[Technical aspects of sentinel node biopsy].

Many studies have demonstrated that sentinel nodes can accurately determine the regional nodal status in breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Since this was demonstrated sentinel node biopsy has been performed for various solid malignancies. However, the optimal procedure for sentinel node biopsy remains unknown. It is considered that the combination of dye and radiocolloid injection is needed for sentinel node biopsy in breast cancer. As for gastrointestinal tract malignancies, good results were reported in several feasibility studies. A large clinical trial on sentinel node biopsy for gastric cancer will be conducted in the near future, the results of which are highly anticipated.