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Non-invasive Optical Imaging of the Lymphatic Vasculature of a Mouse
Published on: March 8, 2013
Lymphatic mapping in solid neoplasms: state of the art
Emmanuel E Zervos1, William E Burak
1Department of Clinical Investigations, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. zervosee@moffitt.usf.edu
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center
|June 13, 2002
Summary
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is effective for staging melanoma and breast cancer. Further validation is needed before its widespread use in other cancers like gynecologic and lung.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are established for melanoma staging and treatment.
- The success of SLNB in melanoma has led to its exploration in other solid tumors.
- This review examines the current status of SLNB in its most cited applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established and emerging applications of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).
- To assess the evidence supporting SLNB in various cancer types.
- To identify areas requiring further validation for SLNB implementation.
Main Methods:
- A review of seminal manuscripts on lymphatic mapping and SLNB.
- Focus on applications in melanoma, breast, colon, vulvar, cervical, lung, gastric, and head and neck cancers.
Main Results:
- SLNB is justified for staging breast cancer and melanoma when performed by trained surgeons.
- Additional validation is required for the use of SLNB in gynecologic, colon, lung, and head and neck cancers.
- The technique shows promise but needs further evidence in these additional tumor types.
Conclusions:
- The sentinel node concept is validated in breast cancer and melanoma.
- Widespread application in other solid tumors requires multi-institutional validation.
- Further research is essential before general adoption in new cancer indications.
