Factors affecting the effectiveness of conservative treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses

   Background. Currently, the main method of treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is surgical treatment with subsequent radiation/chemoradiation therapy. However, the survival rate of patients has not changed significantly in the last 20 years. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is highly sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation which allows to perform treatment even in cases of locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. However, the question of prognostic factors of the effect of chemoradiation therapy remains open. Therefore, determination of these factors is an important problem.

   Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of conservative treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal
sinuses.

   Materials and methods. The retrospective analysis included 55 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (stages III–IVA) who were under observation and receiving treatment at the N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology between 2000 and 2020. In 50 (90.9 %) patients, treatment began with induction chemotherapy with subsequent radiation therapy per the radical program. In this patient group, treatment effectiveness was evaluated per the RECIST 1.1 (Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors) criteria.

   Results. Five-year overall and progression free survival rates were 49.5 and 22.5 %, respectively. Objective response rate after treatment was achieved in 65.5 % of cases: complete response was observed in 38.2 % of cases (n = 21); partial response in 27.3 % (n = 15); stable disease in 18.2 % of cases (n = 10); disease progression in 16.4 % (n = 9).

   Conclusion. According to the results of the study, conservative treatment is a promising approach in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Patients with complete response to treatment have the highest odds of cure and improved long-term outcomes.

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