Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Research Articles

Assessment of targeted therapy opportunities in sinonasal cancers using patient-derived functional tumor models

Malignant tumors derived from the epithelium lining the nasal cavity region are termed sinonasal cancers, a highly heterogeneous group of rare tumors accounting for 3 – 5 % of all head and neck cancers. Progress with next-generation molecular profiling has improved our understanding of the complexity of sinonasal cancers and resulted in the identification of an increasing number of distinct tumor entities. Despite these significant developments, the treatment of sinonasal cancers has hardly evolved since the 1980s, and an advanced sinonasal cancer presents a poor prognosis as targeted therapies are usually not available. To gain insights into potential targeted therapeutic opportunities, we performed a multiomics profiling of patient-derived functional tumor models to identify molecular characteristics associated with pharmacological responses in the different subtypes of sinonasal cancer. MethodsPatient-derived ex vivo tumor models representing four distinct sinonasal cancer subtypes: sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma, sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma and SMARCB1 deficient sinonasal carcinoma were included in the analyses. Results of functional drug screens of 160 anti-cancer therapies were integrated with gene panel sequencing and histological analyses of the tumor tissues and the ex vivo cell cultures to establish associations between drug sensitivity and molecular characteristics including driver mutations. ResultsThe different sinonasal cancer subtypes display considerable differential drug sensitivity. Underlying the drug sensitivity profiles, each subtype was associated with unique molecular features. The therapeutic vulnerabilities correlating with specific genomic background were extended and validated with in silico analyses of cancer cell lines representing different human cancers and with reported case studies of sinonasal cancers treated with targeted therapies. ConclusionThe results demonstrate the importance of understanding the differential biology and the molecular features associated with the different subtypes of sinonasal cancers. Patient-derived ex vivo tumor models can be a powerful tool for investigating these rare cancers and prioritizing targeted therapeutic strategies for future clinical development and personalized medicine.

Neuroendocrine and undifferentiated sinonasal and skull base tumors: An up-to-date narrative review.

Tumors located in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and the skull base comprise a wide range of histologic subtypes. Among them, neuroendocrine and undifferentiated tumors are rare but noteworthy, because of their distinctive features, aggressive nature, and diagnostic complexities. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE and the Scopus databases from 2019 until inception. The keywords "neuroendocrine", "undifferentiated", "nose", "sinonasal", "paranasal", "skull base" were used. Thirty-eight articles referring to neuroendocrine and undifferentiated tumors of the nose, paranasal sinuses and the skull base were finally included and analyzed. Neuroendocrine and undifferentiated tumors of the nose, paranasal sinuses and the skull base are infrequent malignancies, most commonly affecting middle-aged men. They usually present with non-specific symptoms, even though ocular or neurologic manifestations may occur. Prognosis is generally poor; however, novel targeted and immunological therapies have shown promising results. Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinomas (SNECs) carry distinct histological and immunohistochemical features. Management consists of surgical resection coupled with systematic therapy. Sinonasal Undifferentiated Carcinomas (SNUCs) lack specific squamous or glandular features. They typically stain positive for pancytokeratin and INI1 antibody. Treatment includes induction chemotherapy, followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Olfactory neuroblastomas (ONBs) have neuroepithelial or neuroblastic features. They show diffuse positivity for various markers, including synaptophysin, chromogranin, and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Surgical resection plus radiotherapy is considered the treatment of choice. In conclusion, neuroendocrine and undifferentiated tumors arising from the nose, paranasal sinuses and the skull base represent a unique group of malignancies. A thorough understanding of their clinical features, molecular changes, diagnostic approaches, treatment modalities, and prognostic factors is critical for providing optimal patient care. Still, continued research efforts and multidisciplinary collaboration are warranted, in order to improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with these rare and aggressive tumors.

Recurrent Wnt Pathway and ARID1A Alterations in Sinonasal Olfactory Carcinoma

Sinonasal tumors with neuroepithelial differentiation, defined by neuroectodermal elements reminiscent of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) and epithelial features such as keratin expression or gland formation, are a diagnostically challenging group that has never been formally included in sinonasal tumor classifications. Recently, we documented that most of these neuroepithelial neoplasms have distinctive histologic and immunohistochemical findings and proposed the term “olfactory carcinoma” to describe these tumors. However, the molecular characteristics of olfactory carcinoma have not yet been evaluated. In this study, we performed targeted molecular profiling of 23 sinonasal olfactory carcinomas to further clarify their pathogenesis and classification. All tumors included in this study were composed of high-grade neuroectodermal cells that were positive for pankeratin and at least 1 specific neuroendocrine marker. A significant subset of cases also displayed rosettes and neurofibrillary matrix, intermixed glands with variable cilia, peripheral p63/p40 expression, and S100 protein-positive sustentacular cells. Recurrent oncogenic molecular alterations were identified in 20 tumors, including Wnt pathway alterations affecting CTNNB1 (n = 8) and PPP2R1A (n = 2), ARID1A inactivation (n = 5), RUNX1 mutations (n = 3), and IDH2 hotspot mutations (n = 2). Overall, these findings do demonstrate the presence of recurrent molecular alterations in olfactory carcinoma, although this group of tumors does not appear to be defined by any single mutation. Minimal overlap with alterations previously reported in ONB also adds to histologic and immunohistochemical separation between ONB and olfactory carcinoma. Conversely, these molecular findings enhance the overlap between olfactory carcinoma and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas. A small subset of neuroepithelial tumors might better fit into the superseding molecular category of IDH2-mutant sinonasal carcinoma. At this point, sinonasal neuroendocrine and neuroepithelial tumors may best be regarded as a histologic and molecular spectrum that includes core groups of ONB, olfactory carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and IDH2-mutant sinonasal carcinoma.

Sox2 and βIII-Tubulin as Biomarkers of Drug Resistance in Poorly Differentiated Sinonasal Carcinomas.

Poorly differentiated sinonasal carcinomas (PDCs) are tumors that have a poor prognosis despite advances in classical treatment. Predictive and prognostic markers and new personalized treatments could improve the oncological outcomes of patients. In this study, we analyzed SOX2 and βIII-tubulin as biomarkers that could have prognostic and therapeutic impacts on these tumors. The cohort included 57 cases of PDCs: 36 sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC) cases, 13 olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) cases, and 8 sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) cases. Clinical follow-up data were available for 26 of these cases. Sox2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry in 6 (75%) SNEC cases, 19 (53%) SNUC cases, and 6 (46%) ONB cases. The absence of Sox2 staining correlated with a higher rate of recurrence (p = 0.015), especially distant recurrence. The majority of cases showed βIII-tubulin expression, with strong positivity in 85%, 75%, and 64% of SNEC, ONB, and SNUC cases, respectively. Tumors with stronger βIII-tubulin expression demonstrated longer disease-free survival than those with no expression or low expression (p = 0.049). Sox2 and βIII-tubulin expression is common in poorly differentiated sinonasal tumors and has prognostic and therapeutic utility.

Primary Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Invading the Orbit: Case Report and Review of Literature

Primary sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) is a rare aggressive sinonasal malignancy which typically occurs in the ethmoidal bone or sinuses, with a slight male preponderance. No risk factors have been identified. With a very few reported cases. Most patients present in advanced stages due to the lack of significant symptoms. Nomenclature has been ambiguous, but SNECs can be classified as well-, moderately- or poorly differentiated. Its treatment is not well established. We report the case of a large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) in a 34 years old patient presented the occurrence of a right epistaxis. The beginning of the symptomatology goes back to 1 year before, with right nasal obstruction of progressive onset, associated with right epistaxis and bloody rhinorrhea with right chronic eye watering. Nasosinusal MRI shows a right nasal mass enhanced strongly after injection of gadolinium, extension to contralateral ethmoidal cells with orbital bone lysis and cribriform plate of the Ethmoid bone. The Histopathologic analysis of the mass biopsy showed a poorly differentiated carcinomatous tumor proliferation with positive neuroendocrine markers. The multidisciplinary decision taken was the treatment by chemotherapy before surgery.

Acute bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis revealing sphenoethmoidal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma

Primary sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare tumor of extreme malignancy. The diagnosis is often made at an advanced stage. The most recently documented treatment for nonmetastatic paranasal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma consists of chemotherapy (cisplatin-VP16) followed by radiotherapy. Surgery is reserved for resectable tumors that do not respond well to chemotherapy. We report the case of a patient admitted for acute bilateral Retrobulbular optic neuropathy (RBON) revealing a sphenoethmoidal sinus neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: 15 Years of Experience at a Single Institution.

Objectives  Sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas (SNECs) are among the rarest paranasal sinus cancers. Consensus guidelines for therapy are difficult to develop due to limited data regarding the natural history and successful treatment of these tumors. This study presents 15 years of experience treating SNEC at a single institution and a review of the literature. Design  Retrospective review. Setting  Academic medical center in the United States. Participants  Patients diagnosed with primary SNEC. Main Outcome Measures  Overall survival. Results  Thirteen patients were identified and included. Overall estimated survival was 74.6% at 5 years. Ten of 13 (76.9%) patients were diagnosed with high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma and three (23.1%) with intermediate or low grade. All three patients with low- or intermediate-grade cancer survived more than 10 years from their initial diagnosis (median survival: 11.6 years) and are currently alive. The four patients who died had high-grade carcinoma, and estimated overall 5-year survival for all patients with high-grade carcinomas was 65.6%. Five patients, all with high-grade carcinoma, of seven who completed primary chemoradiation therapy (CRT) required salvage resection, and 60% are alive without disease. Conclusion  This cohort has a higher overall rate of survival than many recent case series and reviews. There is consensus that multimodal therapy is preferred over monotherapy, but approaches to treatment vary widely. Our approach of surgical resection as primary therapy for low-grade tumors and primary CRT for high-grade SNEC has been successful, and could indicate hope for improved survival among these patients.

[Clinical analysis of 31 patients with sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma].

Objective:To investigate the characteristics and prognostic factors of sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma （SNEC）. Methods:The clinical data of 31 patients with SNEC were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 31 patients, 3 cases were simply surgically removed, 4 cases were surgery + radiotherapy, 4 cases were surgery + chemotherapy, 10 cases were surgery + chemoradiotherapy, and 10 cases were simply given chemoradiotherapy without surgery. The study follow-up 8-64 months. Results:By the end of follow-up, 2 patients were lost to follow-up, 17 died, 12 survival, 8 relapsed and 5-year survival rate was 36.4％. High TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, skull base infiltration and Ki-67≥55％ were the negative prognostic factors for survival. Conclusion:SNEC is a rare aggressive tumor, with poor prognosis, high local recurrence rate, metastasis tendency, hidden disease. The comprehensive treatment of surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy is still the best treatment.

SMARCA4/BRG1-Deficient Sinonasal Carcinoma.

Molecular analysis of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated sinonasal neoplasms has resulted in identification of a growing number of genetically defined tumors. SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinoma is one such recently described entity that emerged from within sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), and teratocarcinosarcoma (TCS). To identify SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas from a large institutional cohort of poorly differentiated/undifferentiated carcinomas and evaluate their clinicopathologic features. SMARCA4/BRG1 immunohistochemistry was performed on all tumors diagnosed as SNUC, poorly differentiated carcinoma, NEC, and TCS during a 12-year period. SMARCA2/BRM and INSM1 immunostaining was performed in SMARCA4-deficient cases. Twelve SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas were identified among 299 cases. Morphologically, 5 cases were large cell NEC, 2 cases were small cell NEC, and 5 were TCS. SMARCA4 loss was diffuse and complete in 10 cases, while 2 cases showed focal retention. Most cases showed diffuse cytokeratin staining accompanied by weak, usually focal staining for chromogranin and synaptophysin. INSM-1 showed negativity in most cases. All cases showed retained SMARCA2 expression. IDH1/2 mutation was absent in all cases analyzed. Four of 7 patients died of disease, and aggressive multimodality treatment provided better outcome. SMARCA4-deficient sinonasal carcinomas are morphologically akin to sinonasal poorly differentiated NECs and TCS, display cytokeratin positivity and only focal staining for neuroendocrine markers, and have aggressive biological behavior. Inclusion of SMARCA4 in the immunohistochemical panel for diagnostic workup of all sinonasal NEC and TCS phenotypes will facilitate their early recognition. Comprehensive germline and somatic mutational analyses of these tumors are necessary for further insights into their molecular pathogenesis.

Treatment outcomes of sinonasal tumours with neuroendocrine features

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Sinonasal tumours with neuroendocrine immunophenotype include olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). These neoplasms usually present in advanced stages and are associated with poor outcome. This study describes the clinical features of these tumours and analyzes treatment outcomes of patients with these malignancies.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Retrospective chart review of all patients with sinonasal tumours diagnosed from 2009 to 2019, in a tertiary cancer centre. Clinical and histopathological prognostic factors were determined by univariate analysis. Overall survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 27 patients (77.8% male) with a mean age of 52.0±16.8 years were included in the study. ONB was diagnosed in 9 patients, SNEC in 10 patients and SNUC in 8 patients. TNM stage IV disease was found in 20 patients (74.0%) at presentation. According to staging and treatment results, curative therapy was attempted in 21 patients (77.8%), of whom sixteen (76.2%) received multimodality treatment. Overall mean survival was 49 months and 1-year, 3-years and 5-years overall survival rates were 70.5%, 47.3% and 37.8%, respectively. Patients with SNEC had worse overall survival (p=0.044). Regarding treatment options, patients with SNUC treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy had improved overall survival (p=0.027), as well as patients with SNEC selected for endoscopic resection surgery (p=0.049).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Accurate histologic diagnosis, grading, and clinical staging are essential for characterization and treatment selection in this heterogeneous group of sinonasal tumours. Consensus in the management of these tumours is lacking due to their rarity, difficulties in diagnosis and diverse current treatment approaches.</p><p> </p>

Management of olfactory neuroblastoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma involving the skullbase.

Sinonasal tumors that harbor neuroendocrine histologic features include olfactory neuroblastoma (previously known as esthesioneuroblastoma), sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. These tumors represent a diverse spectrum of clinical behavior and as such require histology-specific management. Herein, we review the management of these sinonasal tumors with neuroendocrine features and discuss fundamentals of multi-modality care for each histology. An emphasis is placed on olfactory neuroblastomas, given their relative frequency and skullbase origin. A comprehensive literature review on contemporary management of olfactory neuroblastoma, sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma was performed. Management of sinonasal tumors with neuroendocrine features can include surgical resection, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Due to their site of origin, these tumors can frequently involve the skullbase, which can require site-specific care. The optimal treatment modalities and the sequence in which they are performed are largely dependent on histology. In most cases, olfactory neuroblastoma is best managed with surgical resection followed by radiation therapy. Sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas represent a variety of histologic phenotypes (carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, small cell, and large cell), which determine the optimal treatment modality. Finally, sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma is likely best managed by induction chemotherapy with subsequent therapy dictated by the initial response. A team approach to multi-modality care is essential in the treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma, sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma. Early biopsy, histologic diagnosis, and comprehensive imaging are critical to determining the appropriate management paradigm.

Diagnostic, pronostic et traitement des carcinomes nasosinusiens (hors mélanomes, sarcomes et lymphomes)

Sinonasal carcinomas account for 3% of ENT cancers. They are subdivided into squamous cell carcinomas (50%), adenocarcinomas [20%, mostly of intestinal type (ITAC)], and more rarely, adenoid cystic carcinomas, olfactory neuroblastomas (=esthesioneuroblastomas), neuroendocrine carcinomas or undifferentiated sinonasal carcinomas (SNUC). The 5-year survival rates are, in descending order, 72% for neuroblastomas, 63% for adenocarcinomas, 50-60% for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, 53% for squamous cell carcinomas, 25-50% for adenoid cystic, 35% for small-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas and 35% for SNUC and newly discovered histologies. Surgery is the main treatment; endoscopic approaches reduce the morbidity with equivalent tumour control. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is almost systematic. Nodal involvement is rare in ethmoidal adenocarcinomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas; it is intermediate and may justify prophylactic radiotherapy for N0 necks in SNUC, neuroblastoma, squamous cell carcinomas and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinomas. IMRT or proton therapy is the mainstay of treatment of unresectable disease. Radiotherapy optimization by carbon ion therapy for adenoid cystic carcinomas, or by chemotherapy for all carcinomas with IMRT or proton therapy, is investigated within clinical trials in France. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is reserved for rapidly progressive disease or histologies with a high metastatic potential such as neuroendocrine carcinomas or SNUC. Given their histologic and molecular specificities and different relapse patterns, an expertise of the REFCOR network, with REFCORpath review, is likely to correct diagnoses, rectify treatments, with an impact on survival.

Who knows the nose? – The tale of esthesioneuroblastoma and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma

Who knows the nose? – The tale of esthesioneuroblastoma and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma

Long-term outcomes of locally advanced and borderline resectable esthesioneuroblastoma and sinonasal tumor with neuroendocrine differentiation treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Background: Sinonasal tumors are a rare group of neoplasms with limited data available regarding their treatment. Objectives: To estimate the 5 year outcomes and late adverse events of locally advanced sinonasal tumors treated with neoadjuvant therapy (NACT) followed by local therapy. Methods: Twenty-five patients with locally advanced esthesioneuroblastoma or sinonasal neuroendocrine tumors treated between August 2010 and August 2014 with NACT followed by local therapy were selected. The 5-year outcome and late adverse events (CTCAE version 4.02) were noted. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. COX regression analysis was used to identify factors impacting PFS and OS. Results: The median follow-up was 5.15 years. The 5-year PFS in the esthesioneuroblastoma cohort and in the sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) cohort was 63.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.9–84.7) and 34.6% (95% CI: 10.1–61.1), respectively (P = 0.1). The only factor impacting PFS on multivariate analysis was a response to NACT (P = 0.033). The 5-year OS in the esthesioneuroblastoma cohort and in the SNEC cohort was 91.7% (95% CI: 53.9–98.9) and 46.2% (95% CI: 19.2–69.6), respectively (P = 0.024). Any grade late adverse events were seen in 20 patients (80%). Metabolic late adverse events were seen in 19 patients (76%). Conclusion: NACT in advanced sinonasal cancers is associated with an improvement in 5-year outcomes. However, late side effects, especially metabolic, are seen in these patients and should be evaluated during follow-up.

The Evolving Role of Systemic Therapy in the Primary Treatment of Sinonasal Cancer.

The inclusion of systemic therapy in the multimodal approach of locally advanced sinonasal cancers, at least in some selected histologies, may improve locoregional control and reduce the frequency of distant metastasis, allowing longer survival. Response to induction chemotherapy is a strong prognostic factor for a patient's outcome and it may improve disease control by surgery and radiation. Concurrent chemoradiation aims at increasing locoregional control in squamous cell cancer of the head and neck; this is particularly important in sinonasal cancers, with a risk of local relapse of about 30%. Selected histologies may benefit from specific drug combinations, according to varying chemosensitivity. Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma carrying a functional p53 protein may be treated with preoperative cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin. Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma is a chemosensitive disease, where the multimodal approach is necessary to counterbalance the severe prognosis. Sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma and olfactory neuroblastoma may benefit from systemic treatments, but their added value has not been so clearly defined yet. Multimodality trials are ongoing to test the activity of induction chemotherapy followed by locoregional curative treatment. A deeper knowledge of the molecular deregulations of these diseases could help in identifying targeted therapies.

NEUROENDOCRINE CARCINOMA AS SINONASAL MALIGNANCY

Neuroendocrine neoplasms are defined as epithelial neoplasms with predominant neuroendocrine differentiation. Extremely rare site for neuroendocrine carcinoma are nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and are aggressive neoplasm with a high recurrence rate and a tendency to metastasize. A 19-year male presented to the department of Otorhinolaryngology with left nasal obstruction, persistent headache for nine months and on and off bleeding from left nasal cavity for 2 months. On examination of the nasal cavity, a gross deviation of nasal septum with a red, friable, gelatinous, polypoidal mass with a tendency to bleed was seen in the left nasal cavity. The patient underwent endoscopic excision of mass under GA. Specimen was sent for histopathological examination which exhibited the properties of Neuro-endocrine carcinoma. Sinonasal NEC is an extremely rare malignancy. CT scan with intravenous contrast is the most effectual early imaging study, additionally MRI will further make a fine description of the tumor extension. Furthermore, Immunohisto-chemistry is an important tool that can be valuable in reaching a diagnosis. There is no clear recommendation regarding the treatment of the sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma, but the multimodal approach with proper counselling of patient is favoured and generally accepted.

Genetic profiling of poorly differentiated sinonasal tumours

The sinonasal cavities harbour a variety of rare tumour types. Many carry a poor prognosis while therapeutic options are limited. Histopathological classification can be difficult, especially for poorly differentiated tumours such as olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC). We analysed Affymetrix OncoScan genome-wide copy number profiles of these three tumour types, both as originally diagnosed and as regrouped by their cytokeratin (Ck) and neuroendocrine (Ne) expression pattern, aiming to find a relation between phenotype and genotype. According to the original histopathological classification our series consisted of 24 ONB, 11 SNEC and 19 SNUC, while immunohistochemistry indicated 11 Ck−Ne+/ONB, 18 Ck+Ne+/SNEC, 24 Ck+Ne−/SNUC, and 1 Ck−Ne−/unclassified. As originally diagnosed, the three tumour types showed similar copy number profiles. However, when regrouped by Ck/Ne immunostaining we found a distinct set of gains and losses; Ck−Ne+/ONB harboured few and predominantly whole chromosomes abnormalities, Ck+Ne+/SNEC carried both gains and losses in high frequency, and Ck+Ne−/SNUC showed mostly gains. In addition, each tumour carried a number of unique chromosomal deletions. Genome-wide copy number profiling supports the value of immunohistochemical CkNe staining of ONB, SNEC and SNUC for tumour classification, which is important for prognosis and therapeutic decision-making.

Multimodal Management of Patients with Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with Infiltration of the Skull Base and Intradural Frontobasal Brain Invasion

Multimodal Management of Patients with Sinonasal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma with Infiltration of the Skull Base and Intradural Frontobasal Brain Invasion

Relationship between 18FDG-PET and different types of sinonasal malignancies

Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of a 18FDG-PET scan may be different according to the histology. The SUVmax and SUV ratio may reflect the tumor’s aggressive behavior.Objectives: To describe the characteristics of PET/CT scans, including the maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax), at initial diagnosis according to six main types of sinonasal malignancies: sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC), sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (SNUC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), sinonasal malignant melanoma (SMM), olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), and sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC).Methods: A chart review of 50 patients who were diagnosed and treated for six sinonasal malignancy types over a period of 6 years was conducted. Any 18F-FDG PET/CT scans for each patient were searched using the hospital’s intranet. The SUVmax of the primary sinonasal site was recorded. The liver SUVs were utilized as reference SUVs. The SUV ratio was defined as the ratio of the SUVmax of the primary tumor and the SUVliver.Results: The most common malignancy was SNAC (32%), followed by SNUC (24%), ONB (14%), ACC (10%), SMM (10%), and SNEC (10%). The SUVmax and SUV ratio values were significantly different between tumor types (p = 0.002 and 0.012, respectively). SNUC had the highest mean SUVmax (14.2), followed by SNAC (9.9). A similar mean SUVmax was observed for SMM, ONB, and ACC (∼ 7.0). SNEC up-takes the least 18FDG among these six tumor types (mean SUVmax = 4.7).

Genetic and molecular alterations in olfactory neuroblastoma: implications for pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB, Esthesioneuroblastoma) is an infrequent neoplasm of the head and neck area derived from olfactory neuroepithelium. Despite relatively good prognosis a subset of patients shows recurrence, progression and/or metastatic disease, which requires additional treatment. However, neither prognostic nor predictive factors are well specified. Thus, we performed a literature search for the currently available data on disturbances in molecular pathways, cytogenetic changes and results gained by next generation sequencing (NGS) approaches in ONB in order to gain an overview of genetic alterations which might be useful for treating patients with ONB. We present briefly ONB molecular pathogenesis and propose potential therapeutic targets and prognostic factors. Possible therapeutic targets in ONB include: receptor tyrosine kinases (c-kit, PDGFR-b, TrkB; EGFR); somatostatin receptor; FGF-FGFR1 signaling; Sonic hedgehog pathway; apoptosis-related pathways (Bcl-2, TRAIL) and neoangiogenesis (VEGF; KDR). Furthermore, we compare high- and low-grade ONB, and describe its frequent mimicker: sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma. ONB is often a therapeutic challenge, so our goal should be the implementation of acquired knowledge into clinical practice, especially at pretreated, recurrent and metastatic stages. Moreover, the multicenter molecular studies are needed to increase the amount of available data.