Surgical consensus guidelines on sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with oral cancer

Abstract

Background The eighth international symposium for sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in head and neck cancer was held in 2018. This consensus conference aimed to deliver current multidisciplinary guidelines. This document focuses on the surgical aspects of SNB for oral cancer. Method Invited expert faculty selected topics requiring guidelines. Topics were reviewed and evidence evaluated where available. Data were presented at the consensus meeting, with live debate from panels comprising expert, nonexpert, and patient representatives followed by voting to assess the level of support for proposed recommendations. Evidence review, debate, and voting results were all considered in constructing these guidelines. Results/Conclusion A range of topics were considered, from patient selection to surgical technique and follow‐up schedule. Consensus was not achieved in all areas, highlighting potential issues that would benefit from prospective studies. Nevertheless these guidelines represent an up‐to‐date pragmatic recommendation based on current evidence and expert opinion.

Best Practice in Surgical Treatment of Malignant Head and Neck Tumors

“…Moreover, within the "Choosing Wisely Canada" campaign, first recommendations of best practice in diagnostics in head and neck cancer have been published (39). Additionally, sentinel node biopsy in patients with oral cancer has been discussed comprehensively in the literature and surgical consensus guidelines have been published recently (40).…”

Letter to the editor‐in‐chief of Head and Neck

“…To the Editor, With great interest we have read the recent article by Schilling et al published in H&N. 1 This document is focusing on the surgical aspects of Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) in oral cancer using 99m Tc-human serum albumin (HSA)-nanocolloid albumin as the marker of the lymphatic tracer from the primary tumor to the first draining lymph nodes. The results are based on two consecutive meetings held in 2018, the first one at the headquarters of the IAEA (International Association of Atomic Energy) in Vienna, under the auspices of EANM (European Association of Nuclear Medicine), the other one at the 8th international symposium on SNB in H&N cancer held in London in the context of the Consensus Conference on Head and Neck Cancer.…”

New Developments in Imaging for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early-Stage Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Complementary nodal treatment (e.g., surgery, radiotherapy) should be performed in case of metastatic involvement of SLN(s). A negative SLNB, however, would justify a wait-and-scan policy [ 12 ].…”

“…The marked SLNs are surgically removed, using a portable γ-probe for intraoperative localization of SLNs. Subsequently, the harvested SLNs are subjected to meticulous histopathological assessment using step-serial-sectioning and immunohistochemistry [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”