Sentinel node biopsy in soft tissue sarcoma.
While regional lymphatic spread develops in only 3%-4% of all patients with soft tissue sarcoma, there are several histological subtypes associated with a significantly higher propensity for regional lymph node metastasis. These include clear cell sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and epithelioid sarcoma. To date there is no validated, noninvasive method to assess regional lymph node status. A potentially useful diagnostic tool is lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node biopsy, a concept that has revolutionized the treatment of patients with intermediate thickness melanoma and early stage breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of the procedure of sentinel lymph node biopsy and the data available on its application in patients with soft tissue sarcomas.
Andreou
Dimosthenis
D
Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Sarkomzentrum Berlin-Brandenburg, Helios Klinikum Berlin-Buch, Schwanebecker Chaussee 50, 13125 Berlin, Germany. dimosthenis.andreou@helios-kliniken.de
Tunn
Per-Ulf
PU
D006801:Humans; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery