Sentinel lymph node mapping and staging in endometrial cancer: A Society of Gynecologic Oncology literature review with consensus recommendations

Abstract The emphasis in contemporary medical oncology has been "precision" or "personalized" medicine, terms that imply a strategy to improve efficacy through targeted therapies. Similar attempts at precision are occurring in surgical oncology. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has recently been introduced into the surgical staging of endometrial cancer with the goal to reduce morbidity associated with comprehensive lymphadenectomy, yet obtain prognostic information from lymph node status. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology's (SGO) Clinical Practice Committee and SLN Working Group reviewed the current literature for preparation of this document. Literature-based recommendations for the inclusion of SLN assessment in the treatment of patients with endometrial cancer are presented. This article examines: •History and various techniques of SLN mapping in endometrial cancer •Pathology and clinical outcomes from SLN assessment •Controversies and future directions for research in SLN assessment in endometrial cancer.