This work was supported in part by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81772777), Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Medical Guidance Project (18411963700), Clinical Research Plan of SHDC (No. SHDC2020CR4079); Shanghai Pujiang Talents Project (17PJ1401400). We thank the timely help given by Fenghua Ma from radiology department for MR images and Chao Wang from pathology department for pathologic images from Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University.

All surgery procedures related to the patient described here were approved by the Ethics Committees of Obstetrics &#38; Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China. Informed consent was acquired from the patient.
1. Indications for SLN mapping with ICG in EC patients
<ol>
	<li>Ensure that patients are clinically diagnosed with primary EC confined to the uterus with low-risk factors (grade 1 or 2 endometrioid carcinomas, pre-surgical endometrial lesion &#8804;2 cm, and myometri...

<ol>
	<li>Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., Jemal, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cancer+statistics,+2019.">Cancer statistics, 2019.</a> CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 69 (1), 7-34 (2019).</li><li>Bray, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Global+cancer+statistics+2018:+GLOBOCAN+estimates+of+incidence+and+mortality+worldwide+for+36+cancers+in+185+countries.">Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries.</a> CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 68 (6), 394-424 (2018).</li><li>Morice, P., Leary, A., Creutzberg, C., Abu-Rustum, N., Darai, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endometrial+cancer.">Endometrial cancer.</a> Lancet. 387 (10023), 1094-1108 (2016).</li><li>de Boer, S. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adjuvant+chemoradiotherapy+versus+radiotherapy+alone+for+women+with+high-risk+endometrial+cancer+(PORTEC-3):+final+results+of+an+international,+open-label,+multicentre,+randomised,+phase+3+trial.">Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for women with high-risk endometrial cancer (PORTEC-3): final results of an international, open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial.</a> The Lancet. Oncology. 19 (3), 295-309 (2018).</li><li>Creasman, W. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Surgical+pathologic+spread+patterns+of+endometrial+cancer.+A+Gynecologic+Oncology+Group+Study.">Surgical pathologic spread patterns of endometrial cancer. A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.</a> Cancer. 60 (8), 2035-2041 (1987).</li><li>Bodurtha Smith, A., Fader, A., Tanner, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+assessment+in+endometrial+cancer:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Sentinel lymph node assessment in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> American Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology. 216 (5), 459-476 (2017).</li><li>Rossi, E. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+to+lymphadenectomy+for+endometrial+cancer+staging+(FIRES+trial):+a+multicentre,+prospective,+cohort+study.">A comparison of sentinel lymph node biopsy to lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer staging (FIRES trial): a multicentre, prospective, cohort study.</a> The Lancet. Oncology. 18 (3), 384-392 (2017).</li><li>Holloway, R. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+mapping+and+staging+in+endometrial+cancer:+A+Society+of+Gynecologic+Oncology+literature+review+with+consensus+recommendations.">Sentinel lymph node mapping and staging in endometrial cancer: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology literature review with consensus recommendations.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 146 (2), 405-415 (2017).</li><li>Gezer, S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Cervical+versus+endometrial+injection+for+sentinel+lymph+node+detection+in+endometrial+cancer:+a+randomized+clinical+trial.">Cervical versus endometrial injection for sentinel lymph node detection in endometrial cancer: a randomized clinical trial.</a> International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. 30 (3), 325-331 (2020).</li><li>Manca, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+breast+cancer:+Indications,+contraindications,+and+controversies.">Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: Indications, contraindications, and controversies.</a> Clinical Nuclear Medicine. 41 (2), 126-133 (2016).</li><li>Digesu, C. S., Weiss, K. D., Colson, Y. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Near-infrared+sentinel+lymph+node+identification+in+non-small+cell+lung+cancer.">Near-infrared sentinel lymph node identification in non-small cell lung cancer.</a> JAMA Surgery. 153 (5), 487-488 (2018).</li><li>Garau, L. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+small+papillary+thyroid+cancer.+A+review+on+novel+surgical+techniques.">Sentinel lymph node biopsy in small papillary thyroid cancer. A review on novel surgical techniques.</a> Endocrine. 62 (2), 340-350 (2018).</li><li>Gonzalez, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy:+Past+and+present+implications+for+the+management+of+cutaneous+melanoma+with+nodal+metastasis.">Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Past and present implications for the management of cutaneous melanoma with nodal metastasis.</a> American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 19, 24-30 (2018).</li><li>Levenback, C. F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lymphatic+mapping+and+sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+women+with+squamous+cell+carcinoma+of+the+vulva:+a+gynecologic+oncology+group+study.">Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy in women with squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a gynecologic oncology group study.</a> Journal of Clinical Oncology. 30 (31), 3786-3791 (2012).</li><li>Protic, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prognostic+effect+of+ultra-staging+node-negative+colon+cancer+without+adjuvant+chemotherapy:+A+prospective+national+cancer+institute-sponsored+clinical+trial.">Prognostic effect of ultra-staging node-negative colon cancer without adjuvant chemotherapy: A prospective national cancer institute-sponsored clinical trial.</a> Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 221 (3), 643-651 (2015).</li><li>Price, P. M., Badawi, R. D., Cherry, S. R., Jones, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultra+staging+to+unmask+the+prescribing+of+adjuvant+therapy+in+cancer+patients:+the+future+opportunity+to+image+micrometastases+using+total-body+18F-FDG+PET+scanning.">Ultra staging to unmask the prescribing of adjuvant therapy in cancer patients: the future opportunity to image micrometastases using total-body 18F-FDG PET scanning.</a> The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. 55 (4), 696-697 (2014).</li><li>Concin, N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=ESGO/ESTRO/ESP+Guidelines+for+the+management+of+patients+with+endometrial+carcinoma.">ESGO/ESTRO/ESP Guidelines for the management of patients with endometrial carcinoma.</a> Virchows Archiv: An International Journal of Pathology. 478 (2), 153-190 (2021).</li><li>FIGO Committee on Gynecologic Oncology. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=FIGO+staging+for+carcinoma+of+the+vulva,+cervix,+and+corpus+uteri.">FIGO staging for carcinoma of the vulva, cervix, and corpus uteri.</a> International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics. 125 (2), 97-98 (2014).</li><li>Barlin, J. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+importance+of+applying+a+sentinel+lymph+node+mapping+algorithm+in+endometrial+cancer+staging:+beyond+removal+of+blue+nodes.">The importance of applying a sentinel lymph node mapping algorithm in endometrial cancer staging: beyond removal of blue nodes.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 125 (3), 531-535 (2012).</li><li>Amin, M. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th edition. , (2017).</li><li>Eriksson, A. G. Z., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Update+on+sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+surgical+staging+of+endometrial+carcinoma.">Update on sentinel lymph node biopsy in surgical staging of endometrial carcinoma.</a> Clinical Medicine. 10 (14), (2021).</li><li>Kelley, M. C., Hansen, N., McMasters, K. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Lymphatic+mapping+and+sentinel+lymphadenectomy+for+breast+cancer.">Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy for breast cancer.</a> The American Journal of Surgery. 188 (1), 49-61 (2004).</li><li>Sakorafas, G. H., Peros, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+breast+cancer:+what+a+physician+should+know,+a+decade+after+its+introduction+in+clinical+practice.">Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: what a physician should know, a decade after its introduction in clinical practice.</a> European Journal of Cancer Care. 16 (4), 318-321 (2007).</li><li>Niikura, H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tracer+injection+sites+and+combinations+for+sentinel+lymph+node+detection+in+patients+with+endometrial+cancer.">Tracer injection sites and combinations for sentinel lymph node detection in patients with endometrial cancer.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 131 (2), 299-303 (2013).</li><li>Backes, F. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Prospective+clinical+trial+of+robotic+sentinel+lymph+node+assessment+with+isosulfane+blue+(ISB)+and+indocyanine+green+(ICG)+in+endometrial+cancer+and+the+impact+of+ultrastaging+(NCT01818739).">Prospective clinical trial of robotic sentinel lymph node assessment with isosulfane blue (ISB) and indocyanine green (ICG) in endometrial cancer and the impact of ultrastaging (NCT01818739).</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 153 (3), 496-499 (2019).</li><li>Holloway, R. W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+mapping+and+staging+in+endometrial+cancer:+A+Society+of+Gynecologic+Oncology+literature+review+with+consensus+recommendations.">Sentinel lymph node mapping and staging in endometrial cancer: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology literature review with consensus recommendations.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 146 (2), 405-415 (2017).</li><li>Ballester, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Detection+rate+and+diagnostic+accuracy+of+sentinel-node+biopsy+in+early+stage+endometrial+cancer:+a+prospective+multicentre+study+(SENTI-ENDO).">Detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of sentinel-node biopsy in early stage endometrial cancer: a prospective multicentre study (SENTI-ENDO).</a> The Lancet. Oncology. 12 (5), 469-476 (2011).</li><li>Rossi, E. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+comparison+of+sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+to+lymphadenectomy+for+endometrial+cancer+staging+(FIRES+trial):+a+multicentre,+prospective,+cohort+study.">A comparison of sentinel lymph node biopsy to lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer staging (FIRES trial): a multicentre, prospective, cohort study.</a> The Lancet. Oncology. 18 (3), 384-392 (2017).</li><li>Mayoral, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=F-FDG+PET/CT+and+sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+the+staging+of+patients+with+cervical+and+endometrial+cancer.+Role+of+dual-time-point+imaging.">F-FDG PET/CT and sentinel lymph node biopsy in the staging of patients with cervical and endometrial cancer. Role of dual-time-point imaging.</a> Revista Espanola de Medicina Nuclear e Imagen Molecular. 36 (1), 20-26 (2017).</li><li>Lecointre, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Diagnostic+accuracy+and+clinical+impact+of+sentinel+lymph+node+sampling+in+endometrial+cancer+at+high+risk+of+recurrence:+A+meta-analysis.">Diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of sentinel lymph node sampling in endometrial cancer at high risk of recurrence: A meta-analysis.</a> Journal of Clinical Medicine. 9 (12), (2020).</li><li>Bodurtha Smith, A. J., Fader, A. N., Tanner, E. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+assessment+in+endometrial+cancer:+a+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Sentinel lymph node assessment in endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 216 (5), 459-476 (2017).</li><li>Bonneau, C., Bricou, A., Barranger, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Current+position+of+the+sentinel+lymph+node+procedure+in+endometrial+cancer.">Current position of the sentinel lymph node procedure in endometrial cancer.</a> Bulletin du Cancer. 98 (2), 133-145 (2011).</li><li>Tanner, E. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Factors+associated+with+successful+bilateral+sentinel+lymph+node+mapping+in+endometrial+cancer.">Factors associated with successful bilateral sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 138 (3), 542-547 (2015).</li><li>Ianieri, M. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Sentinel+lymph+node+biopsy+in+the+treatment+of+endometrial+cancer:+Why+we+fail?+Results+of+a+prospective+multicenter+study+on+the+factors+associated+with+failure+of+node+mapping+with+indocyanine+green.">Sentinel lymph node biopsy in the treatment of endometrial cancer: Why we fail? Results of a prospective multicenter study on the factors associated with failure of node mapping with indocyanine green.</a> Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation. 84 (4), 383-389 (2019).</li><li>Naoura, I., Canlorbe, G., Bendifallah, S., Ballester, M., Dara&#239;, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Relevance+of+sentinel+lymph+node+procedure+for+patients+with+high-risk+endometrial+cancer.">Relevance of sentinel lymph node procedure for patients with high-risk endometrial cancer.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 136 (1), 60-64 (2015).</li><li>Schiavone, M. B., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Survival+of+patients+with+uterine+carcinosarcoma+undergoing+sentinel+lymph+node+mapping.">Survival of patients with uterine carcinosarcoma undergoing sentinel lymph node mapping.</a> Annals of Surgical Oncology. 23 (1), 196-202 (2016).</li><li>Soliman, P. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+prospective+validation+study+of+sentinel+lymph+node+mapping+for+high-risk+endometrial+cancer.">A prospective validation study of sentinel lymph node mapping for high-risk endometrial cancer.</a> Gynecologic Oncology. 146 (2), 234-239 (2017).</li></ol>

SLN mapping and biopsy is a more selective and tailored lymph node dissection approach that has been applied in the clinic for nearly 20 years. In the field of EC, SLN mapping and biopsy have been increasingly recommended by several guidelines due to their high diagnostic efficiency in early-stage EC, achieving overall and bilateral detection rates of 89%-95% and 52%-82%, respectively, with a sensitivity of 84%-100% and negative predictive value of 97%-100%22. The present study reports a typical E...

Endometrial cancer (EC) is one of the most common diseases in gynecological oncology, and its incidence is rising1,2. Surgery is the first-line treatment for early-stage EC3,4. The evaluation of lymph node metastasis is an essential part of surgical staging in EC. The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) study 33 demonstrated that lymph node metastases are associated with poor prognosis5.
As a new and essential technique for evaluating lymph node metastasis, sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and biopsy have emerged in recent years and have been recommended to be employed for patients with apparent uterine-confined EC according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for uterine cancer6,7,8,9,10. SLN mapping has also been extensively applied in tumors such as breast cancer11, lung cancer12, thyroid cancer13, and melanoma14. Pathologic ultrastaging has achieved good performance in colorectal and gynecological cancer15,16,17 and is recommended by the authoritative European guidelines18. Although principles of SLN mapping for EC staging have been provided in international guidelines10,19, there are no detailed manipulations of surgery in other present works.
This work presents the protocol for detailed SLN mapping and biopsy with ICG in a 28-year-old female who had been clinically diagnosed with early-stage EC, thus, improving and promoting the diagnosis of patients.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>2-mL syringe</td>
			<td>Becton, Dickinson and Company, USA</td>
			<td>301940</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Coagulation forceps</td>
			<td>Shanghai Medical Instrument (Group) Co., Ltd. Surgical Instrument Factory</td>
			<td>D0A010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluorescence microscope</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>IX73</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Harmonic scalpel</td>
			<td>Soering GmbH</td>
			<td>SONOCA190</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hematoxylin-eosin staining</td>
			<td>Beyotime Biotechnologies Corporation,CN</td>
			<td>C0107</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Immunohistochemical cytokeratin staining</td>
			<td>MXB Biotechnologies Corporation, CN</td>
			<td>Kit-0020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Indocyanine green (ICG)</td>
			<td>Dandong Medical Innovation Pharmaceutical Corporation.</td>
			<td>3599-32-4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pararaffin</td>
			<td>Sangon biotech Co., Ltd.</td>
			<td>A601889</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pinpoint Endoscopic Fluorescence Imaging system</td>
			<td>Novadaq Technoloies Bonita, Springs, FL</td>
			<td>NA</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Propofol Injection</td>
			<td>Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH D-61346 Bad Homburg v.d.H., Germany</td>
			<td>H20030124</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silk Braided non-absorbable suture</td>
			<td>Shanghai Ethicon</td>
			<td>SA854G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Silk thread</td>
			<td>Beijing AKIN AIEN International Medical Technology Co.,Ltd.</td>
			<td>VCPP71D</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Suction-Irrigation Tube</td>
			<td>Shanghai SMAF</td>
			<td>YX980D</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Toothless forceps</td>
			<td>Shanghai Medical Instrument (Group) Co., Ltd. Surgical Instrument Factory</td>
			<td>J41010</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trocar</td>
			<td>ETHICON Co,. Ltd, USA</td>
			<td>B10LT, B5LT</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

sentinel lymph node mapping and biopsy for endometrial cancer at early stage with laparoscopy

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and biopsy is a promising technique for visualizing and evaluating lymph node status in cancer. This approach has been recommended for low-risk endometrial cancer (EC) patients by authoritative international guidelines, but it has not been performed broadly in China and worldwide. This work aims to describe detailed SLN mapping and biopsy procedures to promote the clinical application. SLN mapping and postoperative pathologic ultrastaging were conducted in a patient with low-risk EC using indocyanine green (ICG) dye to track the SLNs under laparoscopy and resecting them completely for ultrastaging. In conclusion, this protocol describes details of ICG injection, and SLN mapping and biopsy in EC patients based on the experiences gained during clinical practice.

The patient in the present case was a 28-year-old female with irregular vaginal bleeding for 2 years, and she was diagnosed with an abnormality of the endometrium 4 months ago. Transvaginal ultrasound examination revealed a heterogeneous endometrial thickness with an adnexal mass. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a 51 mm x 56 mm x 88 mm mass with a clear boundary within the uterine cavity under a high T2WI&#160;signal in a local hospital. Then, she was evaluated by hysteroscopy, and the endome...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy at JoVE.com

Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy

This protocol describes the identification and resection of sentinel lymph nodes to make the operation as easy and minimally invasive as possible.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping and biopsy is a promising technique for visualizing and evaluating lymph node status in cancer. This approach has been ...

This protocol was summarized based on a cumulative experience of sentinel lymph node mapping in at least 500 cases of endometrial carcinoma to help beginners successfully implement this technique. This technique is minimally invasive, reduces complications and medical costs, and improves the detection rate of lymph node metastases through pathological ultrastaging. A learning curve of about 20 cases of SLN mapping is required with experience of injection into the cervix and observation of the first mapped lymph node case on each hemipelvis.After anesthetizing the patient, use two towel forceps to grasp the skin around the umbilicus and elevate the abdominal wall, then make an approximately 10-millimeter wide incision in the skin of the umbilicus and through the fascia and peritoneum. Next insert a 10-millimeter trocar through the umbilicus, producing the pneumoperitoneum with an intraperitoneal pressure of about 13 to 14 millimeters of mercury, then insert the laparoscope via the trocar. Next make another three five-millimeter wide small incisions in the lower abdomen and insert five-millimeter trocars through the abdominal wall into the cavity.Then insert instruments for manipulation via these trocars. Identify the fallopian tubes using the laparoscope, then grasp and elevate the tubes close to the fimbriae and tie a ligature around the tube with a 2-0 T silk suture. Before handling or manipulating the uterus, perform peritoneal washings with 100 milliliters of normal saline and collect the washing fluid for cytology.After opening the fluorescence mode of the endoscopic fluorescence imaging system, lift the unilateral pelvic infundibulum ligament and uterus to reveal the lateral peritoneum and observe the fluorescence lymphatic vessels. To map the sentinel lymph node, or SLN, lift and open the peritoneum, then separate the subperitoneal fat and connective tissues to reveal the necessary structures according to the indication of the green fluorescence lymphatic lines and to protect them from injury. Locate the SLN, which is the first mapped lymph node along the drainage from the parametrium in each hemipelvis and confirm the location using multiple modes, then fully expose the SLNs for complete resection.Next, using toothless forceps, grasp and elevate the SLN, then perform a complete resection of the lymph node along its periphery in white light and confirm the SLN by multiple modes after resection. Simultaneously resect the enlarged or suspicious lymph nodes during the operation and send them for a pathological examination. Place the removed SLNs in the obturator fossa.After completely removing the uterus through the vagina, remove the bilateral SLNs entirely through the vagina rather than the five-millimeter trocar opening to avoid fragmentation. After performing a total hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingectomy, indwell a drainage tube for potential residual fluid in the pelvis, then remove the laparoscope and release the gas from the abdomen. Shown here are magnetic resonance images of a 28-year-old female endometrial cancer patient.An irregular signal on the endometrium located in the lower uterus cavity is visible on the T1 and T2 weighted images. For performing a total hysterectomy along with bilateral salpingectomy and SLN mapping, the cervix was injected with diluted indocyanine green at the three and nine o'clock positions, superficially and deeply. The SLNs and lymphatic vessels were fluorescently labeled, allowing their recognition under various color modes in the pinpoint endoscopic fluorescence imaging system.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for the MIO invasion in endometrial cancer and the SLN. Immunohistochemistry staining of the SLN with AE1 and AE3 was also conducted. Further immunohistochemistry staining of the SLN with estrogen and progesterone receptors, P53, KI67, MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, and MSH6 revealed a negative metastasis output.SLN mapping has become an alternative option in early stage uterine-confined endometrium cancer. However, more evidence is required for its application in intermediate to high risk endometrial cancers.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Cancer Research

10.7K ビュー.  Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. このプロトコルは、初心者がこの技術をうまく実装するのを助けるために子宮内膜癌の少なくとも500例におけるセンチネルリンパ節マッピングの累積経験に基づいて要約された。この技術は、低侵襲性であり、合併症および医療費を削減し、病理学的超増殖を通じてリンパ節転移の検出率を向上させる。子宮頸部への注射の経験と各片骨の最初のマッピングされたリン?...

ビデオ: Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping and Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer at Early Stage with Laparoscopy

This protocol describes the identification and resection of sentinel lymph nodes to make the operation as easy and minimally invasive as...

modeling metastatic endometrial cancer  model: a technique to generate endometrial cancer with lymph node metastasis in rabbit models

This video demonstrates the generation of a rabbit model of endometrial cancer by injecting a highly metastatic VX2 cell suspension into the sutured uterine horns of the rabbit. This leads to generation of primary endometrial cancer with retroperitoneal lymph node...

Modeling Metastatic Endometrial Cancer  Model: A Technique to Generate Endometrial Cancer with Lymph Node Metastasis in Rabbit Models

the application of 1% methylene blue dye as a single technique in breast cancer sentinel node biopsy

The Application of 1% Methylene Blue Dye As a Single Technique in Breast Cancer Sentinel Node Biopsy

In Indonesia, sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is not routinely performed for breast cancer surgery because of the limitation to provide radioisotope tracer and isosulfan or patent blue dye (PBD). To overcome this obstacle, we applied 1% methylene blue dye (MBD) as a single agent to map the sentinel nodes (SNs).

Extract the uterine horns through the abdominal incision to rest on the abdominal wall. Use a 3-0 braided absorbable suture to perform a single suture ligation of each uterine horn, approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters distal to the cervices and just medial to the uterine arteries. Then, tie the sutures snugly to occlude the distal uterine...

multispectral real-time fluorescence imaging for intraoperative detection of the sentinel lymph node in gynecologic oncology

Multispectral Real-time Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Detection of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Gynecologic Oncology

Fluorescence imaging is a promising innovative modality for image-guided surgery in surgical oncology. In this video we describe the technical procedure for detection of the sentinel lymph node using fluorescence imaging as showcased in gynecologic oncologicy. A multispectral fluorescence camera system, together with the fluorescent agent indocyanine green, is...

robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer

The robotic technique described herein aims to detail a stepwise approach to robot-assisted total mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for locally advanced (T3/T4) rectal cancer located below the peritoneal...

generation of lymph node-fat pad chimeras for the study of lymph node stromal cell origin

Generation of Lymph Node-fat Pad Chimeras for the Study of Lymph Node Stromal Cell Origin

Generation of lymph node/fat pad chimeras for the study of lymph node stromal cell origin is described. The method involves the isolation of lymph nodes from newborn mice and embryonic fat pads, the generation of chimeric lymph node-fat pads, and their transfer under the kidney capsule of a host...

murine superficial lymph node surgery

Murine Superficial Lymph Node Surgery

To follow the progression of an immune response over time within the same mouse, lymph nodes can be sequentially removed by surgery. Here, we describe how this technique can be...

ex vivo imaging of t cells in murine lymph node slices with widefield and confocal microscopes

Ex vivo Imaging of T Cells in Murine Lymph Node Slices with Widefield and Confocal Microscopes

This protocol describes a method to image fluorescent T cells introduced into lymph node slices. The technique permits real-time analyses of T cell migration with traditional widefield fluorescence or confocal...

Ex vivo Imaging of T Cells in Murine Lymph Node Slices with Widefield and Confocal Microscopes

an orthotopic endometrial cancer model with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy made from in vivo propagated and cultured vx2 cells

An Orthotopic Endometrial Cancer Model with Retroperitoneal Lymphadenopathy Made From In Vivo Propagated and Cultured VX2 Cells

This protocol presents a standardized method to grow VX2 cells in culture and to create an orthotopic VX2 model of endometrial cancer with retroperitoneal lymph node metastases in rabbits. Orthotopic endometrial cancer models are important for the pre-clinical study of novel imaging modalities for the diagnosis of lymph node...

isolation of murine lymph node stromal cells

Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells

Isolation of lymph node stromal cells is a multistep procedure including enzymatic digestion and mechanical disaggregation to obtain fibroblastic reticular cells, lymphatic and blood endothelial cells. In the described procedure, a short digestion is combined with automated mechanical disaggregation to minimize surface marker degradation of viable lymph node stromal cells.

robotic radical cystectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversion

Robotic Radical Cystectomy, Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection, and Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit Urinary Diversion

This paper describes robotic radical cystectomy, pelvic lymph node dissection, and intracorporeal ileal conduit urinary...

quantification of tumor cell adhesion in lymph node cryosections

Quantification of Tumor Cell Adhesion in Lymph Node Cryosections

Here, we describe a simple and inexpensive method that allows the quantification of adhesive tumor cells to lymph node (LN) cryosections. LN-adherent tumor cells are readily identified by light microscopy and confirmed by a fluorescence-based method, giving an adhesion index that reveals the tumor cell-binding affinity to LN...

intravital imaging of the mouse popliteal lymph node

Intravital Imaging of the Mouse Popliteal Lymph Node

Recent advances in 2-photon microscopy have enabled real-time in situ imaging of live tissues in animal models, thereby enhancing our ability to investigate cellular behavior in both physiologic and pathologic conditions.  Here, we outline the preparations required to perform intravital imaging of the mouse popliteal lymph...

transoral robotic total thyroidectomy and bilateral central regional lymph node dissection for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

The transoral robotic total thyroidectomy and bilateral central regional lymph node dissection using three ports without axillary incision are feasible and safe for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma. Here we present the operative techniques of this...

intravital microscopy of the inguinal lymph node

Intravital Microscopy of the Inguinal Lymph Node

A technique for performing intravital microscopy of the inguinal lymph node (LN) is outlined. Such technique allows for real-time, in vivo study of the lymph node microvasculature and structure both during homeostasis and infection. This technique can be adapted to cell trafficking studies and to other lymph node...

popliteal vascular lymph node resection in the rabbit hindlimb for secondary lymphedema induction

Popliteal Vascular Lymph Node Resection in the Rabbit Hindlimb for Secondary Lymphedema Induction

Here, the surgical induction of stable acquired lymphedema in the rabbit hindlimb is described. This experimental animal can be used to further investigate the effect of lymphedema treatment by microsurgical techniques.

collection and processing of lymph nodes from large animals for rna analysis: preparing for lymph node transcriptomic studies of large animal species

Collection and Processing of Lymph Nodes from Large Animals for RNA Analysis: Preparing for Lymph Node Transcriptomic Studies of Large Animal Species

This protocol provides an overview of procedures for the isolation of RNA for the transcriptomic profiling of lymph node tissues from large animals, including steps in the identification and excision of lymph nodes from livestock and wildlife, sampling approaches to provide consistency across multiple animals, and considerations plus representative results for the post-collection preservation and processing for RNA...

mouse inguinal lymph node volume analysis: an ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging technique to determine the volume of inguinal lymph node in mouse model

In this video, we demonstrate the technique to image the inguinal lymph node in a mouse model using ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging. This non-invasive imaging technique allows the monitoring of the change in lymph node volume in the animal over...

Mouse Inguinal Lymph Node Volume Analysis: An Ultra-high-frequency Ultrasound Imaging Technique to Determine the Volume of Inguinal Lymph Node in Mouse Model

intra-lymph node injection of biodegradable polymer particles

Intra-lymph Node Injection of Biodegradable Polymer Particles

Lymph nodes are the immunological tissues that orchestrate immune response and are a critical target for vaccines. Biomaterials have been employed to better target lymph nodes and to control delivery of antigens or adjuvants. This paper describes a technique combining these ideas to inject biocompatible polymer particles into lymph...

MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier (MSC) for Lung Cancer Screening

The development of a minimally invasive test, such as liquid biopsy, for early lung cancer detection in its preclinical phase is crucial to improve the outcome of this deadly disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tissue specific, small, non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression, which may act as extracellular messengers of biological signals derived from the cross-talk between the tumor and its surrounding microenvironment. They could thus represent ideal candidates for early detection of lung cancer. In this work, a methodological workflow for the prospective validation of a circulating miRNA test using custom made microfluidic cards and quantitative Real-Time PCR in plasma samples of volunteers enrolled in a lung cancer screening trial is proposed. In addition, since the release of hemolysis-related miRNAs and more general technical issues may affect the analysis, the quality control steps included in the standard operating procedures are also presented. The protocol is reproducible and gives reliable quantitative results; however, when using large clinical series, both pre-analytical and analytical features should be cautiously evaluated.

MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier MSC for Lung Cancer Screening

Here, we present the detailed protocol adopted in the BioMILD screening trial to perform the circulating microRNA signature classifier test for early lung cancer detection.

The development of a minimally invasive test, such as liquid biopsy, for early lung cancer detection in its preclinical phase is crucial to improve the ...

In this study, we injected 1% methylene blue dye (MBD) into the subareolar or peritumoral space of the breast. In the case of breast conserving surgery (BCS), a separate incision in the lower axilla hairline was made to find the sentinel nodes (SNs). In mastectomy, the SNs were identified through the same mastectomy incision. The SNs were described as blue nodes or nodes with lymphatic blue channels. An anatomical landmark in the axilla was used to facilitate SNs identification. The SNs metastases were evaluated by intraoperative frozen section analysis and histopathology examination as it is a gold standard. Here, we described the MBD as the lone technique in breast cancer sentinel node biopsy (SNB) which could be useful when radioisotope tracer or patent or isosulfan blue dye (PBD) cannot be provided.

In Indonesia, sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is not routinely performed for breast cancer surgery because of the limitation to provide radioisotope tracer and isosulfan or patent blue dye (PBD). To overcome this obstacle, we applied 1% methylene blue dye (MBD) as a single agent to map the sentinel nodes (SNs).

In this study, we injected 1% methylene blue dye (MBD) into the subareolar or peritumoral space of the breast. In the case of breast conserving surgery ...

Generation and Isolation of Cell Cycle-arrested Cells with Complex Karyotypes

Chromosome mis-segregation leads to aneuploidy, a condition in which cells harbor an imbalanced chromosome number. Several lines of evidence strongly indicate that aneuploidy triggers genome instability, ultimately generating cells with complex karyotypes that arrest their proliferation. Isolation and characterization of cells harboring complex karyotypes are crucial to study the impact of an imbalanced chromosome number on cell physiology. To date, no methods have been established to reliably isolate such aneuploid cells. This paper provides a protocol for the enrichment and analysis of aneuploid cells with complex karyotypes utilizing standard, inexpensive tissue culture techniques. This protocol can be used to analyze several features of aneuploid cells with complex karyotypes including their induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype, pro-inflammatory properties, and ability to interact with immune cells. Because cancer cells often harbor imbalances in chromosome number, it is crucial to decipher how aneuploidy impacts cell physiology in normal cells, with the ultimate goal of uncovering both its pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects.

Aneuploidy leads to genome instability, which eventually produces cell cycle-arrested cells with complex karyotypes. This paper provides a simple and convenient method to isolate aneuploid cells with complex karyotypes that cease to divide.

Chromosome mis-segregation leads to aneuploidy, a condition in which cells harbor an imbalanced chromosome number. Several lines of evidence strongly ...

Longitudinal Intravital Imaging of Brain Tumor Cell Behavior in Response to an Invasive Surgical Biopsy

Biopsies are standard of care for cancer treatment and are clinically beneficial as they allow solid tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment determination. However, perturbation of the tumor architecture by biopsy and other invasive procedures has been associated with undesired effects on tumor progression, which need to be studied in depth to further improve the clinical benefit of these procedures. Conventional static approaches, which only provide a snapshot of the tumor, are limited in their ability to reveal the impact of biopsy on tumor cell behavior such as migration, a process closely related to tumor malignancy. In particular, tumor cell migration is the key in highly aggressive brain tumors, where local tumor dissemination makes total tumor resection virtually impossible. The development of multiphoton imaging and chronic imaging windows allows scientists to study this dynamic process in living animals over time. Here, we describe a method for the high-resolution longitudinal imaging of brain tumor cells before and after a biopsy in the same living animal. This approach makes it possible to study the impact of this procedure on tumor cell behavior (migration, invasion, and proliferation). Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and limitations of this technique, as well as the ability of this methodology to study changes in the cancer cell behavior for other surgical interventions, including tumor resection or the implantation of chemotherapy wafers.

Here we describe a method for high-resolution time-lapse multiphoton imaging of brain tumor cells before and after invasive surgical intervention (e.g., biopsy) within the same living animal. This method allows studying the impact of these invasive surgical procedures on tumor cells&#39; migratory, invasive, and proliferative behavior at a single cell level.

Biopsies are standard of care for cancer treatment and are clinically beneficial as they allow solid tumor diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized ...

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in North America and the incidence is rising worldwide. Treatment consists of surgery with or without adjuvant therapy depending on lymph node involvement as determined by lymphadenectomy. Lymphadenectomy is a morbid procedure, which has not been shown to have a therapeutic benefit in many patients, and thus a new method to diagnose lymph node metastases is required. To test novel imaging agents, a reliable model of endometrial cancer with retroperitoneal lymph node metastases is needed. The VX2 endometrial cancer model has been described frequently in the literature; however, significant variation exists with respect to the method of model establishment. Furthermore, no studies have reported on the use of cultured VX2 cells to create this model as only cells propagated in vivo have been previously used. Herein, we present a standardized surgical method and post-operative monitoring method for the establishment of the VX2 endometrial cancer model and report on the first use of cultured VX2 cells to create this model.

This protocol presents a standardized method to grow VX2 cells in culture and to create an orthotopic VX2 model of endometrial cancer with retroperitoneal lymph node metastases in rabbits. Orthotopic endometrial cancer models are important for the pre-clinical study of novel imaging modalities for the diagnosis of lymph node metastases.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy in North America and the incidence is rising worldwide. Treatment consists of surgery with or ...

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options. When compared to patients with less aggressive breast tumors, the 5-year survival rate of TNBC patients is 77% due to their characteristic drug-resistant phenotype and metastatic burden. Toward this end, murine models have been established aimed at identifying novel therapeutic strategies limiting TNBC tumor growth and metastatic spread. This work describes a practical guide for the TNBC orthotopic model where MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells suspended in a basement membrane matrix are implanted in the fourth mammary fat pad, which closely mimics the cancer cell behavior in humans. Measurement of tumors by caliper, lung metastasis assessment via in vivo and ex vivo imaging, and molecular detection are discussed. This model provides an excellent platform to study therapeutic efficacy and is especially suitable for the study of the interaction between the primary tumor and distal metastatic sites.

This work presets an advanced protocol to accurately assess tumor loading by detection of green fluorescent protein and bioluminescence signals as well as the integration of quantitative molecular detection technique.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited therapeutic options. When compared to patients with less ...

Studying the Effects of Tumor-Secreted Paracrine Ligands on Macrophage Activation using Co-Culture with Permeable Membrane Supports

Tumor-derived paracrine signaling is an overlooked component of local immunosuppression and can lead to a permissive environment for continued cancer growth and metastasis. Paracrine signals can involve cell-cell contact between different cell types, such as PD-L1 expressed on the surface of tumors interacting directly with PD-1 on the surface of T cells, or the secretion of ligands by a tumor cell to affect an immune cell. Here we describe a co-culture method to interrogate the effects of tumor-secreted ligands on immune cell (macrophage) activation. This straightforward procedure utilizes commercially available 0.4 &#181;m polycarbonate membrane permeable supports and standard tissue culture plates. In the process described, macrophages are cultured in the upper chamber and tumor cells in the lower chamber. The presence of the 0.4 &#181;m barrier allows for the study of intercellular signaling without the confounding variable of physical contact, because the two cell types share the same medium and exposure to paracrine ligands. This approach can be combined with others, such as genetic alterations of the macrophage (e.g., isolation from genetic knock-out mice) or tumor (e.g., CRISPR-mediated alterations) to study the role of specific secreted factors and receptors. The approach also lends itself to standard molecular biological analyses such as quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or Western blot analysis, without the need for flow sorting to separate the two cell populations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) can similarly be utilized to measure secreted ligands to better understand the dynamic interaction of cell signaling in the multiple cell type context. Duration of co-culture can also be varied for the study of temporally regulated events. This co-culture method is a robust tool that facilitates the study of tumor-secreted signals in the immune context.

Here, we present a method using permeable membrane supports to facilitate the study of non-contact paracrine signaling used by tumor cells to suppress the immune response. The system is amenable to studying the role of tumor-secreted factors in dampening macrophage activation.

Tumor-derived paracrine signaling is an overlooked component of local immunosuppression and can lead to a permissive environment for continued cancer ...

Tumor-draining lymph nodes (LNs) are not merely filters of tumor-produced waste. They are one of the most common regional sites of provisional residence of disseminated tumor cells in patients with different types of cancer. The detection of these LN-residing tumor cells is an important biomarker associated with poor prognosis and adjuvant therapy decisions. Recent mouse models have indicated that LN-residing tumor cells could be a substantial source of malignant cells for distant metastases. The ability to quantify the adhesivity of tumor cells to LN parenchyma is a critical gauge in experimental research that focuses on the identification of genes or signaling pathways relevant for lymphatic/metastatic dissemination. Because LNs are complex 3D structures with a variety of appearances and compositions in tissue sections depending on the plane of section, their matrices are difficult to replicate experimentally in vitro in a fully controlled way. Here, we describe a simple and inexpensive method that allows the quantification of adhesive tumor cells to LN cryosections. Using serial sections of the same LN, we adapt the classic method developed by Brodt to use nonradioactive labels and directly count the number of adhering tumor cells per LN surface area. LN-adherent tumor cells are readily identified by light microscopy and confirmed by a fluorescence-based method, giving an adhesion index that reveals the cell-binding affinity to LN parenchyma, which is suggestive evidence of molecular alterations in the affinity binding of integrins to their correlate LN-ligands.

Here, we describe a simple and inexpensive method that allows the quantification of adhesive tumor cells to lymph node (LN) cryosections. LN-adherent tumor cells are readily identified by light microscopy and confirmed by a fluorescence-based method, giving an adhesion index that reveals the tumor cell-binding affinity to LN parenchyma.

Tumor-draining lymph nodes (LNs) are not merely filters of tumor-produced waste. They are one of the most common regional sites of provisional residence ...

Mapping the Structure-Function Relationships of Disordered Oncogenic Transcription Factors Using Transcriptomic Analysis

Many cancers are characterized by chromosomal translocations which result in the expression of oncogenic fusion transcription factors. Typically, these proteins contain an intrinsically disordered domain (IDD) fused with the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of another protein and orchestrate widespread transcriptional changes to promote malignancy. These fusions are often the sole recurring genomic aberration in the cancers they cause, making them attractive therapeutic targets. However, targeting oncogenic transcription factors requires a better understanding of the mechanistic role that low-complexity, IDDs play in their function. The N-terminal domain of EWSR1 is an IDD involved in a variety of oncogenic fusion transcription factors, including EWS/FLI, EWS/ATF, and EWS/WT1. Here, we use RNA-sequencing to investigate the structural features of the EWS domain important for transcriptional function of EWS/FLI in Ewing sarcoma. First shRNA-mediated depletion of the endogenous fusion from Ewing sarcoma cells paired with ectopic expression of a variety of EWS-mutant constructs is performed. Then RNA-sequencing is used to analyze the transcriptomes of cells expressing these constructs to characterize the functional deficits associated with mutations in the EWS domain. By integrating the transcriptomic analyses with previously published information about EWS/FLI DNA binding motifs, and genomic localization, as well as functional assays for transforming ability, we were able to identify structural features of EWS/FLI important for oncogenesis and define a novel set of EWS/FLI target genes critical for Ewing sarcoma. This paper demonstrates the use of RNA-sequencing as a method to map the structure-function relationship of the intrinsically disordered domain of oncogenic transcription factors.

Intrinsically disordered domains are important for oncogenic fusion transcription factor function. To therapeutically target these proteins, a more detailed understanding of the regulatory mechanisms employed by these domains is required. Here, we use transcriptomics to map important structural features of the intrinsically disordered EWS domain in Ewing sarcoma.

Many cancers are characterized by chromosomal translocations which result in the expression of oncogenic fusion transcription factors. Typically, these ...

Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma

Tyr::CreER+,BrafCA/+,Ptenlox/lox&#160;genetically engineered mice (Braf/Pten mice) are widely used as an in vivo model of metastatic melanoma. Once a primary tumor has been induced by tamoxifen treatment, an increase in metastatic burden is observed within 4-6 weeks after induction. This paper shows how Ultra-High-Frequency UltraSound (UHFUS) imaging can be exploited to monitor the increase in metastatic involvement of the inguinal lymph nodes by measuring the increase in their volume.
The UHFUS system is used to scan anesthetized mice with a UHFUS linear probe (22-55 MHz, axial resolution 40 &#181;m). B-mode images from the inguinal lymph nodes (both left and right sides) are acquired in a short-axis view, positioning the animals in dorsal recumbency. Ultrasound records are acquired using a 44 &#181;m step size on a motorized mechanical arm. Afterward, two-dimensional (2D) B-mode acquisitions are imported into the software platform for ultrasound image post-processing, and inguinal lymph nodes are identified and segmented semi-automatically in the acquired cross-sectional 2D images. Finally, a total reconstruction of the three-dimensional (3D) volume is automatically obtained along with the rendering of the lymph node volume, which is also expressed as an absolute measurement.
This non-invasive in vivo technique is very well tolerated and allows the scheduling of multiple imaging sessions on the same experimental animal over 2 weeks. It is, therefore, ideal to assess the impact of pharmacological treatment on metastatic disease.

Melanoma is a very aggressive disease that quickly spreads to other organs. This protocol describes the application of ultra-high-frequency ultrasound imaging, coupled with 3D rendering, to monitor the volume of the inguinal lymph nodes in the Braf/Pten mouse model of metastatic melanoma.

Tyr::CreER+,BrafCA/+,Ptenlox/lox&#160;genetically engineered mice (Braf/Pten mice) are widely used as an in vivo model of metastatic melanoma. Once a ...