Sentinel lymph node detection during radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer: current evidence and results of our experience

PURPOSE: A sentinel lymph node (SNL) is the primary landing zone of cancer cells that spreads through the lymphatic vessels. The rational of the detection of sentinel node (SLN) during radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa) is the removal of the first nodal stations to provide a restriction of the template of node dissection. A review of the outcomes of SNL detection during RP for PCa was performed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted, searching on PubMed and Web of Science, using the following keywords: lymph node dissection, prostatic neoplasm, sentinel node.

RESULTS: Twenty articles were selected and analyzed including over 2000 PCa patients. Although promising and technically feasible, many points remain to be clarified before clinical application can be recommended.

CONCLUSIONS: The technique of SNL detection is feasible and provides a higher sensitivity and detection rate than standard lymphadenectomy, especially for organ-confined tumors. Larger series and long-term follow-up data are mandatory to assess the oncologic effectiveness of the detection of SNL for PCa.