Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity: A population-based analysis

The Role of Elective Nodal Irradiation in Treating Clinically Node-Negative Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aims to examine the role of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in clinically node-negative (cN0) sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) and to define the optimal radiation fields for ENI.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed 368 cN0 SNSCC patients treated between 2009 and 2021. The study evaluated the impact of ENI on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), regional-failure-free survival (RFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), along with the coverage areas of ENI.

RESULTS

The majority of patients underwent surgery (n=316, 85.9%), with 75% (n=276) having tumors in the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity and 67.7% (n=249) presenting with T4 disease. Additionally, 32.3% (n=119) of the tumors were poorly differentiated. The 5-year OS, PFS, RFS, and DMFS rates were 59.3%, 54.0%, 57.6%, and 58.8%, respectively. ENI was performed in 217 patients (59%), with sixteen experiencing neck relapse during follow-up. While ENI did not enhance survival rates, it significantly reduced the overall regional-failure rate (7.9% vs. 1.8%, χ2 =7.98, p<0.01) and the cumulative incidence of regional failure (p=0.045). Additionally, the subgroups with maxillary sinus origin (2.33% vs. 13.51%, p=0.025), T4 stage (1.80% vs. 8.54%, p=0.028), and poor differentiation (2.44% vs. 13.51%, p=0.029) had higher cumulative incidences of regional failure in patients without ENI. No significant difference was observed in survival and regional failure rates between patients treated with ENI to levels Ib and II with or without level III, as well as between cN0 patients with non-midline crossing lesions receiving unilateral or bilateral ENI.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite no survival benefit, ENI significantly decreases the regional failure rate in cN0 SNSCC patients. For primary lesions not crossing the midline, ipsilateral ENI targeting levels Ib and II proves to be an effective strategy.

Management of nasal vestibule carcinomas: recommendations by the Oncological Committee of the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Objective

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (NV SCC) is a head and neck malignancy for which there is no established consensus on most aspects of clinical management. The purpose of this document is to give updated recommendations that incorporate recent evidence on its clinical characteristics and the high efficacy of brachytherapy as primary treatment modality.

Methods

A working group consisting of the members of the Scientific Committee for Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery of the Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and radiation oncologists expert in brachytherapy was formed to achieve a consensus.

Results

Consensus was reached on a set of recommendations, proposing a refined anatomical definition of the nasal vestibule, a novel T staging system of the NV SCC, and brachytherapy as standard of care, with a new method for catheter implantation.

Conclusions

The Committee emphasises the critical role of an accurate classification in clinical practice and encourages further research to validate the novel staging system and further improve treatment strategies. Where appropriate, it is recommended that patients be referred to centres with specific experience in brachytherapy for NV SCC.

Microscopic Residual Disease After Nasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Not Visualized on FDG PET-CT: A Case Report

Nasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare and aggressive. It often requires combination treatment. Precise post-treatment disease assessment is vital for determining the subsequent management and prognosis. We present the intriguing case of a 52-year-old man with T4bN0M0 stage IVB SCC. Post-treatment fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) findings indicated a complete response; however, microscopic remnants of the cancer were detected during endoscopic sinus surgery. This report underscores the limitations of post-treatment assessment using FDG PET-CT and outpatient endoscopy alone due to these modalities' potential inability to detect microscopic residual disease. Endoscopic sinus surgery should be incorporated into routine post-treatment assessments of nasal SCC to improve disease detection and guide further treatment. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings.

Population-based Long-term Outcomes for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates population-based outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal cavity treated in British Columbia.

METHODS

A retrospective review of nasal cavity SCC treated from 1984 to 2014 was performed (n = 159). Locoregional recurrence (LRR) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated.

RESULTS

The 3-year OS was 74.2% for radiation alone, 75.8% for surgery alone, and 78.4% for surgery and radiation ( P = 0.16). The 3-year LRR was 28.4% for radiation alone, 28.2% for surgery alone, and 22.6% for surgery and radiation ( P = 0.21). On multivariable analysis, surgery and postoperative radiation relative to surgery alone was associated with a lower risk of LRR (hazard ratio: 0.36, P = 0.03). Poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, node-positive, orbital invasion, smoking, and advanced age were associated with worse OS (all P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based analysis, multimodality treatment with surgery and adjuvant radiation were associated with improved locoregional control for SCC of the nasal cavity.

Nasal Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Factors Associated With Treatment Outcomes and Potential Organ Preservation

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity (NCSCC) is a rare, challenging malignancy. Surgical resection of this tumor can cause significant facial deformity, and indications for adjuvant or organ preservation therapies are not well-described.

Objective

To examine the impact of treatment regimen on survival outcomes in NCSCC and to compare surgical to non-surgical based therapies.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for NCSCC from 2004 to 2014. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment regimen were compared for the entire cohort. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was performed for statistical analysis of treatment regimen and surgical margins on overall survival (OS) for early and late-stage disease.

Results

A total of 1883 NCSCC patients were identified. The OS for the cohort was 83 months, and median age at diagnosis was 65 years. NCSCC patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) had a better OS compared to definitive RT (HR: 0.58, P < .001). In early stage NCSCC (T1/T2, N0), there was no significant difference in OS between patients treated with surgery only or surgery with adjuvant RT compared to definitive RT. In advanced stage NCSCC, surgery with adjuvant RT had a better OS compared to definitive chemoradiation. Having positive margins was shown to predict a worse OS when compared to negative margins in surgical patients despite adjuvant RT or chemoradiation.

Conclusions

NCSCC appears to be best treated with surgery followed by adjuvant RT in advanced-stage disease whereas in early-stage disease, surgery does not improve OS compared to definitive RT.

A Case of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Nasal Cavity Treated With Total Rhinectomy

Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity is a relatively rare cancer. Five-year recurrence-free survival rates have a large range, which may be due to the small patient population available to study. Recurrence rates vary based on the treatment regimen and aggressiveness of the surgical approach. Total rhinectomy is not often performed due to its invasive nature and extensiveness of reconstruction required afterward. This report will cover a patient who presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the left nasal vestibule and was treated with total rhinectomy and radiation therapy. 

The Role of Regional Disease and Patterns of Treatment Failure in Primary Sinonasal Malignancies

Background

The question how to treat the clinically negative neck in sinonasal malignancies is controversial.

Objectives

To investigate patterns of treatment failure and to assess outcome measures in patients with primary sinonasal malignancies.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients treated for primary malignant sinonasal malignancies.

Results

Lymph node (LN) metastases at initial presentation were present in 8 of 152 patients (5.3%). Ipsi- and contralateral LN levels 1 and 2 were identified as nodal basins at risk. We found a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 75.2% and disease free survival of 61.1%. Among patients with cN0 neck, nodal recurrence free survival was not different between patients with and without elective neck treatment (P  =  .23). On logistic regression analysis, we found initial T classification as an independent factor for achievement of complete remission (CR) and OS.

Conclusions

LN metastases at initial presentation are rare and initial T classification was identified as the most important prognostic factor for OS and CR, emphasizing the need for a thorough initial staging of the primary tumor.

Prognostic Factors and Outcomes of De Novo Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review overall survival (OS), recurrence patterns, and prognostic factors of de novo sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (DN-SCC).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Scopus, OVID Medline, and Cochrane databases from 2006 to December 23, 2020.

REVIEW METHODS

The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were required to report either recurrence patterns or survival outcomes of adults with DN-SCC. Case reports, books, reviews, meta-analyses, and database studies were all excluded.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies reported on survival or recurrence outcomes. The aggregate 5-year OS was 54.5% (range, 18%-75%) from 35 studies (n = 1903). Patients undergoing open surgery were more likely to receive radiation therapy and present at an advanced stage compared to those receiving endoscopic surgery (all P < .001). Advanced T stage, presence of cervical nodal metastases, maxillary sinus primary site, and negative human papillomavirus (HPV) status were all correlated with significantly worse 5-year OS. Direct meta-analysis of 8 studies demonstrated patients with surgery were more likely to be alive at 5 years compared to those who did not receive surgery (odds ratio, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.48-3.47; P < .001). Recurrence was reported in 628 of 1471 patients from 26 studies (42.7%) with an aggregate 5-year locoregional control rate of 67.1% (range, 50.4%-93.3%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the 5-year OS rate for DN-SCC may approach 54.5% and recurrence rate approaches 42.7%. In addition, various tumor characteristics including advanced T stage, positive nodal status, maxillary sinus origin, and negative HPV status are all associated with decreased survival.

A single centre's experience of 23 cases of total rhinectomy for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma involving the nasal vestibule

PURPOSE

This study aims to analyse the oncological outcomes of total rhinectomy (TR) for squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) involving the nasal vestibule, and to identify prognostic factors for disease recurrence.

METHODS

A retrospective single-centre study was conducted between September 2003 and February 2021 including all patients who underwent a TR for a SCC involving the nasal vestibule.

RESULTS

23 patients were included in the study. Tumours originated from the anterior septum (n = 12), vestibule (n = 8) or skin (n = 3). Six TRs (26.1%) were salvage procedures, after primary radiotherapy or partial rhinectomy. Seven patients had a concurrent neck dissection and 17 patients (73.9%) received adjuvant treatment (14 patients had radiotherapy and 3 had chemoradiotherapy). After a median follow-up of 32 months, six patients (26.1%) presented with tumour recurrence. Three patients (13%) had nodal-only recurrence. The estimated 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival and disease-specific survival were 67.5%, 66.3% and 80.7%, respectively. Positive excision margins were a predictive factor for tumour recurrence (p = 0.0401).

CONCLUSION

For SCCs involving the nasal vestibule that are not amenable to limited surgical resection, TR along with adjuvant radiotherapy provide good oncological outcomes and should be considered the main treatment option.

Metastatic disease in head & neck oncology

The head and neck district represents one of the most frequent sites of cancer, and the percentage of metastases is very high in both loco-regional and distant areas. Prognosis refers to several factors: a) stage of disease; b) loco-regional relapses; c) distant metastasis. At diagnosis, distant metastases of head and neck cancers are present in about 10% of cases with an additional 20-30% developing metastases during the course of their disease. Diagnosis of distant metastases is associated with unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of about 10 months. The aim of the present review is to provide an update on distant metastasis in head and neck oncology. Recent achievements in molecular profiling, interaction between neoplastic tissue and the tumor microenvironment, oligometastatic disease concepts, and the role of immunotherapy have all deeply changed the therapeutic approach and disease control. Firstly, we approach topics such as natural history, epidemiology of distant metastases and relevant pathological and radiological aspects. Focus is then placed on the most relevant clinical aspects; particular attention is reserved to tumours with distant metastasis and positive for EBV and HPV, and the oligometastatic concept. A substantial part of the review is dedicated to different therapeutic approaches. We highlight the role of immunotherapy and the potential effects of innovative technologies. Lastly, we present ethical and clinical perspectives related to frailty in oncological patients and emerging difficulties in sustainable socio-economical governance.

Predictors of nodal metastasis in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: A national cancer database analysis

Objective

We present the largest population based study of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to identify risk factors for presentation with nodal metastasis.

Methods

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was used for this study. Location codes corresponding to the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and histology codes representing SCC malignancy were queried. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with presentation with nodal metastasis.

Results

6448 cases met inclusion criteria. Nodal metastasis at presentation was seen in 13.2% of patients, with the sinus subsite (19.3%) being a significant risk factor for nodal metastasis at presentation when compared to the nasal cavity (7.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed black, uninsured and Medicaid patients were more likely than white and privately insured patients, respectively, to present with nodal metastasis.

Conclusions

In sinonasal SCC, the sinus subsite has a significantly increased risk of nodal metastasis compared to the nasal cavity. Black race, uninsured and Medicaid patients are more likely to have nodal metastasis at presentation.

MiR-143-3p suppresses the progression of nasal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting Bcl-2 and IGF1R

Dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in the occurrence and development of multiple tumours, but their roles in the progression of nasal squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) remain unknown. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential function and molecular mechanism of miR-143-3p in NSCC. Expression of miRNA and mRNA was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Forced overexpression of miR-143-3p was established by transfecting mimics into NSCC cell line. Then, we investigated the role of miR-143-3p in human NSCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, cycle and migration by using MTT, flow cytometry and transwell assays. Bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot and luciferase reporter analysis were performed to validate the relationship between miR-143-3p and its potential targets. We found that miR-143-3p was substantially downregulated in human NSCC tissues and cell line. Forced upregulation of miR-143-3p significantly attenuated cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, this change could induce apoptosis and G1-phase arrest of NSCC cells. Mechanistically, miR-143-3p directly targeted and significantly suppressed Bcl-2 and IGF1R expression. In summary, miR-143-3p regulation of the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and migration of NSCC probably partly depends on inhibition of Bcl-2 and IGF1R, indicating that miR-143-3p may be a novel molecular therapeutic target for NSCC.

Development and validation of a nomogram for prognosis of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare malignancy with varied outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram for predicting survival of patients with SNSCC.

METHODS

From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, we identified 1766 patients diagnosed with SNSCC between 2004 and 2015. Patients were randomly separated into a training set and a validation set in 4:1 ratio. An external validation was also performed by a set of 74 SNSCC patients who had been treated in our department. We used the training set to build a nomogram based on stratified multivariable Cox proportional hazard models for predicting overall survival. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by concordance index and calibration curve.

RESULTS

Based on 1412 cases of the training cohort, our Cox regression analysis revealed that age, marital status, primary site, differentiation, T stage, N classification, M stage, and treatment modalities were associated with overall survival. A nomogram was established based on the results of multivariate analysis. The C-index values of the nomogram for predicting survival were superior to those of the tumor-node-metastasis staging system (0.745 vs 0.679 in the training cohort, 0.752 vs 0.656 in the validation set, and 0.678 vs 0.596 in the external validation set). The calibration plots demonstrated good consistency between the predicted and observed results.

CONCLUSION

We have developed a nomogram to accurately predict the clinical outcomes of SNSCC patients. This model was effective and can help clinicians to improve patient counseling.

A functional gene expression analysis in epithelial sinonasal cancer: Biology and clinical relevance behind three histological subtypes

Epithelial sinonasal cancers (SNCs) are rare diseases with overlapping morphological features and a dismal prognosis. We aimed to investigate the expression differences among the histological subtypes for discerning their molecular characteristics. We selected 47 SNCs: (i) 21 nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinomas (NKSCCs), (ii) 13 sinonasal neuroendocrine cancers (SNECs), and (iii) 13 sinonasal undifferentiated cancers (SNUCs). Gene expression profiling was performed by DASL (cDNA-mediated annealing, selection, extension, and ligation) microarray analysis with internal validation by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Relevant molecular patterns were uncovered by sparse partial-least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA), microenvironment cell type (xCell), CIBERSORT, and gene set enrichment (GSEA) analyses. The first two sPLS-DA components stratified samples by histological subtypes. xCell highlighted increased expression of immune components (CD8⁺ effector memory cells, in SNUC) and "other cells": keratinocytes and neurons in NKSCC and SNEC, respectively. Pathway enrichment was observed in NKSCC (six gene sets, proliferation related), SNEC (one gene set, pancreatic β-cells), and SNUC (twenty gene sets, some of them immune-system related). Major neuroendocrine involvement was observed in all the SNEC samples. Our high-throughput analysis revealed a good diagnostic ability to differentiate NKSCC, SNEC, and SNUC, but indicated that the neuroendocrine pathway, typical and pathognomonic of SNEC is also present at lower expression levels in the other two histological subtypes. The different and specific profiles may be exploited for elucidating their biology and could help to identify prognostic and therapeutic opportunities.

Prognostic Factors in Paranasal Sinus Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma: A SEER Database Analysis

Background  Outcome studies on sinonasal malignancy are limited to retrospective case series, often with inclusion of diverse histology and short follow-up. The objective of this study was to identify key predictive variables that independently impact survival for paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC) and to compare these variables in the context of these two distinct clinicopathologic entities. Methods:  Analysis was conducted using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 1973 to 2012 to identify key variables that impact survival for SCC and AC. Results  A total of 3,714 cases were included. There were 2,895 SCC cases and 819 AC cases. The mean age at diagnosis was 64.1 years. The male to female ratio for SCC and AC was 1.85 and 1.04, respectively. Patients with SCC and AC were most often diagnosed with stage IV disease in 61.8 and 63.4% of cases, respectively. The majority of patients received combined surgery and radiation (52% for SCC and 43.1% for AC). For SCC, increased age ( p  < 0.001) and stage ( p  < 0.001) were negative predictors, and surgery improved survival ( p  < 0.001) on multivariate analysis. For AC, prognostic factors associated with worse survival include increased age ( p  < 0.001) and grade ( p  < 0.001) on multivariate analysis. Overall survival was significantly higher in AC compared with SCC at 5 years ( p  = 0.001). Conclusion  SCC and AC of the paranasal sinuses are both aggressive malignancies with poor survival. For both histological subtypes, increased age predicts worse survival and grade also closely links to survival in AC. These data have important potential implications for treatment planning and pretreatment counseling.

Impact of anatomic origin of primary squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal cavity and ethmoidal sinus on clinical outcome

PURPOSE

Since squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the nasoethmoidal complex are rare and aggressive malignancies, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether anatomic subsites of SCCs of the nasal cavity and ethmoid sinuses affect clinical outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 47 patients with primary SCCs of the nasal cavity and ethmoid sinuses who were treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, between 1993 and 2018. The impact of anatomic subsites of nasoethmoidal SCCs was evaluated with respect to tumor and nodal classification, disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS).

RESULTS

Of the 47 cases, 17 SCCs (36.2%) originated from lateral nasal wall followed by 13 (27.7%) tumors of the edge of naris to mucocutaneous junction, 11 (23.4%) SCCs of the nasal septum, 3 tumors of the nasal floor (6.4%) and 3 SCCs of the ethmoid sinuses (6.4%), respectively. SCCs of the nasal septum were associated with significantly higher rates of neck node metastasis (p = 0.007), which represented a significantly worse prognostic factor for DSS (HR 7.87; p < 0.001). Moreover, advanced tumor stage (HR 5.38; p = 0.014) and tumor origin of nasal septum (HR 4.05; p = 0.025) were also significantly worse prognostic factors for DSS. Fourteen patients (29.8%) developed recurrent disease, including eight local (17.0%), five regional (10.6%) and one distant (2.1%) recurrence. Elective neck dissection (ND) was associated with lower (0 vs. 20.0%) but not significantly different regional and distant DFS (p = 0.075).

CONCLUSION

Anatomic origin of nasal SCC has significant impact on clinical outcome. SCCs of the nasal septum were associated with higher rates of positive neck nodes and worse outcome.

Rates and Locations of Regional Metastases in Sinonasal Malignancies: The Mayo Clinic Experience

Objectives  The objective of this study was to identify factors that may influence the rate and location of regional metastasis in sinonasal malignancies (SNMs). Design  This is a retrospective review. Setting  This study was set at the single-institution tertiary referral center. Participants  A total of 299 patients were treated for SNMs from 1994 to 2014. Main Outcome Measures  The main outcome measures were incidence and distribution of regional metastases. Results  Several histologic subtypes were treated, with squamous cell carcinoma (28.4%), esthesioneuroblastoma (18.1%), and mucosal melanoma (12.4%) being the most common. Of the 299 patients, 59 (19.7%) developed a regional metastasis, either at presentation or during follow-up. Higher cumulative incidence of regional metastases was significantly associated with histologic type ( p ≤0.001) and invasion of the dura ( p  = 0.005), infratemporal fossa ( p  = 0.036), orbit ( p  = 0.020), or palate ( p  = 0.016). Ipsilateral level II lymph nodes were the most commonly involved nodes. Contralateral regional metastases were associated with higher risk histologic types ( p  = 0.005) and dural invasion ( p  = 0.008). Parotid metastases were associated with invasion of the facial soft tissue ( p  = 0.028), and retropharyngeal metastases were associated with invasion of the pterygoid plates and musculature ( p  = 0.030). Conclusion  Histologic type of SNM appears to be the most important factor in predicting the rate of regional metastases. Histologic type and invasion of certain neighboring structures may help define which lymphatic basins are at highest risk for metastasis.

A population-based comparison of European and North American sinonasal cancer survival

OBJECTIVE

Sinonasal cancers (SNC) are rare, thus limiting previous prognostic studies on a multinational level. The aim of this study is to utilize two population-based datasets to compare prognoses for SNC between the United States (US) and Europe.

METHODS

The European Cancer Registry (EUROCARE) database and the United States National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were searched to identify survival of patients diagnosed with SNC between 1990 and 2007. Relative survival (RS) data were stratified by age group, gender, geographic location, and diagnostic time period.

RESULTS

12,541 SNC cases were identified in EUROCARE, while SEER identified 4,312. Males comprised the majority in Europe (62.3%) and the US (58.3%). Most patients were over 55 years in Europe (77.0%) and the US (69.5%). Age over 75 was a statistically significant poor prognostic indicator for 5-year RS in the US (48.2%; 95% CI=[43.9, 52.4]) and Europe (38.5%; [34.7, 42.7]). Female gender imparted a favorable 5-year RS in all regions except in Central Europe. By region, the US had the highest 5-year RS (58.8%; [56.4, 61.1]) and Eastern Europe had the lowest 5-year RS (37.1%; [34.0, 40.6]). The aggregate European 5-year RS was 48.1% [46.4, 49.8].

CONCLUSION

SNC in Europe and the US most commonly affects males and individuals over the age of 55 years. Male gender and age over 75 are poor prognostic factors at 5 years. Five-year RS in the US is higher than the 5-year European aggregate RS.

Differentiation of olfactory neuroblastomas from nasal squamous cell carcinomas using MR diffusion kurtosis imaging and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI

PURPOSE

To evaluate the use of magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging (DCE-MRI) in the differentiation of olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs) from squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DKI and DCE-MRI were performed in 17 patients with ONBs and 23 patients with SCCs on a 3T MR scanner. Parameters derived from DKI and DCE-MRI were measured and compared between ONBs and SCCs using an independent samples t-test. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were determined.

RESULTS

The mean kurtosis (K) value of ONBs was significantly higher than that of SCCs (P < 0.001), and the mean fractional volume in the extravascular extracellular space (V_e ) value of ONBs was lower than that of SCCs (P < 0.001). The ROC curve analyses yielded a cutoff K value of 0.953, with a sensitivity of 94.1%, a specificity of 69.6%, and an accuracy of 80.0%; the cutoff V_e value was 0.493, with a sensitivity of 70.6%, a specificity of 95.7%, and an accuracy of 85.0%. A parallel test with K value >0.953 or V_e value ≤0.493 achieved a sensitivity of 94.1%, a specificity of 100.0%, and an accuracy of 97.5% for differentiating ONBs from SCCs.

CONCLUSION

The K value of DKI and V_e value of DCE-MRI have potential use in the differentiation of ONBs and SCCs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:354-361.

A Population-Based Analysis of Survival for Sinonasal Rhabdomyosarcoma

Objectives Literature detailing factors affecting survival in sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma (SNRMS) is limited due to its rarity. We analyze the demographics, potential prognostic factors, overall survival, and treatment efficacy of SNRMS. Study Design and Setting Administrative database study. Methods SNRMS was queried in the SEER database (1973-2013; Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results). Data were analyzed for demographic and clinicopathologic trends. Kaplan-Meier model was utilized for assessing survival. Results A total of 286 cases of SNRMS were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 24.5 years, and the mean tumor size was 5.1 cm. Overall 5-, 10-, and 20-year disease-specific survival was 35.1%, 25.4%, and 12.0%, respectively. Regional lymph node involvement was present at diagnosis in more than half of cases (54.3%) and distant metastasis in 32.2% of cases. Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (54.9%) and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (23.8%) were the primary histologies. Alveolar-type SNRMS was more likely than the embryonal type to metastasize to distant sites (41.7% vs 24.1%), and it possessed poorer 5-year survival (29.2% vs 45.6%). Distant metastasis decreased 5-year survival from 35.1% to 3.8%, whereas lymph node involvement did not significantly affect survival. Patients <10 years old had the highest survival rates. Primary tumor origin by subsite did not significantly affect survival. Smaller tumor sizes and earlier Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group stages were associated with improved outcomes. Surgical therapy had the highest survival rates. Conclusion SNRMS has overall poorer prognosis than all other parameningeal rhabdomyosarcomas studied. Age <10 years, smaller tumor sizes, lack of distant metastasis, localized tumors, earlier Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group stages, and embryonal histology were all associated with improved outcomes.

Clinical effects of p53 overexpression in squamous cell carcinoma of the sinonasal tract: A systematic meta-analysis with PRISMA guidelines

BACKGROUND

The level of p53 protein expression in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) has been estimated, but the results remain inconsistent and the point of consensus has not been reached. This study was first determined to evaluate the clinical effects of p53 expression in SCC of the sinonasal tract.

METHODS

According to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement criteria, the potential literature was searched from diverse databases. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of association between p53 expression and SNSCC.

RESULTS

Final 17 eligible studies were included in a total of 258 cases and 748 controls. The result of p53 expression was shown to be notably higher in SNSCC than in benign sinonasal papillomas and normal sinonasal mucosa (OR = 26.93, P < 0.001; OR = 39.79, P < 0.001; respectively). Subgroup analyses of ethnicity revealed that p53 expression had significant association with SNSCC in Asian and Caucasian populations in cancer versus benign sinonasal papillomas or normal sinonasal mucosa. The expression of p53 was notably higher in moderately or poorly differentiated SNSCC than in well-differentiated SNSCC (OR = 3.51, P = 0.021), while p53 expression was not associated with histological type.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that p53 overexpression may be correlated with the carcinogenesis and progression of SNSCC. The p53 gene may become a novel drug target of SNSCC. Additional studies on the correlation of p53 expression with clinicopathological features are needed.

Sphenoid sinus malignancies: a population-based comprehensive analysis

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal malignancies are rare, representing less than 1% of all cancers, with the sphenoid sinus accounting for 1% to 2% of these cases. Sphenoid sinus malignancies exhibit very poor outcomes. There is a paucity of literature describing their histopathological features, incidence trends, treatment, and survival. We seek to elucidate these factors using a national population-based resource.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify malignant sphenoid sinus tumors. The results were analyzed for demographics, incidence, and clinicopathologic trends. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

The search identified 472 cases. The mean and median age at diagnosis was 60.0 years. Males represented 54.9% of cases. By race/ethnicity, 82.4% were white and 8.5% were black. The four most common histopathologies were squamous cell neoplasms (29.4%), adenocarcinomas (14.4%), non-Hodgkin's mature B-cell lymphomas (13.1%), and unspecified epithelial neoplasms (11.0%). The overall incidence from 2000 to 2012 was 0.030 per 100,000. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an overall 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of 48.1%. Of the most common histopathological subtypes, 5-year DSS was best for mature B-cell NHL (64.0%) and worst for unspecified epithelial neoplasms (25.6%).

CONCLUSION

Sphenoid sinus malignancies are rare, with high prevalence in white males. The most common histopathology is squamous cell neoplasms. They exhibit significant locoregional extension. Of the common sphenoid sinus malignant subtypes, 5-year DSS is best for mature B-cell NHL and worst for unspecified epithelial neoplasms.