Olfactory Neuroblastoma

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide a comprehensive review of the literature focusing on the recent advances in the diagnosis and management of olfactory neuroblastoma.

Recent findings: Multimodality treatment is usually recommended for the majority of ONB cases. Recent advances in surgical approaches include the evolving role of endonasal endoscopic surgical resection and reconstruction. The introduction of new conformal radiation techniques has improved the outcomes and reduced treatment-related toxicity to important structures such as the eye and the brain. The role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy is yet to be defined. In the last two decades, there have been advances in surgical techniques with endoscopic approaches, either alone or in combination with craniotomy, gradually replacing the open traditional approaches. Prolonged surveillance is recommended for ONB due to late recurrences associated with that tumor. The role of chemotherapy and elective neck irradiation is still controversial and needs more studies to investigate their optimal role.

Keywords: Endoscopic resection; Esthesioneuroblastoma; Olfactory neuroblastoma; Sinonasal; Skull base.