Abstract:
Objective:To investigate the detection of sentinel lymph node micrometastasis (SLNMM) in Dukes B colorectal carcinoma and its clinical significance.Methods: In a retrospective study, 122 SLNs were found and examined in 61of 64patients with Dukes B colorectal carcinoma through immunohistochemical detection of cytokeratin20(CK 20) and telomerase expression and HE staining. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years. The correlation between clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival was analyzed. Results: Of the 61patients examined, 9 SLNs from 6 different patients were positive by HE staining; 27.3% (15/55) of the cases which were negative in HE staining were positive for CK 20expression in immunohisto -chemical staining. Micrometastasis was also detected in 12cases (21.8%) by IHC anti-telomerase staining. Combining these 2 methods can improve the detection rate by up to38.2% (21/55). The rate of carcinoma recurrence or metastasis for Dukes B patients with SLNMM (+) was significantly higher than that of Dukes B patients with SLNMM (-) (P<0.05). But, the survival rate of patients with SLNMM (+) was significantly lower than that of patients with SLNMM (-). No significant difference was found in recurrence or metastasis rate and survival rate between Dukes B (+) patients and Dukes C patients. However, the recurrence or metastasis rate and survival rate were significantly different between Dukes C patients and SLNMM (-) Dukes B patients ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Immunohistochemical detection of anti-CK 20and anti-telomerase expression can detect micrometastasis in SLNs. It is a valuable tool for staging Dukes, selection of adjuvant therapy and evaluation of prognosis of colorectal carcinoma patients.