Mannose-labelled magnetic nanoparticles for sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Initial results from a phase 1 clinical trial

Introduction

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) can stage neck disease in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with less morbidity than elective neck dissection (END) but is not widely practised because of inherent limitations associated with conventional radiotracers. This study evaluated the feasibility of a next generation magnetic technique.

Materials and methods

A phase 1 prospective clinical trial was conducted, recruiting patients with cN0 OSCC. “FerroTrace”, a mannose-labelled iron oxide nanoparticle, was injected peritumourally. Patients underwent MRI with pseudo-dynamic and static sequences prior to SLNB aided by handheld magnetometer probe. SLNs were sent for serial-sectioning and patients underwent END in the same procedure as standard of care.

Results

Eight patients were enrolled with T2 lesions located in the tongue (4/8), retromolar trigone (3/8) or floor of mouth (1/8). An average of 4.1 ± 1.5 (n = 33) magnetic LNs per patient were identified via magnetometer probe during surgery, which included SLNs identified on preoperative MRI (2.6 ± 1.4; n = 21). An additional 24.6 ± 10.5 (n = 197) LNs per patient were removed as part of standard of care END. One magnetic LN was confirmed pN+, with all remaining magnetic and END LNs pN0. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the procedural feasibility of a novel magnetic approach to SLNB in OSCC using a first-in-human magnetic tracer. These promising early results lay the foundation for an attractive next generation technique, and holds significant potential to increase adoption of SLNB in the complex head and neck lymphatic environment.