OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of definitive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for T3-4 squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus and nasal cavity.

METHODS

Forty-two patients with T3-4N0 squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus (n = 30) and nasal cavity (n = 12) received definitive radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was used in 34 patients and elective neck irradiation was not used.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival/local control rates were 34%/29% for maxillary sinus cancer and 50%/52% for nasal cavity cancer. For maxillary sinus cancers, a performance status of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group >or=2 (P = 0.012), biologically equivalent dose <68 Gy (P = 0.011) and no use of chemotherapy (P = 0.037) were significant worse predictors for overall survival on log-rank analysis. Biologically equivalent dose <68 Gy was independently associated with poor local control (hazard ratio, 3.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-7.97; P = 0.007) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-7.01; P = 0.015). Regional recurrence occurred in only 1 of 30 patients with maxillary sinus cancer and 4 of 12 patients with nasal cavity. Two radiation necrosis in brain, one osteoradionecrosis, and one retinopathy and optic neuropathy occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment outcome was poor and local control was a major problem. High radiation dose, effective chemotherapy and elective neck irradiation for advanced nasal cavity cancers may improve disease control.