Advances in management of nonendometrioid endometrial carcinoma, with an emphasis on the sentinel lymph node technique

Abstract

Purpose of review: During the last few years there have been important advances in our understanding of endometrial cancer biology, staging, and therapy. In this article, we discuss updates and controversies in the treatment of nonendometrioid endometrial carcinoma (non-EEC), with an emphasis on the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy.

Recent findings: Lymph node involvement is an important factor in determining prognosis and guiding adjuvant therapy in endometrial carcinoma. SLN biopsy has emerged as a less morbid alternative to lymphadenectomy in surgical staging, and it has generally gained acceptance in the setting of low-grade endometrial carcinoma; however, its role in the setting of high-grade disease remains a topic of debate. Several prospective studies have demonstrated the accuracy of SLN biopsy in detecting nodal metastasis in high-grade endometrial carcinoma. Retrospective series have compared oncologic outcomes of patients with high-grade disease, surgically staged by SLN biopsy, to those staged with lymphadenectomy, and have reported similar survival outcomes. Prospective data on survival is lacking.

Summary: Currently, there is sufficient data to support the diagnostic accuracy of SLN biopsy in the surgical staging of non-EEC. The retrospective evidence demonstrates similar survival for SLN biopsy versus lymphadenectomy.