isosulfan blue + technetium sulfur colloid

Isosulfan blue + technetium sulfur colloid is a combination diagnostic agent used primarily for sentinel lymph node mapping, most commonly in breast cancer surgery. Isosulfan blue is a synthetic dye that visually stains lymphatic vessels and nodes, while technetium-99m-labeled sulfur colloid (Tc 99m-SCI) is a radiopharmaceutical that allows for gamma probe detection of lymph nodes. The combination improves the accuracy of sentinel node identification by providing both visual (blue staining) and radioactive (gamma signal) localization, leading to higher sensitivity compared to either agent alone. This dual-agent technique assists surgeons in identifying the first draining lymph node(s), which are most likely to harbor metastases if present[1][2][3][4]. The mechanism of action involves passive transport through the lymphatics: isosulfan blue binds to interstitial proteins and travels via lymphatic channels, while Tc 99m-sulfur colloid particles are phagocytosed by macrophages within the sentinel node, allowing detection with a gamma probe[2][3]. This method has become standard practice in many institutions for intraoperative mapping during cancer surgeries such as breast cancer and melanoma[1][4].

Brand names

Cis Sulfur Colloid + LymphazurinTechnetium TC 99m TSC + Lymphazurin

Other names

isosulfan blue and technetium-99m sulfur colloidisosulfan blue dye + Tc 99m sulfur colloidIB dye + Tc 99m-SCI