Prevalence of locoregional and distant lymph node metastases in children and adolescents/young adults with soft tissue sarcomas: a Bayesian meta-analysis of proportions
Abstract
Summary Background The presence of both regional and distant lymph node metastases (LNM) in paediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS) significantly impacts clinical outcomes. However, reported rates of LNM vary widely across the literature and are often accompanied by substantial uncertainty. We aimed to quantitatively synthesise global proportions of LNM across different histological subtypes and tumour sites in this population. Methods In this meta-analysis, we systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until May 1, 2024 (updated on June 1, 2025) for studies published in English that reported LNM rates in patients with STS aged 0–21 years. Eligible study designs included cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and randomised controlled trials. Patient-level data were not requested from study authors. LNM had to be confirmed clinically, by imaging, or histologically. We excluded reviews, editorials, and case reports with fewer than three patients. We conducted a random-effects Bayesian meta-analysis using a logit transformation to synthesise LNM proportions. The posterior distributions of LNM prevalence were summarised by the posterior mean and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Study quality was assessed across seven domains: confounding, participant selection, exposure classification, deviations from intended exposures, missing data, outcome measurement, and selective reporting. Findings Of…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 53,093 participants or records.
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