Modern treatment of sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma

Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Apr 1;31(2):89-93. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000877. Epub 2023 Feb 7.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas are rare aggressive tumours with traditionally poor outcomes. Although multimodality treatment has been recommended by most centres, the ideal treatment sequence or regimen has not been established.

Recent findings: Recent evidence suggests that induction chemotherapy may be used for chemoselection and cytoreduction prior to definitive chemoradiotherapy. Where there is a favourable response, concurrent chemoradiotherapy is favoured, with an improved overall survival and improved rates of organ preservation.

Summary: Induction chemotherapy may be a useful guide for selection of patients for chemoradiotherapy or surgery and has shown encouraging results. Further research is required to establish the ideal induction chemotherapy regimen for this rare group of tumours.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma* / pathology
  • Chemoradiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Humans
  • Maxillary Sinus Neoplasms* / pathology

Supplementary concepts

  • Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma