OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical features and treatment of skull base osteosarcoma.

METHODSThe clinical data of 18 patients with skull base osteosarcoma, who were admitted to the CAMS Cancer Hospital from January 2005 to November 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up by telephone, outpatient review and other means. Fifteen patients were followed up, 4 cases received surgery only, and 11 cases received surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to analyze the clinical data and Log rank method was used for verification.

RESULTSNine patients died among the 15 patients who were followed up for 3-103 months (mean 25.0 months): seven patients died of local recurrence, and two patients died of distant metastasis, and six patients were still alive. Four patients received surgery only, with a median survival time of 25.0 months, and 11 patients received comprehensive treatment, with a median survival time of 47.0 months (P = 0.02). Five patients received sub-total resection, with a mean survival time of 47.0 months, and 10 patients received total resection, with a mean survival time of 45.0 months (P = 0.37). The 1- and 2-year recurrence rates were 46.6% and 68.9%, respectively. The overall 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 82.4%, 61.8%, 36.0% and 36.0%, respectively, with a median survival time of 30.0 months.

CONCLUSIONSTo compare the long bone and head and neck osteosarcoma with skull base osteosarcoma, the skull base osteosarcoma has a lower total resection rate, a higher recurrence rate, and a poorer prognosis. Radical surgery and comprehensive treatment are appropriate for skull base osteosarcoma.