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Haisraely O, Weiss I, Jaffe M, Appel S, Person-Kaidar O, Symon Z, Ben-Ayun M, Dubinski S, Lawrence Y. Total dose, fraction dose and respiratory motion management impact adrenal SBRT outcome. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 47:100788. [PMID: 38745963 PMCID: PMC11090868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2024.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose/Objectives Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for oligometastatic disease in multiple sites. However, the optimal radiation dose for long-term local control of adrenal metastases has yet to be determined. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcomes of adrenal SBRT and to evaluate factors that correlate with local control. Materials/Methods After IRB approval, a retrospective data review of patients treated with SBRT for adrenal metastases at a medical center in Israel between 2015 and 2021 was conducted. A biological effective dose was calculated using an alpha beta ratio of 10. Kaplan Meier and Cox regression were calculated using SPSS software to describe the hazard ratio for local control and survival. Results 83 cases of adrenal SBRT were identified. The average age was 67 (range 42-92 years old). Non-small cell lung cancer was the primary site in 44 % of patients. A total of 70 % of the patients had oligometastatic disease (less than five lesions), and the rest were polymetastatic, responding to systemic therapy with oligo progression in the adrenal. The average gross tumor volume (GTV) was 42 ml. Respiratory control was applied in 88 % of cases; 49.3 % used 4-D/ITV, and 38.5 % used breath-hold or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with free breathing. On multivariable analysis, Dose above 75 Gy (biological effective Dose) (HR = 0.41, p = 0.031), Dose above 8 Gy per fraction (HR = 0.53p = 0.038), and breath-holds or CPAP (HR = 0.65, p = 0.047) were significant for local control. From multivariable analysis, we computed a predicted nomogram curve using seven clinical parameters to evaluate local control odds. Conclusion In this single institution series reported to date, we found unilateral adrenal SBRT safe, yet bilateral treatment harbors a risk of adrenal insufficiency. Biological effective Dose > 75 Gy (BED), motion management with breath-hold or CPAP, and Dose per fraction > 8 Gy were the enhanced local controls. We propose a nomogram to help in decision-making regarding total Dose and Dose per fraction when treating adrenal SBRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ory Haisraely
- Sheba Medical Center, Radiation Oncology Unit, Israel
| | - Ilana Weiss
- Sheba Medical Center, Radiation Oncology Unit, Israel
| | - Marcia Jaffe
- University of Nicosia (UNIC) Medical School, Cyprus
| | - Sarit Appel
- Sheba Medical Center, Radiation Oncology Unit, Israel
| | | | - Zvi Symon
- Sheba Medical Center, Radiation Oncology Unit, Israel
| | - Maoz Ben-Ayun
- Sheba Medical Center, Radiation Oncology Unit, Israel
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Leonhardt CS, Stamm T, Hank T, Prager G, Strobel O. Defining oligometastatic pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and critical synthesis of consensus. ESMO Open 2023; 8:102067. [PMID: 37988953 PMCID: PMC10774968 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102067] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small retrospective series suggest that local consolidative treatment (LCT) may improve survival in oligometastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, no uniform definition of oligometastatic disease (OMD) in PDAC exists; this impedes meaningful conclusions. PATIENTS AND METHODS A systematic literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL registries for studies and protocols reporting on definitions and/or LCT of OMD in PDAC was performed. The primary endpoint was the definition of OMD. Levels of agreement were categorized as consensus (≥75% agreement between studies), fair agreement (50%-74%), and absent/poor agreement (<50%). RESULTS After screening of 5374 abstracts, the full text of 218 studies was assessed, of which 76 were included in the qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies were retrospective (n = 66, 87%), two were prospective studies and eight were study protocols. Studies investigated mostly liver (n = 38, 51%) and lung metastases (n = 15, 20%). Across studies, less than one-half (n = 32, 42%) reported a definition of OMD, while 44 (58%) did not. Involvement was limited to a single organ (consensus). Additional criteria for defining OMD were the number of lesions (consensus), metastatic site (poor agreement), metastatic size (poor agreement), treatment possibilities (poor agreement), and biomarker response (poor agreement). Liver OMD could involve three or fewer lesions (consensus) and synchronous disease (fair agreement), while lung metastases could involve two or fewer lesions and metachronous disease (consensus). The large majority of studies were at a high risk of bias or did not include any control groups. CONCLUSION Definitions of OMD were not used or varied widely between studies hampering across-study comparability and highlighting an unmet need for a consensus. The present study is part of a multistep process that aims to develop an interdisciplinary consensus on OMD in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-S Leonhardt
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna
| | - T Stamm
- Institute of Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Data Science, Medical University of Vienna; Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna
| | - T Hank
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna
| | - G Prager
- Department of Medicine I, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - O Strobel
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Visceral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna.
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Lebow ES, Lobaugh SM, Zhang Z, Dickson MA, Rosenbaum E, D'Angelo SP, Nacev BA, Shepherd AF, Shaverdian N, Wolden S, Wu AJ, Gelblum DY, Simone CB, Gomez DR, Alektiar K, Tap WD, Rimner A. Stereotactic body radiation therapy for sarcoma pulmonary metastases. Radiother Oncol 2023; 187:109824. [PMID: 37532104 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109824] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is standard for patients with inoperable early-stage NSCLC. We hypothesized that SBRT for sarcoma pulmonary metastases would achieve high rates of local control with acceptable toxicity and that patients with oligometastatic disease may achieve prolonged survival following SBRT. MATERIALS/METHODS This retrospective review included consecutive patients at our institution treated with SBRT for sarcoma pulmonary metastases. Cumulative incidence of local failure (LF) was estimated using a competing risks framework. RESULTS We identified 66 patients treated to 95 pulmonary metastases with SBRT. The median follow-up from the time of SBRT was 36 months (95% CI 34 - 53 months). The cumulative incidence of LF at 12 and 24 months was 3.1% (95% CI 0.9 - 10.6%) and 7.4% (95% CI 4.0% - 13.9%), respectively. The 12- and 24-month overall survival was 74% (95% CI 64 - 86%) and 49% (38 - 63%), respectively. Oligometastatic disease, intrathoracic only disease, and performance status were associated with improved survival on univariable analysis. Three patients had grade 2 pneumonitis, and one patient had grade 2 esophagitis. No patients had ≥ grade 3+ toxicities. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series of patients treated with SBRT for pulmonary sarcoma metastases. We observed that SBRT offers an effective alternative to surgical resection with excellent local control and low proportions of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Lebow
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Stephanie M Lobaugh
- Department of Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Mark A Dickson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Evan Rosenbaum
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Sandra P D'Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Benjamin A Nacev
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Annemarie F Shepherd
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Narek Shaverdian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Suzanne Wolden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Abraham J Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Daphna Y Gelblum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Charles B Simone
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Daniel R Gomez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Kaled Alektiar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - William D Tap
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Andreas Rimner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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Kim S, Lee J, Rim CH. Local Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Oligometastases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3467. [PMID: 37444577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Although recent studies have shown favorable results after local treatment for oligometastases, the clinical decision of applying local treatment for oligometastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the benefits of local treatment for HCC oligometastases. Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane library were searched for studies until 1 May 2022. Clinical studies involving at least five cases of HCC oligometsatases treated with local modalities were included. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The benefit of local treatment was assessed as the pooled odds ratio (OR) among comparative series, and the pooled OS percentile was calculated from all studies including patients treated with local treatment. Complications of grade ≥ 3 were assessed subjectively. A total of 10 studies involving 527 patients were included. Radiotherapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) were mainly performed (six and five studies) as local modalities treating oligometastases. Pooled OR of comparative series favored the use of local treatment (4.664, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.595-8.380, p < 0.001, I2: ~0.0%). Including all cohorts with patients who underwent local treatment, pooled rates of 1-year OS were 71.8% (95% CI: 59.0-81.9; I2 = 81.5%), and pooled 2-year OS were 43.3% (95% CI: 29.1-59.6; I2 = 85.4%). Except for temporal or pre-existing toxicities, grade ≤ 3 complications were reported less than 10% in most studies, although common toxicities include pneumothorax and hematologic deficiency after RFA and radiotherapy, respectively. Grade 5 toxicity has not yet been reported. This systematic review supports the application of local treatment for treating HCC oligometastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeon Kim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsue Lee
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Chai Hong Rim
- College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Republic of Korea
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Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy for Older Patients with Oligometastases: A Proposed Paradigm by the International Geriatric Radiotherapy Group. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010244. [PMID: 36612239 PMCID: PMC9818761 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The standard of care for metastatic disease is systemic therapy. A unique subset of patients with limited metastatic disease defined as distant involvement of five anatomic sites or less (oligometastases) have a better chance of remission or improved survival and may benefit from local treatments such as surgery or stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). However, to prevent further spread of disease, systemic treatment such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy may be required. Older patients (70 years old or above) or physiologically frail younger patients with multiple co-morbidities may not be able to tolerate the conventional chemotherapy due to its toxicity. In addition, those with a good performance status may not receive optimal chemotherapy due to concern about toxicity. Recently, immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) has become a promising approach only in the management of program death ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive tumors. Thus, a treatment method that elicits induction of PD-L1 production by tumor cells may allow all patients with oligometastases to benefit from immunotherapy. In vitro studies have demonstrated that high dose of radiotherapy may induce formation of PD-L1 in various tumors as a defense mechanism against inflammatory T cells. Clinical studies also corroborated those observations. Thus, SBRT, with its high precision to minimize damage to normal organs, may be a potential treatment of choice for older patients with oligometastases due to its synergy with immunotherapy. We propose a protocol combining SBRT to achieve a minimum radiobiologic equivalent dose around 59.5 Gy to all tumor sites if feasible, followed four to six weeks later by CPI for those cancer patients with oligometastases. All patients will be screened with frailty screening questionnaires to identify individuals at high risk for toxicity. The patients will be managed with an interdisciplinary team which includes oncologists, geriatricians, nurses, nutritionists, patient navigators, and social workers to manage all aspects of geriatric patient care. The use of telemedicine by the team may facilitate patient monitoring during treatment and follow-up. Preliminary data on toxicity, local control, survival, and progression-free survival may be obtained and serve as a template for future prospective studies.
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Jiwnani S, Penumadu P, Ashok A, Pramesh CS. Lung Cancer Management in Low and Middle-Income Countries. Thorac Surg Clin 2022; 32:383-395. [PMID: 35961746 DOI: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is an increasing problem in the developing world due to rising trends in smoking, high incidence of air pollution, lack of awareness and screening, delayed presentation, and diagnosis at the advanced stage. Even after diagnosis, there are disparities in access to health care facilities and inequitable distribution of resources and treatment options. In addition, the shortage of trained personnel and infrastructure adds to the challenges faced by patients with lung cancer in these regions. A multi-pronged effort targeting tobacco cessation, health promotion and awareness, capacity building, and value-based care are the need of the hour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabita Jiwnani
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, India.
| | - Prasanth Penumadu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Jawaharlal Institute of Medical Education and Research, JIPMER, 5343, 3rd Floor, SSB, Gorimedu, Pondicherry 605006, India
| | - Apurva Ashok
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Hospital, 3rd Floor, Dr. E. Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
| | - C S Pramesh
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Hospital, Main Building, Ground Floor, Dr. E. Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai 400012, India
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Rim CH, Park S, Yoon WS, Shin IS, Park HC. Radiotherapy for bone metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma: a hybrid systematic review with meta-analyses. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 99:419-430. [PMID: 35758976 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2094020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is commonly used as a palliative treatment for bone metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We planned a hybrid systematic review that meta-analyzed the efficacy and feasibility of EBRT and reviewed the literature to answer specific clinical questions. METHODS The PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched through 1 December 2021. Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and response rate (RR). Secondary endpoints were comparative data, including treatment response and survival related to dose escalation, number of metastases, and fractionation scheme. Formal pooled analyses were performed on the primary endpoints, and the secondary endpoints were systematically reviewed. Complications were also reviewed. RESULTS Nineteen studies involving 1613 patients with HCC and bone metastases were included. The median OS was 6 months (range: 3-13 months). The pooled one-year OS was 23.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.4-28.6); pooled pain RR was 81.5% (95% CI: 76.4-85.7) and of pain complete remission was 26.5% (95% CI: 21.7-32.0). Pain response might be related to dose escalation, considering the moderate consistency of results and plausibility, with a low-quality grade of evidence†. Considering the indeterminate results, we cannot suggest that dose escalation is correlated with OS. The oligometastasis status might be related to better OS, considering the high consistency of results and plausibility with low to moderate quality of evidence. Hypofractionated EBRT might yield comparable efficacy to conventional EBRT, with a low-quality grade of evidence. There were few complications of grade ≥3, except for hematologic complications, which ranged from 11.5to 34%. CONCLUSION EBRT is an efficient and feasible palliative option. Clinical consideration of hematologic complications is necessary. Future studies are needed to increase the quality of evidence for actual clinical questions. †Reference to a system of the American Society for Radiation Oncology primary liver cancer clinical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai Hong Rim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical College, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunmin Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical College, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Sup Yoon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University Medical College, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
| | - In-Soo Shin
- Graduate School of Education, Dongguk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Chul Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Wu Y, Verma V, Liang F, Lin Q, Zhou Z, Wang Z, Wang Y, Wang J, Chang JY. Local consolidative therapy versus systemic therapy alone for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2022; 114:635-644. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Park S, Park W, Park SH, Kim JY, Kim JH, Kim H, Kim YS, Cho WK, Yoon WS, Yang DS. Oncologic outcomes according to the level of disease burden in patients with metachronous distant metastases from uterine cervical cancer: a Korean Radiation Oncology Group study (KROG 18-10). J Gynecol Oncol 2022; 33:e32. [PMID: 35320884 PMCID: PMC9024193 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2022.33.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the oncologic outcomes according to disease burden in uterine cervical cancer patients with metachronous distant metastases. Methods Between 2005 and 2015, 163 patients with metachronous distant metastases from uterine cervical cancer after receiving a definitive therapy were evaluated at seven institutions in Korea. Low metastatic burden was defined as less than 5 metastatic sites, whereas high metastatic burden was others. Each metastasis site was divided based on the lymph node (LN) and organs affected. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed. Cox proportional hazards models, including other clinical variables, were used to evaluate the survival outcomes. Results The median follow-up duration was 22.2 months (range: 0.3–174.8 months). Para-aortic LNs (56.4%), lungs (26.4%), supraclavicular LNs (18.4%), and peritoneum (13.5%) were found to be the common metastasis sites. Among 37 patients with a single metastasis, 17 (45.9%) had LN metastases and 20 (54.1%) had organ metastases. The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 73.9% and 55.0%, respectively, whereas the PFS rates were 67.2% and 42.9%, respectively. SCC Ag after recurrence and high metastatic burden were significant factors affecting the OS (p=0.004 and p<0.001, respectively). Distant organ recurrence, short disease-free interval (≤2 years), and high metastatic burden were unfavorable factors for PFS (p=0.003, p=0.011, and p=0.002, respectively). Conclusion A favorable oncologic outcome can be expected by performing salvage treatments in selected patients with a long disease-free interval, low metastatic burden, and/or lymphatic-only metastasis. This multicenter study aimed to evaluate the oncologic outcomes according to disease burden in uterine cervical cancer patients with metachronous distant metastases. Long disease-free interval, low metastatic burden, and/or lymphatic-only metastasis are good prognostic factors for metachronous distant metastatic cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunmin Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Won Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shin Hyung Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Joo-Young Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Haeyoung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeon-Sil Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Kyung Cho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Sup Yoon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Korea
| | - Dae Sik Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guro Hospital Korea University Medical College, Seoul, Korea
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Shin IS, Rim CH. Stepwise-Hierarchical Pooled Analysis for Synergistic Interpretation of Meta-analyses Involving Randomized and Observational Studies: Methodology Development. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e29642. [PMID: 34315697 PMCID: PMC8446840 DOI: 10.2196/29642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The necessity of including observational studies in meta-analyses has been discussed in the literature, but a synergistic analysis method for combining randomized and observational studies has not been reported. Observational studies differ in validity depending on the degree of the confounders’ influence. Combining interpretations may be challenging, especially if the statistical directions are similar but the magnitude of the pooled results are different between randomized and observational studies (the ”gray zone”). Objective To overcome these hindrances, in this study, we aim to introduce a logical method for clinical interpretation of randomized and observational studies. Methods We designed a stepwise-hierarchical pooled analysis method to analyze both distribution trends and individual pooled results by dividing the included studies into at least three stages (eg, all studies, balanced studies, and randomized studies). Results According to the model, the validity of a hypothesis is mostly based on the pooled results of randomized studies (the highest stage). Ascending patterns in which effect size and statistical significance increase gradually with stage strengthen the validity of the hypothesis; in this case, the effect size of the observational studies is lower than that of the true effect (eg, because of the uncontrolled effect of negative confounders). Descending patterns in which decreasing effect size and statistical significance gradually weaken the validity of the hypothesis suggest that the effect size and statistical significance of the observational studies is larger than the true effect (eg, because of researchers’ bias). Conclusions We recommend using the stepwise-hierarchical pooled analysis approach for meta-analyses involving randomized and observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Soo Shin
- Graduate School of Education, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chai Hong Rim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ansan Hospital, Korea University, Gyeonggido, Republic of Korea
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