Adding single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography to standard SLNE led to improved detection of metastatic nodes and higher rates of disease-free survival.
Sentinel lymph node excision is an important staging tool in melanoma, but an optimal technique is still uncertain. Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography may improve SLNE effectiveness by providing 3-dimensional mapping preoperatively. To assess its value, investigators compared metastatic node detection and disease-free survival in 403 patients with clinically negative lymph nodes who underwent SLNE with or without preoperative SPECT/CT.
At one German skin cancer center, 254 patients with stage I or II cancer underwent standard SLNE with lymphoscintigraphy between March 2003 and October 2008. Between November 2008 and April 2011, all 149 patients had SLNE with preoperative SPECT/CT.
Better localization with SPECT/CT …
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)
DisclosuresConsultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical
EquityLubax
Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal
Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)