Is There a Place for Sentinel Technique in Treatment of Vaginal Cancer?: Feasibility, Clinical Experience, and Results. Issue 9 (1st November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hertel, Hermann; Soergel, Philipp; Muecke, Johanna; Schneider, Michael; Papendorf, Frank; Laenger, Florian; Gratz, Klaus-Friedrich; Hillemanns, Peter
• Is Part Of: International journal of gynecological cancer. Volume 23:Issue 9(2013)
• Page Start: 1692
• Page End: 1698
• Publication Date: 2013-11-01
• Subjects: Vaginal cancer -- Sentinel concept -- SPECT/CT; Generative organs, Female -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99465
• DOI: 10.1097/IGC.0b013e3182a65455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1048-891X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique and the role of single-photon emission computed tomography with CT (SPECT/CT) compared to lymphoscintigraphy for detection of SLN in vaginal cancer. Methods: The study was performed in a prospective, unicentric setting. Patients with vaginal carcinoma were scheduled for surgery and SLN labeling by peritumoral injection of 10-MBq technetium Tc 99m nanocolloid and patent blue. After 30 minutes, lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT were carried out. We evaluated the number of SLNs in lymphoscintigraphy, SPECT/CT, and intraoperative histology of SLN and non-SLN as well as the impact of these results to therapeutic approach. Results: Between January 2009 and December 2012, the SLN technique was used for 7 of 11 patients treated due to vaginal cancer. Detection rate was 100% (7/7). Lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT showed at least one SLN in each patient. Lymphoscintigraphy detected 2.6 SLNs (range, 2–4 SLNs) per patient compared to 4.3 SLNs (range, 2–8 SLNs) in SPECT/CT ( P = 0.053). Sentinel lymph nodes were detected in all patients during surgery with a mean number of 4.3 (range, 1–5). Pelvic SLNs were detected in all 6 patients with infiltration of middle or proximal vaginal third (100%). If the distal vaginal third was additional (3/7 patients) or exclusively (1/7 patients) infiltrated, the inguinal SLN detection rate was 33% and 100%, respectively. All patients with nodal metastases had at least one SLN positive for tumor. There were no false negatives. In 2 (29%) of 7 patients, treatment approach was modified owing to affected SLN. Conclusion: The SLN technique was favorably used in vaginal cancer in this series. It assists in identifying an inguinal and/or pelvic lymphatic drainage. When performed accurately (technetium Tc 99m nanocolloid, lymphoscintigraphy and/or SPECT/CT, blue dye), this technique predicts regional nodal status. This allows tumor stage–adjusted therapy. Single photon emission computed tomography/CT improves preoperative planning and facilitates detection, thus enhancing the clinical value of the SLN technique and improving the oncologic safety of surgery.