Common toxicity criteria: version 2.0. an improved reference for grading the acute effects of cancer treatment: impact on radiotherapy

A phase I study of high-dose rosuvastatin with standard dose erlotinib in patients with advanced solid malignancies

BACKGROUND

Synergistic cytotoxicity with high-dose statins and erlotinib has been demonstrated in preclinical models across a number of tumour types. In this phase I study, we evaluated the safety and potential anti-tumour activity of escalating doses of rosuvastatin in combination with the standard clinical dose of erlotinib in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumours.

METHODS

This was a single-center, phase I open-label study to determine the safety and recommended phase two dose (RPTD) of rosuvastatin in combination with 150 mg/day standard dose of erlotinib. Using a 3 + 3 study design and 28-day cycle, escalating doses of rosuvastatin from 1 to 8 mg/kg/day × 2 weeks (cycle 1) and 3 weeks (subsequent cycles) given concurrently with erlotinib were evaluated. In order to expand the experience and to gain additional safety and pharmacokinetic data, two expansions cohorts using concurrent or alternating weekly dosing regimens at the RPTD were also evaluated.

RESULTS

All 24 patients enrolled were evaluable for toxicity, and 22 for response. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of reversible muscle toxicity was seen at the 2 mg/kg/day dose level. Maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was determined to be 1 mg/kg/day. Thirty-three percent of patients developed at least 1 ≥ grade 2 muscle toxicity (rhabdomyolysis: 1/24, myalgia: 7/24) resulting in one study-related death. Durable stable disease for more than 170 days was seen in 25 % of patients that received concurrent treatment and were evaluable for response (n = 16). Plasma erlotinib levels on study were unaffected by the addition of rosuvastatin.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed disease stabilization rate of 25 % with combination therapy in this heavily pretreated population is encouraging, however, the high levels of muscle toxicities observed limited this combination strategy.

Outcome of international Federation of gynecology and obstetrics stage IIb cervical cancer from 2003 to 2012: an evaluation of treatments and prognosis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical outcomes of patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB cervical carcinoma receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical hysterectomy (RH) with those of patients receiving chemoradiation therapy (CRT) alone.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with FIGO stage IIB cervical carcinoma. A total of 621 patients were eligible for the study according to the surgery-based or radiotherapy-based treatment; 285 patients received cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by RH, and 336 patients underwent sequential or concurrent chemoradiation. The disease-free survival, overall survival, recurrence rates, and late complications were compared. Cox regression analysis was used to identify potential prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Complete or partial response was seen in 77.6% (221/285) of the NACT-treated patients. Disease-free survival and overall survival rates of the patients who had NACT-sensitive responses were significantly higher than those who did not response (P = 0.021 and P = 0.008). Overall survival rates in the NACT + RH group were comparable with the concurrent chemoradiotherapy or chemoradiation groups (P > 0.05). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by RH significantly decreased the recurrence rate (22.6% vs 35.5%), resulted in fewer treatment-related complications, and ultimately improved survival when compared with concurrent CRT. A survival benefit was observed for 63.9% of the patients in the NACT + RH group without adjuvant radiotherapy or CRT.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy, NACT followed by RH achieved comparable survival outcomes for patients with FIGO stage IIB cervical cancer. This treatment method was significantly effective at reducing radiotherapy rates and complications, and it is worthy of recommending for younger patients.

Clinical outcomes with the MammoSite radiation therapy system: results of a prospective trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report the treatment-induced adverse events and cosmetic and treatment outcomes of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) delivered with the MammoSite radiation therapy system (RTS) in breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy (BCT).

METHODS

This is a prospective clinical trial that was approved by the institutional review board. The study included female breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving therapy in the form of surgery and APBI delivered with the MammoSite RTS. Patients and tumor characteristics, treatment-induced acute adverse events based on the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 2.0, chronic AEs according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale, treatment outcomes (including local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival), and cosmetic outcomes are reported.

RESULTS

The study included 36 eligible patients treated consecutively in our institution between November 2003 and August 2009. The age range was 45-83 years. A total of 29 patients had invasive disease (median size 1.1 cm), while 7 patients had in situ disease only (median size 0.8 cm). The skin distance in most of the patients (91.7 %) was ≥1 cm; only three patients (8.3 %) had skin distance <1 cm. The median balloon diameter was 5 cm (range 4-6 cm). At a median follow-up of 42 months (range 4-65 months), local control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were 100 %. None of the patients experienced any grade 3 or 4 toxicities; 16.7 and 5.6 % of the patients had late grade 2 fibrosis and telangiectasia, respectively. At last follow-up, cosmetic outcome was rated as good or excellent in 94 % of the patients.

CONCLUSION

APBI delivered with the MammoSite RTS is a feasible, tolerable, and effective treatment modality. Multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trials with a larger number of patients are required for verification.

Is the irradiated small bowel volume still a predictor for acute lower gastrointestinal toxicity during preoperative concurrent chemo-radiotherapy for rectal cancer when using intensity-modulated radiation therapy?

BACKGROUND

The small bowel (SB) represents the most important dose-limiting structure in pelvic radiotherapy (RT). However, we observed that the majority of rectal cancer patients who received preoperative pelvic intensity modulated RT (IMRT) developed acute tenesmus without watery diarrhea. The objective of this study is to determine if the RT dose to SB affects the acute lower gastrointestinal toxicity (ALGIT) in rectal cancer patients who received neoadjuvant concurrent chemotherapy-IMRT. We will also evaluate if patient and tumor factors affect the ALGIT.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 63 rectal cancer patients that consecutively received preoperative IMRT (45 Gy for pelvis and 50 Gy for gross tumor in 25 fractions) with concurrent chemotherapy (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) on day 1 and capecitabine 825 mg/m(2), twice per day from day 1 to day 14, week 1 and 4) between May 2012 and May 2013. The ALGIT was assessed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3. The patients were stratified into two groups (with and without grade ≥2 ALGIT). The effect of SB volume receiving 5 to 40 Gy (V5 to V40) at a 5 Gy interval dose level on grade ≥2 ALGIT was evaluated. The volume of small bowel is defined as the volume of the small bowel loop. Other factors evaluated include patient's age and gender, tumor size and location and preexisting number of daily bowel movements.

RESULTS

Overall, grade ≥2 ALGIT occurred in 57 % (36/63) patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups of patients (with and without grade ≥2 ALGIT) in SB V5 to V40, patient's age and gender, tumor location and preexisting number of daily bowel movements. There was a significant difference between the two groups of patients in tumor volume (with grade ≥2 ALGIT: 115.5 ± 85.5 cm(3) versus without grade ≥2 ALGIT: 58.5 ± 25.2 cm(3), p = 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed no association between the dose SB received (V5 to V40) and the grade ≥2 ALGIT after adjusting for the tumor volume.

CONCLUSIONS

With IMRT technique used in rectal cancer patients undergoing preoperative chemo-radiotherapy, the acute lower GI toxicity is not associated with small bowel V5 to V40; instead it is associated with rectal tumor size.

Survival benefit with IMRT following narrow-margin hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma close to major vessels

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To investigate the role of post-operative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in patients receiving narrow-margin hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located close to the major vessels.

METHODS

This exploratory study involved 181 HCC patients. Of them, 116 were treated with narrow-margin (<1.0 cm) hepatectomy. Thirty-three of the 116 underwent postoperative IMRT (Group A), while 83 did not receive radiotherapy (Group B). The remaining 65 patients underwent wide-margin (≥1.0 cm) hepatectomy (Group C). Prognosis and patterns of recurrence were assessed in the three groups.

RESULTS

The 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 89.1 and 64.2% in Group A, 67.7 and 52.2% in Group B and 86.0 and 60.1% in Group C respectively. The OS and DFS of Group A and Group C patients surpassed those of Group B patients (Group A vs. B, P = 0.009 and P = 0.038; and Group C vs. B, P = 0.002 and P = 0.010). Patients in Groups A and C experienced significantly fewer early recurrences than did patients in Group B (P = 0.002). Furthermore, patients in Groups A and C experienced substantially fewer intrahepatic marginal (P = 0.048) and diffuse recurrences (P = 0.018) and extrahepatic metastases (P = 0.038) than did patients in Group B. No patient developed radiation-induced liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative IMRT following narrow-margin hepatectomy may be a favourable therapy for both its safety profile and clinical benefit in patients with HCC located close to the major vessels.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Conventionally Fractionated Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy versus Altered Fractionation Radiotherapy Alone in the Definitive Management of Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

AIMS

Treatment intensification either by using concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or altered fractionation radiotherapy (AFRT) improves outcomes of locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The superiority of one approach over the other, however, remains to be firmly established. The aim of the present study was to compare outcomes of CCRT versus AFRT in the definitive non-surgical management of locoregionally advanced HNSCC for evidence-based decision making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search of Medline via PubMed was conducted with no language, year, or publication status restrictions. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) were also searched electronically. Only randomised controlled trials assigning HNSCC patients randomly to conventionally fractionated CCRT or AFRT alone were included. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers and pooled using the Cochrane methodology for meta-analysis and expressed as a hazard ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Overall survival was the primary outcome of interest, whereas disease-free survival, locoregional control and toxicity were secondary end points.

RESULTS

Five randomised controlled trials (involving 1117 patients and 627 deaths) directly comparing conventionally fractionated CCRT with AFRT alone were included. The risk of bias in included studies was low for efficacy outcomes, but high for toxicity outcomes. The overall pooled hazard ratio of death was 0.73 (95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.86), which significantly favoured conventionally fractionated CCRT over AFRT alone (P < 0.0001). Similarly, disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 0.79, 95% confidence interval = 0.68-0.92; P = 0.002) and locoregional control (hazard ratio = 0.71, 95% confidence interval = 0.59-0.84; P < 0.0001) were significantly improved with CCRT. There were no significant differences in the incidence of severe acute toxicity (dermatitis and mucositis) between the two approaches of treatment intensification. Late xerostomia was significantly increased with CCRT. Significant haematological toxicity and nephrotoxicity were seen exclusively with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate quality evidence that conventionally fractionated CCRT improves survival outcomes compared with AFRT alone in the definitive radiotherapeutic management of locoregionally advanced HNSCC. No form of acceleration can potentially compensate fully for the lack of concurrent chemotherapy.

The GSTA1 polymorphism and cyclophosphamide therapy outcomes in lupus nephritis patients

Pulsed low-dose cyclophosphamide (CTX) therapy has become a very effective approach in improving the clinical outcomes of lupus nephritis (LN) patients. However, variations of CTX therapeutic outcomes in LN patients are incompletely understood. We investigated the contributions of known allelic variants to CTX therapy outcomes in 77 LN patients. Then, 22 out of the 77 patients were randomly enrolled to evaluate the pharmacokinetic profiles. LN patients with a GSTA1*A mutation (CT heterozygous) had more risk of non-remission (44% vs. 20%, P=0.005). Pharmacokinetic data indicated that patients with a GSTA1*A heterozygous variant had a lower exposure to 4-hydroxycyclophosphamide (4OHCTX) compared to wild-type patients (AUC4OHCTX: 12.8 (9.8, 19.5) vs. 27.5 (18.1, 32.8) h mg/l, P=0.023). Clinical remission was significantly related to higher exposure of 4OHCTX (P=0.038). In conclusion, LN patients with GSTA1*A heterozygous genotypes had poor CTX treatment remission due to less exposure to activated metabolites of CTX.

Unique proteomic signature for radiation sensitive patients; a comparative study between normo-sensitive and radiation sensitive breast cancer patients

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanisms behind normal tissue sensitivity is essential in order to minimize adverse side effects and yet to prevent local cancer reoccurrence. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers of radiation sensitivity to enable personalized cancer treatment. To investigate the mechanisms behind radiation sensitivity a pilot study was made where eight radiation-sensitive and nine normo-sensitive patients were selected from a cohort of 2914 breast cancer patients, based on acute tissue reactions after radiation therapy. Whole blood was sampled and irradiated in vitro with 0, 1, or 150 mGy followed by 3 h incubation at 37°C. The leukocytes of the two groups were isolated, pooled and protein expression profiles were investigated using isotope-coded protein labeling method (ICPL). First, leukocytes from the in vitro irradiated whole blood from normo-sensitive and extremely sensitive patients were compared to the non-irradiated controls. To validate this first study a second ICPL analysis comparing only the non-irradiated samples was conducted. Both approaches showed unique proteomic signatures separating the two groups at the basal level and after doses of 1 and 150 mGy. Pathway analyses of both proteomic approaches suggest that oxidative stress response, coagulation properties and acute phase response are hallmarks of radiation sensitivity supporting our previous study on oxidative stress response. This investigation provides unique characteristics of radiation sensitivity essential for individualized radiation therapy.

Trastuzumab-based Retreatment after Lapatinib in Heavily Pretreated HER2 Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: an Anatolian Society of Medical Oncology Study

BACKGROUND

For HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC), continuing anti-HER2 therapy beyond progression is associated with improved outcome. However retreatment with trastuzumab after lapatinib progression is controversial. We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of trastuzumab-based chemotherapy in HER2+ metastatic breast cancer patients whose disease progressed after lapatinib.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2010 and May 2013, 54 patients whose disease progressed after lapatinib were retreated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy. Efficacy and toxicity results were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 46 (range 27-67). Fourteen patients (26%) had metastases at the time of diagnosis. All of the patients had received trastuzumab in an adjuvant or metastatic setting, while 16 (30%) had received two lines of trastuzumab. All patients had received lapatinib plus capecitabine. The median chemotherapy line for the metastatic setting was 2 (range 1-7). Cranial metastases were identified in 27 (50%) patients. 53 patients received trastuzumab-based chemotherapy following lapatinib progression while one patient received trastuzumab monotherapy. Combination chemotherapy consisted of navelbin (n=33), taxane (n=10), gemcitabine (n=2), platinum (n=2) and platinum with taxane (n=6). The median treatment cycle was 5 (range 1-44). Among 49 patients assessed for response 2 (4%) showed CR, 12 (25%) PR, 11 (22%) SD and 24 (49%) disease progression. Asymptomatic cardiotoxicity was reported in 2 (4%) of the patients. At a median follow-up of 9 months (1-39), median progression-free survival was 5 months (95% CI 4.1-5.9) and median overall survival was 10 months (95% CI 6.9-13.0). PFS and OS were not affected by the absence/presence of cranial metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Retreatment with trastuzumab-based therapy after lapatinib progression showed efficacy in heavily treated MBC patients.

Gut microbial dysbiosis may predict diarrhea and fatigue in patients undergoing pelvic cancer radiotherapy: a pilot study

Fatigue and diarrhea are the most frequent adverse effects of pelvic radiotherapy, while their etiologies are largely unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlations between fatigue, diarrhea, and alterations in gut microbiota induced by pelvic radiotherapy. During the 5-week treatment of pelvic radiotherapy in 11 cancer patients, the general fatigue score significantly increased and was more prominent in the patients with diarrhea. The fatigue score was closely correlated with the decrease of serum citrulline (an indicator of the functional enterocyte mass) and the increases of systemic inflammatory proteins, including haptoglobin, orosomuoid, α1-antitrypsin and TNF-α. Serum level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was also elevated, especially in the patients with diarrhea indicating epithelial barrier breach and endotoxemia. Pyrosequencing analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed that microbial diversity, richness, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio were significantly altered prior to radiotherapy in patients who later developed diarrhea. Pelvic radiotherapy induced further changes in fecal microbial ecology, some of which were specific to the patients with or without diarrhea. Our results indicate that gut microbial dysbiosis prior to radiation therapy may be exploited to predict development of diarrhea and to guide preventive treatment options. Radiation-induced dysbiosis may contribute to pelvic radiation disease, including mucositis, diarrhea, systemic inflammatory response, and pelvic radiotherapy-associated fatigue in cancer patients.

Prognostic model for long-term survival of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and resection integrating clinical and histopathologic factors

Background

Outcome of consecutive patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer and histopathologically proven mediastional lymph node metastases treated with induction chemotherapy, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy and thoracotomy at the West German Cancer Center between 08/2000 and 06/2012 was analysed. A clinico-pathological prognostic model for survival was built including partial or complete response according to computed tomography imaging (CT) as clinical parameters as well as pathologic complete remission (pCR) and mediastinal nodal clearance (MNC) as histopathologic factors.

Methods

Proportional hazard analysis (PHA) and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) were used to identify prognostic factors for survival. Long-term survival was defined as survival ≥ 36 months.

Results

A total of 157 patients were treated, median follow-up was 97 months. Among these patients, pCR and MNC were observed in 41 and 85 patients, respectively. Overall survival was 56 ± 4% and 36 ± 4% at 24 and 60 months, respectively. Sensitivities of pCR and MNC to detect long-term survivors were 38% and 61%, specificities were 84% and 52%, respectively.

Multivariable survival analysis revealed pCR, cN3 category, and gender, as prognostic factors at a level of α < 0.05. Considering only preoperative available parameters, CT response became significant. Classifying patients with a predicted hazard above the median as high risk group and the remaining as low risk patients yielded better separation of the survival curves by the inclusion of histopathologic factors than by preoperative factors alone (p < 0.0001, log rank test). Using RPA, pCR was identified as the top prognostic factor above clinical factors (p = 0.0006). No long term survivors were observed in patients with cT3-4 cN3 tumors without pCR.

Conclusions

pCR is the dominant histopathologic response parameter and improves prognostic classifiers, based on clinical parameters. The validated prognostic model can be used to estimate individual prognosis and forms a basis for patient selection for treatment intensification.

Acute toxicity after image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy compared to 3D conformal radiation therapy in prostate cancer patients

PURPOSE

Image-guided intensity modulated radiation therapy (IG-IMRT) allows significant dose reductions to organs at risk in prostate cancer patients. However, clinical data identifying the benefits of IG-IMRT in daily practice are scarce. The purpose of this study was to compare dose distributions to organs at risk and acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity levels of patients treated to 78 Gy with either IG-IMRT or 3D-CRT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients treated with 3D-CRT (n=215) and IG-IMRT (n=260) receiving 78 Gy in 39 fractions within 2 randomized trials were selected. Dose surface histograms of anorectum, anal canal, and bladder were calculated. Identical toxicity questionnaires were distributed at baseline, prior to fraction 20 and 30 and at 90 days after treatment. Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grade ≥1, ≥2, and ≥3 endpoints were derived directly from questionnaires. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were applied.

RESULTS

The median volumes receiving 5 to 75 Gy were significantly lower (all P<.001) with IG-IMRT for anorectum, anal canal, and bladder. The mean dose to the anorectum was 34.4 Gy versus 47.3 Gy (P<.001), 23.6 Gy versus 44.6 Gy for the anal canal (P<.001), and 33.1 Gy versus 43.2 Gy for the bladder (P<.001). Significantly lower grade ≥2 toxicity was observed for proctitis, stool frequency ≥6/day, and urinary frequency ≥12/day. IG-IMRT resulted in significantly lower overall RTOG grade ≥2 GI toxicity (29% vs 49%, respectively, P=.002) and overall GU grade ≥2 toxicity (38% vs 48%, respectively, P=.009).

CONCLUSIONS

A clinically meaningful reduction in dose to organs at risk and acute toxicity levels was observed in IG-IMRT patients, as a result of improved technique and tighter margins. Therefore reduced late toxicity levels can be expected as well; additional research is needed to quantify such reductions.

Biodistribution and in vivo toxicity of aptamer-loaded gold nanostars

This paper reports an in vivo evaluation of toxicology and biodistribution of a highly anisotropic Au nanoconstruct composed of a gold nanostar (AuNS) core and a ligand shell of a G-quadruplex DNA aptamer AS1411 (Apt) supporting both targeting and therapy capabilities. We examined the toxicity of the nanoconstructs (Apt-AuNS) at four different injected concentrations. At the highest dose tested (48 mg/kg), maximal tolerated dose was not reached. Clinical pathology showed no apparent signs of acute toxicity. Interestingly, the nanoconstructs circulated longer in female rats compared to male rats. In two different tumor models, the biodistribution of Apt-AuNS, especially tumor accumulation, was different. Accumulation of Apt-AuNS was 5 times higher in invasive breast cancer tumors compared to fibrosarcoma tumors. These results provide insight on identifying a tumor model and nanoconstruct for in vivo studies, especially when an in vitro therapeutic response is observed in multiple cancer cell lines. From the clinical editor: This study investigated the toxicity and distribution of aptamer loaded gold nanostars in a rodent model of invasive breast cancer and fibrosarcoma. Acute toxicity was not identified even in the highest studied doses. Fivefold accumulation was demonstrated in the breast cancer model compared to the fibrosarcoma model. Studies like this are critically important in further clarifying the potential therapeutic use of these nanoconstructs, especially when ex vivo effects are clearly demonstrated.

A novel model of megavoltage radiation-induced oral mucositis in hamsters: Role of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide

PURPOSE

To design a novel model to study Cobalt-60 (Co-60)-induced radiation mucositis and to describe the pathways involved in its development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hamsters' cheeks were treated with Co-60 radiation (10, 20, 30 or 35 Gy). Three days later, oral mucosa scarification was performed with a needle. The animals were euthanized at day 13 (D + 13) after irradiation. Gross and microscopic alterations were evaluated by a new score system that we developed. Also, neutrophil infiltration, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrite were assessed in oral mucosa. We also tried to establish the roles of TNF-α and IL-1β and iNOS in our model using pharmacological approaches with pentoxiphylline (PTX) and aminoguanidine (AMG), respectively.

RESULTS

We found that a single administration of 35 Gy of Co-60, followed by mechanical scratches 3 days later, induced oral mucositis in hamsters. Animals with mucositis lost weight and had a survival median of 13 days, the time at which peak inflammation occurs. We noticed increased levels of NO, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β and a reduced concentration of IL-10. PTX partially prevented the mucositis phenotype by reducing the levels of inflammatory mediators and iNOS expression. Additionally, AMG, a selective inhibitor of iNOS, reduced Co-60-induced oral mucositis through reducing NO production.

CONCLUSION

We described a novel model of megavoltage radiation-induced oral mucositis in hamsters. TNF-α, IL-1β and NO seem to play a role in the pathophysiology of this model.

Incidence and risk factors of the secondary skin infections in patients with radiodermatitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of secondary infected radiodermatitis in patients receiving radiotherapy and to determine isolated microorganisms' resistance profiles to different antimicrobial agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 62 patients admitted to the Regional Training and Research Hospital from January 2009 to January 2010. Radiodermatitis was graded according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Toxicity Criteria version 3.0. Potential risk factors for secondary infection were recorded and evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In 62 patients, grade 1, 2, 3 and 4 radiodermatitis were observed in 33 (53.2%), 11 (17.7%), 8 (12.9%) and 10 (16.2%) patients, respectively. Skin infection secondary to radiodermatitis occurred in 14 patients (infected patients), 21.4%, 21.4% and 57.2% of whom had grade 2, 3 and 4 radiodermatitis, respectively. Forty-eight patients were found to be colonized with micoorganisms (colonized patients). In the univariate analysis, concurrent endocrine therapy and radiodermatitis grade differed significantly between infected and colonized patients (p<0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that the radiodermatitis grade was an independent risk factor for the acquisition of infection (p<0.05). The microbial pathogens isolated from patients with skin infection were seven methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MRCNS) strains, three methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, two Candida sp., one methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MSCNS) strain and one methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) strain. Staphylococci strains were more resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. No glycopeptide resistance was found.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that high-grade radiodermatitis leads to an increased risk for secondary infection of the skin with pathogens.

Associations between gastrointestinal toxicity, micro RNA and cytokine production in patients undergoing myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a procedure with a high risk of treatment related mortality. The primary aim of the present study was to examine associations between markers of gastrointestinal toxicity, markers of systemic inflammation, and plasma levels of microRNA (miRNA) -155 and -146a during the first month after HSCT. The secondary aim was to characterize the impact of the toxic-inflammatory response on the function of circulating leukocytes during immune recovery. Thirty HSCT patients were included. Gastrointestinal injury was monitored by toxicity scores, lactulose-mannitol test and plasma citrulline, as a measure of the enterocyte population. Nadir of citrulline and maximum of oral toxicity scores, intestinal permeability, CRP and plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-10 was seen at day +7 post-HSCT. miRNA-155 and mi-RNA-146a showed an inverse relation with significantly elevated miRNA-155 and decreased miRNA-146a levels, from day 0 to day +28 compared with pre-conditioning levels. Citrulline levels below the median at day +7 were associated with higher spontaneous production of IL-6 and TNF-α as well as higher in vitro stimulated production of IL-17A at day +21. This study is the first to demonstrate that toxic responses to chemotherapy are accompanied by differential regulation of miRNAs with opposing effects on immune regulation. We find that a proinflammatory miRNA profile is sustained during the first three weeks after the transplantation, indicating that these miRNAs may play a role in the regulation of the inflammatory environment during immune reconstitution after HSCT.

Dosimetric comparative study of 3 different postoperative radiotherapy techniques (3D-CRT, IMRT, and RapidArc) for II-III stage rectal cancer

Postoperative radiotherapy is critical for reducing local relapse for advanced rectal carcinoma but has many side effects. Our study compared the dose distribution of target volumes, protection of normal organs at risk (OAR), and monitor unit (MU) for 3 radiotherapy techniques (3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy [3D-CRT], intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT], and RapidArc (Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA)). The results advocate for the clinical application of RapidArc technique in the future.Thirty postoperative patients with rectal cancer were enrolled. The 3 radiotherapy plans mentioned above were designed for each patient. The target volume coverage indicators included average dose, conformity index (CI), and homogeneity index (HI) of planning tumor volume (PTV). OAR included the bladder, small intestine, colon, and bilateral proximal femurs. The 30 patients were divided into 3 groups (10 cases in each group) for postoperative radiotherapy with the 3D-CRT, IMRT, or RapidArc technique, respectively.Both the IMRT and RapidArc plans have a significantly higher average PTV dose and better CI and HI (P < 0.01) than 3D-CRT. IMRT and RapidArc result in significantly lower doses of irradiation for all the OAR examined. Both the IMRT and RapidArc plans have a significantly lower V40 of the bladder, small intestine, and colon than 3D-CRT (P < 0.01). The IMRT and RapidArc plans can also reduce the maximum dose (Dmax) for the left proximal femur, V30, and V40 of bilateral proximal femurs compared with 3D-CRT (P < 0.01). Compared with IMRT, RapidArc can further reduce the Dmax of the small intestine, the Dmax and V30 of the bilateral proximal femurs, and the V40 of the right proximal femur (P < 0.01). RapidArc reduces MU remarkably compared with IMRT (P < 0.01). Regarding acute side effects, IMRT and RapidArc can greatly reduce the incidence of grade 3 radiation-induced cystitis and grade 2 enteritis.Both IMRT and RapidArc are better than 3D-CRT regarding PTV coverage and OAR protection. Furthermore, RapidArc is superior to IMRT regarding protection of the small intestine and bilateral proximal femurs and requires a reduced treatment time. RapidArc could be widely applied for postoperative radiotherapy for patients with ΙΙ-ΙΙΙ stage rectal cancer.

Impact of treatment planning and delivery factors on gastrointestinal toxicity: an analysis of data from the RADAR prostate radiotherapy trial

BACKGROUND

To assess the impact of incremental modifications of treatment planning and delivery technique, as well as patient anatomical factors, on late gastrointestinal toxicity using data from the TROG 03.04 RADAR prostate radiotherapy trial.

METHODS

The RADAR trial accrued 813 external beam radiotherapy participants during 2003-2008 from 23 centres. Following review and archive to a query-able database, digital treatment plans and data describing treatment technique for 754 patients were available for analysis. Treatment demographics, together with anatomical features, were assessed using uni- and multivariate regression models against late gastrointestinal toxicity at 18-, 36- and 54-month follow-up. Regression analyses were reviewed in the context of dose-volume data for the rectum and anal canal.

RESULTS

A multivariate analysis at 36-month follow-up shows that patients planned using a more rigorous dose calculation algorithm (DCA) was associated with a lower risk of stool frequency (OR: 0.435, CI: 0.242-0.783, corrected p = 0.04). Patients using laxative as a method of bowel preparation had higher risk of having increased stool frequency compared to patients with no dietary intervention (OR: 3.639, CI: 1.502-8.818, corrected p = 0.04). Despite higher risks of toxicities, the anorectum, anal canal and rectum dose-volume histograms (DVH) indicate patients using laxative had unremarkably different planned dose distributions. Patients planned with a more rigorous DCA had lower median DVH values between EQD23 = 15 Gy and EQD23 = 35 Gy. Planning target volume (PTV), conformity index, rectal width and prescription dose were not significant when adjusted for false discovery rate. Number of beams, beam energy, treatment beam definition, positioning orientation, rectum-PTV separation, rectal length and mean cross sectional area did not affect the risk of toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

The RADAR study dataset has allowed an assessment of technical modifications on gastrointestinal toxicity. A number of interesting associations were subsequently found and some factors, previously hypothesised to influence toxicity, did not demonstrate any significant impact. We recommend trial registries be encouraged to record technical modifications introduced during the trial in order for more powerful evidence to be gathered regarding the impact of the interventions.

Clinical significance of gefitinib antitumor activity in patients with lung adenocarcinoma

Non-small cell lung cancer is a subtype of adenocarcinoma, which has previously shown positive responses to gefitinib. The aim of the current study was to determine a clinical profile of gefitinib-induced disease controls for patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Retrospective evaluation of the clinical characteristics of 52 lung adenocarcinoma patients, enrolled at the Zhejiang Cancer Hospital (Hangzhou, China) between October 2004 and August 2008, was undertaken. All patients received gefitinib (250 mg/day orally) until disease progression or until an unacceptable toxicity was observed. Of the 52 patients, complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) rates were 23.1% (12/52) and 57.7% (30/52), respectively. An additional 19.2% (10/52) of patients demonstrated stable disease (SD) after three months of treatment with gefitinib. Disease control was observed in the primary lesion, and tumor metastasis to the lungs, brain, adrenal glands, pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, bone and lymph nodes was identified. The one-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 74.8 and 78.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that female patients were associated with significantly longer survival times when compared with males (hazard ratio, 0.077; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.007-0.083; P=0.035). One-year PFS and OS rates in CR, PR and SD patients were 77.8, 73.9 and 33.3%, and 89.2, 79.8 and 33.7%, respectively, although neither difference was identified to be statistically significant. In addition, the median OS of SD patients was 12 months (95% CI, 7.2-16.8 months). Brain metastasis was the major site of disease progression (23.1%). Gefitinib treatment for patients with lung adenocarcinoma showed a marked long-term survival benefit, even in SD patients. However, further studies are required to analyze the efficacy of gefitinib in penetrating the blood-brain barrier in order to prolong PFS in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Current evidence on auricular therapy for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Auricular therapy (AT) has been historically viewed as a convenient approach adjunct to pharmacological therapy for cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The aim of this study was to assess the evidence of the therapeutic effect of AT for CINV management in cancer patients. Relevant randomized controlled trials were retrieved from 12 electronic databases without language restrictions. Meanwhile, manual search was conducted for Chinese journals on complementary medicine published within the last five years, and the reference lists of included studies were also checked to identify any possible eligible studies. Twenty-one studies with 1713 participants were included. The effect rate of AT for managing acute CINV ranged from 44.44% to 93.33% in the intervention groups and 15% to 91.67% in the control groups. For delayed CINV, it was 62.96% to 100% and 25% to 100%, respectively. AT seems to be a promising approach in managing CINV. However, the level of evidence was low and the definite effect cannot be concluded as there were significant methodological flaws identified in the analyzed studies. The implications drawn from the 21 studies put some clues for future practice in this area including the need to conduct more rigorously designed randomized controlled trials.

Phase II Clinical Trial of Gefitinib for the Treatment of Chemonaïve Patients with Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer with Poor Performance Status

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have no curative treatment options; therefore, improving their quality of life (QOL) is an important goal. Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor, is a safe oral agent that may be of benefit to a specific population of NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A Phase II clinical trial included chemonaïve patients with advanced NSCLC and poor performance status (PS). Response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, QOL using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Lung (FACT-L) questionnaire, and Trial Outcome Index (TOI) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Twelve out of 19 enrolled patients were evaluable. The median age for the evaluable patients was 68.8 years (59.7–74.6). Out of all the patients, 7 (58.3%) had adenocarcinoma and 5 (41.7%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The median duration of treatment was 62.5 days (26.5–115.0) in the evaluable patients. Grade 3/4 toxicities included fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and nausea. One patient had partial response, eight patients had stable disease (SD), and three patients progressed. The median overall survival for the evaluable population was 4.9 months (2.3–16). The median progression-free survival was 3.7 months (1.9–6.6). TOI was marginally associated with the overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.84, 1.0) (P = 0.061). FACT-L score and the TOI were highly correlated (r = 0.96, P < 0.0001). TOI scores were higher in African Americans compared to Caucasians and increased with age.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that gefitinib use in patients with NSCLC and poor PS may improve the QOL of older patients and African American patients.

Phase II study on dose escalating schedule of paclitaxel concurrent with radiotherapy in treating patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical efficacy of a dose escalating schedule of paclitaxel concurrent with radiotherapy in treating patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients with locally advanced NSCLC were treated with conventional fractionated radiotherapy or three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3 DCRT), concurrently with a dose escalating schedule of paclitaxel. All patients were divided into three groups, A with paclitaxel 30 mg/m2, B with paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 and C with paclitaxel 90 mg/m2. Paclitaxel was repeated every week for a total of 4 or 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Among 109 patients, response rates were 68.8%, 71.1% and 71.8% (p>0.05) for group A (n=32), B (n=38), and C (n=39) respectively. Accordingly, disease control rates were 81.3%, 81.6% and 82.1% (p>0.05). Progression-free survival time was 8.0 ± 5.0 months, 11.6 ± 6.1 months, and 14.8 ± 7.9 months (p<0.05), respectively. Overall survival time was 15. 4 ± 7.6 months, 18.2 ± 8.0 months, and 22.0 ± 7.6 months (p<0.05), one-year survival rates were 62.5%, 73.1% and 90.0% (p>0.05) and two-year survival rates were 31.3%, 38.5% and 50.0% (p<0.05) . Main side-effects were bone marrow suppression, radiation related esophagitis and gastrointestinal reaction.

CONCLUSION

In treating patients with NSCLC, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with paclitaxel improves early response compared with conventional fractionated radiotherapy or 3 DCRT. The survival rate was improved with the addition of paclitaxel, but there was an increase in adverse reactions when the dose of paclitaxel was increased.

Low interrater reliability in grading of rectal bleeding using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Toxicity scales: a survey of radiation oncologists

PURPOSE

To measure concordance among genitourinary radiation oncologists in using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI CTC) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) grading scales to grade rectal bleeding.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From June 2013 to January 2014, a Web-based survey was sent to 250 American and Canadian academic radiation oncologists who treat prostate cancer. Participants were provided 4 case vignettes in which patients received radiation therapy and developed rectal bleeding and were asked for management plans and to rate the bleeding according to NCI CTC v.4 and RTOG late toxicity grading (scales provided). In 2 cases, participants were also asked whether they would send the patient for colonoscopy. A multilevel, random intercept modeling approach was used to assess sources of variation (case, respondent) in toxicity grading to calculate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Agreement on a dichotomous grading scale (low grades 1-2 vs high grades 3-4) was also assessed, using the κ statistic for multiple respondents.

RESULTS

Seventy-two radiation oncologists (28%) completed the survey. Forty-seven (65%) reported having either written or been principal investigator on a study using these scales. Agreement between respondents was moderate (ICC 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.58) when using NCI CTC and fair using the RTOG scale (ICC 0.28, 95% CI 0.20-0.40). Respondents who chose an invasive management were more likely to select a higher toxicity grade (P<.0001). Using the dichotomous scale, we observed moderate agreement (κ = 0.42, 95% CI 0.40-0.44) with the NCI CTC scale, but only slight agreement with the RTOG scale (κ = 0.19, 95% CI 0.17-0.21).

CONCLUSION

Low interrater reliability was observed among radiation oncologists grading rectal bleeding using 2 common scales. Clearer definitions of late rectal bleeding toxicity should be constructed to reduce this variability and avoid ambiguity in both reporting and interpretation.

Feasibility of VECOPA, a dose-intensive chemotherapy regimen for children and adolescents with intermediate and advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma: results of the GPOH-HD-2002/VECOPA pilot trial

The GPOH-HD (Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Onkologie und Hämatologie-Hodgkin Disease) strategy for children and adolescents with intermediate and advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma is based on two induction cycles of OEPA (vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, doxorubicin) followed by COPP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, prednisone) or COPDAC (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, dacarbazine) consolidation. The feasibility and efficacy of an intensified procarbazine-free consolidation regimen VECOPA (vinblastine, etoposide, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin) were investigated. Following two OEPA and one or two VECOPA cycles, involved field radiotherapy was applied. The main endpoint was feasibility. Secondary endpoints were toxicity, proportion of delayed cycles, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor use, and event-free and overall survival. The regimen was well tolerated with mostly hematotoxicity exceeding Common Toxicity Criteria grade 2. In most patients with advanced stage the second VECOPA cycle was delayed despite hematopoietic recovery and absence of serious adverse events. Event-free survival at 36 months was 0.86 (95% confidence interval 0.70-1). The VECOPA regimen is effective and tolerable. However, its time-intensification was not fully exploited within this trial.

Efficacy of chemotherapy combined with targeted arterial infusion of verapamil in patients with advanced gastric cancer

The present study evaluated the efficacy of chemotherapy combined with targeted arterial infusion of verapamil in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Forty patients were enrolled. Targeted arterial infusion of verapamil was done once a month, 3-5 times per patient, along with chemotherapy. After 2 bouts of combined treatment, the efficacy was evaluated. Primary gastric tumor was confirmed in 38/40 patients, and unconfirmed in 2/40 patients due to adhesion of tumors to surrounding tissue. Combined treatment was administered in 38 patients with defined tumors. Complete response to the treatment was in 5/38 (13.1 %) patients, partial response in 27/38 (71.1 %) patients, stable disease in 4/38 (10.5 %) patients, and progressive disease in 2/38 (5.26 %) patients. The effective rate (i.e., complete + partial response) comprised 84.2 %. There were 31 patients with liver metastases; 10/31 (32.3 %) patients showed complete response, 16/31 (51.6 %) patients showed partial response, 3/31 (9.7 %) patients had stable disease, and 2/31 (6.5 %) patients had progressive disease. The effective rate in these patients was 83.8 %. Thirty-seven patients were followed up, and 27/37 (73.0 %) patients were alive for 6 months or longer, 19/37 (51.3 %) for 12 months, 8 (35.1 %) for 18 months, and 8/37 (21.6 %) for 24 months. In conclusion, in patients with advanced gastric cancer, chemotherapy is more effective when combined with targeted arterial infusion of verapamil, leading to extended patients' survival and improved quality of life.

Comparison of pemetrexed plus cisplatin with gemcitabine plus docetaxel in refractory/metastatic osteosarcoma: Clinical outcomes from a retrospective database monitored in a single institute

The prognosis for patients with relapsed/metastatic osteosarcoma is poor and the optimal treatment strategy remains to be refined. Whilst gemcitabine plus docetaxel combination treatment has already been demonstrated to have certain promising results in the treatment of osteosarcoma, the use of pemetrexed, a multi-targeted antifolate, remains controversial. In the present study, a retrospective investigation was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of the pemetrexed plus cisplatin combination in relapsed/metastatic osteosarcoma. Comparison of this treatment with that of the gemcitabine plus docetaxel combination was also conducted. Clinical data from 39 patients suffering from refractory/metastatic osteosarcoma between January 2005 and May 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. Of these patients, 21 were administered the gemcitabine plus docetaxel combination, and 18 were provided the pemetrexed plus cisplatin combination. Treatment was continued until the occurrence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. In the gemcitabine plus docetaxel group, the overall response rate and disease control rate were found to be 9.5 and 28.5% respectively, compared with 5.5 and 33.3% respectively in the pemetrexed plus cisplatin group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) time was found to be 1.8 months for both the gemcitabine plus docetaxel and pemetrexed plus cisplatin groups. The median overall survival (OS) time was 6 months in the gemcitabine plus docetaxel group and 7 months in the pemetrexed plus cisplatin group. No statistically significant differences were recognized between the overall response rates, disease control rates, PFS times and OS times in the two groups. The two combinations appeared to be well tolerated. However, the incidence of grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia and leucopenia was higher in the gemcitabine plus docetaxel group than in the pemetrexed plus cisplatin group. The present study clearly demonstrated that both chemo-combinations were well-tolerated and exerted antitumor activity in patients with refractory/metastatic osteosarcoma. However, with regard to grade 3/4 toxicity, the pemetrexed plus cisplatin chemotherapy appears to be better tolerated.

Effect of polymorphisms within methotrexate pathway genes on methotrexate toxicity and plasma levels in adults with hematological malignancies

Aim: Pharmacogenetics of methotrexate (MTX) contributes to interindividual differences in toxicity. We aimed to evaluate the impact of SNPs within the MTX pathway genes on MTX-induced toxicity and MTX plasma levels at 48 h following treatment in Asian adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients & methods: Patients (n = 71) were genotyped for MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, SLC19A1 G80A, ABCG2 C421A and ABCB1 C3435T using the Sequenom MassARRAY® platform. Plasma MTX concentrations at 48 h were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Results: Forty-eight patients had hematopoietic toxicity, 51 had hepatic toxicity and 36 had mucositis. Patients homozygous for MTHFR 677TT were associated with increased risk of both hematopoietic (odds ratio [OR]: 9.03; 95% CI: 2.28–36.16; p = 0.002) and hepatic (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.01–15.11; p = 0.036) toxicities. Hepatic toxicity was associated with SLC19A1 G80A (OR: 5.27, 95% CI: 1.21–22.72; p = 0.032) and ABCB1 C3435T (OR: 8.62; 95% CI: 1.96–37.57; p = 0.004). However, polymorphisms in MTHFR A1298C and ABCG2 C421A were not associated with any of the toxicities, and mucositis was not associated with any polymorphisms of the MTX pathway genes. Patients with MTHFR C677T and ABCB1 C3435T polymorphisms appear to have significantly higher MTX plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results in Asian adults provides evidence for the contribution pharmacogenetics to the toxicity of high-dose MTX and plasma MTX concentrations at 48 h following treatment in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These results will contribute towards the effort of MTX therapy individualization.

Original submitted 24 April 2014; Revision submitted 6 June 2014

The different dose-volume effects of normal tissue complication probability using LASSO for acute small-bowel toxicity during radiotherapy in gynecological patients with or without prior abdominal surgery

Purpose. To develop normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to analyze dose-volume effects that influence the incidence of acute diarrhea among gynecological patients with/without prior abdominal surgery. Methods and Materials. Ninety-five patients receiving gynecologic radiotherapy (RT) were enrolled. The endpoint was defined as the grade 2⁺ acute diarrhea toxicity during treatment. We obtained the range of small-bowel volume in V4 Gy to V40 Gy of dose. Results. The number of patients experiencing grade 2⁺ acute diarrhea toxicity was 23/61 (38%) in the group without abdominal surgery (group 0) and 17/34 (50%) patients with abdominal surgery (group 1). The most significant predictor was found for the logistic NTCP model with V16 Gy as the cutoff dose for group 0 and V40 Gy for group 1. Logistic regression NTCP model parameters were TV₁₀ ≈ 290 cc for V16 Gy and TV₁₀ ≈ 75 cc for V40 Gy, respectively. Conclusion. To keep the incidence of grade 2⁺ acute small-bowel toxicity below 10%, we suggest that small-bowel volume above the prescription dose (V16 Gy) should be held to <290 cc for patients without abdominal surgery, and the prescription dose (V40 Gy) should be maintained <75 cc for patients with abdominal surgery.

Management of brain metastases with stereotactic radiosurgery alone versus whole brain irradiation alone versus both

Introduction

This prospective randomized study aimed to evaluate the role of WBRT + SRS compared to SRS alone and to WBRT alone in improvement of overall survival, brain local control and neurologic manifestations.

Patients and methods

The trial included 60 patients with 1 to 3 brain metastases treated at the Radiotherapy Department, National Cancer Institute. 21 patients received WBRT + SRS, 18 patients received SRS alone and 21 patients received WBRT alone.

Results

Median local control was significantly better for WBRT + SRS compared to SRS alone & WBRT alone (10 vs 6 vs 5 months, respectively, P = 0.04). There was non significant survival benefit for WBRT + SRS compared to SRS alone & WBRT alone. Survival was significantly better for patients with controlled primary tumor who received WBRT + SRS compared to SRS alone & WBRT alone (median survival was 12 vs 5.5 vs 8 months, respectively. P = 0.027). Regardless of the treatment group, median survival and median local control were highly significantly better for single brain site involvement compared to multiple brain sites involvement (P = 0.003 & P = 0.001, respectively), and median brain local control was significantly better for single lesion compared to multiple lesions (P = 0.05).

Conclusions

WBRT + SRS is an effective, safe tool in treatment of patients with 1 to 3 brain metastses improving the brain local control, but further studies with larger number of patients is recommended.

Impact on Loco-regional Control of Radiochemotherapeutic Sequence and Time to Initiation of Adjuvant Treatment in Stage II/III Rectal Cancer Patients Treated with Postoperative Concurrent Radiochemotherapy

Purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of radiochemotherapeutic sequence and time to initiation of adjuvant treatment on loco-regional control for resected stage II and III rectal cancer.

Materials and Methods

Treatment outcomes for rectal cancer patients from two hospitals with different sequencing strategies regarding adjuvant concurrent radiochemotherapy (CRCT) were compared retrospectively. Pelvic radiotherapy was administered concurrently on the first (early CRCT, n=180) or the third cycle of chemotherapy (late CRCT, n=180). During radiotherapy, two cycles of fluorouracil were provided to patients in both groups. In the early CRCT group, median six cycles of fluorouracil and leucovorin were prescribed during the post-CRCT period. In the late CRCT group, two cycles of fluorouracil were administered in the pre- and post-CRCT periods.

Results

No significant differences in the 5-year loco-regional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) (92.5% vs. 95.6%, p=0.43) or overall survival and disease-free survival were observed between groups. Patients who began receiving adjuvant treatment later than five weeks after surgery had lower LRRFS than patients who received adjuvant treatment within five weeks following surgery (79% vs. 91%, p<0.01). The risk of loco-regional recurrence increased as the time to initiation of adjuvant treatment was delayed.

Conclusion

In the current study, treatment outcomes were not significantly influenced by the sequence of adjuvant treatment but by the delay of adjuvant treatment for more than five weeks. Timely administration of adjuvant treatment is deemed important in achieving loco-regional tumor control for stage II/III rectal cancer patients.

Risk factors for hepatitis B virus reactivation after conformal radiotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

This study investigated whether conformal radiotherapy affects hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation, and the risk factors for HBV reactivation in patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sixty-nine patients with HCC were included in this retrospective study. Before radiotherapy (RT), all patients underwent imaging examinations and some baseline examinations, including CBC, liver function test, renal function test, α-fetoprotein level, hepatitis B (HB) surface antigen, HB surface Ab, HB e antigen, HB e Ab, and serum HBV DNA quantification. During the period of RT and at least 16 weeks after the end of RT, CBCs were carried out weekly and the other tests were monitored monthly or more frequently if necessary. The clinical features and dosimetric parameters of RT were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression algorithms were used to analyze the risk factors of HBV reactivation. The incidence of complications in the study population was as follows: radiation-induced liver disease, 17.4%; HBV reactivation, 24.6%; and HBV reactivation-induced hepatitis, 21.7%. The HBV DNA level and dose volume parameters including normal liver volume, V20, and mean dose were associated with HBV reactivation. There was a relatively high incidence of HBV reactivation in HCC patients after the end of conformal RT. The serum HBV DNA level and some dosimetric parameters related to normal liver, including normal liver volume, V20, and mean dose, were the prognosis factors of HBV reactivation and should be carefully considered before conformal RT.

Comparison of short-term efficacy and safety of TIROX and DCF regimens for advanced gastric cancer

OBJECTIVE

To compare the short-term efficacy and safety profile of the S-1 + irinotecan + oxaliplatin (TIROX) and docetaxel + cisplatin + flurouracil (DCF) anticancer regimens in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

METHODS

Patients with recurrent or metastatic gastric cancer diagnosed by pathology were randomly divided into two groups to receive six cycles of either the TIROX regimen (21-day cycle) or the DCF regimen (21-day cycle). After six chemotherapy cycles, the short-term efficacy was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines and adverse reactions were recorded according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria 2.0 standards.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were enrolled in the study. The response rate (complete response + partial response) was significantly higher in the TIROX group (18/30 patients; 60.0%) compared with the DCF group (10/30 patients; 33.3%). The rates of grade III-IV leucopenia and neurotoxicity were significantly higher in the TIROX group than the DCF group.

CONCLUSION

The TIROX regimen was effective for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer, but it was associated with leucopenia and neurotoxicity.

A phase II study of paclitaxel and carboplatin with a biweekly schedule in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer: Gynecologic Cancer Network trial

AIM

The objective of this multicenter phase II study was to evaluate the effects of biweekly paclitaxel and carboplatin combination chemotherapy on response rate and toxicities in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II to IV ovarian cancer received paclitaxel at a dose of 120 mg/m(2) and carboplatin at an area under the curve of 3 mg/mL per minute every 2 weeks for 8 or more cycles. Inclusion criteria included an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2 and no previous chemotherapy. Informed consent was obtained from each patient before the start of treatment.

RESULTS

From March 2003 through July 2009, 42 patients from 5 institutions were eligible to be evaluated for response and toxicity. The median age was 60.5 years (age range, 34-81 years). The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was stage II in 3 patients, stage III in 31 patients, and stage IV in 8 patients. The response rate was 66.7% (95% confidence interval: 50.5%-80.4%). Sixty-nine percent (29 of 42) of patients received 8 or more cycles of chemotherapy. The median progression-free survival was 18.5 months, and overall survival was 59.1 months. The most common grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (61.0%). No patients had grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia. The most common grade 3 nonhematological toxicities were neuropathy (4.9%) and nausea (2.4%).

CONCLUSION

Paclitaxel combined with carboplatin using a biweekly schedule is a safe and effective chemotherapy regimen for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Our results suggest that a biweekly schedule is well tolerated and is less toxic than a triweekly schedule.

Tumor bed boost in breast cancer: Brachytherapy versus electron beam

Background:

The prospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Electron beam or HDR 192Ir Interstitial Implant used as a boost in breast Conservation cases after completion of EBRT. The two therapeutic modalities were compared in terms of the following parameters; i.e. cosmesis, optimization of tumor bed boost, local control, toxicity, and DFS.

Materials and Methods:

The EBRT dose used was 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks time. Target delineation of boost treatment was done by CT scan or by high resolution USG. EBRT will be immediately followed by local boost at the primary tumor bearing site of breast with 8 to12 MeV electron beam to a dose of 15 Gy in 6 fractions (Arm A) or with HDR 192Ir interstitial brachytherapy to a dose of 15 Gy in 3 fractions at 6 hours apart (Arm B).

Results:

The excellent cosmesis achieved with electron beam therapy in Arm A was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.025). Local relapse was absent in both the arms. One distant metastasis occurred in Arm A within 10 months of initiation of treatment and one distant metastasis in Arm B came out within 3 months of starting of therapy.

Conclusion:

The study has shown good cosmetic result with electron boost and 100% local control with both the technique. However if there is a more number of patients with longer period of follow up we could have got the actual picture to verify our results and assess long term survival data.

Treating malignant glioma in Chinese patients: update on temozolomide

Malignant glioma, ie, anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma, is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor in the People’s Republic of China, and is particularly aggressive. The median survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma is only 12–14 months despite advanced therapeutic strategies. Treatment of malignant glioma consists mainly of surgical resection followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Temozolomide (TMZ), a second-generation oral alkylating agent, is playing an increasingly important role in the treatment of malignant glioma in Chinese patients. Since the publication of a study by Stupp et al in 2005, which used a protocol of conventional fractionated irradiation with concomitant TMZ followed by standard TMZ for six cycles, many clinical studies in the People’s Republic of China have demonstrated that such a treatment strategy has significantly improved efficacy with limited side effects for newly diagnosed glioblastoma after surgery as compared with strategies that do not contain TMZ. However, as a relatively new agent, the history and development of TMZ for malignant glioma is not well documented in Chinese patients. Multicenter, randomized controlled trials including appropriately sized patient populations investigating multiple aspects of TMZ therapy and related combination therapies are warranted in patients with malignant glioma. This review provides an update on the efficacy, mechanism of action, adverse reactions, and clinical role of TMZ in the treatment of malignant glioma in Chinese patients.

Factors affecting survival after resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aimed at assessing the prognostic factors of resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC), which remain unclear.

METHODS

Among 70 patients with IHCC, who were admitted to our hospital between 1998 and 2011, 45 (64 %) underwent resection and 25 had unresectable tumors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted retrospectively to assess the factors influencing survival of the patients who underwent resection.

RESULTS

The median survival times of the patients who underwent resection versus those who did not were 16 months versus 9 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified residual tumor status (relative risk 4.12, P = 0.04) and pathological differentiation (relative risk 5.55, P = 0.04) as independent factors predicting survival. Patients who underwent R1 resection had a significantly higher rate of local recurrence than those who underwent R0 resection (P = 0.008). With R0 resection, there were no significant differences in patterns and rates of recurrence between patients with narrow (≤ 5 mm) versus wide (>5 mm) surgical margins.

CONCLUSIONS

R0/1 resection and a well-differentiated tumor were found to be independent prognostic factors for long-term survival after IHCC resection. If R0 resection was achieved, the width of the negative surgical margin did not affect the patterns and rates of recurrence.

Short- and long-term outcomes of definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal carcinoma aged ≥75 years

The most relevant treatment modalities in elderly patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) remain a subject of debate. Combined definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is currently widely accepted as a non-surgical treatment for esophageal cancer. However, elderly patients were excluded from the majority of studies on CRT, or the proportion of elderly patients was relatively low in those studies and the number of available studies on the treatment of EC patients aged ≥75 years is limited. The aim of the present retrospective study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of CRT in patients aged ≥75 years in order to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of CRT for elderly patients with EC. In this study, based on further refinement of patient age groups and analysis of the Charlson comorbidity score, we performed a statistical analysis of factors such as short-term response, long-term survival and toxicity reactions. The results of the analysis indicated that the treatment of patients with EC aged ≥75 years with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy was effective. However, we recommend that customized treatment is based on the stratification of patients into different age groups and the Charlson score, as for patients aged ≥80 years a lower-dose therapy may be more beneficial and for patients aged ≥85 years definitive CRT should be administered with greater caution.

Fractionated external beam radiotherapy of skull base metastases with cranial nerve involvement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Skull base metastases frequently appear in a late stage of various tumor entities and cause pain and neurological disorders which strongly impair patient quality of life. This study retrospectively analyzed fractionated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as a palliative treatment approach with special respect to neurological outcome, feasibility and acute toxicity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients with skull base metastases and cranial nerve disorders underwent EBRT with a mean total dose of 31.6 Gy. Neurological status was assessed before radiotherapy, during radiotherapy and 2 weeks afterwards categorizing orbital, parasellar, middle fossa, jugular foramen and occipital condyle involvement and associated clinical syndromes. Neurological outcome was scored as persistence of symptoms, partial response, good response and complete remission. Treatment-related toxicity and overall survival were assessed.

RESULTS

Before EBRT 37 skull base involvement syndromes were determined with 4 patients showing more than 1 syndrome. Of the patients 81.1 % responded to radiotherapy with 10.8 % in complete remission, 48.6 % with good response and 21.6 % with partial response. Grade 1 toxicity of the skin occurred in two patients and grade 1 hematological toxicity in 1 patient under concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Median overall survival was 3.9 months with a median follow-up of 45 months.

CONCLUSION

The use of EBRT for skull base metastases with symptomatic involvement of cranial nerves is marked by good therapeutic success in terms of neurological outcome, high feasibility and low toxicity rates. These findings underline EBRT as the standard therapeutic approach in the palliative setting.

Randomized phase III trial of concurrent chemoradiotherapy vs accelerated hyperfractionation radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) vs accelerated hyperfractionation with concomitant boost (CCB) as a primary treatment for patients with Stage III-IV squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). A total of 85 non-metastatic advanced SCCHN patients were accrued from January 2003 to December 2007. Of these, 48 and 37 patients received CCRT and CCB, respectively. The patients were randomized to receive either three cycles of carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil plus conventional radiotherapy (CCRT, 66 Gy in 6.5 weeks) or hybrid accelerated radiotherapy (CCB, 70 Gy in 6 weeks). The primary endpoint was determined by locoregional control rate. The secondary endpoints were overall survival and toxicity. With a median follow-up of 43 months (range, 3-102), the 5-year locoregional control rate was 69.6% in the CCRT arm vs 55.0% in the CCB arm (P = 0.184). The 5-year overall survival rate was marginally significantly different (P = 0.05): 76.1% in the CCRT arm vs 63.5% in the CCB arm. Radiotherapy treatment interruptions of more than three days were 60.4% and 40.5% in the CCRT arm and CCB arm, respectively. The median total treatment time was 55.5 days in the CCRT arm and 49 days in the CCB arm. The rate of Grade 3-4 acute mucositis was significantly higher in the CCB arm (67.6% vs 41.7%, P = 0.01), but no high grade hematologic toxicities were found in the CCB arm (27.2% vs 0%). CCRT has shown a trend of improving outcome over CCB irradiation in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer.

A Phase II Study of Additional Four-Week Chemotherapy With Capecitabine During the Resting Periods After Six-Week Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of additional 4-week chemotherapy with capecitabine during the resting periods after a 6-week neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Methods

Radiotherapy was delivered to the whole pelvis at a total dose of 50.4 Gy for 6 weeks. Oral capecitabine was administered at a dose of 825 mg/m² twice daily for 10 weeks. Surgery was performed 2-4 weeks following the completion of chemotherapy.

Results

Between January 2010 and September 2011, 44 patients were enrolled. Forty-three patients underwent surgery, and 41 patients completed the scheduled treatment. Pathologic complete remission (pCR) was noted in 9 patients (20.9%). T down-staging and N down-staging were observed in 32 patients (74.4%) and 33 patients (76.7%), respectively. Grade 3 to 5 toxicity was noted in 5 patients (11.4%). The pCR rate was similar with the pCR rates obtained after conventional NCRT at our institute and at other institutes.

Conclusion

This study showed that additional 4-week chemotherapy with capecitabine during the resting periods after 6-week NCRT was safe, but it was no more effective than conventional NCRT.

An anti-human thymocyte globulin-based reduced-intensity conditioning regimen is associated with a higher quality of life and lower organ toxicity without affecting lymphocyte reconstitution

Reduced-intensity (RIT) conditioning regimens are gaining increased attention as a result of their advantages and efficacy. However, no data are available regarding whether these regimens improve patient quality of life (QoL). In our study, health-related QoL (HRQoL) was retrospectively assessed in 111 patients with hematological malignancies. Analysis of the Quality of Life Questionnaire indicated that 35 of the RIT patients were able to perform their normal work and returned to their baseline levels of function 2 to 3 months after transplantation. In the myeloablative (MA) group, only 24 patients were able to resume work, and these patients returned to their baseline levels of function 6 to 8 months after transplantation (68.6% vs. 40.0%, P = 0.004). Grade III–IV organ toxicity occurred in 20% of the RIT patients and in 52% of the MA patients (P = 0.001), and the cumulative incidences of grades III–IV acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were 13.7% and 35.0% in RIT and MA patients, respectively (P = 0.015). In conclusion, the RIT conditioning regimens were well tolerated by the patients, with a low incidence of transplant-related mortality (TRM) and serious acute GVHD. In addition, these regimens minimized procedure-related toxicity, improved QoL and did not influence lymphocyte reconstitution; however, OS was similar for both regimens because the relapse rate was relatively increased in the RIT groups.

Effect of different treatment plans on irradiated small-bowel volume in gynecologic patients undergoing whole-pelvic irradiation

To evaluate the effect of different treatment plans for whole-pelvic irradiation on small-bowel volumes (SBVs) in patients with gynecologic malignancies, 40 patients were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography (CT) simulations were performed, and the small bowel of each patient was outlined manually. Treatment plans with equal-weighted (EW) and non-equal-weighted (NEW) (70% in bilateral directions) techniques of four-field and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were performed. The V10-V100 represented the volume (cm³) at different levels of the prescribed doses (10-100%). The V10-V100 was compared among the different treatment planning techniques, and patients who were suitable for IMRT or NEW were identified. IMRT and NEW significantly reduced the V50-V100 and V40-V60 levels compared with EW, respectively. NEW caused a significant reduction in the V30-V60 levels in patients with a BMI ≥26 kg/m². Patients with IMRT demonstrated lower V70-V100 levels compared with those with NEW. In patients with a BMI ≥26 kg/m² or an age ≥55 years, lower V20-V50 levels were noted using NEW compared with IMRT. Treatment planning with larger weighting in the bilateral directions in four-field radiotherapy reduces the low-dose SBV in patients with gynecologic malignancies, especially in those with a high BMI or the elderly. IMRT effectively reduces high-dose SBV, especially in patients with a low BMI.

Clinical evaluation of targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic drugs in interventional therapy of advanced lung cancer

PURPOSE

To assess the clinical efficacy of targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic agents in the interventional therapy of lung cancer.

METHODS

Forty patients with advanced lung cancer underwent treatment with targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic agents using Seldinger technique. Interventional therapy was performed once a month, and each subject received interventional treatment for 2 or more cycles. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated 2 months post-treatment.

RESULTS

Out of 40 patients with advanced lung cancer, 5 cases achieved complete remission (CR) and 29 cases achieved partial remission (PR), with a total effectiveness (CR + PR) rate of 85 %. Besides, 32 cases achieved significantly alleviated clinical symptoms, and 29 cases had decreased clinical tumor stage. All subjects had stable karnofsky performance status score and body weight. Among the 40 patients, 13 cases had leucopenia, 10 cases had gastrointestinal reactions, 3 cases presented with elevated alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio, and 3 cases had fever. However, all these side effects relieved quickly. No elevation of BUN/Cr ratio and allergic reactions was observed. No significant changes in cardiac function and electrocardiogram were noticed after the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted arterial perfusion of verapamil and chemotherapeutic drugs can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with advanced lung cancer and increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby providing an opportunity for radiotherapy or surgical treatment for advanced lung cancer.