Chemoradiation therapy is effective for the palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia

Utilization and Outcomes of Radiation in Stage IV Esophageal Cancer

Introduction

For patients with stage IV esophageal cancer, esophageal radiation may be used selectively for local control and palliation. We aimed to understand patterns of radiation administration among patients with stage IV esophageal cancer and any potential survival associations.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the National Cancer Database was queried for patients with metastatic stage IV esophageal cancer diagnosed between 2016 and 2019. Patterns of radiation use were identified. Survival was determined through Kaplan-Meier analysis of propensity score-matched pairs of patients who did and did not receive radiotherapy and time-to-event models.

Results

Overall, 12,088 patients with stage IV esophageal cancer were identified, including 32.7% who received esophageal radiation. The median age was 65 (interquartile range [IQR]: 58-73) years, and 82.6% were male. Among the irradiated patients, the median total radiation dose was 35 (IQR: 30-50) Gy administered in a median of 14 (IQR: 10-25) fractions given in 22 (IQR: 14-39) days. Overall, esophageal radiation was not associated with better survival (log-rank p = 0.41). When stratified by radiation dose, a survival advantage (over no radiation) was found in the 1144 patients (29% of the irradiated patients) who received 45 to 59.9 Gy (time ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-1.37, p < 0.001) and the 88 patients (2.2%) who received 60 to 80 Gy (time ratio = 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.11-1.69, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

One-third of the patients with metastatic stage IV esophageal cancer in the National Cancer Database received esophageal radiation. Most received a radiation dose that, although consistent with palliative regimens, was not associated with a survival advantage. Further study is warranted to understand the indications for radiation in stage IV esophageal cancer and potentially reevaluate the most appropriate radiation dose for palliation.

The Role of Surgery in the Management of Gastric Cancer: State of the Art

Surgery still represents the mainstay of treatment of all stages of gastric cancer (GC). Surgical resections represent potentially curative options in the case of early GC with a low risk of node metastasis. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and indocyanine green fluorescence are novel techniques which may improve the employment of stomach-sparing procedures, ameliorating quality of life without compromising oncological radicality. Nonetheless, the diffusion of these techniques is limited in Western countries. Conversely, radical gastrectomy with extensive lymphadenectomy and multimodal treatment represents a valid option in the case of advanced GC. Differences between Eastern and Western recommendations still exist, and the optimal multimodal strategy is still a matter of investigation. Recent chemotherapy protocols have made surgery available for patients with oligometastatic disease. In this context, intraperitoneal administration of chemotherapy via HIPEC or PIPAC has emerged as an alternative weapon for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. In conclusion, the surgical management of GC is still evolving together with the multimodal strategy. It is mandatory for surgeons to be conscious of the current evolution of the surgical management of GC in the era of multidisciplinary and tailored medicine.

Complications Related to Esophageal Stent (Boston Scientific Wallflex vs. Merit Medical Endotek) Use in Benign and Malignant Conditions

Background In our institutions, there are two types of stents used: the Boston Scientific Wallflex (Marlborough, Massachusetts) and Merit Medical Endotek (South Jordan, Utah). So we performed this retrospective study to compare complication rates in various esophageal disorders to improve our quality of care. Methods Charts were reviewed to capture gender, indications of stent placement, stent length/diameter, age of the patient at the time of stent placement, length of hospital stay, physicians performing a procedure, and complications within 90 days of stent placement. Results A total of 67 patients (71.6% male) underwent stent placement (WallFlex 49.3% and Merit 50.8%) for malignant (68.7%) mainly esophageal obstruction by primary esophageal cancer (89.1%) and benign causes (31.3%) mainly esophageal leak (66.7%). Merit and WallFlex used in malignant conditions were 82.4% and 54.6%, respectively, and in benign conditions, they were 17.7% and 45.5%, respectively. The mean age at which endoscopy was performed was 64. Complications post Merit and WallFlex placement were 79.4% and 60.6%, respectively. Complications with malignant and benign conditions were 73.9% and 61.9%, respectively. Complications with 19, 18, and 23 mm diameters were 75.0%, 66.7%, and 69.4%, respectively. Complications with 120, 150, 100, 15, 12, 10 mm stent lengths were 84.6%, 58.3%, 58.8%, 80.0%, 75.0%, and 33.3%, respectively. Conclusion Our study showed that the Merit stent was mainly used, and the major indication of stent placement was a malignant condition. Major complications were seen when the reason for stent placement was a malignant condition, the diameter was 19 mm, the length was 120 mm, and the use of the Merit stent.

Effectiveness of several external beam radiotherapy schedules for palliation of esophageal cancer

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External beam radiotherapy provides good symptom control for esophageal cancer.

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A higher dose schedule is related to a longer time to second intervention.

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Life expectancy is valuable in selecting the optimal palliative treatment schedule.

Background and purpose

Although external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is frequently used for palliative treatment of patients with incurable esophageal cancer, the optimal schedule for symptom control is unknown. This retrospective study evaluated three EBRT schedules for symptom control and investigated possible prognostic factors associated with second intervention and overall survival (OS).

Material and methods

Patients with esophageal cancer treated with EBRT with palliative intent between January 2009 and December 2015 were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models estimated the effect of treatment schedule (20 Gy in 5 fractions, 30 Gy in 10 fractions or 39 Gy in 13 fractions) on OS. To study the effect of prognostic factors on time to second intervention (repeat EBRT, intraluminal brachytherapy or stent placement) a competing risk model with death as competing event was used.

Results

205 patients received 20 Gy (31%), 30 Gy (38%) or 39 Gy (32%). Improvement of symptoms was observed in 72% with no differences between schedules. Median OS after 20 Gy, 30 Gy and 39 Gy was 4.6 months (95%CI 2.6–6.6), 5.2 months (95%CI 3.7–6.7) and 9.7 months (95%CI 6.9–12.5), respectively. Poor performance status (HR 2.25 (95%CI 1.53–3.29)), recurrent esophageal cancer (HR 1.69 (95%CI 1.15–2.47)) and distant metastasis (HR 1.73 (95%CI 1.27–2.35)) were significantly related to worse OS. Treatment with 30 Gy and 39 Gy was related to longer time to second intervention compared to 20 Gy (adjusted cause specific HR 0.50 (95%CI 0.25–0.99) and 0.27 (95%CI 0.13–0.56), respectively).

Conclusions

Palliative EBRT provides good symptom control in patients with symptomatic esophageal cancer. A higher dose schedule was related to a longer time to second intervention. Hence, selection based on life expectancy is vital to prevent unnecessary long treatment schedules in patients with expected short survival, and limit the chance of second intervention when life expectancy is longer.

Palliative radiotherapy in symptomatic locally advanced gastric cancer: A phase II trial

To evaluate the response and quality of life of palliative gastric radiotherapy in patients with symptomatic locally advanced gastric cancer. Patients with bleeding, pain or obstruction and were treated with palliative gastric radiotherapy to a dose of 36 Gy in 12 daily fractions. The primary outcomes were symptom response rates. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, adverse events and proportion of patients with ≥10‐point absolute improvement in the fatigue, nausea/vomiting and pain subscales in the EORTC Qualify of Life Questionnaire C30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and dysphagia/pain subscales in the gastric specific module (STO22) at the end of RT and 1 month after the completion of radiotherapy. Fifty patients were accrued. Median survival duration was 85 days. 40/50 patients (80%) with bleeding, 2/2 (100%) patients with obstruction and 1/1 (100%) patient with pain responded to radiotherapy. Improvements fatigue, nausea/vomiting and pain subscales of the EORTC QLQ‐C30 was seen in 50%, 28% and 44% of patients at the end of RT and in 63%, 31% and 50% of patients 1 month after RT. Improvements in dysphagia/pain subscales of the STO22 was seen in 42% and 28% of patients at then end of RT and 44% and 19% of patients 1 month after RT. Two patients (5%) had grade 3 anorexia and gastritis. Palliative gastric radiotherapy was effective, well tolerated and resulted in improvement in fatigue, dysphagia and pain at the end of radiotherapy and 1 month after the completion of radiotherapy in a significant proportion of patients.

Palliative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in stage IVA/B esophageal cancer patients with dysphagia

BACKGROUND

Palliative therapeutic strategies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients with dysphagia remain controversial. Only few studies have assessed therapeutic effect factors related to improvement in dysphagia score and nutrition-support-free survival (NSFS).

OBJECTIVE

The present study assessed the efficacy and therapeutic effect factors related to the use of palliative radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in ESCC patients with dysphagia.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 70 patients with stage IVA/B ESCC. Patients received RT of 30 Gy in 10 fractions or concurrent CRT using 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin of 40 Gy in 20 fractions. The change in the dysphagia score from before to after treatment was assessed, and NSFS was evaluated.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 6 months (range 1-41 months). The overall rate of improvement in the dysphagia score was 60%. The median NSFS was 7.5 months. Craniocaudal tumor length < 6 cm, tumor circumference < 3/4, and CRT of 40 Gy in 20 fractions were associated with a significant improvement in the dysphagia score (p = 0.0036, p = 0.0069, and p = 0.03, respectively). NSFS was significantly longer with CRT than with RT (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Palliative RT and CRT are effective treatment options for ESCC patients with dysphagia. Craniocaudal tumor length < 6 cm, tumor circumference < 3/4, and CRT of 40 Gy in 20 fractions may improve dysphagia. CRT of 40 Gy in 20 fractions may improve NSFS.

Clinical results of multimodality therapy for esophageal cancer with distant metastasis

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes in upfront local response and survival of patients with esophageal cancer and distant metastasis.

Methods

This retrospective study included 34 patients (25 males) aged 42-92 years (median, 70 years) with a histological diagnosis of esophageal squamous cell cancer with distant metastasis. Staging was performed according to the UICC's TNM (6th edition) classification of malignant tumor.

Results

The median survival time (MST) was 5 months. The 1-year overall survival (OS) was 20.6%. Improved OS was associated with receipt of surgery [hazard ratio (HR), 3.857; 95% CI, 1.142-13.024; P=0.030] on both univariate and multivariate analyses, and the MST was 11 months. The overall objective local response rate was 82%. Ten patients had complete response (CR), 18 had partial response (PR). The overall symptom response was 88% patients. Six had CR, 24 had PR. There was no significant difference in the objective and symptom response between ≤50 and >50 Gy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with 50 Gy gave results of objective and symptom responses comparable to those of 60 Gy, which has been reported previously.

Conclusions

CCRT with 50 Gy gave results comparable to those of 60 Gy, which has been reported previously, and the toxicity was acceptable. Our findings showed that a multimodality therapy that includes surgery may improve survival in only a select group.

Palliative chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for dysphagia in advanced oesophageal cancer: a multicentre randomised controlled trial (TROG 03.01)

BACKGROUND

A short course of radiotherapy is commonly prescribed for palliative relief of malignant dysphagia in patients with incurable oesophageal cancer. We compared chemoradiotherapy with radiotherapy alone for dysphagia relief in the palliative setting.

METHODS

This multicentre randomised controlled trial included patients with advanced or metastatic oesophageal cancer who were randomly assigned (1:1) through a computer-generated adaptive biased coin design to either palliative chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone for treatment of malignant dysphagia at 22 hospitals in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Eligible patients had biopsy-proven oesophageal cancer that was unsuitable for curative treatment, symptomatic dysphagia, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2, and adequate haematological and renal function. Patients were stratified by hospital, dysphagia score (Mellow scale 1-4), and presence of metastases. The radiotherapy dose was 35 Gy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks for patients in Australia and New Zealand and 30 Gy in ten fractions over 2 weeks for patients in Canada and the UK. Chemotherapy consisted of one cycle of intravenous cisplatin (either 80 mg/m² on day 1 or 20 mg/m² per day on days 1-4 of radiotherapy at clinician's discretion) and intravenous fluorouracil 800 mg/m² per day on days 1-4 of radiotherapy in week 1. Patients were assessed weekly during treatment. The primary endpoint was dysphagia relief (defined as ≥1 point reduction on the Mellow scale at 9 weeks and maintained 4 weeks later), and key secondary endpoints were dysphagia progression-free survival (defined as a worsening of at least 1 point on the Mellow scale from baseline or best response) and overall survival. These endpoints were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00193882. This trial is closed.

FINDINGS

Between July 7, 2003, and March 21, 2012, 111 patients were randomly assigned to chemoradiotherapy and 109 patients to radiotherapy. One patient in the chemoradiotherapy group was omitted from analysis because of ineligibility. 50 (45%, 95% CI 36-55) patients in the chemoradiotherapy group and 38 (35%, 26-44) in the radiotherapy group obtained dysphagia relief (difference 10·6%, 95% CI -2 to 23; p=0·13). Median dysphagia progression-free survival was 4·1 months (95% CI 3·5-4·8) versus 3·4 months (3·1-4·3) in the chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy groups, respectively (p=0·58), and median overall survival was 6·9 months (95% CI 5·1-8·3) versus 6·7 months (4·9-8·0), respectively (p=0·88). Of the 211 patients who commenced radiotherapy, grade 3-4 acute toxicity occurred in 38 (36%) patients in the chemoradiotherapy group and in 17 (16%) patients in the radiotherapy group (p=0·0017). Anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, oesophagitis, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting, and mucositis were significantly worse in patients who had chemoradiotherapy than in patients who had radiotherapy.

INTERPRETATION

Palliative chemoradiotherapy showed a modest, but not statistically significant, increase in dysphagia relief compared with radiotherapy alone, with minimal improvement in dysphagia progression-free survival and overall survival with chemoradiotherapy but at a cost of increased toxicity. A short course of radiotherapy alone should be considered a safe and well tolerated treatment for malignant dysphagia in the palliative setting.

FUNDING

National Health and Medical Research Council, Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute, Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group, and Cancer Australia.

Radiation-induced esophagitis in lung cancer

Radiation-induced esophagitis is the most common local acute toxicity of radiotherapy (RT) delivered for the curative or palliative intent treatment of lung cancer. Although concurrent chemotherapy and higher RT dose are associated with increased esophagitis risk, advancements in RT techniques as well as adherence to esophageal dosimetric constraints may reduce the incidence and severity. Mild acute esophagitis symptoms are generally self-limited, and supportive management options include analgesics, acid suppression, diet modification, treatment for candidiasis, and maintenance of adequate nutrition. Esophageal stricture is the most common late sequela from esophageal irradiation and can be addressed with endoscopic dilatation. Approaches to prevent or mitigate these toxicities are also discussed.

Multidisciplinary management for esophageal and gastric cancer

The management of esophageal and gastric cancer is complex and involves multiple specialists in an effort to optimize patient outcomes. Utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach starting from the initial staging evaluation ensures that all members are in agreement with the plan of care. Treatment selection for esophageal and gastric cancer often involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and palliative interventions (endoscopic and surgical), and direct communication between specialists in these fields is needed to ensure appropriate clinical decision making. At the University of Colorado, the Esophageal and Gastric Multidisciplinary Clinic was created to bring together all experts involved in treating these diseases at a weekly conference in order to provide patients with coordinated, individualized, and patient-centered care. This review details the essential elements and benefits of building a multidisciplinary program focused on treating esophageal and gastric cancer patients.

Combined brachytherapy and external beam radiation: an effective approach for palliation in esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

Palliation of dysphagia is a challenge in advanced esophageal cancer. The addition of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) to intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) has shown significant improvement in dysphagia relief and symptom scores. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined use of ILBT and EBRT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The medical records of 148 patients with advanced/metastatic esophageal cancer were screened from January 2008 to April 2014, and 74 patients were found eligible for the analysis. All patients received two fractions of 8 Gy each of ILBT, followed by EBRT. Patients were assessed for the symptom scores of dysphagia, odynophagia, regurgitation, and chest pain and weight was recorded periodically.

RESULTS

For a median follow-up of 6 months, the median OS was 9.5 months (95% CI: 7.5-10.5). The median dysphagia free survival was 6 months (95% CI: 4.8-7.1). The scores for dysphagia significantly improved after completion of 1(st) ILBT (p = 0.000), 2(nd) ILBT (p = 0.000), and at 3 months after EBRT compared to ILBT (p = 0.02). Overall 47% had improvement in dysphagia scores and 35% maintained the improvement of scores till last follow up. There was significant improvement in weight after completion of ILBT (p = 0.001) and at 3 months after completion of EBRT (p = 0.00). Twenty nine (39%) patients required nasogastric (NGT) insertions and 12 (16%) needed hospitalization for supportive care. 36.4% had complications in the form of stricture (27%), fistula (5.4%), and bleeding (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative radiotherapy is an effective alternative for palliation of dysphagia with improvement in symptom scores being evident and sustained. The results of this clinical audit were comparable with those from the trial setting.

Palliative radiotherapy in esophageal cancer

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of radiotherapy in palliation of dysphagia in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of esophagus and to see the quality of life (QoL) following radiotherapy. This was a prospective clinical study done between September 2006 and May 2008. All consecutive patients with SCC of the esophagus, who are not candidates for definitive treatment, were included in the study. Dysphagia and QoL were assessed using modified Takita's grading and modified questionnaire based on EORTC QLQ 30 respectively. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was delivered to all patients using linear accelerator 6 Mv photons. Patients who had good response with EBRT were further subjected to intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT) at 700 cGy using Iridium-192. The cumulative dose each patient received was 65 Gy. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks from completion of treatment to look for any difference in dysphagia grade and QoL following therapy. Thirty-three patients were included in the study. The mean age among males and females was 60.9 and 49.8 years, respectively. Nineteen patients (57.6 %) received EBRT followed by ILBT; the remaining patients received only EBRT. Seven were lost during follow-up, and seven (21.2 %) died during the study period of 6 weeks. Nineteen (57.6 %) were followed up. On follow-up endoscopy, evidence of residual stricture was observed in 57.9 %, and growth in 36.8 %. Of the patients, 27.8 % had biopsy-confirmed residual disease. The median dysphagia score decreased from 4 to 3 after treatment (p = 0.002) in 17 (89.5 %) patients. The mean QoL score improved from 107.5 to 114.1 at 6-week follow-up. Following radiotherapy, 26.3 % had persistent chest pain, increased cough with expectoration in 15.8 %, and hyperpigmentation of skin in 10.5 %. Radiotherapy gives significant relief of dysphagia and improves QoL in 90 % of patients with SCC of esophagus. However, following radiotherapy, a number of patients will have persistent stricture, ulceration, and residual disease.

Salvage radiotherapy in patients with local recurrent esophageal cancer after radical radiochemotherapy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the salvage radiotherapy outcome in patients with local recurrent esophageal cancer after radical radiochemotherapy (RCT).

METHODS

A total of 114 patients with local recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after initial radical RCT were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-five (55) patients belonged to the salvage radiotherapy group (SR group) and 59 patients to the non-salvage radiotherapy group (NSR group).

RESULTS

The median survival time after-recurrence was 4 months in all patients. The 1, 2, 3 year overall survival (OS) rates were 83.6%, 41.8% and 21.8% respectively in the SR group, and 57.6%, 16.9%, and 8.5% in the NSR group. The 6-month and 1-year survival rates after-recurrence were 41.8% and 16.4% respectively in the SR group, and 11.9% and 3.4% respectively in the NSR group. A salvage radiation dose > 50 Gy after initial radical RCT, improved the survival of patients with local recurrent esophageal cancer. Three patients (5.45%) from the SR group showed more than 3-grade radiation pneumonitis. In addition, esophageal fistula/perforation was observed in 11 cases (20.0%) in the SR group and in 8 cases (13.6%) in the NSR group.

CONCLUSIONS

Salvage treatment after definitive RCT may improve the overall survival and survival after-recurrence of patients with local recurrent esophageal cancer.

Palliative Radiotherapy in the Presence of Well-Controlled Metastatic Disease after Initial Chemotherapy May Prolong Survival in Patients with Metastatic Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Purpose

We report the outcomes of patients treated with palliative radiotherapy (pRT) to the primary tumour in the context of well-controlled metastatic disease after initial chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

Clinical records of 132 patients with metastatic esophago-gastric (OG) cancer treated with palliative chemotherapy (pCT) between January 2009 and June 2013 were reviewed. Ninetyseven patients had responding or stable disease after 3 months of chemotherapy, of whom 53 patients received pRT to the primary tumour after initial chemotherapy in the presence of well-controlled metastatic disease (group A, pCT-RT). The remaining 44 patients were treated with pCT alone (group B, pCT). Treatment-related outcomes were assessed in above groups including time to local progression (TTLP), progression-free and overall survival.

Results

The median overall survival for patients treated with pRT after initial chemotherapy (group A) was 23.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.70 to 28.89 months) and significantly higher than the 14 months (95% CI, 10.91 to 17.08 months) in patients treated with pCT alone (group B) (p < 0.001). The use of pCT-RT was an independent predictor of OS in multivariate analysis. Local recurrence was observed in 12/53 of patients (23%) in group A compared to 16/44 (36%) in group B. The median TTLP was significantly higher in patients after pCT-RT at 17.3 months (5.23 months to 44.50 months) compared to 8.3 months (range, 4.10 to 25.23 months) in patients treated with pCT alone (p=0.006).

Conclusion

The possibility of pRT influencing systemic disease in advanced OG cancer has not been reported, and results from the present study present strong arguments for investigation of this therapeutic strategy in a randomized trial.

Increased survival associated with surgery and radiation therapy in metastatic gastric cancer: a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with metastatic gastric cancer have poor survival. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of metastatic gastric cancer patients stratified by surgery and radiation therapy.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was accessed to identify patients with AJCC M1 stage IV gastric cancer (based on the American Joint Committee on Cancer Cancer Staging Manual, 6th edition) between 2004 thru 2008. Patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1, no surgery or radiation; group 2, radiation alone; group 3, surgery alone; group 4, surgery and radiation. Survival analysis was determined by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was analyzed by the Cox proportional hazard ratio model.

RESULTS

A total of 5072 patients were identified. Surgery and/or radiation were associated with a survival benefit. Median and 2-year survival for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 7 months and 8.2%, 8 months and 8.9%, 10 months and 18.2%, and 16 months and 31.7%, respectively (P < .00001). MVA for all patients revealed that surgery and radiation were associated with decreased mortality whereas T-stage, N-stage, age, signet ring histology, and peritoneal metastases were associated with increased mortality. In patients treated with surgery, MVA showed that radiation was associated with decreased mortality, whereas T-stage, N-stage, age, removal of < 15 lymph nodes, signet ring histology, and peritoneal metastases was associated with increased mortality. Age was the only prognostic factor in patients who did not undergo surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery and radiation are associated with increased survival in a subset of patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Prospective trials will be needed to address the role and sequence of surgery and radiation in metastatic gastric cancer.

Palliative radiotherapy for patients with tracheobronchial and esophageal compression due to intrathoracic malignant tumors

AIMS

To evaluate palliative outcomes of patients with extrinsic malignant tracheobronchial or esophageal stenosis treated with radiation. Mediastinal or hilar lymphadenopathy surrounding the tracheobronchi or esophagus may cause compression, presenting as dyspnea and dysphagia respectively. Treatment is important for symptom relief and maintaining patients' quality of life.

METHODS

Dyspnea and dysphagia were assessed using the Hugh-Jones score and a modified dysphagia scale, respectively. A total of 13 patients (median age, 60 years) with dyspnea received palliative radiotherapy. The primary organs were lung (n = 6), colorectum (n = 5), hypopharynx (n = 1) and uterine cervix (n = 1). Three patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median time-adjusted biological effective dose (BED) was 33.0 Gy(10) . Ten patients (median age, 61) with dysphagia received palliative radiotherapy. The primary organs were lung (n = 7), esophagus (n = 2) and hypopharynx (n = 1). Three patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median time-adjusted BED was 32.1 Gy(10) .

RESULTS

Palliation of dyspnea and dysphagia occurred in seven (54%) and five (50%) patients, respectively. Patients treated with doses over 35 Gy(10) had greater score improvements than those treated with less than 35 Gy(10) in both groups. Patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy had greater score improvements than those treated with radiotherapy alone. Dyspnea patients with pretreatment scores of 2 (n = 5) had greater score improvements than those with scores of 3 or more (n = 8).

CONCLUSION

External beam radiotherapy should be considered for patients with tracheobronchial or esophageal stenosis before their symptoms worsen. The prescription dose should be over 35 Gy(10) .

Esophageal stenting for malignant and benign disease: 133 cases on a thoracic surgical service

BACKGROUND

Esophageal stenting is increasingly being utilized to treat a variety of benign and malignant esophageal conditions. The aim of our study was to review our experience with self-expanding metal, plastic, and hybrid stents in the treatment of esophageal disease on a thoracic surgical service.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 126 patients undergoing placement of 133 stents at a single institution from 2000 to 2008. Data were reviewed retrospectively for patient characteristics, indications, complications, reinterventions, and efficacy.

RESULTS

Most stents were placed for palliation of dysphagia due to advanced esophageal cancer (90 of 133; 68%) or extrinsic compression from lung cancer (13 of 133; 9.8%). A total of 123 self-expanding metal stents (SEMS), 7 self-expanding plastic stents (SEPS), and 3 hybrid stents were placed. Of the SEMS, 57 were uncovered and 66 were covered. Malignant obstruction was typically palliated with SEMS, while covered stents were chosen for perforations or anastomotic leaks. The median length of stay was 1 day. Complications occurred in 38.3% of stent placements, with a single perioperative mortality resulting from massive hemorrhage on postoperative day 4. Most complications resulted from stent impaction (12.8%), migration (9.7%), or tumor ingrowth (5.3%). Tumor ingrowth was uncommon with uncovered stents (2 of 57; 3.5%). Stent migration was common with SEPS (4 of 7; 57%), or hybrid stents (2 of 3; 67%). Survival was short in patients with underlying malignancy (median 104 days for esophageal cancer and 48 days for lung cancer), with 20% of patients surviving less than 1 month.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal stent placement is safe and reliable. The goals of therapy are typically met with a single intervention. The majority of patients require no further interventions, though life expectancy often is short and patient selection may be difficult. Most complications are due to stent obstruction, though stent migration is an issue particularly with SEPS and hybrid stents. Esophageal surgeons should be adept at stent placement.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy as a palliative treatment in stage IVB esophageal cancer patients with dysphagia

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of palliative chemoradiotherapy in Stage IVB esophageal cancer patients with dysphagia due to the primary lesion.

METHODS

Forty patients with dysphagia caused by metastatic esophageal cancer, which had been treated between January 2004 and June 2009, were retrospectively investigated. The treatment consisted of two courses of chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil and cisplatin) and concurrent irradiation of 40 Gy in 20 fractions to the esophageal primary tumor. The grade of dysphagia was evaluated; nutrition-support-free survival was evaluated using the status of nutritional support of patients. Response to treatment, overall survival, progression-free survival and toxicities were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Dysphagia score improved in 75% of the patients. Seventeen of the 20 patients (85%) who had required nutritional support at baseline improved their oral intake to no longer need the support, in a median time of 43 days. The median nutrition-support-free survival was 301 days in the 20 patients who had had adequate oral intake before the treatment. Disease control rate of the primary lesion was 95%, including 12 patients (30%) who achieved a complete response. The overall response rate was 55%. The median survival was 308 days, and the 1-year-survival rate was 45.0%. The median progression-free survival was 139 days. Toxicities were generally well tolerated. Major toxicities (Grade 3 or 4) involved hemoglobin (23%), leukocytes (15%), neutrophils (20%), anorexia (10%), nausea (3%), esophageal perforation (5%) and febrile neutropenia (3%). Two patients (5%) died within 30 days of terminating radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative chemoradiotherapy using 5-fluorouracil plus cisplatin combined with concurrent 40 Gy irradiation effectively improved the symptom of dysphagia in Stage IVB esophageal cancer with acceptable toxicity and favorable survival.

Palliative radiotherapy in patients with a symptomatic pelvic mass of metastatic colorectal cancer

Background

To evaluate the palliative role of radiotherapy (RT) and define the effectiveness of chemotherapy combined with palliative RT (CCRT) in patients with a symptomatic pelvic mass of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods

From August 1995 to December 2007, 80 patients with a symptomatic pelvic mass of metastatic colorectal cancer were treated with palliative RT at Samsung Medical Center. Initial presenting symptoms were pain (68 cases), bleeding (18 cases), and obstruction (nine cases). The pelvic mass originated from rectal cancer in 58 patients (73%) and from colon cancer in 22 patients (27%). Initially 72 patients (90%) were treated with surgery, including 64 complete local excisions; 77% in colon cancer and 81% in rectal cancer. The total RT dose ranged 8-60 Gy (median: 36 Gy) with 1.8-8 Gy per fraction. When the α/β for the tumor was assumed to be 10 Gy for the biologically equivalent dose (BED), the median RT dose was 46.8 Gy₁₀ (14.4-78). Twenty one patients (26%) were treated with CCRT. Symptom palliation was assessed one month after the completion of RT.

Results

Symptom palliation was achieved in 80% of the cases. During the median follow-up period of five months (1-44 months), 45% of the cases experienced reappearance of symptoms; the median symptom control duration was five months. Median survival after RT was six months. On univariate analysis, the only significant prognostic factor for symptom control duration was BED ≥40 Gy₁₀ (p < 0.05), and CCRT was a marginally significant factor (p = 0.0644). On multivariate analysis, BED and CCRT were significant prognostic factors for symptom control duration (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

RT was an effective palliation method in patients with a symptomatic pelvic mass of metastatic colorectal cancer. For improvement of symptom control rate and duration, a BED ≥ 40 Gy₁₀ is recommended when possible. Considering the low morbidity and improved symptom palliation, CCRT might be considered in patients with good performance status.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of palliative therapies for patients with inoperable esophageal cancer

OBJECTIVES

A dramatic rise in incidence, an aging population, and expensive palliative treatments have led to an escalating burden on clinicians managing inoperable esophageal cancer with only limited evidence of effectiveness. This study compares the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) with other palliative therapies to aid clinicians in making an evidence-based treatment choice.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical trial with 215 patients followed until death or study closure. The primary outcome measures were dysphagia, quality of life (QL) 6 weeks following treatment, and total cost of treatment. Secondary outcome measures included treatment-associated morbidity, mortality, survival, and cost-effectiveness. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in mean dysphagia grade between treatment arms 6 weeks following treatment (P=0.046), with worse swallowing reported by rigid stent-treated patients (mean dysphagia score difference=-0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.10 to -0.89, P=0.014). Global QL scores were lower at both 1 and 6 weeks following treatment for patients treated by SEMSs (mean difference QL index week 1=-0.66; 95% CI: -0.02 to -1.30, P=0.04; mean difference QL index week 6=-1.01; 95% CI -0.30 to -1.72, P=0.006). These findings were associated with higher post-procedure pain scores in the SEMS patient group (mean difference of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ C-30 pain symptom score at week 1=11.13; 95% CI: 2.89-19.4; P=0.01). Although mean EQ-5D QL values differed between the treatments (P<0.001), this difference dissipated following generation of quality-adjusted life year values. Total costs varied between treatment arms but these findings canceled out when SEMSs were compared with non-SEMS therapies (95% CI -845.15-1,332.62). These results were robust to sensitivity analysis. There were no differences in the in-hospital mortality or early complication rates, but late complications were more frequent after rigid stenting (risk ratio=2.47; 95% CI 1.88-3.04). There was a survival advantage for non-stent-treated patients (log-rank statistic=4.21, P=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment choice for patients with inoperable esophageal cancer should be between a SEMS or a non-stent treatment after consideration has been given to both patient and tumor characteristics and clinician and patient preferences.

Evidence-based radiation oncology: oesophagus

Oesophageal cancer remains to be a therapeutic and diagnostic challenge in multidisciplinary oncology. Radiotherapy is a crucial component of most curative and palliative approaches for oesophageal cancer. Aim of this educational review is to summarize the available evidence and to define the role of radiation-based treatment options for oesophageal cancer.

Clinical benefit of palliative radiation therapy in advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Local progression of advanced gastric cancer often manifests as bleeding, dysphagia/obstruction, or pain. We evaluated the magnitude and durability of palliation with radiotherapy (RT).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 1996 to 2004, 37 gastric cancer patients were treated with palliative RT (median dose 35 Gy in 14 fractions). Nearly two-thirds of all patients received concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT). Index pre-treatment symptoms were gastric bleeding, dysphagia/obstruction, and pain in 54%, 43%, and 19% of patients, respectively.

RESULTS

The rates of control for bleeding, dysphagia/obstruction, and pain were 70% (14/20), 81% (13/16), and 86% (6/7), respectively. These symptoms were controlled without additional interventions for a median of 70%, 81%, and 49% of the patient's remaining life, respectively. Patients receiving CRT had a trend towards better median overall survival than those receiving RT alone (6.7 vs. 2.4 months, p=0.08). Lower (<41 Gy) biologically effective dose (BED, assuming an alpha/beta ratio of 10 for early responding tissues) predicted for poorer local control (6-month local control 70% vs. 100%, p=0.05) while T4 tumors had a trend towards inferior local control (6-month LC 56% vs. 100%, p=0.06).

DISCUSSION

Palliative RT controls symptoms for most of the remaining life in the majority of gastric cancer patients. The role of a higher dose of RT (BED >or=41 Gy), especially in patients with T4 tumors, remains to be established. In order to accurately define the role for radiotherapy in palliation of these symptoms, prospective randomized studies need to be conducted.

Concurrent Oxaliplatin, 5-Fluorouracil, and Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Esophageal Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The combination of oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin with concurrent radiotherapy was demonstrated to be a safe regimen for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma in a prior phase I study. We now report the efficacy data for 42 patients treated with this regimen.

METHODS

Each chemotherapy cycle lasted 29 days and consisted of 5-fluorouracil, 180 mg/m2 protracted-infusion from days 1 to 29, and oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m2 on days 1, 15, and 29. The first cycle was administered concurrently with radiation. The radiation field included regional lymph nodes as well as the primary tumor or tumor bed to a dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 1 to 2 additional cycles of chemotherapy were administered. If esophagectomy was indicated, it occurred 4 weeks after completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. In the adjuvant group, concurrent chemoradiotherapy was initiated 4 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

Median age was 61 years (range 38-78 years); 30 (71%) of the patients were male. Thirty-three patients had adenocarcinoma, and 9 had squamous cell carcinoma. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy was administered preoperatively (group 1) in 24 patients, definitively (group 2) in 13 patients, and as adjuvant treatment (group 3) in 5 patients. In group 1, 16 patients were down-staged including 1 patient with minimal residual disease and 5 with a complete pathologic response; 4 patients were not down-staged, and 4 did not undergo esophagectomy (2 progressed, 1 died of unrelated causes, and 1 refused). In group 2, 1 patient had a complete clinical response, 4 others were down-staged, 2 had stable disease, and 6 progressed. Four patients in group 3 progressed. Median survival was 28 months for group 1, 12 months for group 2, and not reached at 14 months for group 3. There was one grade 4 toxicity (anaphylaxis) in group 2. Grade 3 toxicities were reported for 5 patients in group 1 and 1 patient in group 2. They consisted of hypotension (n=1), fatigue (n=2), diarrhea (n=2), neuropathy (n=1), mucositis (n=1), pneumonitis (n=1), dehydration (n=1), emesis (n=1), and weight loss (n=1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study supports the incorporation of oxaliplatin into a multimodal concurrent chemoradiotherapy protocol for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

Evolving role of self-expanding metal stents in the treatment of malignant dysphagia and fistulas

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are touted as the cornerstone of endoscopic palliation of unresectable esophageal cancer. However, usage at MD Anderson has fallen in recent years, despite a greater volume of patients with esophageal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To compare our more recent experience with that of earlier reported institutional experience and to assess how esophageal stent use has evolved.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review.

SETTING

A tertiary referral cancer center.

PATIENTS

Ninety-seven patients with malignant dysphagia who had SEMS placed from 2000 to 2003.

INTERVENTIONS

Placement of SEMS for malignant disease.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS

Dysphagia scores, overall survival, and complication rates.

RESULTS

Dysphagia scores improved in 86%, and tracheoesophageal fistula symptoms improved in 90%. Complications were seen in a majority of the patients and major complications in 37%. Ten patients had hematemesis, migrations occurred in 5, and early unexpected deaths in 2. Adenocarcinoma and female sex were factors associated with increased odds of a major complication. Prior chemoradiation, age, stricture location, and length were not associated with complications. Median survival was 77 days.

LIMITATIONS

Noncomparative retrospective single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS fall short of an ideal palliative method, because complications that require additional intervention are frequent. Usage has declined despite higher numbers of patients with esophageal cancer. However, for patients with tracheoesophageal fistulas, SEMS are the treatment of choice. For patients who are not candidates for chemoradiation or who failed to achieve adequate palliation with such therapy, SEMS offer a viable, albeit imperfect, endoscopic approach.

Evaluation of an inflammation-based prognostic score in patients with inoperable gastro-oesophageal cancer

There is increasing evidence that the presence of an ongoing systemic inflammatory response is associated with poor outcome in patients with advanced cancer. The aim of the present study was to examine whether an inflammation-based prognostic score (Glasgow Prognostic score, GPS) was associated with survival, in patients with inoperable gastro-oesophageal cancer. Patients diagnosed with inoperable gastro-oesophageal carcinoma and who had measurement of albumin and C-reactive protein concentrations, at the time of diagnosis, were studied (n=258). Clinical information was obtained from a gastro-oesophageal cancer database and analysis of the case notes. Patients with both an elevated C-reactive protein (>10 mg l(-1)) and hypoalbuminaemia (<35 g l(-1)) were allocated a GPS score of 2. Patients in whom only one of these biochemical abnormalities was present were allocated a GPS score of 1, and patients with a normal C-reactive protein and albumin were allocated a score of 0. On multivariate survival analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46, P<0.05), stage (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.30-1.83, P<0.001), the GPS (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.22-1.86, P<0.001) and treatment (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.80-3.56, P<0.001) were significant independent predictors of cancer survival. A 12-month cancer-specific survival in patients with stage I/II disease receiving active treatment was 67 and 60% for a GPS of 0 and 1, respectively. For stage III/IV disease, 12 months cancer-specific survival was 57, 25 and 12% for a GPS of 0, 1 and 2, respectively. In the present study, the GPS predicted cancer-specific survival, independent of stage and treatment received, in patients with inoperable gastro-oesophageal cancer. Moreover, the GPS may be used in combination with conventional staging techniques to improve the prediction of survival in patients with inoperable gastro-oesophageal cancer.