Technetium-99m-based Radiopharmaceuticals in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Gynecologic Oncology Perspective

Current Pharmaceutical Design
Kamil ZalewskiMagdalena Kowalewska

Abstract

Technetium (99mTc)-radiolabeled colloids are popular tracers used to map lymphatic vessels and regional lymph nodes (LNs). The regional LN status is a significant determinant of cancer stage and patient prognosis, and strongly influences treatment. Regional LN dissection has become a part of surgical treatment. However, not all patients with LN involvement benefit from extensive lymphadenectomy in terms of prolonged survival. Moreover, overtreatment of patients with localized disease carries the unnecessary risk of complications. It is believed that sentinel LN biopsy (SLNB) allows to assess the involvement of the most representative LN of the lymphatic basin and to decide on radical LN dissection.99mTc is an easily available radionuclide emitting gamma rays. The value of 99mTc for diagnostic procedures is associated with its relatively short half-life that makes it safe both for patients and medical personnel. A colloid presenting specific physical and biological properties, including optimal particle size, is a carrier for the radionuclide. When administered at the tumor site, a radiocolloid is absorbed by the lymphatics, and the first LN that it gets trapped in is referred to as the sentinel LN (SLN). The radiopharmaceutical...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 9, 2021·The Quarterly Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging : Official Publication of the Italian Association of Nuclear Medicine (AIMN) [and] the International Association of Radiopharmacology (IAR), [and] Section of the Society of Radiopharmaceutica·Christoph WürnschimmelSergi Vidal-Sicart

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