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Stewart A. Brachytherapy for rectal and anal cancer: Where are we and current perspectives? Brachytherapy 2024; 23:214-223. [PMID: 38278689 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Anal and rectal cancers were some of the first disease sites treated with brachytherapy due to the anatomic ease of implantation. As external beam radiotherapy grew in popularity the use of ano-rectal brachytherapy declined. However, the past few years have seen a steady resurgence in the use of brachytherapy in the ano-rectum supported by the use of large clinical series and randomized trials. The increasing acceptance by the surgical community of organ preservation as a valid treatment strategy for rectal cancer has encouraged the use of nonsurgical approaches and brachytherapy has shown itself to be a valuable tool for this. The current role of anal and rectal brachytherapy is presented with perspectives on its future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Stewart
- St Luke's Cancer Centre, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, England; University of Surrey, Guildford, England.
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Cheng T, Peng R, Qu A, Wang H. High-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy for rectal cancer: A state-of-the-art review. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:4145-4156. [PMID: 37702196 PMCID: PMC10637059 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Rectal cancer is a common malignancy that requires multidisciplinary treatment. By utilizing the dose-response relationship in rectal cancer radiotherapy, increasing the radiotherapy dose can improve clinical complete remission rates. High-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT) is a novel technique that delivers high doses of radiotherapy directly to the tumor via an endorectal applicator, sparing the adjacent normal tissues from excessive radiation exposure. HDREBT includes contact X-ray brachytherapy and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy. We introduce the latest developments in applicators and imaging techniques for HDREBT in rectal cancer and summarize the current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of HDREBT as a neoadjuvant, definitive, or palliative treatment option for all stages of rectal cancer patients. We also discuss the potential advantages and challenges of HDREBT in achieving organ preservation and improving the quality of life of rectal cancer patients. HDREBT has shown promising results in achieving high complete response rates, enabling nonoperative management, improving organ preservation rates, and providing effective palliation in rectal cancer patients. More studies are needed to optimize its dose and fractionation schemes in different clinical scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Cheng
- Cancer CenterPeking University 3rd HospitalBeijingChina
- Peking University Health Science CenterPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Ran Peng
- Department of Radiation OncologyPeking University 3rd HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Ang Qu
- Department of Radiation OncologyPeking University 3rd HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Hao Wang
- Cancer CenterPeking University 3rd HospitalBeijingChina
- Department of Radiation OncologyPeking University 3rd HospitalBeijingChina
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Fokas E, Glynne-Jones R, Fleischmann M, Piso P, Tselis N, Ghadimi M, Hofheinz RD, Rödel C. Radiotherapy dose escalation using endorectal brachytherapy in elderly and frail patients with rectal cancer unsuitable for surgery: Lessons from studies in fit patients and future perspectives. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 112:102490. [PMID: 36463667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data indicate that more than 50 % of patients with newly-diagnosed rectal cancer are older than 70 years, with rising numbers expected over the next decades. Treatment decision-making is challenging in elderly and frail patients with rectal cancer, whereas standardized treatment guidelines for this patient cohort are lacking. Elderly and frail rectal cancer patients are often considered by surgeons as unfit to undergo radical surgery as the risk of surgical complications and postoperative mortality rises with increasing age and comorbidity. Furthermore, these patients often receive no treatment at all, resulting in local and/or systemic disease progression with associated symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL). Recent data from randomized trials in young fit patients with early stage rectal cancer indicate that RT dose escalation can be safely delivered using external beam (chemo)radiotherapy (EBRT) followed by endoluminal radiotherapeutic modalities, such as contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) or high-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDR-BT). However, prospective studies testing this therapeutic concept in elderly and frail patients remain limited. Here, we review the current evidence in the epidemiology and the management of elderly and frail patients with rectal cancer. We summarize the potential of RT dose escalation to achieve long-term local control of the primary tumour, prevent disease-related morbidity, improve QoL and even organ preservation. Future perspectives and open questions will be discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Fokas
- Department of Radiotherapy of Oncology, University of Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Germany.
| | - Robert Glynne-Jones
- Department of Radiotherapy, Mount Vernon Centre for Cancer Treatment, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
| | - Maximillian Fleischmann
- Department of Radiotherapy of Oncology, University of Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Germany
| | - Pompiliu Piso
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Barmherzige Brüder Hospital, 93049 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Tselis
- Department of Radiotherapy of Oncology, University of Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Germany
| | - Michael Ghadimi
- Department of General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf-Dieter Hofheinz
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claus Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy of Oncology, University of Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site, Frankfurt, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Germany
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Zhang SC, Atkins KM, Chung EM, Kamrava M. Emerging Role of Brachytherapy in the Non-operative Management of Rectal Cancer. CURRENT COLORECTAL CANCER REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11888-022-00479-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Image-Guided Brachytherapy for Rectal Cancer: Reviewing the Past Two Decades of Clinical Investigation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194846. [PMID: 36230770 PMCID: PMC9563024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer has led to improvement in local recurrence (LR) outcomes. Furthermore, the addition of preoperative external beam radiotherapy to TME reduces LR to less than 6%. As a trade-off to these gradual improvements in local therapies, the oncology community’s work is now focusing on mitigating treatment-related toxicities. In other words, if a small proportion of 4–6% of rectal cancer patients benefit from additional local therapy beyond TME, the burden of acute and long-term side effects must be considered with care. (2) Methods: With the introduction of better-quality imaging for tumor visualization and treatment planning, a new conformed radiation treatment was introduced with high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy. The treatment concept was tested in phase I and II studies: first in the pre-operative setting, and then as a boost after external beam radiation therapy, as a dose-escalation study, to achieve higher local tumor control. (3) Results: HDREBT is safe and effective in achieving a high tumor regression rate and was well tolerated in a phase II multicenter and two matched-pair studies. (4) Conclusions: HDREBT is a conformed radiation therapy that is safe and effective, and is presently explored in a phase III dose-escalation study in the NOM of patients with operable rectal cancer.
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Fleischmann M, Diefenhardt M, Trommel M, Scherf C, Ramm U, Chatzikonstantinou G, Fokas E, Rödel C, Tselis N. Image-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy for rectal cancer: technical note and first clinical experience on an organ-preserving approach. Strahlenther Onkol 2022; 198:654-662. [PMID: 35445815 PMCID: PMC9217888 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01931-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE As the population ages, the incidence of rectal cancer among elderly patients is rising. Due to the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality, alternative nonoperative treatment options have been explored in elderly and frail patients who are clinically inoperable or refuse surgery. METHODS Here we present technical considerations and first clinical experience after treating a cohort of six rectal cancer patients (T1‑3, N0‑1, M0; UICC stage I-IIIB) with definitive external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) followed by image-guided, endorectal high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). Patients were treated with 10-13 × 3 Gy EBRT followed by HDR-BT delivering 12-18 Gy in two or three fractions. Tumor response was evaluated using endoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis. RESULTS Median age was 84 years. All patients completed EBRT and HDR-BT without any high-grade toxicity (> grade 2). One patient experienced rectal bleeding (grade 2) after 10 weeks. Four patients (67%) demonstrated clinical complete response (cCR) or near cCR, there was one partial response, and one residual tumor and hepatic metastasis 8 weeks after HDR-BT. The median follow-up time for all six patients is 42 weeks (range 8-60 weeks). Sustained cCR without evidence of local regrowth has been achieved in all four patients with initial (n)cCR to date. CONCLUSION Primary EBRT combined with HDR-BT is feasible and well tolerated with promising response rates in elderly and frail rectal cancer patients. The concept could be an integral part of a highly individualized and selective nonoperative treatment offered to patients who are not suitable for or refuse surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Fleischmann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Markus Diefenhardt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Trommel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Scherf
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ulla Ramm
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georgios Chatzikonstantinou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Claus Rödel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Tselis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Abstract
Brachytherapy involves the placement of radioactive sources within or very close to the tumor. This placement allows a high dose of radiotherapy to be delivered to the tumor while sparing the surrounding normal tissue. The delivery of brachytherapy has changed markedly over the years, with newer radioactive sources making delivery safer, image guidance techniques allowing more accurate placement of sources, and advanced planning systems allowing brachytherapy to be truly adaptive. This article explores the most modern techniques and current uses of brachytherapy in the treatment of gynecological, prostate, breast, rectal, and skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie J Otter
- Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK.
| | | | - Phillip M Devlin
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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