Olfactory Neuroblastoma: Clinical Features and Treatment Outcome

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The authors analyzed clinical features, long-term treatment outcome, and prognostic factors of the olfactory neuroblastoma. METHODS: Twenty-one cases of olfactory neuroblastomas, treated from 1979 to 2000, were retrospectively reviewed with medical records and radiological findings. Mean follow-up periods are 28.7 months(range 4-178). Extent of tumor was classified by UCLA staging system. Statistical analysis for survival was done using Kaplan Meier method and log-lank test. RESULTS: Mean age was 27 years(13-62), and most common group are second decades(8/21, 38%). Male to female ratio was 13 8. Common symptoms are nasal obstruction, epistaxis, exopthalmos and headache. There were three cases of T1, five T2, six T3, and seven T4 according to UCLA staging system. The 5-year survival rate was 21.3% and average time was 28.9 months in surgical resection group(n=14) as primary modality have higher survival rate than radiation and chemotherapy group(n=7)[2-year survival rate 39.2% vs 14.3%, 5-year survival rate 19.6% vs 14.3%(p=0.0274)]. Early stage(T1, T2) groups showed better survival rate than advanced(T3, T4) groups(38.1% vs 9.1% p=0.0336). The local and regional recurrences were observed in 6(27%) and 2(9%) cases. Mean recurrence free time was 7.8 months(range 1-25). CONCLUSION: Early detection and extent of resection are the important prognostic factors. Regular follow up is mandatary for the detection of recurrence or metastasis.