Recurrence risk elevated in low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma at sinus/skull base

The risk of recurrence is high among patients with low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) of the paranasal sinuses and skull, reveals a study, noting that close monitoring is necessary.

“The role of adjuvant radiation treatment in these patients remains unclear,” the investigators said.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to determine the risk factors for the recurrence of LGMS in the head and neck, as well as the role of radiotherapy in its treatment. Using the database of PubMed, 36 articles were included after applying the eligibility criteria.

The investigators then analysed the continuous variables with a 2-tail unpaired t test and the categorical variables with the χ² test or Fisher exact test. They also obtained the odds ratios using logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Oral cavity (49.2 percent) is the most common location of LGMS, and half of all recurrences occurred in the paranasal sinuses or skull base.

A significantly higher risk of recurrence was observed for LGMS occurring at the paranasal sinuses/skull base than with other subsites within the head and neck (odds ratio, ‒40, 95 percent confidence interval, 2.190‒762.005; p=0.013). The average time to LGMS recurrence was 19.2 months.

Unfortunately, adjuvant treatment with radiation failed to improve the recurrence rates. In addition, sex, tumour size, or bone involvement were not significantly associated with recurrence.

“LGMS is a rare malignancy that commonly occurs in the head and neck region,” the investigators said.