Intraoperative radiochromoguided mapping of sentinel lymph node in colon cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in colon cancer using a radiochromoguided technique. The regional lymph node status is crucial for colorectal cancer staging and the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis is the main factor influencing therapeutic decision-making and patient survival.


METHODS
Between April and June 2001 eight patients with colon cancer were studied by radiochromoguided sentinel lymph node mapping. At the time of surgery 2 ml of patent blue dye was injected around the tumor, followed after 10 minutes by 2 ml of 99mTc-labeled albumin. After 30 minutes the SLN was identified by a gamma probe. Surgery was completed by standard resection. The SLN was processed for permanent hematoxylin and eosin staining and for immunohistochemical examination with anti-CEA and anti-cytokeratin antibodies.


RESULTS
SLNs were identified in six patients; two were negative for metastasis by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical examination, two were positive for metastasis by both methods, and two were negative for metastasis by hematoxylin-eosin but positive by immunohistochemical examination. There were no false negative SLNs and no complications occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The actual utility of SLN detection for prognostic purposes is still unknown, but intraoperative radiochromoguided SLN mapping is technically feasible in colon cancer, although it is associated with more technical difficulties than in breast cancer and malignant melanoma.
Nastro
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pieronastro@hotmail.com
Sodo
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Dodaro
C A
CA
Gargiulo
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Acampa
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Bracale
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Renda
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D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin
D013668:Technetium Tc 99m Aggregated Albumin