Management of node-positive melanoma in the era of sentinel node biopsy

Regional lymph node metastasis is a powerful predictor of decreased overall survival from malignant melanoma. However, the therapeutic value of electi ve node dissections and the role of adjuvant therapy for node-positive dise ase have been highly controversial. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has reshaped the debate by allowing for staging of the regional lymph nodes with less m orbidity and greater accuracy. This review summarizes the current consensus on the management of node-positive melanoma in the era of sentinel lymph n ode biopsy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.