This was a landmark paper in the management of melanoma. The authors answered a very important question - what is the actual efficacy of lymph node clearance in melanoma patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes?
Summary Card
Level of Evidence: 1
Background
What is the actual effect of lymph node clearance in melanoma patients with a positive sentinel node?
Methods
Randomised control trial over a 10-year period in which patients were observed (clinical examination and USS) or lymph node clearance.
Results
Lymph node clearance did not increase melanoma-specific survival and increased surgical complications.
Conclusion
Clinical observation with frequent physical exams and ultrasonography is reasonable for certain patients with a positive SLNB
