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

Publication

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

Journal Paper/Review - Mar 21, 2019

Schilling Clare, Klop Willem Martin, Kerawala Cyrus, Lawson Georges, McMahon Jeremy, Sassoon Isabel, Shaw Richard J, Tvedskov Jesper F, von Buchwald Christian, Kohno Naoyuki, Garrel Renaud, Frerich Bernhard, Stöckli Sandro, Vigili Maurizio G, de Bree Remco, Lai Stephen Y, Alvarez Julio, Christensen Anders, Cognetti David M, D'Cruz Anil K, McGurk Mark

Citation

Schilling C, Klop W, Kerawala C, Lawson G, McMahon J, Sassoon I, Shaw R, Tvedskov J, von Buchwald C, Kohno N, Garrel R, Frerich B, Stöckli S, Vigili M, de Bree R, Lai S, Alvarez J, Christensen A, Cognetti D, D'Cruz A, McGurk M. Surgical consensus guidelines on sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in patients with oral cancer. Head & neck 2019; 41:2655-2664.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Head & neck 2019; 41

Publication Date

Mar 21, 2019

Issn Electronic

1097-0347

Pages

2655-2664

Brief description/objective

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.