The treatment of advanced sinonasal malignancies with pre-operative intra-arterial cisplatin and concurrent radiation

Case Report: Response to Intra-arterial Cisplatin and Concurrent Radiotherapy Followed by Salvage Surgery in a Patient With Advanced Primary Sinonasal Low-Grade Non-intestinal Adenocarcinoma

Background: The clinical usefulness of concurrent chemoradiotherapy before surgery in the treatment of primary, locally advanced sinonasal low-grade, non-intestinal type adenocarcinoma (LG non-ITAC) is unclear.

Methods: We present the first case report of the efficacy of super-selective intra-arterial cisplatin (CDDP) infusion concurrent with conventional fractionated radiotherapy (RT) for LG non-ITAC in a Japanese patient.

Results: A white, rugged-marginal mass that was histopathologically diagnosed as LG non-ITAC occupied the right nasal cavity. Based on the imaging findings, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography, the tumor was diagnosed as T4aN0M0, stage IVa. After treatment, the nasal tumor disappeared leaving only a small bulge in the medial wall of the middle turbinate. The patient also underwent right transnasal ethmoidectomy performed as salvage surgery. A histopathological examination revealed that the lesion was replaced by granulation tissue with lymphocytic infiltration and hemosiderin-laden macrophages, and no viable tumor cells remained. In the seven years after treatment, the patient has not experienced any local recurrence or regional or distant metastasis.

Conclusions: Super-selective intra-arterial CDDP infusion concurrent with conventional fractionated RT followed by salvage surgery might be useful for the management of sinonasal LG non-ITAC.

Data Set for the Reporting of Carcinomas of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: Explanations and Recommendations of the Guidelines From the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting was established to internationally unify and standardize the pathologic reporting of cancers based on collected evidence, as well as to allow systematic multi-institutional intercountry data collection to guide cancer care in the future. This data set has been developed by the collaborative efforts of an international multidisciplinary panel of experts involved in the care of patients with carcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (sinonasal tract). The nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (including frontal, sphenoid, ethmoid, and maxillary sinuses) comprise a very complex anatomic area of the head and neck, affected by a sometimes bewildering array of neoplasms. Management of malignancies in this anatomic region involves complex surgery because of the anatomic confines and close proximity to many vital structures. Given a multidisciplinary approach, the standardized reporting of the carcinomas that develop in this anatomic region include both required (core) and recommended (noncore) elements in pathology reporting in order to be able to identify critical prognostic factors, often requiring clinical and radiologic correlation. A summary of the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting guidelines and clinically relevant elements, along with additional explanatory notes, are provided, based on evidentiary support from the literature, set in the context of practical application.

Meta-analysis of 701 published cases of sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma: The importance of differentiation grade in determining treatment strategy

The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide treatment guidelines for sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNC) by combining all available data in the literature. A literature search for all studies concerning SNC was performed against the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Available clinical data was normalized, pooled, and statistically analyzed. A total of 701 cases of SNC were available for analysis, comprising 127 well or moderately differentiated sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas (SNEC), 459 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) and 115 sinonasal small cell carcinoma (SmCC). Tumor type was the most important predictor of survival, with a 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of 70.2% for SNEC, 35.9% for SNUC and 46.1% for SmCC. Tumor stage on presentation was of limited value in predicting survival or response to treatment. Overall, the application of surgery yielded significantly better results (5-year DSS 52.2% versus 30.1%, p<0.001). In SNUC, radiotherapy was a beneficial supplement to surgery (5-year DSS 54.7% versus 15.7%, p=0.027), while radiotherapy as monotherapy performed poorly (5-year DSS 17.9%). Chemotherapy did not appear to contribute to survival. Based on these findings, we can conclude that the most important predictors of survival in SNC are differentiation grade and the associated choice of treatment modality. In contrast to other head and neck cancers, tumor staging appears of limited value in predicting survival or deciding on a treatment strategy. Surgery should be the cornerstone of treatment, supplemented by radiotherapy in poorly differentiated subtypes (SNUC, SmCC). Chemotherapy does not appear to contribute to survival.

Significance of Tumor Stage in Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinoma Survival

Objective

To describe the incidence and determinants of survival of patients with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) from 1973 to 2011 using the SEER database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results), with consideration of tumor stage based on the Kadish system.

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Setting

Academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

The SEER registry was utilized to calculate survival trends for 328 patients with SNUC between 1973 and 2011. Patient data were then analyzed with respect to histopathology, age, sex, race, subsite, modified Kadish stage, tumor size, and treatments rendered.

Results

The cohort was composed of 61.9% males with median age of 60 years. The median overall survival (OS) was 1.9 years. Most tumors presented in the nasal cavity, maxillary sinus, and ethmoid sinus (29.3%, 27.4%, 21%, respectively); 43.7% of patients received both surgical and radiation therapy. OS at 2, 5, and 10 years was 43%, 30%, and 25%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age, Kadish stage, and tumor size were associated with worse OS and disease-specific survival (DSS), while surgery and radiation therapy were associated with improved OS and DSS (all P < .05). On multivariate analysis, radiation therapy and lower Kadish stage were associated with improved OS and DSS, while younger age was additionally associated with improved OS (all P < .05).

Conclusion

SNUC is a rare but aggressive sinonasal malignancy. Tumor stage as determined by the Kadish system is associated with worse survival, with radiation therapy appearing to play a key role in therapeutic management.

Advantage of Extended Craniofacial Resection for Advanced Malignant Tumors of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: Long-Term Outcome and Surgical Management

OBJECTIVE

Craniofacial resection (CFR) for advanced sinonasal malignant tumors (SNMTs) is mandatory for radical resection. Surgeons must be aware of perioperative complications and long-term outcome because this procedure is extremely invasive, especially when the tumor involves the anterior skull base.

METHODS

Thirty-eight consecutive surgical patients with advanced SNMT of T4 stage or Kadish stage C (31 men and 7 women; mean age, 55 years; range: 19-76 years) treated with CFR in the past 28 years were followed up for 59.4 months. In cases of unilateral orbital extension, en-bloc resection was achieved using several neurosurgical techniques (extended CFR) from 2005 onwards. Herein, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of surgery by comparing survival data between 2 time periods (first stage: 1984-2004, second stage: 2005-2012).

RESULTS

Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type observed (65.8%), followed by esthesioneuroblastoma (15.8%). Using a combination of adjuvant radiation therapy, the 5-year overall survival and the 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 55.5% and 59.4%, respectively. Sarcomatous histology was a poor prognostic factor. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 48.9% in the first stage and improved to 82.1% in the second stage (P = 0.057); this was related to improvements in local control rate.

CONCLUSIONS

CFR and postoperative radiotherapy are safe and effective for treating advanced SNMTs. Extended CFR, including radical orbital exenteration, may contribute to good long-term outcomes. A diverse surgical team may help perform radical resection and reconstruction in patients with advanced tumors.

Impact of intra-arterial chemotherapy including internal carotid artery for advanced paranasal sinus cancers involving the skull base

Background:

The most significant problem of intra-arterial chemotherapy for advanced paranasal sinus carcinomas and residual cancers supplied by internal carotid artery (ICA) and involving the skull base is the lack of salvage therapies.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of intra-arterial chemotherapy including ICA infusion for treating advanced paranasal sinus carcinomas, which have invaded the skull base.

Methods:

Forty-six patients with advanced paranasal sinus carcinomas supplied by ICA were treated by intra-arterial chemotherapy using CDDP and sodium thiosulphate (STS) as a neutraliser of CDDP toxicity. After evaluating CT angiography, 150 mg m⁻² of CDDP was superselectively administered weekly to each feeding artery including ICA four times.

Results:

The 10-year overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate were 70.7 and 60.2%, respectively. Compared with control group without infusing ICA, recurrences at anterior skullbase or anterior ethomoid sinus were significantly diminished. Of 32 patients in which the orbital apex had been invaded, 29 patients were treated with successful preservation of orbital contents. The CT angiography could efficiently determine all feeding arteries supplying the cancers. Consequently, chemotherapy could be administered on schedule, and side effects were minimal and acceptable.

Conclusions:

This new method has promising applications in the treatment of advanced paranasal sinus carcinomas involving the skull base.

Sinonasal malignancies: long term follow up after surgical management-an analysis of outcomes

Sinonasal malignancies are rare and survival analysis in affected patients is arduous and perplexing due to various factors. In this review article, attempt has been made to overcome some of those factors while analysing survival outcomes.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to share the experience of a tertiary care centre in the surgical management of sinonasal malignancies over 12 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective chart review, and in this study, hospital records of 58 patients with biopsy proven sinonasal malignancies were studied. Only the patients undergoing primary or salvage surgery at our institution from May-2000 to April-2012 with a minimum follow up of 2 years were included. Statistical analyses such as means, proportions, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox's regression model were done.

RESULTS

Majority of the patients were males (n = 43) belonging to fourth and fifth decades. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common (n = 17) histopathological type, followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 14). Majority presented with stage IV disease (n = 42). 17 patients were operated for recurrent disease. Over all 5 year survival was 72 % and disease free survival was 44 %. Separate analysis for epithelial and matched non-epithelial group showed poorer prognosis with epithelial group (p = 0.0120). Multivariate analysis showed histopathological type (epithelial) and presence of pathological risk factors (positive margins and/or perineural invasion) affecting survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced stage presentation is the norm for sinonasal malignancies. This study noted a 5 year overall survival of 72 % and disease free survival of 44 %. Epithelial histopathology carries poorer prognosis then other counterparts and incomplete removal is shown to add to poor prognosis independently.

Sinonasal tract and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinoma: a clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic study of 86 cases

Primary sinonasal tract and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinomas (STACC) are uncommon tumors that are frequently misclassified, resulting in inappropriate clinical management. Eighty-six cases of STACC included 45 females and 41 males, aged 12-91 years (mean 54.4 years). Patients presented most frequently with obstructive symptoms (n = 54), followed by epistaxis (n = 23), auditory symptoms (n = 12), nerve symptoms (n = 11), nasal discharge (n = 11), and/or visual symptoms (n = 10), present for a mean of 18.2 months. The tumors involved the nasal cavity alone (n = 25), nasopharynx alone (n = 13), maxillary sinus alone (n = 4), or a combination of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (n = 44), with a mean size of 3.7 cm. Patients presented equally between low and high stage disease: stage I and II (n = 42) or stage III and IV (n = 44) disease. Histologically, the tumors were invasive (bone: n = 66; neural: n = 47; lymphovascular: n = 33), composed of a variety of growth patterns, including cribriform (n = 33), tubular (n = 16), and solid (n = 9), although frequently a combination of these patterns was seen within a single tumor. Pleomorphism was mild with an intermediate N:C ratio in cells containing hyperchromatic nuclei. Reduplicated basement membrane and glycosaminoglycan material was commonly seen. Necrosis (n = 16) and atypical mitotic figures (n = 11) were infrequently present. Pleomorphic adenoma was present in 9 cases; de-differentiation was seen in two patients. Immunohistochemical studies showed positive reactions for pan-cytokeratin, CK7, CK5/6, CAM5.2, and EMA, with myoepithelial reactivity with SMA, p63, calponin, S100 protein and SMMHC. CD117, CEA, GFAP and p16 were variably present. CK20 and HR HPV were negative. STACC needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis of most sinonasal malignancies, particularly poorly differentiated carcinoma, olfactory neuroblastoma and pleomorphic adenoma. Surgery (n = 82), often accompanied by radiation therapy (n = 36), was generally employed. A majority of patients developed a recurrence (n = 52) 2-144 months after initial presentation. Overall mean follow-up was 19.4 years (range 0.4-37.5 years): 46 patients died with disease (mean 6.4 years); 5 were alive with disease (mean 5.4 years), and 35 patients were either alive or had died of unrelated causes (mean 16.3 years). ACC of the SNT is uncommon. Recurrences are common. The following parameters, when present, suggest an increased incidence of either recurrence or dying with disease: mixed site of involvement, high stage disease (stage IV), skull base involvement, tumor recurrence, a solid histology, perineural invasion, bone invasion, and lymphovascular invasion.

Reporting standards for endovascular chemotherapy of head, neck and CNS tumors

BACKGROUND

The goal of this article is to provide expert consensus recommendations for reporting standards, terminology and definitions when reporting on neurointerventional chemotherapy administration for head and neck tumors. These criteria may be used to design clinical trials, to provide definitions for patient stratification and to permit robust analysis of published data.

METHODS

This publication represents a consensus document by the Society for Neurointerventional Surgery. A PubMed search was conducted and included articles published in 2002-2011, with the search strategy designed to identify all studies of intra-arterial chemotherapy for tumors of neck and head. Articles were evaluated for evidence class, and recommendations were made using guidelines for evidence-based medicine proposed by a joint committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Specifically, technical methods, outcome variables and reported complications were highlighted.

RESULTS

Thirty-five publications were included in the review. While most studies represent class III evidence, there was sufficient concordance to justify level 2 recommendations regarding technical methods for administration of intra-arterial chemotherapy. The data also support level 2 recommendations regarding reporting of particular outcome variables subsumed within broad categories entitled 'Procedure-related', 'Disease control' and 'Survival'. The data support recommendations for the reporting of access site-related, neurologic, head and neck, ocular, hematologic and systemic complications, and also complications related to the percutaneous access site.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial chemotherapy is a growing field in interventional neuroradiology. It is important to adopt uniform technical and reporting standards that will allow cross-publication comparisons and facilitate homogeneous practice standards. Published data support such standards, which are vital for the consistent evaluation of future published research.

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC): the Alberta experience and literature review

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) is a rare malignancy with often dismal outcomes. This study set to determine provincial and literature-wide survival outcomes based on treatment modality.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all SNUC patients in the province of Alberta from 1986-2010 was conducted. A review of the literature of SNUC patients was also performed. Patient/tumor characteristics, treatment, and follow-up/survival data were collected. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

20 patients were treated for SNUC in Alberta and 140 patients were identified in the literature. Pooled median disease-free survival was 12. 7 months and 5-year survival estimate was 6.25%. Cox-Regression analysis demonstrated an overall survival advantage with multimodality treatments (Log-Rank test: p = 0.015). However, no statistically significant differences in disease-free and overall survival were identified between patients treated with chemoradiation or surgery followed by adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of SNUC remains challenging with poor survival outcomes. There appears to be no statistically significant difference in overall, or disease-free survival between treatment modalities.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation in squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus: a 26-year experience

Background. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of neoadjuvant platinum-based radiochemotherapy (RCT) in patients with maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma and to compare the results with other multimodality treatment concepts for advanced-stage maxillary sinus carcinoma in the literature. Methods. In total, 53 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus were reviewed retrospectively. All patients received a neoadjuvant RCT containing either cisplatin or carboplatin followed by radical surgery. Overall survival and locoregional control were plotted by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Prognostic factors were identified through univariate and multivariate analysis. Results. Five-year overall survival for all patients was 35%. Eleven patients achieved a complete response after radiochemotherapy. The complete response rate was significantly higher for patients treated with cisplatin (P = 0.028); however the 5-year overall survival rates did not differ significantly (P = 0.673) for patients treated with cisplatin (37%) and carboplatin (32%). Orbital invasion (P = 0.005) and complete response to radiochemotherapy (P = 0.021) had a significant impact on overall survival in univariate analysis. Conclusions. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery is an effective treatment for patients with advanced maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma. In terms of treatment response cisplatin seems to be more effective than carboplatin.

Oral function after maxillectomy and reconstruction with an obturator

Maxillectomy defects can be reconstructed by a prosthetic obturator or (free) flap transfer, but there is no consensus about the optimal method. This study evaluated 32 maxillectomy patients with prosthetic obturation regarding function (mastication, subjective oral and swallowing complaints and maximal mouth opening). Outcomes were related to the extent of the resection (Brown maxillectomy classification), dentition and history of adjuvant radiotherapy. Maxillectomy defects ranged from 2-1 to 4B on the Brown classification, and most had a defect graded as 2-A or 2-B. Mean mixing ability test after 10 chewing strokes was 24.2 and after 20 chewing strokes 19.7, which compares to edentulous healthy individuals. None of the outcomes was influenced by Brown classification. Radiotherapy negatively influenced mean maximal mouth opening (29.1mm versus 40.9 mm, p=0.017) and subjective outcomes. Edentate obturated patients had worse outcomes than dentate patients, measured by mixing ability test and questionnaire. In conclusion, mastication after obturator reconstruction of a maxillectomy defect is comparable to mastication with full dentures. Size of the maxillectomy defect did not significantly influence functional outcome, but adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in worse mouth opening and self-reported oral and swallowing problems. Residual dentition had a positive influence on mastication and subjective outcomes.

Meta-analysis of treatment outcomes for sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

This study reviews the published outcomes regarding sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) since the initial description in 1986. This article attempts to (1) understand and better describe the benefit and survival advantages associated with using radiation, chemotherapy, and surgical treatment and (2) support the recommendations of a treatment regimen with current available data in the literature.

DATA SOURCES

Published English-language literature.

REVIEW METHODS

A PubMed search for articles related to SNUC, along with the bibliographies of those articles to avoid missing articles. All articles were examined for an independent patient data meta-analysis. Thirty studies with 167 cases from 1986 to October 2009 were identified. Demographics, disease extent, treatment, follow-up, and survival were analyzed. Patient cohorts mirroring Kadish staging were created. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed.

RESULTS

Follow-up range was 1 to 195 months (mean 23.4 months, median 15 months). At last follow-up, 26.3% of patients were alive with no evidence of disease, 21.0% were alive with disease, and 52.7% were dead of disease. The use of surgery was found to be the best single modality, but chemotherapy and radiation were important as adjuncts in extensive and aggressive disease. The presence of neck metastases was a poor prognostic sign.

CONCLUSION

This study, containing the largest pool of SNUC patients, confirms a poor overall prognosis. The data suggest that the optimal treatment should include surgery, with radiation and/or chemotherapy as adjunct treatments. Neck disease in advanced local disease is a poor prognostic sign and merits aggressive treatment with multimodality therapy.

[Recurrence of cancer of the paranasal sinuses after primary treatment--analysis of conditions and results of salvage treatment]

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY

is to demonstrate epidemiological and clinical parameters of the group of patients with sinonasal malignancies and to analyze its impact on development of recurrences after primary surgical treatment conducted in Head and Neck Surgery Department of Holly Cross Cancer Center Kielce during 7-years period 2001-2007. The retrospective analysis of the group of 42 patients with sinonasal malignancies was made, based on medical record and outpatient follow-up, considering: age, sex, primary focus, histological outcome, local and clinical stage and methods of the therapy. In the group of patients with at least 3-years period of follow-up (n=42) the dependence the rate of oncological failures such as local recurrence, nodal metastases, distant metastases or the second primary focus on clinical and epidemiological factors was analyzed. The probability of survival rate was also estimated. The studied group consists of 42 patients (27M, 15K, M:K = 1.8:1). Age ranged from 28 to 87. The most common localization was maxillary sinus--59.5%. Patients with high local (T3, T4) and clinical (III, IV) stage constitute 77.5% of the studied group. In 66.7% cases the radiation therapy had to follow the surgery. In the group of 42 patients with at least 3-years period of follow-up the oncological failure appeared in 17 cases (40.5%): local recurrence (8), nodal metastases (7), distant metastases (1) and all of them in 1 case. The treatment was performed through: local recurrence (surgery in 2 cases, CHTH--3, symptomatic treatment--3), nodal metastases (RND--3, SND--4, supplementary radiotherapy--7), distant metastases--CHTH--2 cases. Thanks to these procedures the 5-year survival rate is 23.1% and the 3-year survival rate is 29.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The oncological failure after primary surgical treatment in the group of patients with sinonasal malignancies developed in 40.5% cases, mainly as local recurrence or nodal metastases. (2) Primary localization and sex have no impact on the rate of the recurrence. (3) The oncological failures significantly more often relate to young patients with high local, clinical stage and low grade of malignancies. (4) The recurrence after primary surgical treatment in the group of patients with sinonasal malignancies substantially reduces 3- and 5-year survival rate (29.4%; 23.1%) compared with the entire studied group--54.8%; 40.0%.

[Principles of radiation therapy for malignant tumors of the orbit and the periorbital area]

Primary malignant tumors of the orbit and the orbital adnexal area are rare, variform and in the majority of cases need an interdisciplinary treatment. According to tumor entity, tumor localization, and tumor extent the complete spectrum of radiotherapeutic therapy options is necessary. In the majority of malignant tumors, such as those of the eyelids, lachrymal glands, orbit, metastases, sarcoma or lymphoma, radiotherapy is used as a high energy therapy by means of medical linear accelerators as so-called teletherapy. In addition, new therapy methods, such as stereotactic highly conformal radiation or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were developed to achieve a higher local tumor control by a better configuration of the radiotherapy fields to the tumor borders and to contribute to a reduction of acute and chronic side effects in normal tissue by blurring of the dose. The application of ionizing radiation sources, such as so-called interstitial brachytherapy can also be just as carefully as effectively used. Particle beam radiotherapy is limited only to specially licensed centers and light hydrogen ions as proton therapy or carbon ions as heavy ion radiotherapy are in use. This overview will show the options as well as important progress in the field of radiotherapy in the treatment of tumors of the orbit and periorbital area.

Salivary gland carcinomas, paranasal sinus cancers and melanoma of the head and neck: an update about rare but challenging tumors

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This is a review about recent clinical developments in rare cancers of the head and neck.

RECENT FINDINGS

Progress in molecular biology techniques has allowed the identification of new prognostic factors, and potential molecular-targeted therapies. This is of importance since chemotherapy continues to play a role but is still limited in this group of malignancies. New techniques of irradiation such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy and three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy appear to improve the locoregional control of these tumors. Surgery continues to be the cornerstone of treatment, with a growing interest in the technique of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

SUMMARY

As salivary gland carcinomas, paranasal sinus cancers and melanoma of the head and neck are rare malignancies, these tumors must be treated in specialized anticancer centers with access to the latest surgical and irradiation techniques. Moreover, clinical studies with translational research are needed to identify strong prognostic and predictive factors, and effective molecular-targeted therapies.

Ototoxicity in a Randomized Phase III Trial of Intra-Arterial Compared With Intravenous Cisplatin Chemoradiation in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose

Cisplatin concomitantly administered with radiotherapy is increasingly used in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We aimed to compare the incidence of hearing loss between patients treated with intra-arterial high-dose cisplatin chemoradiation with sodium thiosulfate (CRT-IA) and intravenous high-dose cisplatin chemoradiation without sodium thiosulfate (CRT-IV).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a prospective analysis of hearing thresholds at low and (ultra-) high frequencies obtained before, during, and after treatment in 158 patients. Patients were randomly assigned for either CRT-IA (150 mg/m2, four courses) with sodium thiosulfate cisplatin neutralization or CRT-IV (100 mg/m2, three courses) without rescue. All patients received concomitant radiation therapy (RT; 70 Gy).

Results

CRT-IA resulted in approximately 10% less hearing loss at frequencies vital for speech perception, compared with CRT-IV (P < .001). In CRT-IA, fewer ears qualified for hearing aids (36% v 49%; P = .03). However, in both treatment arms, the incidence expressed in National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (version 3) did not deviate (P > .14). Age, cumulative cisplatin dose, cumulative RT dose, and the considered frequency area determine the degree of hearing loss (P < .001). Cisplatin induced increasing hearing loss of 24% to 60% with increasing frequencies. RT induced hearing loss at speech frequencies of 9% to 12%.

Conclusion

Depending on the criteria used to assess hearing loss due to treatment, differences in ototoxicity between CRT-IA and CRT-IV were found in favor of CRT-IA. It is desirable to specify hearing loss criteria toward frequencies vital for speech perception, and to refine grading scales to reveal subtle and clinically relevant dissimilarities in ototoxicity between different treatment protocols.

Risk Factors of Ototoxicity After Cisplatin-Based Chemo-Irradiation in Patients With Locally Advanced Head-and-Neck Cancer: A Multivariate Analysis

PURPOSE

Cisplatin chemo-irradiation is increasingly used in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The objective of this study is to determine risk factors of ototoxicity due to intra-arterial high-dose cisplatin chemoradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A prospective analysis of hearing thresholds at low and (ultra) high frequencies obtained before, during, and after treatment in 146 patients. Treatment consisted of intra-arterial infusion of high-dose cisplatin (150 mg/m(2), four courses) with sodium thiosulfate rescue and concurrent radiation therapy (70 Gy). Patient and chemoradiation variables were studied in a multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

After treatment, 23% of the ears were under consideration for hearing aids because of therapy. Twenty-two percent of the patients developed an increase in air-bone gap >10 dB during or after therapy. In the multivariate explanatory analysis, cumulative dose of cisplatin and radiation therapy, and young age displayed a causal relationship with increased sensorineural hearing loss during and after therapy (p < 0.001). In the multivariate prediction analysis, pretreatment hearing level of the concerning ear was identified as an independent predictive factor for hearing capability after therapy (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both cisplatin and radiation therapy were proven to induce sensorineural hearing loss, in this study with short-term follow-up. Of all patient and treatment variables studied, the patients pretreatment hearing level appeared to be the main predictive factor for hearing capability after high-dose intra-arterial cisplatin chemoradiation.

Cancer of the paranasal sinuses

Carcinoma of the paranasal sinuses is a heterogeneous disease that is frequently locally advanced at presentation. Treatment commonly includes radical surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. Despite such aggressive therapy, the likelihood of locoregional failure is significant, resulting in poor survival, particularly with advanced tumors. In this paper, we review the recent literature in search of advances in treatment optimization. These advances include conformal radiotherapy techniques, chemotherapy, image-guided and endoscopic surgery, and surgical approaches for orbital preservation, all of which have a potential to improve the oncologic outcome as well as cosmetic and functional results. We also outline our approach in using these advances in the management of patients with these cancers.

Single modality and multimodality treatment of nasal and paranasal sinuses cancer: a single institution experience of 229 patients

AIMS

To assess the single and multimodal treatment results and prognostic factors for sinonasal carcinoma.

METHODS

Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), local control (LC), and disease-free survival (DFS) in 229 patients with sinonasal carcinoma treated from 1967 to 2003 were calculated. Prognostic factors were univariately and multivariately analyzed. The median follow-up period for survivors was 126 months.

RESULTS

32% of the patients were operated only, 47% underwent multimodal therapy, and 20% were treated without operation. The 5-year OS rate was 41%, and the DSS rate was 51%. The LC rate was 64%, and the DFS rate was 34%. Prognostic for DSS were M status (p<0.001), UICC stage (p<0.001), T classification (p=0.001), N status (p=0.002), intracranial tumor infiltration (p=0.008), infiltration of the pterygopalatine fossa (p=0.02), infiltration of the skull base (p=0.021), infiltration of the orbita (p=0.041), and the type of therapy (p<0.001): The 5-year DSS rate was 63% for patients operated only, 56% for all operated patients, 46% for patients undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, but only 21% for patients treated with radiotherapy+/-chemotherapy. Multivariate analysis revealed that T classification (p=0.042), N classification (p=0.035), M classification (p=0.007), UICC stage (p=0.038), and type of therapy (p=0.038) were independent prognostic factors for DSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical surgery is recommended for stage I/II sinonasal carcinomas. Stage III/IV carcinomas still have a poor prognosis, but multimodal treatment seems to favor the outcome.

RADPLAT: an alternative to surgery?

Head and neck cancer frequently presents at a late stage, leading to a poor prognosis despite optimal treatment with surgery and/or radiotherapy. Chemotherapy for advanced disease has shown little benefit as a single-modality treatment, and the use of concurrent chemoradiation is limited by problems with severe toxicity at higher doses. RADPLAT is the acronym used to describe a new technique, combining intra-arterial delivery of cisplatin with systemic neutralization by i.v. sodium thiosulphate, and concurrent radiotherapy. This allows very high cisplatin dose intensities to be used while potentially minimizing adverse systemic effects. Initial results suggest that excellent locoregional control rates are achievable in patients with unresectable disease, with a favorable side-effect profile when compared with conventional chemoradiation protocols. In addition, RADPLAT may potentially be of benefit in selected patients with resectable disease, allowing for preservation of organ function and quality of life without compromising locoregional control or survival. While current phase II data are encouraging, phase III randomized controlled trials are required in order to directly compare RADPLAT with i.v. chemoradiation therapy, the current standard of care. This article reviews the evolution of the RADPLAT concept, from initial clinical trials to its current application in the treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancer.