Our Summary

This study looks at a new way to use technology to help surgeons during a specific kind of biopsy for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer. Currently, they use a radioactive tracer near the tumor and a handheld probe that makes noises to show where the tracer has moved to in the lymphatic system. But this method is complicated because the surgeon has to use both hands and must interpret the sounds from the probe to find the right spot in the lymph nodes.

The researchers tested a new method using augmented reality, a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world. They used a Microsoft HoloLens to visualize the position of the radioactive sources from a single image taken by a detector attached to a table. They found that this method was accurate in showing the position of a single radioactive source but had more errors when trying to show two sources at once.

This study is a promising first step, but the method needs more work before it can be used reliably in surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What is the current method for performing a biopsy for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma?
  2. How does the new method using augmented reality differ from the current method used in these biopsies?
  3. What were the findings of the study regarding the accuracy of the new method using augmented reality?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that sentinel lymph node biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. It involves injecting a dye or radioactive tracer near the tumor to identify the sentinel lymph node, which is the first lymph node that cancer is likely to spread to. By removing and examining this specific lymph node, doctors can determine if further treatment, such as lymph node dissection, is necessary. It is important for patients to follow their doctor’s instructions before and after the procedure to ensure accurate results and proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who are recommended for sentinel lymph node biopsy are typically those who have been diagnosed with early-stage cancer and are at low to moderate risk of cancer spread to the lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is often recommended for these patients to determine if the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, which can help guide treatment decisions and improve outcomes.

Timeline

Before sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and recommended for sentinel lymph node biopsy.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests to locate the sentinel lymph node.
  3. Patient is injected with a radioactive tracer near the tumor site.

After sentinel lymph node biopsy:

  1. Surgeon uses a handheld probe to locate the sentinel lymph node based on the movement of the tracer.
  2. Surgeon performs the biopsy to remove the sentinel lymph node for further examination.
  3. Surgeon interprets the results of the biopsy to determine the spread of cancer.
  4. Patient may undergo further treatment based on the results of the biopsy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the differences between the current method of using a radioactive tracer and handheld probe for sentinel lymph node biopsy and the new method using augmented reality?

  2. What are the potential benefits of using augmented reality in sentinel lymph node biopsy for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma?

  3. What are the limitations or potential challenges of using augmented reality in this type of biopsy procedure?

  4. How accurate is the augmented reality method compared to the current method of using a radioactive tracer and probe?

  5. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using augmented reality in sentinel lymph node biopsy?

  6. How long do you think it will take for this technology to be ready for use in surgeries for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma?

  7. Are there any specific criteria or factors that would make a patient a good candidate for using augmented reality in their sentinel lymph node biopsy?

  8. How does using augmented reality in this procedure affect the overall outcome or success rate of the surgery?

  9. Are there any additional resources or information available for patients who are interested in learning more about this new technology for sentinel lymph node biopsy?

  10. What are the next steps or future research plans for further developing and improving the use of augmented reality in sentinel lymph node biopsy for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma?

Reference

Authors: von Niederhäusern PA, Seppi C, Sandkühler R, Nicolas G, Haerle SK, Cattin PC. Journal: Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg. 2024 Jan;19(1):171-180. doi: 10.1007/s11548-023-03014-w. Epub 2023 Sep 25. PMID: 37747574