Resumen
Locally-advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is mainly defined by the presence of pathologic cervical lymph nodes (LNs). Radiologic criteria to classify LNs as pathologic or non-pathologic are shape-based. However, significantly more quantitative information is contained within images. This information could be exploited to classify LNs in patients with locally-advanced HNSCC by means of artificial intelligence (AI). The present work systematically reviews original articles that specifically explore the role of AI to classify LNs in locally-advanced HNSCC. Between 2001 and 2022, 13 retrospective studies were identified. AI?s mean diagnostic accuracy for LN-classification was 86% (range: 43?99%). Consequently, all of the identified studies concluded AI to be a potentially promising diagnostic support tool for LN-classification in HNSCC. However, adequately powered, prospective, randomized control trials are urgently required to further assess AI?s role in LN-classification in locally-advanced HNSCC.