The Impact of Histologic Phenotype in the Treatment of Sinonasal Cancer

Long-term complications associated with the management of sinonasal malignancies: a single center experience

Objective

The aim of this study was to review the long-term complications associated with treatment of patients with sinonasal malignancies (SNMs) and risk factors for these complications.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients treated for SNMs at a tertiary care center between 2001 and 2018. A total of 77 patients were included. The primary outcome measure was post-treatment long-term complications.

Results

Overall, long-term complications were identified in 41 patients (53%), and the most common were sinonasal (22 patients, 29%) and orbital/ocular-related (18 patients, 23%). In a multivariate regression analysis, irradiation was the only significant predictor of long-term complications (p = 0.001, OR = 18.86, CI = 3.31-107.6). No association was observed between long-term complications and tumour stage, surgical modality, or radiation dose/modality. Mean radiation dose ≥ 50 Gy to the optic nerve was associated with grade ≥ 3 visual acuity impairment (100% vs 3%; p = 0.006). Radiation therapy for disease recurrence was associated with additional long-term complications (56% vs 11%; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Treatment of SNMs has substantial long-term complications, which are significantly associated with radiation therapy.

Molecular Basis and Rationale for the Use of Targeted Agents and Immunotherapy in Sinonasal Cancers

Despite the progress of surgery, radiotherapy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the prognosis for advanced sinonasal cancers (SNCs) remains poor. In the era of precision medicine, more research has been conducted on the molecular pathways and recurrent mutations of SNCs, with the aim of understanding carcinogenesis, helping with diagnosis, identifying prognostic factors, and finding potentially targetable mutations. In the treatment of SNC, immunotherapy is rarely used, and no targeted therapies have been approved, partly because these tumors are usually excluded from major clinical trials. Data on the efficacy of targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors are scarce. Despite those issues, a tumor-agnostic treatment approach based on targeted drugs against a detected genetic mutation is growing in several settings and cancer subtypes, and could also be proposed for SNCs. Our work aims to provide an overview of the main molecular pathways altered in the different epithelial subtypes of sinonasal and skull base tumors, focusing on the possible actionable mutations for which potential target therapies are already approved in other cancer types.

Does Reorganization of Clinicopathological Information Improve Prognostic Stratification and Prediction of Chemoradiosensitivity in Sinonasal Carcinomas? A Retrospective Study on 145 Patients

Background

The classification of sinonasal carcinomas (SNCs) is a conundrum. Consequently, prognosis and prediction of response to non-surgical treatment are often unreliable. The availability of prognostic and predictive measures is an unmet need, and the first logical source of information to be investigated is represented by the clinicopathological features of the disease. The hypothesis of the study was that clinicopathological information on SNC could be exploited to better predict prognosis and chemoradiosensitivity.

Methods

All patients affected by SNC who received curative treatment, including surgery, at the Unit of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery of the University of Brescia between October 1998 and February 2019 were included in the analysis. The institutional series was reviewed and a survival analysis was performed. Machine learning and multivariable statistical methods were employed to develop, analyze, and test 3 experimental classifications (classification #1, based on cytomorphological, histomorphological, and differentiation information; classification #2, based on differentiation information; and classification #3, based on locoregional extension) of SNC, based on the inherent clinicopathological information. The association of experimental classifications with prognosis and chemoradiosensitivity was tested.

Results

The study included 145 patients. From a prognostic standpoint, the machine learning-generated classification of SNC provided better prediction than the current World Health Organization classification. However, the prediction of the chemoradiosensitivity of SNC was not achievable.

Conclusions

Reorganization of clinicopathological information, with special reference to those related to tumor differentiation, can improve the reliability of prognosis of SNC. Prediction of chemoradiosensitivity remains an unmet need and further research is required.

The MUSES∗: a prognostic study on 1360 patients with sinonasal cancer undergoing endoscopic surgery-based treatment: ∗MUlti-institutional collaborative Study on Endoscopically treated Sinonasal cancers

BACKGROUND

Over the last 2 decades, transnasal endoscopic surgery (TES) has become the most frequently employed surgical technique to treat sinonasal malignancies. The rarity and heterogeneity of sinonasal cancers have hampered large non-population-based analyses.

METHODOLOGY

All patients receiving TES-including treatment between 1995 and 2021 in 5 referral hospitals were included. A prognostic study was performed, and multivariable models were transformed into nomograms. Training and validation sets were based on results from 3 European and 2 non-European centres, respectively.

RESULTS

The training and validation set included 940 and 420 patients, respectively. The mean age at surgery, primary-versus-recurrent presentation, histology distribution, type of surgery, T category and type of adjuvant treatment were differently distributed in the training and validation set. In the training set, 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival with a 95%-confidence interval were 72.7% (69.5-76.0%) and 66.4% (63.1-69.8%), respectively, significantly varying with histology. At multivariable analyses, age, gender, previous treatment, the extent of resection on the cranial, lateral and posterolateral axes, grade/subtype, T category, nodal status, margin status and adjuvant treatment were all associated with different prognostic outcomes, displaying a heterogeneous significance and effect size according to histology. The internal and external validation of nomograms was satisfactory (optimism-corrected C-index >0.7 and cumulative area under curve >0.7) for all histologies but mucosal melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of TES-based treatment of sinonasal cancers vary substantially with histology. This large, non-population-based study provides benchmark data on the prognosis of sinonasal cancers that are deemed suitable for treatment including TES.

The Selective Role of Open and Endoscopic Approaches for Sinonasal Malignant Tumours

Endoscopic endonasal surgery has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of selected cases of sinonasal cancers. However, in cases of locally advanced neoplasms, as well as recurrences, the most appropriate approach is still debated. The present review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge on the utility of open approaches to resect sinonasal malignant tumours. Published comparative studies and meta-analyses suggest comparable oncological results with lower morbidity for the endoscopic approaches, but selection biases cannot be excluded. After a critical analysis of the available literature, it can be concluded that endoscopic surgery for selected lesions allows for oncologically safe resections with decreased morbidity. However, when endoscopic endonasal surgery is contraindicated and definitive chemoradiotherapy is not appropriate, craniofacial and transfacial approaches remain the best therapeutic option.

Molecular Biomarkers in Sinonasal Cancers: New Frontiers in Diagnosis and Treatment

Purpose of Review

Sinonasal tumors are rare and heterogeneous diseases which pose challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Despite significant progress made in surgical, oncological, and radiotherapy fields, their prognosis still remains poor. Therefore, alternative strategies should be studied in order to refine diagnosis and improve patient care.

Recent Findings

In recent years, in-depth molecular studies have identified new biological markers, such as genetic abnormalities and epigenetic variations, which have allowed to refine diagnosis and predict prognosis. As a consequence, new histological entities have been described and specific subgroup stratifications within the well-known histotypes have been made possible. These discoveries have expanded indications for immunotherapy and targeted therapies in order to reduce tumor spread, thus representing a valuable implementation of standard treatments.

Summary

Recent findings in molecular biology have paved the way for better understanding and managing such rare and aggressive tumors. Although further efforts need to be made in this direction, expectations are promising.

Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: 15 Years of Experience at a Single Institution

Objectives  Sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas (SNECs) are among the rarest paranasal sinus cancers. Consensus guidelines for therapy are difficult to develop due to limited data regarding the natural history and successful treatment of these tumors. This study presents 15 years of experience treating SNEC at a single institution and a review of the literature. Design  Retrospective review. Setting  Academic medical center in the United States. Participants  Patients diagnosed with primary SNEC. Main Outcome Measures  Overall survival. Results  Thirteen patients were identified and included. Overall estimated survival was 74.6% at 5 years. Ten of 13 (76.9%) patients were diagnosed with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and three (23.1%) with intermediate or low grade. All three patients with low- or intermediate-grade cancer survived more than 10 years from their initial diagnosis (median survival: 11.6 years) and are currently alive. The four patients who died had high-grade carcinoma, and estimated overall 5-year survival for all patients with high-grade carcinomas was 65.6%. Five patients, all with high-grade carcinoma, of seven who completed primary chemoradiation therapy (CRT) required salvage resection, and 60% are alive without disease. Conclusion  This cohort has a higher overall rate of survival than many recent case series and reviews. There is consensus that multimodal therapy is preferred over monotherapy, but approaches to treatment vary widely. Our approach of surgical resection as primary therapy for low-grade tumors and primary CRT for high-grade SNEC has been successful, and could indicate hope for improved survival among these patients.

Navigation-Guided Transnasal Endoscopic Delineation of the Posterior Margin for Maxillary Sinus Cancers: A Preclinical Study

Background

The resection of advanced maxillary sinus cancers can be challenging due to the anatomical proximity to surrounding critical anatomical structures. Transnasal endoscopy can effectively aid the delineation of the posterior margin of resection. Implementation with 3D-rendered surgical navigation with virtual endoscopy (3D-SNVE) may represent a step forward. This study aimed to demonstrate and quantify the benefits of this technology.

Material and Method

Four maxillary tumor models with critical posterior extension were created in four artificial skulls (Sawbones^®). Images were acquired with cone-beam computed tomography and the tumor and carotid were contoured. Eight head and neck surgeons were recruited for the simulations. Surgeons delineated the posterior margin of resection through a transnasal approach and avoided the carotid while establishing an adequate resection margin with respect to tumor extirpation. Three simulations were performed: 1) unguided: based on a pre-simulation study of cross-sectional imaging; 2) tumor-guided: guided by real-time tool tracking with 3D tumor and carotid rendering; 3) carotid-guided: tumor-guided with a 2-mm alert cloud surrounding the carotid. Distances of the planes from the carotid and tumor were classified as follows and the points of the plane were classified accordingly: “red”: through the carotid artery; “orange”: <2 mm from the carotid; “yellow”: >2 mm from the carotid and within the tumor or <5 mm from the tumor; “green”: >2 mm from the carotid and 5–10 mm from the tumor; and “blue”: >2 mm from the carotid and >10 mm from the tumor. The three techniques (unguided, tumor-guided, and carotid-guided) were compared.

Results

3D-SNVE for the transnasal delineation of the posterior margin in maxillary tumor models significantly improved the rate of margin-negative clearance around the tumor and reduced damage to the carotid artery. “Green” cuts occurred in 52.4% in the unguided setting versus 62.1% and 64.9% in the tumor- and carotid-guided settings, respectively (p < 0.0001). “Red” cuts occurred 6.7% of the time in the unguided setting versus 0.9% and 1.0% in the tumor- and carotid-guided settings, respectively (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This preclinical study has demonstrated that 3D-SNVE provides a substantial improvement of the posterior margin delineation in terms of safety and oncological adequacy. Translation into the clinical setting, with a meticulous assessment of the oncological outcomes, will be the proposed next step.

Radiooncological View on Therapy Outcome after Multidisciplinary Treatment of Sinonasal Tumors

Simple Summary

Tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus are rare. Most are discovered at a locally advanced stage and require multimodal treatment consisting of surgery and radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy. Tumor localization between the eyes and near the brain makes treatment planning difficult due to the necessary consideration of both critical normal tissue with high protection priority and the curative aim of the best radiotherapy dose deposit. Thus, it is noteworthy how tumor volumes impact the five-year survival outcome. Therefore, we investigated initial tumor volumes before any therapy. Patients with larger mean initial tumor volumes of more than 75 cm³ had worse outcomes. There was no additional benefit of upfront surgery. Especially for patients with large tumor burdens of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinus, an interdisciplinary case discussion with the patient is essential in the process of shared decision-making.

Abstract

Purpose: We report the outcome of a mono-institutional retrospective study of sinonasal carcinoma with the primary focus on GTV (gross tumor volume) and the effect of radiotherapy. Methods: 53 patients with sinonasal carcinoma and that of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinus or both except lymphoma were included. All patients were treated between 1999 and 2017. For tumor volume delineation, all pre-therapeutic images were fused to the planning CT (computed tomography). Results: The median follow-up was 17 months [0.3–60], the median age 60 years, 35 males and 18 females were included. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (60.4%) was the predominant histology, followed by adenocarcinoma (15.1%). The mean composite OS (overall survival) time was 33.3 ± 3.5 months. There was no significant difference in the 5 y composite OS between tumor localization or radiotherapy setting. The simultaneous integrated boost concept showed a trend towards improving five-year composite OS compared to the sequential boost concept. The only factor with a significant impact on the 5 y composite OS rate was the pre-therapeutic GTV (cutoff 75 cm³; p = 0.033). The GTV ≥ 100 cm³ has no effect on the 5 y composite OS rate for SCC. Conclusions: The pre-therapeutic GTV is a prognostic factor for five-year composite OS for the entire group of patients with sinonasal tumors, influencing the outcome after completion of all treatment strategies. The GTV seems to not influence five-year composite OS in SCC. For this rare tumor entity, an intensive, multidisciplinary discussion is essential to finding the best treatment option for the patient.

Sinonasal cancer encroaching the orbit: Ablation or preservation?

BACKGROUND

Encroachment on the orbital cavity represents a challenge in the management of sinonasal cancer. Criteria guiding orbital preservation lack univocal consensus. Stage of orbital involvement is best assessed through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODS

Patients affected by orbit-encroaching sinonasal cancer with available preoperative MRI, receiving surgery-based treatment at the University of Brescia between May 2005 and October 2018 were included. All cases were reviewed by expert radiologists and pathologists. Diagnostic performance of MRI was calculated using pathological information as reference. Survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The study included 123 patients. The orbit was abutted in 53 (43.1%) patients, whereas orbital invasion reached the periorbit in 18 (14.6%), extraconal fat and/or medial lacrimal sac in 29 (23.6%), extrinsic ocular muscles in 7 (5.7%), intraconal compartment in 4 (3.3%), and orbital apex in 12 (9.8%). Seventy-six (61.8%) patients received orbit-sparing surgery, 47 (38.2%) underwent orbital ablation (OA). Accuracy of MRI in detecting involvement by cancer was ≥80.0% for the orbital wall, extraconal fat, and muscles, and <80.0% for the periorbit and intraconal compartment. Previous surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and perineural invasion decreased MRI accuracy. Age, histology, tumor grade, pT category, N status, perineural invasion, orbital invasion stage, and need for OA were found to affect prognosis. Five-year orbital dysfunction-free survival was 92.8%.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management of sinonasal cancers encroaching the orbit is feasible. MRI is essential to preoperatively stage orbital invasion, yet with some limitation. Given the dismal prognosis despite aggressive surgery, neoadjuvant non-surgical therapies should be considered in patients requiring OA.

Novel Biomarkers in Sinonasal Cancers: from Bench to Bedside

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sinonasal cancers are a heterogenous group of rare cancers for which histopathological diagnosis can be very challenging and treatment options are limited for advanced disease in particular. Here, we review the candidacy of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for sinonasal cancers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Molecular multidimensional analyses of sinonasal cancers have been lagging behind other major cancers, but there are numerous publications describing the discovery of novel candidate biomarkers, e.g. the methylation classifier, originally developed for brain cancers, and gene expression panels for the prediction of response to induction chemotherapy in sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. The most promising biomarkers are summarized and discussed further with regard to their clinical applicability and future potential. Many of the described novel biomarkers for sinonasal cancers will eventually overcome the pitfalls associated with the frequently non-specific immunohistological tests. With comprehensive, multidimensional molecular testing of these tumours in collaborative consortia projects, our better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of sinonasal cancers and their carcinogenesis will determine the most useful diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, allow stringent multi-institutional validation and guide trials on targeted therapies.

Sinonasal carcinomas - A single-centre experience at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia, from 1994 to 2016

INTRODUCTION

Sinonasal carcinomas (SNCs) are rare neoplasms that are often diagnosed at advanced stages due to asymptomatic growth of tumours in the spaces of the sinonasal complex. Treatment is associated with high morbidity, and outcomes have only improved slightly in the past few decades despite advancements in treatment modalities. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment at our institution.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analysed patients who received definitive treatment at the Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH), Sydney, for non-metastatic SNC. Patients with non-carcinoma and olfactory neuroblastoma pathology were excluded. Data were collected from the POWH electronic patient database. Survival functions were calculated through Kaplan-Meier analysis, and multivariate analysis for prognostic factors was performed through Cox regression.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients from 1994 to 2016 were eligible for analysis. Overall 5-year local control (LC), ultimate local control (ULC), overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were 76 ± 6%, 80 ± 5%, 69 ± 6% and 77 ± 5%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, clinical stage was prognostic for LC and primary site was prognostic for OS and CSS. Lymphovascular invasion and tumour inoperability were also predictive of CSS.

CONCLUSION

Survival and local control rates at our centre were greater than those reported in the literature. Early-stage patients treated with surgery alone had excellent oncologic outcomes. Radical surgery with postoperative radiation provides the best outcome in the setting of advanced disease.

Malignant tumors of the maxillary sinus: Prognostic impact of neurovascular invasion in a series of 138 patients

BACKGROUND

Maxillary sinus cancer is a rare disease with heterogeneous biologic behavior. The pattern of neurovascular invasion is known to be an important prognosticator in head and neck cancers, but has not been studied in maxillary malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery-based treatment with curative intent for a malignancy of the maxillary sinus at the Unit of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery of the University of Brescia between November 2000 and October 2018 were included. A description of the characteristics of the patients, tumors, and treatments has been performed along with uni- and multi-variate analysis of prognostic factors. Tumors were classified based on the presence of perineural (P₀/P₁) and lymphovascular invasion (V₀/V₁) in 4 categories: P₀V₀, P₁V₀, P₀V₁, and P₁V₁.

RESULTS

One hundred-thirty-eight patients were included. Mean age at surgery was 61.0 years. Most patients (60.1%) were affected by non-salivary carcinomas, and most tumors (73.9%) were high-grade cancers. One hundred-seven (77.5%) tumors were classified as pT4. The large majority of patients received bi- or tri-modality treatment. Sixty-three (45.7%) cases were classified as P₀V₀, 32 (23.2%) as P₁V₀, 7 (5.1%) as P₀V₁, and 36 (26.1%) as P₁V₁. T category, nodal status, and neurovascular invasion were significantly associated with prognosis. Perineural and lymphovascular invasion were associated with the topographical growth of the tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Maxillary cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and in most cases requires a multimodal approach. Perineural and lymphovascular invasion are frequent and have a different impact on prognosis and topographical extension of the tumor.

Navigation-guided osteotomies improve margin delineation in tumors involving the sinonasal area: A preclinical study

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate and quantify, in a preclinical setting, the benefit of three-dimensional (3D) navigation guidance for margin delineation during ablative open surgery for advanced sinonasal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven tumor models were created. 3D images were acquired with cone beam computed tomography, and 3D tumor segmentations were contoured. Eight surgeons with variable experience were recruited for the simulation of osteotomies. Three simulations were performed: 1) Unguided, 2) Guided using real-time tool tracking with 3D tumor segmentation (tumor-guided), and 3) Guided by 3D visualization of both the tumor and 1-cm margin segmentations (margin-guided). Analysis of cutting planes was performed and distance from the tumor surface was classified as follows: "intratumoral" when 0 mm or negative, "close" when greater than 0 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm, "adequate" when greater than 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm, and "excessive" over 15 mm. The three techniques (unguided, tumor-guided, margin-guided) were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The use of 3D navigation for margin delineation significantly improved control of margins: unguided cuts had 18.1% intratumoral cuts compared to 0% intratumoral cuts with 3D navigation (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This preclinical study has demonstrated the significant benefit of navigation-guided osteotomies for sinonasal tumors. Translation into the clinical setting - with rigorous assessment of oncological outcomes - would be the proposed next step.

Translational genomics of sinonasal cancers

The sinonasal cavities harbor a wide variety of histologically distinct cancers, the majority very aggressive with 5-year survival rates between 30-60% and local recurrence as the main cause of death. This is a complex anatomic area, close to structures such the eyes and the brain, which is of special relevance for surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. The low incidence of these rare tumors hampers accumulation of experience with diagnosis and clinical managment as well as knowledge on recurrent genetic aberrations or testing of new treatment strategies. However, recent years have seen a growing number of publications on genetic aberrations providing data that can aid or fine-tune classification and provide molecular targets for treatment with specific inhibitors. In addition, new sinonasal cancer models are created that enable preclinical testing of candidate inhibitor drugs. With more and more novel targeted therapies being developed, options for personalized treatment of sinonasal cancer patients are now opening up.

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.

Role of Whole-Body 18F-FDG PET/CT in Screening for Metastases in Newly Diagnosed Sinonasal Malignancies

OBJECTIVE. The aim of this study is to assess the utility of pretreatment whole-body ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in screening for distant metastasis (DM) and regional lymphatic metastasis (LM). MATERIALS AND METHODS. Eighty-nine consecutive patients with untreated sinonasal malignant lesions (32 women and 57 men; mean age, 62 years) underwent whole-body FDG PET/CT between January 2009 and August 2017. A retrospective analysis was performed to determine the presence of DM and LM. Any suspected metastases were confirmed by histopathologic analysis or clinical and imaging follow-up in the subsequent 12 months. The statistics were verified by comparing FDG PET/CT results with a reference standard. RESULTS. Overall, the frequency of DM was 24% (21/89), of which 81% (17/21) were identified by whole-body FDG PET/CT. The sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET/CT in predicting DM were 81% (95% CI, 62-95%) and 99% (95% CI, 82-100%), respectively. The most common DM sites were the lungs (n = 6; 28%) and bones (n = 5; 24%), followed by the liver (n = 2; 10%), brain (n = 1; 5%), and spinal canal (n = 1; 5%), with six patients (28%) having DMs at multiple sites. Overall, the frequency of LM according to the reference standard was 20%, of which 83% (15/18) were confirmed with FDG PET/CT. The sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET/CT in detecting LM were 83% (95% CI, 68-97%) and 96% (95% CI, 77-100%), respectively. CONCLUSION. Our study showed that whole-body FDG PET/CT can be used as a screening tool for the detection of DM and LM in sinonasal neoplasms and could be performed as part of the routine pretreatment evaluation of metastatic workup.

Clinical relevance and significance of programmed death-ligand 1 expression, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and p16 status in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose: Immunotherapy may be a potential alternative for patients with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC). Data regarding potential immunotherapy targets, such as programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), in SNSCC are limited. In this study, we assessed the prevalence and prognostic value of PD-L1 expression and TILs in p16-negative and p16-positive SNSCC. Patients and methods: Tissues from 96 patients with SNSCC were stained using immunohistochemistry against PD-L1, CD8, and Foxp3 to assess the immune environment. The correlations between PD-L1 expression, TILs, and p16 status were analyzed. Additionally, PD-L1, CD8, and Foxp3 expressions, as well as p16 status, were analyzed in relation to patient clinicopathological variables and prognosis. Results: Twenty-nine (30.2%) patients with SNSCC showed PD-L1 expression in >5% of tumor cells. PD-L1 expression was significantly correlated with poor differentiation and a high level of TILs. PD-L1 expression and the CD8+ and Foxp3+ T-cell infiltrates in p16-negative patients (n=78, 81.2%) and p16-positive patients (n=18, 18.8%) were not significantly different. PD-L1 expression and p16 status were not associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Patients with high CD8+ or Foxp3+ cell infiltration had better clinical outcomes. A multivariate analysis confirmed that CD8 TILs were a significant independent and favorable prognostic factor for OS (p=0.023) and DFS (p=0.008). Conclusion: TILs can play a prognostic role in SNSCC. We did not find differences in immune marker expression between p16-positive and p16-negative SNSCC tissues. The high correlation between PD-L1 expression and TILs indicates that the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is a promising immunotherapeutic target for SNSCC.

Transnasal endoscopic surgery in selected nasal-ethmoidal cancer with suspected brain invasion: Indications, technique, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

In nasal-ethmoidal malignancies, brain involvement is associated with dismal prognosis.

METHOD

Patients undergoing endoscopic resection with transnasal craniectomy and subpial dissection (ERTC-SD) for brain-invading nasal-ethmoidal cancer between 2008 and 2016 were included. Complications were analyzed in all patients, whereas oncological outcomes only in patients with pathological brain invasion. The prognostic impact of previous treatments, brain edema, and histology was assessed. Hospitalization ratio was calculated.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients received ERTC-SD and 11 had pathological-proven brain invasion. Histologies were 6 olfactory neuroblastomas (ONB), 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas, and 2 intestinal-type adenocarcinomas. Mean follow-up was 21.9 months. Three-year overall, local recurrence-free, and distance recurrence-free survivals were 65.5%, 81.8%, and 68.2%, respectively. Overall and distant recurrence-free survivals were significantly better in patients with ONB (P = 0.032 and P = 0.013, respectively). Hospitalization ratio was 4.1%. Complication rate was 10.5%.

CONCLUSION

In selected nasal-ethmoidal tumors with brain invasion, ERTC-SD can provide good local control, satisfactory survival, and limited morbidity.

Endoscopic endonasal approaches for the management of cranial base malignancies: histologically guided treatment and clinical outcomes

Malignancies of the skull base represent a highly diverse and challenging set of pathologies which exhibit a wide array of oncologic behavior. In recent decades, a number of important advances in treatment technique have evolved to improve oncologic outcomes and reduce morbidity in the treatment of these aggressive cancers. Intensity modulated radiation therapy has become the gold standard in radiotherapy owing to its precision planning and reduced morbidity. However heavy ion particle radiation (proton therapy, carbon ion, etc.) are recently emerging with promising results at the skull base related to the reduced exit dose to adjacent structures. Novel systemic therapeutics such as targeted and immunotherapies may dramatically alter the treatment paradigm for many of these pathologies. Nevertheless, most skull base malignancies remain surgical diseases. The evolution of the expanded endonasal approach for a minimally invasive surgical resection has proven validity in treating many of these pathologies when properly selected, and have largely supplanted open approaches owing to the reduced morbidity profile. In spite of these important advances, the most critical aspect in comprehensive treatment is a detailed understanding of the oncologic behavior and outcomes data for each of the specific histopathologies encountered at the skull base. The nuances in management strategy, histologic profile, and surveillance planning can be stratified through the development of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary skull base team to maximize therapeutic effect and minimize morbidity for each patient. This review aims to summarize the key body of data and approaches for each of the histologies frequently encountered in the skull base, while highlighting the value and technique of endonasal approaches.