Prognostic factors and survival in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sinonasal cavity

Background Optimal treatment and prognostic factors affecting long-term survival in patients with sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) have yet to be clearly defined. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated with curative intent from 1980-2015 at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Results One hundred sixty patients met inclusion criteria, including 8 who were treated with radiotherapy alone. Median follow-up time was 55 months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 67.0% and 49.0%, respectively. The 10-year OS and DFS rates were 44.8% and 25.4%, respectively. Factors that portended for poor survival on multivariate analysis were recurrent disease, any solid type histology, epicenter in the sinus cavity, the presence of facial symptoms, or the original disease not treated with surgery. There was no association between surgical margin status or nodal status and survival. Conclusion In this large cohort of patients with sinonasal ACC with extended follow-up, long-term survival is better than reported in prior literature. Future research should target patients with adverse risk factors.