Vital dyes in sentinel node localization

Vital blue dyes were used to show the feasibility and accuracy of intraoper ative lymphatic mapping of the sentinel node (SN) in patients with melanoma , breast cancer, and other solid tumors. Surgeons who have successfully com pleted an adequate number of cases of intraoperative mapping and sentinel l ymph node dissection (SLND) can use blue dye alone to localize the SN. Howe ver, radiopharmaceutical agents can facilitate intraoperative mapping; preo perative lymphoscintigraphy can identify the location of the SN, and intrao perative mapping with the gamma probe can provide an auditory signal that c omplements the visual guide provided by the blue dye, Studies are required to establish more clearly the intralymphatic kinetics of the various radiop harmaceutical agents. An ongoing international Phase III trial in melanoma, the 2 upcoming trials in breast cancer, and similar trials for other solid tumors will further clarify the future role of SLND. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.