Diagnostic test accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy in squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). For this purpose, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 8, 2022. Included were studies evaluating diagnostic test accuracy of SLNB to identify cervical lymph node metastases with elective neck dissection or follow‐up as reference. A bivariate generalized linear mixed model approach was used for the meta‐analysis. Nineteen studies were eligible, evaluating 377 cases in total. The pooled estimates of sensitivity and negative predictive value were 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86–0.96) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94–0.98), respectively. The excellent accuracy of SLNB justifies a place in the diagnostic workup of patients with larynx and pharynx SCC. Randomized trials are required to demonstrate oncologic safety and benefits on treatment related morbidity and quality of life when omitting elective neck treatment based on SLNB.