"How much is enough?" endonasal surgery for olfactory neuroblastoma

Development of an evaluation and treatment strategy for olfactory neuroblastoma: a review of evidence from large-scale studies, including population-based and multicenter studies, and meta-analyses

Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare sinonasal malignancy arising from the olfactory epithelium that is characterized by skull base involvement and a modest natural history. Because of its rarity and long course, identification of independent prognostic factors is dependent on multivariate analysis of large, long-term data. In this review, we outline evidence for the evaluation and treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma obtained from recent large-scale population-based studies, meta-analyses and multicenter studies. Hyams grade is currently the only pathological grade system for olfactory neuroblastoma. The modified Kadish staging and Dulguerov classification are available for clinical staging. The results of large-scale studies have confirmed Hyams, the modified Kadish and Dulguerov as independent prognostic factors. Surgery followed by radiotherapy provides the best overall survival and recurrence-free survival for resectable disease. The question of whether postoperative radiotherapy should be administered for all cases or only for those at risk of recurrence remains unanswered. Exclusively endoscopic resection is indicated for modified Kadish A/B cases without any increase in the risk of death or recurrence, and is also indicated for modified Kadish C cases if a negative surgical margin is ensured. For more advanced cases, such as those with extensive brain infiltration, the open approach is indicated. Elective nodal irradiation prevents late nodal recurrence of N0 patients. Chemotherapy has failed to show a benefit in survival or disease control. Current needs for olfactory neuroblastoma include the development and validation of refined staging systems suitable for current practice; expansion of indications for endoscopic surgery; less invasive surgery; definitive radiotherapy and novel systemic therapy.

Endonasal endoscopic or endoscopic-assisted transcranial surgery of Rathke's cleft cysts: does the approach and surgical technique influence the radicality and recurrence rate?

OBJECTIVE

Resections of symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are mainly performed via an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. However, there is a lack of equivalent data in current literature concerning transcranial keyhole approach in the treatment of RCCs. In order to find general recommendations for the surgical treatment of RCCs also with regard to recurrence, the object of this study is the analysis and comparison of both techniques.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients having been surgically treated between January 2004 and August 2019 were retrospectively analysed. The transsphenoidal approach was chosen in 16 cases and the transcranial keyhole approach in 13 cases. Both surgical techniques were analyzed and compared concerning preoperative symptoms and cyst characteristics, complications, surgical radicality, endocrinological and ophthalmological outcome and recurrences in patients´ follow up.

RESULTS

The postoperative outcome of both techniques was identic and showed highly satisfying success rates with 92% for neurological deficits, 82% for endocrinological dysfunctions and 86% for visual deficits. In contrast, momentous postoperative complications were significantly more likely after transsphenoidal operations. After a mean follow-up time of 5.7 years, the recurrence rates of both cohorts were the same with 0% each.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding its equal outcome with its lower complication rate, the authors suggest using the supraorbital keyhole approach for RCCs whose anatomical configuration allow both techniques. Yet, the decision should always consider the surgeon's personal experience and other individual patient characteristics. Further studies with higher numbers of cases and longer follow-up periods are necessary to analyse the effect of the selected approach on recurrence.

Radiographic predictors of occult intracranial involvement in olfactory neuroblastoma patients

BACKGROUND

Traditional management of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) includes margin-negative resection with removal of cribriform plate, dura, and olfactory bulb, regardless of intracranial disease. This approach may be overtreating certain patients. Our investigation examines risk factors associated with occult intracranial disease to optimize therapeutic outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective, multi-institutional cohort study examined clinical covariates associated with occult intracranial involvement. Patient demographics, staging, Hyam's grade, and pathologic involvement of dura, olfactory bulb/tract, and brain were collected. Diagnostic imaging was reviewed. Positive and negative predictive value (NPV) were estimated along with effect size estimates. Cox hazard regression examined associations with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

A total of 224 subjects with new diagnoses of ONB (2005-2021) were identified. Skull base bone involvement on computed tomography (CT) had the highest NPV for pathologic dura (88.0%), olfactory bulb (88%), and brain involvement (97.3%). Hyam's grade category was significantly associated with dural involvement (φC  = 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16, 0.42). Subjects without radiologic skull base involvement (n = 66) had pathologic positivity of 12.1%. Within this subgroup, Hyam's grade was clinically significant for dural positivity (φ = 0.34; 95% CI: -0.12, 0.71) with 28.6% involvement in high grade tumors. Neither clinical nor pathologic positivity of intracranial structures were associated with significantly different OS or DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Both CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had reasonably good NPV for involvement of dura and olfactory bulb. Higher Hyam's grade was associated with dural involvement. Patients with low-grade tumors not involving the skull base may be suitable for avoiding skull base resection; however, further investigation is warranted.

Remote Leptomeningeal Dissemination in Olfactory Neuroblastoma Mimicking Multiple Parasagittal Meningiomas: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

BACKGROUND

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ON) is a highly aggressive and locally recurrent neoplasm. Distant systemic metastases are not uncommon, but remote leptomeningeal dissemination is extremely rare.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report 2 cases of ON previously treated with endoscopic endonasal radical surgical resection and radiotherapy. After a relatively long period of disease-free survival, multiple leptomeningeal lesions were seen around the sagittal sinus giving a radiologic appearance of parasagittal meningiomas. Both patients underwent surgery and multimodal treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for the disseminated disease. Pathologic examination confirmed the parasagittal lesions as metastatic ON.

CONCLUSIONS

A high suspicion of secondary disease should be maintained in patients with previous history of ON and parasagittal leptomeningeal enhancing lesion, particularly when multiple lesions are detected around the sagittal sinus. Radical resection and multimodal treatment are warranted to improve long-term outcome. Understanding the venous drainage route as a potential pathway for remote seeding from the primary site of disease has therapeutic implications. We postulate that en-bloc tumor resection and proximal sagittal sinus ligation might reduce potential for leptomeningeal metastasis.

Survival outcomes for stage-matched endoscopic and open resection of olfactory neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND

Advanced-stage olfactory neuroblastoma requires multimodal therapy for optimal outcomes. Debate exists over endoscopic endonasal surgery in this situation. Stage-matched open and endoscopic surgical therapy were compared.

METHODS

Patients from 6 cancer institutions were assessed. Stratification included dural involvement, Kadish stage, nodal disease, Hyams' grade, approach, and margin status. At follow-up, local control, nodal status, and evidence of distant metastases were recorded with any subsequent therapy. Statistical analyses to identify risk factors for developing recurrence and survival differences were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred nine patients were assessed (age 49.2 ± 13.0 years; 46% women) representing Kadish A stage (10%), Kadish B stage (25%), and Kadish C stage (65%). The majority of the patients (61.5%) underwent endoscopic resection, 53.5% within Kadish C stage. Within-stage survival analysis favored endoscopic subgroup for Kadish C stage (log-rank P = .017) nonsignificant for Kadish B stage (log-rank P = .39).

CONCLUSION

Stage-matched survival was better for the endoscopically treated group compared to the open surgery group, with high negative margin resections obtained.

Endoscopic Assisted Supraorbital Keyhole Approach or Endoscopic Endonasal Approach in Cases of Tuberculum Sellae Meningioma: Which Surgical Route Should Be Favored?

OBJECTIVE

Keyhole approaches are under investigation for skull base tumor surgery. They are expected to have a low complication rate with the same successful resection rate compared with endoscopic endonasal procedures. In this study, we compare our current series of tuberculum sellae meningiomas resected via an endoscopic endonasal or microsurgical supraorbital keyhole approach.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2016, 16 patients were treated using the supraorbital keyhole procedure and 6 patients received an endoscopic endonasal procedure. Both surgical techniques were analyzed and compared concerning complications, surgical radicality, endocrinologic, and ophthalmologic outcome and recurrences in patients' follow-up.

RESULTS

The 2 different approaches yielded similar rates of gross total resection (endonasal 83% [5 of 6] vs. supraorbital 87% [14 of 16]), near total resection (17% [1 of 6] vs. 13% [2 of 16]), and visual recovery (endonasal 66% [2 of 3] vs. supraorbital 60% [3 of 5]). An extension lateral to the internal carotid artery was noted in 81% (13 of 16) of the supraorbital cases and in none of the endonasal cases. Tumor volume was 14.9 cm³ (±8.2 cm³) for supraorbital tumors versus 2.1 cm³ (±0.8 cm³) for the endonasal approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Both approaches provide minimally invasive surgical routes accessing meningiomas of the sellar region. The ideal approach should be tailored to the individual patient considering the tumor anatomy, lateral extension, and the experience of the surgeon with both surgical approaches. We suggest using the supraorbital approach for larger meningiomas of sellar region with far lateral extension or broad vascular encasement.

Contemporary management of esthesioneuroblastoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

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

RECENT FINDINGS

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

SUMMARY

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

The combined subtemporal-transfacial approach for the resection of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas with intracranial extension

OBJECTIVE

Stage IVb juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas (JNAs) are frequently regarded as unresectable because of their intracranial extension and cavernous sinus invasion. Although radiation has been described to control these tumors, it can leave the adolescent with long-lasting sequelae. Herein, we describe an alternative treatment strategy based on a combined subtemporal-transfacial surgical approach that permits the successful management of advanced stage JNAs by divorcing the intracranial vascular supply to these massive lesions.

PATIENTS

Four male patients were identified with Andrew's Stage IVB JNAs.

INTERVENTION

All patients were treated by surgical resection using a combined subtemporal-transfacial surgical approach.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Parameters assessed included tumor extent, number and types of surgical procedures, extent of resections, complications, and recurrence rate.

RESULTS

Near-total tumor resections were achieved in all patients. No cerebrospinal fluid leak or cranial neuropathies were noted. All but one patient had local recurrences, and these could be managed with repetitive endoscopic debridement. No patient required adjuvant radiation treatment to control advanced disease.

CONCLUSIONS

With the use of modern skull base surgical techniques, coordinated interdisciplinary care, and safe, near-total removal of the tumor mass, adolescent males with advanced JNAs may be spared the long-term morbidities associated with using radiation to treat these benign but aggressive lesions.

Esthesioneuroblastoma: a contemporary review of diagnosis and management

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignancy, representing only 3% to 6% of all sinonasal malignancies. A wide array of treatment options for ENB have been described in the literature, but prospective clinical trials are absent given the tumor's rarity and natural history. Delay in diagnosis leading to an initial advanced stage of presentation is common secondary to the clinically hidden primary site at the anterior skull base. This article presents data from the current body of literature and reviews the advocated roles for surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.