Systematic review of artificial intelligence and radiomics for preoperative prediction of extranodal extension and lymph node metastasis in oropharyngeal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Preoperative identification of extranodal extension (ENE) and cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in oropharyngeal cancer guides treatment escalation and de-escalation. Artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics offer promise for nodal assessment, but clinical utility and reporting quality remain variable.

Methods

This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2020-2025. Eleven eligible studies (4 core, 7 supportive) addressed ENE (n=2) or LNM prediction (n=2), with additional supportive studies on segmentation, lymphatic spread modeling, MRI radiomics, and outcomes modeling. Extracted variables included study characteristics, performance metrics, validation, calibrati

SUBMITTER: Stawarz K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12711475 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature