Application of sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer: A survey among Chinese gynecological oncologists

Abstract Aim To gain a better understanding of the use of sentinel lymph node mapping by Chinese oncologists for endometrial cancer staging and analyze factors influencing its application. Methods Questionnaires were collected online before and by phone after the symposium to evaluate the general characteristics of oncologists who participated in the endometrial cancer seminar and factors associated with the application of sentinel lymph node mapping in endometrial cancer patients. Results Gynecologic oncologists from 142 medical centers participated in the survey. 35.4% of doctors employed sentinel lymph node mapping for endometrial cancer staging, 57.3% chose indocyanine green as the tracer. Multivariate analysis revealed that cancer research center (odds ratio = 4.229, 95% CI 1.747–10.237), physician familiarity with sentinel lymph node mapping (odds ratio = 126.188, 95% confidence interval 43.220–368.425) and the use of ultrastaging (odds ratio = 2.657, 95% confidence interval 1.085–6.506) were related to the doctors' selection of sentinel lymph node mapping. There was a significant difference in the surgical procedure for early endometrial cancer, the number of removed sentinel lymph node, and the reason for not adopting sentinel lymph node mapping before and after the symposium. Conclusions The theoretical knowledge of sentinel lymph node mapping, the use of ultrastaging, and cancer research center are related to a higher acceptance of sentinel lymph node mapping. Distance learning is conducive to the promotion of this technology.