Expanded Endoscopic Endonasal Approach and Adjuvant Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Sinonasal and Skull Base Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Introduction: Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the sinonasal and skull base region is a challenging tumor to treat due to its late onset of presentation and frequent compromise of vital neurovascular structures. Surgical treatment followed by conventional irradiation are the optimal treatment options, often requiring extensive open approaches and mutilating interventions due to its localization. Endoscopic endonasal approaches are relatively new procedures that combined with new adjuvant radiation techniques could achieve similar oncological outcomes with significant less morbidity. Methods: We present the case of a patient with non-metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) locally advanced of the sinonasal and skull base region diagnosed and treated at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología of Bogotá D.C, Colombia between the years 2017 and 2020 who underwent endoscopic endonasal tumor resection and subsequent adjuvant management with Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Results: Endoscopic and imaging control was performed according to the protocol of the surgical group with nasal endoscopies every 3-4 months during the first 2 years and serial images every 6 months. Follow up for 35 months with adequate local control and minimal aesthetic or functional sequelae. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary management with endoscopic endonasal resection and adjuvant radiotherapy appears to be an effective oncological alternative to open surgical procedures, with less morbid and minor functional sequelae, for patients with locally advanced ACC tumors of the sinonasal region.