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Updated: Jun 25, 2025
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Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
3.6K
Skull base surgery for malignant tumors: The 2nd international collaborative study (1995-2015).
Jatin P Shah1, Helena Levyn1, Cristina Valero1
1Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
Head & Neck
|May 21, 2024
Summary
This global review of malignant skull base tumors shows improved survival outcomes. Multivariable analysis identified key prognostic factors, with adjuvant radiation therapy offering a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurosurgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Malignant tumors of the skull base present complex management challenges.
- Global collaboration is essential for understanding rare tumor characteristics and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the management strategies and patient outcomes for malignant skull base tumors.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing survival and recurrence in skull base malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3061 patients from 28 institutions worldwide.
- Evaluation of clinical variables, surgical approaches (open, endoscopic, combined), and survival data.
- Multivariable analysis to determine independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
Main Results:
- The 5-year OS, DSS, and RFS were 65%, 71.7%, and 53%, respectively.
- Older age, comorbidities, tumor histology, intracranial involvement, positive margins, advanced stage, and primary site were associated with poorer outcomes.
- Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) was found to be a protective prognostic factor.
Conclusions:
- Advances in multidisciplinary management may have contributed to improved survival rates compared to prior studies.
- Identifying prognostic factors aids in tailoring treatment and counseling patients with skull base malignancies.
