Recurrence rates of de-novo versus inverted papilloma-transformed sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis

Background: There is a paucity of reporting on recurrence patterns of de-novo sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (DN-SCC) and inverted-papilloma-transformed sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (IP-SCC). Method: A systematic literature review queried studies comparing recurrence patterns in patients with both DN-SCC and IP-SCC. Primary outcomes included local and regional recurrence and rates of distant metastasis. Of the 595 studies screened, eight were included. Results: Patients with DN-SCC had significantly higher rates of positive margins, advanced T classification (T3/T4), treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There were no significant differences in local recurrence or regional recurrence. Overall risk of distant metastasis was lower in IP-SCC. DN-SCC, compared to IP-SCC, is more likely to present with advanced TNM classification and have positive margins after surgical resection, which may affect rates of distant metastasis and recurrence. Conclusions: The findings in this study suggest IP-SCC may be a less aggressive malignancy compared to DN-SCC, with the possibility of a reduced role for adjuvant therapy in IP-SCC. Further studies are required to better understand differences in tumor biology and treatments strategies between IP-SCC and DN-SCC.