Clinical analysis and treatment progress of NUT carcinoma in the nasal cavity and sinuses: a retrospective study from a single institution

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is characterized by NUT gene rearrangement on chromosome 15. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features, immunohistochemistry, treatment, diagnosis and prognosis of sinonasal NUT carcinoma specifically.

Clinical data for 10 cases of NUT cancer confirmed by pathology were retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed.

Among the 10 patients, 6 were males, and 4 were females. The median age was 34 years (15–69 years). Nine patients presented with locally advanced cT4a stage. The most common treatment was complete resection combined with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. All 10 patients had pathologically poorly differentiated or undifferentiated carcinoma. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining showed that NUT protein was positive in all 10 patients, and most cases expressed p63, p40 and CK. The Ki-67 positive index of 8 patients ranged from 40 to 80%, with a median of 50%, and NUTM1 gene disruption was detected in both of the remaining cases by FISH. As of April, 2023, all patients were followed up with for 1–51 months, with a median follow-up time of 14 months. Three patients died due to widespread systemic metastasis, 3 relapsed, and 4 had no recurrence or metastasis.

Sinonasal NCs (NUT carcinomas) is a rare and highly aggressive malignant tumor with rapid progression and a poor prognosis. Correct histopathological diagnosis is the primary prerequisite for determining appropriate treatment. There are currently no effective treatment options for NCs. Targeted therapy may become an effective method to treat NCs.