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Published on: July 5, 2021
Outcomes Following en Bloc Resection of Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Kazuhiro Omura1, Kosuke Terazawa2, Kazuhiro Nomura3
1Department of Otolaryngology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Background:
Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare malignant tumor originating from the nasal olfactory sensory epithelium. It accounts for 3%-5% of all sinonasal malignancies.
Methods:
We evaluated patients with ONB who underwent en bloc resection using an endoscopic endonasal transcribriform approach.
Results:
This study included 65 patients. The median follow-up period was 30.6 months. The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were both 96.7%, the 2- and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were both 98.3%, and the 2- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 81.7% and 59.1%, respectively.
Conclusion:
OS and DFS of en bloc resection were comparable to those reported in previous studies, with minimal operation-related complications. Recurrence can occur even in patients with low Kadish and Hyams grades, making it unclear which patients would benefit most from postoperative radiation therapy.
Insights
Endoscopic endonasal surgery for olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) shows promising survival rates. While overall survival is high, disease-free survival varies, indicating potential for recurrence even in early-stage tumors.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
Background:
- Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a rare sinonasal malignancy.
- ONB arises from the nasal olfactory sensory epithelium, comprising 3%-5% of these tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of en bloc resection for ONB.
- To assess survival rates and complications associated with the endoscopic endonasal transcribriform approach.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 65 patients with ONB.
- Surgical intervention using an endoscopic endonasal transcribriform approach for en bloc resection.
Main Results:
- The 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 96.7%.
- Disease-specific survival (DSS) rates at 2 and 5 years were 98.3%.
- Disease-free survival (DFS) rates at 2 and 5 years were 81.7% and 59.1%, respectively, with minimal complications.
Conclusions:
- En bloc resection via endoscopic endonasal approach yields survival comparable to prior studies.
- Recurrence risk exists even in low-grade ONB, questioning the universal need for adjuvant radiotherapy.
- Further research is needed to identify optimal candidates for postoperative radiation therapy.
