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SUMMARY:"The Arguments for and against Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) in Melan
 oma" - Prof. J Meirion Thomas\, Royal Marsden Hospital & Imperial College\
 , London
DTSTART:20091117T120000Z
DTEND:20091117T130000Z
UID:TALK19300@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Mala Jayasundera
DESCRIPTION:This controversial subject will be discussed from all aspects.
   Protagonists stress the staging and prognostic advantage of the procedur
 e because sentinel node (SN)-negative patients have a significantly better
  prognosis than those who are SN-positive.  For this reason\, it is argued
 \, SN-status is essential for entry into trials of adjuvant therapy and en
 ables identification of patients for early lymphadenectomy with the potent
 ial for improved survival.  \n\nDetractors argue that SNB is an invasive p
 rocedure with complications and no survival advantage. They also state tha
 t ultrasound staging is as reliable and that there are procedural and stat
 istical inaccuracies in the conduct and analysis of the relevant trials.  
 \n\nPatients are said to favour SNB because it offers additional prognosti
 c information but probably hoping that their sentinel node will be negativ
 e.  \n\nDermatologists and other health professionals sometimes feel oblig
 ed to refer patients for SNB because it is claimed by some to be "standard
  of care".  \n\nThese differing opinions will be discussed.  Behind the he
 adlines\, there are complex issues at stake.  There may even be aspects of
  the biology of melanoma which have not been appreciated.  \n\n
LOCATION:Sackler Lecture Theatre\, CIMR\,  Level 7
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