The Role of Radiation Therapy in the Management of Sinonasal and Ventral Skull Base Malignancies

Abstract

Sinonasal and ventral skull base malignancies are rare tumors that arise in a complex anatomic location juxtaposed with critically important normal tissues. The standard treatment paradigm for most histologies has been surgery followed by postoperative radiation therapy. Because of their propensity to present at an advanced stage and the presence of nearby critical structures, patients are at risk for severe radiation-induced long-term toxicity. Recent advances in radiotherapy technique have improved the therapeutic ratio between tumor control and normal tissue toxicity. This article reviews issues pertinent to the use of radiotherapy in the management of these tumors.

Keywords: Nasal cavity; Paranasal; Radiation; Sinonasal; Sinus; Skull base.