Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Retrospective trial compares detection rates between ICG and 99mTc in breast cancer, suggesting ICG as a viable option.
Background/Objectives: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the standard procedure for axillary staging in early breast cancer. While technetium-99m (99mTc) radiocolloid is currently the standard tracer, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence represents a promising alternative. This study aimed to compare the detection rates of both methods in a dual-tracer setting. Methods: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Ahaus Hospital, Germany, between April 2024 and March 2025. Fifty-two patients with malignant breast tumors underwent SLNB using both ICG fluorescence and 99mTc radiocolloid. Results: Combined tracer use achieved a 100% sentinel lymph node detection rate. ICG alone detected nodes in 49/52 patients (94.23%), while 99mTc achieved detection in 50/52 patients (96.15%). ICG identified all eight metastatic cases (100%), whereas 99mTc identified seven of eight (87.5%). In obese patients (BMI ≥ 30, n = 10), ICG achieved 100% detection versus 90% for 99mTc. The cost per application was 62.73 EUR for ICG versus approximately 250 EUR for 99mTc. Conclusions: ICG fluorescence demonstrates comparable detection rates to 99mTc with advantages in cost-effectiveness, feasibility, and performance in obese patients. ICG represents a safe, radiation-free alternative for sentinel lymph node mapping in breast cancer surgery.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Nienhaus et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: