Treatment and outcome in 12 cases of olfactory neuroblastoma at Mexico´s National Cancer Institute: A retrospective clinical analysis and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is a malignant neoplasm that arises from the upper nasal vault. Objective: We present a retrospective case series and clinical analysis of 12 ONB cases. Materials and methods: Patients with ONB treated at Mexico´s National Cancer Institute between 2011 and 2018. Results: The Kadish proportion of B, C, and D stage was 16%, 58%, or 25%, respectively. Hyams Grade 1, 2, or 3 was 25%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. The most common surgical approach was the craniofacial in 5 cases (42%), followed by the transfacial in 4 cases (33%), and the endonasal endoscopic approach in 3 cases (25%). Gross total resection was achieved in 8 patients (67%). Five patients (42%) underwent a second operation due to recurrent/progressive disease. The surgical complication rate was 8.3%. Progression-free survival was 41 months and the mean overall survival was 63.6 months. Conclusions: Surgical resection followed by radiotherapy, and chemotherapy for metastatic and recurrent disease provides the best outcome in terms of survival and recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first series of cases reported in Mexico.