Primary Skull Base Chondrosarcomas: A Systematic Review

The role of surgical navigation in the endoscopic resection of a rare skull base tumor, case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Chondrosarcoma is a primary malignancy affecting mainly long bones. The location in the sinonasal tract and in a young female patient is exceptional. We aim through this case report to relate our own experience with a combined endoscopy-navigation approach in the resection of an ethmoidal chondrosarcoma.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of an 18-year-old girl, who was presenting hyposmia, headache and unilateral retroorbital pain with a normal physical exam. Imageries were performed showing an invasive tissular and calcified ethmoidal tumor recalling a chondrosarcoma. She underwent a macroscopic complete resection of the tumor via a binostril endoscopic endonasal approach using navigation. Postoperative head CT and MRI showed a complete resection of the tumor.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The gold standard treatment is a complete surgical excision with tumor-free margins which is challenging in the ethmoidal location. In literature, the role of navigation in endoscopic surgeries is debated. In our case, the navigation-guided binostril endoscopic approach enabled a precise tumor localization, with a wide field of vision of vital structures nearby and of tumor limits, ensuring an excellent result with an optimal resection.

CONCLUSION

Chondrosarcomas of the sinonasal tract are rare and represent a compelling diagnostic and treatment challenge. Surgery is the mainstay treatment of sinonasal chondrosarcomas. Endoscopic endonasal surgery associated with surgical navigation offers a great control of the lesion and its margins with good results motivating its adoption as a therapeutic strategy in selected cases.

Chondrosarcomas: Multidisciplinary review and practical recommendations, on behalf of GroupOs

Chondrosarcomas are rare tumors occurring in middle age and older adults, defined by malignant cartilaginous matrix-producing neoplasms. Chondrosarcomas represent a heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse characteristics, management strategies and prognosis. The aim is to establish recommendations to support optimal practice for the diagnosis and treatment of chondrosarcomas within the framework of an expert group at the request of GroupOs and the French Sarcoma Group. The recommendations were developed by a multidisciplinary working and underwent thorough proofreading. The level of evidence in scientific literature and the grading of recommendations by the French Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) were taken into account. Key recommendations cover: (i) diagnosis, management and follow-up enchondromatosis; (ii) initial assessment, diagnosis and staging of cartilaginous tumor; (iii) management of low-grade, clear cell and high-grade, localized resectable chondrosarcomas; (iv) indications for radiotherapy in chondrosarcomas; (v) management of locally advanced and metastatic disease; (vi) management of mesenchymal chondrosarcomas. Surgical resection at a specialized center remains the mainstay for localized chondrosarcomas management, tailored to grade and anatomical location. Limited evidence supports the use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment in chondrosarcomas, except in mesenchymal chondrosarcomas. For patients with dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas, neo or adjuvant treatment with osteosarcoma-like regimens may be proposed. In cases of recurrence or metastasis, local treatment should be prioritized or participation in clinical trials including new targeted or immune therapies should be considered. This article presents consensus recommandations from adult and pediatric sarcoma experts of various disciplines on the practical management of chondrosarcomas patients.

Proton-Based Radiation Therapy for Skull Base Chondrosarcomas in Children and Adolescents: 40-Year Experience From the Massachusetts General Hospital

PURPOSE

The literature on skull base chondrosarcoma (CHS) is scarce. We report outcomes for pediatric and young patients ≤22 years with base of skull CHSs treated with proton-based radiation therapy (PBRT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with PBRT between 1981 and 2023. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), chondrosarcoma-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), local control, and distal control.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 19 years (range, 6-22). Most patients (n = 79, 94%) had conventional CHS, whereas 5 (6%) had mesenchymal CHS. Nine patients (11%) underwent gross total resection, 64 (76%) subtotal resection, and 11 patients (13%) underwent biopsy. Twenty-four (29%) patients progressed before radiation therapy. The median prescription dose was 70 Gy (relative biological equivalent) (range, 50-79.7). At a median follow-up of 18.0 years (IQR, 9.2-26.2) from diagnosis, 11 patients recurred (7 local, 4 distant). Six patients died of disease. Five patients died of other causes. Ten-year OS, CSS, and PFS rates for all patients were 93.3%, 94.7%, and 88%, respectively. Twenty-year OS, CSS, and PFS rates for conventional CHS (n = 79) were 93.1%, 97.1%, and 89.2%, respectively. Mesenchymal histology was significantly associated with worse OS and PFS. Preradiation therapy tumor progression portended worse OS and CSS. Eight patients (9.9 %) experienced a late toxicity grade 3 or greater.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest cohort of pediatric base of skull CHSs in literature to date. High-dose PBRT after surgical resection achieves excellent disease control with minimal toxicity.

UK guidelines for the management of bone sarcomas

This document is an update of the British Sarcoma Group guidelines (2016) and provides a reference standard for the clinical care of UK patients with primary malignant bone tumours (PMBT) and giant cell tumours (GCTB) of bone. The guidelines recommend treatments that are effective and should be available in the UK, and support decisions about management and service delivery. The document represents a consensus amongst British Sarcoma Group members in 2024. Key recommendations are that bone pain, or a palpable mass should always lead to further investigation and that patients with clinical or radiological findings suggestive of a primary bone tumour at any anatomic site should be referred to a specialist centre and managed by an accredited bone sarcoma multidisciplinary team. Treatment recommendations are provided for the major tumour types and for localised, metastatic and recurrent disease. Follow-up schedules are suggested.

Pons herniation after skull base chondrosarcoma surgery: A rare complication after transclival endoscopic endonasal approach

Background

Intracranial chondrosarcomas are malignant tumors that most commonly affect the clivus region. For tumors in this location, the extended endoscopic endonasal approach could offer an alternative route. We present a case of pons herniation after this technique.

Case Description

A 55-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of difficulty walking. The neurological evaluation showed asymmetric tetra paresis and involvement of the IX cranial nerve on the right side. Imaging exams showed a lesion at the upper clivus, with a possible diagnosis of chondrosarcoma. An extended transclival approach with partial resection and a multilayer closure were performed. The patient had a slight immediate improvement in muscle strength, and she was discharged home 5 days after surgery. Four weeks later, she evolved with worsening strength on the left side. A new image examination revealed an atypical protrusion of the pontine tissue through the bone defect at the opening of the clivus; a surgical revision was proposed, but the patient chose conservative management.

Conclusion

Pontine herniation is a rare complication with no defined cause. The use of a rigid material for closure could reduce the chances of this complication, but futher studies are necessary to reinforce that hypothesis.

Surgical management of chondrosarcomas of the skull-base and temporal bone

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the overall long-term outcome of surgically treated skull base and temporal bone chondrosarcomas.

METHODS

The medical records of patients with surgically treated skull base and temporal bone chondrosarcomas between 1983 and 2024 were thoroughly evaluated.

RESULTS

Out of a total of over 5000 skull base surgeries performed at our center, only 29 patients had histopathologically confirmed chondrosarcomas of the skull base and temporal bone. The mean of patients age was 45.6, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.9:1. The most common symptoms included hearing loss (58.6%), tinnitus (41.4%), diplopia (31%), dysphonia (24.1%), dysphagia (20.7%), vertigo (10.3%), and dizziness (10.3%). The most frequent locations of lesions among the 29 patients are as follows: petroclival region (34.5%), jugular foramen (27.6%), petrous apex (17.2%), middle ear (13.8%), others (3.4%). TO, IFTA, IFTB, IFTC, POTS, and combined surgical approaches were commonly used. The rate of gross total removal and recurrence was 82.6% and 13.8% respectively. The follow-up duration of 6 patients was more than five years and less than ten years whereas ten patients had more than ten years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Chondrosarcoma of the skull base and temporal bone is a very rare pathology. Due to its multiple potential sites of origin and histological specificity, it presents us with significant challenges. Gross total removal is the primary treatment for chondrosarcoma of the skull base and temporal bone. Personalized decision-making should be considered based on the following aspects: tumor, patient, and surgeon's factors. Postoperative radiation therapy is complementary to surgical treatment in grades II and III lesions to achieve long-term survival.

Complete excision of a giant chondrosarcoma within the cavernous sinus: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Primary skull base chondrosarcoma (SBC) is a rare malignant central nervous system tumor, often involving the cavernous sinus. Complete excision of tumors invading this region is exceptionally challenging due to the presence of the internal carotid artery and numerous nerves within the cavernous sinus, particularly in cases with substantial tumor volume.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report describes a rare case of a massive primary SBC pushing the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, measuring approximately 6.6 cm × 4.5 cm × 4.4 cm. Utilizing neurophysiological monitoring and intraoperative navigation, we successfully achieved complete tumor resection along the membranous structure via a left modified pterional approach (pterional-zygomatic arch-subdural-infratemporal approach), employing tools such as a cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) and piezosurgery. During the excision, localized rupture and bleeding of the internal carotid artery occurred, but prompt repair and anastomosis were performed. Postoperatively, the patient's symptoms markedly improved, and good reperfusion of the internal carotid artery was observed without new severe complications. The postoperative pathological diagnosis, according to the World Health Organization classification, was Grade 1 chondrosarcoma; therefore, radiotherapy was not administered. Magnetic resonance imaging at the 8-month follow-up showed no residual tumor or recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This case highlights that surgical complete excision of large intracavernous SBCs, while preserving vital neurovascular functions, is feasible and paramount for achieving favorable outcomes, particularly for Grade 1 and 2 SBCs, which comprise 82.4% of all subtypes. The use of a modified left pterional approach, intra-capsular tumor resection techniques, alongside CUSA and piezosurgery, provides valuable insights and serves as a reference for achieving complete excision of SBCs within the cavernous sinus.

Skull Base Chordoma and Chondrosarcoma: Neuroradiologist's Guide to Diagnosis, Surgical Management, and Proton Beam Therapy

Skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas are distinct types of rare, locally aggressive mesenchymal tumors that share key principles of imaging investigation and multidisciplinary care. Maximal safe surgical resection is the treatment choice for each, often via an expanded endoscopic endonasal approach, with or without multilayer skull base repair. Postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is frequently administered, usually with particle therapy such as proton beam therapy (PBT). Compared with photon therapy, PBT enables dose escalation while limiting damage to dose-limiting neurologic structures, particularly the brainstem and optic apparatus, due to energy deposition being delivered at a high maximum with a rapid decrease at the end of the penetration range (Bragg peak phenomenon). Essential requirements for PBT following gross total or maximal safe resection are tissue diagnosis, minimal residual tumor after resection, and adequate clearance from PBT dose-limiting structures. The radiologist should understand surgical approaches and surgical techniques, including multilayer skull base repair, and be aware of evolution of postsurgical imaging appearances over time. Accurate radiologic review of all relevant preoperative imaging examinations and of intraoperative and postoperative MRI examinations plays a key role in management. The radiology report should reflect what the skull base surgeon and radiation oncologist need to know, including distance between the tumor and PBT dose-limiting structures, tumor sites that may be difficult to access via the endoscopic endonasal route, the relationship between intradural tumor and neurovascular structures, and tumor sites with implications for postresection stability. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Surgical management of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas: insights from a national cohort study

Objective

Skull base chordoma and chondrosarcoma are distinct sarcomas of the skull base but share significant therapeutic challenges due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures, making surgical resection difficult. We sought to establish factors associated with outcome predictors in a national cohort of patients.

Methods and analysis

Data for all patients referred with a diagnosis of skull base chordoma or chondrosarcoma from April 2017 to December 2022 were obtained. We performed analyses of data pertaining to the first cohort of patients treated in the UK with proton beam therapy (PBT) to determine factors associated with obtaining gross total resection (GTR) and adequate clearance of the brainstem and optic apparatus.

Results

Of 230 patients with skull base chordoma or chondrosarcoma referred for PBT, 71% were accepted for PBT, with a wide regional variation between referring neurosurgical units (29%-93%). Of the first 75 consecutive patients treated with PBT, the only factor predictive of obtaining GTR was surgical resection at a unit with higher volumes of patients accepted for PBT (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.63, p=0.004). Use of intraoperative MRI (OR 4.84, 95% CI 1.21 to 27.83, p=0.04) and resection at a higher volume unit (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.64, p=0.013) were associated with increased rates of tumour clearance from the brainstem/optic apparatus.

Conclusions

Treatment at a higher volume centre was a key determinant of the optimal surgical outcome in this cohort. These data support the management of skull base chordomas and chondrosarcomas in higher volume centres where multidisciplinary experience can be accumulated.

An Unusual Presentation of a Primary Chondrosarcoma of the Cranial Vault

Chondrosarcomas are malignant cartilaginous tumors that usually affect the pelvic bone and long bones. Primary chondrosarcomas of the skull are rare, with the cranial vault being an even more unusual localization. We report a case of a 75-year-old man presenting with headaches and outgrowth of the parietal scalp. CT scan of the head showed an extracranial cystic well-rounded mass originating at the parietal suture and eroding through the adjacent parietal bone. The patient underwent an en bloc surgical resection of the mass, and histological examination confirmed a grade I chondrosarcoma.

Advancing the Management of Skull Base Chondrosarcomas: A Systematic Review of Targeted Therapies

BACKGROUND

Chondrosarcomas rank as the second most common primary bone malignancy. Characterized by the production of a cartilaginous matrix, these tumors typically exhibit resistance to both radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT), resulting in overall poor outcomes: a high rate of mortality, especially among children and adolescents. Due to the considerable resistance to current conventional therapies such as surgery, CT, and RT, there is an urgent need to identify factors contributing to resistance and discover new strategies for optimal treatment. Over the past decade, researchers have delved into the dysregulation of genes associated with tumor development and therapy resistance to identify potential therapeutic targets for overcoming resistance. Recent studies have suggested several promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chondrosarcoma, including isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1/2) and COL2A1. Molecule-targeting agents and immunotherapies have demonstrated favorable antitumor activity in clinical studies involving patients with advanced chondrosarcomas. In this systematic review, we delineate the clinical features of chondrosarcoma and provide a summary of gene dysregulation and mutation associated with tumor development, as well as targeted therapies as a promising molecular approach. Finally, we analyze the probable role of the tumor microenvironment in chondrosarcoma drug resistance.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across major medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) up to 10 November 2023. The search strategy utilized relevant Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords related to "chondrosarcomas", "target therapies", "immunotherapies", and "outcomes". The studies included in this review consist of randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies reporting on the use of target therapies for the treatment of chondrosarcoma in human subjects.

RESULTS

Of the initial 279 articles identified, 40 articles were included in the article. The exclusion of 140 articles was due to reasons such as irrelevance, non-reporting of selected results, systematic literature review or meta-analysis, and lack of details on the method/results. Three tables highlighted clinical studies, preclinical studies, and ongoing clinical trials, encompassing 13, 7, and 20 studies, respectively. For the clinical study, a range of molecular targets, such as death receptors 4/5 (DR4 and DR5) (15%), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha or -beta (PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β) (31%), were investigated. Adverse events were mainly constitutional symptoms emphasizing that to improve therapy tolerance, careful observation and tailored management are essential. Preclinical studies analyzed various molecular targets such as DR4/5 (28.6%) and COX-2 (28.6%). The prevalent indicator of antitumoral activity was the apoptotic rate of both a single agent (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand: TRAIL) and double agents (TRAIL-DOX, TRAIL-MG132). Ongoing clinical trials, the majority in Phase II (53.9%), highlighted possible therapeutic strategies such as IDH1 inhibitors and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (30.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present review offers a comprehensive analysis of targeted therapeutics for skull base chondrosarcomas, highlighting a complex landscape characterized by a range of treatment approaches and new opportunities for tailored interventions. The combination of results from molecular research and clinical trials emphasizes the necessity for specialized treatment strategies and the complexity of chondrosarcoma biology.

Skull-Base Chondrosarcoma: A Systematic Review of the Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy

Surgery and radiotherapy are key elements to the treatment of skull-base chondrosarcomas; however, there is currently no consensus regarding whether or not adjuvant radiotherapy has to be administered. This study searched the EMBASE, Cochrane, and PubMed databases for clinical studies evaluating the long-term prognosis of surgery with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. After reviewing the search results, a total of 22 articles were selected for this review. A total of 1388 patients were included in this cohort, of which 186 received surgery only. With mean follow-up periods ranging from 39.1 to 86 months, surgical treatment provided progression-free survival (PFS) rates ranging from 83.7 to 92.9% at 3 years, 60.0 to 92.9% at 5 years, and 58.2 to 64.0% at 10 years. Postoperative radiotherapy provides PFS rates ranging between 87 and 96.2% at 3 years, 57.1 and 100% at 5 years, and 67 and 100% at 10 years. Recurrence rates varied from 5.3% to 39.0% in the surgery-only approach and between 1.5% and 42.90% for the postoperative radiotherapy group. When considering prognostic variables, higher age, brainstem/optic apparatus compression, and larger tumor volume prior to radiotherapy were found to be significant factors for local recurrence.

Skull Base Tumors

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the presenting features, molecular characteristics, diagnosis, and management of selected skull base tumors, including meningiomas, vestibular schwannomas, pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, craniopharyngiomas, chordomas, ecchordosis physaliphora, chondrosarcomas, esthesioneuroblastomas, and paragangliomas.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Skull base tumors pose a management challenge given their complex location and, as a result, the tumors and treatment can result in significant morbidity. In most cases, surgery, radiation therapy, or both yield high rates of disease control, but the use of these therapies may be limited by the surgical accessibility of these tumors and their proximity to critical structures. The World Health Organization classification of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors was updated in 2022. Scientific advances have led to an enhanced understanding of the genetic drivers of many types of skull base tumors and have revealed several potentially targetable genetic alterations. This information is being leveraged in the design of ongoing clinical trials, with the hope of rendering these challenging tumors treatable through less invasive and morbid measures.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Tumors involving the skull base are heterogeneous and may arise from bony structures, cranial nerves, the meninges, the sinonasal tract, the pituitary gland, or embryonic tissues. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach, with participation from radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neuro-oncologists, and surgical specialists, including neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, and head and neck surgeons. Treatment has largely centered around surgical resection, when feasible, and the use of first-line or salvage radiation therapy, with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or both considered in selected settings. Our growing understanding of the molecular drivers of these diseases may facilitate future expansion of pharmacologic options to treat skull base tumors.

Radiotherapy of orbital metastases: a systematic review of management and treatment outcomes on behalf of palliative care study group of Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology (AIRO)

OBJECTIVES

We search the current literature on data regarding the role of RT in OM treatment, focusing on the improvement of symptoms and patient quality of life.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations.

RESULTS

From 340 citations, 60 papers were finally selected: 45 case reports and 15 case series. The case reports accounted for 47 patients. In 37/39 cases (95%), EBRT was done. Patients were mainly treated with 3DCRT, IMRT, and with SBRT. The most used RT regimens were 30 Gy in 10 fractions (23%) and 20-25 Gy in 5 fx (13%). No sever toxicity was reported. A median LC of 11 months (range 1-54 months) and a median OS of 12 months (range 1-54 months) were registered. Among the case series, a total of 457 patients were examined, 227 of whom underwent RT. The main used techniques were 3DCRT, CK, GK, SBRT, and BRT. RT doses could vary from 30 Gy/10 fractions to 60 Gy/30 fractions, 50 Gy/5 fractions, or 16.5-21 Gy in single fraction. No toxicity above G2 was reported. ORR could vary between 75 and 100%. Only two study provided information on response duration: a mean LC time of 22.8 months and a mean time to local progression of 5 months (range: 3-7). Regarding OS, the data were heterogeneous, ranging between 1 and 54 months.

CONCLUSIONS

RT for OM seems to be a safe and feasible option. More information on the RT ideal techniques and dose are still needed.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This paper tried to sum up the few and fragmented data on the use of radiotherapy for orbital metastases: the possible option ranged from 3D- and 2D-CRT to SBRT, CK, and GK, with different possible fractionations (30Gy in 10 fractions, 60 Gy/30 fractions, 20-50 Gy/5 fractions, or 16.5-21 Gy in single fraction). Regardless of the chosen approach, almost all treated patients experienced a benefit after RT in terms of OM-related symptom intensity reduction and a good acute and late toxicity profile.

Combined and staged retrosigmoid, extended middle fossa, and endoscopic transnasal approach to a petroclival chondrosarcoma: how I do it

BACKGROUND

Tumors of the petroclival region with multicompartment extension can be difficult to address with a single surgical approach.

METHOD

We present the case of a patient with a large chondrosarcoma centered at the right petroclival fissure with extension into the cavernous sinus, the region beneath the cavernous sinus, cerebellopontine angle with deformation of the pons, and prevertebral space. A staged complete resection was performed using a stage 1 single-incision combined right retrosigmoid craniotomy and extended middle fossa craniotomy, followed by a stage 2 endoscopic transnasal approach.

CONCLUSION

A combined approach to selected petroclival tumors can maximize safe resection.

Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach in resection of intracranial clivus chondrosarcoma: A case report

Intracranial primary chondrosarcomas are rare, accounting for <0.15% of all intracranial tumors, but exhibit a high risk of recurrence. Due to the rarity of this condition, it has proven difficult to establish efficacy-based treatment guidelines. The present study details a case of clivus chondrosarcoma exhibiting no recurrence following surgical resection using an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. A 41-year-old female presented with primary symptoms of left eye esotropia, scotoma of the left nasal visual field and double vision. Preoperative cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion on the clivus, which was initially diagnosed as chordoma. However, clivus chondrosarcoma was ultimately diagnosed based on intraoperative findings and postoperative histopathology. The tumor was totally resected and 25 doses of adjuvant radiotherapy with planning gross tumor volume (60 Gy) and planning clinical target volume (50 Gy) were administered for 5 weeks. The patient was discharged at 12 days post-surgery with no obvious postoperative complications. Over the 28-month follow-up period, there was no evidence of recurrence, which may be due to the successful use of combined gross total resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. Therefore, surgical resection using an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is an effective method for treating intracranial clivus chondrosarcoma.

Proton Therapy for Skull Base Chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcoma is a type of an endochondral bone malignancy that is primarily treated surgically with radiation therapy used in the adjuvant setting or in cases of unresectable disease. Proton therapy has potential advantages compared with traditional photon therapy for the treatment of tumors in close proximity to critical structures due to the theoretic lower exit dose. Studies have shown improved survival in patients with skull base chondrosarcoma who undergo proton therapy. However, there is a lack of randomized data. Further studies are needed to define the role of proton therapy in the treatment of skull base chondrosarcoma.

Chondrosarcoma of the petrous apex with nerve abducens involvement in a woman with pre-existing contralateral amblyopia

We report about a case of a woman in her 50s with a chondrosarcoma of the petrous apex. She has a strabism due to a right-sided amblyopia since childhood and noticed a slowly progressive squint angle in the last months. Her general practitioner (GP) referred her to an ophthalmologist who diagnosed a left abducens paresis and initiated an MRI demonstrating a mass in the left petrous apex. A transnasal endoscopic transsphenoidal biopsy revealed a grade I chondrosarcoma. The patient underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal anterior petrosectomy approach with complete removal of the tumour. After surgery the squint angle gradually improved to previous levels, so that the patient was able to resume her work. This report demonstrates that even slight changes of a squint angle without diplopia, in this case because of pre-existing amblyopia, could be a hallmark of an intracranial process.

A multicenter retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes of intracranial chondrosarcoma in 26 patients

Intracranial chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor with limited reports. We reviewed the clinical outcomes, imaging findings, and pathological characteristics at three centers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of intracranial chondrosarcoma. We retrospectively analyzed 26 patients with intracranial chondrosarcoma who had undergone surgical treatment at Tangdu Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Mianyang Central Hospital, and Nanchong Central Hospital from January 2010 to July 2022. Clinical manifestations, imaging features, surgical treatment, prognosis, and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. All 26 chondrosarcomas were located at the skull base. Gross total resection (GTR), subtotal resection (STR), and partial resection (PR) were performed in 14, 10, and 2 cases, respectively. Four cases underwent endoscopic transnasal surgery, while the remaining cases underwent craniotomy. The clinical symptoms were evaluated 1 week after surgery, and 15 cases were relieved to varying degrees. Postoperative complications included pulmonary infection, subcutaneous hydrops, dysphagia and choking, facial numbness, abducens paralysis, and intracranial infection (ICI). Fifteen cases received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. Seven cases showed recurrence: two with PR, four with STR, and one with GTR. Six cases received reoperation or radiotherapy after tumor progression, and one untreated patient died 5 months after tumor recurrence. The extent of tumor resection (HR 21.74, 95% CI 1.25-376.6, P = 0.03) and pathological grading (HR 131.99, 95% CI 4.05-4300.5, P = 0.006) were associated with improved OS. We presented our experience in the treatment of intracranial chondrosarcoma at three centers in the past 12 years. Intracranial chondrosarcoma lacked typical imaging features and are difficult to differentiate from other skull base lesions. Maximum extent of tumor resection with minimal injury to neurological function remains the most important treatment strategy. The extent of surgical resection and pathological grading were found to be predictors for OS.

Skull Base Tumors: The Equilibrium between Curation and Preservation

Tumors located at the skull base constitute a particular challenge for medical teams [...].

Surgical Management of Craniovertebral Junction Schwannomas: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) schwannomas are rare, with surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) being effective yet challenging options. We systematically reviewed the literature on CVJ schwannomas.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA statement to include studies reporting CVJ schwannomas. Clinical features, management, and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

We collected 353 patients from 101 included articles. Presenting symptoms were mostly neck pain (30.3%) and headache (26.3%), with most cranial neuropathies involving the XII (31.2%) and X (24.4%) nerves. Most tumors originated from C2 (30.9%) and XII (29.4%) nerves, being extracranial (45.1%) and intradural-extradural (44.2%). Erosion of C1-C2 vertebrae (37.1%), the hypoglossal canal (28.3%), and/or jugular foramen (20.1%) were noted. All tumors were operated, preferably with the retrosigmoid approach (36.5%), with the far-lateral approach (29.7%) or with the posterior approach and cervical laminectomy (26.9%), far-lateral approaches (14.2%), or suboccipital craniotomy with concurrent cervical laminectomy (14.2%). Complete tumor resection was obtained most frequently (61.5%). Adjuvant post-surgery stereotactic radiosurgery was delivered in 5.9% patients. Median follow-up was 27 months (range, 12-252). Symptom improvement was noted in 88.1% of cases, and cranial neuropathies showed improvement in 10.2%. Post-surgical complications occurred in 83 patients (23.5%), mostly dysphagia (7.4%), new cranial neuropathies (6.2%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak (5.9%). A total of 16 patients (4.5%) had tumor recurrence and 7 died (2%), with median overall survival of 2.7 months (range, 0.1-252).

CONCLUSIONS

Microsurgical resection is safe and effective for CVJ schwannomas. Data on SRS efficacy and indications are still lacking, and its role deserves further evaluation.

Endocrine disorders after primary gamma knife radiosurgery for pituitary adenomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) is feasible for pituitary adenomas, but post-surgery GKRS may cause severe hormone deficits. We reviewed the literature on primary GKRS for pituitary adenoma focusing on radiation-induced hormone deficiencies.

METHODS

PubMed, Web-of-Science, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched upon the PRISMA guidelines to include studies describing primary GKRS for pituitary adenomas. Pooled-rates of GKRS-induced hormone deficiencies and clinical-radiological responses were analyzed with a random-effect model meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 24 studies comprising 1381 patients. Prolactinomas were the most common (34.2%), and 289 patients had non-functioning adenomas (20.9%). Median tumor volume was 1.6cm³ (range, 0.01-31.3), with suprasellar extension and cavernous sinus invasion detected in 26% and 31.1% cases. GKRS was delivered with median marginal dose 22.6 Gy (range, 6-49), maximum dose 50 Gy (range, 25-90), and isodose line 50% (range, 9-100%). Median maximum point doses were 9 Gy (range, 0.5-25) to the pituitary stalk, 7 Gy (range, 1-38) to the optic apparatus, and 5 Gy (range, 0.4-12.3) to the optic chiasm. Pooled 5 year rates of endocrine normalization and local tumor control were 48% (95%CI 45-51%) and 97% (95%CI 95-98%). 158 patients (11.4%) experienced endocrinopathies at a median of 45 months (range, 4-187.3) after GKRS, with pooled 5-year rates of 8% (95%CI 6-9%). GKRS-induced hormone deficiencies comprised secondary hypothyroidism (42.4%) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (33.5%), with panhypopituitarism reported in 31 cases (19.6%).

CONCLUSION

Primary GKRS for pituitary adenoma may correlate with lower rates of radiation-induced hypopituitarism (11.4%) than post-surgery GKRS (18-32%). Minimal doses to normal pituitary structures and long-term endocrine follow-up are of primary importance.

Effect of surgery and radiotherapy on overall survival in patients with chondrosarcoma: A SEER-based study

PURPOSE

Chondrosarcoma is an orthopedic malignancy, and the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of surgery and radiotherapy (RT) on the survival of patients with chondrosarcoma.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the SEER database for patients diagnosed with chondrosarcoma between 1988 and 2015. All patients were divided into surgery, RT, surgery + RT, and no surgery/no RT groups. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the overall survival and cancer-specific survival of patients in different treatment groups. The propensity score matching was used to balance baseline covariates between patients in the surgery and surgery + RT groups and in the RT and surgery + RT groups.

RESULTS

Data from 3756 patients with chondrosarcoma were included in this study. The number of patients who underwent surgery, RT, surgery + RT, and no surgery or RT was 2885 (76.8%), 112 (3.0%), 403 (10.7%), and 356 (9.5%), respectively. Multivariate Cox regression models showed that treatment modality was independent risk factor for OS and CSS. Before PSM, Kaplan-Meier curves showed that OS and CSS were highest in the surgery group and lowest in the RT group. After PSM, although there was no significant difference in OS (p = .13) and CSS (p = .22) between the surgery and surgery + RT group, OS was longer in the surgery group than in the surgery + RT group. Additionally, OS (p < .001) and CSS (p = .009) were longer in the surgery + RT group than in the RT group after PSM.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection was the key approach for the treatment of chondrosarcoma, while RT confers no significant advantage in improving patient survival time.

Metastases in the Pineal Region: A Systematic Review of Clinical Features, Management Strategies, and Survival Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Pineal region metastases are rare but often cause severe neurologic deficits. Surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy can provide therapeutic benefit. We investigated the literature to analyze clinical characteristics, management strategies, and survival of adult patients with pineal region metastases.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA guidelines, including studies reporting clinical outcomes of patients with pineal region metastases. Clinical presentation, management, and survival were reviewed.

RESULTS

We included 31 studies comprising 47 patients. Lung cancer (29.8%) and carcinomas of unknown origin (14.9%) were the most frequent primary tumors. In 48.9% of patients, symptomatic pineal metastases preceded primary tumor diagnosis. Headache (67.4%) and confusion (46.5%) were the most common symptoms. Parinaud syndrome (46.5%) and hydrocephalus (87.2%) were noted. Biopsy (65.9%) was preferred over resection (34.1%), and shunting strategies used were endoscopic third ventriculostomy (43.9%) and ventriculoperitoneal (26.8%). Eleven patients (32.3%) received adjuvant chemotherapy and 32 (68%) received radiotherapy. Posttreatment improvement in symptoms (56.6%) and hydrocephalus (80.5%) were noted. In patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy, significant improvement in posttreatment performance status occurred with both biopsy (P < 0.001) and resection (P = 0.007). No survival differences were reported between surgery and biopsy (P = 0.912) or between complete and partial resection (P = 0.220). Overall survival was neither influenced by surgical approach (P = 0.157) nor by shunting strategy (P = 0.822). Mean follow-up was 8 months and median overall survival 3 months. Only 2 cases (4.8%) of pineal metastasis showed recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Pineal region metastases carry significant morbidity. Biopsy or surgical resection, combined with adjuvant chemotherapy/radiotherapy and/or shunting, may significantly improve performance status.

Evaluating the Optimal Management of Inoperable Giant Cell Tumors of the Spine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

Spine giant cell tumors (SGCTs) are intermediate malignant bone tumors, sometimes aggressive and responsible for debilitating axial pain and sensorimotor impairments. Non-surgical therapies, including denosumab, radiotherapy, and selective arterial embolization (SAE), have shown promising results in the treatment of patients with inoperable SGCTs. In this systematic review, we aimed to comprehensively analyze the current literature on denosumab, radiotherapy, and SAE for inoperable SGCTs, comparing treatment outcomes and complications using a random-effect model meta-analysis. We found that all three treatments were equally effective in providing symptom improvement and radiological tumor response, also showing low and comparable rates of treatment-related complications. Patients treated with denosumab showed lower rates of local recurrences and distant metastases.

Abstract

Background: Surgical resection remains the preferred treatment in spine giant cell tumors (SGCTs), but it is not always feasible. Conservative strategies have been studied for inoperable cases. We systematically reviewed the literature on inoperable SGCTs treated with denosumab, radiotherapy or selective arterial embolization (SAE). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science, Ovid-EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to include studies of inoperable SGCTs treated with denosumab, radiotherapy or SAE. Treatment outcomes were analyzed and compared with a random-effect model meta-analysis. Results: Among the 17 studies included, 128 patients received denosumab, 59 radiotherapy, and 43 SAE. No significant differences in baseline patient characteristics were found between the three groups. All strategies were equally effective in providing symptom improvement (p = 0.187, I² = 0%) and reduction in tumor volume (p = 0.738, I² = 56.8%). Rates of treatment-related complications were low (denosumab: 12.5%; radiotherapy: 8.5%; SAE: 18.6%) and comparable (p = 0.311, I² = 0%). Patients receiving denosumab had significantly lower rates of local tumor recurrence (10.9%) and distant metastases (0%) compared to patients receiving radiotherapy (30.5%; 8.5%) or SAE (35.6%; 7%) (p = 0.003, I² = 32%; p = 0.002, I² = 47%). Denosumab was also correlated with significantly higher overall survival rates at 18 months (99.2%) and 24 months (99.2%) compared to radiotherapy (91.5%; 89.6%) and SAE (92.5%; 89.4%) (p = 0.019, I² = 8%; p = 0.004, I² = 23%). Mortality was higher in patients receiving SAE (20.9%) or radiotherapy (13.6%) compared to denosumab (0.8%) (p < 0.001), but deaths mostly occurred for unrelated diseases. Conclusions: Denosumab, radiotherapy, and SAE are safe and effective for inoperable SGCTs. Clinical and radiological outcomes are mostly comparable, but denosumab may provide superior tumor control.

Orbital Metastases: A Systematic Review of Clinical Characteristics, Management Strategies, and Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Orbital metastases often lead to severe functional impairment. The role of resection, orbital exenteration, and complementary treatments is still debated. We systematically reviewed the literature on orbital metastases.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane were searched upon PRISMA guidelines to identify studies on orbital metastases. Clinical characteristics, management strategies, and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

We included 262 studies comprising 873 patients. Median age was 59 years. The most frequent primary tumors were breast (36.3%), melanoma (10.1%), and prostate (8.5%) cancers, with median time interval of 12 months (range, 0-420). The most common symptoms were proptosis (52.3%) and relative-afferent-pupillary-defect (38.7%). Most metastases showed a diffuse location within the orbit (19%), with preferential infiltration of orbital soft tissues (40.2%). In 47 cases (5.4%), tumors extended intracranially. Incisional biopsy (63.7%) was preferred over fine-needle aspiration (10.2%), with partial resection (16.6%) preferred over complete (9.5%). Orbital exenteration was pursued in 26 patients (3%). A total of 305 patients (39.4%) received chemotherapy, and 506 (58%) received orbital radiotherapy. Post-treatment symptom improvement was significantly superior after resection (p = 0.005) and orbital radiotherapy (p = 0.032). Mean follow-up was 14.3 months, and median overall survival was 6 months. Fifteen cases (1.7%) demonstrated recurrence with median local control of six months. Overall survival was statistically increased in patients with breast cancer (p < 0.001) and in patients undergoing resection (p = 0.024) but was not correlated with orbital location (p = 0.174), intracranial extension (p = 0.073), biopsy approach (p = 0.344), extent-of-resection (p = 0.429), or orbital exenteration (p = 0.153).

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital metastases severely impair patient quality of life. Surgical resection safely provides symptom and survival benefit compared to biopsy, while orbital radiotherapy significantly improves symptoms compared to not receiving radiotherapy.