Outcome for sinonasal malignancies: a population-based survey

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 May;279(5):2611-2622. doi: 10.1007/s00405-021-07057-0. Epub 2021 Sep 12.

Abstract

Purpose: Sinonasal malignancies (SNM) represent a rare and complex group of cancers that includes a wide range of histopathological subtypes. Data from population-based cohorts are scarce but warranted as a basis for randomized controlled treatment trials (RCTs). Our aim was to assess overall and histology subset-specific outcomes for SNM patients treated at a tertiary referral centre.

Methods: A retrospective, population-based, consecutive cohort of patients with SNMs diagnosed from 2001 through 2019 was examined. Outcome was analysed in relation to age, gender, site, stage, histopathology, and treatment.

Results: Two-hundred and twenty-six patients were identified, whereof 61% presented with stage IV disease. 80% completed treatment with curative intent, which comprised surgery with neoadjuvant (29%) or adjuvant (37%) radiotherapy, monotherapy with surgery (22%), definitive chemoradiotherapy (7%), or radiotherapy (5%). Median follow-up was 106 months. The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 57% and 35%, respectively. Median overall survival was 76 months (esthesioneuroblastoma: 147 months; adenocarcinoma: 117; salivary carcinoma: 88; mucosal melanoma: 69; squamous cell carcinoma: 51, undifferentiated carcinoma: 42; neuroendocrine carcinoma: 9; and NUT-carcinoma 5). The 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 63% and 54%, respectively, and disease-specific survival 83% and 66%. Increasing age, stage IVB, melanoma histopathology, and treatment with definitive chemoradiotherapy emerged as significant independent prognostic risk factors for disease-specific mortality (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion: The results indicate a seemingly good outcome in comparison to previous reports, particularly for mucosal melanoma, adenocarcinoma, and undifferentiated carcinoma. The study provides additional background for future RCTs focusing on histology subset-specific treatment for SNM.

Keywords: Adenocarcinoma; Head and neck cancer; Head and neck surgery; Mucosal melanoma; Multimodal cancer therapy; Sinonasal cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Melanoma* / therapy
  • Nasal Cavity / pathology
  • Nose Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome