Clinical target volume design and dose in carbon-ion radiation therapy for sinonasal mucosal melanoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No guidelines exist for the clinical target volume (CTV) and radiotherapy dose in sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM). Thus, we aimed to determine the carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) CTV and dose for SNMM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 135 patients with SNMM who received CIRT were reviewed. The relative biological effectiveness-weighted dose was 57.6 or 64 Gy in 16 fractions. CTV was classified into small CTV, which included the gross tumor and visible melanosis with a certain margin, and extended CTV, which included the tumor site and adjacent anatomical structures. Local recurrence (LR) patterns were pattern I, II, and III, defined as recurrence over the gross tumor, visible melanosis and subclinical area, which would be covered if extended CTV was applied, and outside the extended CTV, respectively. RESULTS: The 5-year LR rate was 35.3 %. The prescribed dose was not a significant risk factor for pattern I LR; however, 57.6 Gy for a large tumor was insufficient for local control. Using an extended CTV was significantly associated with a lower risk of pattern II LR, and these recurrences did not occur in regions that received > 40 Gy. The 5-year pattern III LR rate was 6.4 %. CONCLUSION: Utilizing an extended CTV in CIRT for SNMM is appropriate even for small tumors. Using a smaller CTV after an extended CTV of at least 40 Gy is recommended to reduce adverse events. Although the optimal dose for gross tumors remains unclear, the latest technology with 64 Gy showed good outcomes.

Prospective assessment of peripapillary microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography in para-optic intracranial and sinonasal tumors treated with proton therapy.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) is rare but may lead to blindness. The mechanisms by which this occurs include endothelial and neuronal damage, but RION has been assessed very little in the case of extraocular tumors treated with high-energy proton therapy, the use of which is expanding worldwide. We assessed peripapillary microvascular changes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in patients undergoing high-energy proton therapy for para-optic intracranial or head and neck tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective institutional review board approved study, patients receiving>40Gy_RBE maximal PBT dose to their optic nerve between 2018 and 2020 underwent quantitative OCT-A analyses. ImageJ software was used to assess changes in the peripapillary superficial vascular complex (SVC) using vascular area density (VAD), vessel length density (VLD) and fractal dimension (FDsk). Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 47 patients (78 eyes) with 29±6 months of follow-up (range 18-42), 29 patients (61.7%) had previously undergone surgery and 18 (32.1%) had microvascular abnormalities prior to proton therapy. Total radiotherapy dose was the most relevant factor in decreased peripapillary microvasculature. Duration of follow-up was associated with lower VAD (P=0.005) and mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFLm) thickness also decreased. There was no significant correlation between OCT-A changes and mean visual defect. CONCLUSION: Peripapillary microvasculature changes may occur from tumor compression or surgery and proton therapy for extraocular tumors. OCT-A may provide quantitative and mechanistic insights into RION before the occurrence of clinical symptoms.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Post Radiation Complete Sinus Opacification in Sinonasal Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of sinonasal malignancies most often requires primary or postoperative radiation treatment. Post radiation sinonasal morbidity has been previously described; however, none addressed post-radiation sinus obstruction. Our objective was to investigate the long-term outcomes of post radiation complete isolated sinus opacification (CISO). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of sinonasal cancer patients treated with radiation therapy during the years 2002 to 2022. Clinical, imaging and treatment data were collected from patients' medical records. Only patients with at least 12 months of follow-up and available imaging for review were included. RESULTS: Out of 109 patients, 37 patients were identified to meet the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 58 months. 35% of patients were diagnosed with persistent post radiation CISO with a mean onset of 4 months. All these patients remained asymptomatic, and their imaging remained stable during follow-up with none developing an expanding mucocele. Ethmoid sinus tumor involvement was found to be more prevalent in the CISO group (62% vs. 25%, p-value = 0.048) as well as chemotherapy/immunotherapy (54% vs. 38%, p-value = 0.046). Multivariant analysis revealed that ethmoid sinus involvement (OR = 9.516, p-value = 0.047) and adjuvant therapy, either chemotherapy/immunotherapy (OR = 10.75, p-value = 0.036) were found to be a predictive factor for complete opacification. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that a substantial number of post-radiation patients develop a stable and persistent CISO, often in the frontal and sphenoid sinuses. These patients remained asymptomatic, and none required surgical intervention during nearly 5 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:4232-4238, 2024.

A 16-Year-Old Girl with Sinonasal Cutaneous Fistula Following Excision and Radiotherapy for Rhabdomyosarcoma Requiring Reconstructive Surgery Using an Expanded Forehead Flap.

BACKGROUND Sinonasal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy in children and adolescents. It is aggressive and locally invasive, and can require local postoperative radiotherapy. This report presents the case of a 16-year-old girl with a sinonasal-cutaneous fistula following excision and radiotherapy for rhabdomyosarcoma, which required reconstructive surgery using an expanded forehead flap. CASE REPORT We report the case of a16-year-old girl who was referred to our clinic with sinonasal-cutaneous fistula. Prior to presentation at our department, she presented with bilateral intermittent nasal congestion 3 years ago. At a local hospital, orbital computed tomography and nasal endoscopic biopsy revealed an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS). One month later, skull base tumor resection, nasal cavity and sinus tumor resection, and low-temperature plasma ablation were performed at a local hospital. Two weeks after the operation, the patient received intensity-modulated radiation therapy for a total of 50 Gy. Chemotherapy started 15 days after radiotherapy, using a vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide (VAC) regimen. Approximately 1 month later, an ulcer appeared at the nasal root and the lesion gradually expanded. The patient was referred to our hospital due to the defect. Firstly, a tissue expander was implanted at the forehead for 7 months. Then, the skin around the defect was trimmed and forehead flap was separated to repair the lining and external skin. The flap survived well 1-year after the operation. CONCLUSIONS This report highlights the challenges of post-radiation reconstructive surgery and describes how an expanded forehead flap can achieve an acceptable cosmetic outcome in a patient with a sinonasal-cutaneous fistula.

Efficacy and Safety of Postoperative Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Resected Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinus Mucosal Melanoma: A Combined Analysis.

PURPOSE: Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (NPMM) is a highly aggressive disease. The role of postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is controversial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 300 patients with NPMM treated between March 2009 and January 2020 were divided into surgery alone (SA; 158 patients) and surgery plus radiation therapy (SR; 142 patients) groups. Postoperative radiation therapy was recommended, with a total dose of 65 to 70 Gy/30 to 35 fractions to the gross tumor volume and 60 Gy/30 fractions to the clinical target volume. The primary endpoint was relapse-free survival. Secondary endpoints included local recurrence-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 50.0 months, relapse-free survival in the SA and SR groups was 9.8 and 15.2 months (hazard ratio [HR], 0.714; 95% CI, 0.546-0.933; P = .014). Distant metastasis-free survival in the SA and SR groups was 23.8 and 21.3 months (HR, 0.896; 95% CI, 15.7-31.9 vs 13.3-29.3; P = .457). Overall survival in the SA and SR groups was 31.0 and 35.1 months (HR, 0.816; 95% CI, 25.7-36.3 vs 27.1-43.2; P = .178). For patients with stage IVA NPMM, radiation therapy reduced the incidence of relapse by 0.43-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative radiation therapy played a crucial role in the local control of resected NPMM, especially in patients with stage T4a or IVA disease.

Radiotherapy Results in Locally Advanced Sinonasal Cancer: Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology, Head and Neck Study Group 01-005.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the treatment outcomes and related factors in locally advanced sinonasal cancer across Turkiye. METHODS: Twelve centers participants of the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Head and Neck Study Group attended the study. One hundred and ninety-four patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy between 2001 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Acute and late toxicity were recorded per Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events V4.0. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years and 70% were male. The majority of tumors were located in maxillary sinus (59%). Most of the patients (%83) had T3 and T4A disease. Fifty-three percent of patients were in stage 4A. Radiotherapy was administered to 80% of the patients in the adjuvant settings. Median 66 Gy dose was administered in median 31 fractions. Chemotherapy was administered concomitantly with radiotherapy in 45% of the patients mostly with weekly cisplatin. No grade ≥4 acute and late toxicity was observed. The median follow-up was 43 months. The 5-year and 10-year overall survival (OS); locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS); distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 61% and 47%; 69% and 61%; 72%, and 69%, and 56% and 49%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, several factors demonstrated significant influence on OS, such as performance status, surgery, and lymph node involvement. Moreover, surgery was the key prognostic factor for LRFS. For DMFS, lymph node involvement and surgical margin were found to be influential factors. In addition, performance status and lymph node involvement were identified as significantly affecting PFS. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the authors obtained promising results with IMRT. Performance status, lymph node involvement, and surgery emerged as the primary factors significantly influencing OS.

Feasibility of omitting contralateral neck irradiation in patients with node-negative sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma crossing the midline.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the lymph node target volume in patients with node-negative sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) crossing the midline poses a challenge. This study aims to address this. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinically N0 patients with tumors crossing the midline who received elective neck irradiation (ENI) from two centers between 1999 and 2019. The main endpoint was regional relapse-free survival (RRFS). RESULTS: We included 104 patients: 64 received bilateral ENI, and 40 received ipsilateral-only ENI (median follow-up time was 89.99 and 95.01 months, respectively). At 5 years, the RRFS rates were comparable (57.68% vs. 55.83%, p = 0.372), as were the contralateral RRFS (57.68% vs. 61.62%, p = 0.541). Five-year OS, LRFS, and DMFS showed no significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting the potential for avoiding contralateral ENI in SNSCC patients with midline crossing tumors who undergo ipsilateral ENI, covering at least level II. Validation through future prospective studies is necessary.

Treatment outcomes of the patient with sinonasal mucosal melanoma: the role of endoscopic resection and postoperative radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The standard of care for sinonasal mucosal melanoma is surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT). Our treatment strategy comprises endoscopic resection and PORT. We performed combined endoscopic and open resection or applied an external approach alone when sufficient resection was difficult to achieve endoscopically. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of our treatment strategy. METHODS: We assessed 30 patients with sinonasal mucosal melanoma who underwent definitive therapy between January 2002 and April 2021, and conducted a retrospective analysis. The median follow-up period was 2.2 years. The primary endpoint was overall survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for the calculation of survival rates, the cumulative incidence of distant metastasis, and local recurrence. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent surgery. The other two patients were treated by definitive proton beam therapy. Twenty-one of 28 (75%) patients underwent resection by endoscopic approach alone. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed for all 28 patients who underwent surgery. Twenty-one patients (70%) experienced recurrence during the observation period. Overall, distant metastasis was observed in 19 patients. Twelve patients died during the observation period, with 10 of the 12 patients (83%) dying of distant metastasis. The overall survival rate at 2 and 5 years was 70% and 46%, respectively. The cumulative incidence rate of distant metastasis at 2 years was 63%, while the 2-year cumulative incidence rate of local recurrence was 6.7%. CONCLUSION: The local disease was controlled by our treatment strategy. To improve treatment outcomes, control of the distant metastasis is needed.

Adjuvant Radiation and Survival Following Surgical Resection of Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the utility of adjuvant radiation in patients who undergo surgical resection for the management of node-negative sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective database review. METHODS: The 2004-2016 National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was used to extract patients with surgically resected node-negative SNAC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox-Proportional Hazards Modelling were used to analyze the impact of adjuvant radiation on overall survival (OS) following surgery. RESULTS: 349 patients with SNAC underwent surgical resection. Of these patients, 154 (44.1%) received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Although there was no significant difference in race, age, or sex of those receiving RT, those receiving RT have more advanced diseases and are more likely to have positive margins. Kaplan Meier analysis showed no significant difference in 5-year OS in patient who received adjuvant RT in comparison to those who underwent surgical resection alone (65.7% vs. 72.6%, respectively; p = 0.378). In addition, when looking at only patients with positive margins, 5-year OS still did not have a significant difference (73.8% vs. 61.6%, respectively; p = 0.101). Only patients with clinical AJCC T4 showed a statistically significant survival benefit with adjuvant RT (56.9% vs. 29.9%, respectively; p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant RT does not appear to provide a significant survival benefit in patients with resected SNAC, with the exception of those with clinically AJCC T4 disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2603-2612, 2023.

Feasibility of ipsilateral elective neck irradiation of levels Ib and II without level III in patients with node-negative sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of level III irradiation in patients with node-negative advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is unclear. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with advanced SNSCC were included. Survival rates were estimated and compared between treatment groups. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients received ipsilateral levels Ib and II irradiation (group 1) and 53 patients received ipsilateral levels Ib and II plus level III irradiation (group 2). The median follow-up time was 75.56 months. Five-year survival rates (regional relapse-free survival, overall survival, local relapse-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival) were similar between groups 1 and 2 (all p > 0.05). Irradiation doses to the thyroid and larynx were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral irradiation of levels Ib and II neck provides similar regional control and results as irradiation of these levels plus level III, with lower irradiation doses to normal neck tissue, in patients with node-negative advanced SNSCC.

T4b Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Surgery Plus Radiotherapy May Contribute to Prolonged Survival.

PURPOSE: To determine oncologic outcomes for patients with T4b sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) treated with either surgery plus radiotherapy or definitive radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2016, 85 patients with T4b SNSCC were analyzed retrospectively, there were 54 who received surgery plus radiotherapy (S + RT group) ± chemotherapy and 31 with definitive radiotherapy (RT group) ± chemotherapy. A 1: 2 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to balance clinical factors and match patients. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were used to determine risk factors on survival outcomes. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 76.7 months. The cumulative rates of locoregional control (LRC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) at 5 years for entire cohort were 44.6%, 33.1%, 38.8%, and 33.9% respectively. After PSM, a total of 50 patients in S + RT group and 25 patients in RT group were analyzed. The 5-year LRC, DMFS, CSS, and OS between S + RT and RT group were 58.6% versus 27.5% (p = 0.035), 42.8% versus 20.0% (p = 0.006), 50.3% versus 22.0% (p = 0.005), 44.5% veruss 20.0% (p = 0.004). The 5-year survival rates with orbital retention between groups were 32.7% and 15.0%, p = 0.080. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed non-surgical therapy (HR = 3.678, 95%CI 1.951-6.933) and invasion of cranial nerves (other than maxillary division of trigeminal nerves) (HR = 2.596, 95%CI 1.217-5.535) were associated with decreased OS. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of surgery in the multimodal management of T4b SNSCC might confer a survival benefit. Further prospective studies comparing the oncologic outcomes of S + RT with RT are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2222-2231, 2023.

Treatment for SMARCB1 (INI-1) deficient sinonasal tumor: a single-institution study.

Currently, less than 200 cases of SMARCB1-deficient sinus cancer (SDSC) have been documented. Little information is available about the best treatment options or prognosis for SDSC. From September 2016 to November 2022, the medical records of 22 people with SDSC were evaluated retrospectively. Patient demographics, staging, pathology findings, treatment details, recurrence, metastasis, and survival outcomes were all investigated by the researchers. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates for the entire cohort were 89.8%, 84.2%, and 45.1%, respectively, as were the 1-, 2-, and 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of 81.8%, 63.8%, and 31.9%. After induction chemotherapy, 66.7% (10/15) of patients exhibited decreased tumor volume. Patients who accepted chemoradiotherapy had a better 2-year OS (100% vs. 72.7%, p=0.048) than those who accepted surgery as a preference. However, there is no difference in 2-year PFS between the two groups (53.0% vs. 75.8%, p=0.59). Patients with progressed or stable disease after induction chemotherapy had a higher risk of developing local recurrence (p=0.007); they also showed poor 2-year PFS (40.0% vs. 82.1%, p=0.019). SDSC had a poor 3-year OS, with a PFS of less than 50%. For locally advanced SDSC, chemoradiotherapy might be managed before surgery, especially in patients who benefit from induction chemotherapy.

Plasmocitoma extramedular solitario rinosinusal: reporte de caso y revisión de literatura / Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the rhinosinusal cavity: a case report and literature review

Resumen El plasmocitoma extramedular solitario (PES) es una neooplasia maligna infrecuente caracterizada por una proliferación aislada de células plasmáticas monoclonales en tejido extramedular. La localización más frecuente es en cabeza y cuello con predominio en el territorio rinosinusal, sin embargo, estas lesiones malignas representan menos del 1% de los tumores de esta región anatómica. El diagnostico requiere una alta sospecha clínica, análisis histopatológico acucioso, estudios serológicos y exámenes radiológicos sistémicos de acuerdo a los criterios diagnósticos establecidos en la literatura internacional. Se analiza el caso de un paciente masculino con un PES que se presentó como un tumor de fosa nasal derecha y obstrucción nasal de meses de evolución con hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos inespecíficos. El diagnóstico definitivo se realizó mediante biopsia endoscópica nasal y estudio histopatológico. El tratamiento fue abordado de manera multidisciplinaria entre otorrinolaringología, hematología y radiooncología. De acuerdo a las guías internacionales, se decidió realizar radioterapia localizada con buen resultado clínico precoz. El PES requiere un abordaje multidisciplinario para lograr un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno, siendo imprescindible la exclusión del mieloma múltiple debido a las diferencias terapéuticas y en pronóstico clínico. El tratamiento puede realizarse con radioterapia y/o cirugía, siendo la radioterapia el pilar de tratamiento.

Abstract Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) is a rare malignant neoplasm characterized by isolated proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells in extramedullary tissue. The most frequent location is in the head and neck with a predominance in the rhinosinusal territory; however, these malignant lesions represent less than 1% of the tumors in this anatomical region. The diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion, careful histopathological analysis, serological studies and systemic radiological examinations according to the diagnostic criteria established in the international literature. We analyze the case of a male patient with SEP that presented as a tumor of the right nostril and nasal obstruction of months of evolution with nonspecific clinical and imaging findings. The definitive diagnosis was made by nasal endoscopic biopsy and histopathological study. The treatment was approached by multidisciplinary teamwork. According to international guidelines, it was decided to perform localized radiotherapy with good early clinical results. SEP requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve a timely diagnosis and treatment, being essential exclusion of multiple myeloma due to the therapeutic differences and prognosis. Treatment can be done with radiation therapy and/or surgery; radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment.

Target coverage and local recurrences after radiotherapy for sinonasal cancer in Denmark 2008-2015. A DAHANCA study.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the pattern of failure and describe compromises in the definition and coverage of the target for patients treated with curatively intended radiotherapy (RT) for sinonasal cancer (SNC). METHODS AND MATERIAL: Patients treated with curatively intended RT in 2008-2015 in Denmark for SNC were eligible for the retrospective cohort study. Information regarding diagnosis and treatment was retrieved from the national database of the Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA). Imaging from the diagnosis of recurrences was collected, and the point of origin (PO) of the recurrent tumour was estimated. All treatment plans were collected and reviewed with the focus on target coverage, manual modifications of target volumes, and dose to organs at risk (OARs) above defined constraints. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included in the analysis, and 76 (41%) relapsed. The majority of recurrences involved T-site (76%). Recurrence imaging of 39 patients was evaluated, and PO was established. Twenty-nine POs (74%) were located within the CTV, and the minimum dose to the PO was median 64.1 Gy (3.1-70.7). The criteria for target coverage (V95%) was not met in 89/184 (48%) of the CTV and 131/184 (71%) of the PTV. A total of 24% of CTVs had been manually modified to spare OARs of high-dose irradiation. No difference in target volume modifications was observed between patients who suffered recurrence and patients with lasting remission. CONCLUSION: The majority of relapses after radical treatment of SNC were located in the T-site (the primary tumour site). Multiple compromises with regards to target coverage and tolerance levels for OARs in the sinonasal region, as defined from RT guidelines, were taken. No common practice in this respect could be derived from the study.

Effectiveness of radiation therapy on brain invasion by human papillomavirus-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma: A case report.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) is newly suggested and characterized by HPV-related tumors. HMSC has a relatively good prognosis. No cases of brain invasion have been reported to date. We encountered a case of brain invasion by HMSC, in which we assessed the effectiveness of radiotherapy in comparison with biopsy and autopsy. A 69-year-old man was referred to a hospital three months after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Contrast magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the ethmoid sinus involving the brain. We performed transnasal biopsy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy for sinonasal and intracranial lesions. Despite radiotherapy, the patient died on day 41 after radiation. Biopsy specimens displayed mixed findings of epithelial and mesenchymal components. The tumor was immunoreactive for p16, and the RNA in situ hybridization for HPV was positive. Finally, we diagnosed the patient as having HMSC. Autopsy of the sinonasal tissue revealed a reduction in the number of tumor cells. There was a marked reduction in the number of tumor cells in the sinonasal tissue compared to that in the invaded brain tissue. The effectiveness of radiotherapy could depend on the histopathological components and location of the lesion, even in the same patient.

Radiotherapy of sinonasal cancers.

We present the update of the recommendations of the French society of radiotherapy and oncology on the indications and the technical methods of carrying out radiotherapy of sinonasal cancers. Sinonasal cancers (nasal fossae and sinus) account for 3 to 5% of all cancers of the head and neck. They include carcinomas, mucosal melanomas, sarcomas and lymphomas. The management of sinonasal cancers is multidisciplinary but less standardized than that of squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract. As such, patients with sinonasal tumors can benefit from the expertise of the French expertise network for rare ENT cancers (Refcor). Knowledge of sinonasal tumour characteristics (histology, grade, risk of lymph node involvement, molecular characterization, type of surgery) is critical to the determination of target volumes. An update of multidisciplinary indications and recommendations for radiotherapy in terms of techniques, target volumes and radiotherapy fractionation of the French society of radiotherapy and oncology (SFRO) was reported in this manuscript.

Histosurgical mapping of endoscopic endonasal surgery of sinonasal tumours to improve radiotherapy guidance.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is becoming a standard for most malignant sinonasal tumours. Margin analysis after piecemeal resection is complex and optimally relies on accurate histosurgical mapping. Postoperative radiotherapy may be adapted based on margin assessment mapping to reduce the dose to some sinonasal subvolumes. We assessed the use of histosurgical mapping by radiation oncologists (RO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A French practice survey was performed across 29 ENT expert RO (2 did not answer) regarding integration of information on EES, as well as quality of operative and pathology reportsto refine radiotherapy planning after EES. This was assessed through an electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: EES was ubiquitously performed in France. Operative and pathology reports yielded accurate description of EES samples according to 66.7% of interviewed RO. Accuracy of margin assessment was however insufficient according to more than 40.0% of RO. Additional margins/biopsies of the operative bed were available in 55.2% (16/29) of the centres. In the absence of additional margins, quality of resection after EES was considered as microscopically incomplete in 48.3% or dubious in 48.3% of RO. As performed, histosurgical mapping allowed radiotherapy dose and volumes adaptation according to 26.3% of RO only. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized histosurgical mapping with margin and additional margin analysis could be more systematic. Advantages of accurate EES reporting could be dose painting radiotherapy to further decrease morbidity in sinonasal tumours.

A Multicentre UK Study of Outcomes for Locally Advanced Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Adjuvant or Definitive Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy.

AIMS: Sinonasal malignancies are rare; the most common histological subtype is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). No randomised trial data exist to guide treatment decisions, with options including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The role and sequence of a primary non-surgical approach in this disease remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to present treatment outcomes for a multicentre population of patients with locally advanced, stage IVa/b sinonasal SCC treated with radical-intent intensity-modulated radiotherapy, either definitively or postoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutively treated patients with locally advanced, stage IVa/b sinonasal SCC at four UK oncology centres between January 2012 and December 2017 were retrospectively identified. Descriptive statistics and survival analyses were carried out. Univariable Cox regression analysis was carried out to evaluate the relationship between patient, disease and treatment factors and survival outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 56 patients with sinonasal SCC were included (70% maxillary sinus, 21% nasal cavity, 9% ethmoid/frontal sinus). Forty-one patients (73%) were treated by surgery/adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy and 15 (27%) by definitive (chemo)radiotherapy. The median duration of follow-up was 3.8 years (interquartile range 2.0-4.7 years). Estimates for 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 30.2% and 24.2%, respectively. Local, regional and distant treatment failures were seen in 33%, 33% and 16% of patients, respectively. Univariable analysis revealed inferior progression-free survival for patients treated with neck dissection (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.2-6.1, P = 0.022) but no other significant association between the studied factors and survival outcomes. CONCLUSION: We show poor survival outcomes and high rates of locoregional treatment failure for patients with locally advanced stage IVa/b sinonasal SCC. There is a need to investigate improved treatments for this group of patients.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumors: Experience from a single institute.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for tumors of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus (PNS) region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred fourteen patients with tumors of the nasal cavity and PNS region treated with curative intent IMRT between 2007 and 2019 were included in this retrospective analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-one (24.1%) received definitive RT/CTRT and 163 (75.9%) received adjuvant RT. Most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (26.1%) followed by adenoid cystic carcinoma (21.5%). The median follow-up was 43.5 months. The 5-year local control (LC), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 66.9%, 59%, and 73.9%, respectively. On univariate analysis treatment with nonsurgical modality, T classification and undifferentiated/poorly differentiated histology were associated with inferior 5-year LC, EFS, and OS. Four patients had late Grade 3/Grade 4 ocular toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: IMRT should be the standard of care for tumors of PNS region across all histologies and treatment setting.

Sinonasal cancers treatments: state of the art.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The present review provides the reader with the state-of-the-art concepts of sinonasal oncology in view of the latest literature data. RECENT FINDINGS: Most recent publications in sinonasal oncology assessed treatment timing, centralization, surgical approach, margin status, orbit/neck management, salvage strategies, emerging surgical technologies, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), particle radiotherapy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. SUMMARY: Indications to endoscopic surgery for sinonasal cancer have plateaued and are unlikely to further expand. Endoscopic surgery provides noninferior results compared to open surgery and best suits timing constraints imposed by multimodal treatment. Management of orbit-encroaching sinonasal cancer is remarkably improving mostly owing to optimal use of nonsurgical strategies. Prognostic value of the margin status and management of the nodal basin and recurrent sinonasal tumors are far from being fully elucidated. Most promising surgical technologies are surgical navigation, optical imaging, and radiofrequency-aided ablation. IMRT and VMAT have theoretical technical advantages that are in the process of being clinically demonstrated. Pieces of evidence are progressively confirming the physical and radiobiological advantages offered by particle radiotherapy. Systemic therapy is being tested mostly in the neoadjuvant setting with the aim of improving outcomes in locally advanced sinonasal cancers; response to induction chemotherapy could better select a further locoregional approach.