Treatment Outcomes of Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Report of 5 Cases

Yoon, Joo Heon; Kim, Sung Shik; Choi, Young Jun; Kim, Kyung Su; Kim, Young Ho

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several strategies have been reported for the treatment of olfactory neuroblastoma such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, craniofacial resection, or their combination. However, a consensus regarding the optimal management has not been obtained. In this study, we examined the outcomes of different treatment modalities in five patients with olfactory neuroblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Five patients diagnosed as olfactory neuroblastoma during the past 10 years were retrospectively analyzed.
RESULTS
Five patients were categorized by the modified Kadish's staging system. Three patients underwent surgery. Radiotherapy was given concurrently with chemotherapy for two patients. Distant metastases were observed in two cases, one in the heart and the other in the cervical lymph node. After a median follow-up of 34 (12-87) months, two patients who underwent craniofacial resection only and another two patients who received combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy are still alive. One patient who underwent Denker's operation with postoperative radiotherapy had died of heart failure as a result of cardiac metastasis.
CONCLUSION
We suggest a complete surgical resection as a primary treatment modality, however, a multi-drug chemotherapy with radiotherapy could be the choice of treatment in cases of children or one with distant metastasis.