Treatment outcomes of sinonasal malignant melanoma: a Korean multicenter study

The aim of this work was to evaluate factors that influence local recurrence and survival after surgical resection of sinonasal malignant melanoma, using a large population-based multicenter study in Korea.

Retrospective analysis was performed for 155 newly diagnosed sinonasal malignant melanoma patients gathered from 15 university hospitals throughout Korea. Demographic data, tumor characteristics, surgical approach, adjuvant treatment, recurrence, and outcomes were analyzed.

Three-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 48.8% and 40.1%, respectively. Local recurrence rate was 46.6%, with a mean recurrence time of 15.5 months. On multivariate analysis, patients who underwent surgery that included an endoscopic approach showed decreased local recurrence rate (p = 0.042) and increased survival rate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.702; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007 to 2.875; p = 0.047) compared to those who underwent an external approach. Patients with postoperative radiotherapy showed a decreased local recurrence rate (p = 0.001), but without impact on survival rate. Male gender, tumor beyond the nasal cavity, and presence of distant metastasis were associated with poor survival.

An endoscopic-including surgical approach was associated with improved local control and survival in sinonasal malignant melanoma patients. Postoperative radiotherapy helped increase the local control rate.