Abstract
Background: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (CSCC) involving the head and neck are common, but initial presentation or recurrence limited to the cranial nerves is rare. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 21 patients with clinical perineural invasion (PNI) from CSCC and no measurable disease by RECIST 1.1. Patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy were included. Results: The median time from symptom onset until diagnosis was 13.0 months (2.6–83.1). All patients received radiotherapy. Fourteen received concurrent systemic therapy. The median follow-up time was 30.5 months (1.1–106.0). Ten patients recurred, with the majority being locoregional. The 2-year overall survival rate was 85%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 21.5 months with an estimated 2-year PFS of 44.5% (95%CI: 22.3–66.8). Conclusions: CSCCs with clinical PNI alone are difficult to diagnose and can have a long interval between appearance of symptoms and diagnosis. They can successfully be treated with chemoradiotherapy. However, many patients still suffer from locoregional recurrences.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1995-2001 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2021 |
Keywords
- cemiplimab
- cetuximab
- chemotherapy
- cranial neuropathy
- cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- immunotherapy
- perineural invasion
- radiotherapy
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology