Sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial and cervical cancer: a survey of practices and attitudes in gynecologic oncologists

Innovative ICG Application in Benign Gynaecological Surgery: Enhancing Safety and Precision

In the context of increased adoption of minimally invasive surgery for benign gynaecological conditions, this study underscores the paramount importance of patient safety. We explored the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG), a fluorescent dye, in enhancing the visualisation of critical anatomical structures during complex laparoscopic procedures. Our methods involved the direct administration of ICG into the ureters for precise identification and dissection, as well as an innovative vaginal application to delineate the rectovaginal plane in cases with distorted pelvic anatomy. The study presented two cases: a laparoscopic hysterectomy for a multifibroid uterus and a case of advanced endometriosis with rectal involvement. Results indicated that ICG use significantly improved real-time visualisation of the ureters and the rectovaginal plane, which facilitated the surgeries and reduced the cognitive load on surgeons. There were no intraoperative complications, and the postoperative phase showed positive patient outcomes. In conclusion, the application of ICG in these laparoscopic surgeries proved to be a beneficial adjunct, suggesting its potential for broader application in benign gynaecological surgeries. Future research is warranted to explore additional uses of ICG, with a focus on enhancing patient safety and surgical efficacy.

Para-aortic lymph node dissection with or without nerve-sparing in gynecological malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Para-aortic lymph node dissection (PALND) is a widely used treatment that causes many complications. This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nerve-sparing para-aortic lymph node dissection (NSPALND) by comparing it with conventional PALND in gynecological malignancies and to prove whether locating the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) can help reveal the para-aortic nerves.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of the patients who underwent para-aortic lymphadenectomy from January 2020 to December 2022 at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital. All of them were divided into NSPALND and PALND groups according to whether or not nerve-sparing was performed. The surgical, functional and oncological outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 43 patients enrolled, of which, 20 patients underwent NSPALND and 23 patients underwent PALND. The para-aortic nerves were successfully revealed by locating the SHP in all 20 cases of NSPALND. The post-operative anal exhaust time in the NSPALND group was significantly shorter than that in the PALND group (2.5 vs. 4 days, p=0.006), and the incidence of acute intestinal obstruction in the NSPALND group was significantly lower than that in the PALND group (10% vs. 39%, p=0.029). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of catheterization duration, urinary retention, dysuria, as well as the number of lymph nodes removed and the para-aortic recurrence rate.

CONCLUSION

NSPALND can significantly reduce the rate of acute intestinal obstruction and improve post-operative intestinal function. Locating the SHP and using it as an anatomical landmark to reveal the para-aortic nerves is feasible. Its exact clinical value needs to be further studied.

Prognosis of isolated tumor cells and use of molecular classification in early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the prognosis and molecular subtypes of early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer with isolated tumor cells within sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) compared with node negative disease.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with stage IA, IB, or II endometrioid endometrial cancer and primary surgical management were identified from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2019. All SLNs underwent ultrastaging according to the institutional protocol. Patients with cytokeratin positive cells, micrometastases, and macrometastases were excluded. Clinical, pathology, and molecular subtype data were reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall, 1214 patients with early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer met the inclusion criteria, of whom 1089 (90%) had node negative disease and 125 (10%) had isolated tumor cells. Compared with node negative disease, the presence of isolated tumor cells had a greater association with deep myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, receipt of adjuvant therapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy with or without radiation (p<0.01). There was no significant difference in survival rates between patients with isolated tumor cells and node negative disease (3 year progression free survival rate 94% vs 91%, respectively, p=0.21; 3 year overall survival rate 98% vs 96%, respectively, p=0.45). Progression free survival did not significantly differ among patients with isolated tumor cells who received no adjuvant therapy or chemotherapy with or without radiation (p=0.31). There was no difference in the distribution of molecular subtypes between patients with isolated tumor cells (n=28) and node negative disease (n=194; p=0.26). Three year overall survival rates differed significantly when stratifying the entire cohort by molecular subtype (p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with isolated tumor cells demonstrated less favorable uterine pathologic features and received more adjuvant treatment with similar survival compared with patients with nodenegative disease. Among the available data, molecular classification did not have a significant association with the presence of isolated tumor cells, although copy number-high status was a poor prognostic indicator in early stage endometrioid endometrial cancer.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer: The new norm - A multicentre, international experience

OBJECTIVES

The landscape of early-stage endometrial cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the last decade. The aim of this study is to provide a real-world view of the impact sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has had on both clinical practice and patient outcomes. We describe detection and recurrence rates, as well as our experience in managing low volume lymph node disease.

METHODS

We conducted an international, multicenter retrospective cohort study of 1012 patients with apparent early-stage endometrial cancer. Eligible patients underwent primary surgical staging and SLN biopsy in one of three large academic tertiary cancer centers in Canada or the Republic of Korea between 2015 and 2019. Demographic, surgical, clinicopathologic and recurrence data were collected through chart review.

RESULTS

A total of 1012 patients were included. Overall SLN detection rate for all tracer types was 94.1% and recurrence rate was 5.3%. Higher FIGO stage (III vs. I/II) was associated with failed bilateral mapping (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.14-4.52). We identified seven patients with micrometastases and 12 with isolated tumor cells, of which only one patient with micrometastases recurred at 17 months. Recurrence rates based on risk groups were 2.1%, 5.3%, 8.1%, and 9.9% for low, intermediate, high-intermediate, and high risk, respectively.

CONCLUSION

SLN biopsy is safe and feasible. Detection rates are high, regardless of which tracer type is used and recurrence rates are low, especially in low and intermediate risk disease. Patients with low volume metastases appear to have low risk of recurrence, but replication of our findings by large prospective studies are needed to elucidate their clinical importance.

[Carbon nanoparticle tracing of sentinel lymph nodes in diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer and clinical value of lymph node ultrastaging detection]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection using carbon nanoparticles in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer and the value of lymph node pathological ultrastaging detection.

METHODS

A total of 79 patients with cervical cancer in IA2, IB1, IB2, IIA1 and IIICp1 stages admitted to the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital between June, 2018 and January, 2021 were included in this study. During the operation, the patients were injected with a total of 0.25 mL carbon nanoparticles at 3 and 9 o'clock of the normal cervix after general anesthesia. The first black-dyed lymph nodes were identified as SLNs and removed one by one. All the patients underwent pelvic lymph node dissection and radical hysterectomy with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The black-dyed SLNs were removed for routine pathological examination. Thirty patients with negative SLNs were randomly selected for pathological ultrastaging.

RESULTS

In 67 of the 79 patients, a total of 417 SLNs were detected with a detection rate of 84.8%; in each patient, at least 1 SLN was detected with a mean SLN number of 5.28. After the operation, 5 patients were found to have positive SLNs; 1 patient was negative for SLN but positive for non-SLN. The sensitivity of SLN biopsy was 83.3% with a specificity of 100%, false negative rate of 16.7%, an accuracy of 98.5% and a negative predictive value of 98.4%. SLN was distributed mainly in the obturator region, the external iliac region, the internal iliac region and the total iliac region (15.11%). Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that preoperative cervical coning (P=0.045 and 0.009) and tumor size (P=0.033 and 0.008) significantly affected the overall detection rate of SLN. Kappa test showed a high consistency between SLN and pelvic lymph node metastasis status (Kappa value=0.901, P < 0.001). In 30 patients with negative pathological results of SLN, pathological ultrastaging detection identified no micrometastases or isolated tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Carbon nanoparticle tracing of the SLNs is safe and feasible in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer, and SLN detection is safe in patients with primary lesion size below 2 cm or without cervical conization. SLN combined with pathological ultrastaging detection does not improve the detection rate of isolated tumor cells or micrometastases.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic risk factors of cervical cancer patients aged ≤35 years old

We aimed to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic risk factors of cervical cancer in patients aged ≤35 years. A total of 256 cervical cancer patients treated at Anhui Medical University Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Hospital and The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2016 to October 2018 were divided into ≤35-year-old (n = 136) and >35-year-old (n = 120) groups. Their clinicopathological characteristics and 3-year cumulative disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared. The factors influencing the 3-year cumulative DFS rate of patients in the ≤35-year-old group were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection rate, incidence rate of contact vaginal bleeding, depth of cervical interstitial infiltration, and incidence rates of parametrial metastasis and vascular infiltration were all significantly higher in the ≤35-year-old group than in the >35-year-old group. The 3-year cumulative DFS rates of all patients and those with HPV infection and contact vaginal bleeding were significantly lower in the ≤35-year-old group than in the >35-year-old group (69.12% vs. 77.50%, 68.29% vs. 80.85%, and 66.04% vs. 81.48%) (log-rank χ2 = 7.429, 4.339, and 4.276, P < .05). Depth of cervical interstitial infiltration >4 mm, parametrial metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and vascular infiltration were independent risk factors for the prognosis of cervical cancer patients aged ≤35 years (P < .05). Cervical cancer aged ≤35 years have a worse postoperative prognosis than those aged >35 years, which is affected by the depth of cervical interstitial infiltration >4 mm, parametrial metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and vascular infiltration. Therefore, it is necessary to identify more effective treatment methods for young patients with cervical cancer to improve the therapeutic effect and reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis.

Applications and Safety of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Endometrial Cancer

Lymph node status is important in predicting the prognosis and guiding adjuvant treatment in endometrial cancer. However, previous studies showed that systematic lymphadenectomy conferred no therapeutic values in clinically early-stage endometrial cancer but might lead to substantial morbidity and impact on the quality of life of the patients. The sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node that tumor cells drain to, and sentinel lymph node biopsy has emerged as an acceptable alternative to full lymphadenectomy in both low-risk and high-risk endometrial cancer. Evidence has demonstrated a high detection rate, sensitivity and negative predictive value of sentinel lymph node biopsy. It can also reduce surgical morbidity and improve the detection of lymph node metastases compared with systematic lymphadenectomy. This review summarizes the current techniques of sentinel lymph node mapping, the applications and oncological outcomes of sentinel lymph node biopsy in low-risk and high-risk endometrial cancer, and the management of isolated tumor cells in sentinel lymph nodes. We also illustrate a revised sentinel lymph node biopsy algorithm and advocate to repeat the tracer injection and explore the presacral and paraaortic areas if sentinel lymph nodes are not found in the hemipelvis.

The Role of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in High-grade Endometrial Cancer

OPINION STATEMENT

Total hysterectomy with lymph node assessment is the current standard-of-care for surgical staging in apparent early-stage endometrial cancer. Compared to the traditional complete pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without para-aortic lymphadenectomy, sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping results in fewer surgical complications, decreased operative time, and lower rates of chronic lymphedema. The technique is endorsed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the Society of Gynecologic Oncology guidelines, and over the past two decades the majority of gynecologic oncologists worldwide have adopted SLN mapping into their practice. However, as the results of the initial SLN studies were mostly based on low-grade tumors, adoption of the technique in high-grade tumors has been slower and more controversial. In this review, we discuss the most recent studies evaluating the SLN mapping in high-grade endometrial cancers. The results of these studies suggest that the SLN detection rate is acceptably high and the negative predictive value is sufficiently low to support the use of SLN mapping in high-grade endometrial tumors to replace complete lymphadenectomy. Validity of SLN mapping techniques does, however, require following a standard algorithm, and success depends also on surgeon expertise. Moreover, the impact of SLN mapping on overall survival in high-grade tumors requires future prospective randomized studies. Finally, a transition toward near-universal SLN mapping techniques for endometrial cancers could significantly impact on the adequacy of gynecologic oncology fellows' surgical training and competency in lymphadenectomy.

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.

The utilisation of sentinel lymph node biopsy for endometrial cancer in Australia and New Zealand

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify to what extent the sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique is utilised by gynaecological oncologists in Australia and New Zealand, identifying the techniques used, any barriers to uptake, and management of isolated tumour cells (ITCs) and micrometastases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an online survey of all practising gynaecological oncologists in Australia and New Zealand. They were asked whether they utilised SLN biopsy and in what circumstances, how they managed non-mapping and how their multidisciplinary team managed small volume disease. Those who did not were asked to identify their concerns with the procedure, reasons for non-uptake and their alternate technique.

RESULTS

We surveyed 63 gynaecological oncologists of whom 59 were practising, and 48 (81%) responded. Six members (11%) do not utilise SLN biopsy, and 42 (89%) do. Areas where clinicians differ in practice are those areas that are most controversial and include the use of SLN biopsy in complex atypical hyperplasia, the management of ITCs and micrometastases and procedures on unilateral or bilateral non-mapping. Those who do not utilise the technique cite concerns about the false-negative rate, equipment and training issues.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilisation of SLN biopsy in endometrial cancer is well established in Australia and New Zealand, with similar practices and concerns to those of other international groups.

Comprehensive Review of Fluorescence Applications in Gynecology

Since the introduction of indocyanine green (ICG) as a fluorophore in near-infrared imaging, fluorescence visualization has become an essential tool in many fields of surgery. In the field of gynecology, recent new applications have been proposed and found their place in clinical practice. Different applications in gynecology were investigated, subcategorized, and overviewed concerning surgical applications and available dyes. Specific applications in which fluorescence-guided surgery was implemented in gynecology are described in this manuscript—namely, sentinel node biopsy, mesometrium visualization, angiography of different organs, safety issues in pregnant women, ureters visualization, detection of peritoneal metastases, targeted fluorophores for cancer detection, fluorescent contamination hysterectomy, lymphography for lower limb lymphedema prevention, tumor margin detection, endometriosis, and metastases mapping. With evolving technology, further innovative research on the new applications of fluorescence visualization in cancer surgery may help to establish these techniques as standards of high-quality surgery in gynecology. However, more investigations are necessary in order to assess if these innovative tools can also be effective to improve patient outcomes and quality of life in different gynecologic malignancies.

Recurrence risk of occult micrometastases and isolated tumor cells in early stage endometrial cancer: A case control study

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Ultra-staging INCREASED the identification of low volume lymph node metastasis in EC.

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Occult ITC were not associated with increased odds of recurrent EC.

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Occult ITC were closely associated with known risk factors in early-stage EC.

Objectives

To determine whether previously undetected occult micrometastasis (MM) or isolated tumor cells (ITC) is associated with increased recurrence odds in stage I-II endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Women with recurrent stage I/II EC who had complete pelvic and para-aortic were identified as the outcome of interest. A case-control study was designed with the exposure defined as occult MM/ITC not seen on original nodal pathology. Controls were found by frequency-matching in a 1:2 case control ratio. Original nodal slides were re-reviewed, stained and tested with immunohistochemical to detect occult MM/ITC and the odds of associated recurrence was calculated.

Results

Of 153 included, 50 with and 103 without recurrence, there was no difference in age (p = 0.46), race (p = 0.24), stage (p = 0.75), FIGO grade (p = 0.64), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI); p = 1.00, or GOG 99 high-intermediate risk (HIR) criteria (p = 0.35). A total of 18 ITC (11.8%) and 3 MM (2.0%) not previously identified were found in 19 patients. Finding occult MM/ITC was not associated with more lymph nodes (LN) removed (p = 0.67) or tumor grade (p = 0.48) but was significantly associated with stage (p < 0.01). LVSI (p = 0.09) and meeting high-intermediate risk criteria (p = 0.09), were closely associated but not statistically significant. Isolated ITC were not associated with increased odds for recurrence (OR 0.71, CL: 0.20 – 2.22, p = 0.57), recurrence free survival (RFS) (p = 0.85) or overall survival (OS) (p = 0.92).

Conclusions

In early-stage EC, identification of occult MM or ITC is uncommon and associated with stage. The presence of ITC was not associated with increased odds of recurrence. Adjusting stage or treatment may avoided based on ITC alone. Isolated MM were rare in our population, and further investigation is warranted.

Survey of the clinical practice pattern of using sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with gynecological cancers in Japan: the Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology study

BACKGROUND

Sentinel lymph node (SN) biopsy is essential for evaluating survival and minimal treatment-related morbidity associated with cervical, endometrial, and vulvar cancer in Japan. As such, our aim in this study was to evaluate the current practice pattern of using SN biopsy for cervical, endometrial, and vulvar cancer in Japan.

METHODS

We deployed a 47-question survey on the use of SN biopsy for gynecological cancers to 216 gynecological oncology training facilities. The survey included information on the use of SN biopsy for uterine (cervical and endometrial) and vulvar cancers; details on the type, timing, and concentration of tracers used; surgical approach used for SN biopsy; method of biopsy and pathological examination; and facilities' experience with clinical research on SN biopsy.

RESULTS

The response rate was 84% (181/216), with 40 facilities (22%) having experience in SN biopsy for gynecological cancers, 34 (85%) for uterine cancers, and 15 (37%) for vulvar cancers. Radioisotope, indocyanine green (ICG), and blue dyes were available for the detection of uterine cancers in 21 (52%), 25 (62%), and 19 (48%) facilities and for vulvar cancers in 9 (22%), 3 (7%), and 11 (27%) facilities, respectively. Thirty-four facilities (85%) used intraoperative frozen section procedure for diagnosis when possible, with 24 (71%) of these facilities using 2-mm specimen cuts. Diagnosis included pathological examination (85%), immunostaining (57%), and one-step nucleic acid amplification (5%).

CONCLUSION

Increasing research evidence, providing insurance coverage for radioisotope tracers, and increasing the availability of training are expected to increase the use of SN biopsy in Japan.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in otherwise stage I/II endometrioid endometrial cancer: To treat or not to treat?

OBJECTIVES

To assess associations between treatment and recurrence-free survival (RFS) among patients with isolated tumor cells (ITCs) in sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) and otherwise stage I/II endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective study of patients with SLN ITCs (<200 cells and < 0.2 mm) was performed. Only patients with otherwise stage I/II EC, endometrioid histology, and no evidence of micro-or macrometastases were included. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate associations between treatment, tumor characteristics, and RFS.

RESULTS

175 patients were included. Median follow up time was 31 months. 39% stage IB and 12% stage II disease. 76 (43%) received no adjuvant therapy or vaginal brachytherapy only (NAT/VBT), 21 (12%) had external beam radiation (EBRT), and 78 (45%) received chemotherapy +/- radiation. Patients who received chemotherapy more often had tumors with deep myoinvasion, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), and higher grade. Nine (5.1%) patients recurred; 5 distant, 3 retroperitoneal, and 1 vaginal. Extra-vaginal recurrences were similar in patients with or without chemotherapy (5.2% vs 3.8%, p = 0.68). After controlling for stage, LVSI and grade, chemotherapy and EBRT were not associated with RFS (HR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.11-3.52, and HR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.22-3.61, respectively). Type of lymph node dissection and ITC detection method were not associated with RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of retroperitoneal and/or distant recurrence is low (4.6%) for patients with stage I/II endometrioid EC and ITCs in SLNs regardless of treatment. Our preliminary data suggests that adjuvant therapy may not be significantly associated with RFS. However, longer follow-up time and a larger sample size are needed before definitive recommendations regarding adjuvant therapy for patients with EC and only ITCs in SLN can be made.

Controversies in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Gynecologic Malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy represents an evolution in the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques for gynecologic cancers. Prospective and retrospective studies have consistently shown its accuracy in the detection of lymph node metastases for endometrial and cervical cancers. However, consistent with any emerging surgical technique in the early phases of adoption, new questions have arisen regarding its application and impact. This paper served as a scoping review to identify the key controversies that have arisen in the field of SLN biopsy for endometrial and cervical cancers.

DATA SOURCES

Several key controversies were identified, and PubMed, the Cochrane Library (cochranelibrary.com) advanced search function, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines were searched for supporting evidence. These included search terms such as "the accuracy of SLN biopsy for high grade endometrial cancer or cervical cancers >2-cm," "cost effectiveness of SLN biopsy for gynecologic cancers," "clinical significance of low volume metastases in endometrial cancer," "morbidity of SLN biopsy for endometrial and cervical cancer," and "impact on cancer survival of SLN biopsy for endometrial and cervical cancer."

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Studies were selected for review if they included significant numbers of patients, were level I evidence, or were prospective trials. Where this level of evidence failed to exist, seminal observational series that were published in high-quality journals were included.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Similar studies were listed and subcategorized and cross-compared, excluding those that included repeated analyses of the same patient populations. The relevant clinical trials or observational studies were clustered and reviewed for each chosen controversy. Adequate evidence supports the accuracy of SLN biopsy in the staging of high-grade endometrial cancer and cervical cancer, and it seems to be a cost-effective strategy for invasive endometrial cancer. Conclusive evidence was lacking with respect to the oncologic outcomes related to SLN biopsy, the impact on patient morbidity, and whether clinicians should treat isolated tumor cells in SLNs with adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSION

SLN biopsy is an accepted staging strategy for cervical and endometrial cancer surgery; however, controversies remain in how it can be applied with the most safety and efficacy. These ultimately need to be resolved with further clinical trials and observations of larger series of patients.

Validation of an Endometrial Tumor Diameter Model for Risk Assessment in the Absence of Lymph Node Mapping

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the optimal tumor diameter for predicting lymphatic metastasis and to determine intraoperatively the need for lymph node dissection in patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Military beneficiaries diagnosed with stage I-III endometrioid endometrial cancer during 2003-2016 who had at least 7 pelvic and/or paraaortic lymph nodes removed during the time of hysterectomy were studied. Tumor diameter was compared against the presence of positive nodes, using the prior models of 20 mm (ie, Mayo model) and 50 mm (ie, Milwaukee model), to determine the false-negative rate of each threshold. A separate analysis was completed to determine the optimal diameter for our population. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis models of tumor diameter were evaluated for model fit and predictive power of lymph node involvement.

RESULTS

Of the 1224 patients with endometrioid endometrial cancer included, 13% (n=160) had positive lymph node involvement. Tumor sizes ranged from 1 mm to 100 mm. In contrast to Mayo and Milwaukee models (ie, Mayo, Milwaukee), the optimal tumor diameter independent of myometrial invasion and grade of tumor to predict lymph node metastasis was found to be 35 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrioid endometrial cancer tumor diameter of 35 mm was found to be the optimal threshold for lymphadenectomy when the operating surgeon has no knowledge of tumor invasion.

Role of carbon nanoparticle suspension in sentinel lymph node biopsy for early-stage cervical cancer: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical diagnostic validity of carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNS) in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for assessing lymphatic spread of early-stage cervical cancer.

DESIGN

A prospective study.

SETTING AND POPULATION

356 cases.

METHODS

We enrolled 356 stage Ia2-IIa2 cervical cancer patients to undergo SLNB using CNS, followed by systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. All lymph node specimens were assessed using conventional histopathologic ± pathologic ultrastaging analyses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sentinel lymph node detection rate (DR), clinical diagnostic validity and various related factors were analysed.

RESULTS

CNS identified 1456 SLNs in 325 patients. The overall SLN DR was 91.29%. A significantly higher DR was found for patients with tumours <20 mm (97.75% versus 71.91%; P < 0.001). Two patients had false-negative results. SLNB with CNS had sensitivity of 96.65%, false-negative rate (FNR) of 4.35% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.29%. Importantly, sensitivity (100%), NPV (100%) and FNR (0%) were improved when testing the subgroup of patients with tumours <20 mm (267 cases). There were no observed differences in DR based on pathological type or grade, stage, depth of stromal invasion, surgical approach, menopausal status or prior treatment with chemotherapy (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with CNS results in favourable DR, sensitivity and NPV for women with early-stage cervical cancer with small tumour sizes. SLNB with CNS is safe, feasible and relatively effective for guiding precise surgical treatment of early-stage cervical cancer.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with carbon nanoparticle suspension is safe and feasible for early-stage cervical cancer.

Incidence of pelvic lymph node metastasis using modern FIGO staging and sentinel lymph node mapping with ultrastaging in surgically staged patients with endometrioid and serous endometrial carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

We report the incidence of occult nodal metastasis in patients who underwent primary surgical staging for apparent early endometrioid or serous endometrial cancer with bilateral SLN mapping and enhanced pathology. Occult ovarian metastasis rates were also reported.

METHODS

Patients with clinical stage I serous or endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent primary staging surgery with successful bilateral SLN mapping from 1/2005-12/2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Rates of isolated tumor cells (ITCs), micro- and macrometastatic nodal disease, and occult ovarian involvement were reported.

RESULTS

Of 1044 patients, 959 had endometrioid and 85 serous carcinoma. There were no positive SLNs among 510 patients with noninvasive FIGO grade 1/2 endometrioid carcinoma and < 1%ITCs. Grade 1: 4.5%(9/202) with inner-half and 10%(6/62) with outer-half myoinvasion had positive SLNs. Grade 2: rates were 4%(3/76) and 20%(8/41), respectively. Grade 3: 5%(1/20) with noninvasive, 3%(1/31) with inner-half, and 24%(4/17) with outer-half myoinvasion had positive SLNs. ITC incidence increased with depth of myoinvasion-25% of deeply invasive grade 1/2 and 18% of deeply invasive grade 3 tumors. Four (10%) of 41 patients with noninvasive serous endometrial carcinoma had ITCs or positive SLNs. There were no occult ovarian metastases with grades 1/2 disease, 2/68 (3%) with grade 3 disease, and 2/85 (2%) with serous endometrial carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Ultrastaging SLNs may be unwarranted in low-grade noninvasive endometrioid cancer but valuable in noninvasive serous carcinoma. Occult ovarian metastasis is uncommon in early endometrial carcinoma and occurs in 2-3% of high-risk histologies. Further research is needed to determine ITC significance, particularly with regard to adjuvant treatment.

Accuracy of One-Step Nucleic Acid Amplification in Detecting Lymph Node Metastases in Endometrial Cancer

One-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) is used to intraoperatively detect sentinel lymph node metastases in breast cancer. OSNA has also been proposed in endometrial cancer, but evidence in this regard is unclear to define the diagnostic accuracy of OSNA in detecting lymph node metastases in endometrial cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching 8 electronic databases from their inception to March 2019 for studies testing the diagnostic accuracy of OSNA in detecting sentinel lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer. Pathologic ultrastaging was the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR+ and LR-), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under the curve (AUC) on SROC curve were calculated. Four studies with 237 patients and 691 lymph nodes were included. OSNA showed sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.93, LR + =17.95, LR- = 0.15, DOR = 191.23 and high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.959). OSNA appears as a highly accurate tool for intraoperative assessment of sentinel lymph node in endometrial cancer.

Management of postoperative chylous ascites after surgery for ovarian cancer: a single-institution experience

Postoperative chylous ascites is a rare complication from operative trauma to the cisterna chyli or lymphatic vessels in the retroperitoneum. In the present study, we aimed to identify the incidence of postoperative chylous ascites in patients treated for ovarian cancer and to describe its management. We retrospectively reviewed all patients submitted to surgery for ovarian cancer at our Institution from October 2016 to November 2018. We analyzed the clinicopathological features, including the primary tumor histology, stage, grade, surgical procedure, median number of harvested pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes. We described our experience in the diagnosis and management of chylous ascites. Five hundred and forty-six patients were submitted to surgery for ovarian cancer and 298 patients received pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Chylous ascites occurred in 8 patients with an incidence of 1.4% in the overall population and a 2.68% among patients receiving lymphadenectomy. All patients received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with Olimel N4E 2000 mL (Baxter^®) and somatostatin therapy with 0.2 mL per 3 times/day for a median of 9 days (range 7-11). Median hospital stay was 15 days (range 7-16). All patients were successfully managed conservatively and none required surgical correction. Conservative management of chylous ascites with TPN, somatostatin and paracentisis is feasible and effective. These data should be confirmed by prospective multicentric studies.