Accuracy of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy to Predict Nodal Metastasis in Head and Neck Merkel Cell Carcinoma

What is the accuracy of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma?This single-center retrospective cohort study of 69 patients with clinically node-negative head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma who underwent SLNB found that occult nodal disease was present in 19 patients (27.5%). SLNB sensitivity was 52.6% (10 of 19 patients), with high rates of failed SLNB (29.0%; 20 of 69 patients) and false negative SLNB (26.7%; 4 of 15 patients).These findings suggest that patients with failed SLNB or those with negative SLNB but high-risk features may benefit from tailored therapy and surveillance strategies.

Corresponding Author: Ryan M. Carey, MD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology−Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3400 Spruce St, Ravdin Building, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (ryan.carey@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).

Link to the article in your story

We encourage you to link out to this article in your story using the link below. It includes an access token that will give free access to the article for your readers up to one year after publication. (The link will be live after the article publishes and embargo is lifted.)

Please see the article for additional information, including full author list, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

Need more information? Contact us.