technetium-tc-99m-sulfur-colloid and Carcinoma--Merkel-Cell

The goals of the research study were to develop an easily mastered, accurate, minimally invasive technique of sentinel node radiolocalization with biopsy (SNRLB) in the feline model; to compare it with blue-dye mapping techniques; and to test the applicability of sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy in three head and neck tumor types: N0 malignant melanoma, N0 Merkel cell carcinoma, and N0 squamous cell carcinoma.. Prospective consecutive series studies were performed in the feline model and in three head and neck tumor types: N0 malignant melanoma (43 patients), N0 Merkel cell carcinoma (8 patients), and N0 squamous cell carcinoma (20 patients).. The technique of sentinel node radiolocalization with biopsy was analyzed in eight felines and compared with blue-dye mapping. Patterns of sentinel node gamma emissions were recorded. Localization success rates were determined for blue dye and sentinel node with radiolocalization biopsy. In the human studies, all patients had sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy performed in a similar manner. On the morning of surgery, each patient had sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy of the sentinel lymph node performed using an intradermal or peritumoral injection of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid. Sentinel nodes were localized on the skin surface using a handheld gamma detector. Gamma count measurements were obtained for the following: 1) the "hot" spot/node in vivo before incision, 2) the hot spot/node in vivo during dissection, 3) the hot spot/node ex vivo, 4) the lymphatic bed after hot spot/node removal, and 5) the background in the operating room. The first draining lymph node(s) was identified, and biopsy of the node was performed. The radioactive sentinel lymph node(s) was submitted separately for routine histopathological evaluation. Preoperative lymphoscintigrams were performed in patients with melanoma and patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the relationship between the sentinel node and the remaining lymphatic basin was studied and all patients received complete neck dissections. The accuracy of sentinel node radiolocalization with biopsy, the micrometastatic rate, the false-negative rate, and long-term recurrence rates were reported for each of the head and neck tumor types. In the melanoma study, the success of sentinel node localization was compared for sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy, blue-dye mapping, and lymphoscintigraphy. In the Merkel cell carcinoma study, localization rates were evaluated for sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy and lymphoscintigraphy. In the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma study, the localization rate of sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy and the predictive value of the sentinel node relative to the remaining lymphatic bed were determined. All results were analyzed statistically.. Across the different head and neck tumor types studied, sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy had a success rate approaching 95%. Sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy was more successful than blue-dye mapping or lymphoscintigraphy at identifying the sentinel node, although all three techniques were complementary. There was no instance of a sentinel node-negative patient developing regional lymphatic recurrence. In the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma study, there was no instance in which the sentinel node was negative and the remaining lymphadenectomy specimen was positive.. In head and neck tumors that spread via the lymphatics, it appears that sentinel node radiolocalization biopsy can be performed with a high success rate. This technique has a low false-negative rate and can be performed through a small incision. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the histological appearance of the sentinel node does appear to reflect the regional nodal status of the patient.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cats; Coloring Agents; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphatic System; Lymphoscintigraphy; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Radiopharmaceuticals; Rosaniline Dyes; Scintillation Counting; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid; Time Factors

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare skin cancer with high rates of regional lymph node involvement and metastatic spread. National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for staging purposes. The goal of this study is to report our experience utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-based technology to aid in SLNB detection in MCC.. Consecutive MCC patients who underwent SLNB with radioisotope lymphoscintigraphy, with intraoperative handheld gamma probe, and ICG-based fluorescence imaging from 2012 to 2017 were prospectively studied (Cohort A). A group of historical controls that underwent SLNB for MCC with radioisotope lymphoscintigraphy and vital blue dye (VBD) (lymphazurin or methylene blue dye) was also analyzed (Cohort B).. Twenty-four consecutive patients underwent SLNB with lymphoscintigraphy and ICG-based fluorescence and 11 controls underwent SLNB with lymphoscintigraphy and VBD. The localization rate by node with VBD was 63.6% and ICG-based fluorescence was 94.8%. For two patients, a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) was detected only by ICG-based fluorescence and the nodes were not detected by gamma probe and one patient's only positive node was identified via ICG fluorescence only. VBD or gamma probe did not identify any unique positive SLNs in either cohort B or either cohort, respectively.. In this study, we indicate that ICG-based fluorescence is not only feasible to augment SLN identification, but it has a higher node localization rate as compared to blue dye and it was able to identify positive SLNs otherwise missed by gamma probe. This study suggests the importance of utilizing two modalities to augment SLN identification and that ICG-based fluorescence may be able to identify nodes that would have been otherwise missed by gamma probe. We will continue to follow these patients and enroll more patients in this prospective study to further determine the role that ICG-based fluorescence has in identifying sentinel lymph nodes in MCC.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Feasibility Studies; Female; Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Indocyanine Green; Lymphatic Metastasis; Lymphoscintigraphy; Male; Methylene Blue; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Prospective Studies; Radiopharmaceuticals; Reproducibility of Results; Rosaniline Dyes; Sentinel Lymph Node; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

A 73-year-old man diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma of the left nasal ala was referred for preoperative scintigraphic sentinel lymph node mapping. In three separate foci around the lesion, 0.2 mCi of Tc-sulfur colloid was intradermally administered. Planar images demonstrated accumulation of tracer midway between the nose and left ear. SPECT/CT images localized radiotracer uptake to the left buccinator/buccal space, consistent with a buccinator lymph node, which is an inconsistent part of the facial lymphatic drainage. This case illustrates the added value of SPECT/CT and 3D reconstruction in sentinel lymph node localization, particularly in the head and neck.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Cheek; Humans; Imaging, Three-Dimensional; Lymph Nodes; Male; Nose Neoplasms; Radiopharmaceuticals; Sentinel Lymph Node; Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Intraoperative imprint cytology (IIC) can potentially avoid second operations for completion lymphadenectomy when nodal metastases are found during nodal staging with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLN). This represents the first series of IIC for MCC we are aware of and our initial experience. Patients with biopsy-proven MCC underwent SLN (at the time of wide excision) using a double indicator technique with 99technetium sulfur colloid and isosulfan blue. SLN were identified and bisected and touch imprints of each half were made. One half was air-dried and stained with Diff-Quick and the other was fixed with 95 per cent alcohol and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Paraffin-embedded sections were examined by H&E. Eighteen patients underwent successful SLN mapping procedures. IIC was negative in 84.2 per cent (16) cases. Three false-negatives occurred with IIC, but there were no false-positives, making the sensitivity 33 per cent and the specificity 100 per cent. Two of four patients with positive pathology-confirmed SLN also had positive IIC. SLN mapping has usefulness in patients with MCC. IIC is feasible and accurate in evaluating the SLN. IIC is a practical diagnostic tool when intraoperative analysis of SLN biopsy is desired for MCC.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Coloring Agents; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Radiopharmaceuticals; Rosaniline Dyes; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Lymphatic drainage pathways in the head and neck region are more variable than in any other location of the body. Occasionally, head and neck lymphoscintograms fail to identify a definitive lymphatic drainage pattern, making preoperative and intraoperative identification of sentinel nodes very difficult. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of nonlocalization on lymphoscintigraphy of sentinel nodes in patients with head and neck cutaneous malignancies.. A retrospective chart review was conducted of a single surgeon's (WKS) 135 consecutive head and neck melanoma and Merkel cell cancer patients from August 1997 to August 2002. In all cases. technetium-99m sulfur colloid was the radioactive tracer used by the nuclear medicine department to perform the lymphoscintograms.. Of the 135 patients, 74 underwent preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in preparation for performing a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Of these 74 patients, 5 (6.8%) were found to have nonlocalization of a sentinel node(s). Of the 5 patients who failed to localize, 3 had primary lesions near the midline scalp, while 2 had primary lesions located on the cheek. Two of the 5 patients underwent reinjection of the radioisotope by the treating surgeon (WKS) but failed to further localize the radiotracer. All 5 patients went on to have wide local excision of the primary cancer on the day of the lymphoscintogram, as well as undergoing intraoperative examination of all head and neck nodal basins with a handheld gamma detector. No focal areas of radiation were identified and no lymph nodes were biopsied. To date, 1 patient has developed distant metastases and has succumbed to her disease. The remaining 4 patients are free of disease.. In a series of 135 consecutive patients with head and neck cutaneous malignancies, 74 of whom were treated with preoperative lymphoscintograms, a nonlocalization rate of 6.8% was found. This is a significant rate of nonlocalization and reflects either the inherent difficulty in imaging the head and neck region and/or the possible rapid rate of dye washout via multiple lymphatic drainage pathways that exist in this location.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Melanoma; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Retrospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

To determine the feasibility of preoperative lymphoscintigraphy for identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in patients with conjunctival and periocular skin tumors and to determine the patterns of lymphatic drainage from such tumors.. We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with biopsy-confirmed conjunctival and periocular skin malignancies who underwent lymphoscintigraphy with or without SLN biopsy between January 1999 and June 2000. Patients underwent lymphoscintigraphy with 0.3 to 1 mCi of technetium Tc-99m sulfur colloid in a volume of either 0.2 mL or 1 mL. Images were taken as soon as the first SLNs were detected through the camera and every 15 minutes thereafter. Intraoperative mapping and SLN biopsy was performed 1 to 2 days after lymphoscintigraphy unless the patient refused or there were medical contraindications to the procedure.. The study included 7 patients with malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva or periocular skin and 1 patient with Merkel cell carcinoma of the eyelid. On lymphoscintigraphy, at least 1 SLN was identified in 7 of the 8 patients. Although all lesions located in the lateral half of the ocular adnexa drained to at least one SLN in the parotid (preauricular) area, there was some variability in the drainage patterns of lesions located in the medial half of the ocular adnexa. A smaller injection volume (0.2 mL) was adequate for detecting the nodes draining the area of injection and led to less spread of technetium to the surrounding areas. Six patients underwent SLN biopsy. In all but one, the nodes identified during surgery corresponded with those visualized on lymphoscintigraphy.. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy successfully identifies SLNs in most patients with conjunctival and periocular skin malignancies. Smaller injection volumes (0.2 mL) appear to be adequate for identification of the sentinel nodes and lead to less spread to surrounding tissues.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Conjunctival Neoplasms; Eyelid Neoplasms; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Melanoma; Middle Aged; Preoperative Care; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Retrospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm which commonly spreads to the regional lymph nodes. The feasibility of identifying the sentinel node in patients with clinically node-negative Merkel cell carcinoma was evaluated.. Sentinel lymphatic mapping was performed in 18 patients with stage 1 Merkel cell carcinoma using the combination of isosulphan blue dye and 99mTc-radiolabelled sulphur colloid. Patients with tumour metastasis in the sentinel node underwent complete dissection of the remainder of the lymph node basin.. Eighteen patients underwent removal of 35 sentinel nodes. Two patients demonstrated metastatic disease in the sentinel lymph nodes; complete dissection of the involved nodal basin revealed no additional positive nodes suggesting that the sentinel lymph node had been identified. The node-negative patients received no further surgical therapy, with no evidence of recurrent disease in the sentinel nodal basin at a median of 7 months' follow-up.. Sentinel node biopsy is feasible in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. It can be used to stage patients and provides important prognostic information. In those with subclinical nodal disease, it may direct early regional lymphadenectomy but the effect of such surgery on survival remains unclear.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biopsy; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Female; Humans; Intraoperative Care; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Preoperative Care; Radionuclide Imaging; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous malignancy characterized by an aggressive clinical behavior with high rates of locoregional and systemic recurrence. Regional disease and distant metastases are associated with poor prognosis. Despite a predisposition of MCC to spread via the lymphatics, prophylactic lymph node dissection in the absence of clinically apparent lymph node involvement is controversial. The value of lymphoscintigraphy in cutaneous melanoma is established in lesions with ambiguous lymphatic drainage patterns. When used with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), it can identify subjects with occult regional node metastasis. The authors present 2 patients with MCC who underwent regional node staging with lymphoscintigraphy-directed SLNB. Both patients had sentinel nodes that were positive for metastatic disease. In patients with MCC, minimally invasive regional node staging SLNB may be useful in limiting the sequelae of routine lymphadenectomies. Whether early identification and treatment of patients with occult regional node disease can influence survival in MCC is not known.

Topics: Aged; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Neoplasm Staging; Radionuclide Imaging; Radiopharmaceuticals; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare cutaneous skin lesion with a variable but often aggressive clinical course. Patient survival correlates with nodal status and the presence of distant metastases. The histologic status of the sentinel lymph node consistently correlates with the incidence of regional lymphatic metastases in other dermal malignancies. The technique of radiolocalization and surgical resection of the sentinel lymph node using an intraoperative gamma probe is used to guide clinical management in these patients. We report on seven cases of MCC managed utilizing this technique. Four patients had negative sentinel nodes and no other nodal disease at completion lymphadenectomy (n = 2) or clinical follow-up (n = 2) and currently remain disease free. Two patients had a positive sentinel node but no other positive lymph nodes at completion lymphadenectomy; one of them developed regional recurrence. One patient with a positive sentinel node and six additional positive nodes developed extensive nodal disease and systemic recurrence during radiotherapy and expired of MCC. Our results suggest that the sentinel node was identified and removed successfully using radiolocalization making this technique useful in the staging and therapy of patients with MCC.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Female; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymph Nodes; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Radioimmunodetection; Radiopharmaceuticals; Skin Neoplasms; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid