Application of the ROLL technique as a method of excisional biopsy in oncological pathology

To evaluate the utility of the ROLL (Radioguided Occult Lesion Localization) technique as a method of excisional biopsy in hypermetabolic lesions suspected of malignancy evidenced in [¹⁸F]Fluordeoxiglucose PET/CT scans.

33 patients were retrospectively evaluated referred for metabolic studies due to tumoral pathology or suspected neoplastic process and presenting hypermetabolic adenopathies with high probability of malignancy. The group consisted of 19 women and 14 men, ranging from 23 to 77 years old. Patients were performed a ROLL technique for localization and removal the selected adenopathies, through the injection of [99mTc] macro-aggregates of albumin guided by ultrasound or CT. A detection probe and a portable gamma camera were used during the surgical procedure.

In 31 patients (94%) the location and removal of the radiolabeled adenopathies was achieved. In one patient the location of the lesion was not possible and a second patient was not operated due to inadequate dose injection confirmed by gammagraphy study. The result of the anatomopathological study of adenopathies resulted in 23 tumor affections and 8 benign processes, including a granulomatous process.

The ROLL technique proved its utility as a radioguided excisional biopsy method for the study of lesions suspected of malignancy evidenced in patients undergoing PET/CT studies. The technique allowed to confirm the persistence of oncological process in some cases and the existence of false positives from the imaging study in others, modifying the patients therapeutic management.