INJECTION OF A RADIOACTIVE DYE FOR SENTINEL LYMPH NODE IDENTIFICATION

摘要

A one-step procedure for sentinel lymph node identification and biopsy using asingle compound, a radiolabeled, low molecular weight dye (e.g., I25I-labeledmethylene blue). This radiolabled dye is mixed with an unlabeled, similarmolecular weight dye (e.g., isosulfan or methylene blue). The mixture isinjected at the time of surgery, and rapidly migrates to reach the lymph nodesin about 20 min, more preferably in less than 15 min and most preferably inless than 10 min. Using rabbits and in a human clinical trial, rapid transitof125I-methylene blue to regional lymph nodes with limited systemicbiodistribution has been confirmed. By admixing small amounts of radiolabeleddye with a large amount of unlabeled dye, the sentinel lymph nodeidentification was similar to that for the prior two-step dual mappingprocess, but with enhanced SLN localization because of the lower energy gammaemission of 1251 as compared with 99mTc.