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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2014; 20(38): 13728-13733
Published online Oct 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i38.13728
Clinical significance of molecular diagnosis for gastric cancer lymph node micrometastasis
Hiromichi Sonoda, Tohru Tani
Hiromichi Sonoda, Tohru Tani, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
Author contributions: Sonoda H and Tani T wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Hiromichi Sonoda, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan. hirosono@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp
Telephone: +81-77-5482238 Fax: +81-77-5482240
Received: October 23, 2013
Revised: March 14, 2014
Accepted: June 26, 2014
Published online: October 14, 2014
Processing time: 357 Days and 21.2 Hours
Abstract

Advances in molecular diagnostic tools have allowed the identification of lymph node micrometastasis (LNM), including isolated tumor cells, in cancer patients. While immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction have been used to identify LNM in patients with gastric cancer, the clinical significance of this finding remains unclear. Recently, minimally invasive treatments, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and laparoscopic surgery, are widely performed to help improve postsurgical quality of life (QOL). However, it is important to maintain the balance between QOL and curability when making treatments decision for patients with gastric cancer. If minimally invasive surgery based on accurate intraoperative LNM diagnosis was established, it could be performed safely. Therefore, we reviewed the clinical significance of LNM detected by molecular techniques as an important target for treatment decision making with gastric cancer patients.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; Lymph node micrometastasis; Molecular technique; Sentinel lymph node; Minimally invasive surgery

Core tip: Advances in molecular diagnostic tools have allowed the identification of lymph node micrometastasis in cancer patients. Minimally invasive treatments, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection and laparoscopic surgery, are widely performed to help improve postsurgical quality of life (QOL). However, it is important to maintain the balance between QOL and curability.