Anterior Skull Base Malignancies Research Articles

Long‐term outcomes in advanced anterior skull base malignancy: a single quaternary institution experience

AbstractBackgroundAdvanced skull base malignancies are a heterogenous subset of head and neck cancers, and management is often complex. In recent times, there has been a paradigm shift in surgical technique and the advent of novel systemic options. Our goal was to analyse the long‐term outcomes of a single quaternary head and neck and skull base service.MethodsA retrospective review of 127 patients with advanced anterior skull base malignancies that were treated at our institution between 1999 and 2015 was performed. Multiple variables were investigated to assess their significance on 5 and 10‐year outcomes.ResultsThe mean age was 60.9 (± 12.6 SD). Sixty‐four percent were males and 36% were females. Ninety percent of patients had T4 disease. Median survival time was 133 months. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 66.2%, disease‐specific survival (DSS) was 74.7%, and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was 65.0%. The 10‐year OS was 55.1%, DSS was 72.1%, and RFS was 53.4%. Histological type and margin status significantly affected OS & DSS.ConclusionSurgical management of advanced skull base tumours has evolved over the last few decades at our institution with acceptable survival outcomes and complication rates. Histological diagnosis and margin status are the main predictors of survival. The addition of neoadjuvant systemic agents in current trials may improve outcomes.

Dural reconstruction with or without a bone graft of paranasal and anterior skullbase malignancies: Retrospective single-center analysis of 11 cases and review of literature

IntroductionThe reconstruction of frontobasal defects following oncologic resections of paranasal and anterior skull base (ASB) malignancies remains challenging. Ineffective reconstruction could lead to cerebrospinal fluid leak, meningitis, and tension pneumocephalus. Research questionAim of this investigation was to analyse postoperative complication rates with or without bone graft for anterior skull base reconstruction. Material and methodsIn this retrospective study, we included patients following resection of paranasal and/or anterior skull base malignancies between October 2013 and December 2022. Complications were analysed with regards to the type of skull base reconstruction. ResultsEleven patients were identified (2 female, 9 male, age (median, SD) 64 ± 14.1 years (range 38–81). There were nine cases of paranasal sinus and nasal cavity carcinomas and two cases of olfactory neuroblastomas. Overall survival was 22.5 ± 28 months (range: 5–78), progression free survival was 17.0 ± 20.3 months (range: 11–78). Bone skull base reconstruction using a split graft was performed in three cases. Postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention were seen in 33% (one tension pneumocephalus) of cases in the bone reconstruction group and 50% (three patients with cerebrospinal fluid leak, one infection) in the non-bone reconstruction group. Discussion and conclusionThe structural reinforcement of structural bone chip grafting might provide additional support of the ASB and prevent CSF leakage or encephalocele. Especially in large (>10 cm2) bone defects of advanced sinonasal malignancies extending into the middle cranial fossa, the full armamentarium of reconstruction possibilities should be considered.

The recent concept in the management of anterior Skull base tumor: A review of the literature

Introduction Tumor of the skull base are classified based on their tissue of origin. Tumor originates from epithelium, mesenchyme, and neuroectoderm. Management of tumors depends on location, histologic characteristics, and their behaviors. A sinus endoscopy, Computerized tomography scan, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging should be performed to know the type and extent of the tumor. Treatment includes surgical excision either endoscopic vs open, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. We are highlighting the management option of each tumor according to their type of tissue origin and its location. Methods: A PubMed search was conducted for relevant publications using the terms “anterior skull base malignancies” and “anterior skull base malignancies treatment and “open vs endoscopic anterior skull base malignancies.” The publication language should be English. Results: Articles published after 2000 that cover the most recent paradigm shift in the treatment of anterior skull base tumors were included. There have been 35 articles found, despite 20 of them are being rejected due to the lack of full text, abstract, and non-english. Three of the fifteen articles have been downloaded twice, thus they have been excluded. Conclusion: Skull base tumors are treated based on findings of diagnostic nasal endoscopy and imaging results. CT scans and MRIs are becoming more significant in the diagnosis of diseases. Endoscopic techniques to the skull base were beneficial in treating the malignancy. Chemotherapy can be used as a gold standard first-line treatment with radiation and surgery for significant types of head and neck tumors. immunotherapy-like checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD1 are the second-line treatments of advanced HNSCC. Prospective research and trials will be required in the future.

Prognosis of Distant Metastatic Sites in Anterior Skull Base Malignancies.

Objective This study aimed to provide information regarding the prognosis of patients presenting with metastatic anterior skull base malignancies based upon histology and site of distant metastasis (DM). Patients and Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with anterior skull base malignant neoplasms with DM. Outcomes Prognosis was compared between site of DM and tumor histologies. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). Results A total of 481 patients were identified. Lung was the most common site of DM (24.9%), followed by bone (22.2%), liver (5.6%), and brain (2.5%). Lung was the most common site for squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa) (28.3%), melanoma (37.7%), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; 31.4%). The median survival for patients presenting with metastatic disease regardless of tumor histology was 9.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.2-10.3), and patients with metastasis to the liver had the best median survival at 15.5 months (95% CI: 10.5-25.6). The median survivals for the most common histologies, SCCa, melanoma, and ACC were 8.2 months (95% CI: 5.5-10.2), 10.5 months (95% CI: 8.7-14.1), and 15.0 months (95% CI: 11.1-61.1), respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated worse overall survival (OS) for older patients, higher Charlson-Deyo comorbidity scores, and tumors with higher grade and T stage. Compared with metastasis to bone, lung metastasis had better OS on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51-97). Adenoid cystic carcinoma had improved OS compared with SCCa (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-99). Conclusion Tumor histology, metastatic sites, and several disease factors affected prognosis in anterior skull base malignancies with DM.

Endoscopic approaches to skull base malignancies affecting the anterior fossa.

Anterior skull base malignancies are rare and comprise distinct histological entities. Surgery encompasses the traditional craniofacial resections (CFR), and more recently, endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) or a hybrid cranioendoscopic (CEA) technique. Although the CFR is still considered the "gold-standard;" there is growing evidence supporting that EEA yield equivalent oncologic outcomes with less morbidity in well-selected cases. Therefore, this article aims to review the current state-of-art in addressing anterior cranial base malignancies using expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEA) with particular references to surgical anatomy and nuances of hybrid cranioendoscopic techniques. Cadaveric dissections and illustrative cases are presented to detail our current surgical technique allied with tailored adjuvant therapies, and treatment strategies are further discussed based on tumor histology.

Surgical management of anterior skull-base malignancies (endoscopic vs. craniofacial resection)

Anterior skull base (ASB) malignancies are rare entities characterized by delayed diagnosis and comprise a variety of distinct histological types. Their treatment involves clinical and surgical management, with the latter encompassing open and, more recently, endoscopic approaches. The craniofacial resection, as an open approach, has revolutionized the treatment of such diseases and is the gold standard, although significant morbidity and facial scars are a shortcoming. Seeking a less invasive alternative, many surgeons have approached these pathologies using the endoscopic endonasal approach, with the theoretical advantage of reduced morbidity and no facial scars. In this manuscript, we aim to review the current state-of-art in the surgical management of the ASB malignancies. As such, indications, limitations and future perspectives of different surgical techniques are discussed.

Quality of life considerations for patients with anterior and central skull base malignancies.

The extirpation of skull base malignancies may be associated with significant morbidity and can profoundly impact health related quality of life (HRQOL). In this review, we sought to provide an overview of HRQOL and the factors that influence it for patients with skull base malignancies. Narrative review. HRQOL tends to improve in the months to years following treatment and is profoundly impacted by both tumor location and treatment approach. Wherever possible, HRQOL should always be elicited from the patient directly. Several HRQOL instruments have been used in this population including generic, site-specific and disease specific measures. Given that HRQOL is a multidimensional concept with several important facets, validated disease-specific instruments are generally preferred.

Minimally invasive endoscopic transcribriform resection of malignant lesions of the skull base

Introduction: Malignant tumours of the sinonasal region - including those with invasion of the skull base - necessitate surgical resection. The majority of the cases give an opportunity to perform the procedure via minimally invasive, endoscopic approach, without external, craniofacial surgery. Aim: To assess our clinical experience in treating anterior skull base malignancies, performing minimally invasive endoscopic transcribriform resection. Method: Between February 2015 and July 2017, four male and one female patient underwent minimally invasive, endoscopic skull base procedure. The mean age was 64.6 years (59-70, median: 66). Every surgery was performed via transnasal, endoscopic transcribriform approach. In two cases Kadish C esthesioneuroblastomas, while in one case a T3N0 sinonasal non-differentiated carcinoma, a T1N0 intestinal type adenocarcinoma and a T4N0 squamous cell carcinoma was the indication of surgery, respectively. Results: The mean follow-up time was 22.8 months, between 14 and 46 months. Intraoperative complications did not occur during the procedures. Regarding the postoperative period, liquorrhoea and pneumocephalus occurred in one case. Complications were solved with lumbar drainage. During follow-up, neither residual nor recurrent tumour was observed in our patients. Conclusion: Endoscopic transcribriform resection of the skull base malignancies is a safe and viable alternative to the traditional open approach. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(40): 1584-1590.

Pituitary Dysfunction after Radiation for Anterior Skull Base Malignancies: Incidence and Screening.

Background Management of anterior cranial base malignancies requires multidisciplinary care. Radiation therapy remains a mainstay of definitive or adjuvant treatment. Apart from primary hypothyroidism, the effects of radiation on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis after high-dose treatment of head and neck malignancies remain poorly described. We describe a comprehensive screening protocol for surveillance and characterize the incidence of pituitary dysfunction after radiation for anterior cranial base malignancies. Methods A review of patients prospectively enrolled in a skull base registry at an academic center was performed. Included patients had a history of anterior skull base malignancy and external beam radiation to the primary site, with comprehensive post-treatment pituitary serologies and at least 1 year of post-radiation follow-up. Routine hormonal screening was initiated during the study period for all patients with anterior skull base irradiation. Results Eighty-one patients met inclusion. Fifty-eight patients (71%) demonstrated some laboratory abnormality. Thirty patients (37%) demonstrated evidence of hypopituitarism. Twenty-four (29%) demonstrated central hypogonadism, and 16% of patients showed central hypothyroidism. Ten patients (12%) displayed central adrenal insufficiency with six patients demonstrating panhypopituitarism. Primary tumor location and maximum dose of radiation to the gland appeared to correlate with incidence of hypopituitarism. Conclusion Radiation for malignancies of the anterior skull base resulted in a 37% incidence of hypopituitarism in our study. Given the potential morbidity of hypopituitarism, we recommend annual post-treatment screening in these patients. We describe a comprehensive set of serologies that can be utilized, and recommend updating clinical guidelines to reflect the necessity of this screening.

Endoscopic endonasal approach for sinonasal and anterior skull base malignancies in the elderly.

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of endoscopic transnasal resection for sinonasal and anterior skull-base cancers in elderly patients. A retrospective review was performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups, <70 years old and ≥70 years old and compared by univariate analysis. Prognostic factors were evaluated with a multivariate analysis. Survival rates were also calculated. Two hundred three elderly patients and 397 younger patients were enrolled in this study. The elderly patients reported lower survival rates than the younger patients. When melanoma and esthesioneuroblastoma were censored, the disease-specific survival (DSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were similar. Complication rates were 17.5% without any statistical significance between the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that histology, stage, surgical margins, and surgical approaches were independent predictors of survival in elderly patients. The endoscopic transnasal approach reported low mortality and morbidity rates also in geriatric patients, and age itself is not to be considered as a contraindication.

Endoscopic endonasal resection of sinonasal/anterior skull base malignancy (Kadish C esthesioneuroblastoma).

The surgical management of anterior skull base malignancies requires the full complement of open and endoscopic skull base approaches. Due to the evolution of endoscopic techniques, endoscopic approaches are now being employed for complex skull base tumors. We present our technique for endoscopic management for an advanced (T4) anterior skull base malignancy that provides a systematic approach to resection, margin assessment, and reconstruction. Our surgical strategy provides a systematic approach by which an oncologic resection can be performed within the context of a spectrum of surgical strategies necessary to manage skull base malignancies.

Erratum to: Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery in the Management of Sinonasal and Anterior Skull Base Malignancies.

Erratum to: Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery in the Management of Sinonasal and Anterior Skull Base Malignancies.

Pituitary Dysfunction after Radiation for Anterior Skull Base Malignancies: Incidence and Screening

Pituitary Dysfunction after Radiation for Anterior Skull Base Malignancies: Incidence and Screening

Optimizing the photodynamic therapy treatment approach for recurrent maxilla, sinonasal and anterior skull base malignancies

Optimizing the photodynamic therapy treatment approach for recurrent maxilla, sinonasal and anterior skull base malignancies

An Algorithm for Surgical Approach to the Anterior Skull Base

To characterize our experience with the surgical management of anterior skull base malignancy, and to propose an algorithm for surgical approach to anterior skull base malignancies. Retrospective review. Academic cranial base center. Sixty-seven patients who underwent resection of paranasal sinus or anterior skull base malignancy with an endoscopic, cranioendoscopic, or traditional anterior craniofacial approach. Complications, recurrence, and survival. There were 48 males and 19 females, ranging from 6 to 88 years old. There were three groups: endonasal endoscopic resection (n = 10), cranioendoscopic resection (n = 12), and traditional craniofacial resection (n = 45). The most common tumor pathologies included esthesioneuroblastoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. Patients with T3/T4 disease were less likely to undergo endoscopic resection (p = 0.007). The 5-year disease-free survival was 82.1% overall, with no statistically significant differences among approaches. There were no differences in orbital complications, meningitis, or cerebrospinal fluid leak. Use of a transfacial incisions predisposed patients to surgical site infection and sinocutaneous fistulae. An algorithm for surgical approach was developed based on these results. Sinonasal and skull base malignancies can be safely surgically addressed via several approaches. Surgical approach should be selected algorithmically based on preoperative clinical assessment of the tumor and known postoperative complication rates.

Effects of Smoking on Quality of Life in Patients with Malignancies of the Anterior Cranial Base

Background: Malignancies of the anterior cranial base have substantial and highly variable effect on the quality of life (QoL) for patients. This is, in part, related to the critical anatomic location and highly diverse set of malignancies. In the general head and neck cancer literature, a history of smoking has been associated with diminished quality of life. We sought to determine if smoking history, either current or past, impacts quality of life over time for patients with newly diagnosed anterior skull base malignancies.

Role of Craniofacial Resection for Malignant Tumors Involving the Anterior Skull Base: Surgical Experience in a Single Institution.

BackgroundCraniofacial resection (CFR) has been regarded as a standard treatment for various tumors involving the anterior skull base. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of CFR for the patients with anterior skull base malignancies in our hospital.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 17 patients with anterior skull base malignancies treated with CFR between 2001 and 2012. Mean follow-up duration was 41 months (range, 2-103 months).ResultsIntracranial involvement was found in 11 patients (65%) and orbital extension in 6 patients (35%). Classical bifrontal craniotomy was combined with endoscopic endonasal approach in 14 patients and external approach in 3 patients. Vascularized flap was used for reconstruction of the anterior fossa floor in 16 patients (94%). The most common pathological type was squamous cell carcinoma (6 patients). Gross total resection was achieved in all cases. Postoperative complications developed in 4 patients (24%) and included local wound problem and brain abscess. One patient with liver cirrhosis died from unexpected varix bleeding after the operation. Although postoperative treatment, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy, was performed in 14 patients, local recurrence was seen in 6 patients. The mean overall survival time after the operation was 69.0 months (95% confidence interval: 47.5-90.5 months) with a 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rate of 82.3%, 76.5%, and 64.7%, respectively. Postoperative radiotherapy was found to be the powerful prognostic factor for favorable survival.ConclusionConsidering the higher local control rate and acceptable complication or mortality rate, CFR with adjuvant radiotherapy is a gold standard treatment option for malignant tumors involving anterior skull base, especially with extensive intracranial involvement.

Delayed Complications after Anterior Craniofacial Resection of Malignant Skull Base Tumors

Objective To report complications occurring at least 6 months after completion of treatment for patients with anterior skull base malignancy undergoing anterior craniofacial resection (CFR). Design Retrospective review of medical records of all patients undergoing traditional CFR for treatment of anterior skull base malignancy from 2002 through 2011. Setting Massachusetts General Hospital/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cranial Base Center. Participants Thirty-one consecutive patients who had at least 18 months of follow-up for analysis were reviewed. All patients underwent traditional CFR. A total of 28 patients received postoperative proton beam radiation therapy. Eleven patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Main Outcome Measures A delayed complication was any complication occurring at least 6 months after the completion of treatment. Results Seventeen patients had delayed complications. Orbital complications were the most common type (13 patients) followed by issues with wound healing (6 patients). The most common orbital complication was epiphora (7 patients). The most common wound complication was a nasocutaneous fistula (5 patients). Conclusions Patients with anterior skull malignancy can develop complications months to years after the completion of treatment. Therefore, it is important to continue to follow and report complications for several years when deciding on the optimal approach for treatment of these patients.

Quality of life following endoscopic endonasal resection of anterior skull base cancers

For several decades, the exclusive purpose in the management of anterior skull base malignancies has been to increase survival rates. Recently, given the improved prognosis achieved, more attention has been focused on quality of life (QOL) as well. Producing data on QOL in anterior skull base cancers is hampered by the rarity of the neoplasm and the lack of specific questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to assess health-related QOL in a large and homogeneous cohort of patients affected by anterior skull base cancers who had undergone endoscopic endonasal resection. The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients treated for sinonasal and skull base cancers via an endoscopic endonasal approach at two Italian tertiary care referral centers. All patients were asked to complete the Anterior Skull Base Surgery Questionnaire to evaluate their QOL before and 1 month and 1 year after surgical treatment. To assess which parameters affect QOL, the study population was divided into subgroups according to age, sex, stage of disease, surgical approach, and adjuvant therapy. One hundred fifty-three patients were enrolled in this study according to the adopted inclusion criteria. Overall QOL started at a score of 4.68 for the preoperative period, sharply decreased as far as a score of 4.03 during the 1st postoperative month, and rose again to a score of 4.59 over the course of 1 year after treatment, with a significant difference among the 3 values (p < 0.05). The specific symptoms and physical status domains registered poorer results at the 1-year assessment (4.00 and 4.71, respectively) than at the preoperative assessment (both domains 4.86), with a statistically significant reduction in scores (p < 0.05). Worse outcomes were associated with several variables: age > 60 years (difference of 0.21 points between the preoperative and 1-year period, p < 0.05), expanded surgical approaches with transnasal craniectomy (decrease of 0.20 points between the preoperative and 1-year period, p < 0.05), and postoperative radiotherapy (score of 4.53 at the 1-year period vs. 4.70 in patients without any adjuvant treatment, p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found when analyzing the study population according to sex (p > 0.1) and T classification of disease at presentation (p > 0.05). Radical endoscopic endonasal resection led to either complete or at least partial recovery of patient QOL within the 1st postoperative year.

Combined endoscopic and open approach to resection of the anterior skull base

Although en-bloc resection is the traditional teaching in oncological surgery, with recent technologic advancements and literature to support both safety and efficacy, there has been a growing acceptance of alternative techniques for the surgical management of paranasal sinus and anterior skull base malignancies. The endoscopic-assisted external approach affords many of the benefits of endoscopic resection while allowing for the management of lesions with marked intracranial extension that would otherwise require anterior craniofacial resection. Here we describe our endoscopic technique for resection of the anterior skull base and its role when combined with anterior craniotomy.