Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced eyelid and periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma: a study of 25 cases

To report the outcomes of platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for eyelid and periocular sebaceous gland carcinoma (eSGC).

Retrospective study of 25 patients.

The mean age at presentation of eSGC was 59 years. The mean tumor basal diameter was 46 mm. By the 8th edition of AJCC classification, tumors belonged T2 (n = 2, 8%), T3 (n = 6, 24%), and T4 (n = 17, 68%); N1 (n = 12,48%); and M1 (n = 1, 4%). NACT with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin/carboplatin was administered in 21 (84%)/4 (16%) patients, respectively. The mean number of cycles of neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy per patient was 2 (median, 3). The mean percentage reduction of tumor basal volume after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 65% (median, 60%). After NACT, 12 (48%) patients underwent surgical treatment, 6 (12%) patients underwent EBRT, and 4 (8%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. A total of 11 (44%) patients were lost to follow-up during the course of treatment, of whom 3 died from metastatic disease. In 16 patients followed up for ≥ 3 months, complete tumor control was achieved in 11 (69%) patients, local tumor control in 14 (88%), and globe salvage in 7 (44%) at a mean follow-up of 25 months (median, 7 months; range, 3 to 110 months). No tumor recurrence was seen in any case. One (4%) serious adverse event of cardiotoxicity was noted.

Platinum-based NACT is a suitable option for eSGC with advanced tumors and locoregional metastasis. Adverse events are rare and in patients compliant with treatment, NACT-based combination therapy offers globe salvage and systemic tumor control.