Characteristics and overall survival in pediatric versus adult esthesioneuroblastoma: A population-based study

Background: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is an uncommon sinonasal malignancy and is even less common in the pediatric population. Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare characteristics and outcomes of ENB between adult and pediatric patients. Methods: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with histologically proven ENB of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, and then baseline characteristics, treatment, and survival data compared between lthe pediatric (age < 18 years) and adult (age > 18 years) populations. Results: 1411 patients were identified, with 45 in the pediatric cohort and 1366 in the adult cohort. Ten-year overall survival (OS) in the pediatric cohort was improved compared to the adult cohort, 87% and 66%, respectively (p < 0.05). Adjuvant chemotherapy was more commonly utilized in the pediatric cohort (p < 0.001). Race was associated with decreased OS in the pediatric cohort (p = 0.013). Pediatric patients had shorter length of stay (p = 0.009) and lived closer to their provider (p = 0.044) than adult ENB patients. Conclusion: Treatment of ENB in pediatric patients more commonly includes chemotherapy and more commonly occurs at academic medical centers. OS is improved in pediatric ENB compared to adults as well, but larger studies are necessary.