CAT-SNB

CAT-SNB: Competency Assessment Tool for Sentinel Node Biopsy

Sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) is essential for staging endometrial cancer. However, variations in surgical techniques can impact diagnostic accuracy, oncologic outcomes, and the comparability of results across institutions or clinical trials. To address this, QCGC Research developed the Competency Assessment Tool for Sentinel Node Biopsy (CAT-SNB).

This validated tool standardizes SLND techniques and ensures surgical quality, enabling reliable clinical trial results worldwide. The tool was created using the Delphi method, a structured consensus-building process involving national and international gynecologic oncologists. It defines mandatory and prohibited steps for SLND in endometrial cancer.

The Delphi Method Explained

The Delphi method is a consensus-driven approach that involves:

1. Expert Feedback: Multiple rounds of questionnaires sent to specialists.
2. Anonymity: Responses are aggregated and shared to avoid bias.
3. Consensus: Experts refine their answers in iterative rounds to reach agreement.

How CAT-SNB Was Developed

CAT-SNB was a key component of the ENDO-3 trial, ensuring uniformity in SLND techniques:

• Stage 1: Interviews identified mandatory, optional, and prohibited steps in SLND.
• Stage 2: Experts reviewed and ranked these steps through questionnaires.
• Stage 3: Using CAT-SNB, participants assessed SLND videos, refining the tool further.

With over 70% consensus on the steps required for SLND, CAT-SNB is now a validated tool for surgical quality assurance in clinical trials globally.