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Updated: Jul 5, 2025
Multispectral Real-time Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Detection of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Gynecologic Oncology
Published on: October 20, 2010
Molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological cancer: where do we stand?
Giusi Pisano1, Thomas Wendler2,3, Renato A Valdés Olmos4
1Section of Nuclear Medicine, University Department of Radiological Sciences and Haematology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Purpose:
The aim of this review is to give an overview of the current status of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological malignancies, from both clinical and technological points of view.
Methods:
A narrative approach was taken to describe the relevant literature, focusing on clinical applications of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecology, preoperative imaging as surgical roadmap, and intraoperative devices.
Results:
The most common clinical application in gynaecology is sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Other promising approaches are receptor-target modalities and occult lesion localisation. Preoperative SPECT/CT and PET/CT permit a roadmap for adequate surgical planning. Intraoperative detection modalities span from 1D probes to 2D portable cameras and 3D freehand imaging.
Conclusion:
After successful application of radio-guided SNB and SPECT, innovation is leaning towards hybrid modalities, such as hybrid tracer and fusion of imaging approaches including SPECT/CT and PET/CT. Robotic surgery, as well as augmented reality and virtual reality techniques, is leading to application of these innovative technologies to the clinical setting, guiding surgeons towards a precise, personalised, and minimally invasive approach.
Insights
Molecular image-guided surgery enhances gynaecological cancer treatment. Innovations like hybrid imaging and robotic systems offer precise, personalized, and minimally invasive surgical options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Innovation
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Molecular image-guided surgery is advancing rapidly in gynaecological oncology.
- Current technologies offer new possibilities for surgical planning and execution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current clinical and technological status of molecular image-guided surgery in gynaecological malignancies.
- To highlight key applications and emerging trends in the field.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of relevant literature was conducted.
- Focus on clinical applications, preoperative imaging for surgical roadmapping, and intraoperative devices.
Main Results:
- Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is the most common application.
- Other promising techniques include receptor-target modalities and occult lesion localization.
- Preoperative SPECT/CT and PET/CT aid surgical planning; intraoperative tools range from probes to 3D imaging.
Conclusions:
- Innovation is shifting towards hybrid modalities (e.g., SPECT/CT, PET/CT) and advanced tracers.
- Robotic surgery, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) are integrating into clinical practice.
- These technologies enable precise, personalized, and minimally invasive surgery for gynaecological cancers.
