Endonasal endoscopic resection and radiotherapy in olfactory neuroblastoma: our experience

Magnetic Resonance Imaging after Nasopharyngeal Endoscopic Resection and Skull Base Reconstruction

Background: Postoperative imaging after nasopharyngeal endoscopic resection (NER) and skull base reconstruction is quite challenging due to the complexity of the post-surgical and regional anatomy. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we included patients treated with NER from 2009 to 2019 and submitted to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 6 and 12 months after surgery. A radiologist with 15 years of experience analyzed all MRI scans. Results: A total of 50 patients were considered in this study, 18 of whom were excluded due to imaging unavailability, and 16 of whom were not considered due to major complications and/or persistent disease. Sixteen patients were evaluated to identify the expected findings. Inflammatory changes were observed in 16/64 subsites, and regression of these changes was observed in 8/64 at 1 year. Fibrosis was observed in 5/64 subsites and was unmodified at 1 year. The nasoseptal flap showed homogeneous enhancement at 6 months (100%) and at 1 year. The temporo-parietal fascia flap (TPFF) showed a decrease in the T2- signal intensity of the mucosal layer in 57% of the patients at 1 year and a decrease in enhancement in 43%. Conclusions: Identifying the expected findings after NER and skull base reconstruction has a pivotal role in the identification of complications and recurrence.

PET/CT Imaging in Treatment Planning and Surveillance of Sinonasal Neoplasms

Sinonasal cancers are uncommon malignancies with a generally unfavorable prognosis, often presenting at an advanced stage. Their high rate of recurrence supports close imaging surveillance and the utilization of functional imaging techniques. Whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT has very high sensitivity for the diagnosis of sinonasal malignancies and can also be used as a "metabolic biopsy" in the characterization of some of the more common subgroups of these tumors, though due to overlap in uptake, histological confirmation is still needed. For certain tumor types, radiotracers, such as 11C-choline, and radiolabeled somatostatin analogs, including 68Ga-DOTATATE/DOTATOC, have proven useful in treatment planning and surveillance. Although serial scans for posttreatment surveillance allow the detection of subclinical lesions, the optimal schedule and efficacy in terms of survival are yet to be determined. Pitfalls of 18F-FDG, such as post-surgical and post-radiotherapy crusting and inflammation, may cause false-positive hypermetabolism in the absence of relapse.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma-A Challenging Fine Line between Metastasis and Hematology

Developing in a limited space, rare tumors located at the nose and paranasal sinuses are sometimes difficult to diagnose due to their modest clinical presentation, which is uncorrelated with anatomopathological diversity. This limits the preoperative diagnosis without added immune histochemical study; for that reason, we present our experience with these tumors with the intention of raising awareness. The patient included in our study was investigated by our department through clinical and endoscopic examination, imaging investigations, and an anatomic-pathological study. The selected patient gave consent for participation and inclusion in this research study in compliance with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki.

Long-term survival outcomes and recurrence patterns of olfactory neuroblastoma: A 13-year experience at a single institution

OBJECTIVES

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), also known as esthesioneuroblastoma, is a rare malignant neoplasm of the nasal vault and anterior skull base. The results of treatment for ONB are relatively good; however, regional and distant metastases can develop several years after definitive treatment. This study aimed to validate the treatment modality of ONB for oncological outcomes, especially for regional recurrence.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 patients diagnosed with ONB at Kyoto University Hospital between 2009 and 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 58.2 months. One (4.5%) patient was clinically node positive, (cN+) and the remaining 21 (95.5%) were clinically node negative (cN0) at presentation. Eighteen patients underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for primary resection, and the remaining four patients underwent a combined EEA and transcranial approach. Elective neck dissection was not performed for 21 patients with cN0 ONB, whereas unilateral neck dissection with removal of ipsilateral lateral retropharyngeal node was performed for one patient with cN+ ONB. Postoperative radiotherapy without concurrent chemotherapy was performed only at the primary tumor bed for 21 patients with cN0 ONB, and at the primary tumor bed and bilateral neck for one patient with cN+ ONB. The 5-year overall, disease-specific, and disease-free survival rates were 94.1%, 100%, and 69.6%, respectively. No patients developed local recurrence, but 6 (27.2%) patients experienced recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 36.4 months, including four and two patients who initially developed regional recurrences and bone metastases, respectively. Five (22.7%) patients had delayed neck recurrence. The salvage rate was only 60.0% in the five patients who had delayed neck recurrence. Regarding the level of delayed neck recurrence, 4 (18.2%) patients had lateral retropharyngeal lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ONB have excellent survival outcomes after endoscopic surgical resection of the primary lesion with postoperative radiotherapy only to the primary tumor bed. Despite excellent survival, delayed neck recurrence, including the lateral retropharyngeal lymph node, remains high. Because salvage surgery for lateral retropharyngeal lymph node recurrence is sometimes technically difficult, it may be better to extend the field of postoperative radiotherapy from the primary tumor bed only to include bilateral lateral retropharyngeal lymph node regions in patients with clinically N0 ONB. Further prospective studies with a large number of patients are needed to determine the extent of postoperative radiotherapy.

Outcomes and Quality-of-Life Measures after Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Kadish Stage C Olfactory Neuroblastomas

OBJECTIVE

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been applied in the treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB). However, there is a lack of research examining the impact of EEA on locally advanced ONB. This study assessed the outcomes of EEA in patients with locally advanced ONB and its impact on the quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with Kadish stage C ONB who underwent EEA between December 2004 and October 2019 and assessed demographic data, histopathologic grade, the extent of resection, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative QOL was assessed using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (18 men, 8 women; aged 26-79 years) were enrolled, with 12 cases of Hyams grade II and III and 1 case of grade I and IV each. In total, 25 patients received radiotherapy and 16 patients received chemotherapy, of whom 11 received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative nasal bleeding was observed in 2 patients. The follow-up ranged from 8 to 124 months (median, 42.3 months). The 1-year and 5-year overall survival were 96.2% and 84.8%, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year disease-free survival were 76.9% each. The analysis of the postoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores showed significant improvement in certain psychological and sleep-associated domains, compared with the preoperative scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that pure EEA followed by radiotherapy offered excellent outcomes in the management of selected patients with locally advanced ONB. The postoperative QOL was significantly improved. More research is required on neoadjuvant chemotherapy to establish its role.

Surgery as Single-Modality Treatment for Early-Stage Olfactory Neuroblastoma: An Institutional Experience, Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

For olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), the combination of surgical tumor resection and radiation therapy (RT) has been considered the "gold standard" in treatment protocols intended to cure.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize evidence on the treatment of ONB using surgery alone.

METHODS

A retrospective institutional case series, a systematic review of the literature, and an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis on only surgically treated ONB patients.

RESULTS

At our institution, a total of 10 patients were treated through surgery alone and remained alive and free of disease at last follow-up. The IPD meta-analysis on 128 patients revealed a disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of 67.7% and 75.4% at 5 years and 57.1% and 71.9% at 10 years, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that Kadish stage C/D and Hyams grading III//IV significantly affected OS (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000) and DFS (P = 0.000 and P = 0.002). For low-risk patients, the DFS was 80.6% at 5 years and 67.8% at 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery alone is an equivalent alternative to combined treatment in carefully selected low-risk ONB patients with better outcome measures than previously reported.

[Treatment of primary craniofacial (sinonasal) malignant tumors affecting the anterior and middle skull base]

Sinonasal malignant tumors are characterized by high histological variability and complexity of the differential diagnosis. Currently, there are classifications of these tumors, which are based on their localization and involvement of various anatomical structures. However, generally accepted algorithms for treatment of this pathology have not yet been developed. This review describes the most important algorithms for treatment of the most common histological variants of sinonasal malignant tumors: squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, esthesioneuroblastoma, adenoid cystic cancer, and sinonasal adenocarcinoma. The main problems in choosing the approach for treating these tumors are the lack of generally accepted resectability criteria and contradictions between oncological and neurosurgical indications for surgical treatment. Further research is needed to study the role of radiosensitizers and radioprotectors in comprehensive treatment of sinonasal malignant tumors.

Comparing Kadish and Modified Dulguerov Staging Systems for Olfactory Neuroblastoma: An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the Kadish and the modified Dulguerov staging of individual participants to determine the impact of stage and other prognostic factors on disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

DATA SOURCES

Systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases.

REVIEW METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was followed for this study. Articles including patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) staged with both Kadish and Dulguerov staging systems were reviewed. The raw data from eligible studies were requested to perform an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Pooled data from 21 studies representing 399 patients with ONB undergoing treatment with curative intent showed that increasing age, treatment with chemotherapy, and positive or unreported margin status portended worse DFS (P < .05). Increasing stage for both Kadish and Dulguerov staging systems was prognostic for worse DFS and OS (P < .05), with Kadish C representing a heterogeneous group with regard to outcome and corresponding Dulguerov T stage. Using the Akaike information criterion, the Dulguerov staging system had superior performance to the Kadish system for DFS (1088.72 vs 1092.54) and OS (632.71 vs 644.23).

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first IPD meta-analysis of ONB directly comparing the outcomes of Kadish and Dulguerov staging systems in patients treated with primary surgery. Both systems correlated with DFS and OS, with superior performance in the Dulguerov system. Furthermore, the Kadish C group represented a heterogeneous group with regard to outcomes after stratification by the Dulguerov system. Dulguerov T4 patients had the worst outcome, with most being approached with open resection.

Delaying Postoperative Radiotherapy in Low-Grade Esthesioneuroblastoma: Is It Worth the Wait?

Background  Consensus in timing of radiotherapy is yet to be established in esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). Objective  This study was aimed to investigate if planned adjuvant radiotherapy improves tumor control after complete margin negative resection of low Hyams' grade (1 or 2) ENB. Methods  A retrospective review of patients with pathologically confirmed negative margin resection of Kadish's stage B or C and Hyams' grade 1 and 2 ENBs was conducted. Seventeen patients meeting the criteria were divided into the following two groups for cohort study: (1) those who underwent planned immediate postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (IR group) and (2) those who did not (delayed radiotherapy [DR] group). Results  The IR group included nine patients (Kadish's stage B in one and stage C in eight; Hyams' grade 1 in two and grade 2 in seven). Mean follow-up was 140.8 months. Seven patients (78%) had disease progression (DP) at a median of 88 months (four with cervical lymph node metastasis [CLNM], one with distant metastasis, and two with both local recurrence and CLNM). One patient experienced frontal lobe abscess. The DR group included eight patients (Kadish's stage B in six and stage C in two; all Hyams' grade 2). Mean follow-up was 123.3 months. Four (50%) patients who developed DP (all local recurrence) were salvaged with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy at a median of 37.5 months. There was no statistically significant difference in DP rate ( p  = 0.23), time to DP ( p  = 0.26), or the local tumor control rate ( p  = 0.23). Conclusion  In our limited cohort, immediate postoperative radiotherapy did not demonstrate superiority in tumor control, although risk of radiotherapy toxicity appears low.

Endoscopic resection of sinonasal malignancies

BACKGROUND

In this study, we evaluate our experience and the outcomes of patients with sinonasal cancer treated with endoscopic resection.

METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with sinonasal cancer who had endoscopic resection was conducted. The outcomes of interest included survival outcomes and surgical complications.

RESULTS

Overall, 239 patients were included. Median follow up time was 46.6 months. Of the 239 patients, 167 (70%) had a pure endonasal endoscopic approach, while 72 (30%) had an endoscopic-assisted approach. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage occurred in 14 patients (5.9%). Negative margins were achieved in 209 patients (87.4%). There was no significant difference in the margin status between the pure endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted group (P = .682). There was no significant difference in the survival outcomes between both the groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that in properly selected patients, endoscopic approaches have acceptable morbidity with low complication rates and can provide an oncologically sound alterative to open approaches.

Endoscopic management of Esthesioneuroblastoma: Our experience and review of the literature

During the last two decades evolution of the endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) has offered the option of minimally invasive techniques in the management of esthesioneuroblastomas (ENB), either as endoscope assisted cranial resection or as pure endoscopic procedures. This study presents the use of pure EEA in the management of ENB in our center, along with a literature review. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiology and pathology records of patients with ENB treated during the period July 2006 to January 2016. During the above period, ten patients with ENB were treated using pure EEA. The mean age was 47.5 years. The gender distribution was: eight males, two females. The most common presenting symptoms were nasal obstruction and discharge or epistaxis (8/10). The mean duration of symptoms was 1.5 years. All patients had preoperative confirmation of ENB by biopsy. Five patients received neoadjuvant radiation and four underwent postoperative radiation. One patient did not receive any radiotherapy and no patient received chemotherapy. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients and intraoperative microscopically negative surgical margins achieved in 9/10 (90%). No major intraoperative complications occurred. The most common postoperative complication was nasal infection. Cerebrospinal fluid leak was noted in one patient. During the follow-up period of 6-120 months (mean 74.8) two cases of neck lymph node recurrence were observed. No deaths due to the disease occurred during the follow-up period. Pure EEA offer excellent results in the management of ENB. Neoadjuvant radiation treatment is promising although more studies need to establish its role.

Olfactory neuroblastoma treated with minimally invasive surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy: a case report and review of the literature

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ON) is a rare tumour of the olfactory neuroepithelium that is characterized by a pattern of slow growth and local recurrences. Combination of surgery and radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, is considered to be the standard of care for primary site disease. Recent literature supports the view that endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy correlates with better outcome. In this short communication, we present a case report of olfactory neuroblastoma arising in the right nasal sinus in a 34-year-old male. This patient was treated with endoscopic resection and external beam radiotherapy to the right nasal sinus with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. After 2 years follow-up, the patient is free of tumour without any late effect related to therapies. We believe that, in such patients, a treatment strategy including endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy may be effective and feasible and should be considered the gold standard of care.

The Impact of Histologic Phenotype in the Treatment of Sinonasal Cancer

The management of sinonasal cancer is a challenge due to its low occurrence and anatomical and significant diversity of histological types. The therapeutic modality used should be tailored individually according to the histology, tumour stage, molecular profile and previous treatments. The clinical management of sinonasal cancer has improved greatly owing to developments in endoscopic surgery and precision radiotherapy. Complete surgical resection is the mainstay of sinonasal malignancies' management but multimodality therapy is associated with improved outcomes in certain histologies. The recognition of various histological types with biological behaviours more suitable for non-surgical modalities has allowed treatment protocols to become more tailored to the disease. In this review we aim to describe and to summarise the current data guiding the management of sinonasal cancer with emphasis on phenotypic variation.

Endoscopic endonasal management of esthesioneuroblastoma: A retrospective multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to illustrate the safety and utility of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the treatment of esthesioneuroblastomas (ENB).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with a diagnosis of ENB between March 2008 and February 2016 at 10 tertiary referral hospitals in Japan, and assessed demographic data, stage of disease, surgical approach, outcomes and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients (10 males and 12 females; mean age at presentation, 49.0 years) underwent endoscopic endonasal resection of newly diagnosed ENBs. Dulguerov staging at presentation was T1, 6 patients; T2, 9 patients; T3, 5 patients; and T4, 2 patients. As surgical procedures, unilateral resection via EEA was performed in 12 patients aiming preservation of the contralateral olfactory system, and bilateral resection via EEA was done in 10 patients. Post-operative radiotherapy was done in 20 patients. Pathological margin studies revealed margin-free resections in 21 patients (95.5%). The mean period of follow-up was 44 months. Local recurrence was observed in one T2 patient 12 months after bilateral resection. All patients were alive at the last follow-up, and 21 patients showed no evidence of disease. No post-operative complications including bleeding, CSF leak and meningitis were identified. Preservation of olfactory function was achieved in 11 patients (91.7%).

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicate the safety and utility of multilayer resection using EEA for treatment of ENBs.

Olfactory neuroblastoma: a single-center experience

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a potentially curable disease, despite being an aggressive malignancy with a poor natural history. Our goal was to evaluate management outcomes for patients with ONB treated at our institution. Our prospective database for brain tumors and the pathology registry of head and neck cancers at Oslo University Hospital were searched to identify all patients treated for ONB between 1998 and 2016. Variables extracted from these databases, supplemented by retrospective chart reviews, underwent thorough analysis. All cases were formally re-examined by a dedicated head and neck pathologist. Twenty patients were identified. Follow-up was 100%. Mean follow-up was 81.5 months for the entire cohort and 120.3 months for patients with no evidence of disease. Fourteen patients underwent treatment of choice including craniofacial resection (CFR) with or without radiotherapy (XRT). Six patients could only receive less extensive treatment; three patients underwent lateral rhinotomy (LR) with or without XRT after being deemed medically unsuitable for CFR, while another three patients received only supportive, non-surgical treatment (due to positive lymph node status in two and to extensive tumor size in one case). Overall and disease-specific survival rates were 100% after 10 years of follow-up when negative surgical margins were achieved by CFR. Positive margins were associated with poorer outcome with no patients surviving longer than 44 months. Long-term survival was also achieved in two cases among patients not eligible for CFR: one case after radical LR and one case after radio-chemotherapy. Advanced disease at presentation (tumor size ≥40 mm, Kadish grades C and D, or TNM IVa and IVb) and positive surgical margins were correlated to significantly dismal survival. Our study suggests that CFR with or without adjuvant XRT is safe and leads to excellent long-time overall and disease-specific survival. Negative surgical margins, tumor size <40 mm, Kadish stage A/B, and TNM stages I-III are independent prognostic predictors of outcome.

Long-Term Prognostic Analysis after Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Retrospective Study of 13 Cases

Objectives

To summarize the characteristics and long–term outcomes of olfactory neuroblastoma through the analysis of 13 cases in single institution, with the assessment of treatment modality, prognostic factors.

Method

A retrospective study of thirteen cases diagnosed as olfactory neuroblastoma and underwent combined treatments during the period 2000–2010. Statistical analysis was performed to search for prognostic factors and compared different treatment modalities.

Results

13 patients were enrolled in this study, including 8 male and 5 female, ranging from 15 to 69 (median 43) years old. One patient at stage A was only treated with endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). Seven patients were treated with preoperative radiotherapy and EES, two with EES and postoperative radiotherapy, and the other three with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The range of follow-up time varied from 23 to 116 months (median 65 months). The 5-year overall survival rate was 46.2% (6/13). To date, these thirteen patients have not suffered local recurrences while two patients had lymph node recurrences and one had distant metastasis in the bone marrow. In 13 patients, 61.5% were diagnosed as late T stage (T3/4), 69.2% late Kadish stage (C/D) and 53.8% were high Hyams grade (I/ II), which indicated poor prognosis. Related prognostic factors were the TNM stage (T stage P = 0.028, N stage P = 0.000, M stage P = 0.007), Kadish stage (P = 0.025) and treatment modality (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Late stage of TNM and Kadish staging system indicated a poor prognosis. Combined treatment modality, including endoscopic endonasal surgery, achieved a better outcome than non-surgical approach.

Role of surgical treatment for esthesioneuroblastomas: 31-Year experience at a single institution

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to re-assess the outcomes of different surgical methods for esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) in a single institution, with emphasis on changes in surgical treatment with regard to endoscopic approaches in patients with ENB.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 35 patients with ENB treated over the last 31 years.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 66.8% and 50.8%, respectively. Disease-free survival in the endoscopic surgery group was significantly higher compared to that of craniofacial surgery group (P = 0.035). In the endoscopic surgery group, nine of 10 patients did not exhibit local failure or regional recurrence over a mean followup period of 64.3 months, which was longer than the mean time to recurrence (22.0 months) observed in this study.

CONCLUSION

Given its significant survival outcomes and high rate of local control, endoscopic surgery could be preferred as a minimally invasive treatment with potentially low morbidity and possible oncological validity for the treatment of ENB.

Contemporary management of esthesioneuroblastoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article provides a contemporary review of the management of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) within the context of recent surgical advancements, while highlighting the ongoing limitations and controversies surrounding this uncommon pathologic entity.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical management of ENB is continuously evolving with contemporary endoscopic approaches complementing or in many cases replacing open approaches.

SUMMARY

Complete surgical resection remains the mainstay definitive therapy for ENB. Aggressive, combined modality therapy appears to be justified in patients at greatest risk of developing recurrence based on advanced tumor stage and high pathologic grade. ENB requires prolonged surveillance following treatment given its tendency for late recurrence.

Sinonasal Malignancies of Anterior Skull Base: Histology-driven Treatment Strategies

The advances in endoscopy have revolutionized the management of sinonasal and skull base lesions. Many complex cancers that traditionally required open approaches are now amenable to purely endoscopic endonasal resection, providing less invasive surgery with lower morbidity but with comparable oncologic outcomes in terms of survival rates. This article discusses the current evidence for the multimodal management of sinonasal and anterior skull base cancers focusing on the different treatment protocols driven by histologic subtypes.

Endoscopic Management of Esthesioneuroblastoma

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumor of sinonasal origin. These tumors typically present with unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis, and diagnosis is confirmed on biopsy. Over the past 15 years, significant advances have been made in endoscopic technology and techniques that have made this tumor amenable to expanded endonasal resection. There is growing evidence supporting the feasibility of safe and effective resection of esthesioneuroblastoma via an expanded endonasal approach. This article outlines a technique for endoscopic resection of esthesioneuroblastoma and reviews the current literature on esthesioneuroblastoma with emphasis on outcomes after endoscopic resection of these malignant tumors.

[Esthesioneuroblastoma: A single institution's experience and general literature review]

PURPOSE

Olfactory neuroblastoma or esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare entity among head and neck neoplasms. In this paper, we report the experience of our institution and compare it with a comprehensive review of the literature.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed clinical and treatment data of patients referred to the Lyon Sud University Hospital (France) for histologically proven olfactive esthesioneuroblastoma.

RESULTS

Ten patients treated between 1993 and 2015 have been analysed. Disease stage at diagnosis, according to the Kadish staging system, was C in 90% of cases. Median follow-up was 136 months. Ten-year overall survival was 90%. Five- and ten-year progression-free survival were 70% and 50%. Nine patients (90%) underwent surgical resection first. Seven of the nine patients who underwent resection (77%) received adjuvant three-dimensional (3D)-conformal radiotherapy (n=7), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (n=1), or volumetric arctherapy (n=1). The mean dose to the tumour volume was 61Gy. None of the patients received elective nodal irradiation. Two patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Five patients (50%) presented with disease recurrence, which was local (n=1), nodal (n=2) and cerebral (n=2).

CONCLUSION

Our results are consistent with the literature. Because of the lack of prospective study and the low number of cases in the literature, each institution's experience is of the utmost important to improve standardised management of these tumours.

Ectopic Esthesioneuroblastoma of the Sphenoclivus: A Rare Entity

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of oflactory neuroepithelium and usually located at the olfactory cleft at superior nasal cavity. Ectopic localization of esthesioneuroblastoma is even rarer and usually posed with a diagnostic dilemma and delay in the diagnosis and management, We report a rare case of ectopic esthesioneuroblastoma of the sphenoclivus with the presentation of intermittent unilateral epistaxis, intermittent intractable headache without anosmia. Nasal endoscopy findings showed a pulsatile mass at the anterior face of the sphenoid sinus with extension posteriorly towards the clivus region and occupying the floor of the sphenoid sinus. Endonasal transclival endoscopic excision of tumour was performed which involved otorhinolaryngology surgeon and neurosurgeon with intraoperative navigation imaging and frozen section. The histopathological findings was esthesioneuroblastoma. Due to its rarity and unusual presentation, the diagnosis of ectopic esthesioneuroblastoma is difficult and can be misdiagnosed with the other type of malignancy. Therefore, the histopathological result is important in confirming the type of tumour and can lead to the next step of management.

An Algorithm for Surgical Approach to the Anterior Skull Base

OBJECTIVE

To characterize our experience with the surgical management of anterior skull base malignancy, and to propose an algorithm for surgical approach to anterior skull base malignancies.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Academic cranial base center.

PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-seven patients who underwent resection of paranasal sinus or anterior skull base malignancy with an endoscopic, cranioendoscopic, or traditional anterior craniofacial approach.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications, recurrence, and survival.

RESULTS

There were 48 males and 19 females, ranging from 6 to 88 years old. There were three groups: endonasal endoscopic resection (n = 10), cranioendoscopic resection (n = 12), and traditional craniofacial resection (n = 45). The most common tumor pathologies included esthesioneuroblastoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. Patients with T3/T4 disease were less likely to undergo endoscopic resection (p = 0.007). The 5-year disease-free survival was 82.1% overall, with no statistically significant differences among approaches. There were no differences in orbital complications, meningitis, or cerebrospinal fluid leak. Use of a transfacial incisions predisposed patients to surgical site infection and sinocutaneous fistulae. An algorithm for surgical approach was developed based on these results.

CONCLUSION

Sinonasal and skull base malignancies can be safely surgically addressed via several approaches. Surgical approach should be selected algorithmically based on preoperative clinical assessment of the tumor and known postoperative complication rates.

Endoscopic approach to the resection of adenoid cystic carcinoma of paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity: case report and own experience

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that might occur in nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. It is characteristic for poor prognosis, especially the solid histopathological subtype of the tumor. ACC might spread along nerves and fascias and it is usually diagnosed at advanced stage. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging together with fine-needle biopsy are the gold standards in the diagnostic procedure of the cancer. Surgery with adjuvant therapy are the most common methods of treatment. Among the surgical approaches, the functional endonasal sinus surgery seems to be the most appropriate and favorable way of treatment. In the study, the authors present a case of a 62-year-old patient with T4aN0M0 ACC tumor treated endoscopically at the Department of Laryngology and ENT Oncology, WSS No. 5 in Sosnowiec. The authors indicate the usefulness of FESS procedure in the treatment of malignancies of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. They also review the recent publications on endonasal versus open approach in similar cases. In conclusions, the authors favor endonasal approach as a mini-invasive method of surgical treatment of ACC of paranasal sinuses that results in satisfactory oncological outcome and high quality of patient's life.

Comparison of outcomes for open versus endoscopic approaches for olfactory neuroblastoma: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic approaches have been adopted as an alternative to craniofacial resection in the surgical management of olfactory neuroblastoma.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL (2000-2014) to compare outcomes for open versus endoscopic approaches.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies containing 609 patients were included. Meta-analysis of (a) all patients, (b) Kadish C/D only, and (c) Hyams III/IV only, failed to show a difference in locoregional control and metastasis-free survival between approaches. However, endoscopic approaches were associated with improved overall survival (OS) for all 3 groups (p = .001, .04, and .001, respectively), and higher disease-specific survival (DSS) for all patients (p = .004) and Hyams III/IV only (p = .002).

CONCLUSION

The current study suggests that endoscopic approaches have comparable control rates to open approaches for olfactory neuroblastoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E2306-E2316, 2016.

Comparative genomic hybridization on microarray (a-CGH) in olfactory neuroblastoma: Analysis of ten cases and review of the literature

Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare tumor arising from the basal layer of the olfactory epithelium in the superior recesses of the nasal cavity. The rarity of this tumor, and the difficulties in culturing tumor cells has limited the generation of conventional cytogenetic data, whereas consistent results have been obtained by recent molecular methods. We report the results of an array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis (a-CGH) obtained on 11 samples from 10 subjects: 8 primary and 3 relapsed tumors. In one patient, both the primary and relapsed tumors were available. Our results on chromosome imbalances highlight the highly heterogeneous presentation: six of eleven samples showed multiple numerical changes and very few structural ones, while four samples showed an opposite pattern; one sample out of eleven showed no imbalances. We did not reach firm evidence of any recurrent specific imbalances either at level of entire chromosomes or chromosome segments. A review of the literature indicates a number of recurrent gains, and losses, mostly not confirmed by our results. Gain of chromosome 19 was the only correspondence with literature data concerning an entire chromosome, and most segmental gains and losses found in our cohort of patients were different from those indicated in the literature: the only similarities concerned the gain of 20q13 and the loss of segments of chromosomes 15 and 22.

Endoscopic endonasal surgery for malignancies of the anterior cranial base

OBJECTIVE

Data from several centers worldwide have demonstrated that transnasal endoscopic surgery performed with or without a transcranial approach is capable of achieving radical resection of selected sinonasal malignancies. We report our experience with endoscopic management of sinonasal cancers, with emphasis on naso-ethmoidal malignancies encroaching on the anterior skull base.

METHODS

Major series reporting results concerning the endoscopic endonasal approach with or without craniectomy for treatment of sinonasal and anterior skull base cancers were reviewed. Preoperative work-up, indications and exclusion criteria, surgical techniques, postoperative management, and adjuvant therapy are reported.

RESULTS

In the 2 largest series analyzed, the most common malignancies were adenocarcinoma (28%), olfactory neuroblastoma (14.5%), and squamous cell carcinoma (13.5%). The 5-year disease-specific survival rate ranged from 81.9%-87%, with no major differences in the mean follow-up time (34.1 months vs. 37 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic endonasal resection performed with or without a transcranial approach, when properly planned and in expert hands, has an accepted role with precise indications in the surgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of sinonasal and skull base malignancies.

An endoscopic endonasal approach for early-stage olfactory neuroblastoma: an evaluation of 2 cases with minireview of literature

We describe the clinical findings in two patients with pathologically diagnosed olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) of the sinonasal area and the surgical methods used for its treatment. Using an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) without dura resection, along with radiotherapy, we successfully treated ONB at the Kadish stage A. One of our patients, however, experienced tumor recurrence 24 years after open surgery with radiotherapy that was conducted at another hospital. This patient was no longer eligible for radiotherapy, and the tumor was therefore resected with dura resection using an EEA combined with duraplasty. The dura resection with duraplasty using fascia lata and a pedicled nasal septal flap was minimally invasive. As with surgery without duraplasty, a postoperative computed tomography (CT) examination revealed that EEA with duraplasty led to quick improvement of the postoperative inflammatory response as well as pneumocranium. Here, we investigated whether to modify the method of surgery depending upon the primary site of early-stage ONB. We suggest that, in early-stage ONB, an endoscopic endonasal approach is an effective and less invasive method. It is also advisable to perform dura mater resection of the lesion site despite the absence of obvious intracranial invasions in image findings.

Long-term oncological outcome after endoscopic surgery for olfactory esthesioneuroblastoma

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic techniques seem to be safe approaches for the treatment of esthesioneuroblastomas (ENBs). However, they are intended for selected patients and require extensive experience in base of the skull surgery.

OBJECTIVES

ENB is a rare tumor of the nasal cavity. The craniofacial approaches remain the gold standard of treatment in multiple centers. Endoscopic endonasal approaches were progressively developed. The main objective of this work was to study the overall survival and recurrence-free period for patients with ENB who underwent endoscopic resection.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study from 1996 to 2014, reviewing the patients treated by endonasal endoscopic surgery for ENB.

RESULTS

Eight patients benefited from endoscopic surgical resection. According to the Kadish classification, one patient was stage A, three patients were stage B, and four patients were stage C. According to the Dulguerov classification, one patient was stage T1, five patients were stage T2, and two were stage T4. Reconstruction of the base of the skull was performed in three patients. No postoperative complications were noted. The mean follow-up period was 95 months. The 5-year overall survival was 87.5% and the 5-year recurrence-free survival was 75%. To date, there have been no local recurrences but two patients had lymph node recurrences. Seven patients are disease-free and one is deceased.

Olfactory neuroblastoma: a 35-year experience and suggested follow-up protocol

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To validate a follow-up protocol based on the long-term outcomes and recurrence rates in patients who have undergone surgical treatment for olfactory neuroblastoma.

METHODS

A prospective review of all patients treated for olfactory neuroblastoma at our institution over a 35-year period.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients were treated from 1978 to 2013, with craniofacial (65 patients) or endoscopic resection (30 patients). Duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 309 months (mean, 88.66 months). Fifty-six patients were alive and well, and 13 were alive with recurrent disease. Twenty-one patients had died of disease, and three had died of intercurrent disease. Overall survival was 83.4% at 5 years and 76.1% at 10 years. Disease-free survival at 5 years was 80% and at 10 years was 62.8%. A Cox regression analysis showed orbital extension and intracranial involvement to be significant independent factors affecting outcome. Local and regional recurrence occurred after an average of 49 months but with a range of 3 to 233 months.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, olfactory neuroblastoma most commonly recurred within the first 4 years but can recur very late, after 19.4 years in one case. There is currently no universally accepted follow-up regime, but even late recurrence is eminently treatable. We therefore propose a protocol for lifelong follow-up with both clinical examination and serial imaging, including the neck and entire intracranial compartment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Endoscopic resection of esthesioneuroblastoma

Esthesioneuroblastoma, or olfactory neuroblastoma, is an uncommon malignant tumor arising in the upper nasal cavity. Surgical approaches to this and other sinonasal malignancies involving the anterior skull base have traditionally involved craniofacial resections. Over the past 10 years to 15 years, there have been advances in endoscopic approaches to skull base pathologies, including malignant tumors. In this study, we review our experience with purely endoscopic approaches to esthesioneuroblastomas. Between January 2005 and February 2012, 11 patients (seven men and four women, average age 53.3 years) with esthesioneuroblastoma were treated endoscopically. Nine patients presented with newly diagnosed disease and two were treated for tumor recurrence. The modified Kadish staging was: A, two patients (18.2%); B, two patients (18.2%); C, five patients (45.5%); and D, two patients (18.2%). All patients had a complete resection with negative intraoperative margins. Three patients had 2-deoxy-2-((18)F)fluoro-d-glucose avid neck nodes on their preoperative positron emission tomography-CT scan. These patients underwent neck dissections; two had positive neck nodes. Perioperative complications included an intraoperative hypertensive urgency and pneumocephalus in two different patients. Mean follow-up was over 28 months and all patients were free of disease. This series adds to the growing experience of purely endoscopic surgical approaches in the treatment of skull base tumors including esthesioneuroblastoma. Longer follow-up on larger numbers of patients is required to clarify the utility of purely endoscopic approaches in the management of this malignant tumor.

Endonasal endoscopic resection of esthesioneuroblastoma: the Johns Hopkins Hospital experience and review of the literature

Esthesioneuroblastoma is an uncommon malignant tumor originating in the upper nasal cavity. The surgical treatment for this tumor has traditionally been via an open craniofacial resection. Over the past decade, there has been tremendous development in endoscopic techniques. In this report, we performed a retrospective analysis of patients with esthesioneuroblastomas treated with a purely endonasal endoscopic approach and resection at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2005 and April 2010. A total of eight patients with esthesioneuroblastoma, five men and three women, were identified. Six patients were treated for primary disease, and two were treated for tumor recurrence. The modified Kadish staging was A in one patient (12.5%), B in two patients (25%), C in four patients (50%), and D in one patient (12.5%). All patients had a complete resection with negative intraoperative margins. One patient had intraoperative hypertension; there were no perioperative complications. With a mean follow-up of over 27 months, all patients are without evidence of disease. In addition, we reviewed the literature and identified several overlapping case series of patients with esthesioneuroblastoma treated via a purely endoscopic technique. Our series adds to the growing experience of expanded endonasal endoscopic surgery in the treatment of skull base tumors including esthesioneuroblastoma. Longer follow-up on a larger number of patients is required to further demonstrate the utility of endoscopic approaches in the management of this malignancy.

The developing management of esthesioneuroblastoma: a single institution experience

Esthesioneuroblastoma remains a challenging disease because of its rarity, the complexity of surrounding structures, missing opinions of optimal treatment protocol, and complications associated with necessary surgery. Our objective was to analyse the management and outcome of a cohort of patients with esthesioneuroblastoma from 1990 to 2009 in a tertiary medical centre. There were 17 eligible patients (8 males and 9 females) with the median age of 53 years (range 20-75 years). An obvious inconsistency was noted in the management of the various tumours of the present series during the two decades due to a lack of a uniform treatment protocol. The median follow-up time was 57.5 months (range 3-158 months). Nine patients (seven with curative treatment intent) died of the disease with the median time from diagnosis to death of 60 months (range 3-161 months). Eight patients had no evidence of the disease at last follow-up visit (median 76 months, range 24-119 months). Recurrences were documented in seven of the patients. The median time from end of primary treatment to a recurrence was 57 months (range 6-110 months). The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival was 68 and 62%, respectively. The management of ENB should be planned by an experienced head and neck surgeon as part of a multidisciplinary team in a tertiary referral setting. Multimodality therapy with long-term follow-up is preferable and should be set based on the available disease-specific classifications for clinical staging and histopathological grading.

Minimally invasive surgery (endonasal) for anterior fossa and sellar tumors

The primary goal of any surgical approach is to adequately visualize and treat the pathologic condition with minimal disruption to adjacent normal anatomy. The work of several researchers has revealed the promise of minimally invasive endonasal neurosurgery and paved the way for broader applications of the technology. This article discusses the current state of minimally invasive endonasal techniques to address the pathologic conditions of the anterior cranial fossa and parasellar region.

Olfactory neuroblastoma in a cat

CASE SUMMARY

A 12.5-year-old castrated male domestic shorthair cat was presented for evaluation of dyspnea. Physical examination suggested upper airway disease. Computed tomography revealed the presence of a nasopharyngeal mass. Biopsies obtained via rhinoscopy led to a diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma.

CLINICAL CHALLENGES

Olfactory neuroblastoma (or esthesioneuroblastoma) is a rare malignant neoplasm that arises from olfactory neuroepithelium. It was first described in human medicine in 1924. Clinical signs are variable, and diagnosis may prove challenging as this tumor, which is a differential for spontaneous intranasal tumors in cats, may be mistaken for poorly differentiated carcinomas or round cell tumors. Given its rarity, treatment options for this neoplasm have not been thoroughly evaluated and there is no standard treatment protocol.

LITERATURE REVIEW

A review of veterinary and human literature is provided, encompassing clinical signs, staging and grading systems, treatment options and prognostic factors.

Retained role of surgery for olfactory neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND

Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare paranasal sinus malignancy. The traditional approach was craniofacial resection (CFR) and then postoperative radiotherapy until 1998. This review will chart development of a new protocol.

METHODS

This ethics-approved audit evaluated the number of new patients diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma, with information relating to patient, disease, and treatment factors noted.

RESULTS

There were 24 eligible patients, 16 men, 8 women, 7 Kadish stage B, 17 stage C. The planned treatment was: chemotherapy (cisplatin/etoposide) and determine treatment dependent on response in 6 patients, surgery and radiotherapy in 16 patients, and single-modality treatment only (surgery, radiotherapy 1) in 2 patients. Surgery to radiotherapy occurred in 17 patients. With salvage treatment ultimate local control was 79%.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a higher local control in those patients who had surgery; abandoning this may carry a higher risk of local failure. The use of response to chemotherapy to determine local treatment remains experimental.

Endoscopic transnasal resection of ectopic esthesioneuroblastoma in the pterygopalatine fossa: technical case report

OBJECTIVE

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare, malignant neoplasm arising from the olfactory neuroepithelium in the upper nasal cavity. Even more rare is ectopic esthesioneuroblastoma developing from the region outside the olfactory epithelium. In addition, tumors occurring in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) are uncommon, and the endoscopic transnasal approach for the resection of malignant tumors in this region is also uncommon.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We describe an esthesioneuroblastoma arising from the left maxillary sinus and PPF. The tumor was resected using the endoscopic transnasal approach, followed by treatment with radiotherapy. The patient showed no evidence of recurrence 12 months postoperatively.

TECHNIQUE

The endoscopic transnasal approach could be successfully used for the complete removal of malignant tumors in the PPF.

CONCLUSION

The PPF is an anatomic area that is difficult to access. The endoscopic transnasal approach improves access and visualization; it also has the potential to reduce complications compared with the open approach. The endoscopic transnasal approach might become the treatment of choice for malignant tumors in the PPF.

Treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma: a 16-year meta-analysis of 361 patients

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

This study reviews the published outcomes related to surgical (open, endoscopic, and endoscopic-assisted) and nonsurgical treatment for esthesioneuroblastoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature meta-analysis.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of individual patient data for esthesioneuroblastoma publications between 1992 (the earliest identified description of endoscopic resection) and 2008 was conducted. A total of 49 journal articles, comprising 1,170 cases of esthesioneuroblastoma, were included in the study. Criteria for meta-analysis inclusion were five or more patients in a study with sufficient patient data resolution for analysis. Twenty-three studies comprising 361 patients met all inclusion criteria. The overall treatment and outcome at final follow-up of each patient was recorded. Patients were pooled according to treatment techniques and compared to one another using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Mann-Whitney U test to examine differences in follow-up times and publication years.

RESULTS

Log-rank tests showed a greater published survival rate for endoscopic surgery compared to open surgery (P = .0019), even when stratifying for publication year (P = .0018). There was no significant difference in follow-up time. Review of Kadish tumor staging for each modality showed larger tumors were more often treated with an open approach, but open and endoscopic survival measures were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that endoscopic surgery is a valid treatment method with comparable survival to open surgery. Further prospective analysis will be beneficial.

Huge sphenoid sinus olfactory neuroblastoma: a case report

Intranasal or paranasal sinus olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare malignant neoplasm of olfactory neuroepithelial origin, accounting for approximately 5% of paranasal sinus cancers. Most of the presenting symptoms include nasal obstruction, nasal bleeding, anosmia, rhinorrhea, and headache. In this present report, we describe a 79-year-old man who presented with bilateral nasal congestion for more than 1 year. Nasoendoscopy showed a huge, smooth, mucosal tumor in the nasopharynx with extension to the posterior nasal septum. The tumor was completely resected under endonasal endoscopy and the pathology revealed olfactory neuroblastoma. Olfactory neuroblastomas usually arise in the cribriform plate and superior turbinate. However, the origin and isolation of olfactory neuroblastomas to the sphenoid sinus is exceedingly rare. Only four cases of olfactory neuroblastoma isolated in the sphenoid sinus have been described in English literature and the frequency of presenting symptoms with cranial neuropathies and headache. We report a case of primary sphenoid sinus olfactory neuroblastoma with the greatest enlargement reported to date.

Endoscopic skull base surgery

Endoscopic skull base surgery has undergone rapid advancement in the past decade moving from pituitary surgery to suprasellar lesions and now to a myriad of lesions extending from the cribriform plate to C2 and laterally out to the infratemporal fossa and petrous apex. Evolution of several technological advances as well as advances in understanding of endoscopic anatomy and the development of surgical techniques both in resection and reconstruction have fostered this capability. Management of benign disease via endoscopic methods is largely accepted now but more data is needed before the controversy on the role of endoscopic management of malignant disease is decided. Continued advances in surgical technique, navigation systems, endoscopic imaging technology, and robotics assure continued brisk evolution in this expanding field.

Endoscopic Surgery for Malignant Tumors of the Sinonasal Tract and Adjacent Skull Base: A 10-year Experience

Background

The increasing expertise in the field of transnasal endoscopic surgery recently has expanded its indications to include the management of sinonasal malignancies. We report our experience with the endoscopic management of nasoethmoidal malignancies possibly involving the adjacent skull base.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated by an exclusive endoscopic approach (EEA) or a cranioendoscopic approach (CEA) from 1996 to 2006 managed by two surgical teams at the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology of the University of Brescia, and the University of Pavia/Insubria-Varese, Italy.

Results

One-hundred eighty-four patients were considered eligible for the present analysis. An EEA was performed in 134 patients and the remaining 50 patients underwent the CEA. The most frequent histotypes encountered were adenocarcinoma (37%), squamous cell carcinoma (13.6%), olfactory neuroblastoma (12%), mucosal melanoma (9.2%), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (7.1%). Overall, 86 (46.7%) patients received some form of adjuvant treatment. The patients were followed up for a mean of 34.1 months (range, 2-123 months). The 5-year disease-specific survival was 91.4 ± 3.9% and 58.8 ± 8.6% (p = 0.0004) for the EEA and CEA group, respectively.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series reported to date of malignant tumors of the sinonasal tract and adjacent skull base treated with pure endoscopic or cranioendoscopic techniques. A 5-year disease-specific survival of 91.4% and 58.8% for the EEA and the CEA groups, respectively, seem to indicate that endoscopic surgery, when properly planned and in expert hands, may be a valid alternative to standard surgical approaches for the management of malignancies of the sinonasal tract.

Preoperative and intraoperative imaging for endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base

Endoscopic endonasal approaches are being used with increasing frequency to provide access to virtually any anterior cranial base, clival, or anterior craniocervical pathology. The radiographic evaluation of skull base anatomy and its relationship to associated tumors is critical for both preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance, to ensure the safety and efficacy of these techniques. CT and MRI play a complementary role in guiding endoscopic endonasal procedures.