Toxicity and survival of anal cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy

The Treatment Combining Antiangiogenesis with Chemoradiotherapy Impinges on the Peripheral Circulation Vascular Endothelial Cells and Therapeutic Effect in the Patients with Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

This study was implemented for the evaluation on the circulating endothelial cells' (CECs) clinical significance in the locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment with endostatin-combined chemoradiotherapy. This study enrolled 47 patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were hospitalized from May 9, 2012 to March 10, 2013. These patients were split up into the observation group (25 patients) and control group (22 patients). Patients in the observation group received the endostatin combined with induction chemotherapy and subsequently with concurrent chemoradiotherapy with endostatin. Patients in the control group were treated with inductive chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. CECs in peripheral blood were conducted separately before or after inductive chemotherapy and additionally in the end of concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The CEC values of the observation group showed significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) before or after different therapies, whereas those data in the control group were not statistically different. And, the mostly importantly, the CEC values in the observation group and control group turned out a statistical difference. The combination of endostatin and chemoradiotherapy significantly reduced parameters of peripheral blood CECs in these patients. According to the CEC parameters' variety that we observed in the combined therapies, this study demonstrated that the CECs might be a clinical clue to evaluate this antiangiogenic chemoradiotherapy. And the clinical value of CECs will be further determined along with increasing comparative studies and clinical long-term efficacy observation.

Radiodermatitis: severity, predictive factors and discontinuation of radiotherapy in patients with anal and rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

to determine the prevalence of radiodermatitis, severity grades and predictive factors of its occurrence in patients with anal and rectal cancer followed up by the nursing consultation, and to analyze the association of severity grades of radiodermatitis with temporary radiotherapy interruption.

METHOD

a quantitative, cross-sectional and retrospective study, carried out with 112 medical records of patients with anal and rectal cancer undergoing curative radiotherapy followed up in the nursing consultation. Data were collected using a form and analyzed using analytical and inferential statistics.

RESULTS

99.1% of patients had radiodermatitis, 34.8% of which were severe. The predictive factors were female sex, age greater than 65 years, anal canal tumor, treatment with cobalt device and IMRT technique. Treatment interruption occurred in 13% of patients, associated with severe radiodermatitis.

CONCLUSION

there was a high prevalence of radiodermatitis, mainly severe, which resulted in treatment interruption.

Vaginal Sparing Radiotherapy Using IMPT and Daily Dilator Placement for Women with Anal Cancer

Sexual dysfunction is a common toxicity and detrimental for the quality of life of women treated with chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer. Sexual dysfunction occurs because the vagina is closely approximated to the anal canal and typically receives substantial doses of radiation. Strategies for mitigation have largely been focused on posttreatment therapy and symptom management. The use of daily vaginal dilator placement during radiotherapy to mitigate dose to the vagina has been previously explored with modest gains, while proton therapy is under active investigation for the treatment of anal cancer. Use of proton therapy for anal cancer reduces dose to some organs at risk but may inadvertently increase vaginal toxicity if the proton beam terminates in the vaginal tissue. Herein, we present the case histories of 2 women treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal with the novel combination of intensity-modulated proton therapy and daily vaginal dilator placement to maximally reduce dose to the vagina and protect it from areas of increased energy deposition at the end of the proton range.

Treatment results for patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus, a single institution retrospective analysis

Background and purpose

To gain insight into the treatment outcomes for anal cancer a retrospective analysis was performed with a special emphasis on trends in outcome and toxicities over time and on treatment of elderly patients.

Materials and methods

Medical records of 98 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus of all stages treated with curative intent between 01-01-2009 and 31-12-2018 were analyzed with follow up until 31-12-2020. Standard tumor and pathological lymph node dose were 59.4 Gy (median 59.4 Gy, range 59.4–70 Gy) or 60 Gy (no deviation from intended dose), elective nodal regions were treated with 45 Gy (no deviations). Radiotherapy techniques in this period evolved from 3D-conformal to IMRT and VMAT. In 23 patients electron beams were used.

Results

Median age was 63 years (range 41–88), the majority of patients were female (60%). Twenty three patients were > 75 years old. The TNM stages were I, II, IIIA, and IIIB in 18%, 40%, 15% and 27%, 58% of patients had N0 status. Concurrent mitomycin C and 5-fluoruracil-based chemotherapy was given in 63 patients (64%). Five-year overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS), locoregional control (LRC) and colostomy free survival (CFS) were 71%, 80%, 82%, and 82% for the whole group. Results in patients > 75 years of age were not statistically different from those in younger patients. With the introduction of more conformal techniques DFS did not change and toxicities decreased.

Conclusion

Real word treatment outcomes per disease stage were in line with what is reported in literature. Older patients should also be offered treatment with curative intent.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13014-022-02049-8.

Photobiomodulation as a treatment for dermatitis caused by chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell anal carcinoma: case report and literature review

In-field dermatitis is a severe and common adverse effect of radiation therapy, that can cause significant pain and treatment interruptions in patients with squamous cell anal carcinoma (SCAC) being treated with radical chemoradiation protocols. There are no established therapies for the treatment of radiation induced dermatitis. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an effective and low-cost treatment for radiation induced mucositis, but have recently been explored to treat in-field dermatitis. We present a case report of the successful use of PBM for the treatment of dermatitis in the anal area in a patient with SCAC treated with concomitant chemoradiation with curative intent and follow with a literature review of the recent advances and possibilities of the use of PBM as a promising strategy. PBM therapy proved to be efficient in the radiodermatitis treatment, both in relieving the symptoms and controlling dermatitis, in addition to improving the patient's quality of life.

Radiodermatite: severidade, fatores preditivos e interrupção da radioterapia em pacientes com câncer anal e de reto

RESUMO Objetivo: determinar a prevalência da radiodermatite, os graus de severidade e os fatores preditivos da sua ocorrência em pacientes com câncer de canal anal e reto acompanhados pela consulta de enfermagem, e analisar a associação dos graus de severidade da radiodermatite com a interrupção temporária da radioterapia. Método: pesquisa quantitativa, seccional e retrospectiva, realizada com 112 prontuários de pacientes com câncer de canal anal e reto submetidos à radioterapia curativa acompanhados na consulta de enfermagem. Dados foram coletados por formulário e analisados empregando-se estatística analítica e inferencial. Resultados: 99,1% dos pacientes apresentaram radiodermatite, sendo 34,8% graus severos. Os fatores preditivos foram sexo feminino, idade maior que 65 anos, tumor de canal anal, tratamento com aparelho de cobalto e técnica IMRT. A interrupção do tratamento ocorreu em 13% dos pacientes, associada à radiodermatite severa. Conclusão: houve alta prevalência de radiodermatite, principalmente grau severo, que resultou em interrupção do tratamento.

Management of late adverse effects after chemoradiation for anal cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Significant improvements in the treatment of anal cancer have produced a growing population of anal cancer survivors. These patients often experience late adverse effects related to their treatment. Research has revealed substantial unmet needs because of long-term symptoms and functional impairments after treatment that may negatively affect health-related quality of life. The purpose of the present guidelines is to review the scientific evidence for the management of late adverse effects after (chemo)radiotherapy ([C]RT) for anal cancer and to extrapolate knowledge from other pelvic malignancies treated with pelvic (C)RT so that they may guide the clinical management of late adverse effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies were systematically searched in four databases from their inception to June 2020 (no language limitation) and guidelines were searched in 16 databases, focussing on bowel dysfunction, psychosocial aspects, pain, and sexual and urinary dysfunction. The guidelines were developed by a panel of experts using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine, levels of evidence, and grades of recommendations.

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

Late adverse effects after (C)RT for anal cancer are associated with a low overall quality of life among survivors. The most pronounced late adverse effects are bowel dysfunction (present in up to 78%), urinary dysfunction (present in up to 45%), and sexual dysfunction (present in up to 90% of men and up to 100% of women). Only indirect data on adequate treatment options of these late adverse effects for anal cancer are available.

CONCLUSION

Quality of life and late adverse effects should be monitored systematically following treatment for anal cancer to identify patients who require further specialist evaluation or support. Increased awareness of the extent of the problem may serve to stimulate and facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration, which is often required.

Safety considerations with new treatment regimens for anal cancer

Introduction: Anal cancer is a rare malignancy, but incidence rates are rising. Primary chemoradiation is the standard of care for early disease with surgery reserved for salvage. Despite success in terms of survival, patients suffer significant morbidity. Research is underway to advance the field and improve outcomes for these patients.Areas covered: This review aims to discuss the safety and efficacy of new approaches to treat anal cancer. A literature search was performed from January 1950 through November 2020 via PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases to obtain data from ongoing or published studies examining new regimens for the treatment of anal cancers. Pertinent topics covered include miniature drug conjugates, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, checkpoint inhibitor combinations, and novel immunomodulators.Expert opinion: Based on emerging clinical data, the treatment paradigm for anal cancer is likely to shift in the upcoming years. One of the largest areas of investigation is the field of immunotherapy, which may emerge as an integral component of anal cancer for all treatment settings.

Patient Outcomes With Dose Escalation Using Modern Radiotherapy Techniques: A Retrospective Review of Anal Cancer Treated at a Large Academic Institution Between 2010 and 2016

Introduction: The use of modern radiotherapy techniques (MRTs) has contributed to reduced treatment-related toxicities through better avoidance of normal structures and dose tapering, and has enabled the delivery of higher doses continuously. The purpose of this study was to review retrospectively (1) outcomes for anal cancer treated at BC Cancer (Canada) using MRT, and (2) the utilization and effect of dose escalation on cancer-related outcomes.

Methods: Patients between 2010 and 2016 with biopsy-proven anal cancer, aged >18 years, and treated with primary curative-intent chemoradiation using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) were included. Primary end points included overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and colostomy-free survival (CFS). Kaplan-Meier curves were created for prognostic factors, as well as dose escalation (>54 Gy vs. ≤54 Gy). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of the outcome.

Results: A total of 273 patients were assessed. The median age was 61 years with 70% being female, 6% HIV positive, and 68% with locally advanced cancer (T3-4, or node positive). The median follow-up time was 41.3 months. Time from diagnosis to treatment was 60 days, and treatment duration 42 days. Dose escalation was prescribed for 22, of whom 15 were locally advanced cases. A total of 97% completed their radiation, including all who were dose-escalated; 11% required unplanned treatment breaks, with over half of breaks <5 days. More than 90% completed at least half of their chemotherapy; 41% had pre-treatment, and 34% post-treatment positron emission tomography (PET) scans. For primary tumor response, 88% were complete and 10% partial; 23% relapsed, with 15% locoregional, 5% distant, and 3% both, and 12% had salvage surgery. The colostomy rate was 15%, with 4% pre-treatment, 10% relapse related, and only 1% treatment-toxicity related. On univariate analysis, male sex was associated with a higher risk of death (p=0.02) and relapse (p=0.041). Non-squamous histology was consistently a strong predictor of all outcomes (OS, p=0.0089; RFS, p<0.0001; CFS, p<0.0001) as was advanced T stage (OS, p=0.0075; RFS, p=0.0019; CFS, p=0.0099), and node positivity (OS, p=0.0014; RFS, p=0.001; CFS, p=0.0071). Age, HIV status, grade, longer treatment times (>42-day median), and lack of a pre- or post-treatment PET scan were not associated with the outcome. Dose escalation beyond 54 Gy was not significant, even among locally advanced tumors. On multivariate analysis, non-squamous histology (OS, p=0.043; RFS, p<0.001; CFS, p=0.01), T4 (OS, p=0.049; RFS, p=0.026; CFS, p=0.042) and node positivity (OS, p=0.05; RFS, p=0.006) remained significant predictors of the outcome, although node positivity was no longer significant for CFS (p=0.10).

Conclusion: BC Cancer outcomes for anal cancer treated with MRTs are comparable to what has been previously reported. Unplanned breaks were notably few, and short. Treatment-related colostomies were rare. Dose-escalated regimens were infrequently prescribed, appeared tolerable, but more often required a break. Prospective trials are needed to clarify efficacy of such regimens.

Disease Site-Specific Guidelines for Curative Radiation Treatment During 'Limited Surgery' and 'Hospital Avoidance': A Radiation Oncology Perspective From the Epicenter of COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation where the standard of care (SOC) management for cancers has been altered significantly. Patients with potentially curable cancers are at risk of not receiving timely SOC multidisciplinary treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combination treatments. Hospital resources are in such high demand for COVID-19 patients that procedures, such as surgery, dentistry, interventional radiology, and other ancillary services, are not available for cancer patients. Our tertiary care center is considered the center of the epicenter in the USA. As a result, all non-emergent surgeries have been suspended in order to provide hospital beds and other resources for COVID-19 patients.

Additionally, ambulatory efforts to avoid treatment-related morbidity are critical for keeping patients out of emergency departments and hospitals. In this review article, we discuss evidence-based radiation therapy approaches for curable cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We focus on three scenarios of cancer care: 1) radiation therapy as an alternative to surgery when immediate surgery is not possible, 2) radiation therapy as a ‘bridge’ to surgery, and 3) radiation options definitively or postoperatively, given the risk of hospitalization with high-dose chemotherapy.