Sentinel lymph node biopsy using carbon nanoparticles for Chinese patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Application of carbon nanostructures in biomedicine: realities, difficulties, prospects

The review systematizes data on the wide possibilities of practical application of carbon nanostructures. Much attention is paid to the use of carbon nanomaterials in medicine for the visualization of tumors during surgical interventions, in the creation of cosmetics, as well as in agriculture in the creation of fertilizers. Additionally, we demonstrate trends in research in the field of carbon nanomaterials with a view to elaborating targeted drug delivery systems. We also show the creation of nanosized medicinal substances and diagnostic systems, and the production of new biomaterials. A separate section is devoted to the difficulties in studying carbon nanomaterials. The review is intended for a wide range of readers, as well as for experts in the field of nanotechnology and nanomedicine.

Sentinel lymph node mapping: current applications and future perspectives in thyroid carcinoma

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is a standard, minimally-invasive diagnostic method in the surgical treatment of many solid tumors, as for example melanoma and breast cancer, for detecting the presence of regional nodal metastases. A negative SLN accurately indicates the absence of metastases in the other regional lymph nodes (LN), thus avoiding unnecessary lymph nodal dissection. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid carcinoma (TC) with cervical LN metastases at diagnosis in 20-90%, and nodal involvement correlates with local persistence/recurrence. The SLN in PTC is an intraoperative method for staging preoperative N0 patients and for detecting metastatic LNs "in and outside" the cervical LN central compartment; it represents an alternative method to prophylactic central neck node dissection. In this review we summarize different methods and results of the use of SLN in TC. The SLN identification techniques currently used include the selective vital-dye (VD) method, 99mTc-nanocolloid planar lymphoscintigraphy with intraoperative use of a hand-held gamma probe (LS), the combination LS + VD, and the combination LS and preoperative SPECT-CT (LS + SPECT/CT). The application of the SLN procedure in TC has been described in many studies, however, the techniques are heterogeneous, and the role of SLN in TC, with indications, results, advantages and limits, is still debated.

Impact of combining photodynamic diagnosis with reflectance confocal microscopy, on tumor margin detection and surgical outcomes in patients with extramammary Paget disease

Background The recurrence rate of extramammary Paget disease after surgical resection is high due to the lesions' poorly delineated and unclear margins. Aims To evaluate the impact of non-invasive tumour margin detection via photodynamic diagnosis plus reflectance confocal microscopy on the surgical outcomes of patients with extramammary Paget disease. Methods Thirty-six patients with histopathologically confirmed primary extramammary Paget disease between January 2017 and June 2018 were included in this study. The skin lesion margins were preoperatively observed using the naked eye, photodynamic diagnosis, and reflectance confocal microscopy. An incision was made 0.5-2 cm from the outermost non-invasive detection marker line. The incision depth was more significant than the follicle level or the deepest level affected by the tumour in the biopsy specimens. After the skin lesions were removed, a pathological examination of the specimens was conducted to ensure clear margins to prevent tumour recurrence and metastases. Results A total of 166 good-quality tissue sections were selected from 36 patients. The tumour surfaces and deep margins were within the scope of resection. Six patients (6/36, 15.4%) experienced local recurrence 2-12 months postoperatively. One patient (1/36, 2.8%) had lymph node metastasis without local recurrence 36 months postoperatively and died 50 months postoperatively (1/36, 2.8%). Limitations This study is limited by the small patient population, especially the number of patients with mucous membrane involvement. Conclusion Using photodynamic diagnosis plus reflectance confocal microscopy to detect the margins of extramammary Paget disease lesions non-invasively reduces the postoperative tumour recurrence rate and is a valuable guide for tumour treatment.

Nanomaterials: a promising multimodal theranostics platform for thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent malignant neoplasm of the cervical region and endocrine system, characterized by a discernible upward trend in incidence over recent years. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration is the current standard for preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer, albeit with limitations and a certain degree of false-negative outcomes. Although differentiated thyroid carcinoma generally exhibits a favorable prognosis, dedifferentiation is associated with an unfavorable clinical course. Anaplastic thyroid cancer, characterized by high malignancy and aggressiveness, remains an unmet clinical need with no effective treatments available. The emergence of nanomedicine has opened new avenues for cancer theranostics. The unique features of nanomaterials, including multifunctionality, modifiability, and various detection modes, enable non-invasive and convenient thyroid cancer diagnosis through multimodal imaging. For thyroid cancer treatment, nanomaterial-based photothermal therapy or photodynamic therapy, combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or gene therapy, holds promise in reducing invasiveness and prolonging patient survival or alleviating pain in individuals with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, nanomaterials enable simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the latest developments in nanomaterials for thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment and encourage further research in developing innovative and effective theranostic approaches for thyroid cancer.

From organ preservation to selective surgery: How immunotherapy changes colorectal surgery?

The emergence of immunotherapy has revolutionized the traditional treatment paradigm of colorectal cancer (CRC). Among them, immune checkpoint blockade has become the first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and has made significant progress in the treatment of locally advanced colorectal cancer (LACRC). We reviewed a series of clinical trials that have made breakthrough progress. We will emphasize the breakthrough progress in achieving organ preservation in patients with high microsatellite instability or DNA mismatch repair deficiency (MSI-H/dMMR), and based on this, we propose the concept of selective surgery, which includes selectively removing or preserving lymph nodes, with the aim of proving our idea through more research in the future.

The Role of Carbon Nanoparticles in Lymph Node Dissection and Parathyroid Gland Preservation during Surgery for Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy with an increasing incidence over the past few years. Surgery is considered the primary therapeutic option, which often involves lymph node dissection. The aim of this study was to assess the role of carbon nanoparticles, a novel agent, in thyroid cancer surgery. For that purpose, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases from 1 January 2002 to 31 January 2022. Ultimately, 20 articles with a total number of 2920 patients were included in the analysis. The outcome of the analysis showed that the use of carbon nanoparticles is associated with a higher number of harvested lymph nodes (WMD, 1.47, 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.82, p < 0.001) and a lower rate of accidental parathyroid gland removal (OR 0.34, CI 95% 0.24 to 0.50, p < 0.001). Based on these results, we suggest that carbon nanoparticles are applied in thyroid cancer surgery on a wider scale, so that these findings can be confirmed by future research on the subject.

Meta-Analysis of the Diagnostic Value of Tracer Staining Technology Based on Nanocarbon Suspension in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy of Breast Cancer

Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic value of the nanometer carbon suspension tracer staining technique in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer is the objective of this study. Methods. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library (Central), and Web of Science (SCI Expanded), and Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP, Wan Fang, and CBM) were systematically searched for studies on the diagnostic value of nanocarbon suspension in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of each study using the QUADAS-2 tool. The extracted valid data were calculated using Meta-Disc1.4 software and tested for heterogeneity. STATA14.0 software was selected for sensitivity analysis of the included studies, and publication bias was assessed using Deeks’ forest plot asymmetry test. Results. A total of 10 studies were obtained. The pooled data were as follows: sensitivity, 0.92 (0.88~0.95); specificity, 0.99 (0.98~1.00); positive likelihood ratio, 69.24 (30.34~158.02); negative likelihood ratio, 0.09 (0.06~0.13); and the combined diagnostic odds ratio, 747.40 (285.77~1954.76), $\text{AUC}=0.9881$ . Nanocarbon suspension tracers have an accuracy rate of 98.81% in the diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. Conclusion. Tracer staining technology based on nanocarbon suspension can accurately assess the status of lymph nodes in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer and has good stability and operability, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Carbon Nanoparticles for Thyroidectomy and Central Lymph Node Dissection for Thyroid Cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether the application of carbon nanoparticles (CNs) in total or near-total thyroidectomy combined with central lymph node dissection (CLND) for thyroid cancer (TC) is beneficial to lymph node dissection, parathyroid, and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) protection.

METHODS

Relevant literatures were systematically searched on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library Databases until March 31, 2021. All analyses were performed using Revman Manager 5.3 software. The main results were the number of central lymph nodes, the number of central metastatic lymph nodes, accidental parathyroidectomy, postoperative hypoparathyroidism, postoperative hypocalcemia, and postoperative transient RLN paralysis.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis identified 4 randomized controlled trials and 8 non-randomized controlled trials comprising 1870 patients. Compared with the control, the use of CNs was helpful to dissect more central lymph nodes (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 3.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12-4.98, P < .00001) and central metastatic lymph nodes (WMD: 1.69, 95% CI:1.31-2.08, P < .00001), lower rate of accidental parathyroidectomy (odds ratio [OR]: .33, 95% CI: .23-.47, P < .00001), lower rate of both postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism (OR: .40, 95% CI: .31-.51, P < .00001), and transient hypocalcemia (OR: .37, 95% CI: .27-.51, P < .00001). However, there were no statistical difference between the groups for postoperative permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR: .29, 95% CI: .06-1.28, P = .10), postoperative permanent hypocalcemia (OR: .94, 95% CI: .10-9.16, P = .96), and postoperative transient RLN paralysis (OR: .66, 95% CI: .40-1.12, P = .12).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of CNs in total or near-total thyroidectomy combined with CLND for TC can better dissect the central lymph nodes and protect parathyroid glands (PGs) and their function.

Utility of sentinel lymph node biopsy in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

PURPOSE

There are many studies on sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in thyroid carcinoma but SLN biopsy (SLNB) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains open to debate. Therefore in this retrospective study, the usefulness of SLNB in thyroid carcinoma patients who had micro-PTC without cervical lymphadenopathy was assessed.

METHODS

SLNB was performed in 114 patients who were diagnosed with micro-PTC in a single lobe without palpable or ultrasound-detected lymph node at the tertiary center between January 2012 and December 2013. After SLNB, all patients underwent total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection or thyroid lobectomy and central neck dissection of the single side.

RESULTS

SLNs were identified in 112 of 114 patients with 41 positive SLNs and 71 negative SLNs on intraoperative frozen sections. However, eight negative patients were found to be positive in the final pathology. Sentinel node identification rate and false negative value of SLNB were 98.2% and 11.3%, respectively. In the univariate analysis, higher lymph node metastasis was detected in men than in women. Higher detection number of SLN showed higher probability of lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

SLNB may be helpful in papillary thyroid cancer, especially in male patients. Also, it is useful for the staging of nodal status and clearance of persistent disease.

Application of Carbon Nanoparticle Tracers in the Lateral Neck Lymph Nodes of CN1bx Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

This study aimed to investigate the applicability of carbon nanoparticle tracers in the lateral neck lymph nodes of CN1bx patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma surgery. 73 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma at our hospital between January 2019 to December 2019 were suspected metastasis in the lateral neck lymph node before surgical treatment. During the operation, carbon nanoparticle tracers were used as black staining tracers for the lateral neck lymph nodes to detect metastasis in each Compartment of the neck. The lateral Compartment is defined as level ll-V The black-stained lymph nodes, dyed by Carbon nanoparticle tracers, and non-dyed lymph nodes were compared. Post-surgery paraffin pathology was adopted as the gold standard to calculate the predictive performance of the carbon nanoparticle tracers in detecting lymph node biopsy metastasis. 59 of the patients (80.8%) had lateral neck metastasis. The black-stained lymph nodes, dyed by Carbon nanoparticle tracers, in Compartment IV exhibited the highest proportions in the case number submitted for detection and in lymph nodes metastasis, followed by Compartment III. The metastasis rate of the dyed lymph nodes in areas III and IV was significantly higher than that of non-dyed lymph nodes (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and accuracy of the dyed lymph node biopsy in Compartments III-IV were 90% and 93.2%, respectively. This predictive performance was similar to that Compartments ll-V combined. In conclusion, when carbon nanoparticle tracers are used for lymph node biopsy, high sensitivity and accuracy are obtained in lateral neck compartments III-IV, making these compartments ideal for lymph node biopsy.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with carbon nanoparticle suspension after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to explore the feasibility of performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) using a carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNPS) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

METHODS

Some 152 patients diagnosed with primary breast cancer (cT1-3N0-2M0) were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups according to axillary lymph node (ALN) status after four to six cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. All patients received a CNPS injection, after which SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were performed.

RESULTS

Sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) of 143 patients were identified; with an accuracy rate of 94.4% and a false-negative rate of 9.9%. Group A included 67 patients, and the detection, accuracy and false-negative rates within this group were 95.5%, 96.9% and 6.7%, respectively. The corresponding rates for group B (85 patients) were 92.9%, 92.4% and 11.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CNPS is an ideal tracer for improving the detection rate of SLN and can be used to determine SLN status following neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Preoperative carbon nanoparticle injection improves inferior mesenteric artery lymph node retrieval in patients with rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Inferior mesenteric artery lymph node (station 253 node) metastasis occurs in approximately 0.3% to 13.9% of rectal cancer patients. This study examined whether carbon nanoparticles could aid in harvesting more station 253 nodes and evaluated the relationship between the number of station 253 nodes retrieved and station 253 node metastasis.

METHOD

A total of 480 consecutive rectal cancer patients were enrolled in this prospective cohort study between August 2014 and October 2018. Ninety-one patients (18.96%) received a preoperative submucosal injection of carbon nanoparticles (CN+ group), and 389 patients did not receive an injection (CN- group). The number of lymph node retrievals was analyzed, and the relevant risk factors for station 253 node metastasis were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The mean number of station 251, 252, and 253 lymph nodes and total lymph nodes retrieved in the CN+ group were higher than that retrieved in the CN- group. The percentage of patients with ≥4 station 253 nodes retrieved (54.0% vs 28.3%, P = .004) were higher in the CN+ group than in the CN- group. Retrieval of ≥4 station 253 nodes was an independent risk factor for station 253 node metastasis (OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.22-4.74, P = .012).

CONCLUSION

The preoperative submucosal injection of carbon nanoparticles was helpful for increasing the number of station 253 nodes harvested, and a minimum of 4 examined station 253 nodes was necessary for standard D3 lymph node dissection in rectal cancer.

Near-infrared laparoscopy with indocyanine green for axillary sentinel lymph node biopsy in early breast cancer: preliminary experience of a single unit

Background

A sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a routine procedure for axillary staging in cN0 breast cancer (BC) patients. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence can detect sentinel lymph nodes with higher sensitivity than carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNS). The present study investigated the availability and benefits of a near-infrared (NIR) laparoscopy-assisted SLNB using ICG and carbon nanoparticle suspension as tracers.

Methods

Forty patients with invasive BC, who had clinically negative axillary lymph nodes, participated in this observational study. ICG and CNS tracers were injected into the periareolar region simultaneously or sequentially. In the endoscopy-assisted group (n=20), the patients were given NIR laparoscopic SLNB based on ICG fluorescence and CNS staining. In the open-surgery group, the patients were given traditional SLNB using an open incision, and CNS tracers were injected into the same region as that in the endoscopy-assisted group.

Results

In the endoscopy-assisted group, lymphatic vessels and sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were successfully identified using ICG fluorescence imaging in most patients (19/20). The average number of SLNs removed was 2.85 (range, 1-4) in the endoscopy-assisted group, and 3.40 (range, 1-7) in the open-surgery group. There was no significant difference between the number of detected nodes (P=0.30). The patients who underwent endoscopy-assisted SLNBs had similar operating times, blood loss and hospital-stay lengths, but lower postoperative drainage volumes and higher satisfaction scores, as they did not have axillary incisions.

Conclusions

The NIR laparoscopy-assisted ICG-guided technique is a feasible and surgeon-friendly method for SLNB with good efficacy and acceptable safety. When combined with CNS, more SLNs can be detected and dissected.

Carbon nanoparticle-guided intraoperative lymph node biopsy predicts the status of lymph nodes posterior to right recurrent laryngeal nerve in cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The lymph nodes in the right central compartment can be divided into 2 parts by the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and there is a lack of an accurate and convenient method for assessing metastases in the lymph node posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (LN-prRLN) in cN0 thyroid papillary carcinoma patients.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with cN0 thyroid papillary carcinoma and underwent intraoperative carbon nanoparticle-guided lymph node biopsy from January 2017 to November 2020 at the Center for Thyroid and Breast Surgery of Xuanwu Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The intraoperative frozen section examination and postoperative LN-prRLN status should have been comprehensively recorded. The participants were divided into the LN-prRLN positive group and LN-prRLN negative group according to their recorded LN-prRLN status.

RESULTS

In total, 189 cases (LN-prRLN positive group, n=30; LN-prRLN negative group, n=159) were included in the analysis. The univariate and multivariate regression analyses revealed that the number of metastatic lymph nodes during intraoperative lymph node biopsy was the potential predictor for LN-prRLN metastasis [odds ratio (OR): 1.320, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.057 to 1.649, P=0.014]. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) reached 0.7 upon a combined analysis of multiple lymph node statuses located at pre-laryngeal (Delphian), pre-tracheal, and para-tracheal lymph nodes ipsilateral to the tumor in predicting the metastasis of LN-prRLN, and the cut-off value was 0.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Number of metastatic lymph nodes in intraoperative biopsy was an indicator of LN-prRLN metastasis in cN0 thyroid carcinoma patients. Patients staging in cN0 with negative intraoperative lymph node status might be considered not to require LN-prRLN dissection during central lymph nodes dissection.

Preliminary Study on the Clinical Significance and Methods of Using Carbon Nanoparticles in Endoscopic Papillary Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to find the clinical significance and methods of using CN in endoscopic treatment for PTC.

Materials and Methods

A total of 108 cases were randomly enrolled and divided into two groups, with 50 cases in the CN injection group who were injected with CN and 58 cases in the control group with no CN injection. All cases were analyzed with the size of carcinoma, the number of lymph node, and parathyroid gland injury.

Results

All operations were successfully completed. The lymph node dissection number was 274 for the control group and 322 (the rate of black stained was 87%) for the CN injection group. The average number of lymph nodes in the CN injection group was 6.44 ± 2.08, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.72 ± 1.89). The control group had a relatively higher incidence of incidental parathyroidectomy, compared to the CN injection group (27.6% in the control group vs. 12% in the CN injection group, P=0.045). However, the incidence of hypoparathyroidism failed to show the significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

Using CN in endoscopic PTC surgery could increase the detection rate of lymph nodes and reduce the injury of parathyroid glands to a certain extent.

Ultrasound lymphatic imaging for the diagnosis of metastatic central lymph nodes in papillary thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVES

Up to 40% of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients have lymph node metastasis, a condition that implies persistent, recurrent, or progressive disease. However, the American Joint Committee on Cancer Manual states that there is no reliable examination for adequate lymph node staging. Therefore, our aim is to develop a lymphatic imaging technique using ultrasonography to address this challenge.

METHODS

We consecutively enrolled PTC patients who underwent ultrasound (US) lymphatic imaging via the peritumoral injection of contrast media. Identification of the sentinel lymph nodes and the targeted sentinel lymph nodes was separately based on the lymphatic drainage pathway and the enhancement patterns. Every identified targeted node was assigned a score, according to the features on conventional US and enhancement patterns, and was referred for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration. Cytological and histopathologic results represented the statuses of the targeted lymph nodes and overall central lymph nodes, respectively, which were applied to evaluate the diagnostic performance of US lymphatic imaging.

RESULTS

In total, 100 PTC patients were included. On the basis of the cytological results, the sensitivity (97.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.7-99.9%) of detecting positive targeted nodes by US lymphatic imaging significantly increased by 45.5% at a threshold of 4 or higher (p = 0.0001), without loss of specificity (p = 1.0000). The surgical results showed that the metastatic degree was positively correlated with an increase in the score (τ: 0.671, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound lymphatic imaging has a high diagnostic performance, and its corresponding scoring system facilitates grading of the nodal burden in the central compartment.

KEY POINTS

• Ultrasound neck lymphatic imaging is an effective contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) technique (applied after the peritumoral injection of contrast media) for identifying sentinel lymph nodes in the central compartment by tracing the imaged afferent lymphatic vessel. • Lack of enhancement or perfusion defects is the typical enhancement pattern for recognizing the involved central lymph nodes. • Ultrasound lymphatic imaging for identification of positive central lymph nodes before surgery may effectively avoid complications associated with the surgical sentinel node procedure.

Safety and feasibility of single-incision radical vulvectomy: a novel approach for the treatment of vulvar cancer

Background

In the process of decreasing the morbidity of wound-related complications after vulvectomy and IL for treating vulvar malignancy, we performed a novel surgical procedure—single-incision radical vulvectomy (SIRV). Here, we share our initial experience and report its safety and feasibility.

Methods

Patients with advanced local vulvar tumors were sequentially enrolled in this prospective cohort study to undergo SIRV. While performing SIRV, routine radical vulvectomies were performed first. Subsequently, the flaps of the bridge area between the vulvectomy incisions and femoral triangles were separated and the lymph nodes underneath were removed. Anterior working spaces (AWS) before the femoral triangle were then made. The saphenous vein was carefully identified and retained, while the superficial and deep inguinal lymph nodes were removed from the medial to the lateral sides. After careful hemostasis, the wounds were sutured. Patient demographics, clinical data, pathologic data, operation time, node count, and complications were recorded.

Results

Ten patients underwent SIRV for vulvar cancer. Average hospital stay was 11.70±3.16 (range, 9–13) days. The average number of harvested lymph nodes was 7.59±3.62 (range, 3–15) and 15.14±3.63 (range, 11–20) for per side or both sides of the groin. Blood loss was ≤35 mL. Three patients developed inguinal lymphoceles and underwent needle aspirations. Two patients had impaired wound healing and achieved healing after dressing change. No other postoperative complications were noted during follow-up.

Conclusions

Compared with conventional open inguinal lymphadenectomy (COIL) and video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL), SIRV is a more minimally invasive procedure. Our short-term observations showed that SIRV is safe and feasible and has good future application prospects for vulvar cancer. However, definitive conclusions cannot be made. Therefore, long-term oncologic outcomes and large-scale clinical trials are warranted.

Application of carbon nanoparticles combined with intraoperative neuromonitoring in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma surgery

PURPOSES

To improve the lymph node dissection as well as protect parathyroid gland and recurrent laryngeal nerve, the carbon nanoparticles and intraoperative neuromonitoring were applied in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma surgery.

METHODS

Carbon nanoparticles and intraoperative neuromonitoring were used in the experimental group, whereas the control group were not. Routine pathological examination was performed.

RESULTS

The lymph nodes dissected was significantly higher in the experimental group, but the metastatic lymph nodes were not. The number of mistakenly dissected parathyroid gland and postoperative hypoparathyroidism were 3 and 13 in the experimental group respectively, significantly less than 10 and 25 in the control group. The incidences of overall, transient and persistent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in the experimental group were 5.5%, 5.5% and 0% respectively, whereas in the control group were 8.6%, 6.9% and 1.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbon nanoparticles can improve lymph node dissection in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma surgery, and the combination of carbon nanoparticles with intraoperative neuromonitoring can reduce surgical complications and improve patient quality of life.

Potential protection of indocyanine green on parathyroid gland function during near-infrared laparoscopic-assisted thyroidectomy: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, significant advances have been made in protecting the parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves during thyro-idectomy. However, reliable and convenient technical means are still lacking. In this study, the reliability, safety and feasibility of near-infrared (NIR) laparoscopy-assisted thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy and prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND) were reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A 63-year-old female patient with a free previous medical history, was admitted to our department due to multiple thyroid nodules. Ultrasonic examination suggested diffuse thyroid changes and one thyroid nodule in the right upper lobe with the largest diameter of 1.5 cm adjacent to the trachea and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System grade 4B. Imaging examination of the neck showed no obvious enlarged lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration biopsy suggested a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Combined with thyroid function examination, the patient was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Considering the risk of invading the capsule and the patient's extreme anxiety, a right thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy and prophylactic CLND was planned. No significant abnormalities were found during preoperative examinations, except for an increased thyroid stimulating hormone level. The patient underwent NIR laparoscopy-assisted thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy and prophylactic CLND. During the operation, two right parathyroid glands (PGs) adjacent to the thyroid gland capsule and the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were examined by indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence using a NIR fluorescence camera, and the PGs and RLN were reliably preserved. Considering the ICG-positive PG, prophylactic CLND was performed. The postoperative parathyroid hormone level was in the normal range and no significant hypocalcemia symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSION

During NIR laparoscopy-assisted thyroidectomy, ICG fluorescence may aid PG identification and protection.

Pretracheal-laryngeal lymph nodes in frozen section predicting contralateral paratracheal lymph nodes metastasis

BACKGROUND

There has been an ongoing debate concerning the predictors of contralateral paratracheal lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) in unilateral papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). This study aimed to explore the value of pretracheal-laryngeal lymph nodes (LNs) in frozen section in predicting contralateral paratracheal LNM.

METHODS

A total of 242 patients with unilateral PTC were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and bilateral central lymph nodes dissection (LND) were divided into two groups according to positive or negative contralateral paratracheal LNs. Patients' demographics and clinicopathological features were compared between the two groups. Validity indexes and consistency of pretracheal-laryngeal LNs in frozen sections were calculated.

RESULTS

LNM rates in central, ipsilateral paratracheal, pretracheal-laryngeal, and contralateral paratracheal regions were 55.37%, 47.03%, 23.55% and 14.05%, respectively. Only pretracheal-laryngeal LNM, regardless of whether detected in frozen or paraffin sections, were independent risk factors for contralateral paratracheal LNM (OR = 2.707; 95% CI 1.062-6.902; P = 0.037 in frozen section; OR = 3.072; 95% CI 1.248-7.560; P = 0.015 in paraffin section). The sensitivity, specificity, false-negative rate, false-positive rate, accuracy rate, and Kappa value of pretracheal-laryngeal LNM in frozen sections for predicting pretracheal-laryngeal LNM were 87.72%, 100%, 12.28%, 0%, 97.11% and 0.916 respectively, while those for predicting contralateral paratracheal LNM were 85,29%, 89.90%, 14.71%, 10.10%, 89.22%, and 0.618 respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pretracheal-laryngeal LNs in frozen section accurately predicted contralateral paratracheal LNM, which could allow the identification of patients who can benefit from an extended central LND.

Detection of sentinel lymph node in laparoscopic surgery for uterine cervical cancer using carbon nanoparticles

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) has been widely confirmed the efficiency in sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping for various solid tumors. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of CNPs during laparoscopic surgery for cervical cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed 45 women with stage IB1-IIA1 cervical cancer who underwent SLN mapping using CNPs during laparoscopic surgery. The effectiveness of CNPs was evaluated by the detection rate and accuracy parameters. Factors associated with SLN laterality and SLNs localizations were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall and bilateral detection rate was 93.3% (42/45) and 60.0% (27/45), respectively. Elevated body mass index was associated with decreased bilateral detection rate (P = .015). A total of 225 SLNs were harvested, with a mean number of 5.0 ± 3.6. A total of 81.3% of SLNs were in expected localizations including external iliac (39.1%), internal iliac (25.8%), and obturator (16.4%) regions, while 18.7% in unusual localizations including common iliac (10.7%), parametrial (7.6%), and presarcal (0.4%) regions. None positive lymph node was found in non-SLNs with a false-negative rate of 0%.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic SLN mapping with CNPs appears to be simple and efficient for patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

Clinically Approved Carbon Nanoparticles with Oral Administration for Intestinal Radioprotection via Protecting the Small Intestinal Crypt Stem Cells and Maintaining the Balance of Intestinal Flora

The exploration of an old drug for new biomedical applications has an absolute predominance in shortening the clinical conversion time of drugs for clinical application. In this work, carbon nanoparticles suspension injection (CNSI), the first clinically approved carbon nanoparticles in China, is explored as a new nano-radioprotective agent for potent intestinal radioprotection. CNSI shows powerful radioprotective performance in the intestine under oral administration, including efficient free radical scavenging ability, good biosafety, high chemical stability, and relatively long retention time. For example, CNSI shows high reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities, which effectively alleviates the mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA double-strand breaks to protect the cells against radiation-induced damage. Most importantly, this efficient ROS scavenging ability greatly helps restrain the apoptosis of the small intestinal epithelial and crypt stem cells, which decreases the damage of the mechanical barrier and thus relieves radiation enteritis. Moreover, CNSI helps remove the free radicals in the intestinal microenvironment and thus maintain the balance of intestinal flora so as to mitigate the radiation enteritis. The finding suggests a new application of clinically approved carbon nanoparticles, which not only promotes the development of new intestinal radioprotector, but also has a great potential for clinical transformation.

The sentinel lymph node biopsy technique in papillary thyroid carcinoma: The issue of false-negative findings

BACKGROUND

The management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is changed after introduction of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) technique for nodal staging. Some debate still surrounds the accuracy of this procedure in terms of wide heterogeneity of sentinel lymph node detection and false-negative findings.

AIM

to identify the key issues which make it difficult the usefulness of SNB in PTC.

METHODS

A comprehensive computer literature search of meta-analyses published in PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library database until June 30, 2019 was conducted. We used a search algorithm based on this combination of terms: (i) "thyroid neoplasm" or "thyroid cancer" or "thyroid carcinoma" or "thyroid malignancy" or "meta-analysis" or "systematic review") AND (ii) "sentinel lymph node biopsy".

RESULTS

Comparing 4 written meta-analyses published in the literature, the diagnostic performance of SNB technique in PTC has been summarized. Relatively high false-negative rates (FNR) were reported for each SNB methods: vital-dye (VD: 12.7%; 7%; 0-38%), 99mTc-nanocolloid planar lymphoscintigraphy with the use of intraoperative hand-held gamma probes (LS: 11.3%; 16%; 0-40%), combined LS with VD (LS+VD: 0%; 0-17%), LS with the additional contribution of preoperative SPECT/CT (7-8%).

CONCLUSION

Evidence-based data about the diagnostic performance of SNB in PTC are increasing. The nuclear medicine community should reach a consensus on the operational definition of the SLN to better guide the surgeon in identifying the lymph nodes most likely contain metastatic cells. Standardization of SLN identification, removal and analysis are required.

The role of carbon nanoparticle in lymph node detection and parathyroid gland protection during thyroidectomy for non-anaplastic thyroid carcinoma- a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficiency of the carbon nanoparticles (CNs) in lymph node identification and parathyroid gland (PG) protection during thyroidectomy for non-anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (N-ATC).

METHODS

A systematic literature search for relevant literatures published up to December 2018 in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed. Both English and Chinese literatures were retrieved and analyzed. Randomized controlled trials or nonrandomized controlled trials comparing the use of CNs with the use of methylene blue or a blank control in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for N-ATC were enrolled in this study. The primary outcomes included the number of lymph nodes harvested, the rate of lymph nodes involved, and the rates of accidental parathyroidectomy, hypoparathyroidism, and hypocalcemia. Weighted mean differences (WMDs), odds ratios (ORs) and risk differences (RDs) were calculated for the dichotomous outcome variables. Between study heterogeneity was tested using the Q tests and the I2 statistics. All analyses were performed using Review Manager (version 5.3.5).

RESULTS

25 studies comprising 3266 patients were included in this analysis. The total number of lymph nodes harvested in the CNs groups was significantly higher than that in the control groups (WMD, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.40 to 3.32; P <0.01). Administrating CNs was associated with a lower incidence of accidental PG removal (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.21 to 0.37, P<0.01) and lower rates of both postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.64, P <0.01) and transient hypocalcemia (OR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.65, P <0.01). No significant difference was found concerning lymph node metastatic rates between CNs group and control group. Subgroup analysis indicated that the application of CNs in reoperation thyroidectomy reduced both the rate of transient hypoparathyroidism (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.06 to 0.75, P = 0.02) and the possibility of accidental PGs removal (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.62, P = 0.004, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of CNs in thyroidectomy for N-ATC results in higher number of lymph node harvested and better PG protection during both initial and reoperation thyroidectomy.

Clinical feasibility of imaging with indocyanine green combined with carbon nanoparticles for sentinel lymph node identification in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Although several previous studies demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG) for thyroid cancer surgery, ICG was administered through venous injection and focused on parathyroid gland protection. We thus aimed to study the feasibility of imaging using ICG combined with carbon nanoparticles (CNs) in the identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

METHODS

Two approaches were applied to detect lymph nodes in PTMC surgery. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. ICG and CNs were injected into the thyroid in Group A. In Group B, only CNs was injected. Black-stained or fluorescent nodes observed using near-infrared fluorescence imaging systems were defined as SLNs. SLN and central lymph node (CLN) dissection was completed in both groups. The pathological and postoperative outcomes were compared between 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were 40 patients in Group A and 60 in Group B. A total of 138 SLNs were identified; 72 and 66 SLNs were detected and dissected in Groups A and B, respectively. The number of SLNs identified (per patient) in Group A was higher than that in Group B (P = .027). The number of harvested CLNs was 161 and 192 in Groups A and B, respectively, out of which 45 and 48 lymph nodes with metastasis were confirmed by permanent pathology. The CLN metastatic rate in Group A was higher than that in Group B (P = .048).

CONCLUSION

Imaging using ICG combined CNs is feasible and safe for SLN identification in PTMC patients. Compared with using only CNs, more SLNs can be removed and more metastatic lymph nodes can be confirmed when using the combined method. Although the combined method appears to accurately stage tumors, further research is needed.

Reduction in postoperative hypoparathyroidism following carbon nanoparticle suspension injection combined with parathyroid gland vasculature preservation

Objective

We evaluated the effectiveness of carbon nanoparticle suspension injection combined with parathyroid gland vasculature preservation to identify and preserve the parathyroid gland to reduce postoperative hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy.

Material and Methods

Fifty patients with thyroid tumors received carbon nanoparticle suspension injection combined with parathyroid gland vasculature preservation (group A). Serum calcium and PTH levels were recorded and compared with those of 50 control patients who underwent a standard thyroidectomy procedure (group B).

Results

The serum calcium level in group A was significantly higher than that in group B at day 1 (2.20 ± 0.02 vs 2.11 ± 0.03 mmol/L) and day 30 (2.27 ± 0.01 vs 2.21 ± 0.02 mmol/L) after surgery. The PTH level in group A was also significantly higher than that in group B at day 1 (33.5 ± 2.36 vs. 25.31 ± 2.98 pg/mL) after surgery. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism was significantly higher in group B than in group A at day 1 after surgery (19 vs. 7 patients).

Conclusion

When combined with parathyroid gland vasculature preservation, carbon nanoparticle suspension injection can effectively reduce the incidence of temporary parathyroidism following thyroid surgery.

Combined strategies for tumor immunotherapy with nanoparticles

A brief review of tumor immunotherapies shows significant advancements in academic research and preclinical studies. Analysis of different immune cell pathways, including macrophage activation, natural killer cells, and dendritic cell presentation show promising clinical results when targeted with different nanoparticle polymer and gold materials. Following a brief discussion on immuno-oncology successes, detailed results are discussed in macrophage activation, dendritic cell presentation, and lysis of tumor cells with natural killer cells. Common targets include tumor-associated macrophages and induction of the proinflammatory phenotype, dual targeting of cell and humoral immunity with dendritic cells, and creating chimeric antigen receptors on natural killer cells. An analysis of the results shows a variety of nanoparticle synthesis methods are required depending on drug type and tissue type affected by tumors. Future research is discussed in conjunction with a brief analysis of completed clinical trial data on cancer therapies using nanoparticles to date. Although paclitaxel-loaded albumin nanoparticles are most frequently studied, academic research shows there may be additional mechanisms of action to elicit anti-tumor activity.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Small Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare reported results on available techniques for sentinel lymph node detection rate (SDR) in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched via a PubMed interface to identify original articles regarding sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) in thyroid cancer. Studies were stratified according to the sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection technique: vital-dye (VD), Tc-nanocolloid planar lymphoscintigraphy with the use of intraoperative hand-held gamma probes (LS), both Tc-nanocolloid planar lymphoscintigraphy with intraoperative use of hand-held gamma probe and VD (LS + VD), Tc-nanocolloid planar lymphoscintigraphy with the additional contribution of preoperative SPECT/CT, and intraoperative use of hand-held gamma probe (LS-SPECT/CT). Pooled SDR values were presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each SLN detection techniques. A Z-test was used to compare pooled SDR estimates. False-negative rates were summarized for each method.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies were included. Overall SDRs for the VD, LS, LS + VD, and LS-SPECT/CT techniques were 83% (95% CI, 77%-88%; I = 78%), 96% (95% CI, 90%-98%; I = 68%), 87% (95% CI, 65%-96%; I = 75%), and 93% (95% CI, 86%-97%; I = 0%), respectively. False-negative rates were 0% to 38%, 0% to 40%, 0% to 17%, and 7% to 8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with PTC, Tc-nanocolloids offer a higher SDR than that of the VD technique. The addition of SPECT/CT improved identification of metastatic SLNs outside the central neck compartment.

Carbon nanoparticle lymph node tracer improves the outcomes of surgical treatment in papillary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid malignancy which is generally accompanied by lymph node metastasis.

OBJECTIVE

Our study evaluated whether carbon nanoparticle lymph node tracer can improve the outcomes of surgical treatment in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS

Ninety-two patients were selected and underwent total thyroidectomy and lymph node resection. Our study placed 45 individuals into the treatment group (carbon nanoparticle group) and 47 cohorts in the control group (no carbon nanoparticle group).

RESULTS

Carbon nanoparticle application remarkably improved lymph nodes detection rate in patients (4.7 ± 3.0; P< 0.05) compared to those in control groups (3.5 ± 2.3). The rate of parathyroid accidental resection in the carbon nanoparticle group significantly decreased (6.67%) compared to the control group (21.28%). Incidents of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcaemia significantly decreased among the carbon nanoparticle cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study definitively showed that carbon nanoparticles can be used to effectively treat lymphatic carcinoma. Our study presented clinical evidences for potential application of carbon nanoparticle in improving the management of PTC patients.

Intraoperative carbon nanoparticles mapping in secondary total thyroidectomy for recurrent thyroid nodules: Results of a 8-criterion case-match study (case control study)

BACKGROUND

The extent of total thyroidectomy in the management of multinodular goiter remains unclear. Compared to primary thyroidectomy, secondary total thyroidectomy is more difficult to perform and carries a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications such as recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy or hypoparathyroidism. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative carbon nanoparticle (CN) mapping in patients undergoing secondary total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

We performed a case-matched analysis of a prospectively maintained database using 8 specific criteria to compare perioperative outcomes after primary total thyroidectomy to those after secondary total thyroidectomy with intraoperative CN mapping. The criteria included age, sex, operative procedure, RLN/parathyroid glands (PGs) exploration, preoperative vocal cord calcium abnormalities, and pathological results. Thirty-five patients underwent secondary total thyroidectomy with intraoperative CN mapping due to recurrent thyroid nodules or development of nodules suspicious for malignancy after subtotal thyroidectomy. Fifty exact matches for all 8 criteria were identified from the database in our previous study, which included records of 3078 primary thyroidectomies without CNs. Perioperative outcomes, surgical technique, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

The RLNs were successfully identified in all 35 patients. Among three patients that experienced slight hoarseness, one had an RLN end-to-end anastomosis with subsequent improvement in the during the 12-month follow-up period. Two patients experienced changes in vocal tone, but recovered after several months. Two patients underwent parathyroid auto-transplantations, and subsequently presented with transient hypocalcaemia. Their symptoms gradually remitted within one year. Except for mean operation time, there were no statistically significant differences in complications between the primary total thyroidectomies and the secondary total thyroidectomy with CNs.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative CN mapping, expert knowledge of the jugular anatomy, and standardized resection procedures can minimize the incidence of complications such as RLN palsy and hypoparathyroidism after secondary total thyroidectomy.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in small papillary thyroid cancer. A review on novel surgical techniques

PURPOSE

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and negative for clinically neck lymph node metastatic involvement (N0) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive procedure to detect metastatic nodes.

METHODS

The MEDLINE database was searched via the PubMed interface on 10 January 2018 for the MeSH headings "sentinel lymph node biopsy" and "thyroid carcinoma".

RESULTS

Vital blue dye, radioisotope, and the combination of both techniques are used in PTC patients. These methods and the emerging role of SPECT/CT are discussed in this review. The sentinel lymph node (SLN) identification rates ranged from 0 to 100% for blue dye, 83 to 100% for radioisotopes, and 66 to 100% for the combination of both techniques, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SNB based on radioisotope technique with the use of intraoperative gamma-probe is an accurate and safe method that allows the highest SLN detection rate. There is sufficient evidence to propagate the increasing use of SNB procedure that has the potential to avoid prophylactic lymph node surgery in patients clinically N0.

The function of carbon nanoparticles to improve lymph node dissection and identification of parathyroid glands during thyroid reoperation for carcinoma

To evaluate the function of carbon nanoparticles during the thyroid reoperation for carcinoma, we conducted this study by retrospectively analyzing the data of patients who underwent at least completion thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph nodes dissection for thyroid carcinoma from January 2009 to June 2016. The clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical details were compared between the patient who accepted intraoperative carbon nanoparticles injection and those who accepted nothing injection during the surgery. The main monitoring indicators were the number of dissected lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes in central zone, the number of identified parathyroid glands and autoplastic parathyroid glands and unintentionally resected parathyroid glands. A total of 69 patients were enrolled into the carbon nanoparticles group and 128 patients were enrolled into the control group.The average number of lymph nodes harvested in the central zone was higher in the carbon nanoparticles group than that in the control group (11.2 ± 5.7 vs 7.7 ± 4.0, P < .001), so was the average number of metastatic lymph nodes (4.5 ± 4.5 vs 2.7 ± 2.9, P = .004). The average number of identified parathyroid gland was greater in the carbon nanoparticles group than that in the control group (2.4 ± 1.2 vs 1.6 ± 1.1, P < .001). The average number of autoplastic parathyroid gland was comparable between the 2 groups (0.6 ± 0.6 vs 0.4 ± 0.7, P = .052). But the average number of unintentionally resected parathyroid gland was less in the carbon nanoparticles group than that in the control group (0.1 ± 0.2 vs 0.2 ± 0.4, P = .007). Carbon nanoparticles can improve lymph nodes dissection and identification of parathyroid gland during thyroid reoperation for carcinoma.

Carbon nanoparticles guide contralateral central neck dissection in patients with papillary thyroid cancer

The treatment of contralateral central neck lymph node metastasis is controversial in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. The present study reports the use of carbon nanoparticles (CNs) as lymph node tracers and discusses the potential role of predicting contralateral central neck metastasis is evaluated, so as to guide contralateral central neck dissection (CND). A total of 70 consecutive patients with papillary thyroid cancer were enrolled in the present study. All patients underwent a total or near-total thyroidectomy plus bilateral CND, during which CNs were used as a lymph node tracer. Of the 70 enrolled patients, 51 (72.86%) were confirmed to have lymph node metastasis in the central neck, 50 (71.43%) patients in the ipsilateral central neck and 14 (20.00%) in the contralateral central neck. A total of 579 (84.90%) lymph nodes were stained black by CNs. Of the 193 metastatic lymph nodes, 168 were located in the ipsilateral central compartment and the other 25 in the contralateral central compartment. A total of 147 (76.17%) metastatic lymph nodes were stained black. A total of 21 metastatic lymph nodes were found in the contralateral central compartment, 4 metastatic lymph nodes of contralateral central compartment were not black-stained. The sensitivity and specificity of CNs for contralateral metastasis was 84 and 25%, respectively. Contralateral central lymph node metastasis was significantly associated with extrathyroid extension and the presence of ipsilateral central neck lymph node metastasis. Together, the results of the present study reveal that CNs might accurately predict contralateral central lymph nodes metastasis and could be used to direct CND.

Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy in papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with no preoperative evidence of lymph node metastasis

INTRODUCTION

Lymphadenectomy is recommended during surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma when there is evidence of cervical lymph node metastasis (therapeutic) or in high-risk patients (prophylactic) such as those with T3 and T4 tumors of the TNM classification. Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy may improve preoperative diagnosis of nodal metastases.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the results of selective sentinel lymph node biopsy in a group of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and no evidence of nodal involvement before surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A retrospective, single-center study in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and no clinical evidence of lymph node involvement who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2013. The sentinel node was identified by scintigraphy. When the sentinel node was positive, the affected compartment was removed, and when sentinel node was negative, central lymph node dissection was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients, 34 females, with a mean age of 52.3 (±17) years, were enrolled. Forty-six (27%) of the 170 SNs resected from 24 (55.8%) patients were positive for metastasis. In addition, 94 (15.6%) out of the 612 lymph nodes removed in the lymphadenectomies were positive for metastases. Twelve of the 30 (40%) low risk patients (cT1N0 and cT2N0) changed their stage to pN1, whereas 12 of 13 (92%) high risk patients (cT3N0 and cT4N0) changed to pN1 stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective sentinel lymph node biopsy changes the stage of more than 50% of patients from cN0 to pN1. This confirms the need for lymph node resection in T3 and T4 tumors, but reveals the presence of lymph node metastases in 40% of T1-T2 tumors.

[Application of carbon nanoparticles as lymph node tracers in patients with cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma un-dergoing neck dissection]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the value of carbon nanoparticles as lymph node tracers in neck dissection for cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma patients.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients with cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma were recruited to undergo surgical treatment were randomly divided into two groups, namely, the carbon nanoparticle-labeled group (the experimental group, 50 cases) and the control group (46 cases). Carbon nanoparticle suspension was injected into the submucosal layer around the site of the primary tumor at three or four points (0.1 mL for each point) 12 h before surgery. Supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOHND, Levels Ⅰ to Ⅲ) or comprehensive neck dissection (CND, Levels Ⅰto Ⅴ) were performed based on the size and location of the primary tumor. All the lymph nodes were dissected and separated from the ex vivo surgical specimens for histopathological evaluation. The number, size, location, and pathological result of all the lymph nodes were compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS 19.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 1 137 lymph nodes were detected in 31 SOHND patients. The average number of lymph nodes detected in the experimental group was (43.79±19.23) /case, which was significantly higher than that in the control group [(30.82±8.77) /case] (P=0.019). Level Ⅲ covered the largest number of lymph nodes in the two groups. However, the number and proportion of lymph nodes found in Level Ⅱ of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P=0.000). A total of 3 938 lymph nodes were detected in 65 CND patients. The average number of lymph nodes detected in the experimental group [(66.67±20.02) /case] was larger than that in the control group [(53.03±20.98) /case] (P=0.026). The difference in the lymph node location between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.354). In the two neck dissection methods, both the proportion of minute lymph nodes and the accuracy of the detected lymph nodes in the experimental group were significantly larger than those in the control groups (P=0.000). Compared with the control group, more metastases were proven by the carbon nanoparticle-labeled lymph nodes (P=0.000) in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

Carbon nanoparticles as lymph node tracers in patients with cN0 lingual squamous cell carcinoma undergoing neck dissection can increase the number of detected lymph nodes, especially the minute nodes. Such nanoparticles can further ensure the thoroughness of neck dissection and the accuracy of clinicopathological stage.

Phase-Transition Nanodroplets for Real-Time Photoacoustic/Ultrasound Dual-Modality Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer

Pathological status of lymph nodes (LNs) plays a critical role in staging and treatment for the patients with breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become the standard method in determining pathological status of axillary LNs. Therefore, the determination of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and therapy of metastatic LNs are highly desirable in clinic. Herein, an unprecedented carbon nanoparticles (CNs)-incorporated liquid-gas phase-transition nanodroplets (CNPs) with strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption, good biocompatibility, excellent photoacoustic (PA) and ultrasound (US) contrast, and high photothermal-conversion efficiency are reported in this study. Upon laser irradiation, liquid-gas phase transition of the CNPs has been demonstrated to provide excellent contrasts for PA/US dual-modality imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the CNPs are capable of staining lymph nodes, which can contribute significantly to the identification of LNs with naked eyes. With increased laser energy, the CNPs exhibit the high performance in killing the breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, due to the photothermal effect induced from the CNs within CNPs. These results suggest that the developed multifunctional phase-transition nanodroplets have high potential to act as the theranostic agents in both SLNs detection and therapy of metastatic LNs.

Preoperative ultrasound-guided carbon nanoparticles localization for metastatic lymph nodes in papillary thyroid carcinoma during reoperation: A retrospective cohort study

Due to the damaged anatomical structure and a large amount of fibrous and scar tissues in the surgical field, reoperation of papillary thyroid carcinoma is difficult. This study introduces a new method of locating metastatic lymph nodes during reoperation and evaluates the effectiveness and safety of the preoperative ultrasound-guided carbon nanoparticles (CNs) localization. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 52 patients who were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis by histopathology and underwent reoperation from October 2015 to February 2016. The modified radical neck dissection or selective neck node dissection was performed. A total of 26 patients underwent preoperative ultrasound-guided CNs injection, and other 26 patients did not. Tolerance, the result of injection, the number of resected metastatic lymph nodes, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed. In CNs group, 102 suspicious nonpalpable lesions in 26 patients were injected with CNs, and 99 of the 102 lesions were successfully identified by surgeon in the reoperation. The positive rate of resected lymph nodes in total, in the central compartment, and in the lateral compartment were 31.6%, 31.2%, and 32.8%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P = 0.041). In addition, the positive rates of levels III, IV, and V in the CNs group were 35.6%, 21.9%, and 30.5%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001, P = 0.005, and P = 0.01). In additional, in the CNs group, the rate of temporary hypoparathyroidism was significantly lower compared with the control group (0% vs 26.9%, P = 0.021). Preoperative ultrasound-guided CNs injection is a safe and effective method for localization of the metastatic lymph nodes during reoperation.

Enhanced identification and functional protective role of carbon nanoparticles on parathyroid in thyroid cancer surgery: A retrospective Chinese population study

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nanocarbon particles in combination with meticulous capsular dissection on enhancing the identification and protecting the function of parathyroid glands in thyroid cancer surgery.The data of 97 patients with papillary thyroid tumors diagnosed and treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University between January 2014 and February 2015 were reviewed. Data regarding the sex, age, calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, tumor size, multifocality, T stage, and extrathyroid invasion were collected. The incidence of surgeries in which the parathyroid glands were cut mistakenly, the concentration of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone before surgery (baseline) and after surgery on days 1, 3, and 7, and 1 and 6 months in the patients of the two groups (the nanocarbon and control groups) were analyzed.Fifty-two patients underwent meticulous capsular dissection combined with nanocarbon treatment (nanocarbon group), and 45 underwent meticulous capsular dissection alone (control group). The nanocarbon group showed a significantly higher total and average number of revealed parathyroid glands (average number is the mean for different individuals have different number) and a lower incidence of the parathyroid glands being mistakenly cut, in addition to a lower level of hypoparathyroidism than control group following surgery (P < 0.05). Serum calcium and PTH levels were significantly lower in patients from both groups after surgery on days 1, 3, and 7 and after 1 month, compared with the preoperative levels (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum calcium and PTH levels were significantly higher in the nanocarbon group after surgery on days 1, 3, 7, than in the control group.Treatment with nanocarbon in combination with meticulous capsular dissection can significantly facilitate the identification of the parathyroid in thyroid cancer surgery, reduce the risk of mistakenly cutting the parathyroid, and reduce the incidence of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Application of carbon nanoparticles accelerates the rapid recovery of parathyroid function during thyroid carcinoma surgery with central lymph node dissection: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of carbon nanoparticles in identifying lymph nodes and promoting parathyroid gland function recovery after thyroid carcinoma surgery along with central lymph node dissection.

METHODS

A total of 231 patients who underwent thyroid carcinoma surgery combined with central lymph node dissection were divided into two groups: the CN group (intraoperative carbon nanoparticles injections) and the control group (no injection). Datas were collected respectively on the pre-operative, 1st, 7th and 30th postoperative days and monthly thereafter. While the pathological results (e.g. amount of incidental removed parathyroid glands and lymph nodes dissected), complications (e.g. rates of vocal cord paralysis, the neuromuscular symptoms, hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism), as well as follow-up outcomes of the serum Ca2+ and PTH levels were gathered and measured to be included in.

RESULTS

In regard to the results of the pathological tests, the control group had a relatively higher incidence of incidental parathyroidectomy when compared to the CN group (P < 0.05). The mean number of central lymph nodes dissected was rather higher in the CN group than that of the control group (P < 0.05).With respect to the follow-up results, the CN group had an earlier and faster recovery of serum PTH levels as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The serum PTH levels of the CN group were apparently higher than that of the control group at the first week and month postoperatively (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in rates of long-term postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Carbon nanoparticles play a key role in accurately identifying lymph nodes, reducing mistaken excision of parathyroid glands, accelerating rapid recovery of parathyroid function during thyroid carcinoma surgery with central lymph node dissection, without increasing the probability of postoperative complications.

Potential role of carbon nanoparticles in protection of parathyroid glands in patients with papillary thyroid cancer

As a novel type of lymphatic tracer, carbon nanoparticles (CNs) were reported not to stain parathyroid glands (PGs) into black, so it may have a clinical potential in protection of PGs during thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical application and significance of CN in protection of PGs from surrounding tissues.A total of 82 consecutive patients were enrolled into this study and were divided into CN group and control group. Parathyroid function (hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia) was evaluated.The identification rates of PGs (≤2) and PGs (≥3) were 24.4% and 75.6% in the CN group and 46.3% and 53.7% in the control group, respectively. The difference in the identification rates between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P = 0.038). Pathological results revealed 3 accidental PGs resection occurred in the CN group, whereas 9 accidental PGs removal occurred in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.046). Moreover, the incidence of the patients with hypoparathyroidism was statistically significant between the 2 groups (36.6% in CN group vs 53.7% in control group, P = 0.043) at day 1, but not at day 7 (P = 0.424).CN may have a potential in protecting PGs clinically.

A Carbon Nanoparticle Lymphatic Tracer Protected Parathyroid Glands During Radical Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Non-Microcarcinoma

The study assessed the role of an activated carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer in reducing unintentional damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid non-microcarcinoma diagnosed intraoperatively by cryosections. A total of 103 patients with papillary thyroid non-microcarcinomas diagnosed by intraoperative cryosection were randomly assigned to receive routine radical thyroidectomy or radical thyroidectomy following administration of activated carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer to the contralateral thyroid, at the department of Thyroid Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital (Guangzhou, China), between January 2012 and May 2013. The success of level VI lymphadenectomy and postoperative parathyroid function were compared. Administration of the activated carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer did not affect the frequency of recovered lymph nodes containing metastases; however, it did significantly reduce the incidence of permanent and transient hypoparathyroidism from 2 to 0 and 18 to 6, and reduced the mean recovery time for transient hypoparathyroidism from 57.0 days to 22.3 days. Administration of activated carbon nanoparticles to the contralateral thyroid after intraoperative cryosections did not contribute to lymphadenectomy for papillary thyroid non-microcarcinoma, but significantly protected parathyroid functions. This approach could decrease the morbidity of radical thyroidectomy and the occurrence of hypoparathyroidism.

Identifying Parathyroid Glands With Carbon Nanoparticle Suspension Does Not Help Protect Parathyroid Function in Thyroid Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized Control Clinical Study

Objective We aim to evaluate the technique of identifying parathyroid glands with carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNPS) in thyroid surgeries from the perspectives of degrees of declining intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), operation time, and time of postoperative stay. Methods A total of 156 patients who underwent thyroid surgeries in General Surgical Department of Xiangya Hospital between May 2012 and May 2015 were involved in the study. A total of 78 patients were injected with CNPS during the surgery (CNPS group); the other 78 patients received normal saline (control group). Cases were classified into 3 surgical approaches: conventional partial thyroidectomy, conventional total thyroidectomy, and endoscopic partial thyroidectomy. Degrees of declining iPTH were tested to determine the severity of parathyroid injury. Operation time and postoperative hospital stay time were recorded. A P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant. Results For levels of declining iPTH, there was no statistically significant (ss) difference in conventional thyroid surgery. In endoscopic partial thyroidectomy, it was 23.37 ± 16.20 versus 11.94 ± 11.23 pg/mL (P = .02, ss). The operation time of conventional total thyroidectomy was 210.10 ± 83.75 versus 164.84 ± 69.22 minutes (P = .03, ss), while it was 193.04 ± 75.53 versus 127.67 ± 60.06 minutes (P = .007, ss) in endoscopic thyroidectomy. Conclusions CNPS is not beneficial for protecting the function of parathyroid gland in thyroid surgery from the perspective of declining iPTH. Applying CNPS in conventional total thyroidectomy and endoscopic partial thyroidectomy will also lead to significantly prolonged operation time.