Rethinking the Role of Lymph Nodes in Prostate Cancer: A study from Mount Sinai
Ash Tewari, MD, and colleagues from Mount Sinai challenge the standard practice of lymph node removal during prostate cancer surgery, suggesting it may pose risks without significant therapeutic benefits. They highlight the vital role lymph nodes play in immune cell activation and discuss that although pelvic lymph node dissection aids in disease staging, its therapeutic implications remain uncertain. The authors emphasize that the removal of tumor-draining lymph nodes may impair the effectiveness of immune checkpoint therapies, advocating for a reevaluation of lymph node management in prostate cancer treatment.
1. Ash Tewari, MD questions lymph node removal in prostate cancer surgery. 2. Lymph nodes are essential for immune cell activation. 3. Disease staging benefits from pelvic lymph node dissection. 4. Debate exists over its therapeutic value. 5. Immune checkpoint blockade may be less effective post lymph node removal. 6. Lymph nodes could be allies rather than foes in prostate cancer management.
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