Sentinel Node Mapping in Endometrial Cancer with Radioactive Colloid Injection: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Role of lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer is a much-debated one. Sentinel node mapping procedure attempts to minimize the morbidity of lymphadenectomy while providing the required prognostic information. In this study, we are attempting to detect the feasibility of SLN detection in early endometrial cancer by using radioactive technetium colloid injection. This is a prospective non-randomized single-institution study where patients with apparently early endometrial cancer without enlarged lymph nodes underwent preoperative cervical injection and/or intraoperative fundal subserosal injection of Tc^99m tagged with sulphur-colloid followed by assessment of radioactivity to detect the SLN. Sensitivity and detection rate were the two main endpoints of the study. 24 patients underwent the procedure during the study period with average detection rate of 75%. Fundal subserosal injection showed more sentinel nodes in the para aortic area (59%) whereas, cervical injection showed more nodes in the pelvic nodal basin (80%). The sensitivity of this technique was found to be 50%. Sentinel node mapping for early stage endometrial cancer seems to be feasible. Technique needs to be modified by combining blue dye along with technetium or adopt Indocyanine green (ICG) injection followed by fluorescent imaging to improve the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy.

Keywords: Sentinel node mapping, endometrial cancer, subserosal injection, radioactive colloid injection

Cite this Article

Roopesh N, Anupama Rajanbabu, Vijaykumar DK, et al. Sentinel node mapping in endometrial cancer with radioactive colloid injection– A feasibility study. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology (RRJoOH). 2015; 4(2): 13–16p.