Maria Alonso-Espías

Current Limitations of Sentinel Node Biopsy in Vulvar Cancer

Background: Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecologic malignancy with increasing incidence. Lymph node status is the most critical prognostic factor, traditionally assessed through inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, a procedure associated with significant morbidity. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), in selected cases, has emerged as a less invasive alternative with favorable oncologic outcomes. Objective: This review summarizes current evidence on the indications, technique, safety, and oncologic outcomes of SLNB in vulvar cancer, with a focus on controversial scenarios such as recurrent and larger tumors. Methods: A narrative review of PubMed-indexed studies published in English over the last 35 years was conducted. Eligible studies included original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and case-control studies. Results: SLNB is recommended for unifocal vulvar tumors < 4 cm with stromal invasion > 1 mm and clinically negative nodes. Landmark trials, including GROINSS-V-I and GOG-173, confirmed its accuracy and lower morbidity compared to lymphadenectomy. SLNB utilization has increased since its inclusion in guidelines, with a concurrent decline in lymphadenectomy rates. Combined detection techniques are mandatory, while indocyanine green (ICG) is an emerging option. Future studies should focus on refining patient selection criteria, improving detection techniques, and clarifying the implications of low-volume nodal disease to further optimize outcomes for patients with vulvar cancer. Conclusion: SLNB is a validated, minimally invasive staging approach in early-stage vulvar cancer. Further research is needed to refine its role in high-risk cases and optimize detection methods.

SUCCOR 10 years: a decade's perspective on radical hysterectomy outcomes in cervical cancer.

Interest in long-term outcomes of radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer has increased, especially after the LACC trial findings, which showed worse outcomes for minimally invasive surgery. However, limited information is available on 10-year oncological outcomes, particularly, recurrence and survival. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the 10-year oncological outcomes of patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stage IB1 cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy performed via minimally invasive or open approaches. This retrospective, multi-center, observational study updates the data from the SUCCOR cohort. Patients diagnosed between January 2013 and December 2014 with tumors ≤4 cm without extra-cervical metastasis and treated with radical hysterectomy as the primary treatment were included, and a 10-year follow-up after surgery was successfully conducted. A total of 556 patients were analyzed. The median age was 46 years (range; 18-82). The most common final International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 stage was IB1, 474 patients (85%), and the most common histology was squamous carcinoma, 376 patients (67.6%). The 5-year disease-free survival was 93%, and the 10-year disease-free survival was 90%. The overall survival was 97% at 5 years and 89% at 10 years. During follow-up, 9% (n = 49) of patients experienced recurrences, 78% (n = 38) within the first 5 years. Comparing surgical approaches, 10-year disease-free survival was 92% for minimally invasive surgery and 88% for open surgery (p = .12). Similarly, 10-year overall survival was 92% for minimally invasive surgery and 88% for open surgery (p = .12). Post-recurrence disease-specific survival was 47% at 60 months and 39% at 96 months. The 2-year survival after recurrence was 80% for late recurrences (>5 years) versus 69% for early recurrences. The overall survival after radical hysterectomy at 5-years was 97% in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. The recurrence rate at 10 years was 9%. No differences in 10-year survival were observed between the surgical approaches.