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Published on: January 5, 2017
Nasopharyngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma: a population-based perspective
Chuan Lu1, Zhenchao Zhu2, Ruikai Zhu3
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Background:
Nasopharyngeal neuroendocrine carcinoma (NP-NEC) is a rare malignancy, and its clinical features, management, and prognosis remain poorly characterized.
Objectives:
To describe the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment patterns, incidence, and survival of NP-NEC in a population-based cohort.
Methods:
Patients diagnosed with NP-NEC between 2000 and 2022 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program using ICD-O-3 topography. Demographic, tumor, and treatment data were extracted. Overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using log-rank tests.
Results:
The cohort comprised 96 patients, with a mean age of 56.98 years and a male predominance (68.8%). Small cell carcinoma was the predominant histologic subtype, accounting for 50% of cases. Most tumors were high-grade and advanced stage, and one-fifth of patients underwent surgery. Radiotherapy was delivered in 78.1%. Median OS and DSS were 21 and 23 months, with 5-year OS and DSS of 32.3% and 39.1%. Histologic subtype and AJCC stage were associated with both OS and DSS, and treatment modality was associated with DSS.
Conclusions:
NP-NEC is uncommon and carries a poor prognosis. Early-stage disease and carcinoid histology appear associated with favorable survival. Stage, histologic subtype, and definitive local therapy may be key determinants of outcome.