Multicenter assessment of exclusive endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of 53 olfactory neuroblastomas

Forty-Year Long-Term Outcome After Endoscopic and Open Surgery for Esthesioneuroblastoma in Consideration of Prognostic Factors

Background: The objective of this study was to compare results after endoscopic (ES) and open surgery (OpS) for esthesioneuroblastoma over a 40-year period. Methods: In a retrospective study, patients who had undergone ES and OpS for esthesioneuroblastoma with curative intent were included. The following outcome parameters were compared after ES and OpS: epidemiologic, clinical (including known tumor classifications), histopathologic, therapeutic (resection state, adjuvant therapy), and development of recurrences. Crude survival and Kaplan-Meier 10 y, 20 y, and 35 y actuarial survival were calculated. Results: Between 1981 and 2021, 15 patients were operated with ES and 28 with OpS. Advanced-stage tumors were significantly more often treated using OpS. For all other parameters, there were no other significant differences between ES and OpS. After ES, the 35 y OS, DSS, and DFS were 48.1%, 100%, and 55.9%, respectively. After OpS, they were 40.5%, 77.5%, and 35.3%. Conclusions: ES is an effective approach in esthesioneuroblastoma, even in the long-term course over decades, if the appropriate indication compared to OpS is respected.

The value of elective neck irradiation in management of esthesioneuroblastoma: a retrospective study based on propensity score matching

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy of elective neck irradiation (ENI) in patients with esthesineuroblastoma (ENB), a rare malignant neoplasm, who are clinically node-negative.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 178 patients newly diagnosed with ENB at our institution between 2009 and 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to compare node-negative patients treated with and without ENI. We extensively examined survival outcomes and treatment failure.

RESULTS

Of the 178 participants, 149 (83.7%) were lymph node-negative and staged in Modified Kadish A-C. 96 patients underwent ENI treatment, while 53 did not. At baseline, patients who received ENI differed from those who did not in terms of radiotherapy technique, staging, orbital invasion, surgical mode, and chemotherapy. After PSM, 43 pairs were available for analysis. ENI was observed to extend overall survival (OS, 5-year 73.9% vs. 84.0%; 3-year 76.9% vs. 97.1%, p = 0.022), progression-free survival (PFS, 5-year 38.5% vs. 84.6%; 3-year 50.5% vs. 94.5%, p < 0.001) and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS, 5-year 42.7% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.023; 3-year 57.3% vs. 94.5%, p < 0.001) in node-negative ENI patients. Failure pattern analyses revealed that ENI, which included level Ib, II, VIIa, significantly reduced the treatment failure rate. Furthermore, ENI did not significantly impact the prognosis of T1-2 patients, indicating potential clinical value of ENI in T3-4 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that ENI decreased regional failure and significantly enhanced LRFS and PFS. ENI may be considered as an integral part of the initial treatment strategy for locally advanced node-negative ENB patients.

Endoscopic Endonasal Reconstruction of Intraoperative Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Different Skull Base Regions: Outcomes, Meningitis, and Risk Factors

OBJECTIVES

Various nonvascularized or vascularized techniques have been adopted in endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for repairing intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks after tumor resection. Vascularized nasoseptal flaps, free nasoseptal grafts, free turbinate grafts, and fascia lata and mashed muscle are frequently used. Outcomes of those grafts applied in the defects of different regions need to be clarified.

METHODS

The data from a series of 162 patients with skull base tumor who underwent EES that had intraoperative CSF leak between Jan 2012 and Jan 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The regions included anterior skull base, sellar region, clivus and infratemporal fossa. Repair failure rate (RFR), meningitis rate, and associated risk factors were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 172 reconstructions were performed in 162 patients for the 4 sites of the skull base. There were 7 cases (4.3%) that had postoperative CSF leaks, which required second repair. The RFR for anterior skull base, sellar region, clivus, and infratemporal fossawas 2.6%, 2.2%, 16.7%, and 0%, respectively. The clivus defect was an independent risk factor for repair failure (P < 0.01). The postoperative meningitis rate was 5.6%. Repair failure was an independent risk factor for meningitis (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Vascularized nasoseptal flap, free nasoseptal graft, free turbinate graft, and fascia lata and mashed muscle are reliable autologous materials for repairing the dural defects in different regions during EES. Clivus reconstruction remains a great challenge, which had a higher RFR and meningitis rate. Repair failure is significantly associated with postoperative meningitis.

Twelve years after: The french national network on rare head and neck tumours (REFCOR)

BACKGROUND

Rare cancers constitute less than 10% of head and neck cancers and lack sufficient evidence for standardized care. The French Rare Head and Neck Cancer Expert Network (REFCOR) as established a national database to collect data on these rare cancers. This study aims to describe patient and tumour characteristics in this database.

METHODS

Prospective data collection was conducted across multiple centers. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan Meier method and Log Rank test. Odds ratios were used for comparing proportions.

RESULTS

A total of 7208 patients were included over a period of 10 years. The most frequent histologies were: Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) adenocarcinoma 13 %, adenoid cystic carcinoma 12 %, squamous cell carcinoma of rare locations 10 %, mucoepidermoid carcinoma 9 %, intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (8 %). Tumours were located in sinonasal area (38 %); salivary glands (32 %); oral cavity / oropharynx / nasopharynx (16 %); larynx / hypopharynx (3 %); ears (1 %); others (3 %). Tumours were predominantly classified as T4 (23 %), N0 (54 %), and M0 (62 %). Primary treatment approach involved tumour resection (78 %) and / or radiotherapy (63 %). Patients with salivary gland cancers exhibited better 5-year overall survival (OS) rates (p < 0.05), and lower recurrence rates compared to patients with sinonasal, laryngeal/ hypopharyngeal cancers. No significant differences were observed in the other comparisons. Acinar cell carcinoma demonstrated the best OS while mucous melanoma had the poorest prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Melanoma, carcinoma NOS, and sinonasal undifferenciated carcinoma still have poor prognoses. Efforts are being made, including training and guidelines, to expand network coverage (REFCOR, EURACAN), improve data collection and contribute to personalized therapies.

Exclusively endoscopic surgical resection of esthesioneuroblastoma: A systematic review

Background

Historically sinonasal malignancies were always addressed via open craniofacial surgery for an oncologic resection. Increasingly esthesioneuroblastomas are excised using an exclusively endoscopic approach, however, the rarity of this disease limits the availability of long‐term and large scale outcomes data.

Objective

The primary objective is to evaluate the treatment modalities used and the overall survival of patients with esthesioneuroblastoma managed with exclusively endoscopic surgery.

Methods

In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, PubMed was queried to identify studies describing outcomes associated with endoscopic management of esthesioneuroblastomas.

Results

Forty‐four out of 2462 articles met inclusion criteria, totaling 399 patients with esthesioneuroblastoma treated with an exclusively endoscopic approach. Seventy‐two patients (18.0%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and 331 patients (83.0%) received postoperative radiation therapy. The average age was 50.6 years old (range 6–83). Of the 399 patients, 57 (16.6%) were Kadish stage A, 121 (35.2%) were Kadish stage B, 145 (42.2%) were Kadish stage C, and 21 (6.1%) were Kadish stage D. Pooled analysis demonstrated that 66.0% of patients had Hyams histologic Grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ, while 34.0% of patients had Grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ disease. Negative surgical margins were achieved in 86.9% of patients, and recurrence was identified in 10.3% of patients. Of those with 5‐year follow‐up, reported overall survival was 91.1%.

Conclusion

Exclusively endoscopic surgery for esthesioneuroblastoma is performed for a wide range of disease stages and grades, and the majority of these patients are also treated with adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Reported overall recurrence rate is 10.3% and 5‐year survival is 91.1%.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma: Surgical Treatment Experience of 42 Cases

Objective

Our purpose was to estimate the safety and effectiveness of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) in olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) and determine whether preservation of the dura and olfactory bulb could be considered in selected patients.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with ONBs between July 2010 and June 2021 at our institution, and collected data on demographic, disease stage, surgical approach, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and postoperative complications.

Results

The study sample included 42 patients (8 treated for recurrence and 34 initial cases), 28 of which were men and 14 were women with a median age of 47.19 years. The mean duration from the beginning of treatment and follow-up time was 8.91 and 51 months, respectively. Among the 42 patients, 32 had unilateral lesions, and the rest had bilateral lesions. Patient symptoms were predominantly nasal, and four patients presented without any symptoms. The modified Kadish staging was A in three patients, B in 14 patients, C in 17 patients, and D in 8 patients. According to the preoperative examinations, five patients had cervical lymph node metastasis, and no patients had distant metastases. EEA was used in 38 patients, cranioendoscopic approach in 3, and open craniofacial approach in 1. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 89.1 and 79.2%, respectively. The 2-year OS and DFS rates were both 89.1%. The overall surgical complication incidence was 9.52% (one cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, one cervical hematoma, and two epileptic seizures).

Conclusion

The present results support the importance of earlier treatment for advanced ONB and the fact that it is safe and efficacious to treat ONBs via EEA. The preservation of the dura can be considered for select patients—specifically those without skull base involvement and who underwent postoperative comprehensive therapy.

Radiotherapy of sinonasal cancers

We present the update of the recommendations of the French society of radiotherapy and oncology on the indications and the technical methods of carrying out radiotherapy of sinonasal cancers. Sinonasal cancers (nasal fossae and sinus) account for 3 to 5% of all cancers of the head and neck. They include carcinomas, mucosal melanomas, sarcomas and lymphomas. The management of sinonasal cancers is multidisciplinary but less standardized than that of squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. As such, patients with sinonasal tumors can benefit from the expertise of the French expertise network for rare ENT cancers (Refcor). Knowledge of sinonasal tumour characteristics (histology, grade, risk of lymph node involvement, molecular characterization, type of surgery) is critical to the determination of target volumes. An update of multidisciplinary indications and recommendations for radiotherapy in terms of techniques, target volumes and radiotherapy fractionation of the French society of radiotherapy and oncology (SFRO) was reported in this manuscript.

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.

Histosurgical mapping of endoscopic endonasal surgery of sinonasal tumours to improve radiotherapy guidance

PURPOSE

Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is becoming a standard for most malignant sinonasal tumours. Margin analysis after piecemeal resection is complex and optimally relies on accurate histosurgical mapping. Postoperative radiotherapy may be adapted based on margin assessment mapping to reduce the dose to some sinonasal subvolumes. We assessed the use of histosurgical mapping by radiation oncologists (RO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A French practice survey was performed across 29 ENT expert RO (2 did not answer) regarding integration of information on EES, as well as quality of operative and pathology reportsto refine radiotherapy planning after EES. This was assessed through an electronic questionnaire.

RESULTS

EES was ubiquitously performed in France. Operative and pathology reports yielded accurate description of EES samples according to 66.7% of interviewed RO. Accuracy of margin assessment was however insufficient according to more than 40.0% of RO. Additional margins/biopsies of the operative bed were available in 55.2% (16/29) of the centres. In the absence of additional margins, quality of resection after EES was considered as microscopically incomplete in 48.3% or dubious in 48.3% of RO. As performed, histosurgical mapping allowed radiotherapy dose and volumes adaptation according to 26.3% of RO only.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardized histosurgical mapping with margin and additional margin analysis could be more systematic. Advantages of accurate EES reporting could be dose painting radiotherapy to further decrease morbidity in sinonasal tumours.

Outcomes and Quality-of-Life Measures after Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Kadish Stage C Olfactory Neuroblastomas

OBJECTIVE

The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been applied in the treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB). However, there is a lack of research examining the impact of EEA on locally advanced ONB. This study assessed the outcomes of EEA in patients with locally advanced ONB and its impact on the quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with Kadish stage C ONB who underwent EEA between December 2004 and October 2019 and assessed demographic data, histopathologic grade, the extent of resection, postoperative complications, and outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative QOL was assessed using the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients (18 men, 8 women; aged 26-79 years) were enrolled, with 12 cases of Hyams grade II and III and 1 case of grade I and IV each. In total, 25 patients received radiotherapy and 16 patients received chemotherapy, of whom 11 received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postoperative nasal bleeding was observed in 2 patients. The follow-up ranged from 8 to 124 months (median, 42.3 months). The 1-year and 5-year overall survival were 96.2% and 84.8%, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year disease-free survival were 76.9% each. The analysis of the postoperative Sino-Nasal Outcome Test scores showed significant improvement in certain psychological and sleep-associated domains, compared with the preoperative scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that pure EEA followed by radiotherapy offered excellent outcomes in the management of selected patients with locally advanced ONB. The postoperative QOL was significantly improved. More research is required on neoadjuvant chemotherapy to establish its role.

Endonasal endoscopic oncologic resection and reconstruction of the anterior skull base in the elderly: A single-center retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

In old and frail patients, oncologic anterior skull-base surgery through an endonasal endoscopic approach avoids the morbidity incurred by transfacial and transcranial approaches, sometimes considered unreasonable, although surgery remains the gold standard treatment for sinonasal cancer.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the functional and oncologic results of this surgery in over-70 year-olds.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study included all patients aged over 70 years at surgery, who underwent endonasal endoscopic oncologic resection and reconstruction of the anterior skull base, between October 2008 and October 2018.

RESULTS

Fifteen procedures in 13 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean hospital stay was 7 days. All resections were considered R0, apart from one case with positive dura-mater margins (6.7%). All patients had complete radio-surgical treatment, in accordance with the REFCOR recommendations. Two cases of meningitis were reported (13.3%). At a median follow-up of 27 months, 4 patients presented local recurrence, 1 of whom also had lung metastases. Two patients died of disease-related or treatment-related causes.

CONCLUSION

This technique is a feasible treatment in patients aged over 70 years, providing good functional results, and acceptable oncologic outcome.

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.

Endoscopic Anatomy and a Safe Surgical Corridor to the Anterior Skull Base

OBJECTIVE

We describe the possibility to create precise preoperative planning for endonasal endoscopic approaches to the anterior skull base by overlapping endoscopic and radiologic anatomy. The important anatomic structures were marked. Morphometric measurements between these anatomic landmarks were performed endoscopically and compared with radiologic measurements of the same areas to ensure result compatibility.

METHODS

Seven cadaver heads injected intravascularly with colored silicone were used for this study. Thin-section brain and paranasal sinus computed tomography scans were obtained on all cadavers. Using 0-degree rigid endoscopes and endonasal endoscopic surgical instruments, the anterior skull base was examined binostrally in all cadavers. Bilateral middle turbinates were identified and preserved. Next, an inferior uncinectomy and middle meatal antrostomy were performed. After performing a frontal antrostomy, bilateral anterior and posterior ethmoidal cells were opened and the skull base was identified and followed to the posterior wall of the frontal sinus. A transnasal transethmoidal sphenoidotomy was done with full exposure to the entire anterior skull base.

RESULTS

The anatomic landmarks for endonasal endoscopic skull base approaches were distinguished and measurements were made. The anterior skull base was divided into 3 compartments: anterior (area between the posterior inferior border of the frontal sinus and the course of anterior ethmoidal artery), middle (area between the course of the anterior ethmoidal artery and that of the posterior ethmoidal artery [PEA]), and posterior (area between the course of the PEA and the attachment point of the anterior border of the sphenoid sinus to the skull base) compartments. The distances between important anatomic markers and endoscopic depth measurements of this area were measured.

CONCLUSION

During endonasal endoscopic anterior skull base surgery, the area between the anterior border of the sphenoid sinus and PEA artery was safe as the first dissection zone. Preoperative radiologic width and depth measurements facilitate orientation to the endoscopic anatomy during surgery and help predict the endonasal surgical corridor anatomy preoperatively.

Methods of Skull Base Repair Following Endoscopic Endonasal Tumor Resection: A Review

Following the introduction of fully endoscopic techniques for the resection of pituitary tumors, there was a rapid expansion of the indications for endonasal endoscopic surgery to include extrasellar tumors of the skull base. These techniques offer significant advantages over traditional open surgical approaches to the skull base, including improved tumor resection, and better post-operative neurological outcomes. Following their introduction, however, the initial rate of post-operative CSF leak was unacceptably high. Post-operative CSF leak following skull base surgery is a major source of morbidity, and can lead to the development of life-threatening intracranial infection. The use of vascularized naso-septal flaps transformed the management of these patients, significantly reducing the rate of post-operative CSF leak and increasing the number of patients that could benefit from this less invasive treatment modality. Adequate repair of iatrogenic defects in the skull base is of crucial importance for patients with skull base tumors, as the development of a post-operative CSF leak, and the associated complications can significantly delay the administration of the adjunctive oncological therapies these patients require. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest evidence regarding skull base reconstruction following endoscopic skull base surgery, and describe the skull base repair technique in use at our institution.

[Diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of sinonasal carcinomas (excluding melanomas, sarcomas and lymphomas)]

Sinonasal carcinomas account for 3% of ENT cancers. They are subdivided into squamous cell carcinomas (50%), adenocarcinomas [20%, mostly of intestinal type (ITAC)], and more rarely, adenoid cystic carcinomas, olfactory neuroblastomas (=esthesioneuroblastomas), neuroendocrine carcinomas or undifferentiated sinonasal carcinomas (SNUC). The 5-year survival rates are, in descending order, 72% for neuroblastomas, 63% for adenocarcinomas, 50-60% for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, 53% for squamous cell carcinomas, 25-50% for adenoid cystic, 35% for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and 35% for SNUC and newly discovered histologies. Surgery is the main treatment; endoscopic approaches reduce the morbidity with equivalent tumour control. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is almost systematic. Nodal involvement is rare in ethmoidal adenocarcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas; it is intermediate and may justify prophylactic radiotherapy for N0 necks in SNUC, neuroblastoma, squamous cell carcinomas and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas. IMRT or proton therapy is the mainstay of treatment of unresectable disease. Radiotherapy optimization by carbon ion therapy for adenoid cystic carcinomas, or by chemotherapy for all carcinomas with IMRT or proton therapy, is investigated within clinical trials in France. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is reserved for rapidly progressive disease or histologies with a high metastatic potential such as neuroendocrine carcinomas or SNUC. Given their histologic and molecular specificities and different relapse patterns, an expertise of the REFCOR network, with REFCORpath review, is likely to correct diagnoses, rectify treatments, with an impact on survival.

Comparing Kadish and Modified Dulguerov Staging Systems for Olfactory Neuroblastoma: An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the Kadish and the modified Dulguerov staging of individual participants to determine the impact of stage and other prognostic factors on disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

DATA SOURCES

Systematic review of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases.

REVIEW METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) was followed for this study. Articles including patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) staged with both Kadish and Dulguerov staging systems were reviewed. The raw data from eligible studies were requested to perform an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Pooled data from 21 studies representing 399 patients with ONB undergoing treatment with curative intent showed that increasing age, treatment with chemotherapy, and positive or unreported margin status portended worse DFS (P < .05). Increasing stage for both Kadish and Dulguerov staging systems was prognostic for worse DFS and OS (P < .05), with Kadish C representing a heterogeneous group with regard to outcome and corresponding Dulguerov T stage. Using the Akaike information criterion, the Dulguerov staging system had superior performance to the Kadish system for DFS (1088.72 vs 1092.54) and OS (632.71 vs 644.23).

CONCLUSION

This study represents the first IPD meta-analysis of ONB directly comparing the outcomes of Kadish and Dulguerov staging systems in patients treated with primary surgery. Both systems correlated with DFS and OS, with superior performance in the Dulguerov system. Furthermore, the Kadish C group represented a heterogeneous group with regard to outcomes after stratification by the Dulguerov system. Dulguerov T4 patients had the worst outcome, with most being approached with open resection.

Prognostic factors and outcomes of multimodality treatment in olfactory neuroblastoma

OBJECTIVE

The clinical data on olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs) are scarce owing to their rarity. This study aimed to assess the potential prognostic factors, outcomes, and optimal treatment strategies in patients with ONB.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The data of 217 patients with ONB between 1991 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Long-term survival, potential prognostic factors, and outcomes with combined treatment strategies were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients received radiotherapy (RT); 185 patients underwent surgery, and 139 patients received chemotherapy. The 5-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional failure-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of the entire cohort were 80.0%, 79.0%, 79.3%, and 80%, respectively. On univariate analyses, R0/R1 resection, early Kadish stage, negative lymph nodes, absence of orbital invasion, and administration of surgery with RT were found to be favorable factors. Conversely, combined sequential treatment with surgery, RT, and chemotherapy was not associated with survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated lymph node status, orbital invasion, and the combination of surgery and RT to be independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ONB, who had lymph node metastases, orbital invasion diseases, advanced Kadish stages, R2 resection margins, and received RT alone, had poor outcomes. Combined administration of surgery and RT may be a potentially useful strategy in patients with advanced Kadish stages; the role of chemotherapy in these stages requires further evaluation.

Neck management in patients with olfactory neuroblastoma

OBJECTIVE

Optimal neck management in patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), a rare malignancy, remains uncertain. This study aimed to analyse patterns of cervical lymph node metastases and corresponding clinical outcomes and to investigate the value of elective neck irradiation (ENI) in this population.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study retrospectively reviewed clinical records, imaging findings, nodal metastasis features and treatment data of 217 patients with ONB treated at our hospital during 1991-2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the influence of cervical lymph node involvement on treatment outcomes. Survival and regional failure rates were compared between patients with or without ENI.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (14.7%) presented initially with cervical lymph node metastases, most frequently at levels II (10.6%, 23/217) and VIIa (5.5%, 12/217). Patients with and without cervical node metastasis differed significantly in overall (OS) (41.9% vs. 86.1%, p < 0.001), progression-free (PFS) (41.9% vs. 84.8%, p < 0.001), regional failure-free (45.9% vs. 89%, p < 0.001) and distant metastasis-free survival (41.5% vs. 86.1%, p < 0.001). Cervical lymph involvement was an independent factor affecting poor OS (hazard ratio, 0.184, 95% confidence interval, 0.078-0.436, p < 0.001) and PFS (hazard ratio, 0.198, 95% confidence interval, 0.088-0.445, p < 0.001). Moreover, 43.8% patients (95/217) underwent ENI, which significantly reduced the incidence of regional recurrence from 10.7% to 3.2% (χ² = 4.396, p = 0.036) but did not significantly affect other survival outcomes. Regional failures could be resolved using salvage treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate the importance of systematic therapy for patients with initial cervical lymph node metastases. ENI is not recommended for N0 disease.

Lessons learned in the evolution of endoscopic skull base surgery

OBJECTIVEEndoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) is a relatively recent addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium. As with many new approaches, there has been significant controversy regarding its value compared with more traditional approaches to ventral skull base pathology. Although early enthusiasm for new approaches that appear less invasive is usually high, these new techniques require rigorous study to ensure that widespread implementation is in the best interest of patients.METHODSThe authors compared surgical results for ESBS with transcranial surgery (TCS) for several different pathologies over two different time periods (prior to 2012 and 2012-2017) to see how results have evolved over time. Pathologies examined were craniopharyngioma, anterior skull base meningioma, esthesioneuroblastoma, chordoma, and chondrosarcoma.RESULTSESBS offers clear advantages over TCS for most craniopharyngiomas and chordomas. For well-selected cases of planum sphenoidale and tuberculum sellae meningiomas, ESBS has similar rates of resection with higher rates of visual improvement, and more recent results with lower CSF leaks make the complication rates similar between the two approaches. TCS offers a higher rate of resection with fewer complications for olfactory groove meningiomas. ESBS is preferred for lower-grade esthesioneuroblastomas, but higher-grade tumors often still require a craniofacial approach. There are few data on chondrosarcomas, but early results show that ESBS appears to offer clear advantages for minimizing morbidity with similar rates of resection, as long as surgeons are familiar with more complex inferolateral approaches.CONCLUSIONSESBS is maturing into a well-established approach that is clearly in the patients' best interest when applied by experienced surgeons for appropriate pathology. Ongoing critical reevaluation of outcomes is essential for ensuring optimal results.