Radiotherapy as part of treatment strategies in nasal cavity and paranasal sinus malignancies

Abstract

Background/Aim: Modern intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is frequently applied to treat patients with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus (NC/PNS) malignancies. Patients and Methods: One hundred and four patients who underwent radiotherapy (RT) between 1994 and 2020 were recognized. This analysis compared conventional-radiotherapy (CRT) and image-guided IMRT outcomes for NC/PNS malignancies. Results: The median follow-up was 69 months. Eighty-eight patients (85%) were managed with image-guided IMRT. The median initial radiation dose was 65 Gy, with 68 Gy applied for patients treated with primary RT versus 63 Gy applied for adjuvant therapy (p=0.1). The 5-year locoregional control (LRC) was 85%. The locoregional recurrence rate was 18% following IMRT versus 31% in the 2D/3D-conventional RT group (p=0.09). Moreover, IMRT was associated with a lower inner-ear toxicity rate (8% vs. 20%, respectively; p=0.045). Conclusion: IMRT appears to be linked with higher LRC and lower inner-ear acute toxicities compared to conventional RT.