Spread patterns of lymph nodes and the value of elective neck irradiation for esthesioneuroblastoma

Abstract Objectives This study was aimed to characterize patterns of lymphatic spread and assess the value of prophylactic elective neck irradiation (ENI) for esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB). Methods A retrospectively analysis of 116 patients with newly diagnosed ENB at our institution over 35-year period was undertaken. Results 32 patients (28%) presented lymph node metastasis at initial diagnosis, the common sites involved were level II, Ib, level III and VIIa. Among 80 N-negative patients staged in Modified Kadish B/C, 50 patients were delivered with ENI, 30 patients were not. The 5-year regional failure-free survival was 98% in patients treated with ENI and 75% in patients without ENI ( p = 0.005), regional failure rate decreased significantly from 23% (7/30) to 2% (1/50) after ENI ( p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis also suggested that ENI was an independent favorable predictor for regional controlling (HR, 0.102; 95% CI: 0.012–0.848; p = 0.035). Conclusions This is the largest cohort of ENB so far in a single institute, and also the first detailed description of nodal spread patterns of N-positive ENB. Elective neck irradiation reduced the regional failure significantly and should be recommended as a part of initial treatment strategy for patients staged with Modified Kadish B/C.