Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in vulvar melanoma: the first multicenter study and systematic review

Enhancing outcomes in vulvar cancer surgery: A comprehensive approach to complication prevention

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify and synthesize strategies that reduce surgical complications in vulvar cancer, focusing on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative measures.

STUDY DESIGN

A literature review was conducted by searching PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases. Studies from 2000 to 2024 published in English and Spanish language were included. Articles were included if they addressed preoperative assessment, surgical approaches, lymph node management, wound care, or psychosocial support in vulvar cancer patients.

RESULTS

Conservative surgical techniques-particularly the triple-incision approach and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)-demonstrate lower morbidity while maintaining acceptable oncologic control, especially in early-stage disease. Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy has shown promise in further reducing wound complications, although its adoption is limited to specialized centers with technical expertise. Optimizing patients preoperatively through glycemic control, nutritional support, and smoking cessation can decrease the risk of wound infection and dehiscence. Postoperative interventions such as meticulous wound care, negative-pressure wound therapy, and early lymphatic drainage techniques help prevent chronic lymphedema. Additionally, psychosocial and sexual counseling emerges as crucial for addressing the significant emotional and functional challenges associated with vulvar surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach is essential to mitigate the high morbidity traditionally linked to vulvar cancer surgery. Ongoing research into advanced surgical methods, standardized perioperative protocols, and holistic patient support will be key to further improving outcomes, preserving quality of life, and reducing the burden of long-term complications in this rare but challenging malignancy.

Molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological cancer: where do we stand?

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to give an overview of the current status of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological malignancies, from both clinical and technological points of view.

METHODS

A narrative approach was taken to describe the relevant literature, focusing on clinical applications of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecology, preoperative imaging as surgical roadmap, and intraoperative devices.

RESULTS

The most common clinical application in gynaecology is sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Other promising approaches are receptor-target modalities and occult lesion localisation. Preoperative SPECT/CT and PET/CT permit a roadmap for adequate surgical planning. Intraoperative detection modalities span from 1D probes to 2D portable cameras and 3D freehand imaging.

CONCLUSION

After successful application of radio-guided SNB and SPECT, innovation is leaning towards hybrid modalities, such as hybrid tracer and fusion of imaging approaches including SPECT/CT and PET/CT. Robotic surgery, as well as augmented reality and virtual reality techniques, is leading to application of these innovative technologies to the clinical setting, guiding surgeons towards a precise, personalised, and minimally invasive approach.

Role of immunotherapy for lymph node positive vulvar melanoma: utilization and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the utilization and outcomes of adjuvant immunotherapy for patients with vulvar melanoma and inguinal lymph node metastases.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was accessed and patients with vulvar melanoma diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 who did not have distant metastases, underwent inguinal lymphadenectomy, had positive lymph nodes, and at least 1 month of follow-up were identified. Administration of immunotherapy was evaluated and clinicopathological characteristics were compared. Median overall survival was compared with the log-rank test. Stratified analysis based on clinical status of lymph nodes was performed. A Cox model was constructed to evaluate survival after controlling for confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 300 patients were identified; the rate of immunotherapy use was 25% (75 patients). Patients who received immunotherapy were younger (median 58 vs 70 years, p<0.001); however, the two groups were comparable in terms of clinical lymph node status, rate of positive tumor margins, presence of tumor ulceration, tumor size, Breslow thickness, and performance of comprehensive lymphadenectomy. There was no overall survival difference between patients who did (median 31.08 months) and did not (median 22.77 months) receive immunotherapy (p=0.18). Following stratification by clinical lymph node status, immunotherapy did not improve overall survival of patients with clinically negative (median 35.35 vs 33.22, p=0.75) or positive lymph nodes (median 23.33 vs 16.99, p=0.64). After controlling for confounders, administration of immunotherapy was not associated with better overall survival (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.14).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study approximately one in four patients received adjuvant immunotherapy. Immunotherapy was not associated with improved overall survival.