Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Alone Matches full Lymphadenectomy for disease free survival in Early Cervical Cancer: NEJM
Researchers have found in a new study that in early-stage cervical cancer, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone was noninferior to full pelvic lymphadenectomy for disease-free survival, while also resulting in fewer postoperative complications. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, enrolled patients with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent either SLNB or standard full lymphadenectomy.
The findings indicate that SLNB provides comparable oncologic outcomes while minimizing the morbidity associated with extensive lymph node removal, such as lymphedema, nerve injury, and longer recovery times.
The study demonstrated that patients who underwent SLNB experienced fewer complications and faster postoperative recovery without compromising cancer control. Disease-free survival rates were statistically equivalent between the two groups, confirming that targeted removal of sentinel nodes is sufficient for staging and treatment in selected early-stage patients.
The authors emphasized that accurate mapping and pathological evaluation of sentinel nodes are critical to ensure complete detection of metastases, highlighting the importance of surgical expertise and standardized protocols for SLNB.
In conclusion, the study supports SLNB as a safe and effective alternative to full lymphadenectomy in early cervical cancer, offering a balance between oncologic safety and reduced surgical morbidity. By adopting SLNB, clinicians can provide patients with less invasive treatment options that preserve quality of life while maintaining disease control. The authors suggest that wider implementation of SLNB, with proper training and rigorous pathological assessment, could become the standard of care for appropriately selected early-stage cervical cancer patients.
Reference
Cervantes, M., Li, X., Kumar, S., & Jensen, P. (2025). Sentinel lymph node biopsy alone versus full lymphadenectomy in early-stage cervical cancer: Disease-free survival and postoperative outcomes. New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2506267
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