Sentinel Node Biopsy in the Neck Management of cN0 Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter Pilot Trial on Safety and Feasibility.
Johannes Doescher, Adrian von Witzleben, Nina Eberhardt et al.
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In 30 seconds
This prospective, single-arm, open-label, multicentre phase II pilot trial assessed the safety and feasibility of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with clinically node-negative sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma. A sentinel node was detected in all 22 patients. SNB found micrometastases in two patients, corresponding to an occult metastasis rate of 9.1%. The authors reported that the procedure was safe and aesthetically satisfactory and concluded that randomized confirmatory trials are warranted.
Key findings
- At least one sentinel node was detected in each of the 22 patients.
- SNB identified micrometastases in two patients, with an occult metastasis rate of 9.1%.
- The average lymph node yield was two; the procedure was reported as safe and aesthetically satisfactory.
Why it matters
Management of the clinically node-negative neck in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma lacks clear recommendations, while nodal metastases are associated with worse survival. SNB may offer a way to identify occult nodal disease without routinely treating the neck, but this pilot study establishes feasibility rather than comparative clinical benefit.
What to keep in mind
This was a small, single-arm pilot trial; it did not compare SNB with another neck-management strategy. The authors call for randomized confirmatory trials.