title: Blue dye for identification of sentinel nodes in breast cancer and malignant melanoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: The combined technique (radioisotope and blue dye) is the gold standard for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and there is wide variation in techniques and blue dyes used. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the need for radioisotope and the optimal blue dye for SLNB. A total of 21 studies were included. The SLNB identification rates are high with all the commonly used blue dyes. Furthermore, methylene blue is superior to iso-sulfan blue and Patent Blue V with respect to false-negative rates. The combined technique remains the most accurate and effective technique for SLNB. In order to standardize the SLNB technique, comparative trials to determine the most effective blue dye and national guidelines are required.
authors: Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.
authors: Mirjam Cl
authors: MC
authors: Peek
authors: Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.
authors: Petros
authors: P
authors: Charalampoudis
authors: Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.|Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.
authors: Bauke
authors: B
authors: Anninga
authors: School of Business, 612, Maxwell Building, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
authors: Rose
authors: R
authors: Baker
authors: Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.|Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London, UK.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Douek
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D021701:Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents
keywords: Patent Blue V; SLNB; blue dye; breast; combined technique; iso-sulfan blue; malignant melanoma; methylene blue; radioisotope; sentinel lymph node biopsy