patients who underwent mastectomy (ORa= 4.61; 95% CI: 1.07-19.81), when the consistency of the node was hard or semi-hard (ORa= 3.90; 95% CI: 2.00-7.62) and when the shape of the node was lobulated or irregular (ORa= 12.98; 95% CI: 2.10-80.19). In contrast, it was less likely to be affected when it had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ORa= 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02-0.57). Conclusion: The evaluation of macroscopic features during sentinel node technique for axillary staging can predict its involvement on microscopic examination.

The impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy on the quality of life in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma / Impacto da biópsia do linfonodo sentinela na qualidade de vida em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular da cavidade oral

Abstract Introduction Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a proven method for staging the neck in patients with early oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma because it results in less comorbidity than the traditional method of selective neck dissection, with the same oncological results. However, the real effect of that method on the quality of life of such patients remains unknown. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate the quality of life of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma T1/T2N0 submitted to sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those that received selective neck dissection. Methods Cross-sectional study including 24 patients, after a 36 month follow-up, 15 of them submitted to the sentinel lymph node biopsy and 9 to selective neck dissection. All patients answered the University of Washington quality of life questionnaire. Results The evaluation of the questionnaires showed a late worsening of the domains appearance (p = 0.035) and chewing (p = 0.041), as well as a decrease of about 10% of general quality of life (p = 0.025) in patients undergoing selective neck dissection ​​in comparison to those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy. Conclusion Patients with early-stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy presented better late results of general quality of life, mainly regarding appearance and chewing, when compared to patients submitted to selective neck dissection.

Resumo Introdução A biópsia de linfonodo sentinela é um método comprovado para estadiamento cervical em pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular inicial da cavidade oral, porque apresenta menor taxa de morbidade do que o método tradicional de esvaziamento cervical seletivo, com os mesmos resultados oncológicos. Porém, o verdadeiro efeito desse método na qualidade de vida desses pacientes permanece desconhecido. Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral T1/T2N0 submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela em comparação aos pacientes nos quais o esvaziamento cervical seletivo foi feito. Método Estudo transversal que incluiu 24 pacientes, após 36 meses de seguimento, dos quais 15 foram submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela e nove a esvaziamento cervical seletivo. Todos os pacientes responderam ao questionário de qualidade de vida da University of Washington. Resultados A avaliação dos questionários evidenciou pioria tardia dos domínios aparência (p = 0,035) e mastigação (p = 0,041), bem como diminuição de cerca de 10% da qualidade de vida geral (p = 0,025) nos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo em comparação com aqueles submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela. Conclusão Pacientes com carcinoma espinocelular de cavidade oral em estágio inicial submetidos a biópsia do linfonodo sentinela apresentaram melhores resultados tardios de qualidade de vida geral, principalmente quanto à aparência e à mastigação, quando comparados aos pacientes submetidos a esvaziamento cervical seletivo.

Axillary surgical approach in T1-T2N0M0 clinical breast cancer staging: Survival in a women's hospital cohort in Rio de Janeiro

The concerns regarding the prognosis and quality of life of patients with early breast cancer staging without lymph node involvement have increased, especially with regard to the axillary surgical approach. The aim of the present study was to determine overall survival and disease-free survival according to the axillary surgical approach. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 827 women with clinical T1-T2N0M0 diagnosis attended at the Cancer Hospital III of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, from January 2007 to December 2009, with a follow-up period of 60 months. Data were obtained from the Hospital Registry of Cancer through the medical records. Results: 683 women underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy and 144 underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by axillary lymphadenectomy. After 5 years of follow-up, considering adjustment, it was observed overall survival (96.2% vs 93.6%; HR 0.98; 95%CI 0.42­2.29) and disease-free survival (93.7% vs 91.2%; HR 0.78; 95%CI 0.39­1.48) similar among patients undergoing either one or the other approach. In patients with micrometastasis, both overall (93.3%) and diseasefree survival (100%) were higher in women who underwent only sentinel lymph node biopsy compared to those who underwent this procedure followed by axillary lymphadenectomy (OS: 87.5%; DFS: 90,7%), albeit not statistically significant.

Breast cancer and clinically negative status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Introduction: Axillary dissection is increasingly less indicated for axillary evaluation of patients with breast cancer and clinically negative axilla. This study evaluated the application of sentinel lymph node in patients with clinical axillary remission after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: Prospective study carried out from December 2017 to July 2018, at the Liga Norte Riograndense Contra o Cancer. We considered 24 patients who had a positive axilla and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy had clinical axillary remission (ypN0). Only patients with a strongly positive status during physical examination were included, and biopsy and ultrasound examinations were not required to confirm axillary disease. The dual-tracer technique of sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by axillary dissection was used. Results: The accuracy of the sentinel lymph node in patients with clinical axillary remission was 91.7%, with a false negative rate of 13.3% (2/24). It was observed that 66.6% of patients were stage I after chemotherapy and 13 patients with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy no longer had axillary disease. During the sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure, 16 patients (79.1%) had only 1 sentinel lymph node removed. Conclusions: For patients with clinical axillary remission after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, sentinel lymph node biopsy has been included in clinical practice, reducing the indications for axillary dissection and, consequently, its morbidity. The dual-agent mapping technique of sentinel lymph node biopsy and a sample of 3 lymph nodes at surgery decrease false-negative rates and make the procedure safer.

Application value of indocyanine green fluorescence in sentinel lymph node biopsy for early-stage tongue cancer and oropharyngeal cancer / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Occult cervical lymph node metastasis is the most important reason for recurrence of early-stage tongue cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Cervical sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy may help to identify them. Pigment dyes and radionuclide were used to label SLN. Both of them had shortage. This study aims to investigate the application and clinical value of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in cervical SLN biopsy for patients with early-stage tongue cancer and oropharyngeal cancer.@*METHODS@#Retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients with early tongue cancer and oropharyngeal cancer, who received surgical treatment and used indocyanine green as a tracer to find SLN in Hunan Cancer Hospital from April to October 2021. The detection rate of SLN was calculated and the distribution of SLN in different regions of the neck was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#SLN was successfully identified in 22 of 23 patients, with a detection rate of 95.65%. Among these 22 patients, 3 patients were found to have cancer metastasis, and the rate of occult lymph node metastasis was 13.63%. No pathologically positive lymph nodes were detected in SLN-negative patients, and thus the positive predictive rate was 100%. For patients with primary lesions located in the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, the constituent ratios of SLN in neck area I, II, III, and IV were 15.15%, 71.72%, 13.13%, and 0, respectively. For patients with primary lesions located in base of the tongue, the constituent ratios of SLN in neck area I, II, III, and IV were 0, 44.44%, 44.44%, and 11.12%, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging has a high detection rate with accurate positive prediction in the anterior cervical SLN biopsy in patients with early-stage tongue cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Meanwhile, it can also reflect the lymphatic drainage of tumors located at different primary sites, which has high clinical value.