Near-infrared fluorescence imaging for the prevention and management of breast cancer-related lymphedema: A systematic review

Publication date: Available online 8 June 2019Source: European Journal of Surgical OncologyAuthor(s): Muriel Abbaci, Angelica Conversano, Frederic De Leeuw, Corinne Laplace-Builhé, Mazouni ChafikaAbstractSentinel lymph node identification by near infrared (NIR) fluorescence with indocyanine green (ICG) is recognized in the literature as a useful technique. NIR fluorescence technology could become key in the prevention and management of lymphedema after axillary dissection for breast cancer. Here, we conducted a systematic review focusing on ICG imaging to improve lymphedema prevention and treatment after axillary surgery.A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE and Embase to identify articles focused on ICG imaging for breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Qualitative analysis was performed to summarize the characteristics of reported ICG procedures. In situ tissue identification and functionality assessment based on fluorescence signal were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were appraised when reported.Studies relating to axillary reverse mapping, BCRL and upper limb supermicrosurgery combined with ICG imaging were identified using MEDLINE and Embase. We included a total of 33 relevant articles with a total of 2016 patients enrolled. ICG imaging for axillary reverse mapping was safe for all 951 included patients, with identification of arm nodes in 80%–88% of patients with axillary lymph nodes dissection. However, the papers discuss the oncologic safety of...
Source: European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO) - Category: Surgery Source Type: research