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Despite good sensitivity and a good negative predictive value, the implementation of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) for prostate cancer is still controversial. For this reason, we aimed to define the added value of SNB (with different tracer modalities) to ePLND in the identification of nodal metastases. Complication rates and oncologic outcomes were also assessed. Methods: From January 2006 to December 2019, prospectively collected data were retrospectively analyzed from a single-institution database regarding prostate cancer patients treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and ePLND with or without additional use of SNB, either with the hybrid tracer indocyanine green (ICG)- 99m Tc-nanocolloid or with free ICG. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models tested the impact of adding SNB (either with the hybrid tracer or with free ICG) on lymph nodal invasion detection, complications, and oncologic outcomes. Results: Overall, 1,680 patients were included in the final analysis: 1,168 (69.5%) in the non-SNB group, 161 (9.6%) in the ICG-SNB group, and 351 (20.9%) in the hybrid-SNB group. The hybrid-SNB group (odds ratio, 1.61; 95%CI, 1.18-2.20; P = 0.002) was an independent predictor of nodal involvement, whereas the ICG-SNB group did not reach independent predictor status when compared with the non-SNB group (odds ratio, 1.35; 95%CI, 0.89-2.03; P = 0.1). SNB techniques were not associated with higher rates of complications. Lastly, use of hybrid SNB was associated with lower rates of biochemical recurrence (0.79; 95%CI, 0.63-0.98) and of clinical recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.76, P = 0.035) than were seen in the non-SNB group. Conclusion: The implementation of hybrid-SNB technique with ICG- 99m Tc-nanocolloid in prostate cancer improves detection of positive nodes and potentially lowers recurrence rates with subsequent optimization of patient management, without harming patient safety., (© 2021 by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.)

Objective: To understand uncertainties and knowledge gaps regarding lymphatic drainage in renal tumors, we performed 2 prospective studies to demonstrate regional lymph node (LN) drainage with sentinel lymph node (SN) imaging and biopsy. Here, we report the technique and perioperative safety of retroperitoneal SN dissection with different surgical approaches., Methods: Seventy three patients from the 2 trials were included in the analysis. Patients had cT1-2N0M0 renal tumors (

Objective: To investigate the rate of occult SN metastases, oncological outcome, and association of recurrence with the pattern of lymphatic tumour drainage in RCC., Materials and Methods: A pooled RCC sub-group analysis was conducted of secondary endpoints from a published feasibility and a phase II prospective single-arm SN study to investigate oncological outcome. Patients with cT1-3 (<10 cm) cN0M0 RCC of any sub-type were enrolled. After intratumoural injection of Tc 99m nanocolloid, pre-operative imaging of SNs with SPECT/CT was followed by (partial) nephrectomy with SN and regional lymph node dissection using a γ-probe. The patients were followed with a risk-adapted surveillance programme. Endpoints of the studies were analysed using Cox proportional hazard models., Results: Sixty-six RCC patients were included. Two patients (3%, 95% CI =0.5-11%) had occult SN metastases and remained free of disease at 57 and 72 months. Ten patients (15%, 95% CI =7-26%) developed recurrences, and four (6%, 95% CI =2.3-14.5%) had died of disease at a median follow-up of 57 months (IQR =18-72 months). Occurrence of distant metachronous metastases were associated with tumour size (HR =1.39, p = 0.02), pT stage (HR =6.83, p < 0.01 for comparison T1 vs T3/4), Grade 3/4 (HR =8.38, p = 0.05 for comparison 1/2 vs 3/4) and interaortocaval sentinel lymph node location (HR =10.52, p = 0.03 for comparison yes vs no)., Conclusions: The rate of occult metastatic SN is low, but long disease-free survival (DFS) was observed in two patients with occult SN metastases. We hypothesize an interaortocaval lymphatic route in thoracic recurrences. Evaluation of the prognostic and therapeutic role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) requires a clinical trial in high-risk RCC.