Analysis of the Efficiency and Prognostic Value of the Sentinel Node Technique in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma after Seven Years

Abstract

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyse the diagnostic and prognostic efficiency of the sentinel lymph node biopsy technique (SLNB). Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study performed by the Hospital Complex in Santiago de Compostela (CHUS) in Spain, between February 2013 and June 2020. The study included 60 patients, who had been diagnosed with OSCC in stage T1/T2N0M0. Results: 10 patients (16.7%) presented with SN+ (sentinel node positive). The majority (80%) only presented subcapsular affection, however one case also presented with extracapsular affection. Using the Kaplan–Meier curves, we determined that the average survival estimation for SN- patients was 74.0 months (CI95% 67.6–80.5) and it was 45.4 months (CI95% 10.9–24.0) for SN+ patients (p = 0.002). SN+ patients presented an OR = 11.000 (CI95% 2.393–50.589, p = 0.002) for cancer-related mortality. In terms of the diagnostic performance of the SN (sentinel node) test, a 55% sensitivity, a 100% specificity, 100% PPV and a 84% NPV were obtained. The analysis using ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves revealed an AUC = 0.671 (CI95% 0.492–0.850, p = 0.046). Conclusions: SLNB seems to be an adequate technique for the detection of hidden metastases

Cost-Effectiveness of [99mTc]Tilmanocept Relative to [99mTc]Sulfur Colloid for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Stage Oral Cavity Cancer

“…This is particularly relevant, as multiple studies have demonstrated worse overall survival for patients with SLN+ disease, with rates as low as 38%, in comparison with overall survival rates of more than 80% for patients with SLN− disease. 43 , 44 …”

Increased Plasmatic Levels of Exosomes Are Significantly Related to Relapse Rate in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Cohort Study

“…Staging was performed according to the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer's Cancer Staging Manual. The established protocol of the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (Santiago de Compostela, Corunna, Spain) was followed [41,42]. The decision to perform surgery was made by the maxillofacial surgeon based on a comprehensive examination and deliberation by the CHUS committee for tumors.…”