Abstract
Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to compare the prognostic utility of sentinel node biopsy and elective neck dissection in early stage clinically node-negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Method
PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to March 2022. Hazard ratios, Kaplan–Meier curves, p-values and survival outcomes were extracted.
Results
Twelve studies involving 10 583 patients were included. No significant differences in overall survival between sentinel node biopsy and elective neck dissection groups were found. Heterogeneity was not detected in pooled overall survival, disease-free survival and disease-specific survival analyses (all I2 less than 50). In subgroup analyses by follow-up period, sentinel node biopsy and elective neck dissection had similar prognostic value.
Conclusion
Sentinel node biopsy might be a valuable alternative to elective neck dissection for the management of early stage clinically node-negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Otorhinolaryngology,General Medicine