The aim of the feasibility study is to evaluate whether SPIO-MRI and a magnetometer could be a potential substitute to the routine dual technique in pre-and intraoperative SLN localization. Secondary, to explore if SPIO-MRI could predict lymph node status in comparison to histopathological analysis.
Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the routine procedure for nodal staging in early vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in the absence of clinical signs of lymph node metastasis. The gold standard technique for identifying SLN utilizes Technetium (Tc99m) lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye. An alternative method has emerged using superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aims to enroll 20 VSCC patients scheduled for the SLN procedure. Determination of the minimal dosage of SPIO required to avoid excessive MRI artifacts while still identifying the SLN. Intraoperative SLN detection with a magnetometer will be compared with the gold standard gamma probe. As secondary objective, in addition to determining the SNL, MRI analysis of the nodal status will be evaluated for potential metastasis and compared to histopathological results.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
DIAGNOSTIC
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
20
Patients will receive superficial and interstitial injection with a 23 G needle with of a total volume of 0.1 - 1 ml Magtrace at four sites in or near the tumor in vulva, the same localization as the injections of Technetium99m and Patent blue for tracing SLNs performed at the surgery. The injection is performed by one of the gynecologic cancer surgeons participating in this study.The time of migration of SPIO to the groin nodes is not known for vulvar cancer. Transportation by dynamic MRI, with selective sequences repeated during a time span of 1- 60 minutes after the injection.
Department of Obstetrics and gynecology
Gothenburg, Sweden
Sentinel lymph node identification
The number of lymph nodes identified preoperatively with SPIO-enhanced MRI and intraoperatively with a magnetometer compared to Technetium-99m scintigraphy and blue dye.
Time frame: Within 30 days after SPIO injection.
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