Donald L. Morton, MD, Chief of the Melanoma Program at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center, originated the sentinel lymph node technique for staging Melanoma.  This revolutionary diagnostic technique helps surgeons determine if a tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes, rather than simply removing them (a practice that can cause permanent side effects).   

The technique involves injecting a blue dye and radioactive substance into the lymphatic system near the tumor. As the dye is absorbed, it identifies the sentinel node so that it can be excised and analyzed for evidence of cancer spread. If cancer has not invaded the sentinel node, the surgeon may elect to leave the other healthy lymph nodes in place. The sentinel node technique has become the international medical standard for melanoma surgery, and is being adapted to many other cancers. Notably, Dr. Morton is a recipient of the Jacobson Innovation Award of the American College of Surgeons. 

Surgeons at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Saint John’s Health Center adapted the sentinel node technique for use with Breast Cancer patients.  The procedure is now considered the national gold standard for breast cancer staging, sparing countless women unnecessary lymph node removal and its associated risks and side effects. 

Anton J. Bilchik, MD, Chief of Medicine, initiated a multicenter prospective trial to determine the feasibility of sentinel node biopsy in colorectal cancer. Data from this trial have been used to improve selection of colorectal cancer candidates for adjuvant chemotherapy and clinical trials.