Correlation between ferromagnetic and isotopic tracers for sentinel lymph node detection in cutaneous melanoma: IMINEM study.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in staging cutaneous melanoma has been proven. Therefore, different tracers have been used to identify the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs). The use of isotopic tracers together with radioactivity detectors allowed a much more precise and direct approach to the SLNs. However, not all centres have access to a Nuclear Medicine department hindering sentinel lymph node detection (SLND) and consequently, other markers such as ferromagnetic tracers have been evaluated looking for the same advantages and effectiveness as isotopic tracers. Ferromagnetic tracers have proven their usefulness in other cancer entities such as breast, prostate and thyroid cancer. The objective was to assess the detection and concordance rates between isotopic and ferromagnetic techniques for SLNB in cutaneous melanoma. METHOD: Isotopic SLNB technique and ferromagnetic tracer were compared for cutaneous melanoma in a non-inferiority multicentre prospective study carried out in six Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were recruited and 133 lymph nodes removed. The detection rate was slightly higher with ferromagnetic tracer in head-neck and trunk melanomas, and with isotopic tracer in limbs. The patients' and nodes' concordance rates between both techniques for ex vivo samples were 95% and 86% for head-neck and trunk tumours and 97% and 93% for limbs tumours, respectively. The concordance rates for involved nodes were 100% and 88.2% for patients and nodes, respectively. CONCLUSION: The intraoperative detection and biopsy of SLN in cutaneous melanoma using a ferromagnetic was a reliable alternative method to the isotopic technique in cutaneous melanomas.

PET-CT gamma probe-guided lymph node biopsy: a new diagnostic surgical approach.

PURPOSE: The higher sensitivity of new diagnostic tools makes it easier to detect relapse in asymptomatic stages when classic procedures of lymph node biopsies are difficult to perform. The aim of this article is to describe the combination of gamma probe and 18F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) images in combination with sentinel lymph node biopsy technique for detection of nonpalpable lymph nodes. METHODS: After a dose of 18F-FDG was administered and PET-CT images that showed the location of suspected pathologic lymph nodes were obtained, transcutaneous localization of the lymph nodes with the highest captation of the tracer was done. The gamma probe was programmed to detect the radioactive signal from the F18, instead of the Tc99m that is usual in the sentinel node biopsy technique. Once the hottest point was detected, a short incision was made on this area, and suspicious nodes with the highest uptake registered by the gamma probe were localized and removed. After the surgical removal from the operating field, the surgical pieces stood positive to the gamma probe. Lymph node involvement, and subsequent relapse, was diagnosed before their clinical manifestation. CONCLUSIONS: This methodology confirms new horizons for the surgical approach of lymph node biopsies in patients with previous tumors with 18F-FDG avidity and suspicion of relapse.

[Technical features of interest in lymphatic basin localization in breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy]. / Aspectos técnicos de interés en la localización de drenajes linfáticos en la biopsia del ganglio centinela del cáncer de mama.

OBJECTIVES: The sentinel node is defined as the node with the highest probability of being involved in the case of lymphatic spread from a tumor. Accurate identification and biopsy of this node can avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomies. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in the number of isolated sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer according to whether a mixed technique (vital dye plus isotopic tracer) or radiotracer alone is used and if there are differences in the detection of more than one lymphatic basin and in the number of lymphatic nodes depending on the site of tracer injection. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 173 sentinel lymph node biopsies in 173 women with breast cancer were studied taking into account the technique (mixed [n = 109] or radiotracer alone [n = 64]) and the location of tracer injection (periareolar [n = 81], intra and/or peritumoral [n = 92]). The number of lymphatic basins and the number of sentinel nodes were compared among the distinct groups resulting from the combination of the 2 parameters. RESULTS: Simultaneous drainage to both the axilla and internal mammary chain was more frequent with the intra-periareolar technique. The number of identified nodes was significantly higher when mixed techniques were compared, and was higher with periareolar injection than with the intra-peritumoral route. CONCLUSIONS: In breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy, the number of identified nodes is not influenced by the use of a mixed technique or radiotracer alone. However, the number of identified nodes is higher with the periareolar route than with the intra-peritumoral route. Intra-peritumoral injection of the tracer shows a higher frequency of internal mammary chain drainage than periareolar injection, although this difference was not statistically significant.

Aspectos técnicos de interés en la localización de drenajes linfáticos en la biopsia del ganglio centinela del cáncer de mama / Technical features of interest in lymphatic basin localization in breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy

Objetivos. El ganglio centinela es el que tiene más probabilidad de afectarse en caso de extensión linfática de un tumor. Su identificación y biopsia correctas pueden evitar linfadenectomías innecesarias. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar si hay diferencias en el número de ganglios centinelas aislados en el cáncer de mama dependiendo de que se utilice la técnica mixta (colorante más trazador isotópico) o únicamente isótopo como trazador, y si las hay en la aparición de más de un drenaje linfático y en el número de ganglios centinela, dependiendo de la localización de la inyección del trazador. Pacientes y método. Se han estudiado de forma prospectiva 173 biopsias selectivas del ganglio centinela en 173 mujeres con carcinoma de mama, considerando la técnica usada (mixta, 109; isótopo, 64) y la localización de la inyección del trazador (periareolar [n = 81], intratumoral y/o peritumoral [n = 92]). Se comparó el número de drenajes y el número de ganglios centinela entre los distintos grupos resultantes de combinar los dos parámetros. Resultados. El drenaje simultáneo a axila y a cadena mamaria interna fue más frecuente en los casos de inyección intratumoral y peritumoral. Con relación al número de ganglios identificados, encontramos que fue significativamente mayor al comparar las técnicas mixtas entre sí, y fue mayor el número de ganglios con la técnica de inyección periareolar que con la intratumoral y peritumoral. Conclusiones. En la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela para el cáncer de mama, el número de ganglios centinelas identificados no depende de usar una técnica mixta o sólo isótopo como trazador; sin embargo, es mayor cuando se usa la vía periareolar que la intratumoral y peritumoral. La inyección intratumoral y peritumoral muestra una mayor frecuencia de drenajes hacia la cadena mamaria interna que la periareolar, aunque esta diferencia no es estadísticamente significativa (AU)

Objectives. The sentinel node is defined as the node with the highest probability of being involved in the case of lymphatic spread from a tumor. Accurate identification and biopsy of this node can avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomies. The aim of this study was to determine if there are differences in the number of isolated sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer according to whether a mixed technique (vital dye plus isotopic tracer) or radiotracer alone is used and if there are differences in the detection of more than one lymphatic basin and in the number of lymphatic nodes depending on the site of tracer injection. Patients and method. A total of 173 sentinel lymph node biopsies in 173 women with breast cancer were studied taking into account the technique (mixed [n = 109] or radiotracer alone [n = 64]) and the location of tracer injection (periareolar [n = 81], intra and/or peritumoral [n = 92]). The number of lymphatic basins and the number of sentinel nodes were compared among the distinct groups resulting from the combination of the 2 parameters. Results. Simultaneous drainage to both the axilla and internal mammary chain was more frequent with the intra-periareolar technique. The number of identified nodes was significantly higher when mixed techniques were compared, and was higher with periareolar injection than with the intra-peritumoral route. Conclusions. In breast cancer sentinel lymph node biopsy, the number of identified nodes is not influenced by the use of a mixed technique or radiotracer alone. However, the number of identified nodes is higher with the periareolar route than with the intra-peritumoral route. Intra-peritumoral injection of the tracer shows a higher frequency of internal mammary chain drainage than periareolar injection, although this difference was not statistically significant (AU)

Localización anatómica del tumor primario como variable a considerar en la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela del melanoma cutáneo / Anatomical location of the primary tumor as a variable to be considered in sentinel node biopsy of cutaneous melanoma

Introducción. La localización anatómica del melanoma cutáneo se ha considerado como un factor pronóstico independiente. En este trabajo se trata de comprobar si la localización del tumor primario influye en la detección del ganglio centinela en el melanoma cutáneo. Pacientes y método. Se ha estudiado a 212 pacientes con melanoma cutáneo primario (96 en los miembros, 89 en el tronco y 27 en la cabeza o el cuello) en los que se realizó la biopsia del ganglio centinela. Se estudió la adecuada localización gammagráfica y quirúrgica y se compararon las variables epidemiológicas e histopatológicas, el número de drenajes por lesión y de ganglios centinela por drenaje y la positividad del estudio de los ganglios. Para los drenajes procedentes de los tumores de la cabeza y el cuello se estudió el drenaje hacia territorio de la glándula salival como variable relacionada con la localización del ganglio centinela. Resultados. La localización fue peor para los tumores de cabeza y cuello (88,8%), tanto gammagráfica (p <0,001) como quirúrgica (p <0,0005), especialmente para los ganglios adyacentes a las glándulas salivales (p <0,0005). Los melanomas del tronco presentan un mayor número y variabilidad en sus drenajes (p <0,0005), aunque sin diferencias en el número de ganglios centinela por drenaje linfático (p = 0,455). Conclusiones. Los melanomas cutáneos localizados en la cabeza y el cuello presentaron más fallos en la identificación del ganglio centinela. La localización del ganglio centinela adyacente a una glándula salival es un factor que influye en su adecuada detección. Los melanomas cutáneos del tronco presentan un mayor número de drenajes por lesión que los localizados en las extremidades o en la cabeza y el cuello (AU)

Introduction. The anatomical location of cutaneous melanoma has been suggested to be an independent prognostic factor. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the location of the primary tumor influences sentinel node detection in cutaneous melanoma. Patients and method. Two hundred twelve patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (96 of the limbs, 89 of the trunk and 27 of the head or neck) who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy were studied. Adequate lymphoscintigraphic and surgical localization was evaluated and epidemiological and histopathological variables, the number of lymph nodes draining the site of the primary lesion, sentinel nodes per drainage basin, and tumor-positive nodes were compared. Results. Localization was less successful for tumors of the head and neck (88.8%), both with lymphoscintigraphy (P<.001) and surgery (P<.0005), especially for lymph nodes adjacent to salivary glands (P<.0005). Melanomas of the trunk showed a greater number of nodes per lesion and wider variability in drainage pathways (P<.0005), although there were no differences in the number of sentinel nodes per drainage basin (P=0455). Conclusions. Sentinel node detection with less successful in cutaneous melanomas located in the head and neck. Location of the sentinel node adjacent to a salivary gland is a factor that influences its detection. Cutaneous melanomas of the trunk showed a higher number of draining nodes per lesion than those located in the limbs or head and neck (AU)

[Anatomical location of the primary tumor as a variable to be considered in sentinel node biopsy of cutaneous melanoma]. / Localización anatómica del tumor primario como variable a considerar en la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela del melanoma cutáneo.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomical location of cutaneous melanoma has been suggested to be an independent prognostic factor. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the location of the primary tumor influences sentinel node detection in cutaneous melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Two hundred twelve patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (96 of the limbs, 89 of the trunk and 27 of the head or neck) who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy were studied. Adequate lymphoscintigraphic and surgical localization was evaluated and epidemiological and histopathological variables, the number of lymph nodes draining the site of the primary lesion, sentinel nodes per drainage basin, and tumor-positive nodes were compared. RESULTS: Localization was less successful for tumors of the head and neck (88.8%), both with lymphoscintigraphy (P<.001) and surgery (P<.0005), especially for lymph nodes adjacent to salivary glands (P<.0005). Melanomas of the trunk showed a greater number of nodes per lesion and wider variability in drainage pathways (P<.0005), although there were no differences in the number of sentinel nodes per drainage basin (P=.455). CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel node detection with less successful in cutaneous melanomas located in the head and neck. Location of the sentinel node adjacent to a salivary gland is a factor that influences its detection. Cutaneous melanomas of the trunk showed a higher number of draining nodes per lesion than those located in the limbs or head and neck.

[Addition of an angiotensin II receptor blocker to maximal dose of ACE inhibitors in heart failure]. / Adición de un ARAII al tratamiento con dosis máximas de IECA en la insuficiencia cardíaca.

In heart failure, the benefits of adding angiotensin-receptor blockade to ACE inhibitors have been studied only with submaximal doses of ACE inhibitors. We included 20 patients (LVEF 24 7%, NYHA II-III), with no clinical or therapeutic variations in the previous three months, who were receiving maximal doses of ACE inhibitors. We added losartan 50 mg once a day. At six months, SBP decreased (115 8 vs. 106 9 mmHg; p = 0.001), LVEF increased (24.4 7 vs. 34.1 7%; p < 0.001), ventricular end-diastolic volumes decreased (220 58 vs 190 46 ml; p = 0.007), and SPAP decreased (43 8 vs. 35 7 mmHg; p < 0.001). Seven patients improved one degree on the NYHA scale (p = 0.004), but VO2max did not change (20.8 5.2 vs. 21.8 5.0 ml/kg/min, p = 0.120). Plasma levels of norepinephrine, at rest and maximal exercise, brain natriuretic peptide, and renin were similar. After maximum ACE inhibitor doses, the addition of losartan is safe and associated with an improvement in ventricular function and NYHA functional class, but with no change in neurohormonal status.

Adición de un ARAII al tratamiento con dosis máximas de IECA en la insuficiencia cardíaca / Addition of an Angiotensin II receptor blocker to maximal dose of ACE inhibitors in heart failure

En la insuficiencia cardíaca, el beneficio de la combinación ARAII e inhibidores de la enzima conversiva de la angiotensina (IECA) ha sido estudiado sólo con dosis submáximas del IECA. Incluimos a 20 pacientes (FEVI 24 ñ 7 por ciento, NYHA II-III), sin cambios clínicos ni terapéuticos en los 3 meses previos, que recibían dosis máximas del IECA, y asociamos 50 mg/día de losartán. A los 6 meses, la presión arterial sistólica descendió (115 ñ 8 frente a 106 ñ 9 mmHg; p = 0,001), la FEVI aumentó (24,4 ñ 7 frente a 34,1 ñ 7 por ciento; p < 0,001), los volúmenes diastólicos (220 ñ 58 frente a 190 ñ 46 ml; p = 0,007) y sistólicos (164 ñ 49 frente a 125 ñ 38 ml; p = 0,001) disminuyeron y la PSAP descendió (43 ñ 8 frente a 35 ñ 7 mmHg; p < 0,001). Siete pacientes mejoraron un grado NYHA (p = 0,008), sin mejoría significativa del VO2máx (20,8 ñ 5,2 frente a 21,8 ñ 5,0 ml/kg/min; p = 0,120).Las concentraciones de noradrenalina en reposo y en el momento de máximo esfuerzo, así como del péptido natriurético cerebral y de la renina, fueron similares. Con dosis máximas del IECA, la adición del ARAII fue segura, asociándose a una mejora de la función ventricular y la clase funcional, pero sin cambios en el estado neurohormonal (AU)

Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en el melanoma mediante localización con linfogammagrafía preoperatoria y sonda de detección gamma intraoperatoria / Sentinel node biopsy in melanoma using preoperative lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative handheld gamma probe

FUNDAMENTOS: Se refiere la experiencia para la detección del ganglio centinela en el melanoma utilizando únicamente la linfogammagrafía preoperatoria y trazador radiactivo con sonda de detección de radiación gamma intraoperatoria. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se estudió a 60 pacientes con melanoma en estadios I-II, a quienes se realizó biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela mediante su localización con sulfuro coloidal marcado con Tc-99m. A todos se les efectuó una gammagrafía preoperatoria y se trató de localizar el ganglio centinela con una sonda de detección de radiación gamma. Se han estudiado los resultados de la gammagrafía preoperatoria, la eficacia técnica en la localización intraoperatoria, así como los resultados anatomopatológicos y del seguimiento de los pacientes. RESULTADOS: La tasa de detección preoperatoria fue del 98,3 por ciento, con una media de 1,17 drenajes por lesión, siendo múltiples especialmente en los melanomas de tronco. La localización intraoperatoria (eficacia técnica) fue del 98,48 por ciento, con dificultades para su localización en la región parotídea. En el estudio histopatológico fueron fundamentales las técnicas de inmunohistoquímica con HMB45, resultando positivos un 10 por ciento, por lo que se evitó la linfadenectomía en el 90 por ciento de los casos. No se observaron recidivas y las metástasis se dieron en casos inabordables. La morbilidad de la técnica fue significativamente menor que la de la linfadenectomía. CONCLUSIONES: La linfogammagrafía preoperatoria y el uso de sonda de detección de radiación gamma, como técnica de localización del ganglio centinela en el melanoma, tienen una elevada eficacia técnica, permiten detectar drenajes múltiples y posibilitan un abordaje muy selectivo y con disección mínima (AU)