Anterior skull base surgery for malignant tumors: a multivariate analysis of 27 years of experience.

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have examined prognostic factors that have an impact on outcomes in anterior skull base surgery by multivariate analysis.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined our institution's skull base experience from 1973-2000.

RESULTS

During this time, 166 patients underwent an anterior skull base resection for malignancy (median age, 53 years; range, 6-92 years). The 5-year relapse-free and disease-specific survival was 41% and 57% (median follow-up, 53 months). Multivariate analysis found that dural invasion, primary histologic diagnosis, and margin status had a significant impact on relapse-free and disease-specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that patients with anterior skull base malignancies are treated successfully with skull base surgery. Patients demonstrating adverse prognostic variables such as dural invasion, adverse histologic findings, and/or positive margins should be considered for the addition of adjuvant therapy or innovative therapies as they become available in the future.