Esthesioneuroblastoma: prognosis and management

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.

Personalized Approach to Olfactory Neuroblastoma Care

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is an uncommon neuroendocrine malignancy arising from the olfactory neuroepithelium. ONB frequently presents with nonspecific sinonasal complaints, including nasal obstruction and epistaxis, and diagnosis can be obtained through a combination of physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic resection with negative margins, with or without craniotomy, as necessary, is the standard of care for definitive treatment of ONB. Regional metastasis to the neck is often detected at presentation or may occur in a delayed fashion and should be addressed through elective neck dissection or radiation. Adjuvant radiotherapy should be considered, particularly in the case of high grade or tumor stage, as well as positive surgical margins. Systemic therapy is an area of active investigation in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting, with many advocating in favor of induction chemotherapy for significant orbital or intracranial involvement prior to surgical resection. Various targeted immunotherapies are currently being studied for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic ONB. Prolonged locoregional and distant surveillance are indicated following definitive treatment, given the tendency for delayed recurrence and metastasis.

Update on olfactory neuroblastoma

Olfactory neuroblastomas are uncommon malignancies that arise from olfactory receptor cells located high in the nasal cavity. Accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining clinical results and guiding treatment decisions. Diagnosis can be a major challenge for pathologists, especially when dealing with tumours with poor differentiation. The discovery of several molecular and immunohistochemical markers would help to overcome classification difficulties. Due to the paucity of large-scale studies, standardisation of diagnosis, treatment and prediction of outcome remains a challenge. Surgical resection by endoscopic techniques with the addition of postoperative irradiation is the treatment of choice. In addition, it is advisable to consider elective neck irradiation to minimise the risk of nodal recurrence. Molecular characterisation will help not only to make more accurate diagnoses but also to identify specific molecular targets that can be used to develop personalised treatment options tailored to each patient. The present review aims to summarise the current state of knowledge on histopathological diagnosis, the molecular biology and management of this disease.

Special Considerations in Pediatric Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery

Originally pioneered in adults, endoscopic endonasal approaches for skull base pathology are being increasingly applied as a minimally invasive alternative for young children. Intrinsic anatomic differences between these patient populations have sparked discussions on the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of these techniques in pediatric patients. This work aims to serve as a primer for clinicians engaged in the rapidly evolving field of pediatric endoscopic skull base surgery. A succinct overview of relevant embryology, sinonasal anatomy, and diagnostic workup is presented to emphasize key differences and unique technical considerations. Additional discussions regarding select skull base lesions, reconstructive paradigms, potential surgical complications, and postoperative care are also highlighted in the setting of multidisciplinary teams.

Olfactory neuroblastoma: diagnosis, management, and current treatment options

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare neoplasm originating from the olfactory neuroepithelium representing 3-6% of tumors of the sinonasal tract. ONB require multi-disciplinary care. Historically, the gold standard surgical procedure for ONB has been open craniofacial resection. In the last years, endoscopic endonasal approaches have been largely introduced with lower complication rates, shorter hospital stay, and similar clinical outcome. Radiotherapy plays an important role in the management of ONB, however there are not generally accepted recommendations for its application. Although there is agreement that multimodal therapy is needed, the optimal use of chemotherapy is still unknown. The rarity of the disease, makes difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the role of systemic treatment in induction and concomitant setting.

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.

Failure Patterns of Recurrence in Patients With Localized Esthesioneuroblastoma Following Surgery and Adjuvant Radiotherapy Without Elective Nodal Irradiation

BACKGROUND

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), a rare malignancy arising from the olfactory epithelium, poses clinical challenges owing to its propensity for local invasion and recurrence. Its management typically involves surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. However, debate persists regarding the optimal treatment strategy, particularly the use of elective nodal irradiation (ENI). This study aimed to investigate recurrence patterns in patients with localized ENB treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy without ENI.

METHODS

Our retrospective analysis included patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment of ENB between January 2011 and November 2022. Patients with incomplete data or who had received neoadjuvant radiotherapy were excluded. Patient characteristics, radiotherapy data (type, dose, and duration), and follow-up data were collected. Recurrence patterns were evaluated, and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local control rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with ENB (median age, 56 years) were included. Most had stage C disease. The median radiation dose was 60 Gy, and the median treatment duration was six weeks. Only one death was confirmed during the observation period, and the five-year DFS rates were 64.3%. Local control was achieved in 11 patients, with only one experiencing local recurrence. Regional lymph node recurrence occurred in three patients and was successfully managed via neck dissection. The timing of recurrence varied, emphasizing the importance of long-term surveillance.

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant radiotherapy without ENI is a viable treatment option for ENB, resulting in favorable local control and OS outcomes. Regional lymph node metastases were observed but effectively managed via salvage therapy. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment strategy and to define optimal radiotherapy fields.

Functional Olfactory Neuroblastoma Inducing Symptomatic SIADH

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignancy of the sinonasal cavity, originating from neuroepithelial olfactory cells. Olfactory neuroblastoma can be difficult to diagnose due to its anatomic position and variable symptomatic presentation, leading to diagnosis at a more advanced stage. Here, we present the case of a 35-year-old man with no previous medical history who had a bicycle accident secondary to syncope. He was found to be hyponatremic and suspected to have syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). In the workup of SIADH, a brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the left middle meatus. The lesion secreted inappropriate amounts of ADH, resulting in symptomatic paraneoplastic SIADH. This ultimately led to the early recognition and successful resection of this rare ONB. The patient has remained disease-free for over 5 years. This case is a fortunate example of a functional malignancy of the sinonasal tract that was discovered early and successfully treated as a result of symptomatic SIADH.

Multicenter Survival Analysis and Application of an Olfactory Neuroblastoma Staging Modification Incorporating Hyams Grade

Importance

Current olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) staging systems inadequately delineate locally advanced tumors, do not incorporate tumor grade, and poorly estimate survival and recurrence.

Objective

The primary aims of this study were to (1) examine the clinical covariates associated with survival and recurrence of ONB in a modern-era multicenter cohort and (2) incorporate Hyams tumor grade into existing staging systems to assess its ability to estimate survival and recurrence.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, multicenter, case-control study included patients with ONB who underwent treatment between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2021, at 9 North American academic medical centers.

Intervention

Standard-of-care ONB treatment.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) as C statistics for model prediction.

Results

A total of 256 patients with ONB (mean [SD] age, 52.0 [15.6] years; 115 female [44.9%]; 141 male [55.1%]) were included. The 5-year rate for OS was 83.5% (95% CI, 78.3%-89.1%); for DFS, 70.8% (95% CI, 64.3%-78.0%); and for DSS, 94.1% (95% CI, 90.5%-97.8%). On multivariable analysis, age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, involvement of bilateral maxillary sinuses, and positive margins were associated with OS. Only AJCC stage was associated with DFS. Only N stage was associated with DSS. When assessing the ability of staging systems to estimate OS, the best-performing model was the novel modification of the Dulguerov system (C statistic, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.59-0.76), and the Kadish system performed most poorly (C statistic, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.50-0.63). Regarding estimation of DFS, the modified Kadish system performed most poorly (C statistic, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.51-0.66), while the novel modification of the AJCC system performed the best (C statistic, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66-0.80). Regarding estimation of DSS, the modified Kadish system was the best-performing model (C statistic, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.94), and the unmodified Kadish performed the worst (C statistic, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.51-0.68). The ability for novel ONB staging systems to estimate disease progression across stages was also assessed. In the novel Kadish staging system, patients with stage VI disease were approximately 7 times as likely to experience disease progression as patients with stage I disease (hazard ratio [HR], 6.84; 95% CI, 1.60-29.20). Results were similar for the novel modified Kadish system (HR, 8.99; 95% CI, 1.62-49.85) and the novel Dulguerov system (HR, 6.86; 95% CI, 2.74-17.18).

Conclusions and Relevance

The study findings indicate that 5-year OS for ONB is favorable and that incorporation of Hyams grade into traditional ONB staging systems is associated with improved estimation of disease progression.

Comparing the role of different treatment modalities in locoregionally advanced olfactory neuroblastoma: The 20-year clinical experience of a single institution

BACKGROUND

The clinical value of different treatment modalities, especially systemic chemotherapy (CT) in patients with locoregionally advanced olfactory neuroblastoma (LA ONB) remains unclear.

METHODS

Patients with LA ONB from 2000 to 2020 at our center were collected retrospectively. The entire cohort was divided into combined systemic and local therapy (CSLT) versus local therapy (LT) groups (grouping method 1), and the same cohort was divided into neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) versus non-NAC groups (grouping method 2). CSLT group included patients treated with CT + LT. LT group included patients treated with surgery (SG), radiotherapy (RT), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), or any combination of the above methods. LT group was further divided into mono-modality local therapy (MOLT) group and multi-modality local therapy (MULT) group. MOLT group included patients treated with RT alone or SG alone. MULT group included patients treated with SG + RT/CCRT, or CCRT alone. NAC group included patients treated with NAC + LT ± adjuvant chemotherapy (ADC). Non-NAC group included patients who received LT ± ADC.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients with LA ONB were included. The median follow-up was 80.2 months (range, 2.1-254.9). The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 70.2% and 61.3%, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients treated with NAC (n = 43) had significantly better overall survival (OS) compared with those without NAC (n = 68) (p = 0.041). Patients in MULT group (n = 45) had significantly improved OS (p = 0.004) and PFS (p = 0.003) compared with those in MOLT group (n = 15). Multivariate analysis identified NAC and CSLT (n = 51) were independent prognostic factors for superior OS (p = 0.020, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that CSLT, especially a combination of NAC and LT, improved the survival of patients with LA ONB. Multiple treatment modalities yielded better PFS and OS compared to single-modality treatment.

Imaging of Skull Base Tumors

The skull base provides a platform for supporting the brain while serving as a conduit for major neurovascular structures. In addition to malignant lesions originating in the skull base, there are many benign entities and developmental variants that may simulate disease. Therefore, a basic understanding of the relevant embryology is essential. Lesions centered in the skull base can extend to the adjacent intracranial and extracranial compartments; conversely, the skull base can be secondarily involved by primary extracranial and intracranial disease. CT and MRI are the mainstay imaging methods and are complementary in the evaluation of skull base lesions. Advances in cross-sectional imaging have been crucial in the management of patients with skull base pathology, as this represents a complex anatomical area that is hidden from direct clinical exam. Furthermore, the clinician must rely on imaging studies for therapy planning and to monitor treatment response. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of skull base anatomy and its various pathologies, as well as to recognize the appearance of treatment-related changes. In this review, we aim to describe skull base tumors and tumor-like lesions in an anatomical compartmental approach and present imaging methods that aid in diagnosis, management, and follow-up.

Proceedings of the 2023 North American Society of Head and Neck Pathology Companion Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 12, 2023: Navigating New Developments in High Grade Sinonasal Neuroendocrine and Neuroectodermal Neoplasms

Although the definitions of sinonasal neuroendocrine and neuroectodermal neoplasms did not change substantially in the 5th edition WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours, the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma remains quite challenging in practice. Ambiguities surrounding the amount of keratin expression allowable in ONB and the amount of neuroendocrine differentiation seen in sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) lead to significant diagnostic discrepancies at the high grade end of this tumor spectrum. Furthermore, a group of problematic neuroepithelial tumors that show overlapping features of ONB and neuroendocrine carcinoma have never been recognized in formal classification schemes. Since publication of the 5th edition WHO, two new tumor entities have been proposed that help resolve these problems. Olfactory carcinoma is defined by high grade keratin-positive neuroectodermal cells with frequent intermixed glands and shows recurrent Wnt pathway, ARID1A, and RUNX1 alterations. IDH2-mutant sinonasal carcinoma is a molecularly-defined category that encompasses tumors with undifferentiated (SNUC), large cell neuroendocrine, and neuroepithelial phenotypes. This review will provide a practical overview of these emerging entities and their application to diagnostic challenges in the post-WHO sinonasal neuroendocrine and neuroectodermal tumor classification.

Operative Technique and Complication Management in a Case of Giant Esthesioneuroblastoma Resected by a Combined Transcranial and Endonasal Endoscopic Approach: Technical Case Report

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare anterior skull base tumor derived from olfactory epithelium. There are very few operative videos in the literature demonstrating the surgical resection techniques for giant ENB because of their rarity and complexity. In this technical report, we demonstrate the microsurgical resection of a very large and complex high-grade ENB, initially deemed unresectable, through a bifrontal craniotomy and extended subfrontal approach combined with an endonasal endoscopic approach.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 34-year-old woman presented with headaches, nasal congestion, and bloody nasal drainage. MRI showed a large nasal cavity mass with extension into the anterior cranial fossa and bifrontal lobes. There was significant bifrontal edema causing headaches and abutting the optic nerves. Initial management with surgical resection was offered to the patient for local tumor control and to preserve her vision. A combined bifrontal craniotomy and endonasal transsphenoidal approach was used for resecting this giant tumor. After achieving gross total resection, we reconstructed the anterior skull base in layers. She developed several postoperative complications which were appropriately managed.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate the surgical resection of a giant ENB through a combined transcranial and endonasal endoscopic approach. We discuss the several postoperative complications in this complex case and the lessons learned.

Achieving Cure Without Surgery for Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare, undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasal cavity. It is an extremely rare malignancy, usually occurring in the sixth decade of life with no known underlying cause. In this case report, we present a 71-year-old male with an enlarging facial mass near the right medial nasal bridge, initially diagnosed as undifferentiated carcinoma on biopsy and later confirmed as olfactory neuroblastoma eroding into the anterior skull base. Our patient presented with the signs and symptoms of epiphora, epistaxis, intermittent headaches, anosmia, and an enlarging facial mass. The treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the importance of chemotherapy and adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment without the need for surgery. Further studies need to be done to divulge the risk factors for olfactory neuroblastoma and to implore new chemotherapeutic treatment modalities that minimize long-term mortality and morbidity.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma-A Challenging Fine Line between Metastasis and Hematology

Developing in a limited space, rare tumors located at the nose and paranasal sinuses are sometimes difficult to diagnose due to their modest clinical presentation, which is uncorrelated with anatomopathological diversity. This limits the preoperative diagnosis without added immune histochemical study; for that reason, we present our experience with these tumors with the intention of raising awareness. The patient included in our study was investigated by our department through clinical and endoscopic examination, imaging investigations, and an anatomic-pathological study. The selected patient gave consent for participation and inclusion in this research study in compliance with the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki.

Recurrent Esthesioneuroblastoma: Long-Term Outcomes of Salvage Therapy

INTRODUCTION

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising from the olfactory epithelium of the cribriform plate. Although survival is excellent with a reported 5-year overall survival (OS) of 82%, recurrence is frequent and occurs in 40-50% of cases. This study investigates the characteristics of ENB recurrence and the subsequent prognosis of patients with recurrence.

METHODS

The clinical records of all patients diagnosed as having ENB with subsequent recurrence at a tertiary hospital from 1 January 1960 to 1 January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 64 out of 143 ENB patients had recurrences. In total, 45 out of 64 recurrences met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. From these, 10 (22%) had a sinonasal recurrence, 14 (31%) had an intracranial recurrence, 15 (33%) had a regional recurrence, and 6 (13%) had a distal recurrence. The average interval from initial treatment to recurrence was 4.74 years. There were no differences in rates of recurrence with respect to age, sex, or types of surgery (endoscopic, transcranial, lateral rhinotomy, and combined). The time to recurrence was shorter for Hyams grades 3 and 4 compared to Hyams grades 1 and 2 (3.75 years vs. 5.70 years, p < 0.05). Patients with recurrence limited to the sinonasal region had a lower overall primary Kadish stage compared to recurrences beyond the sinonasal region (2.60 vs. 3.03, p < 0.05). A total of 9 (20%) out of 45 patients developed secondary recurrence. Following recurrence, the subsequent 5-year OS and PFS were 63 and 56%, respectively. The mean time to secondary recurrence after treatment of the primary recurrence was 32 months, which was significantly shorter than the time to primary recurrence (32 months vs. 57 months, p = 0.048). The mean age of the secondary recurrence group is significantly older than the primary recurrence group (59.78 years vs. 50.31 years, p = 0.02). No statistically significant differences were observed between the secondary recurrence group and the recurrence group in terms of their overall Kadish stages or Hyams grades.

CONCLUSIONS

Following an ENB recurrence, salvage therapy appears to be an effective therapeutic option with a subsequent 5-year OS of 63%. However, subsequent recurrences are not infrequent and may require additional therapy.

Updates in management strategies of locally advanced sinonasal malignancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sinonasal tumors are a rare heterogenous group of pathologies with poor prognosis. In recent years better definition and understanding of histology, molecular classification, biological behavior and advances in therapy have resulted in improved prognosis. The purpose of this review is to give an updated summary of the recent advances in treatment, and where relevant, with references to pathology classifications.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent publications highlight the role of induction chemotherapy and advances in radiotherapy in advanced cancers. In addition, better understanding of genomics and histology specific treatment algorithms has led to more tailored treatment approaches. The role of immunotherapy and targeted therapy are yet to be explored.

SUMMARY

This review gives an up to date summary of the advances in contemporary management strategies for locally advanced sinonasal malignancies and can serve as a guide for researchers and clinicians.

Immunohistochemical Profiling and Staging in Esthesioneuroblastoma: A Single-Center Cohort Study and Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare sinonasal malignant neoplasm with 40% 5-year survival. Because of the rarity of the tumor, the optimal treatment and subsequent prediction of prognosis are unclear. We studied a modern series of patients with ENB to evaluate the association of immunohistochemical (IHC) markers and clinical stages/grades with outcomes.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of patients with ENB treated during a 25-year period was performed. A systematic literature review evaluating the prognostic benefits of current staging systems in evaluating survival outcomes in ENB was undertaken.

RESULTS

Among 29 included patients, 25 (85%) were treated surgically at our institution, with 76% of those endoscopically resected; 7 (24.1%) received chemotherapy, and 18 (62.1%) received radiation therapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 91.3%, and 10-year OS was 78.3%. Progression-free survival at 5 and 10 years was 85.6% and 68.2%, respectively. A total of 36 distinct IHC markers were used to diagnose ENB but were inconsistent in predicting survival. A systematic literature review revealed predictive accuracy for OS using the Kadish, TNM, and Hyams staging/grading systems was 68%, 42%, and 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports the 5- and 10-year OS and progression-free survival in a modern series of patients with ENB. No traditional IHC marker consistently predicted outcome. Some novel reviewed markers show promise but have yet to enter clinical mainstream use. Our systematic review of accepted staging/grading systems also demonstrated a need for further investigation due to limited prognostic accuracy.

Long-term survival outcomes and recurrence patterns of olfactory neuroblastoma: A 13-year experience at a single institution

OBJECTIVES

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), also known as esthesioneuroblastoma, is a rare malignant neoplasm of the nasal vault and anterior skull base. The results of treatment for ONB are relatively good; however, regional and distant metastases can develop several years after definitive treatment. This study aimed to validate the treatment modality of ONB for oncological outcomes, especially for regional recurrence.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 22 patients diagnosed with ONB at Kyoto University Hospital between 2009 and 2020. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 58.2 months. One (4.5%) patient was clinically node positive, (cN+) and the remaining 21 (95.5%) were clinically node negative (cN0) at presentation. Eighteen patients underwent an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for primary resection, and the remaining four patients underwent a combined EEA and transcranial approach. Elective neck dissection was not performed for 21 patients with cN0 ONB, whereas unilateral neck dissection with removal of ipsilateral lateral retropharyngeal node was performed for one patient with cN+ ONB. Postoperative radiotherapy without concurrent chemotherapy was performed only at the primary tumor bed for 21 patients with cN0 ONB, and at the primary tumor bed and bilateral neck for one patient with cN+ ONB. The 5-year overall, disease-specific, and disease-free survival rates were 94.1%, 100%, and 69.6%, respectively. No patients developed local recurrence, but 6 (27.2%) patients experienced recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 36.4 months, including four and two patients who initially developed regional recurrences and bone metastases, respectively. Five (22.7%) patients had delayed neck recurrence. The salvage rate was only 60.0% in the five patients who had delayed neck recurrence. Regarding the level of delayed neck recurrence, 4 (18.2%) patients had lateral retropharyngeal lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSION

Patients with ONB have excellent survival outcomes after endoscopic surgical resection of the primary lesion with postoperative radiotherapy only to the primary tumor bed. Despite excellent survival, delayed neck recurrence, including the lateral retropharyngeal lymph node, remains high. Because salvage surgery for lateral retropharyngeal lymph node recurrence is sometimes technically difficult, it may be better to extend the field of postoperative radiotherapy from the primary tumor bed only to include bilateral lateral retropharyngeal lymph node regions in patients with clinically N0 ONB. Further prospective studies with a large number of patients are needed to determine the extent of postoperative radiotherapy.

Expressions of NeuroD and GAP43 as diagnostic markers for olfactory neuroblastoma

OBJECTIVE

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is often difficult to pathologically distinguish from other small round cell tumors (SRCTs) arising in the nasal cavities. Although there are several diagnostic markers used for differential diagnosis of ONB, these molecules are also expressed in various neuronal derived tumors. Here, we examined the expression of NeuroD, GAP43, and olfactory marker protein (OMP) in ONB and non-ONB SRCT to determine their utility in the differential diagnosis of ONB.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients diagnosed with and treated for ONB at Kobe University Hospital between 1997 and 2017 with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded biopsy or surgical resection specimens were included. The expressions of NeuroD, GAP43, and OMP were immunohistochemically examined in these 26 ONB specimens and specimens from 13 SRCTs arising in the nasal cavities for reference.

RESULTS

Among the 26 ONB samples, focal, patchy, and marked staining for NeuroD was observed in 4, 3, and 9 samples, respectively. Focal, patchy, and marked GAP43 staining was observed in 5, 3, and 11 samples, respectively. Consequently, marked positive staining for either NeuroD or GAP43 was observed in 54% (14/26) of ONBs. Among the 13 SRCTs, marked staining for NeuroD was observed in two small cell carcinomas, one undifferentiated carcinoma, and one neuroendocrine carcinoma, whereas marked positive staining for GAP43 was observed only in one undifferentiated carcinoma. No specimen in this study exhibited OMP staining.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest possible roles of GAP43 immunostaining in the differential diagnosis of ONB.

Sinonasal Tumors With Neuroepithelial Differentiation (Olfactory Carcinoma): Delineation of Their Pathologic and Clinical Features With Insights into Their Relationship to Olfactory Neuroblastoma and Sinonasal Carcinoma

Olfactory carcinoma is one of many names applied to sinonasal malignancies with histologic similarity to olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) but cytokeratin expression or gland formation. It is unclear whether these neuroepithelial tumors represent a unified category and if they are separate from ONB and currently-recognized sinonasal carcinomas. This study aims to explore their clinicopathologic characteristics based on a large collective experience. A total of 53 sinonasal tumors with neuroepithelial differentiation were identified affecting 41 men and 12 women, median age 47 years (range: 12 to 82 y). The vast majority arose in the superior nasal cavity and presented at the high Kadish-Morita stage. Frequent histologic findings included (1) lobulated and solid growth, (2) rosettes and/or neurofibrillary stroma, (3) high-grade cytology, (4) complex, often ciliated glands, (5) nonfocal pancytokeratin expression, (6) neuroendocrine pos+itivity, and (7) variable S100-positive sustentacular cells. Twelve patients with available follow-up (48%) developed progressive disease at a median 8 months (range: 0 to 114 mo to progression), and 7 (28%) died of disease. Despite disparate historical terminology, neuroepithelial differentiation is a recurrent and recognizable histologic pattern that is associated with aggressive behavior in sinonasal tumors. While tumors with this phenotype may originate from olfactory mucosa, well-developed epithelial features warrant separation from conventional ONB and neural elements distinguish them from most sinonasal carcinomas. Although their full histogenesis remains uncertain and some heterogeneity may exist, we propose that this pattern is sufficiently distinctive to merit separate recognition as olfactory carcinoma. Use of consistent nomenclature may facilitate greater recognition of tumors with this phenotype and understanding of their pathogenesis and classification.

Olfactory Neuroblastomas: What Actually Happens in the Long-Term?

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term oncologic outcome and review the state of the art in the management of olfactory neuroblastomas. Material and Methods: The records of all patients treated for olfactory neuroblastomas in two academic departments between 1975 and 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Data on epidemiological parameters were collected (age, gender), along with staging (Kadish, Morita), histologic grading (Hyams), time and form of treatment, locoregional control, and disease-specific and overall survival. Patients with other malignant diseases, distant metastases of olfactory neuroblastomas at the time of initial diagnosis, a follow-up time of less than 5 years, or insufficient clinical-pathological data were excluded from further analysis. Results: In total, 53 cases made up our final study sample (26 men, 27 women; male–female ratio 0.96:1). Their mean age was 48.6 years (range: 10–84 years). The mean follow-up time was 137.5 months (4–336 months, SD: 85.0). A total of 5 out of 53 study cases (9.4%) showed metastatic involvement of the neck at the time of initial presentation. Local recurrence was detected in 8/53 (15.1%) and regional recurrence in 7/53 of our study cases (13.2%). Three patients (42.8%) from the group of cases with surgery as the sole form of management (7/53, 13.2%) died due to the disease. The cumulative disease-specific survival and overall survivalfor the whole group of patients were 88.6% and 63.6%, respectively. The cumulative disease-specific survival stratified by Kadish A/B vs. Kadish C/D as well as Hyams I/II vs. Hyams III/IV showed superior results for limited tumors, albeit without significance, and low-grade tumors (highly significant difference). Conclusion: Craniofacial or sometimes solely endoscopically controlled resection can warrant resection of the olfactory neuroblastoma with wide margins. However, locoregional failures and distant metastases can occur after a long period of time. The non-negligible incidence of regional recurrences, partly in unusual localizations, leads us to consider the need to identify the “recurrence-friendly” cases and to perform individualized elective irradiation of the neck in cases with high-risk features.

Long-term oncologic outcomes in esthesioneuroblastoma: An institutional experience of 143 patients

OBJECTIVE

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignant neoplasm arising from the olfactory epithelium of the cribriform plate. The goal of this study was to update our oncologic outcomes for this disease and explore prognostic factors associated with survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with ENB treated at a single tertiary care institution from January 1, 1960, to January 1, 2020. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were reported.

RESULTS

Among 143 included patients, the 5-year OS was 82.3% and the 5-year PFS was 51.6%; 5-year OS and PFS have improved in the modern era (2005-present). Delayed regional nodal metastasis was the most common site of recurrence in 22% of patients (median, 57 months). On univariate analysis, modified Kadish staging (mKadish) had a negative effect on OS, PFS, and DMFS (p < 0.05). Higher Hyams grade had a negative effect on PFS and DMFS (p < 0.05). Positive margin status had a negative effect on PFS (p < 0.05). Orbital invasion demonstrated worsening OS (hazard ratio, 3.1; p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, high Hyams grade (3 or 4), high mKadish stage (C+D), and increasing age were independent negative prognostic factors for OS (p < 0.05). High Hyams grade (3+4), high mKadish stage (C+D), age, and positive margin status were independent negative prognostic factors for PFS (p < 0.05). High Hyams grade (3+4) was an independent negative prognostic factor for DMFS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with low Hyams grade and mKadish stage have favorable 5-year OS, PFS, and DMFS.

Association of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status With Esthesioneuroblastoma Presentation, Treatment, and Survival

Objective

Socioeconomic and other demographic factors are associated with outcomes in head and neck cancer. This study uses a national cancer database to explore how patient race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with esthesioneuroblastoma outcomes, including 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS), conditional DSS, stage at diagnosis, and treatment.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Patients with esthesioneuroblastomas between 1973 and 2015 from the SEER registry (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results).

Methods

The National Cancer Institute Yost Index, a census tract–level composite score composed of 7 parameters, was used to categorize the SES of patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were conducted to assess DSS. Conditional DSS was calculated per estimates from simplified Cox models. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for advanced cancer stage at diagnosis and the likelihood of receiving multimodal therapy.

Results

Complete data were included for 561 patients. DSS was significantly associated with SES (log-rank, P < .01) but not race. According to Cox regression, DSS was worse for the lowest SES tertile vs the highest (hazard ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.05-2.75]; P = .03). Patients of the lowest SES tertile exhibited an increased risk of advanced cancer stage at diagnosis as compared with the highest SES tertile (odds ratio, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.06-3.30]; P = .035). Black patients (odds ratio, 0.44 [95% CI, 0.24-0.84]; P = .011) were less likely than other patients to receive multimodal therapy. SES alone was not associated with receiving multimodal therapy.

Conclusion

SES is significantly associated with DSS and conditional DSS for patients with esthesioneuroblastomas. Inequalities in access to care and treatment likely contribute to these disparities.

Clinical outcomes, Kadish-INSICA staging and therapeutic targeting of somatostatin receptor 2 in olfactory neuroblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare cancer of the sinonasal region. We provide a comprehensive analysis of this malignancy with molecular and clinical trial data on a subset of our cohort to report on the potential efficacy of somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2)-targeting imaging and therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 404 primary, locally recurrent, and metastatic olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) patients from 12 institutions in the United States of America, United Kingdom and Europe. Clinicopathological characteristics and treatment approach were evaluated. SSTR2 expression, SSTR2-targeted imaging and the efficacy of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy [PRRT](177Lu-DOTATATE) were reported in a subset of our cohort (LUTHREE trial; NCT03454763).

RESULTS

Dural infiltration at presentation was a significant predictor of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in primary cases (n = 278). Kadish-Morita staging and Dulguerov T-stage both had limitations regarding their prognostic value. Multivariable survival analysis demonstrated improved outcomes with lower stage and receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy. Prophylactic neck irradiation significantly reduces the rate of nodal recurrence. 82.4% of the cohort were positive for SSTR2; treatment of three metastatic cases with SSTR2-targeted peptide-radionuclide receptor therapy (PRRT) in the LUTHREE trial was well-tolerated and resulted in stable disease (SD).

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents pertinent clinical data from the largest dataset, to date, on ONB. We identify key prognostic markers and integrate these into an updated staging system, highlight the importance of adjuvant radiotherapy across all disease stages, the utility of prophylactic neck irradiation and the potential efficacy of targeting SSTR2 to manage disease.

Regional Recurrences and Hyams Grade in Esthesioneuroblastoma

Objective  The aim of this study is to determine if Hyams grade may help predict which patients with esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) tumors are likely to develop regional recurrences, and to determine the impact of tumor extent on regional failure in ENB patients without evidence of nodal disease at presentation. Design  The study was designed as a retrospective review for ENB patients. Settings  The study was prepared at tertiary care academic center for ENB patients. Participants  Patients with ENB were included in the study. Main Outcome Measures   Oncologic outcomes (5-year regional and locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival) in patients with Hyams low grade versus high grade. Oncologic outcomes based on radiographic disease extent. Results  A total of 43 patients were included. Total 25 patients (58%) had Hyams low-grade tumor, and 18 (42%) had high-grade tumor. Of the 34 patients without regional disease at presentation, 8 (24%) were treated with elective nodal radiation. There were no statistically significant differences in 5-year regional control in the Hyams low-grade versus high-grade groups (78 vs. 89%; p  = 0.4). The 5-year LRC rates in patients with low grade versus high grade were 73 versus 89% ( p  = 0.6). The 5-year overall survival rates in patients with low-grade versus high-grade tumors were 86 versus 63% ( p  = 0.1). Radiographic extension of disease into the olfactory groove, olfactory nerve, dura, and periorbita were statistically associated with decreased 5-year overall survival (5-year OS 49 vs. 91% [ p  = 0.04], 49 vs. 91% [ p  = 0.04], 44 vs. 92% [ p  = 0.02], and 44 vs. 80% [ p  = 0.04], respectively). Conclusion  ENBs are associated with a risk of regional failure. The current analysis suggests that Hyams low-grade and high-grade malignancies have comparable rates of early and delayed regional recurrences, although small sample size may limit our conclusions.

Esthesioneuroblastoma Presenting With Orbital Hypertelorism and Foster-Kennedy Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare neoplasm originating from the olfactory neuroepithelium at the cribriform plate. The superior nasal cavity is primarily affected. Morbidity and mortality are related to locally destructive growth as well as metastatic potential. Orbital involvement is associated with decreased survival. The authors describe a case of advanced esthesioneuroblastoma with bilateral orbital involvement, presenting with a rare constellation of orbital hypertelorism and Foster-Kennedy Syndrome.

The neurosurgical management of sinonasal malignancies involving the anterior skull base: a 28-year experience at The MD Anderson Cancer Center

OBJECTIVE

Sinonasal malignancies that extend to the anterior skull base frequently require neurosurgical intervention. The development of techniques for craniofacial resection revolutionized the management of these neoplasms, but modern and long-term data are lacking, particularly those related to the incorporation of endoscopic techniques and novel adjuvant chemotherapeutics into management schema. The present study was performed to better define the utility of surgical management and to determine factors related to outcome.

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgery between 1993 and 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Only patients with greater than 6 months of clinical and radiological follow-up were included. Outcome measures included progression, survival, and treatment-related complications.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-five patients were included. The mean clinical follow-up was 6.5 years. The most common histological diagnosis was olfactory neuroblastoma (33%). Overall, metastatic disease and brain invasion were present in 8% and 19% of patients, respectively, at the time of surgery. A lumbar drain was used in 54% of patients. When stratified by decade, higher-stage disease at surgery became more frequent over time (15% of patients had metastatic disease in the 3rd decade of the study period vs 4% in the 1st decade). Despite the inclusion of patients with progressively higher-stage disease, median overall survival (OS) remained stable in each decade at approximately 10 years (p = 0.16). OS was significantly worse in patients with brain invasion (p = 0.006) or metastasis at the time of surgery (p = 0.014). Complications occurred after 28% of operations, but typically resulted in no long-term negative sequelae. Use of a lumbar drain was a significant predictor of complications (p = 0.02). Permanent ophthalmological disabilities were observed after 4% of surgical procedures. One patient died during the perioperative period. Finally, major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ IIIb) decreased from 27% of patients in the 1st decade to 10% in the 3rd decade (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical management of sinonasal malignancies with anterior skull base involvement is effective and generally safe. Surgical management, however, is only one facet of the overall multimodal management paradigms created to optimize patient outcomes. Survival outcomes have remained stable despite more extensive disease at surgery in patients who have presented in recent decades. The safety of such surgery has improved over time owing to the incorporation of endoscopic surgical techniques and the avoidance of lumbar spinal drainage with open resection.

Absence of Survival Improvement for Patients with Esthesioneuroblastoma Over the Past 2 Decades: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare malignancy of the sinonasal tract and its infrequency has confounded efforts at clearly describing the survival trends associated with this neoplasm over the years. In this study, we reviewed survival trends in ENB and investigated the impact of treatment extent and modality on patient outcomes.

METHODS

We accessed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) program to identify ENB cases from 1998 to 2016. A χ² test was used to compare the categorical covariates and a t test or Mann-Whitney U test was utilized for continuous variables. The impact of prognostic factors on survival was computed using a Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. We divided ENB patients into 4 periods including 1998-2002, 2003-2007, 2008-2012, and 2013-2016, and investigated survival trends using the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test.

RESULTS

ENB patients who underwent biopsy alone were associated with older age, larger tumor diameter, increased rates of tumor extension, nodal/distant metastases, and advanced stages as compared with patients undergoing tumor resection. Our results also demonstrated that surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy could confer survival advantages, whereas chemotherapy was associated with reduced survival in patients with ENB. Over the past 2 decades, surprisingly, there has been no change in survival rates for patient with ENB (P = 0.793).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advanced diagnostic studies and modernized treatment approaches, ENB survival has remained unchanged over the years, calling for improved efforts to develop appropriate individualized interventions for this rare tumor entity. Our results also confirmed that surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improved patient survival whereas the use of chemotherapy should be considered carefully.

Surgical Management of Sinonasal Cancers: A Comprehensive Review

Surgery plays an important role in the treatment of sinonasal cancer. Many surgical approaches have been described, including open, endoscopic, or combined approaches. The choice is based on several criteria: general criteria related to the oncological results and morbidity of each technique, specific criteria related to the tumor (tumor extensions, tumor pathology), the patient, or the surgeon himself. The aims of this review are (i) to provide a complete overview of the surgical techniques available for the management of sinonasal malignant tumors, with a special focus on recent developments in the field of transnasal endoscopic surgery; (ii) to summarize the criteria that lead to the choice of one technique over another. In particular, the oncological outcomes, the morbidity of the different techniques, and the specificities of each histologic subtype will be discussed based on a comprehensive literature review.

Long-Term Outcomes of Olfactory Neuroblastoma: MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare sinonasal malignant neoplasm that is known to develop late recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with ONB and to determine the factors associated with prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the medical records of 139 patients diagnosed with ONB at MD Anderson Cancer Center was performed between 1991 and 2016. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess survival.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 75 months. Overall, 129 patients (92.8%) had surgery as part of their treatment and 82 (58.9%) patients received postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Endoscopic approaches were utilized for 72 patients, 69.4% of whom had pure endoscopic endonasal approaches. Five-year overall survival and disease-specific survival were 85.6% and 93.4%, respectively. Recurrence rate was 39.6% with a median time to recurrence of 42 months. Among the 31 patients who received elective nodal irradiation (ENI), two patients developed neck recurrence (6.4%) compared with 20 who developed neck recurrence when ENI was omitted (34.4%) (P = .003). Advanced Kadish stage, orbital invasion, intracranial invasion, and presence of cervical lymphadenopathy at the time of presentation were significantly associated with poor survival.

CONCLUSION

ONB has an excellent survival. Surgical resection with PORT when indicated is the mainstay of treatment. Endoscopic approaches can be used as a good tool. Elective neck irradiation reduces the risk of nodal recurrence among patients with clinically N0 neck. Despite the excellent survival, recurrence rate remains high and delayed, highlighting the need for long-term surveillance.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 2021.

Elective neck irradiation in the management of esthesioneuroblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus about the optimal management of the neck in clinically node negative esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). The aim of this study is to assess the impact of elective neck irradiation (ENI) in terms of regional disease control and survival.

METHODS

The study was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines searching on Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases. The primary outcome was the regional recurrence rate (RRR), that was reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Secondary outcomes were the overall survival (OS), and the distant-metastases free survival (DMFS), that were reported as logarithm of the hazard ratios (logHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 489 clinically node negative patients were included from 9 retrospective studies. ENI significantly reduced the risk of regional recurrence compared to no treatment. No difference was measured between ENI and observation, according to both OS and DMFS. No stratified analysis could be performed based on Kadish stage and Hyams grade.

CONCLUSIONS

ENI should be recommended to improve the regional disease control. No advantage was measured in terms of survival or distant metastases with a low quality of evidence. Further prospective studies should be designed to understand if ENI could be avoided in early stage and low-grade tumors.

Doing Great With DOTATATE: Update on GA-68 DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Evaluation of Sinonasal Tumors

ABSTRACT

Sinonasal tumors are relatively rare and radiographically challenging to evaluate due to their wide variety of pathologies and imaging features. However, sinonasal tumors possessing somatostatin receptor overexpression have the benefit of utilizing a multimodality anatomic and functional imaging for a more comprehensive evaluation. This is particularly evident with esthesioneuroblastoma, with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging defining the anatomic extent of the tumor, whereas somatostatin receptor imaging, particularly with gallium-68 DOTATATE positron emission tomography/computed tomography, is used to assess the presence of metastatic disease for staging purposes as well as in the surveillance for tumor recurrence. In addition, areas which accumulate gallium-68 DOTATATE are potentially amenable to treatment with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. In this manner, a combined approach of anatomic and functional imaging is critical for optimal imaging evaluation and treatment strategy of patients with sinonasal tumors.

Model to predict cause-specific mortality in patients with olfactory neuroblastoma: a competing risk analysis

Purpose

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality and other causes of mortality for patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB). The secondary aim was to model the probability of cause-specific death and build a competing risk nomogram to predict cause-specific mortality for this disease.

Methods

Patients with ONB from 1975 to 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. We estimated the cumulative incidence function (CIF) for cause-specific mortality and other causes of mortality, and constructed the Fine and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard model, as well as a competing-risk nomogram based on Fine and Gray’s model, to predict the probability of cause-specific mortality for patients with ONB.

Results

After data selection, 826 cases were included for analysis. Five-year cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality was 19.5% and cumulative incidence of other causes of mortality was 11.3%. Predictors of cause-specific mortality for ONB included tumor stage, surgery and chemotherapy. Age was most strongly predictive of other causes of mortality: patients aged > 60 years exhibited subdistribution hazard ratios of 1.063 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.08; p = 0.001). The competing risk nomogram for cause-specific mortality was well-calibrated, and had good discriminative ability (concordance index = 0.79).

Conclusions

We calculated the CIF of cause-specific mortality and other causes of mortality in patients with the rare malignancy ONB. We also built the first competing risk nomogram to provide useful individualized predictive information for patients with ONB.

The role of chemotherapy in the management of olfactory neuroblastoma: A 40-year surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry study

BACKGROUND

In this retrospective surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) registry analysis, we investigated the role of chemotherapy (CT) in the treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma (ON), an exceedingly rare sino-nasal tumor typically treated with surgery and/or radiation therapy (RT).

METHODS

We analyzed all patients in the SEER registry diagnosed with a single primary malignancy of ON, a primary tumor site within the nasal cavity or surrounding sinuses, sufficient staging information to derive Kadish staging, and >0 days of survival, ensuring follow-up data. Receipt of CT in the SEER registry was documented as either Yes or No/Unknown.

RESULTS

Six hundred and thirty-six patients were identified. One hundred and ninety-five patients received CT as part of their treatment for ON. Following propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting, there was inferior overall survival (OS) (HR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3-2.2, P = .001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.4, P < .001) for patients who received CT compared to those who were not treated with CT or had unknown CT status. On subgroup analysis, the only patient population that derived benefit from CT were patients who did not receive surgery and were treated with CT and/or RT (HR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.14-0.61, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this retrospective SEER registry analysis, the use of CT in the management of ON is associated with decreased OS. Our analysis suggests that patients who are considered nonsurgical candidates may benefit from the addition of CT.

Rare Diseases of the Nose, the Paranasal Sinuses, and the Anterior Skull Base

Due to their low incidence and thus resulting limited diagnostic criteria as well as therapeutic options, rare diseases of the nose, the paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base are a significant challenge. The value as of which a disease has to be considered as rare amounts to a maximum of 5 patients per 10 000 people. Within these diseases, however, there are extreme differences. Some rare or orphan diseases like for example the inverted papilloma belong to regularly diagnosed and treated diseases of larger departments of oto-rhino-laryngology whereas other rare diseases and malformations have only been described in less than 100 case reports worldwide. This fact emphasizes the necessity of bundling the available experience of diagnostics and therapy. The present article gives an overview about rare diseases of the nose, the paranasal sinuses, and the anterior skull base from the field of diseases/syndromes of the olfactory system, malformations of the nose and paranasal sinuses, ventilation and functional disorders as well as benign and malignant tumors. The classification and data on diagnostic and therapeutic options were established based on the current literature.

Long-Term Survival Outcomes and Treatment Experience of 64 Patients With Esthesioneuroblastoma

Background: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare sinonasal malignancy, lacking a unified staging system and treatment. Management at a single center was retrospectively evaluated to inform future treatment options and prognostic factors. Methods: Clinical data of 64 consecutive ENB patients, including prognostic factors and treatment methods, were reviewed retrospectively. Data were collected to calculate overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Results: The majority of tumors 84.4% were within Kadish C stage, 79.7% were within T3 or T4, and 64.0% were within Hyams grade III or IV. A total of 50 (78.1%) patients received surgery and combined radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, 10 (15.6%) received surgery with or without chemotherapy alone, and 4 (6.3%) received radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy alone. The majority of patients (79.7%) underwent endoscopic resection (endoscopic and endoscopically assisted). Surgery combined with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy resulted in significantly better OS (84.4 vs. 50.6%, 84.4 vs. 37.5%) compared to surgery alone and radiotherapy alone (P = 0.0064). Endoscopic surgery group (endoscopic and endoscopically assisted) resulted in significantly better 5-year PFS (61.7 vs. 22.2%) compared to the open surgery group (P < 0.001). Although endoscopic surgery group was not a statistically significant predictor of 5-year OS (P = 0.54), the 5-year OS was 79.3% for the endoscopic surgery group and 76.2% for the open surgery group. A Cox regression analysis identified intracranial extension and surgery combined with radiotherapy as independent factors affecting 5-year OS while cervical lymph node metastasis and Hyams grade IV as independent factors affecting 5-year PFS. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that surgery combined with radiotherapy is the best treatment approach for ENB. For advanced tumors, endoscopic surgery is an effective treatment, and its survival rate is equal to or better than open surgery.

Facial disfigurement due to olfactory neuroblastoma: beauty regained with chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a sinonasal malignancy seldom seen in clinical practice. It is also known by various other names like esthesioneuroblastoma, esthesioneuroepithelioma, esthesioneurocytoma, and esthesioneuroma. Surgery and radiation therapy are considered as standard treatment modalities for ONB; however, the role of chemotherapy is not well established.

AIMS

We aim to define the role of chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting in a case of ONB.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report a young female patient presenting with a naso-facial swelling causing facial disfigurement, proptosis, decreased visual acuity, and poor performance status. She was diagnosed with advanced-stage ONB. Prompt administration of chemotherapy led to the improvement in the symptoms and rapid regression of the tumor mass. Later on, the tumor mass was excised completely without any neurological deficit.

CONCLUSION

This report justifies the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the management of ONB.

Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Paranasal Sinuses: Radiologic Features in 14 Cases

The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) features of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) of paranasal sinuses.

Radiation-induced intracranial osteosarcoma of the anterior skull base after treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is an uncommon sinonasal cancer of the olfactory neuroepithelium that is typically treated with surgical resection followed by radiation therapy. Radiation-induced intracranial osteosarcoma of the skull base is a rare but devastating long-term complication of radiation therapy in this region. Here, we present a case of an 82-year-old patient who developed radiation-induced osteosarcoma of the anterior skull base and paranasal sinuses 10 years after radiation therapy following resection of an ENB. Older patients may be at risk of developing this complication earlier and with a worse prognosis relative to younger patients. Treating physicians/surgeons should be aware of this devastating complication. Patients who are treated with high-dose radiation therapy in this region should be followed for many years.

Orbital invasion by Esthesioneuroblastoma: a comparative case series and review of literature

Purpose: To review the current literature on esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) as it pertains to clinical features, grading systems, treatment options, and survival.Methods: A literature search in PubMed was performed to include all articles published in English with orbit involving ENB. Only articles that included each patient's demographics, tumor stage, treatment, or survival were included. A total of 22 articles with 104 patients were considered for this literature review. We also present five cases of ENB, all encountered in our health system, between 2010 and 2020.Results: The median age of diagnosis of orbit involving ENB was 44.5 years. Males were more likely affected than females at 72.9%. Common presenting ocular symptoms were visual change (38.1%), periorbital pain (33.3%), and diplopia (14.3%). Common clinical exam findings were proptosis (47.6%), extraocular movement deficit (23.8%), and periorbital edema (19.0%). Twenty-seven patients (77.1%) received surgery, 22 patients (62.9%) received chemotherapy, and 30 patients (85.7%) received radiation therapy as part of their treatment. Median duration of survival was 124.0 months and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 67.1%. Hyams, Kadish, and Dulguerov T-staging showed inconsistent survival prognosis while orbital invasion and lymph node metastasis had worse outcomes. Our five cases exhibited the spectrum of disease processes evidenced above, with four involving the orbit.Conclusions: ENB is a rare sinonasal tumor that can invade the orbit. Because of its rarity, no single staging system appears superior. Resection with radiation therapy has superior survival results while the benefits of chemotherapy are currently unknown.

Development and validation of a postoperative nomogram for predicting overall survival after endoscopic surgical management of olfactory neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignancy arising in the nasal vault. Endoscopic resection has been reported to improve overall survival (OS). At present, clinicopathological predictors of the prognosis of ONB remain undefined.

METHODS

Data including demographics, clinical characteristics and follow-up information of ONB patients treated with endoscopic surgery were collected. Risk factors on OS rates were investigated by LASSO and Cox analyses. A nomogram was developed and evaluated with internal validation. Risk groups were established according to patients' points in the nomogram.

FINDINGS

154 ONB patients treated with surgery were included in this single center study. A nomogram based on multivariate Cox regression model including multiple tumor history, orbital invasion, carotid canal invasion, modified Kadish stage, delivery sequence of RT and surgery, sequence of chemotherapy and surgery was developed. The bias-corrected C-index (0.886 [95% CI: 0.843-0.943]) was significantly higher than of conventional staging classifications. The AUC of nomogram regarding 1-, 2- and 5-year OS probabilities reached 0.912, 0.929 and 0.957, respectively. The risk levels based on nomogram points were more discriminative than conventional classifications.

INTERPRETATION

Validation analysis showed good predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram. Therefore, the nomogram could be utilized to individually predict survival probability for ONB patients after endoscopic resection.

FUNDING

This study was funded by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019-I2M-5-003), the Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (No. 19411950600), the Shanghai Hospital Development Center (No. SHDC12018118) and the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University (No. SYB202006).

Occult olfactory neuroblastoma presenting with multiple bone metastases: a case report

RATIONABLE

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant tumor of the nasal cavity, the primary local symptoms are usually inconspicuous. Patients are often admitted to various specialties based on different primary symptoms, which may result in delayed diagnosis and even a misdiagnosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here we report a case of ONB that presented initially as multiple ostealgia without any local symptoms of the tumor and primarily misdiagnosed as multiple myeloma. The patient was a 47-year-old female with bone pain at multiple sites. The initial diagnosis was considered as multiple myeloma. However, the morphologic examination of bone marrow suggested that the tumor cells originated from the nervous tissues. After the positron emission computed tomography scan, the primary lesion in the nasal cavity was located, and a biopsy was performed.

DIAGNOSIS

The final diagnosis of ONB was confirmed by histopathological tests.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with metronomic chemotherapy.

OUTCOMES

The symptoms of bone pain were significantly relieved 3 months later. The emission computed tomography scan of the whole body bones and the magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed that the tumor size did not change significantly and proved a progression-free of the disease.

LESSONS

It is a reasonable strategy to identify the original latent tumor by a prompt positron emission computed tomography scan when the primary diagnosis indicates a metastatic disease, especially for the occult malignancies like ONB.

Surgery as Single-Modality Treatment for Early-Stage Olfactory Neuroblastoma: An Institutional Experience, Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

For olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), the combination of surgical tumor resection and radiation therapy (RT) has been considered the "gold standard" in treatment protocols intended to cure.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize evidence on the treatment of ONB using surgery alone.

METHODS

A retrospective institutional case series, a systematic review of the literature, and an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis on only surgically treated ONB patients.

RESULTS

At our institution, a total of 10 patients were treated through surgery alone and remained alive and free of disease at last follow-up. The IPD meta-analysis on 128 patients revealed a disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of 67.7% and 75.4% at 5 years and 57.1% and 71.9% at 10 years, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that Kadish stage C/D and Hyams grading III//IV significantly affected OS (P = 0.000 and P = 0.000) and DFS (P = 0.000 and P = 0.002). For low-risk patients, the DFS was 80.6% at 5 years and 67.8% at 10 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery alone is an equivalent alternative to combined treatment in carefully selected low-risk ONB patients with better outcome measures than previously reported.

Short-Term Morbidity and Predictors of Adverse Events Following Esthesioneuroblastoma Surgery

INTRODUCTION

The short-term adverse events and predictors of morbidity in surgical resection of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) are largely unknown, and investigating these variables can help direct planning for at-risk patients.

METHODS

The 2005-2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify patients with a diagnosis of ENB undergoing skull base surgery for tumor resection. Information regarding demographics, patient morbidity score, pre-operative and intra-operative data, and post-operative outcomes were extracted. Cox proportional hazard analysis was utilized to assess complication and readmission/reoperation rates.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients undergoing skull base surgery for resection of ENB were included. Mean age, BMI, operation time, and post-operative length of stay (LOS) of the cohort were 53.6 ± 16.2 years, 29.1 ± 6.5, 392.0 ± 204.6 minutes, and 5.8 ± 4.6 days, respectively. In total, 31 patients (32.6%) experienced at least one 30-day adverse event, which included blood transfusion intra-operatively or within 72 hours from the operation (22.1%), readmission (10.7%), intubation >48 hours (7.4%), reintubation (4.2%), organ or space infection (4.2%), reoperation (4.0%), superficial or deep surgical site infection (2.1%), sepsis (2.1%), pulmonary embolism (1.1%), and myocardial infarction (1.1%). Patients who experienced at least one adverse event had significantly higher operation time (486.8 ± 230.4 vs. 347.5 ± 176.2 minutes, p = 0.002), LOS (9.2 ± 5.6 days vs. 4.2 ± 3.0, p < 0.001), and lower hematocrit (37.3 ± 5.9 vs. 41.2 ± 3.8, p < 0.001) and albumin levels (3.8 ± 0.6 vs. 4.2 ± 0.3, p = 0.009). Patients with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (HR = 2.39; p = 0.047) or longer operation time (HR = 1.004; p = 0.001) had a significantly higher risk for experiencing adverse events. Obesity was not associated with different intra- or post-operative outcomes, but older patients had shorter operations (p = 0.002) and LOS (p = 0.0014).

CONCLUSION

Longer operation time and lower pre-operative hematocrit and albumin levels may all increase complication rates in ENB resection. Patients with high ASA score or more advanced age may have different short-term outcomes.