Long-term clinical impact of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer and cutaneous melanoma
Gangi, A.; Essner, R.; Giuliano, A.E.
Quarterly Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Official Publication of the Italian Association of Nuclear Medicine and the International Association of Radiopharmacology and Section of the Society Of. 58(2): 95-104
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1824-4785 PMID: 24835286 Document Number: 678075
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is based on the hypothesis that the sentinel lymph node (SLN) reflects the lymph-node status and a negative SLN might allow complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) to be avoided. Past and current sentinel lymph node clinical trials for breast carcinoma and melanoma address the prognostic and therapeutic utility of SLN dissection (SLND). This technique has already become a standard of care for breast cancer patients and select patients with melanoma. However, it is still important to discuss current techniques and some controversies. This article reviews these issues as well as current guidelines for treatment and management of patients with various findings on SLNB.