Long-term outcome of re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer: A multi-institutional study of AIRO-Head and Neck working group

Optimising (re-)irradiation for locally recurrent head and neck cancer: impact of dose-escalation, salvage surgery, PEG tube and biomarkers on oncological outcomes-a single centre analysis

INTRODUCTION

Locoregional recurrence (LR) is common in locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNSCC), posing challenges for treatment. We analysed outcome parameters and toxicities for patients being treated with radiotherapy (RT) for LR-HNSCC and investigated patient and disease related prognostic factors in this prognostically unfavourable group.

METHODS

This analysis includes 101 LR-HNSCC patients treated with RT, radio-chemotherapy (RCT) or radio-immunotherapy (RIT) between 2010 and 2018 at a high-volume tertiary centre. Patient characteristics, tumour and treatment details were retrospectively collected. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicities according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 were assessed.

RESULTS

62% of patients were radiotherapy-naïve (initial RT group) while 38% were re-irradiated at site of LR (re-RT group). Median OS for initial RT was 24 months, for re-RT 12 months (p < 0.01). In the RCT subgroup, patients with initial RT had significantly longer OS with 35 months compared to re-RT 12 months (p < 0.05). Patients with UICC grade IV tumours and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube had significantly shorter OS in multivariate analysis: initial RT 13 vs. re-RT 32 months and initial RT 12 vs. re-RT 32 months respectively. Salvage surgery before RT at recurrence was a positive prognostic factor for OS (initial RT 35 vs. re-RT 12 months). Other significant factors for longer OS in univariate analysis included low inflammatory status (Glasgow Prognostic Score 0) and radiation doses ≥ 50 Gy. We detected 37 (15%) ≥ CTCAE Grade 3 events for initial RT and 19 (15%) for re-RT patients.

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, we identified key prognostic factors including PEG tube and inflammation status that could guide treatment decision. Our findings suggest salvage surgery as preferred treatment option with postoperative RT at LR. Adverse events due to re-RT were acceptable. A radiation dose of ≥ 50 Gy should be administered to achieve better outcomes.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy in Recurrent and Oligometastatic Head and Neck Tumours

The treatment of head and neck cancers (HNCs) encompasses a complex paradigm involving a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment. Locoregional recurrence is a common cause of treatment failure, and few patients are suitable for salvage surgery. Reirradiation with conventional radiation techniques is challenging due to normal tissue tolerance limits and the risk of significant toxicities. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a highly conformal modality that offers the potential for cure while limiting the dose to surrounding tissue. There is also growing research that shows that those with oligometastatic disease can benefit from curative intent local ablative therapies such as SBRT. This review will look at published evidence regarding the use of SBRT in locoregional recurrent and oligometastatic HNCs.

Reirradiation of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas: a pragmatic approach-part I: prognostic factors and indications to treatment

INTRODUCTION

Reirradiation (reRT) of locally recurrent/second primary tumors of the head and neck region is a potentially curative treatment for patients not candidate to salvage surgery. Aim of the present study is to summarize available literature on both prognostic factors and indications to curative reRT in this clinical setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative review of the literature was performed on two topics: (1) patients' selection according to prognostic factors and (2) dosimetric feasibility of reRT. Postoperative reRT and palliative intent treatments were out of the scope of this work.

RESULTS

Patient-tumor and treatment-related prognostic factors were analyzed, together with dosimetric parameters concerning target volume and organs at risk. Based on available evidence, a stepwise approach has been proposed aiming to provide a useful tool to identify suitable candidates for curative reRT in clinical practice. This was then applied to two clinical cases, proposed at the end of this work.

CONCLUSION

A second course of RT in head and neck recurrence/second primary tumors is a personalized approach that can be offered to selected patients only in centers with expertise and dedicated equipment following a multidisciplinary team discussion.

Re-irradiation for head and neck cancer: outcome and toxicity analysis using a prospective single institution database

Purpose

Re-irradiation (re-RT) in head and neck cancer is challenging. This study prospectively explored the feasibility of re-RT in patients with loco-regionally recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer (LRR/SP HNC).

Methods

From 2004 to 2021, 61 LRR/SP HNC patients were treated with re-RT, defined as having a second course of RT with curative intent resulting in a cumulative dose of ≥100 Gy in an overlapping volume. Postoperative or definitive dynamic intensity-modulated and/or volumetric modulated re-RT was administered using twice daily hyperfractionation to 60 Gy combined with cisplatin or carboplatin/5-fluorouracil. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control (LRC) and distant metastasis control (DMC) were analyzed and prognostic factors evaluated. Toxicity was prospectively recorded and graded.

Results

The median follow-up was 9.8 months. In 41 patients (67.1%), complete administration of the intended treatment was not feasible. In 9 patients (15%) re-RT was interrupted prematurely and in other 9, the complete re-RT dose was lower than 60 Gy, and 37 patients (61%) could not receive or complete chemotherapy. Two-year OS, PFS and LRC rates were 19%, 18% and 30%, respectively. 20 patients (33%) received the complete intended treatment, and 1- and 2-year OS rates were 70% and 47%, respectively. Charlson comorbidity index was an important predictor for treatment completion. Multivariate analysis revealed recurrent N stage 0-1, age, chemotherapy administration and re-RT dose of 60 Gy as prognostic factors for clinical outcomes. No grade 5 re-RT-related toxicity was observed. The most common new grade ≥3 acute toxicities were dysphagia (52%) and mucositis (46%). Late toxicity included grade ≥3 dysphagia in 5% and osteoradionecrosis in 10% of evaluable patients, respectively. 6 patients (10%) were alive after 9 years without progression and no late toxicity grade ≥3, except for 2 patients presenting with osteoradionecrosis.

Conclusion

Hyperfractionated re-RT with 60 Gy combined with platinum-based chemotherapy was a curative treatment option with acceptable toxicity in LRR/SP patients. Patients with higher comorbidity had a higher probability of failing to receive and complete the intended therapy. Consequently, they derived unsatisfactory benefits from re-RT, highlighting the importance of patient selection.

Dose-escalated re-irradiation improves outcome in locally recurrent head and neck cancer - Results of a large multicenter analysis

To determine efficacy and prognostic parameters of definitive re-irradiation of locoregionally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with locoregionally recurrent or second primary HNSCC undergoing re-irradiation with modern radiotherapy technique were eligible for this multicentric retrospective analysis. Main endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and locoregional control (LC). Univariate analyses were performed using the Kaplan Meier Method (log-rank). For multivariable analysis, Cox regression was used.

RESULTS

A total of 253 patients treated between 2009 and 2020 at 16 university hospitals in Germany were included. The median follow up was 27.4 months (range 0.5-130). The median OS and PFS were 13.2 (CI: 10.7 - 15.7) months and 7.9 (CI: 6.7 - 9.1) months, respectively, corresponding to two-year OS and PFS rates of 29 % and 19 %. Rates of locoregional progression and "in-field-failure" were 62 % and 51 % after two years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified good ECOG performance status and high radiation dose as independent prognostic parameters for OS. Doses above 50 Gy (EQD2) achieved longer median OS of 17.8 months (vs 11.7 months, p < 0.01) and longer PFS of 9.6 months (vs 6.8 months, p < 0.01). In addition, there was a trend for worse survival in patients with tracheostomy (multivariable, p = 0.061). Concomitant systemic therapy did not significantly impact PFS or OS.

CONCLUSION

Re-irradiation of locally recurrent or second primary HNSCC is efficient, especially if doses above 50 Gy (EQD2) are delivered. ECOG performance score was the strongest prognostic parameter for OS and PFS.

Estimating survival after salvage surgery for recurrent salivary gland cancers: Systematic review

Recurrent salivary gland carcinomas (RSCs) are poorly characterized and their clinical features and treatment options have not yet been fully described. The goal of this study was to analyze the therapeutic strategies and oncological outcomes of RSC patients through a literature review analysis. This systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statements. Inclusion criteria for the systematic review were based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes according to (PICO) framework. Two thousand seven hundred and four records were selected and 1817 recurrences were studied. Three hundred and sixty-five patients underwent salvage surgery (20.1%) and their 5-year mortality rate, overall survival and disease-free survival were 35%, 70%, and 42%, respectively. RSCs are aggressive neoplasms with a high rate of distant metastases (28.9%). Salvage surgery can be considered in patients with limited local and/or regional recurrences, even in case of single distant relapse, appearing within the first 3 years of follow-up.

Retreatment of Recurrent or Second Primary Head and Neck Cancer After Prior Radiation: Executive Summary of the American Radium Society® (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC): Expert Panel on Radiation Oncology - Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND

Re-treatment of recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers occurring in a previously irradiated field is complex. Few guidelines exist to support practice.

METHODS

We performed an updated literature search of peer-reviewed journals in a systematic fashion. Search terms, key questions, and associated clinical case variants were formed by panel consensus. The literature search informed the committee during a blinded vote on the appropriateness of treatment options via the modified Delphi method.

RESULTS

The final number of citations retained for review was 274. These informed five key questions, which focused on patient selection, adjuvant re-irradiation, definitive re-irradiation, stereotactic body radiation (SBRT), and re-irradiation to treat non-squamous cancer. Results of the consensus voting are presented along with discussion of the most current evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

This provides updated evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for the re-treatment of recurrent or second primary cancer of the head and neck.

Reirradiation of Recurrent and Second Primary Cancers of the Head and Neck: a Review of the Contemporary Evidence

OPINION STATEMENT

Recurrent and second primary head and neck cancers represent a clinical challenge due to frequently unresectable and/or locally advanced disease. Given that many of these patients have received definitive doses of radiation previously, reirradiation is associated with significant morbidity. Use of modern approaches such as conformal photon-based planning and charged particle therapy using protons or carbon ions allows for greater sparing of normal tissues while maintaining or escalating doses to tumor volumes. While the reirradiation data has consistently shown benefits to local control and even survival from escalation of radiotherapy dose, excessive cumulative doses can result in severe toxicities, including fatal carotid blowout syndrome. For all modalities, appropriate patient selection is of utmost importance. Large-scale trials and multi-institutional registry data are needed to standardize treatment modalities, and to determine optimal doses and volumes for reirradiation.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of CT-Guided I125 Radioactive Seed Implantation as a Salvage Therapy for Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of CT-guided I¹²⁵ radioactive seed implantation (RSI) as a salvage therapy for recurrent head and neck squamous carcinoma (rHNSC) after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or surgery.

Materials and Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective study of 113 patients (83 males; median age 57 years) with rHNSC who underwent CT-guided I¹²⁵ RSI between February 2003 and December 2017. Of the included patients, 107 patients previously received EBRT and 65 patients received surgery and all were ineligible or rejected for salvage surgery and/or repeat EBRT.

Results

During a median follow-up duration of 20 months (range, 3-152 months), 87 patients died. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year local control rate were 57.4%, 41.8%, 29.3%, and 15.2%, respectively. The median time to progression was 15 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.1-23.9 months]. The median overall survival (OS) was 20 months (95% CI, 12.4-27.6 months). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS rate were 63.6%, 44.6%, 29.9%, and 21.7%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that KPS score and postoperative D90 were significantly associated with patients’ OS. The complications were mainly grade I/II skin and mucosal reactions: 18 cases (15.9%) of grade I/II and eight cases (7.0%) of grade III radiation dermatitis, and 14 cases (12.4%) of grade I/II and three cases (2.7%) grade III mucosal reactions. No grade IV or severer complications were found.

Conclusion

CT-guided I¹²⁵ RSI may be safe as a salvage therapy for rHNSC after EBRT/surgery, yielding promising efficacy compared with historical data. KPS score and postoperative D90 may be significantly associated with OS.

Therapeutic challenges in radiation-induced salivary gland cancers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To give an overview of recent advances in therapeutic approaches of radiation-induced salivary gland cancers (ri-SGCs).

RECENT FINDINGS

Reirradiation with protons and carbon ions demonstrated to be feasible, safe and to offer good local control rates, with the possibility of overcoming radioresistance and dosimetric issues in previously irradiated cancer patients. Chromosomal rearrangements, gene fusions and expression profiles are important to identify specific cancer subtypes and can guide tailored systemic therapy.

SUMMARY

Ri-SGCs are rare and heterogeneous. Patients are often heavily pretreated and at risk of toxicities, and their management remain challenging. A multidisciplinary approach in referral centers is mandatory. Knowledge about SGCs cellular and molecular mechanisms is constantly evolving. In the last years, novel advances in therapeutic approaches, such as carbon ion radiotherapy, are emerging as safe and effective options in active treatment, but further efforts are needed to offer tailored personalized treatments and to improve survival.

A systematic review and practical considerations of stereotactic body radiotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVES

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is gaining popularity although its use in head and neck cancer (HNC) is not well defined. The primary objective was to review the published evidence regarding the use of stereotactic radiotherapy in HNC.

METHODS

A literature search was performed by using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for eligible studies from 2000 to 2019 and 26 relevant studies were identified.

RESULTS

Literature demonstrates a heterogeneous use of this technique with regards to patient population, primary or salvage treatment, dose fractionation regimens, outcomes and follow-up protocols. Carotid blow out syndrome is a risk as with other forms of reirradiation but alternative treatment regimens may reduce this risk.

CONCLUSION

At present there is a lack of evidence regarding SBRT as a primary treatment option for HNC and definitive answers regarding efficacy and tolerability cannot be provided but there is growing evidence that SBRT reirradiation regimens are safe and effective. In lieu of evidence from large Phase III trials, we define appropriate organ at risk constraints and prescription doses, with accurate plan summation approaches. Prospective randomised trials are warranted to validate improved treatment outcomes and acceptable treatment morbidity.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This article provides a comprehensive review of evidence of use of stereotactic radiotherapy in HNC site (either as a primary treatment or as reirradiation). We also provide an evidence-based approach to the implementation and practical consideration of stereotactic radiotherapy in HNC.

Multidisciplinary Management of Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Carcinomas in the Modern Radiotherapy Era

Simple Summary

Etiopathogenesis of salivary gland cancers [SGCs] is largely unknown, even if exposition to ionizing radiation is a recognized risk factor for SGCs development. To date, exhaustive data to guide clinicians in managing patients with radiation-induced [ri] SGCs are scarce and their treatment remains challenging. The purpose of this work is to describe and to analyze clinical and histopathological features, delivered treatments, and outcome of a series of patients with ri-SGCs treated at two Italian cancer referral sites. Given the rarity of ri-SGCs, this retrospective analysis conducted on a case series of 13 patients adds further knowledge to the paucity of literature. The management of these malignancies is extremely complex requiring a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Abstract

Clinical data of ri-SGCs patients treated between 2015 and 2019 at a tertiary cancer center and a national hadron therapy facility were reviewed. Latent time (LT) from first RT to ri-SGCs diagnosis, overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed. Thirteen patients developed 14 ri-SGCs (one patient had 2 synchronous ri-SCGs), after a median LT of 23 years (range 16–34). Parotid was the primary site in 8 cases (57%) and salivary duct carcinoma was the most frequent histotype (29%). Nine patients (69%) underwent surgery (Sx). Among them, 4 patients (31%) underwent Sx alone, 5 received post-operative treatments: 3 (23%) photon-based (X) reRT, one (8%) protons and carbon ions, one (8%) carbon ions only. One patient (8%) received definitive XRT. The remaining 3 patients (23%) received androgen deprivation therapy. With a median follow-up of 48 months (range 24–72), median OS and PFS were 74 and 24 months, respectively. In the subgroup of AR⁺ ri-SGCs, median PFS and OS were 12 and 74 months, respectively. Given the rarity of ri-SGCs, this work adds further knowledge to the paucity of literature. The management of these malignancies is extremely complex requiring a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy-Based Reirradiation for Head and Neck Cancer: A Multi-institutional Study by Korean Radiation Oncology Group (KROG 1707)

Purpose

The benefits of reirradiation for head and neck cancer (HNC) have not been determined. This study evaluated the efficacy of reirradiation using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for recurrent or second primary HNC (RSPHNC) and identified subgroups for whom reirradiation for RSPHNC is beneficial.

Materials and Methods

A total of 118 patients from seven Korean institutions with RSPHNC who underwent IMRT-based reirradiation between 2006 and 2015 were evaluated through retrospective review of medical records. We assessed overall survival (OS) and local control (LC) within the radiotherapy (RT) field following IMRT-based reirradiation. Additionally, the OS curve according to the recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) suggested by the Multi-Institution Reirradiation (MIRI) Collaborative was determined.

Results

At a median follow-up period of 18.5 months, OS at 2 years was 43.1%. In multivariate analysis, primary subsite, recurrent tumor size, interval between RT courses, and salvage surgery were associated with OS. With regard to the MIRI RPA model, the class I subgroup had a significantly higher OS than class II or III subgroups. LC at 2 years was 53.5%. Multivariate analyses revealed that both intervals between RT courses and salvage surgery were prognostic factors affecting LC. Grade 3 or more toxicity and grade 5 toxicity rates were 8.5% and 0.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

IMRT-based reirradiation was an effective therapeutic option for patients with RSPHNC, especially those with resectable tumors and a long interval between RT courses. Further, our patients' population validated the MIRI RPA classification by showing the difference of OS according to MIRI RPA class.

Circumferential pharyngectomy in laryngectomised patient and pharyngeal reconstruction by tubed free flap

BACKGROUND

Metachronous tumour in head and neck cancer patients is a frequent situation with a generally poor prognosis, often improving in case of surgical treatment.

METHOD

This article presents the surgical technique for early stage hypopharyngeal metachronous tumour resection and pharyngeal reconstruction by tubed free flap in laryngectomised patient.

CONCLUSION

Selected laryngectomised patients presenting with early stage hypopharyngeal metachronous tumours can benefit from a safe carcinologic resection and reconstruction.