Outcomes for olfactory neuroblastoma treated with induction chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Oncologic outcomes for induction chemotherapy and its role in patients with advanced olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) remain unclear.

Methods: A retrospective review of 15 consecutive patients with extensive local invasion and/or nodal disease treated with induction chemotherapy with curative intent followed by definitive local therapy.

Results: The majority of patients were treated with cisplatin and etoposide. The response to chemotherapy was 68% (10/15). Response was 78% (7/9) in the high Hyams high-grade group and 50% (3/6) in the Hyams low-grade group. Seven patients had complete response (CR) and 3 patients were able to avoid orbital exenteration. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were 71% and 78%, respectively, with a trend toward improved survival in patients with CR.

Conclusion: ONB is a chemosensitive tumor and induction chemotherapy is an acceptable strategy for aggressive and locoregional advanced disease. Hyams grade may predict chemosensitivity and CR may be associated with improved survival.

Keywords: chemotherapy; induction chemotherapy; olfactory neuroblastoma; orbital preservation; skull base.