Randomized trial evaluates the impact of imaging-detected extranodal extension on survival in HNSCC, suggesting its prognostic value.
Key Points
This research aims to assess the prognostic significance of imaging-detected extranodal extension in patients with pathological ENE-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Retrospective review of patients with HNSCC treated between 2012 and 2021.
Eligible patients had confirmed lymph node metastasis and negative surgical margins without evidence of pathological ENE.
iENE status assessed by radiologists, with survival outcomes analyzed.
iENE-positive patients had a shorter 5-year event-free survival (33.1% vs. 55.4%; HR 1.69; p=0.029).
Inferior overall survival was also observed for iENE-positive patients (5-year: 68.7% vs. 80.4%).
iENE positivity was independently associated with poorer event-free survival alongside ECOG Performance Status ≥1 and lower serum albumin.