Improving sentinel lymph node detection rates in endometrial cancer: How many cases are needed?

Present status of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and seventh overall. This disease represents a medical, economic and social burden. In early FIGO stage patients (IA, IB1 and IIA1), nodal involvement is the most important prognostic factor. Imaging evaluation of nodal metastasis is of limited value. In order to determine lymph node involvement, allow loco-regional control of the disease, define the need for adjuvant radiotherapy and improve survival, standard surgery for early disease is radical hysterectomy with systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. However, this surgical treatment has risks and complications: longer operative time, larger blood loss, neurovascular or ureteral injury, lower-limb lymphedema, symptomatic lymphocysts, hydronephrosis. A method that allows to define the presence of regional metastasis with less morbidity and equal or greater precision is particularly relevant. The use of the sentinel lymph node biopsy is intended to reach that purpose. The present study reviews recent literature on the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in cervical cancer, analyzing its indications and contraindications, injection and detection techniques, tracers used, surgical and pathological approaches and its applicability in up-to-date clinical practice.

Impact of Sentinel Node Approach in Gynecologic Cancer on Training Needs

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We sought to estimate the impact of sentinel nodes in gynecologic oncology on fellowship training and discuss potential solutions.

DESIGN

Retrospective multi-institution cohort (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

Three tertiary cancer referral cancer centers.

PATIENTS

Patients with endometrial and vulvar cancer undergoing lymph node evaluation.

INTERVENTIONS

Patient history and fellow case volumes were evaluated retrospectively for type of lymph node assessment.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Minimally invasive endometrial cancer and vulvar cancer fellow case volumes in 3 large institutions were reviewed and average annual volumes calculated for each clinical gynecologic oncology fellow. For vulvar cancer, probabilities of sentinel lymph node mapping and laterality of lesions were estimated from the literature. For endometrial cancer, estimates of lymphadenectomy rates were determined using probabilities calculated from our historic database and from review of the literature. Modeling the approaches to lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer (full, selective, and sentinel), 100% versus 68% versus 24%, respectively, of patients would require complete pelvic lymphadenectomy and 100% versus 34% versus 12% would require para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In vulvar cancer, rates of inguinal femoral lymphadenectomy are expected to drop from 81% of unilateral groins to only 12% of groins.

CONCLUSIONS

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for endometrial and vulvar cancer will play an increasing role in practice, and coincident with this will be a dramatic decrease in pelvic, para-aortic, and inguinal femoral lymphadenectomies. The declining numbers will require new strategies to maintain competency in our specialty. New approaches to surgical training and continued medical education will be necessary to ensure adequate training for fellows and young faculty across gynecologic surgery.

Feasibility of sentinel lymph node fluorescence detection during robotic laparoendoscopic single-site surgery in early endometrial cancer: a prospective case series

Background

In the last few decades, the introduction of technologies such as single-site surgery, robotics, and sentinel lymph node detection has reduced invasiveness in the treatment and staging of endometrial cancer patients. The goal of the present prospective cohort study is to evaluate the feasibility of lymph node fluorescence detection with robotic single-site approach in low-risk endometrial cancer.

Results

Fifteen non consecutive low-risk endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) patients underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and total hysterectomy utilizing the Da Vinci Si Single-Site Surgical. System and Firefly 3D imaging. Indications for surgery included eight (53.3%) IA FIGO stage G1 EC, three (20%) IA FIGO stage G2 EC, and four (26.6%) EAH. Mean operative time was 155 min (range 112–175). One vaginal laceration was the only perioperative complication encountered, and all patients were discharged within 48 h of surgery.

SLN was detected in 86.6% of cases; 1/29 (3.4%) SLN results were positive for isolated tumor cells (ITCs) at immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of robotic single-site approach with SLN fluorescence detection for the staging of low-risk endometrial cancer.

A prospective evaluation of the sentinel node mapping algorithm in endometrial cancer and correlation of its performance against endometrial cancer risk subtypes

OBJECTIVE

Sentinel node mapping is emerging as the alternative to lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. The objective of our study is to validate of the sentinel node mapping surgical algorithm and also to compare the performance of the algorithm against endometrial cancer risk subtypes DESIGN: This is a prospective interventional study carried out at a Single University teaching hospital. All patients with apparent early stage endometrial cancer who underwent robotic assisted surgical staging were included. Intracervical injection of Indocyanine Green dye and sentinel node identification and biopsy was done for all study patients. The node positive rate when using SLN mapping alone versus SLN mapping algorithm were compared. The node positivity was compared against various risk subtypes of endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

69 patients were included in the study. In 95.7% patients SLN was detected with a bilateral detection rate of 87.9%. 10 patients had nodal positivity, among which 7 were identified by SLN mapping alone. The algorithm captured all 10 patients with positive LNs, yielding a node positivity rate of 14.9%, sensitivity and NPV of 100%. For SLN mapping alone the sensitivity was 77.8%, false negative rate (FNR) 22.2%, and NPV 96.6%. In low- and intermediate-risk subtypes SLN mapping as well as algorithm identified all node positive patients, but in high-risk endometrial cancers the SLN mapping technique alone had a sensitivity of 57.1% and false-negative rate of 42.9% when compared with 100% sensitivity for the SLN mapping algorithm.

CONCLUSIONS

When doing SLN mapping and biopsy during endometrial cancer staging surgery it is essential that the steps mentioned in the SLN mapping algorithm are followed as SLN mapping alone seems to have a limitation in detecting positive nodes especially in high risk subtypes of endometrial cancer. Even with the lack of survival data, based on the performance of SLN mapping surgical algorithm (even if ultrastaging facility is not available), it seems to be a better technique in detecting metastatic nodes, giving prognostic information, and enabling accurate adjuvant treatment.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in endometrial cancer-Feasibility, safety and lymphatic complications

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rate of lymphatic complications in women with endometrial cancer undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy versus a full pelvic and infrarenal paraaortic lymphadenectomy, and to examine the overall feasibility and safety of the former.

METHODS

A prospective study of 188 patients with endometrial cancer planned for robotic surgery. Indocyanine green was used to identify the sentinel lymph nodes. In low-risk patients the lymphadenectomy was restricted to removal of sentinel lymph nodes whereas in high-risk patients also a full lymphadenectomy was performed. The impact of the extent of the lymphadenectomy on the rate of complications was evaluated.

RESULTS

The bilateral detection rate of sentinel lymph nodes was 96% after cervical tracer injection. No intraoperative complication was associated with the sentinel lymph node biopsy per se. Compared with hysterectomy alone, the additional average operative time for removal of sentinel lymph nodes was 33min whereas 91min were saved compared with a full pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy alone resulted in a lower incidence of leg lymphedema than infrarenal paraaortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy (1.3% vs 18.1%, p=0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The high feasibility, the absence of intraoperative complications and the low risk of lymphatic complications supports implementing detection of sentinel lymph nodes in low-risk endometrial cancer patients. Given that available preliminary data on sensitivity and false negative rates in high-risk patients are confirmed in further studies, we also believe that the reduction in lymphatic complications and operative time strongly motivates the sentinel lymph node concept in high-risk endometrial cancer.

Nomogram to Predict Risk of Lymph Node Metastases in Patients With Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer

Pelvic lymphadenectomy in early-stage endometrial cancer is controversial, but the findings influence prognosis and treatment decisions. Noninvasive tools to identify women at high risk of lymph node metastasis can assist in determining the need for lymph node dissection and adjuvant treatment for patients who do not have a lymph node dissection performed initially. A retrospective review of surgical pathology was conducted for endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma at our institution. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of selected pathologic features were performed. A nomogram to predict for lymph node metastasis was constructed. From August 1996 to October 2013, 296 patients underwent total abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and selective lymphadenectomy for endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. Median age at surgery was 62.7 yr (range, 24.9-93.6 yr). Median number of lymph nodes removed was 13 (range, 1-72). Of all patients, 38 (12.8%) had lymph node metastases. On univariate analysis, tumor size ≥4 cm, grade, lymphovascular space involvement, cervical stromal involvement, adnexal or serosal or parametrial involvement, positive pelvic washings, and deep (more than one half) myometrial invasion were all significantly associated with lymph node involvement. In a multivariate model, lymphovascular space involvement, deep myometrial invasion, and cervical stromal involvement remained significant predictors of nodal involvement, whereas tumor size of ≥4 cm was borderline significant. A lymph node predictive nomogram was constructed using these factors. Our nomogram can help estimate risk of nodal disease and aid in directing the need for additional surgery or adjuvant therapy in patients without lymph node surgery. Lymphovascular space involvement is the most important predictor for lymph node metastases, regardless of grade, and should be consistently assessed.

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.

Subserosal uterine injection of blue dye for the identification of the sentinel node in patients with endometrial cancer: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To define the detection rate, sensitivity, and negative predictive value (NPV) of the sentinel node technique in patients with endometrial cancer.

METHODS

Patients with endometrial cancer after informed consent underwent subserosal injection of blue dye during hysterectomy in a tertiary gynae/oncology department between 2010 and 2014. The procedure was performed in all cases by the same team including two gynae/oncologist consultants and one trainee. All relevant perioperative clinicopathological characteristics of the population were recorded prospectively. The identified sentinel nodes were removed separately and a completion bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy followed in all cases. Simple statistics were used to calculate the sensitivity and NPV of the method on per patient basis.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients were included in this study. At least one sentinel node was mapped in 46 patients yielding a detection rate of 85.2%. Bilateral detection of sentinel nodes was accomplished in only 31 patients (57.4%). The mean number of sentinel nodes was 2.6 per patient and the commonest site of identification was the external iliac artery and vein area (66%). Six patients (11%) had a positive lymph node, and in five of them, this was the sentinel one yielding a sensitivity of 83.3% and an NPV of 97.5%. The overall detection rate improved significantly after the first 15 cases; however, this was not the case for the bilateral detection rate.

CONCLUSION

Our study is in accordance with previous studies of sentinel node in endometrial cancer and further demonstrates and enhances the confidence in the technique. In the current era of an ongoing debate on whether a systematic lymphadenectomy in patients with endometrial cancer is still necessary, we believe that the sentinel node is an acceptable alternative and should be applied routinely in tertiary centres following a strict algorithm.

Description of a reproducible anatomically based surgical algorithm for detection of pelvic sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe and evaluate a reproducible, anatomically based surgical algorithm, including reinjection of tracer to enhance technical success rate, for detection of pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

A prospective study of 102 consecutive women with high risk EC scheduled for robotic surgery was conducted. Following cervical injection of a fluorescent dye, an algorithm for trans- and retroperitoneal identification of tracer display in the lower and upper paracervical pathways was strictly adhered to. To enhance the technical success rate, this included ipsilateral reinjection of tracer in case of non-display of any lymphatic pathway. The lymphatic pathways were kept intact by opening the avascular planes. To minimize disturbance from leaking dye, removal of SLNs was first performed along the lower paracervical (presacral) pathways followed by the more caudal upper paracervical pathways. In each pathway, the juxtauterine node with an afferent lymph vessel was defined as an SLN. After removal of SLNs, a complete pelvic and, unless contraindicated, infrarenal paraaortic lymph node dissection was performed.

RESULTS

The bilateral detection rate including tracer reinjection was 96%. All 24 (23.5%) node positive patients had at least one metastatic SLN. Presacral lymph node metastases were discovered in 33.3% of the node positive patients. One patient (4.2%) had an isolated presacral lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

The described cranial-to-caudal anatomically based surgical SLN algorithm, including a presacral dissection and reinjection of tracer, results in a high SLN detection rate and identified all patients with lymph node metastases.

Sentinel lymph node mapping and staging in endometrial cancer: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology literature review with consensus recommendations

The emphasis in contemporary medical oncology has been "precision" or "personalized" medicine, terms that imply a strategy to improve efficacy through targeted therapies. Similar attempts at precision are occurring in surgical oncology. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has recently been introduced into the surgical staging of endometrial cancer with the goal to reduce morbidity associated with comprehensive lymphadenectomy, yet obtain prognostic information from lymph node status. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology's (SGO) Clinical Practice Committee and SLN Working Group reviewed the current literature for preparation of this document. Literature-based recommendations for the inclusion of SLN assessment in the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer are presented. This article examines.

A Comparison of the Detection of Sentinel Lymph Nodes Using Indocyanine Green and Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging Versus Blue Dye During Robotic Surgery in Uterine Cancer

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess and compare the sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection rate with indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared fluorescence imaging versus blue dye using the robotic platform in patients with uterine cancer.

METHODS

We identified all patients with uterine cancer undergoing SLN mapping using ICG or blue dye on the robotic platform from January 2011 to December 2013. Our institutional SLN algorithm and pathologic processing protocol were adhered to uniformly. We compared detection rates of SLNs stratified by dye used. Appropriate statistical tests were used.

RESULTS

A total of 472 patients were identified. ICG was used in 312 patients (66%) and blue dye in 160 patients (34%). Successful mapping was achieved in 425 (90%) of 472 patients. Mapping was bilateral in 352 patients (75%) and unilateral in 73 patients (15%); 47 patients (10%) did not map. Successful mapping was achieved in 295 (95%) of 312 patients using ICG compared with 130 (81%) of 160 patients using blue dye (P < 0.001). Mapping was bilateral in 266 (85%) of 312 patients in the ICG group compared with 86 (54%) of 160 in the blue dye group (P < 0.001). Additional lymph node dissection beyond removal of the SLNs was performed in 122 patients (39%) mapped with ICG compared with 98 patients (61%) mapped with blue dye (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SLN detection rate was superior when mapping with ICG rather than blue dye. Bilateral mapping was significantly improved, resulting in a lower rate of additional lymphadenectomy.

Survival of Patients with Serous Uterine Carcinoma Undergoing Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with serous uterine carcinoma undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping compared with patients undergoing standard lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all uterine cancer patients treated at our institution from 2005 to 2015. Patients were separated into two cohorts: those who underwent SLN mapping at the time of staging (SLN) and those who underwent routine lymphadenectomy (the non-SLN group). SLN mapping was performed according to institutional protocol, incorporating a surgical algorithm and pathologic ultrastaging.

RESULTS

Overall, 248 patients were identified-153 SLN mappings and 95 routine lymphadenectomies (pelvic and/or paraaortic lymph node dissection). No significant difference in age or body mass index was observed between the groups (p = 0.08 and p = 0.9, respectively). Minimally invasive surgery was utilized in 117/153 (77%) SLN patients and 30/95 (32%) non-SLN patients (p = <0.001). Stage distribution for the SLN and non-SLN cohorts demonstrated 106/153 (69%) and 59/95 (62%) patients with stage I/II disease, respectively, and 47/153 (31%) and 36/95 (38%) patients with stage III/IV disease, respectively (p = 0.3). The median number of nodes removed was 12 (range, 1-50) in the SLN cohort versus 21 (range, 1-75) in the non-SLN cohort (p = <0.001). Adjuvant chemotherapy alone or with radiation therapy was administered in 122/153 (80%) SLN patients and 79/95 (83%) non-SLN patients; radiotherapy alone was administered in 12/153 (8%) SLN patients and 7/95 (7%) non-SLN patients (p = 0.8). At a median follow-up of 40 months, the 2-year PFS rates were 77% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68-83%) in the SLN group and 71% (95% CI, 61-79%) in the non-SLN group (p = 0.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporation of the SLN mapping algorithm into the staging of uterine serous cancer is feasible and does not appear to compromise prognosis. PFS in patients with uterine serous carcinoma undergoing SLN mapping, followed by adjuvant therapy, was similar to PFS in patients undergoing standard lymphadenectomy and adjuvant therapy.

Pericervical Injection of 99mTc-Nanocolloid Is Superior to Peritumoral Injection for Sentinel Lymph Node Detection of Endometrial Cancer in SPECT/CT

PURPOSE

Scintigraphic mapping of sentinel lymph node (SLN) is increasingly performed in patients with endometrial carcinoma although its routine clinical use is still under investigation. The purpose of this study was to compare preoperative SLN detection by means of SPECT/CT using pericervical (PC) versus hysteroscopic peritumoral (PT) injection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred forty consecutive patients with endometrial carcinoma who underwent surgery and preoperative SLN SPECT/CT with Tc-nanocolloid were included. Seventy women received hysteroscopic injection at 3 PT sites, and 70 women received PC injection at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o'clock positions. Each patient underwent SPECT/CT followed by modified radical hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy on the day after. Histopathological results were collected for validation.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-four SLNs were detected by SPECT/CT in 106 patients (mean, 3.15; range, 1-9). The detection rate after PC nanocolloid injection was 83% versus 69% after PT injection (Pearson χ test, P = 0.049). However, PT application resulted in a higher rate of para-aortic SLNs (PC: 60% vs PT: 38% of positive scans, P = 0.02). SPECT/CT yielded an overall sensitivity of 70% for the SLN detection in women with lymph node metastases with 3 false-negative cases. Failure to detect SLN was mostly associated with uptake in the reticuloendothelial system (liver, spleen, and bone marrow) or peritoneal diffusion in both cohorts. Negative scans after PT application often showed a minor to even failing injection depot.

CONCLUSIONS

Pericervical injection leads to a significantly better detection rate of SLN on SPECT/CT while reducing invasiveness of the injection procedure. Failure to detect SLN seems to be associated with major venous drainage.

Robot-assisted Surgery in Gynecologic Cancers

Robotic-assisted surgery is a technological advancement that facilitates the application of minimally invasive techniques for complex operations in gynecologic oncology. The objective of this article was to review the literature regarding the role of robotic-assisted surgery to treat women with gynecologic cancers. The majority of publications on robotic surgery are still retrospective or descriptive in nature; however, the data for managing patients with a robotic-assisted approach show comparable, and at times improved, outcomes compared with both laparoscopy (2-dimensional) and laparotomy approaches. Robotic-assisted surgery has been used for patients with endometrial cancer and resulted in the increased use of minimally invasive surgery with improved outcomes compared with laparotomy and partially with laparoscopy. This has been shown in large cohorts of patients as well as in obese patients in whom the complication rates have significantly decreased. For early cervical cancer, robotic radical hysterectomy seems to be safe and feasible and to be preferable to laparotomy with seemingly comparable oncologic outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery and conventional laparoscopy to stage women with early-stage ovarian cancer seem to have similar surgical and oncologic outcomes, with a shorter learning curve for robotic-assisted surgery. However, robotic-assisted surgery appears to be more expensive than laparotomy and traditional laparoscopy. In conclusion, robotic-assisted surgery appears to facilitate the surgical approach for complex operations to treat women with gynecologic cancers. Although randomized controlled trials are lacking to further elucidate the equivalence of robot-assisted surgery with conventional methods in terms of oncologic outcome and patients' quality of life, the technology appears to be safe and effective and could offer a minimally invasive approach to a much larger group of patients.

Indocyanine green and infrared fluorescence in detection of sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial and cervical cancer staging - a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for endometrial (EC) and cervical cancers (CC) is a current technique that could provide benefits over traditional lymphadenectomy. Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is a promising technique to perform this procedure. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence regarding the technique and the effectiveness of indocyanine green (ICG) during SLN biopsy, using robotic and laparoscopic assisted surgery and laparotomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a computer literature search for published English language studies in humans using PubMed since January 2010 up to May 2015. The initial search came up with 17 articles, of which 10 articles used ICG as tracer in SLN biopsy in EC and CC.

RESULTS

422 patients were included in 10 studies, ranging from 1 to 227 patients. The main surgical approach used in ICG SLN biopsy was robotic-assisted surgery in 368 patients. Laparotomy was performed in 39 patients and laparoscopy in 15. The detection rate in SLN mapping using ICG ranged from 78% to 100% for cervical injection and from 33% to 100% for hysteroscopic injection. Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) vary from 50% to 100% and 88% to 100%, respectively. The most common site of injection was the cervix (two quadrants); this technique is correlated with a high detection rate (ranging from 78% to 95%). The cervical submucosal and stromal injections were the most frequent sites used. No complications related to ICG administration were described.

CONCLUSIONS

NIR fluorescence imaging using ICG is performed in robotic-assisted surgery in laparoscopy and in laparotomy, being a feasible, safe, time-efficient and seemingly reliable method for lymphatic mapping in early stage of CC and EC. Although it has promising results in SLN mapping, randomized studies, with larger patient samples, are needed.

From Conventional Radiotracer Tc-99(m) with Blue Dye to Indocyanine Green Fluorescence: A Comparison of Methods Towards Optimization of Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Early Stage Cervical Cancer for a Laparoscopic Approach

BACKGROUND

The credibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is becoming increasingly more established in cervical cancer. We aimed to assess the sensitivity of SLN biopsy in terms of detection rate and bilateral mapping in women with cervical cancer by comparing technetium-99 radiocolloid (Tc-99(m)) and blue dye (BD) versus fluorescence mapping with indocyanine green (ICG).

METHODS

Data of patients with cervical cancer stage 1A2 to 1B1 from 5 European institutions were retrospectively reviewed. All centers used a laparoscopic approach with the same intracervical dye injection. Detection rate and bilateral mapping of ICG were compared, respectively, with results obtained by standard Tc-99(m) with BD.

RESULTS

Overall, 76 (53 %) of 144 of women underwent preoperative SLN mapping with radiotracer and intraoperative BD, whereas 68 of (47 %) 144 patients underwent mapping using intraoperative ICG. The detection rate of SLN mapping was 96 % and 100 % for Tc-99(m) with BD and ICG, respectively. Bilateral mapping was achieved in 98.5 % for ICG and 76.3 % for Tc-99(m) with BD; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The fluorescence SLN mapping with ICG achieved a significantly higher detection rate and bilateral mapping compared to standard radiocolloid and BD technique in women with early stage cervical cancer. Nodal staging with an intracervical injection of ICG is accurate, safe, and reproducible in patients with cervical cancer. Before replacing lymphadenectomy completely, the additional value of fluorescence SLN mapping on both perioperative morbidity and survival should be explored and confirmed by ongoing controlled trials.

Endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological tumour in developed countries, and its incidence is increasing. The most frequently occurring histological subtype is endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Patients are often diagnosed when the disease is still confined to the uterus. Standard treatment consists of primary hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, often using minimally invasive approaches (laparoscopic or robotic). Lymph node surgical strategy is contingent on histological factors (subtype, tumour grade, involvement of lymphovascular space), disease stage (including myometrial invasion), patients' characteristics (age and comorbidities), and national and international guidelines. Adjuvant treatment is tailored according to histology and stage. Various classifications are used to assess the risks of recurrence and to determine optimum postoperative management. 5 year overall survival ranges from 74% to 91% in patients without metastatic disease. Trials are ongoing in patients at high risk of recurrence (including chemotherapy, chemoradiation therapy, and molecular targeted therapies) to assess the modalities that best balance optimisation of survival with the lowest adverse effects on quality of life.

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Endometrial Cancer: An Update

: Lymph node removal for staging, as part of the initial surgical management of patients with endometrial carcinoma, remains a controversial topic in gynecologic oncology. There is currently wide variability among clinical practices, with surgical approaches ranging from no nodal evaluation to comprehensive pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy. Lymphatic mapping has emerged as an increasingly popular option over the past few years, with several attractive features in its concept, innovative surgical approach, and encouraging preliminary results. At this time, however, several different techniques have been described and used for lymphatic mapping in endometrial cancer, incorporating a variety of mapping agents and injection sites. Although recently published results are encouraging, they are limited to single-institution series or multi-institutional collaborations undertaken without the aegis of a prospective randomized controlled trial. However, the surgical staging of endometrial cancer with lymphadenectomy was historically established based not on randomized trial data but on prospective clinicopathologic studies. Another evolving field in endometrial cancer staging is the interpretation of pathologic ultrastaging of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), which can identify low-volume metastases for which the clinical significance and the ideal management remain uncertain. This is particularly an issue with extremely low-volume nodal metastasis and isolated tumor cells. Furthermore, it has become apparent that applying a predefined SLN algorithm can decrease false-negative rates. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center SLN algorithm can be used as a checklist to ensure standardization of care and to reduce the chance of missing nodal disease. Prospective trials are under way at many institutions to help establish the definitive role of SLN mapping for staging of endometrial cancer. The objective of this study was to provide an update on the latest clinical data related to lymphatic mapping for the staging and management of endometrial cancer and its role in clinical practice.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Lymphatic mapping is an increasingly popular option in the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer. The aim of using this tool is to target the lymph nodes that are the most likely to be involved with metastatic cancer cells (sentinel lymph nodes) and thereby limit the extent of surgery needed and decrease surgical complications and long-term side effects associated with extensive lymph node removal. By examining a limited number of sentinel lymph nodes, a more detailed examination of the node can be done (ultrastaging). This allows for the detection of a small number of cancer cells (low-volume metastasis) that can be missed with standard techniques.

Impact of Obesity on Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Uterine Cancer Undergoing Robotic Surgery

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of obesity on the rate of successful sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in patients with uterine cancer undergoing robotic surgery, and compare SLN detection rates using indocyanine green (ICG) versus blue dye.

METHODS

We reviewed robotic cases undergoing SLN mapping with a cervical injection from January 2011 to December 2013 using either blue dye or ICG with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. Data were stratified by body mass index (BMI) and the dye used. Appropriate statistical tests were applied.

RESULTS

Overall, 472 cases were identified. Bilateral mapping was successful in 352 cases (75 %), and unilateral mapping was successful in 73 cases (15 %). Bilateral mapping was achieved in 266 (85 %) of 312 ICG cases compared with 86 (54 %) of 160 blue-dye cases (p < 0.001). Cases with successful bilateral mapping had a median BMI of 29.8 kg/m(2) (range 16.3-65.3 kg/m(2)); cases with no mapping had a median BMI of 34.7 kg/m(2) (range 21.4-60.4 kg/m(2)) (p = 0.001). With increasing BMI, there was a significant decrease in successful bilateral mapping rates for both the ICG (p < 0.001) and blue-dye groups (p = 0.041); however, the use of ICG resulted in better bilateral (p = 0.002) and overall (p = 0.011) mapping rates compared with the use of blue dye in all BMI groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ICG results in a higher overall and bilateral SLN detection than blue dye in women with uterine cancer. Successful mapping decreases with increasing BMI irrespective of the dye used; however, it is significantly improved with the use of ICG and NIR fluorescence imaging compared with blue dye.

The Added Value of SPECT/CT in Sentinel Lymph Nodes Mapping for Endometrial Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the detection rate (DR) and sensitivity of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in patients with endometrial cancer using TC99m colloid and blue dye and to evaluate the contribution of preoperative planar lymphoscintigraphy (PLSG) and SPECT/CT.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent SLN mapping as part of their primary surgery for endometrial cancer. Patients underwent preoperative PLSG and later with additional SPECT/CT. Intraoperative detection was performed using TC99m colloid and blue dye by cervical injections. SLNs were sent separately for pathologic evaluation with ultrastaging.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were included in this study. Successful preoperative mapping was achieved in 31 of 37 patients (84 %) who underwent SPECT/CT compared with only 30 of 45 patients (67 %) who underwent PLSG. SPECT/CT localizations of SLNs were anatomically accurate in 91 % of cases. Intraoperative DR of at least one SLN was 77 %, whilst the bilateral DR was 49 %. DR was significantly better using combined blue dye and TC99m colloid injections compared with blue dye alone: 81 versus 57 % for unilateral and 54 versus 28 % for bilateral mapping (P = 0.01, 0.009, respectively). Six cases of nodal metastasis were diagnosed: four by positive SLNs, and two cases were diagnosed using side-specific full dissection according to the SLN algorithm when SLN detection failed. There were no cases of false-negative results.

CONCLUSIONS

SLN detection using cervical injections of TC99m colloid and blue dye is feasible and sensitive for patients with endometrial cancer. SPECT/CT aids to accurate locating of the SLN.

Robotic blue-dye sentinel lymph node detection for endometrial cancer - Factors predicting successful mapping

OBJECTIVE

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has emerged as a viable option for the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer. We report our initial experience with SLN mapping algorithm, and examine the factors predicting successful SLN mapping.

METHODS

We analyzed all data recorded in our institute on robotic blue-dye SLN detection mapping from the time it was first introduced to our department in January 2012-December 2014. Data included patient demographics, SLN allocation, operating room times, and pathology results.

RESULTS

During the study period, 74 patients had robotic assisted surgery for endometrial cancer with attempted SLN mapping. SLN was found overall in 46 patients (62.1%). At first, SLN was detected in only 50% of cases, but after performing 30 cases, detection rates rose to 84.6% (OR = 3.34, CI 1.28-8.71; p = 0.003). Univariate analysis showed a higher detection rate with methylene blue than patent blue dye, 74.3% vs. 52.3% (OR = 2.744, 95% CI 1.026-7.344; p = 0.042). In multivariate analysis, high body mass index (BMI) was associated with failed mapping (OR = 0.899; 95% CI 0.808-1.00), as was the presence of lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) (OR = 0.126; 95% CI 0.24-0.658) and few cases per surgeon (OR = 1.083, 95% CI 1.032-1.118). Factors related to uterine pathology itself, including tumor histology, grade, method of diagnosis, the presence of an endometrial polyp, and lower uterine segment involvement were not found to be associated with successful mapping.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeon experience, BMI and LVSI may affect the success rate of SLN mapping for endometrial cancer. These factors should be investigated further in future studies.

Sentinel lymph node procedure in endometrial cancer: A systematic review and proposal for standardization of future research

OBJECTIVES

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure could be an attractive solution to the debate on lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer; however challenges to interpreting the literature include marked heterogeneity across studies, a wide variety of injection techniques and a lack of uniformly accepted definitions for important outcomes. We aim to critically appraise the published literature and streamline terminology and methodology for future studies in this field.

METHODS

We conducted a PubMed search and included all original research of endometrial cancer patients having undergone SLN procedure with an n>30. Data collected included injection technique, unilateral, bilateral, and para-aortic detection rates, and ultrastaging results. When different definitions were used for reporting outcomes, we recalculated the original study results according to our proposed definitions. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies met our inclusion criteria. Injection sites were categorized into cervical versus corporeal. Overall detection rates ranged from 60 to 100%; studies with n>100 all had overall detection rates of >80%. Bilateral detection rates were higher with a combination of two injection agents. Para-aortic mapping was most frequent after corporeal injection techniques (39%), and was higher after deep vs. standard cervical injection (17% vs. 2%). The proportion of metastatic lymph nodes diagnosed through ultrastaging was high (around 40%) and ultrastaging of SLN upstaged approximately 5% of patients. Retrospectively applying a surgical algorithm revealed a sensitivity of 95%, a negative predictive value of 99%, and a false negative rate of 5% (with only 9 false negative cases remaining in total).

CONCLUSION

Results of SLN research for endometrial cancer are promising. We believe that in future studies, uniform reporting is needed to improve our understanding of the safety and feasibility of SLN in EC. We propose 2 strategies: a checklist of elements to include in future reports and the standardization of key definitions.

Survival of Patients with Uterine Carcinosarcoma Undergoing Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the outcome of patients with uterine carcinosarcoma undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained database was reviewed for all women with uterine cancer treated at our institution from January 1, 1998 to August 31, 2014. Patients were grouped based on whether they had undergone SLN mapping or routine lymphadenectomy at the time of staging. SLN evaluation was performed according to a standard institutional protocol that incorporates a surgical algorithm and pathologic ultrastaging.

RESULTS

We identified 136 patients with uterine carcinosarcoma who had undergone lymph node evaluation; 48 had surgical staging with SLN mapping and 88 had routine lymphadenectomy consisting of pelvic and/or para-aortic lymph node dissection. Stage distribution for the SLN group included: stage I, 31 (65 %); stage II, 1 (2 %); stage III, 11 (23 %); stage IV, 5 (10 %). Stage distribution for the non-SLN group included: stage I, 48 (55 %); stage II, 4 (4 %); stage III, 19 (22 %); stage IV, 17 (19 %) (p = 0.4). Median number of lymph nodes removed was 8 and 20, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Median number of positive nodes was similar between the groups (p = 0.2). Of the 67 patients who had a documented recurrence, 14 of 20 (70 %) in the SLN and 34 of 47 (74 %) in the non-SLN group demonstrated a distant/multifocal pattern of recurrence. There was no difference in median progression-free survival between the groups (23 vs. 23.2 months, respectively; p = 0.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Progression-free survival in women with uterine carcinosarcoma undergoing SLN mapping with adjuvant therapy appears similar to that of patients treated before the incorporation of the SLN protocol. Additional prospective studies with longer follow-up are necessary to validate these early results.

Detection of sentinel lymph nodes in minimally invasive surgery using indocyanine green and near-infrared fluorescence imaging for uterine and cervical malignancies

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to assess the detection rate of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) using indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging for uterine and cervical malignancies.

METHODS

NIR fluorescence imaging for the robotic platform was obtained at our institution in 12/2011. We identified all cases planned for SLN mapping using fluorescence imaging from 12/2011-4/2013. Intracervical ICG was the fluorophobe in all cases. Four cc (1.25mg/mL) of ICG was injected into the cervix alone divided into the 3- and 9-o'clock positions, with 1 cc deep into the stroma and 1 cc submucosally before initiating laparoscopic entry. Blue dye was concurrently injected in some cases.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-seven cases were performed. Median age was 60 years (range, 28-90 years). Median BMI was 30.2 kg/m(2) (range, 18-60 kg/m(2)). The median SLN count was 3 (range, 1-23). An SLN was identified in 216 cases (95%), with bilateral pelvic mapping in 179 (79%). An aortic SLN was identified in 21 (10%) of the 216 mapped cases. When ICG alone was used to map cases, 188/197 patients mapped, for a 95% detection rate compared to 93% (28/30) in cases in which both dyes were used (P=NS). Bilateral mapping was seen in 156/197 (79%) ICG-only cases and 23/30 (77%) ICG and blue dye cases (P=NS).

CONCLUSIONS

NIR fluorescence imaging with intracervical ICG injection using the robotic platform has a high bilateral SLN detection rate and appears favorable to using blue dye alone and/or other modalities. Combined use of ICG and blue dye appears unnecessary.

Sentinel lymph node mapping with pathologic ultrastaging: a valuable tool for assessing nodal metastasis in low-grade endometrial cancer with superficial myoinvasion

OBJECTIVE

To report the incidence of nodal metastases in patients presenting with presumed low-grade endometrioid adenocarcinomas using a sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping protocol including pathologic ultrastaging.

METHODS

All patients from 9/2005 to 12/2011 who underwent endometrial cancer staging surgery with attempted SLN mapping for preoperative grade 1 (G1) or grade 2 (G2) tumors with <50% invasion on final pathology, were included. All lymph nodes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Negative SLNs were further examined using an ultrastaging protocol to detect micrometastases and isolated tumor cells.

RESULTS

Of 425 patients, lymph node metastasis was found in 25 patients (5.9%) on final pathology-13 cases on routine H&E, 12 cases after ultrastaging. Patients whose tumors had a DMI <50% were more likely to have positive SLNs on routine H&E (p<0.005) or after ultrastaging (p=0.01) compared to those without myoinvasion.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying a standardized SLN mapping algorithm with ultrastaging allows for the detection of nodal disease in a presumably low-risk group of patients who in some practices may not undergo any nodal evaluation. Ultrastaging of SLNs can likely be eliminated in endometrioid adenocarcinoma with no myoinvasion. The long-term clinical significance of ultrastage-detected nodal disease requires further investigation as recurrences were noted in some of these cases.

Uterine lymphatic drainage is unaffected from injection technique and operators: Identical sentinel node detection in two cases of endometrial cancer

INTRODUCTION

Sentinel node (SN) mapping with cervical injection of 99m-technetium (99mTc) albumin nanocolloid in early endometrial cancer has been shown to be feasible and data emerging from recent large series support the incorporation of SN mapping algorithm in endometrial cancer staging.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report two cases of SN mapping which demonstrated identical migration of both radioactive technetium and blue dye in the same patients that were re-injected because surgical intervention was postponed due to transitory cardiac contraindications.

DISCUSSION

As clearly demonstrated in cervical cancer, SN mapping through intracervical injection of both radioactive technetium and blue dye seems to be effective and easy to perform, providing good results in patients with endometrial cancer. Our report highlights the reproducibility of SN mapping that has been strongly confirmed in both patients, even if re-injections were performed by different operators. Preoperative SPECT/CT imaging seems to enhance accuracy in SN localization and also improves its intraoperative detection in early endometrial cancer.

CONCLUSION

The anatomically defined bilateral uterus drainage strongly confirms the reproducibility of SN mapping, that seems to be unaffected by after injection technique or operators.

Contemporary clinical management of endometrial cancer

Although the contemporary management of endometrial cancer is straightforward in many ways, novel data has emerged over the past decade that has altered the clinical standards of care while generating new controversies that will require further investigation. Fortunately most cases are diagnosed at early stages, but high-risk histologies and poorly differentiated tumors have high metastatic potential with a significantly worse prognosis. Initial management typically requires surgery, but the role and extent of lymphadenectomy are debated especially with well-differentiated tumors. With the changes in surgical staging, prognosis correlates more closely with stage, and the importance of cytology has been questioned and is under evaluation. The roles of radiation in intermediate-risk patients and chemotherapy in high-risk patients are emerging. The therapeutic index of brachytherapy needs to be considered, and the best sequencing of combined modalities needs to balance efficacy and toxicities. Additionally novel targeted therapies show promise, and further studies are needed to determine the appropriate use of these new agents. Management of endometrial cancer will continue to evolve as clinical trials continue to answer unsolved clinical questions.

Prediction of lymph node and distant metastasis in patients with endometrial carcinoma: a new model based on demographics, biochemical factors, and tumor histology

OBJECTIVE

To develop a model that might predict the probability of lymph node and distant metastasis (stages IIIC-IV) in endometrial carcinoma.

METHODS

We studied 774 patients with endometrial carcinoma treated in a single institution. Demographic factors, biochemical factors and preoperative tumor characteristics, identified as potential risk factors for advanced carcinoma in unadjusted analyses, were used to create a logistic regression model with lymph node and distant metastasis as the dependent variable. Statistically significant odds ratios in the regression model were rounded to the nearest whole number. These rounded values were the estimated weights for each factor that were summed to generate a score that might predict the probability of stage IIIC-IV carcinoma.

RESULTS

Biochemical factors and preoperative tumor characteristics predicted lymph node and distant metastasis in the regression model, whereas demographic factors were without effect. The score combining weighted risk factors was: (2 × leukocytosis)+(3 × thrombocytosis)+(7 × elevated CA125)+(4 × high-risk histology). The area under curve (AUC) for this total score was 0.823, with 71.6% sensitivity, 75.2% specificity, 25.9% positive predictive value, and 95.7% negative predictive value, using 6 as cut-point. After excluding stage IV carcinomas from the dataset, the AUC was 0.813 for the total score in predicting nodal involvement (P=0.82 vs. total score in predicting stage IIIC-IV carcinomas in the complete dataset).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the high negative predictive value, this prediction model could be applied for identifying patients who may not benefit from lymphadenectomy for endometrial carcinoma staging.

Contemporary management of endometrial cancer

The treatment of endometrial cancer has changed substantially in the past decade with the introduction of a new staging system and surgical approaches accompanied by novel adjuvant therapies. Primary surgical treatment is the mainstay of therapy but the effectiveness and extent of lymphadenectomy has been challenged, and its acceptance as a routine procedure varies by country. The role of radiation has evolved and chemotherapy has been incorporated, either alone or combined with radiation, to treat the many patients in whom cancer recurs because of a tumour outside the originally radiated pelvic and lower abdominal area. Use of traditional adjuvant chemotherapeutics has been challenged in clinical trials of new agents with improved side-effect profiles. Novel agents and targeted therapies are being investigated. Research into genetic susceptibility to endometrial cancer and the potential genetic aberrations that might translate into therapeutic interventions continues to increase. Substantial global variability in the treatment of endometrial cancer has led to examination of long-accepted norms, which has resulted in rapidly changing standards. International cooperation in clinical trials will hasten progress in treatment of this ubiquitous cancer.

Controversies in the treatment of early stage endometrial carcinoma

Despite the publication of numerous studies, including some multicentered randomized controlled trials, there continues to be vigorous debate regarding the optimal management of early stage endometrial cancer, including the extent of surgery and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation. Resolving these questions has become increasingly important in view of the increase of endometrial cancer, related to the aging population and the alarming incidence of obesity. Furthermore, there are more surgical challenges encountered when operating on elderly patients or on patients with increased BMI and the associated comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and pulmonary dysfunction. This paper will focus on the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, the value of lymphadenectomy including sentinel lymph node mapping, and some of the current controversies surrounding adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation.

The importance of applying a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm in endometrial cancer staging: beyond removal of blue nodes

OBJECTIVE

To determine the false-negative rate of a surgical sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping algorithm that incorporates more than just removing SLNs in detecting metastatic endometrial cancer.

METHODS

A prospective database of all patients who underwent lymphatic mapping for endometrial cancer was reviewed. Cervical injection of blue dye was used in all cases. The surgical algorithm is as follows: 1) peritoneal and serosal evaluation and washings; 2) retroperitoneal evaluation including excision of all mapped SLNs and suspicious nodes regardless of mapping; and 3) if there is no mapping on a hemi-pelvis, a side-specific pelvic, common iliac, and interiliac lymph node dissection (LND) is performed. Paraaortic LND is performed at the attendings' discretion. The algorithm was retrospectively applied.

RESULTS

From 9/2005 to 4/2011, 498 patients received a blue dye cervical injection for SLN mapping. At least one LN was removed in 95% of cases (474/498); at least one SLN was identified in 81% (401/498). SLN correctly diagnosed 40/47 patients with nodal metastases who had at least one SLN mapped, resulting in a 15% false-negative rate. After applying the algorithm, the false-negative rate dropped to 2%. Only one patient, whose LN spread would not have been caught by the algorithm, had an isolated positive right paraaortic LN with a negative ipsilateral SLN and pelvic LND.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfactory SLN mapping in endometrial cancer requires adherence to a surgical SLN algorithm and goes beyond just the removal of blue SLNs. Removal of any suspicious node along with side-specific lymphadenectomy for failed mapping are an integral part of this algorithm. Further validation of the false-negative rate of this algorithm is necessary.

Robotically assisted fluorescence-guided lymph node mapping with ICG for gynecologic malignancies: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

Traditional techniques of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for endometrial and cervical cancer present challenges which may be overcome with newer technologies such as near infrared (NIR) imaging of the fluorescent dye Indocyanine green (ICG). We performed a feasibility and dose-finding study to define the dose of ICG required to identify pelvic and para-aortic sentinel lymph nodes with robotically assisted endoscopic NIR imaging after cervical injection.

METHODS

20 subjects with cervical or endometrial carcinoma were prospectively enrolled for SLN mapping. ICG was injected into the cervical stroma at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock Data was collected for the number of nodes identified, the location of SLN's, the duration of procedure and the pathology characteristics of the SLN's compared to the non-sentinel lymph nodes.

RESULTS

20 subjects received cervical injection with at least one SLN observed in 17 subjects. 15 of the 17 subjects who received 1mg injections of ICG mapped a SLN for an observed detection rate of 88% (95% CI is (64%,99%)). A median of 4.5 SLN's was identified per patient. Three patients had lymphatic metastases, one of whom had a positive SLN. No adverse events were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A 1mg cervical injection of ICG identified a SLN in 88% of patients (95% CI is (64%, 99%)). Robotically assisted fluorescence imaging is a feasible, safe, time efficient and reliable method for lymphatic mapping in early stage cervical and endometrial cancer.

Adverse events associated with laparoscopy vs laparotomy in the treatment of endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare adverse event rates between laparoscopic vs open surgery for endometrial cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing 107 women who underwent laparoscopy with 269 age- and body mass index-matched women who underwent laparotomy for treatment of endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

Adverse event rates were similar between cohorts (37% laparoscopy vs 43% laparotomy, P=.248). Laparotomies had higher rates of cellulitis (16% vs 7%, P=.018) and open wound infection (9% vs 2%, P=.02), whereas laparoscopy had higher rates of sensory peripheral nerve deficit (5% vs 0%, P=.008) and lymphedema (7% vs 1%, P=.003). Laparoscopy was associated with longer mean operating room times but with shorter hospital stays and lower mean blood loss.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy was associated with decreased rates of surgical site infections but had an increased risk of peripheral sensory nerve deficits and lymphedema when compared with laparotomy.

The role of lymphadenectomy in surgical staging of endometrial cancer

Surgical staging, including lymph node sampling, for endometrial cancer was adopted by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) in 1988 based on reports demonstrating diagnostic and therapeutic advantages. This review focuses on the incidence of lymph node metastasis, risk factors for lymph node involvement, the effect of lymph node metastasis on prognosis, the therapeutic effect and diagnostic usefulness of lymphadenectomy, risks of lymph node dissection, and future directions in surgical staging of endometrial cancer. Surgical staging identifies most patients with extrauterine disease as well as uterine risk factors for recurrence, thereby allowing for a more informed approach to postoperative adjuvant therapy. Lymphadenectomy as a part of surgical staging is not required in patients assessed intraoperatively to be at low risk for lymph node metastasis (<2 cm grade 1 tumors with superficial myometrial invasion), however, a systematic lymph node dissection should be performed in most other patients with endometrial cancer. In the future, molecular markers may be useful to predict preoperatively tumor aggressiveness and lymph node metastasis. It is hoped that an approach of surgical staging with selective lymph node dissection will improve survival and spare patients additional surgical complications or unnecessary postoperative exposure to radiation and/or chemotherapy.

The influence of radiation modality and lymph node dissection on survival in early-stage endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

The appropriate uses of lymph node dissection (LND) and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for Stage I endometrial cancer are controversial. We explored the impact of specific RT modalities (whole pelvic RT [WPRT], vaginal brachytherapy [VB]) and LND status on survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results dataset was queried for all surgically treated International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage I endometrial cancers; subjects were stratified into low, intermediate and high risk cohorts using modifications of Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) protocol 99 and PORTEC (Postoperative Radiation Therapy in Endometrial Cancer) trial criteria. Five-year overall survival was estimated, and comparisons were performed via the log-rank test.

RESULTS

A total of 56,360 patients were identified: 70.4% low, 26.2% intermediate, and 3.4% high risk. A total of 41.6% underwent LND and 17.6% adjuvant RT. In low-risk disease, LND was associated with higher survival (93.7 LND vs. 92.7% no LND, p < 0.001), whereas RT was not (91.6% RT vs. 92.9% no RT, p = 0.23). In intermediate-risk disease, LND (82.1% LND vs. 76.5% no LND, p < 0.001) and RT (80.6% RT vs. 74.9% no RT, p < 0.001) were associated with higher survival without differences between RT modalities. In high-risk disease, LND (68.8% LND vs. 54.1% no LND, p < 0.001) and RT (66.9% RT vs. 57.2% no RT, p < 0.001) were associated with increased survival; if LND was not performed, VB alone was inferior to WPRT (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Both WPRT and VB alone are associated with increased survival in the intermediate-risk group. In the high-risk group, in the absence of LND, only WPRT is associated with increased survival. LND was also associated with increased survival.

[Current position of the sentinel lymph node procedure in endometrial cancer]

Lymph node status is a major prognostic element in endometrial cancer and affects the choice of adjuvant therapy. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure is proposed as an alternative to lymphadenectomy. This review aims to assess its feasibility. To this end, 19 studies have been analysed. It appears that double detection (colorimetric and isotopic) is better than single detection, independent of injection site. Hysteroscopic injection is technically more difficult, yet can be done near the tumoral lesion. The cervical site does not accurately reflect the lymphatic drainage of the uterine body but is easier to access. SLN detection rate is notably identical between these two injections sites. Lomboaortic detection rate is lower for cervical injections than for endometrial ones. The myometrial site is also difficult to access (intraoperatively), due to same limitations as the hysteroscopic route, and can be deceiving (insufficient detection rate and high false-negative rate). The SLN allows for ultrastadification (micrometastases and isolated tumoral cells) with the development of new pathological techniques (serial sections and immunohistochemistry). Data on SLN in endometrial cancer is very heterogeneous in terms of methodology and populations studied. Despite being well-known, the SLN procedure in endometrial cancer remains in its feasibility stage. Its place in therapeutic strategies needs to be further explored and its potential benefit remains to be confirmed.

Sentinel lymph node mapping for endometrial cancer improves the detection of metastatic disease to regional lymph nodes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the incidence of metastatic cancer cells in sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) vs. non-sentinel nodes in patients who had lymphatic mapping for endometrial cancer and to determine the contribution of metastases detected on ultrastaging to the overall nodal metastasis rate.

METHODS

All patients who underwent lymphatic mapping for endometrial cancer were reviewed. Cervical injection of blue dye was used in all cases. Sentinel nodes were examined by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and if negative, by standardized institutional pathology protocol that included additional sections and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

RESULTS

Between 09/2005 and 03/2010, 266 patients with endometrial cancer underwent lymphatic mapping. Sentinel node identification was successful in 223 (84%) cases. Positive nodes were diagnosed in 32/266 (12%) patients. Of those, 8/266 patients (3%) had the metastasis detected only by additional section or IHC as part of SLN ultrastaging. Excluding the 8 cases with positive SLN on ultrastaging only, 24/801 (2.99%) SLN and 30/2698 (1.11%) non-SLN were positive for metastatic disease (p=0.0003).

CONCLUSION

Using a cervical injection for mapping, metastatic cells from endometrial cancer are three times as likely to be detected in SLN than in the non-sentinel nodes. This finding strongly supports the concept of lymphatic mapping in endometrial cancer to fine tune the nodal dissection topography. By adding SLN mapping to our current surgical staging procedures we may increase the likelihood of detecting metastatic cancer cells in regional lymph nodes. An additional benefit of incorporating pathologic ultrastaging of SLN is the detection of micrometastasis, which may be the only evidence of extrauterine spread.