Sentinel lymph node sampling versus full lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer: a SEER database analysis

Area of Science:

• Gynecologic Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Cancer Prognostics

Background:

• Endometrial cancer treatment often involves lymph node assessment.
• Sentinel lymph node sampling is a less invasive alternative to full lymph node dissection.
• Long-term outcomes comparing these two surgical approaches require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the long-term outcomes and prognosis of sentinel lymph node sampling versus full lymph node dissection in endometrial cancer.
• To evaluate overall survival rates between the two surgical techniques.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010-2019).
• Included 41,411 endometrial cancer patients, with 6,019 in each propensity score-matched group (sentinel lymph node sampling vs. full lymph node dissection).
• Performed subgroup analyses based on cancer type and grade.

Main Results:

• One-year survival rates were higher in the sentinel lymph node group (HR 1.61).
• In low-grade endometrioid endometrial cancer, sentinel lymph node sampling showed improved survival (HR 1.70).
• No significant survival difference was observed in high-grade endometrial cancer patients between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Sentinel lymph node sampling is a viable alternative to full lymph node dissection for endometrial cancer.
• Survival rates are not compromised with sentinel lymph node sampling across all disease grades.
• The findings support sentinel lymph node sampling as a safe and effective surgical option.