Dilemma of clinically node-negative head and neck melanoma: Outcome of “watch and wait” policy, elective lymph node dissection, and sentinel node biopsy—A systematic review

Efficacy of indocyanine green fluoroscopy for sentinel node biopsy in head and neck melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of ICG (indocyanine green) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in head and neck melanoma. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards (PRISMA) were followed when conducting this review with a comprehensive search of the following online databases; Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry (http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/), ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinical-trials.gov/), and the ISRCTN registry (http://www.isrctn.com/). Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and results were reported with forest plots at 95% confidence intervals. Primary outcomes of interest included the localisation rate for sentinel node biopsies in head and neck melanoma using ICG and compared with other adjunct modalities. Secondary outcome measures included false negative rates as well as sensitivity rates for nodal detection with radiocolloid as well as blue dye. ICG reported an overall sensitivity rate of 95% with an untransformed proportion metric analysis (0.950, 0.922, 0.978 (95% CI)). It demonstrated a superior detection rate to blue dye (Odds ratio 15.417, 95% CI, 4.652 to 51.091, p < 0.001) and a comparable localisation efficacy to radiocolloid (Odds ratio 1.425, 95% CI, 0.535 to 3.794, p = 0.478). The sensitivity rate for radiocolloid utilisation in isolation was 90.6% (untransformed proportion metric, 0.906, 0.855, 0.957) and blue dye was 48.7% (untransformed proportion metric, 0.487, 0.364, 0.610). This is the first meta-analysis on the efficacy of ICG for sentinel node detection in head and neck melanoma. The authors advocate for a dual modality approach with ICG and radiocolloid to mitigate the inherent limitations of both methods when conducting sentinel node retrieval for head and neck melanoma. Further high-quality randomised trials are needed to improve the current evidence base.

Nodular type predominance of head and neck cutaneous malignant melanoma in Asian populations leads to poor outcome and low survival

Cutaneous malignant melanomas of the head and neck (HNM) are proposed to have notable histological and clinical differences from those at other sites (other melanoma); however, HNMs among Asians have remained poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of HNM in Asians. Asian melanoma patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2003 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinicopathological features and risk factors for local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were analyzed. Among 230 patients, 28 (12.2%) were diagnosed with HNM, and 202 (87.8%) with other melanoma. The histologic subtype significantly differed as the nodular type was predominant in HNM whereas the acral lentiginous type was predominant in other melanoma ( P  < 0.001). HNM was significantly associated with higher local recurrence ( P  = 0.045), lymph node metastasis ( P  = 0.048), distant metastasis ( P  = 0.023), and lower 5-year disease-free survival ( P  = 0.022) than other melanoma. Ulceration was the risk factor for lymph node metastasis based on multivariable analysis ( P  = 0.013). A high proportion of HNM present as the nodular subtype in Asians, leading to poor outcomes and low survival. Therefore, more cautious surveillance, evaluation, and aggressive treatment are required.

Challenges in the Complex Management of Neglected Cutaneous Melanomas in the Head and Neck Area: A Single Center Experience

Familiar controversies in the management of head and neck melanomas are more remarkable in locally advanced cases, and they represent a treatment challenge both surgically and oncologically. In our retrospective study, patients with surgically treated primary malignant melanoma of the head and neck region larger than 3 cm in diameter were included. Five patients met our inclusion criteria. In all cases, wide excision and immediate reconstruction were performed without sentinel lymph node biopsy. The defect on the scalp was covered by a split skin graft, with local flaps chosen for reconstruction on the face on an individual basis. After a 2-6 year follow-up, a good oncological, functional, and esthetic result was achieved. Our results show that in the case of large, locally advanced melanomas, surgical treatment still plays a crucial role that can provide long-term local control and support the effect of systemic treatment.

Survival of sentinel node biopsy versus observation in intermediate-thickness melanoma: A Dutch population-based study

Background

The Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-1) comparing survival after a sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) versus nodal observation in melanoma patients did not show a significant benefit favoring SLNB. However, in subgroup analyses melanoma-specific survival among patients with nodal metastases seemed better.

Aim

To evaluate the association of performing a SLNB with overall survival in intermediate thickness melanoma patients in a Dutch population-based daily clinical setting.

Methods

Survival, excess mortality adjusted for age, gender, Breslow-thickness, ulceration, histological subtype, location, co-morbidity and socioeconomic status were calculated in a population of 1,989 patients diagnosed with malignant cutaneous melanoma (1.2–3.5 mm) on the trunk or limb between 2000–2016 in ten hospitals in the South East area, The Netherlands.

Results

A SLNB was performed in 51% of the patients (n = 1008). Ten-year overall survival after SLNB was 75% (95%CI, 71%-78%) compared to 61% (95%CI 57%-64%) following observation. After adjustment for risk factors, a lower risk on death (HR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.66–0.96) was found after SLNB compared to observation only.

Conclusions

SLNB in patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma on trunk or limb resulted in a 14% absolute and significant 10-year survival difference compared to those without SLNB.

Head and neck cutaneous melanoma: 5-year survival analysis in a Serbian university center

Background

Head and neck melanoma (HNM) is specific from the anatomical and etiopathogenetic aspects. In addition to morphopathological parameters, rich vascularization and lymphatic drainage of the head and neck affect the occurrence of lymphogenic and hematogenous metastases, as well as the metastases on both sides of the neck.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study included cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent surgery at a clinical center over a 10-year period. The clinical follow-up was at least 60 months. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for the survival analysis. The predictor effect of certain independent variables on a given dichotomous dependent variable (survival) was measured by the Cox regression analysis.

Results

The analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics of 116 patients with HNM revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in age and gender in the total sample. Thirty-three (28.45%) patients were already in stage III or IV of the disease at the first examination, which affected the overall survival rate. The overall 5-year survival was 30.2%. No statistically significant difference in 5-year survival was found in relation to age and location. The period without melanoma progression decreased progressively in the advanced stage. Forty-nine patients (42%) underwent surgery for lymphogenic metastases in the parotid region and/or neck during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients with HNM included in this study frequently presented an advanced stage of the disease at the first examination, which is reflected in a low rate of 5-year survival. Early diagnosis and adequate primary treatment can ensure longer survival.

Disparities in the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma. A population-based high-resolution study

Population-based cancer registry data from three Spanish areas were used to assess the patterns of care and adherence to guidelines for cutaneous malignant melanoma. We included 934 cases diagnosed in 2009-2013. Completeness of the pathology reports, imaging for detecting distant metastasis and the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were analysed. The proportion of pathology reports that mentioned the essential pathological features required for T staging was 93%, ranging across geographic areas from 81% to 98% (p < 0.001). The percentage of low-risk patients who underwent no imaging studies, as proposed by guidelines, or only chest imaging ranged among areas from 0.6% to 84% (p < 0.001). Of the patients with clinically node-negative melanoma >1 mm thick and no distant metastases, 68% underwent SLNB, varying by area from 61% to 78% (p = 0.017). This study revealed wide geographic variation in different aspects of melanoma care. The use of a standardised structured pathology report could strengthen the completeness of reporting. Improvement strategies should also include efforts to reduce overuse of imaging in low-risk patients and to increase the adherence to guidelines recommendations on the use of SLNB.

Trends in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Enactment for Cutaneous Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Over recent years, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) recommendations in guidelines for cutaneous melanoma have changed considerably. We aimed to assess trends in enactment of SLNB to evaluate to what extent guidelines were adhered to, and to identify clinical and pathological determinants of (non-)adherence.

METHODS

Clinicopathological data from the Dutch nationwide network and registry of histopathology and cytopathology were retrieved from patients diagnosed with primary cutaneous melanoma in The Netherlands between 2003 and 2014. SLNB enactment was analyzed per year. Multivariable regression models were developed to assess the determinants of SLNB enactment.

RESULTS

A total of 51,510 primary cutaneous melanomas in 49,514 patients were diagnosed, of which 24,603 melanomas were eligible for SLNB as they were staged T1b or higher. In practice, only 9761 (39.7%) patients underwent SLNB, with an increasing trend from 39.1% in 2003 to 47.8% in 2014 (p < 0.001). A total of 759 (2.9%) of 26,426 patients without SLNB indication underwent SLNB anyway. Variables significantly associated with enactment of SLNB were male sex, younger age, and melanoma on sites other than the head and neck.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was an increasing trend in time in SLNB enactment, enactment of SLNB did not comply well with recommendations in (inter)national guidelines. Female sex, higher age, and melanoma located on the head and neck were associated with non-enactment of SLNB.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in cutaneous head and neck melanoma

PURPOSE

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is now a standard of care for cutaneous melanoma, but it is still controversial for cutaneous head and neck melanoma (CHNM). This study aims to confirm the feasibility, accuracy and low morbidity of SLNB in CHNM and evaluate its prognostic value.

METHODS

A monocentric and retrospective study on patients with CHNM treated in our tertiary care center (Gustave Roussy) between January 2008 and December 2012 was performed. The feasibility, morbidity and prognostic value of this technique were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-four consecutive patients were included. SLNB was realized in 97.6% of the cases. No significant post-operative morbidity was observed. Nineteen percents of patients had a positive SN while only 14.3% of complete lymph node dissections (CLND) had additional nodal metastasis. The risk of recurrence after positive SN was significantly higher (69.2 vs 30.8%, p = 0.043). The false omission rate was low with 7.1%. Overall survival and disease-free survival were better in the negative SN group (82 vs 49%, p < 0.001 and 69.3 vs 41.8%, p = 0.0131). The risk of recurrence was significantly higher in the positive SN group (p = 0.043) and when primary tumour was ulcerated (p = 0.031). Only the mitotic rate of the primary tumour was associated with SN positivity (p = 0.049).

CONCLUSION

As in other sites, SLNB status is a strong prognostic factor with comparable false omission rate and no superior morbidity.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Cutaneous Melanoma: Standard and New Technical Procedures and Clinical Advances. A Systematic Review of the Literature

Melanoma is an important public health problem, and its incidence is increasing worldwide. The disease status of regional lymph nodes is the most important prognostic factor in early-stage melanoma patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was introduced in the early 1990s as a less invasive procedure than complete lymph node dissection to allow histopathologic evaluation of the "sentinel lymph node" (SLN), which is the first node along the lymphatic pathway from a primary tumor. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has minimal complication risks compared with standard complete lymph node dissection. Currently, SLNB is the accepted method for staging patients with clinically node-negative cutaneous melanoma and provides the most powerful prognostic information by evaluating the nodal basin status. The current practice of SLNB consists of the injection of Tc-labeled radiopharmaceutical, preoperative lymphoscintigraphy with the possibility of using the SPECT/CT hybrid imaging, and intraoperative SLN localization using a handheld gamma probe with or without the use of blue dye. Recently, the SLN localization and detection have been enhanced with the use of new tracers and new intraoperative devices, which have demonstrated to be particularly useful in melanomas of the head and neck region and in area of complex anatomy. Despite these important advances in the technology and the increasing experience in SLN mapping, major research centers have reported a false-negative rate higher than 15%. This relatively high false-negative rate, greater than those reported in the initial validation studies, points out the importance for the nuclear medicine community to continuously improve their knowledge on the biological behavior of melanoma and to improve the technical aspects that may allow more precise staging. For the SLNB procedure to be accurate, it is of critical importance that all "true" SLNs are identified and removed for examination. The aim of this article is to provide general information about the SLNB procedure in clinical practice highlighting the importance of standardization and accuracy of SLN identification in the light of the most recent technical innovations.

Sentinel Node Biopsy for the Head and Neck Using Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography Combined with Indocyanine Green Fluorescence in Animal Models: A Feasibility Study

Background

Sentinel node navigation surgery is gaining popularity in oral cancer. We assessed application of sentinel lymph node navigation surgery to pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers by evaluating the combination of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and indocyanine green fluorescence in animal models.

Methods

This was a prospective, nonrandomized, experimental study in rabbit and swine animal models. A mixture of indocyanine green and Sonazoid was used as the tracer. The tracer mixture was injected into the tongue, larynx, or pharynx. The sentinel lymph nodes were identified transcutaneously by infra-red camera and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Detection time and extraction time of the sentinel lymph nodes were measured. The safety of the tracer mixture in terms of mucosal reaction was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically.

Results

Sentinel lymph nodes were detected transcutaneously by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography alone. The number of sentinel lymph nodes detected was one or two. Despite observation of contrast enhancement of Sonazoid for at least 90 minutes, the number of sentinel lymph nodes detected did not change. The average extraction time of sentinel lymph nodes was 4.8 minutes. Indocyanine green fluorescence offered visual information during lymph node biopsy. The safety of the tracer was confirmed by absence of laryngeal edema both macro and microscopically.

Conclusions

The combination method of indocyanine green fluorescence and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for detecting sentinel lymph nodes during surgery for head and neck cancer seems promising, especially for pharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. Further clinical studies to confirm this are warranted.

Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Lip: A Report of 48 Cases

PURPOSE

Lip melanoma (LM) is a rare malignant tumor and well-established treatment protocols for it are in short supply. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of treatment modalities and explore the prognostic factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 48 patients with primary LM treated in the authors' hospital from January 1992 to November 2013. The clinical characteristics and treatment modalities were identified and correlated with the outcomes.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 56.1%, and the rate of cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis was 46% (22 of 48). A tumor of at least 4 cm (P = .001), nodular types (P = .003), and CLN (P < .0001) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Twenty-five patients died during follow-up, mainly from to neck recurrence (14 of 25). Chemotherapy significantly improved the 5-year OS rate in patients with stage IV LM (P = .03), but not in those with stage III (P = .8).

CONCLUSIONS

LM has a lower CLN and distant metastasis rate and a better prognosis than other oral mucosal melanomas. A long history of melanin pigmentation is a dangerous sign for all patients, and smoking seems to be associated with LM in male patients. Tumor size (≥4 cm), nodular type, and CLN positivity are poor prognostic factors. A wide excision with close observation is advocated as the primary treatment for stage III LM. Adjuvant chemotherapy is useful for patients with stage IV cancer, but not for those with stage III.

Accuracy and prognostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanomas

BACKGROUND

Debate remains around the accuracy and prognostic implications of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma arising in the head and neck (HN) areas because several analyses have shown discordances between clinically predicted lymphatic drainage pathways and those identified by lymphoscintigraphy. This study assesses the accuracy and prognostic value of SLNB in this critical anatomic region.

METHODS

Retrospective review of a prospectively collected melanoma database identified 331 patients with HN melanomas from January 2000 to December 2012. Primary end points included SLNB result, time to recurrence, site of recurrence, and survival. Multivariate models were constructed for analyses.

RESULTS

A sentinel lymph node (SLN) was identified in all 331 patients. There were 59 patients with a positive SLN (17.8%) with a recurrence rate of 88.1% compared with 22.4% in SLN-negative patients (P < 0.0001). The 5-y overall survival was 91.2% for SLN-negative patients and 48.7% for SLN-positive patients (P < 0.0001). Patients with scalp melanoma had thicker lesions and an elevated risk of SLN positivity, recurrence, and death compared with those with other sites. Among the 272 SLN-negative patients, four patients developed regional nodal disease in the same basin and had undergone a previous SLNB procedure for a false-omission rate of 1.45%. Risks for false-negative SLN occurrences included thick and scalp melanomas. Multivariate analysis on prognostic factors affecting relapse-free survival showed positive SLNB status to be the most prognostic clinicopathologic predictor of recurrence (hazard ratio, 20.56; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

SLNB for patients with HN melanomas is an accurate procedure and has prognostic value.

[Utility of single photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography in selective sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with melanoma]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the contribution of SPECT-CT lymphoscintigraphy in selective sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with newly diagnosed malignant melanoma.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was made between July 2009 and October 2010. It included 63 patients diagnosed with melanoma (32 men and 31 women) with mean age of 55 years (range: 25-88) and inclusion criteria for SLNB. The melanomas were located as follows: 28 in trunk, 5 in head and neck, 16 in upper limbs and 17 in lower limbs. Three patients had two melanomas. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed after pericicatricial/perilesional injection of 74MBq of (99m)Tc-labeled nanocolloid human serum albumin, obtaining early planar images, late whole body study and sectorial images and SPECT-CT in the area of interest. Planar scintigraphy findings were compared with SPECT-CT.

RESULTS

The sentinel node (SN) was localized by planar imaging in 62/63 (98%) of patients. SPECT-CT study located the SN in all the patients with a detection rate of 100%. The number of SNs detected with SPECT-CT was higher than with the planar study in 27 patients. The SPECT-CT provided additional information (change in location and/or in its accuracy in the localization of location uncertain SN) in 14/63 (22.2%) patients, involving changes in the surgical approach and lymph node staging.

CONCLUSION

SPECT-CT detects a higher number of SN than planar lymphoscintigraphy in patients with melanoma. Its contribution is more relevant in the melanomas located on the trunk, head and neck. SPECT-CT modified the SN location by 22% compared to planar scan findings, facilitating a correct surgical approach.

Is head and neck melanoma different from trunk and extremity melanomas with respect to sentinel lymph node status and clinical outcome?

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed conflicting and inconsistent results regarding the effect of anatomic location of the melanoma on sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and/or survival. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of the anatomic locations of primary melanoma on long-term clinical outcomes.

METHODS

All consecutive cutaneous melanoma patients (n=2,079) who underwent selective SLN dissection (SLND) from 1993 to 2009 in a single academic tertiary-care medical center were included. SLN positive rate, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were determined. Kaplan-Meier survival, univariate, and multivariate analyses were performed to determine predictive factors for SLN status, DFS, and OS.

RESULTS

Head and neck melanoma (HNM) had the lowest SLN-positive rate at 10.8% (16.8% for extremity and 19.3% for trunk; P=0.002) but had the worst 5-year DFS (P<0.0001) and 5-year OS (P<0.0001) compared with other sites. Tumor thickness (P<0.001), ulceration (P<0.001), HNM location (P=0.001), mitotic rate (P<0.001), and decreasing age (P<0.001) were independent predictive factors for SLN-positivity. HNM with T3 or T4 thickness had significantly lower SLN positive rate compared with other locations (P≤0.05). Also, on multivariate analysis, HNM location versus other anatomic sites was independently predictive of decreased DFS and OS (P<0.001). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, HNM was associated significantly with the worst DFS and OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary melanoma anatomic location is an independent predictor of SLN status and survival. Although HNM has a decreased SLN-positivity rate, it shows a significantly increased risk of recurrence and death as compared with other sites.

Added value of the hybrid tracer indocyanine green-99mTc-nanocolloid for sentinel node biopsy in a series of patients with different lymphatic drainage patterns

INTRODUCTION

Indocyanine green (ICG)-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid is a novel hybrid fluorescent radioactive tracer for sentinel node (SN) biopsy. This study has aimed to evaluate the added value of this novel versatile tracer in a series of patients with different malignancies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty patients (with penile carcinoma, oral cavity tumors, melanoma) were consecutively included between March-May 2012. Planar lymphoscintigraphy was performed 15 min and 2h after injection of ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid followed by SPECT/CT. Blue dye (1 ml) was injected in 14 patients in surgery room. Intraoperatively, SNs were localized using a gamma probe and visualized by optical SN-detection using blue dye and fluorescence imaging. Finally, a portable gamma camera was used to confirm complete SN removal.

RESULTS

At least one SN was identified by SPECT/CT in all patients. All SNs (total 68, 100%) were excised using a combination of radio- and fluorescence guidance: 89.7% were intraoperatively localized with the gamma probe. The remaining SNs, located near the injection site, were localized using fluorescence imaging. During the surgery, 97% of the SNs were fluorescent while only 39.2% were stained blue. Ex vivo, all SNs were both radioactive and fluorescent. The SN was positive in 5 patients.

CONCLUSION

Synchronous radio- and fluorescence guided SN biopsy is feasible using ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid. This hybrid approach combines the beneficial properties of both modalities. Adding fluorescence imaging improves optical SN detection compared to blue dye. It has been shown to be especially useful in the localization of SNs near the injection site.

Desmoplastic melanoma: is there a role for sentinel lymph node biopsy?

BACKGROUND

The utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is debated. We describe a large single-institution experience with SLNB for DM to determine clinicopathologic factors predictive of SLN metastasis.

METHODS

Retrospective review identified 205 patients with DM who underwent SLNB from 1992 to 2010. Clinicopathologic characteristics were correlated with SLN status and outcome.

RESULTS

Median age was 66 years, and 69 % of patients were male. Median Breslow thickness was 3.7 mm. In 128 cases (62 %), histologic subtype data was available; 61 cases (47.7 %) were mixed and 67 cases (52.3 %) were pure DM. A positive SLN was found in 28 cases (13.7 %); 24.6 % of mixed and 9 % of pure DM had SLN metastases. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that after controlling for age, histologic subtype correlated with SLN status [odds ratio: 3.0 for mixed vs pure, 95 % confidence interval: 1.1-8.7; p < .05]. Completion lymph node dissection was performed in 24 of 28 positive SLN patients with 16.7 % of cases having additional nodal disease. After a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 38 patients developed recurrence and 61 patients died. Positive SLN patients had a significantly higher risk of melanoma-related death compared with negative SLN patients (p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall risk for SLN metastasis for DM is 13.7 % and is significantly higher for mixed (24.6 %) compared with pure (9.0 %) DM. We believe that these rates are sufficient to justify consideration of SLNB for both histologic variants, especially since detection of SLN disease appears to predict a higher risk for melanoma-related death.

Comparing the hybrid fluorescent-radioactive tracer indocyanine green-99mTc-nanocolloid with 99mTc-nanocolloid for sentinel node identification: a validation study using lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT

The purpose of this study was to compare the lymphoscintigraphic drainage patterns of a hybrid sentinel node tracer consisting of the fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) and (99m)Tc-nanocolloid with the drainage pattern of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid alone, the current standard tracer in many European countries.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients with a melanoma in the head and neck region (n = 10), a melanoma on the trunk (n = 6), or penile carcinoma (n = 9) who were scheduled for sentinel node biopsy were prospectively included. First, the standard (99m)Tc-nanocolloid procedure was performed. After injection at the lesion site, lymphoscintigraphy was performed with a 10-min dynamic study and static planar images at 10 min and 2 h after injection, followed by SPECT/CT. The same scintigraphic procedure was repeated after injection of hybrid ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid the same afternoon in 10 patients or the next morning in 15 patients. The paired images of both injections were evaluated, and count rates in the sentinel nodes were calculated and compared. Sentinel nodes were surgically localized using blue dye, a γ-ray detection probe, a portable γ-camera, and a fluorescence camera.

RESULTS

Lymphatic drainage was visualized in all 25 patients using (99m)Tc-nanocolloid, leading to the identification of 66 sentinel nodes in total. These same sentinel nodes were also identified during the second scintigraphic procedure with ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid. Moreover, a high correlation between the radioactive counting rates in the sentinel nodes of both scintigraphic studies was observed (mean R(2) = 0.83). Intraoperatively (4-23 h after the second injection), all preoperatively identified sentinel nodes could be localized using radio- and fluorescence guidance combined. In total, 95% of the sentinel nodes could be intraoperatively visualized by means of fluorescence imaging, whereas merely 54% stained blue. Ex vivo, all radioactive sentinel nodes were fluorescent and vice versa. No adverse reactions were observed.

CONCLUSION

The lymphatic drainage pattern of ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid is identical to that of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid. This observation, together with the added value of intraoperative fluorescence guidance, warrants wider evaluation of hybrid ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid as a tracer for sentinel node procedures.

Long-term prognosis and significance of the sentinel lymph node in head and neck melanoma

OBJECTIVE

To report the long-term significance of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy on prognosis, determine false-negative SLN occurrences, and determine risk factors for death and recurrence in a large series of patients with head and neck melanoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with tumor registry review.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A database review was performed of all patients who underwent SLN biopsy for head and neck melanoma from 1994 to 2009. End points assessed were SLN status, recurrence, false-negative SLN results, and survival comparing SLN-positive and SLN-negative patients and different locations. Survival curves and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

SLN biopsy was performed in 365 patients. SLNs were identified in 98.6% of patients with a mean of 3.7 nodes removed from 1.6 nodal basins per patient. Median follow-up was 8 years. The SLN was positive in 40 (11%) patients. SLN-positive patients had significantly thicker melanomas, higher recurrence (P < .0001), and a significant decrease in overall survival compared with SLN-negative patients (P < .002). Scalp melanoma patients had significantly thicker melanomas and an elevated risk of SLN positivity, recurrence, and death compared with other sites. Seventeen of 365 SLN-negative patients developed regional nodal disease for a false-omission rate of 5.2% and a negative predictive value of a negative SLN to be 94.8%. Risks for false negative-SLN occurrences included thick melanomas and scalp melanomas.

CONCLUSION

SLN biopsy is accurate in head and neck melanoma and provides significant prognostic data. Scalp melanoma patients present with thicker tumors with an increase in SLN positivity and false-negative SLN occurrences.

Concomitant radio- and fluorescence-guided sentinel lymph node biopsy in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity using ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid

PURPOSE

For oral cavity malignancies, sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is performed by injecting a radiocolloid around the primary tumour followed by lymphoscintigraphy. Surgically, SLNs can then be localized using a handheld gamma ray detection probe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the added value of intraoperative fluorescence imaging to the conventional radioguided procedure. For this we used indocyanine green (ICG)-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid, a hybrid tracer that is both radioactive and fluorescent.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma were peritumourally injected with ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid. SLNs were preoperatively identified with lymphoscintigraphy followed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for anatomical localization. During surgery, SLNs were detected with a handheld gamma ray detection probe and a handheld near-infrared fluorescence camera. Pre-incision and post-excision imaging with a portable gamma camera was performed to confirm complete removal of all SLNs.

RESULTS

SLNs were preoperatively identified using the radioactive signature of ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid. Intraoperatively, 43 SLNs could be localized and excised with combined radio- and fluorescence guidance. Additionally, in four patients, an SLN located close to the primary injection site (in three patients this SLN was located in level I) could only be intraoperatively localized using fluorescence imaging. Pathological analysis of the SLNs revealed a metastasis in one patient.

CONCLUSION

Combined preoperative SLN identification and intraoperative radio- and fluorescence guidance during SLN biopsies for oral cavity cancer proved feasible using ICG-(99m)Tc-nanocolloid. The addition of fluorescence imaging was shown to be of particular value when SLNs were located in close proximity to the primary tumour.

Feasibility of sentinel node biopsy in head and neck melanoma using a hybrid radioactive and fluorescent tracer

Purpose

This study was designed to examine the feasibility of combining lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative sentinel node identification in patients with head and neck melanoma by using a hybrid protein colloid that is both radioactive and fluorescent.

Methods

Eleven patients scheduled for sentinel node biopsy in the head and neck region were studied. Approximately 5 h before surgery, the hybrid nanocolloid labeled with indocyanine green (ICG) and technetium-99m (^99mTc) was injected intradermally in four deposits around the scar of the primary melanoma excision. Subsequent lymphoscintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) were performed to identify the sentinel nodes preoperatively. In the operating room, patent blue dye was injected in 7 of the 11 patients. Intraoperatively, sentinel nodes were acoustically localized with a gamma ray detection probe and visualized by using patent blue dye and/or fluorescence-based tracing with a dedicated near-infrared light camera. A portable gamma camera was used before and after sentinel node excision to confirm excision of all sentinel nodes.

Results

A total of 27 sentinel nodes were preoperatively identified on the lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT images. All sentinel nodes could be localized intraoperatively. In the seven patients in whom blue dye was used, 43% of the sentinel nodes stained blue, whereas all were fluorescent. The portable gamma camera identified additional sentinel nodes in two patients. Ex vivo, all radioactive lymph nodes were fluorescent and vice versa, indicating the stability of the hybrid tracer.

Conclusions

ICG–^99mTc-nanocolloid allows for preoperative sentinel node visualization and concomitant intraoperative radio- and fluorescence guidance to the same sentinel nodes in head and neck melanoma patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1245/s10434-011-2180-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Primary oral mucosal melanoma: advocate a wait-and-see policy in the clinically N0 patient

PURPOSE

Oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) is a rare disease associated with a very poor prognosis. Because well-established treatment protocols for OMM are in short supply, prognostic information regarding recent treatment modalities for this disease were sought.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 61 patients who were treated for OMM from 1998 through 2005. The clinical features and treatment modalities were identified and correlated with the outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 41 male and 20 female patients (ratio, 2.1:1) with a mean age of 54.1 years. The mean follow-up was 31.9 months, and the overall 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 51.1% and 30.3%, respectively. According to the seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system, there were 31 patients (50.8%) with stage III tumors. A more advanced stage and a tumor of at least 2 cm were associated with worse survival (P < .001 and P = .036, respectively). Elective lymph node dissection and biochemotherapy were not associated with a higher total survival rate (P = .53 and P = .76, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

OMM has a male predilection. The seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage and tumor size are effective prognostic parameters for patients with OMM. The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system provides useful information for predicting the ultimate outcome and should be used as the primary staging system. Elective node dissection and adjuvant biochemotherapy offer no additional advantage in increasing the patient survival rate. A wait-and-see policy is advocated for patients with clinical stage N0 cancer.

Sentinel Node Biopsy for Head and Neck Melanoma

Objective. This systematic review was conducted to examine the test performance of sentinel node biopsy in head and neck melanoma, including the identification rate and false-negative rate.

Data Sources. PubMed, EMBASE, ASCO, and SSO database searches were conducted to identify studies fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: sentinel node biopsy was performed, lesions were located on the head and neck, and recurrence data for both metastatic and nonmetastatic patients were reported.

Review Methods. Dual-blind data extraction was conducted. Primary outcomes included identification rate and test performance based on completion neck dissection or nodal recurrence.

Results. A total of 3442 patients from 32 studies published between 1990 and 2009 were reviewed. Seventy-eight percent of studies were retrospective and 22% were prospective. Trials varied from 9 to 755 patients (median 55). Mean Breslow depth was 2.53 mm. Median sentinel node biopsy identification rate was 95.2%. More than 1 basin was reported in 33.1% of patients. A median of 2.56 sentinel nodes per patient were excised. Sentinel node biopsy was positive in 15% of patients. Subsequent completion neck dissection was performed in almost all of these patients and revealed additional positive nodes in 13.67%. Median follow-up was 31 months. Across all studies, predictive value positive for nodal recurrence was 13.1% and posttest probability negative was 5%. Median false-negative rate for nodal recurrence was 20.4%.

Conclusion. Sentinel node biopsy of head and neck melanoma is associated with an increased false-negative rate compared with studies of non–head and neck lesions. Positive sentinel node status is highly predictive of recurrence.

Invasive melanoma of the face: Management, outcomes, and the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in 260 patients at a single institution

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The face is a common site of melanoma occurrence. The purpose of this study was to examine the management and outcomes of patients with invasive melanoma of the face.

METHODS

Patients with invasive melanoma of the face managed at our institution from 1997 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Details of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB), disease recurrence, and deaths were recorded.

RESULTS

Two hundred sixty patients were reviewed (mean age 68, mean tumor thickness 0.87 mm). Of 100 patients eligible for SNB (tumor thickness ≥ 1 mm, Clark level ≥ IV, or ulceration) this was performed in only 29 (29%), and those who underwent SNB were younger than those who did not (mean age 59 vs. 79 years, P < 0.0001). SNB was successful in 28 (97%), and no complications occurred. SNB was positive in 3 (11%). After mean follow-up of 30 months, nodal recurrence occurred in 9 (3.5%) and distant recurrence in 20 (7.7%). There were 60 deaths (overall mortality 23%); attributed to melanoma in only 16 cases (disease specific mortality 6.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Facial melanoma is associated with low rates of regional recurrence despite underutilization of SNB. Older patients are less likely to undergo SNB. Due to the advanced age of patients with facial melanoma, most deaths occurring are from unrelated causes.

Inflammation and tumor microenvironment in lymph node metastasis

In nearly all human cancers, the presence of lymph node (LN) metastasis increases clinical staging and portends worse prognosis (compared to patients without LN metastasis). Herein, principally reviewing experimental and clinical data related to malignant melanoma, we discuss diverse factors that are mechanistically involved in LN metastasis. We highlight recent data that link tumor microenvironment, including inflammation (at the cellular and cytokine levels) and tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis, with nodal metastasis. Many of the newly identified genes that appear to influence LN metastasis facilitate general motility, chemotactic, or invasive properties that also increase the ability of cancer cells to disseminate and survive at distant organ sites. These new biomarkers will help predict clinical outcome and point to novel future therapies in metastatic melanoma as well as other cancers.

Tumor location predicts survival in cutaneous head and neck melanoma

BACKGROUND

Prior studies documented poorer outcomes in patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma (CHNM) relative to those with melanoma at other sites. We evaluated survival differences attributable to tumor location in patients with CHNM.

METHODS

We queried the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for patients undergoing surgery for CHNM from 1988 to 2006, excluding patients without biopsy-proven diagnoses, those diagnosed at autopsy, and patients with distant metastases. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, we assessed patient, tumor, and treatment-specific factors on overall survival (OS) and melanoma specific survival (MSS). Cox proportional hazards models assessed the role of tumor location (ear, eyelid, face, lip, scalp/neck) on OS and MSS, while controlling for patient age, gender, race, tumor thickness, tumor ulceration, lymph node status, histologic subtype, type of surgery, and use of radiation. Risks of overall and melanoma-specific mortality were reported as hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Among 27,097 patients, 10-y rates of OS and MSS were 56.1% and 84.7%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, scalp/neck primary site was associated with an increased risk of overall (HR 1.20, CI 1.14-1.26; P < 0.001) and melanoma-specific mortality (HR 1.64, CI 1.49-1.80, P < 0.001) relative to melanomas of the face. Tumors of the lip had poorer MSS (HR 1.55; CI 1.05-2.28, P = 0.03) but not OS (HR 1.03, CI 0.80-1.34; P = 0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with melanomas of the scalp/neck have poorer OS and MSS and those with lip melanomas have poorer MSS. These anatomic areas should not be overlooked when performing skin examinations.

Management of the difficult sentinel lymph node in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) are examined for occult melanoma metastases for accurate staging to dictate optimal therapy. The aim of this case series was to discuss clinical challenges in SLN biopsy. Ten challenging cases were identified from over 700 melanoma patients with SLN biopsy for primary cutaneous melanoma at the Yale Cancer Center Melanoma Unit. These cases were complicated by issues of (1) visualization of SLN, (2) concurrent and topographically close melanomas, (3) aberrant lymphatic drainage outside standard basins, (4) altered lymphatic drainage secondary to surgery, and (5) access to SLN. This case series identifies complex clinical scenarios encountered with SLN biopsy that should be familiar to a surgeon involved in the surgical care of melanoma patients.

Added value of intraoperative real-time imaging in searches for difficult-to-locate sentinel nodes

Localization of sentinel lymph nodes can be challenging if they are in difficult anatomic locations or near high radiotracer activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of intraoperative real-time imaging using a portable gamma-camera in conjunction with a conventional gamma-counting probe when it is difficult to localize the sentinel node.

METHODS

After (99m)Tc-nanocolloid injection, patients with various malignancies underwent presurgical lymphoscintigraphy followed by surgery (usually the next day). We evaluated 20 patients who required sentinel lymph node biopsy and in whom the location or other characteristics of the sentinel node would make intraoperative retrieval difficult. During surgery, the sentinel node was localized using a portable gamma-camera together with a hand-held gamma-probe. A (153)Gd pointer or (125)I seed was used to better depict the sentinel node location in real time.

RESULTS

Using only a conventional hand-held gamma-probe, surgeons were able to definitively localize the sentinel node in 15 of 20 patients. Intraoperatively, the portable gamma-camera showed uptake by the definite sentinel node in 19 of 20 patients and helped to precisely localize the node with the hand-held gamma-probe in 4 patients. In 1 of these patients, the sentinel node was metastatic.

CONCLUSION

The combination of a standard hand-held gamma-probe and real-time imaging provided by a portable gamma-camera offers a high intraoperative detection rate in patients with difficult sentinel node localization as assessed by presurgical lymphoscintigraphy.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma: indications and rationale

BACKGROUND

The disease status of regional lymph nodes is the most important prognostic indicator for patients with melanoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was developed as a technique to surgically assess the regional lymph nodes and spare node-negative patients unnecessary and potentially morbid complete lymphadenectomies.

METHODS

We reviewed the literature on SLNB for cutaneous melanoma to provide insight into the rationale for the current widespread use of SLNB.

RESULTS

Multiple studies show that the status of the SLN is an important prognostic indicator. Those with positive SLNs have significantly decreased disease-free and melanoma-specific survival compared with those who have negative SLNs. In the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial I (MSLT-I), in which patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma were randomized to SLNB (and immediate completion lymphadenectomy if the SLN was positive) vs observation (and a lymphadenectomy only after presenting with clinically evident recurrence), the 5-year survival rate was 72.3% for patients with positive sentinel nodes and 90.2% for those with negative sentinel nodes (P < .001). Although overall survival was not increased in patients who underwent SLNB compared with those who were randomized to observation, patients who underwent SLNB had a significantly increased 5-year disease-free survival rate compared with those who underwent observation alone (78.3% in the biopsy group and 73.1% in the observation group; P = .009). For those with nodal metastases, patients who underwent SLNB and immediate lymphadenectomy had an increased overall 5-year survival rate compared with those who had lymphadenectomy only after presenting with clinically evident disease (72.3% vs 52.4%; P = .004). Moreover, other studies show that for patients with thin melanomas <or= 1.0 mm, the overall survival rate is significantly worse for those with positive SLNs compared to those with negative SLNs. For thin melanomas, Breslow depth >or= 0.76 mm and increased mitotic rate have been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of SLN metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

SLNB provides important prognostic and staging data with minimal morbidity and can be used to identify regional node-negative patients who would not benefit from a complete nodal dissection. In our opinion, SLNB should be performed on most patients (with acceptable surgical and anesthesia risk) who have melanomas with a Breslow depth >or= 0.76 mm.

Head and neck cutaneous melanoma: a retrospective observational study on 146 patients

BACKGROUND

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a novel staging technique in cutaneous melanoma, but it is more challenging in the head and neck (H&N) than in the trunk and extremities. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of SNB in patients with clinical stage I-II H&N cutaneous melanoma, with emphasis on disease outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty five patients with H&N melanoma of >1.0 mm in Breslow depth underwent SNB and were compared to 121 historic H&N melanoma patients, who had either undergone routine prophylactic neck dissection or had been observed without any invasive nodal staging.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of the SNB patients were sentinel-positive and there have been no false-negative cases. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, there were no significant differences between the study groups in melanoma-specific overall survival. Among the entire cohort, melanoma-specific overall survival rate was 67.1% at 5 years and 61.9% at 10 years. Predictive factors for worsen survival were nodal micrometastases, male sex, scalp location, thick primary lesion and ulceration.

DISCUSSION

SNB is a reliable and mini-invasive approach for the nodal staging of H&N cutaneous melanoma. Traditional neck dissection is recommended only for therapeutic purposes in clinically node-positive or sentinel-positive patients.