Indocyanine Green (ICG) Fluorescence vs. Tc-99m Lymphoscintigraphy: Optimizing Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Cutaneous Melanoma-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has emerged as a cornerstone in melanoma staging, offering targeted evaluation of regional lymphatic spread and guiding therapeutic decision-making. Traditionally, SLN mapping relies on lymphoscintigraphy using technetium-99m (Tc-99m) radiocolloid, but in recent years, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has emerged as a promising alternative. The aim of this review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ICG-near-infrared (NIR) imaging compared to standard Tc-99m lymphoscintigraphy in SLN biopsy (SLNB). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including 12 studies. The primary outcome was the false-negative rate; secondary outcomes included the total number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) identified

SUBMITTER: Matteucci M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12898260 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature