A Comparison of Radiocolloid and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging, Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Patients with Cervical Cancer Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery

Comparative study using indocyanine green and patent blue dye for sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with early-stage cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Lymphatic involvement is the most important prognostic factor in early-stage cervical cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a viable alternative to systematic lymphadenectomy and may identify metastases more precisely.

OBJECTIVE

To compare two tracers (indocyanine green and patent blue) to detect sentinel nodes.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective study of women treated due to early-stage cervical cancer (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 IA1 with lymphovascular invasion, IA2, and IB1). Location and tracer of all detected sentinel nodes had been documented for a prospective, multicenter trial (SENTIX trial). All sentinel nodes were sent to frozen section and final analysis through ultrastaging using a standard protocol.

RESULTS

Overall, 103 patients were included. Bilateral detection rate for indocyanine green (93.2%) was significantly higher than for blue dye (77.7%; p=0.004). Their combined use significantly increased the bilateral detection to 99.0% (p=0.031). While 97.4% of all sentinel nodes were located below the common iliac vessels, no para-aortic nodes were labeled. Simultaneous bilateral detection with both tracers was found in 71.8% of the cases, of which the sentinel nodes were identical in 91.9%. Nine positive nodes were detected among seven patients (6.8%), all marked with indocyanine green while patent blue labeled six. Frozen section failed to detect one of three macrometastases and three of four micrometastases (sensitivity 43%; negative prediction value 96%).

CONCLUSION

Anatomical distribution and topographic localization of the sentinel nodes obtained with these tracers were not different. Indocyanine green provided a significantly higher bilateral detection rate and had superior sensitivity to detect positive nodes compared with patent blue. Combining indocyanine green and blue dye increased the bilateral detection rate significantly.

Opportunities of ICG-fluorescent imaging of lymph nodes during radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer: A review

Today, the "golden standard" for the treatment of aggressive forms of bladder cancer is radical cystectomy. An important stage is the pelvic lymphadenectomy. This procedure is crucial for staging the tumor process, determining the subsequent treatment tactics and improving the results of surgery. Currently, the concept of a signaling lymph node (LN) is actively developing, which allows reducing the necessary level of dissection of the pelvic LN. Reducing the number of resected LN increases the level of surgical safety of the patient. The leading method of intraoperative visualization of signal LN is the fluorescence of indocyanine green in the near infrared range of the spectrum. The prospects of this diagnostic method for radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer determine the vector of future scientific research in this area.

Feasibility of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping With Carbon Nanoparticles in Cervical Cancer: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study aims to investigate the feasibility of using carbon nanoparticles to detect sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in cervical cancer.

METHODS

This study involved 174 patients with cervical cancer. Cervix tissues adjacent to the cancer were injected with 1 mL of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions according to the instructions. The pelvic lymph nodes were then dissected, and the black-stained sentinel lymph nodes were sectioned for pathological examination.

RESULTS

Of 174 cases, 88.5% of patients (154/174) had at least 1 sentinel lymph node, and 131 patients (75.29%) had bilateral pelvic sentinel lymph nodes. The left pelvic lymph node was the most common sentinel lymph node (34.16%). At least 1 sentinel lymph node was observed in 285 out of 348 hemipelvises, with a detection rate of a side-specific sentinel lymph node of 81.89%. In total, 47 hemipelvises had metastasis of the lymph node, and 33 involved the sentinel lymph node, with a sensitivity of 70.21% and a false-negative rate of 29.79%. There were 238 hemipelvises with no metastasis of the lymph node, as well as negative sentinel lymph nodes, with a specificity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 94.44%. The univariate analysis demonstrated that risk factors included tumor size (OR .598, 95% CI: .369-.970) and deep stromal invasion (OR .381, 95% CI: .187-.779). The deep stromal invasion was the only variable for the false-negative detection of a sentinel lymph node.

CONCLUSION

Sentinel lymph node mapping with carbon nanoparticles might be applied to predict the metastasis of pelvic lymph nodes in cervical cancer. However, tumor size and deep stromal invasion might negative influence the detection rate of SLN.

Nanocarbon or indocyanine green: Which is superior for gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy to protect the parathyroid gland?

BACKGROUND

Damage to the parathyroid glands remains a frequent complication after thyroidectomy, often resulting in hypoparathyroidism. Accordingly, identifying the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgical procedures is indispensable to prevent accidental surgical removal.

METHODS

The participants were randomly divided into three groups (indocyanine green [ICG], nanocarbon [NC], and control group). To identify and protect parathyroid glands during neck lymph node dissection in patients with thyroid cancer, IG was intravenously administered to the ICG group, whereas the NC group received an intra-thyroid injection of the NC suspension before dissection. IG was intravenously administered to each group after dissection. Subsequently, we analyzed surgical outcomes, including operative time, number of lymph nodes, serum calcium, and number of parathyroid glands.

RESULTS

We included 30 patients who underwent gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer. Based on our findings, a greater number of parathyroid glands (P < 0.01) and higher postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were detected in the NC and ICG groups than those in the control group (P < 0.01). The number of parathyroid glands and postoperative PTH levels in the NC group were higher than those in the ICG group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Gasless transaxillary endoscopic thyroidectomy with NC and ICG for thyroid cancer could effectively protect the parathyroid gland and afford satisfactory clinical efficacy. NC could offer an advantage over ICG for protecting the parathyroid gland.

Pathological processing of sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial carcinoma - routine aspects of grossing, ultra-staging, and surgico-pathological parameters in a series of 833 lymph nodes

Sentinel lymph nodes are widely accepted in the treatment of endometrial carcinoma. Whereas surgical aspects are well studied, the pathological work-up in terms of grossing, frozen section, and the so-called ultra-staging is still a matter of debate. This results in conflicting national or center-based recommendations. In a series of consecutive 833 sentinel lymph nodes from 206 patients in endometrial carcinomas, we compared three different grossing techniques and the use of frozen section in terms of anatomy, detection rates, and survival. In total, 42 macro-metastases, 6 micro-metastases, and 25 nodes with isolated tumor cells were found. Lymph nodes affected at least with micro-metastasis were about 0.5cm enlarged. Detection rates in lamellation technique increased with a step of 5.9% to 8.3% in comparison to bi-valved or complete embedding. The lamellation technique presented with a slight beneficial prognosis in pN0 subgroup (OS, p=0.05), which besides size effects might be attributed to trimming loss. In frozen section, this effect was less pronounced than expected (OS, p=0.56). Ultra-staging only revealed additional micro-metastases and isolated tumor cells. Exclusively, macro-metastases showed poor survival (p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, T-stage, subtype, and lympho-vascular invasion status outperformed this staging parameter significantly. Grossing of sentinel lymph nodes is the most essential step with evidence to prefer lamellation in 2 mm steps. Step sectioning should consider widely spaced protocols to exclude macro-metastases. Frozen sections might add value to the intra-operative assessment of endometrial carcinoma in selected cases. The excellent biological behavior of cases with isolated tumor cells might question the routine application of pan-cytokeratin as ultra-staging method.

Indocyanine green-guided sentinel lymph node mapping during laparoscopic surgery with vaginal cuff closure but no uterine manipulator for cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

Lymph node metastasis is a critical prognostic factor in cervical cancer. Considering the potential complications of lymphadenectomy and desirability of avoiding systemic lymphadenectomy, accurate intraoperative prediction of the existence of lymph node metastasis is important in patients undergoing surgery for cervical cancer. We evaluated the feasibility and value of indocyanine green (ICG) use for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping during laparoscopic surgery performed for cervical cancer.

METHODS

This single-center cohort study included 77 patients undergoing a new laparoscopic radical surgery method with pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer. The surgery, performed without using a uterine manipulator, included creation of a vaginal cuff. Bilateral ICG-guided SLN mapping and rapid histopathological examination were performed, and results were analyzed in relation to final histopathologic diagnoses.

RESULTS

The SLN pelvic side-specific detection rate was 93.5%, sensitivity (SLN-positive cases/SLN-detected pelvic lymph node-positive cases) was 100%, intraoperative negative predictive value (NPV) was 97.8%, and final pathological NPV was 100%. The detection rate was significantly lower for tumors ≥ 2 cm in diameter than for tumors < 2 cm in diameter. Micrometastases were missed by intraoperative examination in 3 cases.

CONCLUSION

The high NPV suggests the feasibility and usefulness of ICG-based SLN mapping plus rapid intraoperative examination for identification of metastatic SLNs. Use of ICG-based mapping for intraoperative identification of SLNs in patients undergoing this new laparoscopic surgery method for early-stage cervical cancer was particularly effective for tumors < 2 cm in diameter. However, incorporating a search for micrometastases into rapid intraoperative histopathologic examination may be necessary.

Sentinel node navigation surgery in cervical cancer: a systematic review and metaanalysis

Sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) is used in clinical practice for the treatment of cervical cancer. This study aimed to elucidate the appropriate sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping method and assess the safety and benefits of SNNS. We searched the PubMed, Ichushi, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCT) and studies on SLN in cervical cancer from January 2012 to December 2020. Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We quantitatively analyzed the detection rate, sensitivity/specificity, and complications and reviewed information, including the survival data of SLN biopsy (SLNB) without pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND). The detection rate of SLN mapping in the unilateral pelvis was median 95.7% and 100% and in the bilateral pelvis was median 80.4% and 90% for technetium-99 m (Tc) with/without blue dye (Tc w/wo BD) and indocyanine green (ICG) alone, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of each tracer were high; the area under the curve of each tracer was 0.988 (Tc w/wo BD), 0.931 (BD w/wo Tc), 0.966 (ICG), and 0.977 (carbon nanoparticle). Morbidities including lymphedema, neurological symptoms and blood loss were associated with PLND. One RCT and five studies all showed SNNS without systematic PLND does not impair recurrence or survival in early-stage cervical cancer with a tumor size ≤ 2-4 cm. Both Tc w/wo BD and ICG are appropriate SLN tracers. SNNS can reduce the morbidities associated with PLND without affecting disease progression in early-stage cervical cancer.

Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery for Endometrial and Cervical Cancer

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has many benefits, in the form of reduced postoperative morbidity, improved recovery and reduced inpatient stay. It is imperative, however, when new techniques are adopted, in the context of treating oncology patients, that the oncological efficacy and safety are established rigorously rather than assumed based on first principles. Here we have attempted to provide a comprehensive review of all the contentious and topical themes surrounding the use of MIS in the treatment of endometrial and cervix cancer following a thorough review of the literature. On the topic of endometrial cancer, we cover the role of laparoscopy in both early and advanced disease, together with the role and unique benefits of robotic surgery. The surgical challenge of patients with a raised body mass index and the frail and elderly are discussed and finally the role of sentinel lymph node assessment. For cervical cancer, the role of MIS for staging and primary treatment is covered, together with the interesting and highly specialist topics of fertility-sparing treatment, ovarian transposition and the live birth rate associated with this. We end with a discussion on the evidence surrounding the role of adjuvant hysterectomy following radical chemoradiation and pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical cancer. MIS is the standard of care for endometrial cancer. The future of MIS for cervix cancer, however, remains uncertain. Current recommendations, based on the available evidence, are that the open approach should be considered the gold standard for the surgical management of early cervical cancer and that MIS should only be adopted in the context of research. Careful counselling of patients on the current evidence, discussing in detail the risks and benefits to enable them to make an informed choice, remains paramount.

Could fluorescence-guided surgery be an efficient and sustainable option? A SICE (Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery) health technology assessment summary

BACKGROUND

Indocyanine green fluorescence vision is an upcoming technology in surgery. It can be used in three ways: angiographic and biliary tree visualization and lymphatic spreading studies. The present paper shows the most outstanding results from an health technology assessment study design, conducted on fluorescence-guided compared with standard vision surgery.

METHODS

A health technology assessment approach was implemented to investigate the economic, social, ethical, and organizational implications related to the adoption of the innovative fluorescence-guided view, with a focus on minimally invasive approach. With the support of a multidisciplinary team, qualitative and quantitative data were collected, by means of literature evidence, validated questionnaires and self-reported interviews, considering the dimensions resulting from the EUnetHTA Core Model.

RESULTS

From a systematic search of literature, we retrieved the following studies: 6 on hepatic, 1 on pancreatic, 4 on biliary, 2 on bariatric, 4 on endocrine, 2 on thoracic, 11 on colorectal, 7 on urology, 11 on gynecology, 2 on gastric surgery. Fluorescence guide has shown advantages on the length of hospitalization particularly in colorectal surgery, with a reduction of the rate of leakages and re-do anastomoses, in spite of a slight increase in operating time, and is confirmed to be a safe, efficacious, and sustainable vision technology. Clinical applications are still presenting a low evidence in the literature.

CONCLUSION

The present paper, under the patronage of Italian Society of Endoscopic Surgery, based on an HTA approach, sustains the use of fluorescence-guided vision in minimally invasive surgery, in the fields of general, gynecologic, urologic, and thoracic surgery, as an efficient and economically sustainable technology.

Indocyanine green versus technetium-99m with blue dye for sentinel lymph node detection in early-stage cervical cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) has emerged as a promising tracer for intraoperative detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in early‐stage cervical cancer. Although researchers suggest the SLN detection of ICG is equal to the more conventional combined approach of a radiotracer and blue dye, no consensus has been reached.

Aims

We aimed to assess the differences in overall and bilateral SLN detection rates with ICG versus the combined approach, the radiotracer technetium‐99m (^99mTc) with blue dye.

Methods and Results

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to January 1, 2020 and included studies reporting on a comparison of SLN detection with ICG versus ^99mTc with blue dye in early‐stage cervical cancer. The overall and bilateral detection rates were pooled with random‐effects meta‐analyses.

From 118 studies retrieved seven studies (one cross‐sectional; six retrospective cohorts) were included, encompassing 589 patients. No significant differences were found in the pooled overall SLN detection rate of ICG versus ^99mTc with blue dye. Meta‐analyses of all studies showed ICG to result in a higher bilateral SLN detection rate than ^99mTc with blue dye; 90.3% (95%CI, 79.8‐100.0%) with ICG versus 73.5% (95%CI, 66.4‐80.6%) with 99mTc with blue dye. This resulted in a significant and clinically relevant risk difference of 16.6% (95%CI, 5.3‐28.0%). With sensitivity analysis, the risk difference of the bilateral detection rate maintained in favor of ICG but was no longer significant (13.2%, 95%CI −0.8‐27.3%).

Conclusion

ICG appears to provide higher bilateral SLN detection rates compared to ^99mTc with blue dye in patients with early‐stage cervical cancer. However, in adherence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines, the quality of evidence is too low to provide strong recommendations and directly omit the combined approach of ^99mTc with blue dye.

Near-infrared intraoperative imaging of pelvic autonomic nerves: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The pelvic autonomic nerves control and regulate anorectal and urogenital function. The dysfunction of pelvic autonomic nerves lead to disorders of anorectum, bladder and male sex organs. Thus the intraoperative identification of pelvic autonomic nerves could be crucial in complications prevention and diseases treatment. Our clinical trial aims at estimating the effectiveness and validity of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in pelvic autonomic nerves identification.

METHODS

Intraoperative fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green was performed in ten patients and the feasibility was determined. From February 2019 to June 2019, the seven patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection was administrated 4.5 mg/Kg indocyanine green 24 h before surgery. The near-infrared fluorescence imaging was conducted during surgery. A novel white light and near-infrared dual-channel laparoscopic equipment was applied. For each patient, signal-background ratio values for pelvic autonomic nerves were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

We confirmed the dose and timing of indocyanine green administration was 4.5 mg/Kg and 24 h before surgery. Using the dual laparoscopic equipment, we could observe the splanchnic plexus, inferior mesenteric artery plexus, and sacral plexus successfully with a high signal background ratio value of 3.18 (standard deviation: 0.48).

CONCLUSION

This pilot trial shows feasibility of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging in pelvic autonomic nerves observation. It demonstrates that nerves can be visualized using alternative imaging techniques but it is not ready yet for prime time. This technique might aid observation with white light alone. Registration number: ChiCTR1900025336.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Is Feasible in Cervical Cancer Laparoscopic Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Methods

A total of 100 cervical cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery with SLN biopsy were included. Indocyanine green, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), and a combination of both were used during surgeries. Detection rates, sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV) of SLN biopsy, and related factors were analyzed.

Results

The overall and bilateral SLN detection rates were 92% (92/100) and 74% (74/100), respectively. Combined tracers had higher bilateral SLN detection rates than CNPs alone (p=0.005). Menopause and lymph node metastasis were associated with lower overall and bilateral SLN detection rates (p < 0.05). SLN biopsy sensitivity and NPV for lymph node metastasis in patients with at least one detected SLN were 81.8% (9/11) and 97.3% (72/74), respectively. Among those with bilateral detected SLNs, higher sensitivity and NPV of 87.5% (7/8) and 98.3% (57/58) were observed, respectively. SLN algorithm can ensure that all patients with lymph node metastasis are detected by SLN biopsy.

Conclusion

SLN biopsy appears to be safe and effective for specific cervical cancer patients with high detection rates and NPV in laparoscopic surgery, especially for those with detected bilateral SLNs and undergoing the SLN algorithm. Selecting suitable patients for SLN mapping has prospects for clinical application.

Diagnostic value of indocyanine green fluorescence guided sentinel lymph node biopsy in vulvar cancer: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN) helps define lymph node status, a major prognostic factor in vulvar cancer. The aim of the current systematic review was to assess the use of indocyanine green (ICG) coupled with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging in SLN mapping in vulvar cancer in terms of technique used, feasibility and accuracy.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review using bibliographic citations from PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. MeSH terms for SLN, ICG and vulvar cancer were combined and restricted to the English language. The final search was performed on May 28, 2020. The primary outcome was to determine if the use of ICG alone in detecting SLN in women with vulvar cancer is as accurate as the gold standard dual labeling technique.

RESULTS

Of the 34 studies initially identified, 13 were included for analysis. The SLN detection rate with ICG and NIR fluorescence ranged from 89.7 to 100%. No studies demonstrated the superiority of other detection techniques compared to ICG and NIR imaging. Lower SLN detection rates were found in studies with the most metastatic lymph nodes. No consensus was reached concerning the optimal use of ICG in terms of: injection timing or site; concentrations or volume of ICG; or use of human serum albumin or hybrid tracer. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

ICG for SLN mapping appears to be safe in women with vulvar cancer with a detection rate similar to the current techniques. A large prospective randomized controlled study with optimization of the technique is necessary to homogenize current practice and determine the true value of ICG in vulvar cancer.

PROSPERO ID

CRD42020178261.

Utility of Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging in Gynecologic Surgery: Systematic Review and Consensus Statement

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to review the current knowledge on the utility of intraoperative fluorescence imaging in gynecologic surgery and to give evidence-based recommendations to improve the quality of care for women who undergo gynecologic surgery.

METHODS

A computer-based systematic review of the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Pubmed, EMBASE, and SciSearch databases as well as institutional guidelines was performed. The time limit was set at 2000-2019. For the literature search, PRISMA guidelines were followed. A modified-Delphi method was performed in three rounds by a panel of experts to reach a consensus of conclusions and recommendations.

RESULTS

Indocyanine green (ICG) is used primarily in gynecology for sentinel node-mapping. In endometrial and cervical cancer, ICG is a feasible, safe, time-efficient, and reliable method for lymphatic mapping, with better bilateral detection rates. Experience in vulvar cancer is more limited, with ICG used together with Tc-99 m as a dual tracer and alone in video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy. In early ovarian cancer, results are still preliminary but promising. Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging also is used for ureteral assessment, allowing intraoperative ureteral visualization, to reduce the risk of ureteral injury during gynecologic surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

For most gynecologic cancers, ICG fluorescence imaging is considered the tracer of choice for lymphatic mapping. The use of this new technology expands to a better ureteral assessment.

Sentinel lymph node in cervical cancer: a literature review on the use of conservative surgery techniques

INTRODUCTION

Sentinel lymph node detection is a surgical procedure that allow to avoid systematic lymphadenectomy in those tumors in early stage where lymph node spread is not sure. If the sentinel lymph node is not involved by tumor in 98-99% of case other lymph nodes are clean. The reason why less radical surgery is chosen is linked to the lower postoperative morbidity rate, the risk of lower limb lymphedema decreases. The aim of this review was to summarize what is the state of art of using the sentinel lymph node dissection (SLD) technique and what are the future goals to improve the safety and the reliability.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We have conducted a review of the literature of the past 10 years to understand the attitudes of oncologist gynecologists in the world to the conservative treatment of cervical cancer. We only selected articles from 2010 onwards, which meet the inclusion criteria.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The detection rate varies from 83% to 100%. The bilateral detection rate, on the other hand, varies from 42% to 100%. The false negative rate ranges from 4% to 12%. Sensitivity varies from 20.7% (considering the frozen section) to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Indocyanine green is the most reliable and performing tracer for the search of the sentinel lymph node; that the false intraoperative negative rate is too high to be sure not to subject the patient to an incorrect therapeutic procedure; data concerning the safety and survival of conservative lymphadenectomy (SLND) compared to systematic lymphadenectomy are still lacking in the literature and therefore we are awaiting the results of the two ongoing randomized clinical trials that will allow us to have more significant scientific data.

Sentinel lymph node intraoperative analysis in endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

Surgical staging in endometrial cancer has evolved and sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has replaced a full pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in several cases. An intraoperative evaluation of SLN might identify patients who could benefit the most from a full lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical relevance of frozen section of SLN.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis in patients with endometrial cancer who underwent SLN mapping with intraoperative evaluation at frozen section between February 2016 and September 2019 was performed. In case of metastatic involvement, a full lymphadenectomy was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Clinical-pathologic characteristics of the patients and surgical data were analyzed. Overall, bilateral and unilateral detection rates were 100% (58/58), 89.7% (52/58), and 10.3% (6/58), respectively. Eight patients had a stage IIIC disease at permanent section. Frozen section detected SLN metastases in four of eight patients. Of these, two were micrometastases and two were macrometastases. At frozen section of the SLNs, no macrometastases were misdiagnosed. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of frozen section in detecting metastases was 50%, 100%, 93%, 100% and 92.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The intraoperative evaluation of SLN in endometrial cancer accurately identifies patients with macrometastases. This is the cohort that might benefit the most of a full lymphadenectomy for a higher risk of additional lymph node metastases.

Utility of indocyanine green injection in patients with cervical cancer besides the identification of sentinel lymph node (Review)

Due to the wide introduction of screening tests, patients with neoplastic diseases of the uterine cervix trend to be diagnosed in early stages of the disease, and less invasive surgical procedures are needed in certain cases. In this respect, the technique of sentinel lymph node dissection has been widely implemented as part of the therapeutic strategy, indocyanine green (ICG) being one of the most reliable markers for sentinel lymph node detection. However, it seems that this agent is extremely useful in order to achieve better short-term and long-term results after cervical cancer surgery, due to its capacity to determine the uterine vascular perfusion in cases in which conservative treatment, such as trachelectomy, is performed, as well as to prevent and treat lower limb lymphedema. A literature review was conducted of the studies which focused on the role of ICG utility in cervical cancer patients besides sentinel lymph node detection, special focus was given to vascularization preservation and lower limb lymphedema prevention and treatment.

Sentinel lymph node mapping and intraoperative assessment in a prospective, international, multicentre, observational trial of patients with cervical cancer: The SENTIX trial

BACKGROUND

SENTIX (ENGOT-CX2/CEEGOG-CX1) is an international, multicentre, prospective observational trial evaluating sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy without pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. We report the final preplanned analysis of the secondary end-points: SLN mapping and outcomes of intraoperative SLN pathology.

METHODS

Forty-seven sites (18 countries) with experience of SLN biopsy participated in SENTIX. We preregistered patients with stage IA1/lymphovascular space invasion-positive to IB2 (4 cm or smaller or 2 cm or smaller for fertility-sparing treatment) cervical cancer without suspicious lymph nodes on imaging before surgery. SLN frozen section assessment and pathological ultrastaging were mandatory. Patients were registered postoperatively if SLN were bilaterally detected in the pelvis, and frozen sections were negative.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02494063).

RESULTS

We analysed data for 395 preregistered patients. Bilateral detection was achieved in 91% (355/395), and it was unaffected by tumour size, tumour stage or body mass index, but it was lower in older patients, in patients who underwent open surgery, and in sites with fewer cases. No SLN were found outside the seven anatomical pelvic regions. Most SLN and positive SLN were localised below the common iliac artery bifurcation. Single positive SLN above the iliac bifurcation were found in 2% of cases. Frozen sections failed to detect 54% of positive lymph nodes (pN1), including 28% of cases with macrometastases and 90% with micrometastases.

INTERPRETATION

SLN biopsy can achieve high bilateral SLN detection in patients with tumours of 4 cm or smaller. At experienced centres, all SLN were found in the pelvis, and most were located below the iliac vessel bifurcation. SLN frozen section assessment is an unreliable tool for intraoperative triage because it only detects about half of N1 cases.

Current and novel mapping substances in gynecologic cancer care

Many tracers have been introduced into current medical practice with the purpose of improving lymphatic mapping techniques, anatomic visualization, and organ/tissue perfusion assessment. Among them, three tracers have dominated the field: indocyanine green, technetium-99m radiocolloid (Tc99m), and blue dye. Tc99m and blue dye are used individually or in combination; however, given particular challenges with these tracers, such as the need for a preoperative procedure by nuclear medicine and cost, other options have been sought. Indocyanine green has proven to be a promising alternative for certain procedures, as it is easy to use and has quick uptake. Its use in the management of gynecologic cancers was first described for sentinel lymph node mapping in cervical cancer, and later for endometrial and vulvar cancers. This review provides an in-depth look at these mapping substances, their uses, and the potential for new discoveries.

New Advances of ICG Angiography in Parathyroid Identification

Objective:

For surgeons, locating parathyroid in thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy is critical since parathyroid plays an important role in calcium balance. The fluorescence of parathyroid has already been found by researchers and the angiography equipment detecting the fluorescence of parathyroid with indocyanine green has been widely applied. Using the indocyanine green angiography and looking at the actual fluorescence of in vivo and in vitro tissues, it was possible to identify thyroid, parathyroid, lymph nodes and fat tissues during the surgical procedure. This mini-review aims to present the application of indocyanine green angiography in parathyroid detection and discusses the safety of this method.

Methods:

The relevant data were searched by using the keywords “Indocyanine green,” “Parathyroid,” and “Identification” and “Protection” in “Pubmed,” “Web of Science” and “China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases”, and a manual search was done to acquire peer-reviewed articles and reports about indocyanine green.

Results:

Indocyanine green dye along with the intraoperative fluorescence imaging system is safe in detecting parathyroid and predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Conclusion:

The conclusion suggests that indocyanine green angiography is a safe, effective and easy way to detect parathyroid glands. The conclusion will be of interest to surgeons regarding thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

Research on indocyanine green angiography for predicting postoperative hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

It may be critical to locate the parathyroid for surgeons during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy due to the significant function of the parathyroid in calcium balance. According to recent reports, the intrinsic fluorescence of the parathyroid has been found. There is some evidence supporting that new equipment can detect fluorescence via imaging technology. In this study, a newly invented intraoperative fluorescence imaging system and indocyanine green dye were applied to detect the parathyroid glands and evaluate the vascularization of the parathyroid. The report is as follows.

METHODS

From 1 May to 8 August 2018, 26 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in Zhuhai People's Hospital and were recruited into our research. All identified parathyroid glands were scored visually from grade 0 to grade 2 according to the vascularity of the parathyroid before ICG angiography was performed. After ICG angiography, parathyroid glands were scored from score 0 to score 2 according to the FI.

RESULTS

Visual scores were significantly higher than ICG angiography scores. In the 22 patients with at least one parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, postoperative PTH levels were in the normal range. In the four patients with no parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, two of them developed transient hypoparathyroidism, with recovery on POD 7 for the first patient and after 3 months for the second one.

CONCLUSION

This study has identified that the fluorescence imaging system applied with indocyanine green is a safe, easy and effective method to protect the parathyroid and predict postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Registration number: ChiCTR1800016864.

Application of indocyanine green in the parathyroid detection and protection: Report of 3 cases

BACKGROUND

It was thought that identifying the parathyroid gland during surgery was difficult for surgeons. It may be critical to locate the parathyroid for surgeons during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy due to the significant function of the parathyroid in calcium balance. According to recent reports, intrinsic fluorescence of the parathyroid has been found. There is some evidence to suggest that new equipment can detect the intrinsic fluorescence via imaging technology. In this case reports, a newly-invented intraoperative fluorescence imaging system and indocyanine green dye were applied to detect the parathyroid gland and evaluate the vascularization of parathyroid.

CASE PRESENTATION

From July 1st to August 8st, 2018, 3 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in Zhuhai People's Hospital. The 3 subjects were recruited into our research. Indocyanine green angiography was performed on all the three participants. By ICG angiography, parathyroid glands were identified and protected. In the 3 patients, postoperative PTH levels were in the normal range. No one of them developed transient hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has identified that the fluorescence imaging system applied with indocyanine green is a safe, easy and effective method to protect the parathyroid and predict postoperative parathyroidism.

SLN mapping in early-stage cervical cancer as a minimal-invasive triaging tool for multimodal treatment

BACKGROUND

To evaluate sensitivity, false negative rate and negative predictive value of the combination of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and frozen section (FS) in triaging cervical cancer patients to a definitive chemo-radiotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with histologically proven cervical cancer undergoing laparoscopic SLN mapping and frozen section of the SLNs followed by a completion radical hysterectomy, pelvic and/or paraarotic lymphadenectomy. Sensitivity, false negative rate and negative predictive value of the SLN mapping, of the frozen section and of the combination of the two in identifying micro- and macrometastases were calculated.

RESULTS

One-hundred and four patients with cervical cancer underwent surgery. Of these, 87 (83.7%) had bilateral detection rates at the SLN mapping and underwent FS evaluation and were selected for statistical analysis. Twenty-five patients had lymph nodal metastases at H&E staining. Of these, 24 displayed metastatic disease to the SLNs and one to a NSLN accounting for a FN rate of 4.0%. Metastases were identified in 21 patients at the FS analysis. Four patients had metastases in the SLNs that were missed at the FS analysis. The FN rate of the FS is 12.5% if we excluded isolated tumour cells in the analysis. The FN rate of the combined methodology (SLN mapping and FS of the SLN) is 16%. Twenty-one out of 25 patients (84.0%) could correctly be triaged to a definitive chemo-radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of SLN mapping and FS of the SLNs is efficient in triaging patients to a definitive chemo-radiotherapy.

Application of a Fluorescence Imaging System with Indocyanine Green to Protect the Parathyroid Gland Intraoperatively and to Predict Postoperative Parathyroidism

INTRODUCTION

Identifying the parathyroid gland during surgery may be difficult for surgeons. It is critical for them to be able to locate it during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy because of the significant function of the parathyroid in the calcium balance. According to recent reports, intrinsic fluorescence of the parathyroid has been found. There is some evidence to suggest that new equipment can detect the fluorescence via imaging technology. In this study, a newly invented intraoperative fluorescence imaging system and indocyanine green (ICG) dye were applied to detect the parathyroid glands and evaluate the vascularization of the parathyroid.

METHODS

From 1 May to 8 August 2018, 26 patients underwent total thyroidectomy in Zhuhai People's Hospital. These 26 subjects were recruited in our research. All identified parathyroid glands were scored visually from grade 0 to grade 2 according to the vascularity of the parathyroid before ICG angiography was performed. After ICG angiography, the parathyroid glands were scored from 0 to 2 according to the fluorescence intensity (FI).

RESULTS

Visual scores were significantly higher than ICG angiography scores. In the 22 patients with at least one parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, postoperative parathyroidism (PTH) levels were in the normal range. Of the four patients with no parathyroid gland with an ICG score of 2, two developed transient hypoparathyroidism, with recovery on postoperative day (POD) 7 for the first patient and after 3 months for the second.

CONCLUSION

This study has shown that a fluorescence imaging system applied with indocyanine green is a safe, easy and effective method to protect the parathyroid and predict postoperative parathyroidism.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry no. ChiCTR1800016864.

Surgical staging in endometrial cancer

In several malignancies, it has been demonstrated that the lymph nodal status is the most important pathologic factor affecting prognosis and giving the indication to further adjuvant treatment. The surgical assessment of the lymph nodal status in endometrial cancer is debated since 30 years. Recently, the sentinel lymph node mapping is rapidly gaining clinical acceptance in endometrial cancer. The adoption of Indocyanine Green as a safe and user friendly tracer for sentinel lymph node mapping increased the speed to which this procedure is getting applied in clinical practice. As a consequence of this rapid growth, several fundamental questions have been raised and are still debatable. In this manuscript, we discuss the importance of a known pathological lymph nodal status, the technique of the sentinel lymph node mapping with the reported false negative rates and detection rates according to the different tracers adopted, and the clinical scenarios in which a sentinel lymph node mapping could be employed.

Indocyanine green can stand alone in detecting sentinel lymph nodes in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) dye for detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in cervical cancer compared with other tracers is unknown. This study aimed to assess the validity of ICG dye in detecting SLNs in cervical cancer preoperatively.

METHODS

We performed a literature search for identifying eligible articles from PubMed database using the search terms "cervical cancer", "sentinel lymph node", "indocyanine green", "blue dyes", "human serum albumin", and "technetium-99 radiocolloid". We performed a meta-analysis. Comparison of the overall, bilateral, and unilateral detection rates of the different tracers was the primary goal. Comparison of the false-negative rate among the tracers was the secondary goal.

RESULTS

Only eight retrospective studies including 661 patients were included. ICG versus combinations of three other tracers showed significantly higher bilateral and unilateral detection rates, but no difference in the overall rate of detecting SLNs. ICG had a higher bilateral detection rate than blue dye and technetium-99. Absorbing human serum albumin into ICG as a lymphatic tracer did not show a difference in detection rate compared with ICG alone.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG is superior and better than other tracers, and absorbing human serum albumin as a lymphatic tracer is not required in patients with cervical cancer.

Near-infrared fluorescence for detection of sentinel lymph nodes in women with cervical and uterine cancers (FILM): a randomised, phase 3, multicentre, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Accurate identification of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with cancer improves detection of metastatic disease and decreases surgical morbidity. We sought to establish whether indocyanine green fluorescent dye is non-inferior to isosulfan blue dye in detecting sentinel lymph nodes in women with cervical and uterine cancers.

METHODS

In this non-inferiority, within-patient comparison study, patients aged 18 years or older with clinical stage I endometrial or cervical cancer undergoing curative surgery were randomly assigned 1:1 to lymphatic mapping with isosulfan blue dye (visualised by white light) followed by indocyanine green (visualised by near-infrared imaging), or indocyanine green followed by isosulfan blue dye. Permuted block randomisation with stratification by study site was done with a computerised random number generator. All participants were masked to their randomisation assignment until after the procedure; however, investigators were not masked to the procedure used. Laparoscopic surgery with the PINPOINT near-infrared fluorescence imaging system (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI, USA) was used in all cases. The primary outcome was efficacy of intraoperative indocyanine green with near-infrared fluorescence imaging versus that of isosulfan blue dye in the identification of lymph nodes, defined as the number of lymph nodes identified by indocyanine green and isosulfan blue dye, respectively (and confirmed as lymphoid tissue by histology), divided by the number of lymph nodes identified intraoperatively and excised. The study had a 5% non-inferiority margin needed to show non-inferiority of the frequency of lymph node detection with indocyanine green to that with isosulfan blue dye with 80% power at a 5% two-sided significance level. Analyses were done in both per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat populations. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02209532, and is completed and closed.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 21, 2015, and June 19, 2017, 180 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the two groups (90 to each group); 176 patients received the intervention and were evaluable (modified intention-to-treat population). 13 patients with major protocol violations were subsequently excluded from the per-protocol population. 517 sentinel nodes were identified in the per-protocol population (n=163), of which 478 (92%) were confirmed to be lymph nodes on pathological processing: 219 (92%) of 238 nodes that were both blue and green, all seven nodes that were blue only, and 252 (95%) of 265 nodes that were green only (p=0·33). Seven sentinel lymph nodes were neither blue nor green but were removed for appearing suspicious or enlarged on visual examination. In total, 471 (97%) of 485 lymph nodes were identified with the green dye and 226 (47%) with the blue dye (difference 50%, 95% CI 39-62; p<0·0001). In the modified intention-to-treat population (n=176), 545 nodes were identified, of which 513 (94%) were confirmed to be lymph nodes on pathological processing: 229 (92%) of 248 nodes that were both blue and green, all nine nodes that were blue only, and 266 (95%) of 279 nodes that were green only (p=0·30). Nine sentinal lymph nodes were neither blue nor green but were removed for appearing suspicious or enlarged on visual examination. 495 (96%) of 513 nodes were identified with the green dye and 238 (46%) with the blue dye (50%, 39-61; p<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Indocyanine green dye with near-infrared fluorescence imaging identified more sentinel nodes than isosulfan blue dye in women with cervical and uterine cancers, with no difference in the pathological confirmation of nodal tissue between the two mapping substances.

FUNDING

Novadaq.

Prognostic outcome and complications of sentinel lymph node navigation surgery for early-stage cervical cancer

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prognostic outcome and surgical complications in patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS) for hysterectomy or trachelectomy.

METHODS

A total of 139 patients who underwent SNNS using ^99mTc phytate between 2009 and 2015 were evaluated. No further lymph node dissection was performed when intraoperative analysis of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) was negative for metastasis. We compared the surgical complications between the SNNS group and 67 matched patients who underwent pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) after SLN mapping between 2003 and 2008. We also examined the clinical outcomes in the SNNS group.

RESULTS

The mean number of detected SLNs was 2.5 per patient. Fourteen of the 139 patients in the SNNS group underwent PLND based on the intraoperative SLN results. The amount of blood loss, the operative time, and the number of perioperative complications were significantly less in the SNNS group than in the matched PLND group. There was no recurrence during a follow-up period ranging from 2 to 88 months (median 40 months) in the SNNS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Using SNNS for early-stage cervical cancer is safe and effective and does not increase the recurrence rate. A future multicenter trial is warranted.

MR targeted imaging for the expression of tenascin-C in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE:

To detect cervical cancer and compare tumor invasiveness using a molecular targeted probe.

METHODS:

Tenascin-C expression was evaluated in 15 specimens. Five of them were cervical cancer with node metastasis (group A), five were cervical cancer without node metastasis (group B), and another five were normal cervix tissues (group C). Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and tenascin-C antibody were conjugated as an MR probe. After the fresh tissues incubated with the probe for 24 h, MR was performed to analysis the tissue signal changes.

RESULTS:

Cervical cancer tissues with node metastasis showed highest tenascin-C expression, while normal cervix showed little expression. For the non-metastatic cervical cancer patients, tenascin-C showed moderate expression. Tenascin-C was found diffusely in the stromal surrounding malignant tumor cells. After MR, the image signal changes (contrast-to-noise ratio) kept consistent with tenascin-C expression and showed statistical difference between the three groups (A: 3.87 ± 1.45 vs B: 2.33 ± 1.04 vs C: 0.66 ± 0.31; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION:

Tenascin-C expression can help to detect cervical cancer. MRI with SPIO-antitenascin-C may be used to evaluate the preoperative cervical cancer patients with node metastasis.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE:

Tenascin-C expression can help to detect cervical cancer and compare cancer invasiveness. Protein expression difference can be captured and compared on MR with SPIO-antitenascin-C.

Molecular Imaging of endometrial sentinel lymph nodes utilizing fluorescent-labeled Tilmanocept during robotic-assisted surgery in a porcine model

Molecular imaging with a fluorescent version of Tilmanocept may permit an accurate and facile detection of sentinel nodes of endometrial cancer. Tilmanocept accumulates in sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) by binding to a cell surface receptor unique to macrophages and dendritic cells. Four female Yorkshire pigs underwent cervical stromal injection of IRDye800-Tilmanocept, a molecular imaging agent tagged with near-infrared fluorescent dye and radiolabeled with gallium-68 and technetium-99m. PET/CT scans 1.5 hours post-injection provided pre-operative SLN mapping. Robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy was performed two days after injection, using the FireFly imaging system to identify nodes demonstrating fluorescent signal. After removal of fluorescent nodes, pelvic and periaortic node dissections were performed. Nodes were assayed for technetium-99m activity, and SLNs were established using the “10%-rule”, requiring that the radioactivity of additional SLNs be greater than 10% of the “hottest” SLN. Thirty-four nodal samples were assayed ex vivo for radioactivity. All the SLNs satisfying the “10%-rule” were detected using the FireFly system. Five fluorescent nodes were detected, corresponding with preoperative PET/CT scan. Three pigs had one SLN and one pig had two SLNs, with 100% concordance between fluorescence and radioactivity. Fluorescent-labeled Tilmanocept permits real-time intraoperative detection of SLNs during robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer in a porcine model. When radiolabeled with gallium-68, Tilmanocept allows for preoperative localization of SLNs using PET/CT, and shows specificity to SLNs with persistent fluorescent signal, detectable using the FireFly system, for two days post-injection. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a phase I trial in human subjects is warranted, and that a long-term goal of an intra-operative administration of non-radioactive fluorescent-labeled Tilmanocept is possible.

A practical guide for the use of indocyanine green and methylene blue in fluorescence-guided abdominal surgery

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is gaining clinical acceptance over the last years and has been used for detection of lymph nodes, several tumor types, vital structures and tissue perfusion. This review focuses on NIR fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green and methylene blue for different clinical applications in abdominal surgery with an emphasis on oncology, based on a systematic literature search. Furthermore, practical information on doses, injection times, and intraoperative use are provided.

Retrospective validation of the laparoscopic ICG SLN mapping in patients with grade 3 endometrial cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the sensitivity, negative predictive value (NPV) and false-negative (FN) rate of the near infrared (NIR) indocyanine green (ICG) sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in patients with poorly differentiated endometrial cancer who have undergone a full pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy after SLN mapping.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with endometrial cancer undergoing a laparoscopic NIR-ICG SLN mapping followed by a systematic pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Inclusion criteria were a grade 3 endometrial cancer or a high-risk histology (papillary serous, clear cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, and neuroendocrine carcinoma) and a completion pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy to the renal vessels after SLN mapping. Overall and bilateral detection rates, sensitivity, NPV, and FN rates were calculated.

RESULTS

From December 2012 until January 2017, 42 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Overall and bilateral detection rates were 100 and 90.5%, respectively. Overall, 23.8% of the patients had lymph node metastases. In one patient, despite negative bilateral pelvic SLNs, a metastatic non-SLN-isolated para-aortic metastasis was detected. This NSLN was clinically suspicious and sent to frozen section analysis during the surgery. FN rate, sensitivity, and NPV were 10, 90, and 97.1%, respectively. For the SLN mapping algorithm, FN rate, sensitivity, and NPV were 0, 100, and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic NIR-ICG SLN mapping in high-risk endometrial cancer patients has acceptable sensitivity, FN rate, and NPV.

The Efficacy of Fibrin Sealant Patches in Reducing the Incidence of Lymphatic Morbidity After Radical Lymphadenectomy: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Although pivotal in the oncological management of most tumors, radical lymphadenectomy is associated with a significant number of lymphatic complications. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of fibrinogen sealant patches in reducing lymphadenectomy-related postoperative complications.

METHODS/MATERIALS

The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, and Scopus were searched using the terms "lymphadenectomy" or "lymph node dissection" and "TachoSil," "TachoComb," or "fibrin sealant patch." Series evaluating the efficacy of fibrin-thrombin collagen sealant patches were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 26 studies were retrieved through the literature search. Ten studies including 720 patients met selection criteria. The use of fibrin-thrombin sealant patches to the sole scope of reducing lymphadenectomy-related complications significantly reduced the incidence of lymphocele, symptomatic lymphocele, the need of percutaneous drainage procedures, the volume of lymph drained, and the duration of the drainage. No effect on wound and/or lymphocele infection was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrates that the use of fibrin-thrombin sealant patches significantly reduces the total volume of lymph drained, the duration of the drainage, the incidence of lymphocele and symptomatic lymphocele, and the need for postoperative percutaneous drainage procedures. Its use does not affect the incidence of wound or lymphocele infections.

Sentinel Lymph Nodes Mapping in Cervical Cancer a Comprehensive Review

Objective

A comprehensive literature search for more recent studies pertaining to sentinel lymph node mapping in the surveillance of cervical cancer to assess if sentinel lymph node mapping has sensitivity and specificity for evaluation of the disease; assessment of posttreatment response and disease recurrence in cervical cancer.

Materials and Methods

The literature review has been constructed on a step wise study design that includes 5 major steps. This includes search for relevant publications in various available databases, application of inclusion and exclusion criteria for the selection of relevant publications, assessment of quality of the studies included, extraction of the relevant data and coherent synthesis of the data.

Results

The search yielded numerous studies pertaining to sentinel lymph node mapping, especially on the recent trends, comparison between various modalities and evaluation of the technique. Evaluation studies have appraised high sensitivity, high negative predictive values and low false-negative rate for metastasis detection using sentinel lymph node mapping. Comparative studies have established that of all the modalities for sentinel lymph node mapping, indocyanine green sentinel lymph node mapping has higher overall and bilateral detection rates. Corroboration of the deductions of these studies further establishes that the sentinel node detection rate and sensitivity are strongly correlated to the method or technique of mapping and the history of preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

The review takes us to the strong conclusion that sentinel lymph node mapping is an ideal technique for detection of sentinel lymph nodes in cervical cancer patients with excellent detection rates and high sensitivity. The review also takes us to the supposition that a routine clinical evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes is feasible and a real-time florescence mapping with indocyanine green dye gives better statistically significant overall and bilateral detection than methylene blue.

Comparison of sentinel lymph node detection performances using blue dye in conjunction with indocyanine green or radioisotope in breast cancer patients: a prospective single-center randomized study

Objective:

This randomized study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy between the novel dual tracer composed of indocyanine green (ICG) and blue dye (BD) and the conventional dual tracer composed of radioisotope and BD for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in patients with breast cancer.

Methods:

This study enrolled 471 clinically lymph node-negative patients with primary breast cancer. All patients underwent mastectomy, and those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) were randomized to receive blue dye plus radioisotope (RB group) or BD plus ICG (IB group). The detection performances on SLN identification rate, positive SLN counts, detection sensitivity, and false-negative rate were compared between the two groups.

Results:

In the IB group, 97% (194/200) of the patients who underwent the ICG and BD dual tracer injection showed fluorescent-positive lymphatic vessels within 2–5 min. The identification rate of SLNs was comparable between the IB group (99.0%, 198/200) and the RB group (99.6%, 270/271) (P = 0.79). No significant differences were observed in the identification rate of metastatic SLNs (22.5% vs. 22.9%, P > 0.05, RB group vs. IB group, the same below), positive SLN counts (3.72 ± 2.28 vs. 3.91 ± 2.13, P > 0.05), positive metastatic SLN counts (0.38 ± 0.84 vs. 0.34 ± 0.78, P > 0.05), SLNB detection sensitivity (94.4% vs. 92.5%, P > 0.05), or false-negative rate (5.6% vs. 7.5%, P > 0.05) between the two groups.

Conclusions:

ICG can be used as a promising alternative tracer for radioisotope in SLN mapping, and when it is combined with BD in lymphangiography, it offers comparable detection sensitivity compared to the conventional lymphatic mapping strategies that are widely used in clinical practice.

A reappraisal of vascular anatomy of the parathyroid gland based on fluorescence techniques

Identification of the parathyroid glands (PGs) during thyroid surgery may prevent their inadvertent surgical removal and prevent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. However, identification of the PGs does not guarantee their function, and their vascular supply needs to be preserved as well. The recent introduction of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent angiography of the PGs during thyroid surgery allows for the appraisal of the vascular anatomy and evaluation of PG function. The use of this tool could lead to a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, as it allows surgeons to adapt their surgical technique for the preservation of the PGs. ICG fluorescent angiography is currently the only available real-time tool to assess the vascular blood supply of each individual PG intraoperatively and can thus assist surgeons in their decision-making. Herein, we review the relevant literature.

Image-guided surgery in gynecologic oncology

Image-guided surgery is a relevant way to reduce surgical morbidity and maximize cytoreductive surgery approach especially in ovarian cancer. Sentinel lymph node detection is a promising approach to avoid radical lymph node dissection and is slightly becoming standard in daily practice in endometrial and cervical cancer surgery even if it needs to be evaluated more precisely. Regarding carcinomatosis of ovarian origin, detection and treatment of microscopic disease could be appropriate to avoid local recurrences. Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy are innovative techniques that allow to precise limits of excision (fluorescence-guided surgery) and to treat microscopic disease. Further developments of those strategies are necessary to become standard diagnosis tools and treatment options.

Application of carbon nanoparticles in laparoscopic sentinel lymph node detection in patients with early-stage cervical cancer

Objective

To investigate the value of carbon nanoparticles in identifying sentinel lymph nodes in early-stage cervical cancer.

Methods

From January 2014 to January 2016, 40 patients with cervical cancer stage IA2–IIA, based on the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2009 criteria, were included in this study. The normal cervix around the tumor was injected with a total of 1 mL of carbon nanoparticles (CNP)at 3 and 9 o'clock. All patients then underwent laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection and radical hysterectomy. The black-dyed sentinel lymph nodes were removed for routine pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Among the 40 patients, 38 patients had at least one sentinel lymph node (SLN). The detection rate was 95% (38/40). One hundred seventy-three SLNs were detected with an average of 3.9 SLNs per side. 25 positive lymph nodes, which included 21 positive SLNs, were detected in 8 (20%) patients. Sentinel lymph nodes were localized in the obturator (47.97%), internal lilac (13.87%), external lilac (26.59%), parametrial (1.16%), and common iliac (8.67%) regions. The sensitivity of the SLN detection was 100% (5/5), the accuracy was 97.37% (37/38), and the negative predictive value was 100. 0% and the false negative rate was 0%.

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph nodes can be used to accurately predict the pathological state of pelvic lymph nodes in early cervical cancer. The detection rates and accuracy of sentinel lymph node were high. Carbon nanoparticles can be used to trace the sentinel lymph node in early cervical cancer.

Sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer: comparison of fluorescence dye with traditional radiocolloid and blue

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in endometrial cancer (EMCA) is rapidly gaining acceptance in the clinical community. As compared to a full lymphadenectomy in every patient, to a selective lymphadenectomy after frozen section of uterus in selected patients with intrauterine risk factors or to a strategy in which a lymphadenectomy is always omitted, SLN mapping seems to be a reasonable and oncologically safe middle ground. Various protocols can be used when applying an SLN mapping. In this manuscript we review the characteristics, toxicity and clinical impact of technetium-99m radiocolloid (Tc-99m), of the blue dyes (methylene blue, isosulfan blue and patent blue) and of indocyanine green (ICG). ICG has an excellent toxicity profile, has higher overall and bilateral detection rates as compared to blue dyes and higher bilateral detection rates as compared to a combination of Tc-99m and blue dye. The detrimental effect of BMI on the detection rates is attenuated when ICG is used as a tracer. The ease of use of the ICG SLN mapping is perceived by the patients as a better quality of care delivered. Whenever possible, ICG should be favored over the other tracers for SLN mapping in EMCA patients.

The impact of examined lymph node count on survival in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

Introduction

The prognostic impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELNs) in different histological subtypes of cervical cancer remains unclear. We aimed to assess the impact of the number of ELNs in stage IA2–IIA cervical cancer with different histological subtypes.

Methods

Data of patients with stage IA2–IIA squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) of the uterine cervix between 1988 and 2013 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze the effect of number of ELNs on cause-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

The final data set identified 11,830 patients including 7,920 (66.9%) women with SCC and 3,910 (33.1%) with AC. The median number of ELNs was 19. The multivariate analysis indicated that the number of ELNs was an independent prognostic factor influencing CSS and OS, both as a continuous or a categorical variable. Patients with a higher number of ELNs had better survival outcomes. In SCC subtype, the number of ELNs was also the independent prognostic factor of CSS and OS in node-positive patients, but not in patients with node-negative disease. In AC patients, ELN count was not an independent predictor of CSS and OS regardless of lymph node status.

Conclusion

The number of ELNs is an independent prognostic factor in patients with stage IA2–IIB cervical cancer. A higher number of ELNs is associated with better survival outcomes, especially in the node-positive SCC subtype.

Indocyanine Green versus Radiotracer with or without Blue Dye for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Stage >IB1 Cervical Cancer (>2 cm)

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in women with cervical cancer stage >IB1 (tumor size >2 cm) using indocyanine green (ICG) versus the standard technique using radioisotope technetium 99m radiocolloid (Tc99^m) radiotracer with or without blue dye.

DESIGN

European multicenter, retrospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

Four academic medical centers.

PATIENTS

Ninety-five women with stage IB1 cervical cancer (>2 cm) who underwent SLN mapping with Tc99^m with or without blue dye or ICG and radical hysterectomy.

INTERVENTION

The detection rate and bilateral mapping rate were compared between ICG and standard Tc99^m radiotracer with or without blue dye. Lymphadenectomy was performed, and the false-negative rate was assessed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Forty-seven patients underwent SLN mapping with Tc99^m with or without blue dye, and 48 did so with ICG. All patients underwent radical hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy between 2008 and 2016. The overall detection rate of SLN mapping was 91.5% for Tc99^m with or without blue dye and 100% for ICG. A 91.7% rate of bilateral migration was achieved for ICG, significantly higher than the 66% obtained with Tc99^m with or without blue dye (p = .025). Nine of the 23 SLN-positive patients (39.1%) were diagnosed exclusively as a result of the ultrastaging used to identify micrometastases or isolated tumor cells only.

CONCLUSIONS

In advanced cervical cancer (stage IB1 >2 cm), the detection rate and bilateral migration rate on real-time fluorescent SLN mapping were higher with ICG than with Tc99^m radiotracer with or without blue dye. SLN mapping and ultrastaging can provide additional information for nodal staging in advanced cervical cancer. In this setting, ICG is a promising tool for mapping, appearing less affected by higher disease stage compared with traditional methods.

The detection of sentinel lymph nodes in laparoscopic surgery for uterine cervical cancer using 99m-technetium-tin colloid, indocyanine green, and blue dye

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine the feasibility and detection rates and clarify the most effective combination of injected tracer types for sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in uterine cervical cancer in patients who have undergone laparoscopic surgery or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

METHODS

A total of 119 patients with cervical cancer underwent SLN biopsy at radical hysterectomy using three types of tracers. The various factors related to side-specific detection rate, sensitivity, and false negative (FN) rate were analyzed.

RESULTS

The SLN detection rates using 99m-technetium ((99m)Tc)-tin colloid, indigo carmine, and indocyanine green (ICG) were 85.8%, 20.2%, and 61.6%, respectively. The patients with ≥2-cm-diameter tumors and those who received NAC had lower detection rates than those with <2-cm-diameter tumors (75.7% vs. 91.5%, p<0.01) and those who did not receive NAC (67.9% vs. 86.3%, p<0.01), respectively. Laparoscopic procedures had a higher detection rate than laparotomy (100.0% vs. 77.1%, p<0.01). No factors significantly affected the sensitivity; however, the patients with ≥2-cm-diameter tumors (86.0% vs. 1.4%, p<0.01), NAC (19.4% vs. 2.2%, p<0.01), and those who underwent laparotomy (7.4% vs. 0%, p<0.01) had an unfavorable FN rate.

CONCLUSION

Among the examined tracers, (99m)Tc had the highest detection of SLN mapping in patients with uterine cervical cancer. Patients with local advanced cervical cancer with/without NAC treatment might be unsuited for SLN mapping. SLN mapping is feasible and results in an excellent detection rate in patients with <2-cm-diameter cervical cancer. Laparoscopic surgery is the best procedure for SLN detection in patients with early-stage disease.