Radiotherapy for basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Elective Neck Dissection in cT1-4 N0M0 Head and Neck Basaloid Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the survival benefit of elective neck dissection (END) over neck observation in surgically resected cT1-4 N0M0 head and neck basaloid carcinoma (HNBC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The 2006 to 2017 hospital-based National Cancer Database.

METHODS

Patients with surgically resected cT1-4 N0M0 HNBC were selected. Linear, binary logistic, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were implemented.

RESULTS

Of 857 patients satisfying inclusion criteria, the majority were male (77.0%) and white (88.1%) with disease of the oral cavity (21.5%) or oropharynx (42.9%) classified as high grade (76.9%) and cT1-2 (72.9%). 389 (45.4%) patients underwent END. END utilization between 2006 and 2017 increased for cT1-2 disease (33.3% vs 56.9%, R2 = .699) but remained relatively constant for cT3-4 disease (66.7% vs 57.9%, R2 = .062). One-hundred and fifteen (29.6%) ENDs detected occult nodal metastases (ONMs). The 5-year overall survival (OS) of patients undergoing neck observation and END was 65.6% and 66.8%, respectively (P = .652). END was not associated with improved OS in survival analyses stratified by patient demographics, clinicopathologic features, and adjuvant therapy. Compared with surgery alone, adjuvant radiotherapy (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.97, P = .031) was associated with improved OS. END (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.71-1.28, P = .770) and ONM (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.78-1.61, P = .551) were not associated with OS.

CONCLUSION

END is performed in nearly half of patients with HNBC but is not associated with improved OS, even after stratifying survival analyses by patient demographics, clinicopathologic features, and adjuvant therapy. The rate of ONM approaching 30%, however, justifies inclusion of END in the surgical management of HNBC.

Cause-specific mortality prediction model for patients with basaloid squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck: a competing risk analysis

Purpose: Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare, high-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Most published studies based on population-based datasets focus on prognostic differences between SCC and BSCC. Competing risk analyses for this disease have not been performed. We used Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data to calculate and model the cumulative incidence of death for patients with head and neck BSCC (HNBSCC) with competing risk approaches, and built a model to predict probability of cause-specific death for these patients.

Methods: We analyzed data on 1163 patients who were diagnosed with primary lip and oral cavity, oropharynx, or hypopharynx and larynx BSCC and registered in the SEER program between 2004 and 2013. We calculated crude cumulative incidence function (CIF) for mortality after diagnosis of HNBSCC. We built a Fine and Gray's proportional sub-distribution hazard model and nomogram to predict their probability of cause-specific death. We calculated concordance indexes (c-index) and plotted calibration curves to evaluate model performance.

Results: Five-year cumulative incidence of cause-specific death after diagnosis of HNBSCC was 26.5% (95% CI: 23.4-29.8%); cumulative incidence of other causes of death was 11.8% (95% CI: 9.4-14.3%). Old age, large tumor size, hypopharynx and larynx sites, lymph node-positive, distant metastasis, and non-radiotherapy were significant factors for high probability of cause-specific death. The model was well calibrated. The bootstrap-corrected c-index for the model was 0.71.

Conclusions: We built the first competing risk nomogram for HNBSCC. The model performance was found to be good. This individualized prognostic predictive tool will aid physicians in clinical counseling, and will assist patients in planning for their future lives.

A Case of Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Polypoid Type in the Esophagus

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is very rare. Further, polypoid type of esophageal cancer is also rare. We have recently treated a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma which presented as a 1.3-cm esophageal polyp. A 48-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of a polypoid mass at 36 cm distance from the upper incisor on endoscopic examination, and the result of the biopsy was basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent Ivor Lewis operation with lymph node dissection. Two basaloid squamous cell carcinomas, of 1.3 and 0.4 cm, were diagnosed in the final pathologic examination. Regular periodic follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis in the 5-month postoperative period.

A literature review on oral basaloid squamous cell carcinomas, with special emphasis on etiology

In the recent years, basaloid squamous cell carcinomas (BSCCs) have gained attention because of (1) observation of a relative increase in the number of tumors arising particularly in head and neck sites, (2) identification of human papillomavirus (HPV) in BSCCs arising predominantly in the oropharynx, and (3) controversies that exist regarding the biological aggressiveness of the tumor. The objective of the present review was to address the issues mentioned above by focusing primarily on oral BSCCs, using literature that has been published in the English language up to 2013. According to the literature review, oral BSCCs were found to be relatively more common in elderly patients with a mean age of 64 years. A male predominance with a male/female ratio of 3:1 was observed. The predominant site was the tongue, with almost half of the reported cases occurring at this site, followed by the floor of the mouth and palate. With reference to habit history, majority were found to be tobacco and alcohol users. However, only 3 studies revealed data on HPV status of purely oral BSCC, and according to the results of these studies, of the 17 tumors tested, 4 had harbored high-risk HPV. Furthermore, most oral BSCCs were in an advanced clinical stage, namely, stage III or IV with T3 or T4 lesions and cervical lymph node metastasis at initial presentation, whereas 41% of patients had presented with local recurrences and 45% had died of the disease. In conclusion, although, the present literature review found enough evidence to consider tobacco and alcohol as risk factors for the development of oral BSCC, steps should be taken to fill the gap in our knowledge that exist with reference to contribution of oncoviruses, particularly HPV in the etiology of oral BSCC.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: report of two cases

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon malignancy of the esophagus. We present two cases of basaloid squamous carcinoma of the esophagus. Both tumors histologically consisted of solid cell nests and displayed focal immunoreactivity for type IV collagen. The nests comprised pseudoglandular structures containing myxoid matrix. Transthoracic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection was performed in both patients. The patients had uneventful postoperative courses. One patient showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis in the 6-month postoperative period, and the other patient died of lung metastasis 28 months after the primary treatment.

Outcomes after radiotherapy for basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is an uncommon, high-grade variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. Its poorer prognosis compared with common SCC remains controversial. The authors investigated the outcomes of patients with BSCC who received radiotherapy and compared them with the outcomes of patients with SCC.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2004, 1007 patients received radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma with lymph node involvement. The histologic types consisted of 51 BSCC, 431 poorly differentiated SCC (PSCC), and 525 well or moderately differentiated SCC (WMSCC). A case-control analysis was performed with BSCC matched against both PSCC and WMSCC to compare disease-control and survival rates.

RESULTS

Patients with BSCC received treatment modalities similar to those received by patients with SCC: They received induction chemotherapy (12%) or concurrent chemotherapy (33%), and a median radiation dose of 70 Gray. Posttreatment viable tumor was present in 44%, 13%, and 28% of neck dissection specimens from patients with BSCC, PSCC, and WMSCC, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival rates (63%, 77%, and 76%, respectively) and overall survival rates (85%, 70%, and 71%, respectively) demonstrated no statistically significant differences for BSCC, PSCC, or WMSCC, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a poorer prognosis could not be demonstrated for irradiated patients with BSCC compared with either PSCC or WMSCC. All patients in this study had positive lymph node status, and the majority of patients (84%) had oropharyngeal cancer. The BSCC cohort did have a relatively high rate of viable tumor in their posttreatment neck dissections, and they had a relatively high rate of distant disease. On the basis of the high rate of lung metastases and the possibility of efficient salvage, the authors recommend obtaining a chest computed tomography scan during initial staging and follow-up.

Course and prognosis of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a case-control study of 62 patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe the natural history and evaluate the prognosis of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the upper aero-digestive tract as compared to the usual squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-two patients with BSCC and 62 patients with SCC were matched with regards to TNM classification, localisation and therapeutic modalities. Histological criteria, follow-up and 5-year survival were compared among the two groups.

RESULTS

Survival rates were significantly higher in patients with SCC as compared to patients with BSCC. The rate of distant metastasis was six times higher in cases of BSCC, which was the major cause of mortality.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals that BSCC has distinct histo-pathologic features and an aggressive clinical course, justifying its consideration as a separate entity with poor prognosis. The authors propose to systematically perform a chest CT-scan and FDG-PET to rule out early distant metastasis and to include adjuvant chemotherapy in treatment protocols.

Evolution et pronostic du carcinome basaloïde squameux des voies aéro-digestives supérieures

INTRODUCTION

The course and prognosis of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) are not well known.

OBJECTIVES

To study the course and prognosis in a population of BSCC patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed a retrospective cohort of 49 patients with BSCC in comparison with a cross-matched population of 49 patients treated for well- to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

RESULTS

The statistical analysis showed that survival in BSCC group was lower than in the SCC group. Local recurrence in the BSCC group was not higher than in the SCC group, but mortality by distant metastasis was six times higher than in the SCC population.

CONCLUSIONS

We consider BSCC patients as a high-risk population and we complete diagnosis explorations including a FDG-PET before curative treatment. We also recommend post-operative or exclusive radiotherapy which may be associated with concomitant chemotherapy.

Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Larynx: A Report of Four New Cases

OBJECTIVES

This study is designed to report the clinical and pathologic features and outcome of cases of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the larynx treated in our clinic.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective review of the medical records of these patients.

METHODS

Four cases of BSCC of the larynx were treated in our department. Histopathologic slides were reevaluated to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical studies were performed, and file records were reviewed. Follow-up was available for all patients and ranged between 11 and 72 (mean 37) months.

RESULTS

All patients were male (mean 57), with supraglottic or transglottic larynx tumors. Two patients presented with stage-II disease and the other 2 with stage-IV disease. Initial diagnosis was invasive squamous cell carcinoma in 3 patients and BSCC in one patient. Two patients who had stage-II disease underwent partial laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissections; total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissections were performed in stage-IV patients. Three patients received adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy, and 2 of them also received additional chemotherapy. Patients with stage-IV disease were found to have 4 and 27 metastatic lymph nodes on histopathologic examination and died because of distant metastases at 11 and 14 months, respectively. Patients with stage-II disease did not have cervical metastasis on histopathologic examination and were alive and free of disease at 52 and 72 months respectively.

CONCLUSION

In contrast with the literature reporting the tendency of more aggressive clinical behavior of the BSCC, we can say that BSCC has a behavior similar to conventional squamous cell carcinoma based on our 4 cases.

[Therapeutic and histological features of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma s a rare, highly malignant carcinoma variant typically situated in the tongue base, supraglottis and pyriform sinus. It is usually only diagnosed at a very advanced stage due to its tendency towards submucosal growth, deep infiltration and early local and distant metastases.

PATIENTS/METHODS

The case described involves a 39-year-old man with the clinical and histopathological findings typical for this neoplasm.

RESULTS

In contrast to simple squamous cell carcinomas, the basaloid variant with its very poor prognosis calls for therapeutic decisions that give particular consideration to quality of life. It should be stressed that highly invasive surgery is justified only in exceptional cases because of the high local recurrence rate and early distant metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

The case presented shows that radio- and chemotherapeutic approaches are just as important as surgery.

Two cases of superficial basaloid squamous carcinoma of the esophagus

. Basaloid squamous carcinoma of the esophagus is very rare. We report two cases of basaloid squamous carcinoma of the esophagus. Both tumors histologically consisted of solid cell nests with intervening fibromyxoid stroma. In some tumor nests were comprised of pseudoglandular structures containing myxoid matrix, and displayed focal immunoreactivity for laminin. Thoracic esophagectomy with lymph node dissection was followed by intrathoracic esophagogastrostomy in both patients. The patients had uneventful postoperative courses. Regular periodic follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis in the 22-month postoperative period.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa: a new case and review of 45 cases in the literature

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) of the oral mucosa other than the tongue is uncommon. We report a case of a 67-year-old man who diagnosed with Stage I BSCC in the floor of the mouth. This early stage presentation carries a considerably better prognosis. Clinical summary of 46 cases of oral BSCC indicated that the tongue base was the most preferred site (61%). The patients were 19 males and 15 females with the mean age of 61 years (n=34). Most presented with Stage III or IV disease (62%). Even at the initial presentation, 47% had cervical lymph node metastases. Its aggressive clinical behaviour was characterized by a high incidence of local recurrence (32%), regional lymph node metastases (52%), and mortality rate (38%). Because of the advanced stage at presentation, oral BSCC is prognostically worse.

[Hypopharynx and larynx basaloid squamous carcinoma: our experience with 6 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC) of the head and neck is an uncommon, recently described variant of epidermoid carcinoma. BSC appears biologically with a greater propensity to local aggressiveness and metastatic potential than the conventional type.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the incidence of BSC of the larynx and hypopharynx in our area, and to evaluate its behavior and prognosis.

PATIENTS & METHODS

272 cases of squamous carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx were reviewed and 6 diagnosis of BSC were made, corresponding to 6 tumors in 5 patients. Their clinical records were analyzed. An immunohistochemical study was performed, including antibodies against cytokeratins (CK 7, CK 8, CK 19, CK 20, CK 1, 10, 5, 14, y CK 10), epithelial markers (EMA, CEA, Ber-EP4), vimentin and three neuroendocrine markers: neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin and synaptophisin. Bcl-2 expression was also investigated.

RESULTS

Most tumors were supraglottic. 5 out of 6 tumors were clinically benign, without any metastases or recurrence after exclusive surgical resection and a follow-up ranging 42 to 142 months. We detected a trend toward a primitive pattern of keratin expression. All tumors were stained with EMA and CEA MoAbs, but we could not find Ber-EP4 nor endocrine markers staining in any of them. However, BCL-2 expression was widely found in 4 out of 5 tumors immunostained.

CONCLUSION

It seems to be a progressive dedifferentiation of the basaloid cell component, probably a subpopulation with more primitive features responsible of the aggressiveness reported in the literature. However, the surprising good prognosis in most of our cases makes necessary more studies and wider series to confirm our data.

Basaloid squamous carcinoma: a clinical comparison of two histologic types with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma

Basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC) of the head and neck has been shown to have a poor prognosis when compared with conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Pathologically, specimens determined to be BSC can have nearly pure basaloid features (group 1) or a mixture of basaloid and squamous features (group 2). The clinical behavior in these 2 subgroups has not been compared previously. BSC is also commonly confused histologically with poorly differentiated SCC (PDSCC). A retrospective comparison of disease stage at presentation, rate of distant metastasis, rate of local recurrence in those offered surgical resection, and rate of survival is made to compare outcomes of the 2 BSC groups and the PDSCC group. The presence of particular histologic features may be associated with poorer outcomes. Patients with BSC have advanced disease at presentation. Survival in the BSC group was less than half that in the PDSCC groups. Statistical analysis shows the 2 groups to be well matched with regard to stage and site of disease. Presence of neck nodal disease on presentation predicts poor survival. In this study distant metastases occurred in 52% of patients with BSC and in 13% of patients in the PDSCC group. The local recurrence rate is comparable for BSC and conventional SCC, with even early tumors in the BSC group recurring distantly rather than locally or regionally. Considering the high distant metastatic rate of BSC and poorer overall survival rate, a more extensive metastatic survey is indicated in these patients before surgery is recommended. We recommend that patients with a diagnosis of BSC not be included with conventional SCC groups in prospective randomized cancer protocols.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a recently described bimorphic variant of squamous cell carcinoma with distinct morphological and biological features. We describe the clinicopathological findings, along with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigations, in 15 new cases of BSCC of the larynx or hypopharynx observed and treated at the otolaryngology department of the University of Padua between 1989 and 1995. The world literature is also reviewed in order to develop a more accurate clinicopathological profile of the tumor. Patient records and histologic slides were reviewed in all of our 15 cases. The patient group consisted of 13 men (86.67%) and 2 women with a mean age of 63.33 years (median 69 years; range 44 to 84 years). Nine patients presented with cervical lymph node metastases. Surgical treatment was the therapy of choice; radiotherapy and chemotherapy have been applied in different combinations. Follow-up was available on all 15 cases. Local recurrence was described in 3 cases. Five of the 9 patients with cervical lymph node metastases developed distant metastases. Distant spread of the tumor without lymph node involvement was observed during follow-up in 4 cases. Nine patients died of disease, 2 are alive with widespread metastases, 2 are alive with no evidence of disease, and 2 have died of other causes. The determined 5-year survival was estimated to be 17.5% by the Kaplan-Meier method. In conclusion, BSCC is a distinctive carcinoma that is important to recognize, because it has a more aggressive biological behavior than conventional squamous cell carcinoma.

Basaloid squamous carcinoma of the larynx: report of a case

Basaloid squamous carcinoma (BSC) is a rare neoplasm. We present a case of basaloid squamous carcinoma of the larynx in a 57-year-old male patient. The diagnosis before treatment was supraglottic carcinoma (T3N1MO) and biopsy of the larynx revealed a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Total laryngectomy and right radical neck dissection were performed, and pathological studies of a specimen removed from the larynx revealed BSC of the larynx. The patient's postoperative progress was uneventful, however, 12 months later he developed lung metastasis of the left side. The patient underwent partial resection of the lung. He developed recurrence of lung metastasis 6 months later. Chemotherapy with cisplatin (CDDP) and vindesine sulfate (VSD) was administered in two courses, but the efficacy was evaluated as no change (NC). At present, 26 months after the first visit, he has been asymptomatic with lung metastasis, and there was no evidence of recurrence in the neck.

[Basaloid squamous epithelial carcinoma (basaloid-squamous carcinoma) of the mouth floor. Differential diagnosis and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy]

The basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a variant of squamous cell carcinoma, having histologically distinctive features and appearing in the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract and esophagus. Histological hallmarks are the presence of a basaloid component in intimate association with squamous cell carcinoma. The basaloid component is characterized by tightly packed nests of cells with scant cytoplasm and hyperchromic nuclei without visible nucleoli and an increased mitosis rate. Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is said to have a higher malignant potential than common oral squamous cell carcinoma with an increased incidence of regional lymph-node metastases and distant metastases. Our finding of a Ki-67 index of 30% and the immunohistochemical demonstration of p53 protein speaks well for enhanced aggressive biological behavior. The differential diagnosis includes the adenoid cystic, mucoepidermoid, neuroendocrine, adenosquamous and conventional oral squamous cell carcinoma. Because of early dissemination, radical surgical treatment and additional radiation therapy are considered necessary. Our findings indicate that partial clinical and histological tumor regression occurs after systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: diagnosis and prognosis

BACKGROUND

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a recently recognized, poorly differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which is located predominantly in the upper aerodigestive tract.

METHODS

In this study, clinical and pathologic parameters of 17 BSCCs and 133 typical SCCs of the esophagus that underwent potentially curative resection (no distant metastases, no residual tumor) were compared. In addition, light microscopic, electron microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of BSCC were investigated, to determine whether this type of carcinoma could be differentiated from other poorly differentiated carcinomas of the esophagus.

RESULTS

Light microscopic study showed that BSCC was composed of relatively small tumor cells, arranged in solid lobules with abundant comedo-type necrosis. BSCC was almost invariably accompanied by areas of concomitant typical SCC, foci of squamous cell differentiation, and/or severe squamous cell dysplasia or carcinoma in situ of the adjacent mucosa. Ultrastructurally, BSCC inconsistently showed features of squamous cell differentiation. Immunohistochemically, BSCC displayed poor reactivity for antibodies against wide-range cytokeratins and cytokeratin subtypes that are typical of squamous cell epithelia (cytokeratin 13 and cytokeratin 14). Infrequently, expression of Leu7, smooth muscle actin, and S-100 protein was found. In comparison with typical SCC, the characteristic features of BSCC were older patient age, higher proliferative activity (MIB-1 labelling index), and higher apoptotic indices. No differences were found with regard to pT classification, pN classification, tumor size, blood vessel invasion, lymphatic vessel invasion, neural invasion, or patient gender. Moreover, no differences in overall survival rates were found.

CONCLUSIONS

BSCC is a distinct histopathologic variant of SCC, characterized by a poor degree of differentiation and high proliferative activity. However, after potentially curative resection, the prognosis of patients with BSCC of the esophagus does not differ from that of patients with typical SCC.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a recently recognized variant of squamous cell carcinoma. The lesion is histologically distinctive and manifests a predilection for the supraglottis, pyriform sinus, and tongue base. The immunohistochemical profile is discussed. The differential diagnoses include adenoid cystic carcinoma, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, spindle cell squamous carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and adenoid squamous cell carcinoma. Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a biologically high-grade tumor with a propensity for nodal as well as systemic metastases. It is a morphologic and phenotypic entity with a separate prognostic significance.

Craniofacial resection at the University of Virginia (1976-1992): survival analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the survival of patients treated at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center with an anterior craniofacial resection in conjunction with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for malignancies of the superior sinonasal cavity. In addition, the impact of aggressive salvage therapy for patients with recurrent disease is considered.

METHODS

Between June 1976 and December 1992, a total of 45 patients underwent a craniofacial resection by the Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Neurological Surgery at the University of Virginia. One patient was excluded from the analysis because his neoplasm was benign. Another patient died 2 days postoperatively from multiple strokes. The remaining 43 patients were divided into two subgroups: (1) patients with esthesioneuroblastoma (24 patients) and patients with non-esthesioneuroblastoma malignancies (19). Their survival curves were estimated for the percent survival free of disease by month of follow-up using the product limit of Kaplan and Meier. In addition, the salvage treatment for recurrences was examined for both groups.

RESULTS

The 5-year disease-free survival rate for the entire group was 77%, with a 2.3% postoperative mortality. The 5-year disease-free survival for the esthesioneuroblastoma patients was 90%, and that for the non-esthesioneuroblastoma group was 59.1% (p = 0.028). Four of 8 esthesioneuroblastoma patients who recurred and were treated with aggressive salvage therapy were without evidence of disease 5 years after completion of therapy, and 3 of the 10 non-esthesioneuroblastoma patients salvaged were without evidence of disease 57.3 months after therapy (39% surgical salvage).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a statistically significant difference between the 5-year disease-free survival for the esthesioneuroblastoma patients and the non-esthesioneuroblastoma patients (90% vs 59.1%; p = 0.028), and aggressive salvage therapy appears to be a more successful option in the esthesioneuroblastoma group of patients.