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Shindo Y, Koide Y, Nagai N, Kitagawa T, Aoyama T, Shimizu H, Hashimoto S, Tachibana H, Kodaira T, Ishihara S, Naganawa S. Palliative radiotherapy for painful non-bone lesions in patients with advanced cancer: a single center retrospective study. Jpn J Radiol 2024:10.1007/s11604-024-01536-0. [PMID: 38386259 DOI: 10.1007/s11604-024-01536-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of palliative radiotherapy for painful non-bone lesions in patients with advanced cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled patients with painful non-bone lesions who underwent conventional palliative radiotherapy between September 2018 and September 2022. The treatment targets included primary tumor lesions, lymph node metastases, non-bone hematogenous metastases, and other lesions. The primary endpoint was the overall pain response rate in evaluable patients, determined based on the International Consensus Pain Response Endpoint criteria. The secondary endpoints included overall survival, pain recurrence, and adverse events. RESULTS Of the 420 screened patients, 142 received palliative radiotherapy for painful non-bone lesions, and 112 were evaluable. A pain response was achieved in 67 patients (60%) of the 112 evaluable patients within a median of 1.2 months. Among these patients, 25 exhibited complete response, 42 partial response, 18 indeterminate response, and 27 pain progression. The median survival time was 5.5 months, recorded at a median follow-up of 6.0 months, during which 67 patients died. Multivariate analysis identified poor performance status scores of 2-4, opioid use, and re-irradiation as independent factors associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving a pain response. Pain recurrence occurred in 18 patients over a median of 4.1 months. Seventeen patients had grade 1-2 adverse events, while none experienced grade 3 or higher toxicity. CONCLUSION Palliative radiotherapy can potentially be a safe and well-tolerated modality for managing painful non-bone lesions, with a low rate of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurika Shindo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaro Koide
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan.
| | - Naoya Nagai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Tomoki Kitagawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Takahiro Aoyama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Shimizu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Shingo Hashimoto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Tachibana
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kodaira
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aichi Cancer Center, Kanokoden 1-1, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-0824, Japan
| | - Shunichi Ishihara
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Naganawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Jones M, Rogers J, Kumar Shrimali R, Hamilton J, Athmanathan S, Jones B. Feasibility and safety of shortened hypofractionated high-dose palliative lung radiotherapy – A retrospective planning study. Phys Med 2023; 108:102559. [PMID: 37004334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmp.2023.102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess the safety and feasibility of shortened hypofractionated high-dose palliative lung radiotherapy in a retrospective planning study. METHODS Fifteen late stage (III or IV) NSCLC lung radiotherapy patients previously treated with the standard palliative 36 Gy in 12 fractions (12F) schedule were non-randomly selected to achieve a representative distribution of tumour sizes, volumes, and location. Plans were produced using 30 Gy in 5 fractions (5F) and 6 fractions (6F) using a 6MV FFF co-planar VMAT technique. Plans were optimised to meet dose-constraints for planning target volumes (PTVs) and organs at risk (OARs) with established OAR constraints expressed as biological equivalent doses (BEDs). The potential safety was assessed using these BEDs and also with reductions of 10% (BED-10%) and 20% (BED-20%) to account for a reduction in tolerance doses from the effects of chemotherapy or surgery. RESULTS Mandatory BED constraints were met for all fifteen 5F and 6F plans; BED-10% constraints were met by all 6F plans and six 5F plans. BED-20% constraints were met by six 6F and three 5F respectively. CONCLUSION It is potentially safe and feasible to deliver high-dose palliative radiotherapy for late stage NSCLC using the 5F or 6F regimes described, when planned to comparable OAR BEDs as standard radical techniques. It appears toxicity from these regimes should be within acceptable limits provided the dose-constraints described are met. A Phase II study is required to fully assess safety and feasibility, the outcomes of which could reduce the number of patient hospital visits for radiotherapy, thereby benefiting patients and optimising resource utilisation.
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King J, Patel K, Woolf D, Hatton MQ. The Use of Palliative Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Lung Cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2022; 34:761-770. [PMID: 36115746 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
There have been significant advances in the systemic treatment of stage IV lung cancer, which is now recommended first line in patients with adequate fitness. This includes some patients with brain metastases due to the increased understanding of the central nervous system penetration of targeted therapies. The trials evidence base for palliative radiotherapy pre-dated this routine use of systemic therapy in our practice, which means that the sequence and role of palliative radiotherapy are not currently well defined in the first-line treatment setting. However, due to its efficacy in symptom control, radiotherapy remains a core component in the palliative management of lung cancer, particularly in the second-line setting and those unsuited to primary systemic treatment. This overview focuses on the evidence behind palliative radiotherapy to the thorax and brain for non-small cell and small cell lung cancer and the potential for future studies, including the TOURIST Trial Platform, to guide the future direction of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- J King
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - K Patel
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - D Woolf
- The Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - M Q Hatton
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Broomhall, Sheffield, UK
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Fabian A, Domschikowski J, Letsch A, Schmalz C, Freitag-Wolf S, Dunst J, Krug D. Use and Reporting of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Trials of Palliative Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2231930. [PMID: 36136335 PMCID: PMC9500555 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Approximately 50% of all patients with cancer have an indication for radiotherapy, and approximately 50% of radiotherapy is delivered with palliative intent, with the aim of alleviating symptoms. Symptoms are best assessed by patient-reported outcomes (PROs), yet their reliable interpretation requires adequate reporting in publications. OBJECTIVE To investigate the use and reporting of PROs in clinical trials of palliative radiotherapy. EVIDENCE REVIEW This preregistered systematic review searched PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials for clinical trials of palliative radiotherapy published from 1990 to 2020. Key eligibility criteria were palliative setting, palliative radiotherapy as treatment modality, and clinical trial design (per National Institutes of Health definition). Two authors independently assessed eligibility. Trial characteristics were extracted and standard of PRO reporting was assessed in adherence to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) PRO extension. The association of the year of publication with the use of PROs was assessed by logistic regression. Factors associated with higher CONSORT-PRO adherence were analyzed by multiple regression. This study is reported following the PRISMA guidelines. FINDINGS Among 7377 records screened, 225 published clinical trials representing 24 281 patients were eligible. Of these, 45 trials (20%) used a PRO as a primary end point and 71 trials (31%) used a PRO as a secondary end point. The most prevalent PRO measures were the Numeric Rating Scale/Visual Analogue Scale (38 trials), European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 (32 trials), and trial-specific unvalidated measures (25 trials). A more recent year of publication was significantly associated with a higher chance of PROs as a secondary end point (odds ratio [OR], 1.04 [95% CI, 1.00-1.07]; P = .03) but not as primary end point. Adherence to CONSORT-PRO was poor or moderate for most items. Mean (SD) adherence to the extension adherence score was 46.2% (19.6%) for trials with PROs as primary end point and 31.8% (19.8%) for trials with PROs as a secondary end point. PROs as a primary end point (regression coefficient, 9.755 [95% CI, 2.270-17.240]; P = .01), brachytherapy as radiotherapy modality (regression coefficient, 16.795 [95% CI, 5.840-27.751]; P = .003), and larger sample size (regression coefficient, 0.028 [95% CI, 0.006-0.049]; P = .01) were significantly associated with better PRO reporting per extension adherence score. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review of palliative radiotherapy trials, the use and reporting of PROs had room for improvement for future trials, preferably with PROs as a primary end point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Fabian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Justus Domschikowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anne Letsch
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmalz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sandra Freitag-Wolf
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Juergen Dunst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - David Krug
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
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Johnson AG, Soike MH, Farris MK, Hughes RT. Efficacy and Survival after Palliative Radiotherapy for Malignant Pulmonary Obstruction. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:46-53. [PMID: 34255568 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of palliative radiotherapy (PRT) for patients with pulmonary obstruction from advanced malignancy and identify factors associated with lung re-expansion and survival. Materials and Methods: We reviewed all patients treated with PRT for malignant pulmonary obstruction (n = 108) at our institution between 2010 and 2018. Radiographic evidence of lung re-expansion was determined through review of follow-up CT or chest X-ray. Cumulative incidence of re-expansion and overall survival (OS) were estimated using competing risk methodology. Clinical characteristics were evaluated for association with re-expansion, OS, and early mortality. Treatment time to remaining life ratio (TT:RL) was evaluated as a novel metric for palliative treatment. Results: Eighty-one percent of patients had collapse of an entire lung lobe, 46% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 3-4, and 64% were inpatient at consultation. Eighty-four patients had follow-up imaging available, and 25 (23%) of all patients had lung re-expansion at median time of 35 days. Rates of death without re-expansion were 38% and 65% at 30 and 90 days, respectively. Median OS was 56 days. Death within 30 days of PRT occurred in 38%. Inpatients and larger tumors trended toward lower rates of re-expansion. Notable factors associated with OS were re-expansion, nonlung histology, tumor size, and performance status. Median TT:RL was 0.11 and significantly higher for subgroups: ECOG 3-4 (0.19), inpatients (0.16), patients with larger tumors (0.14), those unfit for systemic therapy (0.17), and with 10-fraction PRT (0.14). Conclusion: One-fourth of patients experienced re-expansion after PRT for malignant pulmonary obstruction. Survival is poor and a significant proportion of remaining life may be spent on treatment. Careful consideration of these clinical factors is recommended when considering PRT fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Johnson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael H Soike
- Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael K Farris
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ryan T Hughes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Or M, Liu B, Lam J, Vinod S, Xuan W, Yeghiaian-Alvandi R, Hau E. A systematic review and meta-analysis of treatment-related toxicities of curative and palliative radiation therapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5939. [PMID: 33723301 PMCID: PMC7971013 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment-related toxicity is an important component in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) management decision-making. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the toxicity rates of curative and palliative radiotherapy with and without chemotherapy. This meta-analysis provides better quantitative estimates of the toxicities compared to individual trials. A systematic review of randomised trials with > 50 unresectable NSCLC patients, treated with curative or palliative conventional radiotherapy (RT) with or without chemotherapy. Data was extracted for oesophagitis, pneumonitis, cardiac events, pulmonary fibrosis, myelopathy and neutropenia by any grade, grade ≥ 3 and treatment-related deaths. Mantel–Haenszel fixed-effect method was used to obtain pooled risk ratio. Forty-nine trials with 8609 evaluable patients were included. There was significantly less grade ≥ 3 acute oesophagitis (6.4 vs 22.2%, p < 0.0001) and any grade oesophagitis (70.4 vs 79.0%, p = 0.04) for sequential CRT compared to concurrent CRT, with no difference in pneumonitis (grade ≥ 3 or any grade), neutropenia (grade ≥ 3), cardiac events (grade ≥ 3) or treatment-related deaths. Although the rate of toxicity increased with intensification of treatment with RT, the only significant difference between treatment regimens was the rate of oesophagitis between the use of concurrent and sequential CRT. This can aid clinicians in radiotherapy decision making for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Or
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia.
| | - B Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - J Lam
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S Vinod
- Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - W Xuan
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - R Yeghiaian-Alvandi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - E Hau
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
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7
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Pravosud V, Vanderford NL, Huang B, Tucker TC, Arnold SM. Exceptional Survival Among Kentucky Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Appalachian Versus Non-Appalachian Populations. J Rural Health 2020; 38:14-27. [PMID: 33210370 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine differences in exceptional survival (ES)-survival of 5 years or more past diagnosis-between stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients residing in the Appalachian versus non-Appalachian regions of Kentucky. METHODS This was a population-based, retrospective case-control study of Kentucky patients, diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2011. The data were drawn from the Kentucky Cancer Registry. FINDINGS Findings from the multivariable logistic regression revealed no significant differences in the odds of ES between patients who resided in Appalachian versus non-Appalachian Kentucky. Being female and undergoing surgery only as the first course of treatment were associated with higher odds of ES. Increasing age, unspecified histology, having poorly differentiated or undifferentiated carcinomas, and receiving radiation therapy only as the first course of treatment were associated with decreased odds of ES. CONCLUSION Differences in the odds of ES among stage IV NSCLC patients were not related to residence in Appalachian versus non-Appalachian Kentucky. ES was associated with other nongenetic and treatment factors that warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vira Pravosud
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Nathan L Vanderford
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Bin Huang
- Division of Cancer Biostatistics, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Thomas C Tucker
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Susanne M Arnold
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.,Markey Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Laurent PA, Martin E, Thariat J, Doyen J. Radiotherapy for primary tumor in lung cancer with synchronous metastases: Overview from the past and proposal for the future. Cancer Radiother 2020; 24:554-558. [PMID: 32828666 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The management of metastatic lung cancers, either of the small-cell (SCLC) or the non-small cell (NSCLC) subtype, largely based on systemic treatments so far, has been the subject of breakthrough advances over the past few years, with notably the wide use of immunotherapy changing the landscape of these harmful prognosis diseases. In parallel with this major progress, the increasing use of radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of the primary thoracic lesion±the distant lesions, may contribute to improving the condition of these metastatic patients, both in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). This review proposes to summarize and explain the findings provided by the different studies published in the last years experiencing RT of the primary tumor in metastatic lung cancers, either associated or not with the local ablative treatment of a low number of distant lesions. It will also expose the respective limits encountered in these studies and, in the light of all these elements, suggests various promising issues and fields of research for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-A Laurent
- Department of radiation oncology, Georges-Francois-Leclerc Cancer Center - Unicancer, 1, rue du Professeur-Marion, 21000 Dijon, France; Department of radiation oncology, Gustave-Roussy cancer campus - Unicancer, 114, rue Édouard-Vaillant, 94800 Villejuif, France.
| | - E Martin
- Department of radiation oncology, Georges-Francois-Leclerc Cancer Center - Unicancer, 1, rue du Professeur-Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - J Thariat
- Department of radiation oncology, François-Baclesse cancer center - Archade, 3, avenue du Général-Harris, 14000 Caen, France
| | - J Doyen
- Department of radiation oncology, Antoine-Lacassagne cancer center, fédération Claude-Lalanne, Côte d'Azur university, 33, avenue de Valombrose, 06189 Nice, France
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9
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Abstract
This literature review clarifies the role of radiotherapy in the management of low-volume haemoptysis. Embase and Medline were interrogated, and PRISMA guidelines were then used to select relevant articles. Seventy-eight articles were considered relevant and manually reviewed. The evidence suggests that external beam radiotherapy is more effective than endobronchial brachytherapy at controlling low-volume haemoptysis. There is no evidence to recommend a combination of the two techniques. Different doses and fractionations appear equally effective, with a potential survival advantage of higher dose regimens for fitter patients. Palliative radiotherapy is effective at controlling low-volume haemoptysis. External beam radiotherapy is the first-line treatment, with endobronchial brachytherapy recommended following external beam radiotherapy failure. Choice of dose and fractionation should take into account the patient's performance status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gaito
- Clinical Research fellow, Department of Radiotherapy, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M20 4BX
| | - Christopher Hughes
- ST5 (registrar), Department of Radiotherapy, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester
| | - David Woolf
- Clinical Oncology Consultant, Department of Radiotherapy, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester
| | - Ganesh Radhakrishna
- Clinical Oncology Consultant, Department of Radiotherapy, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester
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Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a cornerstone in the management of advanced stage III and stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Despite international guidelines, clinical practice remains heterogeneous. Additionally, the advent of stereotactic ablative RT (SABR) and new systemic treatments such as immunotherapy have shaken up dogmas in the approach of these patients. This review will focus on palliative thoracic RT for NSCLC but will also discuss the role of stereotactic radiotherapy, endobronchial brachytherapy (EBB), the interest of concomitant treatments (chemotherapy and immunotherapy), and the role of RT in lung cancer emergencies with palliative intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Jumeau
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florent Vilotte
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - André-Dante Durham
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Esat-Mahmut Ozsahin
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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11
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Abstract
Hemoptysis related to malignancy is common and accounts for nearly a quarter of all cases of hemoptysis in the US, and approximately 20% of patients with lung cancer will experience some degree of hemoptysis during their disease course. Both minor and massive hemoptysis come with diagnostic and treatment challenges and are associated with increased mortality. We will discuss the definition and epidemiology of hemoptysis related to malignancy, outline our approach to the initial evaluation and diagnostic workup, and extensively review the management of minor and massive hemoptysis. Specific emphasis will be on relevant signs and symptoms, imaging, and the role of bronchoscopy, and the differences in approach for minor hemoptysis compared to massive hemoptysis. While the role of surgical management is very limited in this patient population, the role of endobronchial and endovascular management will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeni Gershman
- Pulmonary Division, Rabin Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rachel Guthrie
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kevin Swiatek
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Samira Shojaee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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Saito T, Tomitaka E, Toya R, Oya N. Possible Dose–Response Relationship in Palliative Radiotherapy for Non-bone Painful Lesions. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2019; 31:391-398. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2019.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Mery B, Rancoule C, Assouline A, Aissou L, Falk AT, Auberdiac P, Vallard A, Chargari C, Magné N. Efficacy and tolerance of thoracic radiotherapy in the oldest old patients: A case series. Indian J Cancer 2019; 56:163-166. [PMID: 31062737 DOI: 10.4103/ijc.ijc_346_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are only scarce data on the management of nonagenarians with lung cancer, and more particularly on the place of radiation therapy. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of radiotherapy (RT) in nonagenarians with thoracic cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Records from RT departments from four institutions were reviewed to identify patients 90 years old of age and older undergoing RT over the past decade for thoracic cancer and more particularly lung cancer. Tumors' characteristics as well as treatment specificities and its intent were examined. RESULTS Thirteen patients receiving RT courses were identified, mean age 91.9 years. Treatment was given with curative and palliative intent in 15.4% and 84.6%, respectively. The median total prescribed dose was 30 Gy (4-70). The median number of fractions was equal to 10 (1-35). The median dose received for each fraction was 3 Gy (1.7-7). RT could not be completed in 2 patients (15.4%). At last follow-up, 11 patients (76.9%) were deceased, cancer being the cause of death for 90% of them. Most toxicities were grade 1 or 2. Two patients (15.4% of cases) have developed grade 2 toxicity during treatment. One patient (7.7% of cases) experienced an acute grade 3 toxicity. CONCLUSION The study shows that RT for thoracic cancer is feasible in nonagenarians. Although the definitive benefit of RT could not be addressed here, hypofractionated therapy allowed a certain measure of control with acceptable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoite Mery
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42271 Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Chloe Rancoule
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42271 Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Avi Assouline
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Clinique de la Porte de Saint Cloud, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Lounis Aissou
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42271 Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Alexander T Falk
- Department of Radiotherapy, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France
| | - Pierre Auberdiac
- Department of Radiotherapy, Clinique Claude Bernard, Albi, France
| | - Alexis Vallard
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42271 Saint Priest en Jarez, France
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, 94800, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Magné
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy, Institut de Cancérologie Lucien Neuwirth, 42271 Saint Priest en Jarez, France
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Fraser I, Lefresne S, Regan J, Berthelet E, Chooback N, Ho C, Olson R. Palliative thoracic radiotherapy near the end of life in lung cancer: A population-based analysis. Lung Cancer 2019; 135:97-103. [PMID: 31447009 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Palliative thoracic radiotherapy (RT) can improve quality of life for patients with advanced lung cancer, but treatment can be associated with acute toxicity and symptomatic relief may take several weeks. The optimal fractionation schedule is not known. Delivery of RT near the end of life (EOL) is an emerging indicator of poor quality care. The aim of this study was to determine utilization of palliative thoracic RT in the last 4 weeks of life, and factors associated with its use, in patients with incurable lung cancer in a population-based healthcare system. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients with lung cancer in British Columbia treated with palliative thoracic RT in 2014 and 2015 were identified. Associations between starting a course of palliative thoracic RT within 4 weeks of death and patient/treatment characteristics were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS 1676 courses of palliative thoracic RT were delivered to 1584 lung cancer patients. Median survival was 20 weeks. 12% of palliative thoracic RT courses were delivered in the last 4 weeks of life, with short fractionation schedules and simple RT planning techniques used more frequently near EOL. Of RT courses delivered in the last 4 weeks of life 89% were courses of 1 - 5 fractions, 75% were completed as prescribed and 94% involved simple 1-2 field RT techniques. Receipt of RT in the last 4 weeks of life was associated with male gender, younger age, poor performance status, metastatic disease, small cell carcinoma histology and no prior chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Further study and standardization of quality indicators for palliative RT utilization near EOL is required. Whilst clarification occurs, physicians should consider the prognosis of patients with incurable lung cancer and the realistic expectation of benefit from palliative thoracic RT when considering treatment indications and fractionation schedules.
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McDermott RL, Armstrong JG, Thirion P, Dunne M, Finn M, Small C, Byrne M, O'Shea C, O'Sullivan L, Shannon A, Kelly E, Hacking DJ. Cancer Trials Ireland (ICORG) 06-34: A multi-centre clinical trial using three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy to reduce the toxicity of palliative radiation for lung cancer. Radiother Oncol 2018; 127:253-258. [PMID: 29548561 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2018.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
TITLE Cancer Trials Ireland (ICORG) 06-34: A multi-centre clinical trial using three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy to reduce the toxicity of palliative radiation for lung cancer. NCT01176487. BACKGROUND & PURPOSE Trials of radiation therapy for the palliation of intra-thoracic symptoms from locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have concentrated on optimising fractionation and dose schedules. In these trials, the rates of oesophagitis induced by this "palliative" therapy have been unacceptably high. In contrast, this non-randomised, single-arm trial was designed to assess if more technically advanced treatment techniques would result in equivalent symptom relief and reduce the side-effect of symptomatic oesophagitis. MATERIALS & METHODS Thirty-five evaluable patients with symptomatic locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC were treated using a three-dimensional conformal technique (3-DCRT) and standardised dose regimens of 39 Gy in 13 fractions, 20 Gy in 5 fractions or 17 Gy in 2 fractions. Treatment plans sought to minimise oesophageal dose. Oesophagitis was recorded during treatment, at two weeks, one month and three months following radiation therapy and 3-6 monthly thereafter. Mean dose to the irradiated oesophagus was calculated for all treatment plans. RESULTS Five patients (14%) had experienced grade 2 oesophagitis or dysphagia or both during treatment and 2 other patients had these side effects at the 2-week follow-up. At follow-up of one month after therapy, there was no grade two or higher oesophagitis or dysphagia reported. 22 patients were eligible for assessment of late toxicity. Five of these patients reported oesophagitis or dysphagia (one had grade 3 dysphagia, two had grade 2 oesophagitis, one of whom also had grade 2 dysphagia). Quality of Life (QoL) data at baseline and at 1-month follow up were available for 20 patients. At 1-month post radiation therapy, these patients had slightly less trouble taking a short walk, less shortness of breath, did not feel as weak, had better appetite and generally had a better overall quality of life than they did at baseline. They did report being slightly more tired. CONCLUSIONS This trial is the first of its kind showing that 3-DCRT provides patients with lower rates of oesophageal toxicity whilst yielding acceptable rates of symptom control. (Sponsored by Cancer Trials Ireland (ICORG) Study number 06-34, the Friends of St. Luke's and the St. Luke's Institute of Cancer Research.).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mary Dunne
- St Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marie Finn
- St Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Mary Byrne
- University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Emma Kelly
- UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre, Waterford, Ireland
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Nieder C, Tollåli T, Haukland E, Reigstad A, Randi Flatøy L, Dalhaug A. A Four-Tiered Prognostic Score for Patients Receiving Palliative Thoracic Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer. Cancer Invest 2018; 36:59-65. [DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2017.1416394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Nieder
- Departments of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Terje Tollåli
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Ellinor Haukland
- Departments of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anne Reigstad
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Liv Randi Flatøy
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Astrid Dalhaug
- Departments of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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Støchkel Frank M, Schou Nørøxe D, Nygård L, Fredberg Persson G. Fractionated palliative thoracic radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer - futile or worth-while? BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:15. [PMID: 29304789 PMCID: PMC5756366 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-017-0270-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Palliative thoracic radiotherapy (PTR) can relieve symptoms originating from intra-thoracic disease. The optimal timing and fractionation of PTR is unknown. Time to effect is 2 months. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to investigate survival after PTR, hypothesizing that a significant number of patients received futile fractionated PTR. The secondary aim was to find prognostic factors to guide treatment decisions. Methods Patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) planned for PTR in the period of 2010-2011 at the University Hospital of Copenhagen were included. We noted pathology, tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) classification of malignant tumors, stage, indication, start date, schedule for PTR, completed y/n, performance status (PS) and time of death. Analyses were performed as an intention-to-treat using Cox regression, Fishers exact test and Kaplan Meier. Results A total of 159 patients were included. Median overall survival (OS) was 4.2 months. Sixteen patients (10%) did either not begin or finish PTR. Of these, eight (5%) died prior to or during PTR. Of the 151 patients receiving PTR, sixteen patients (11%) died within 14 days, thirty-three (22%) within 30 days and fifty (33%) within 2 months. PS 0-1 and squamous cell carcinoma were correlated with a better survival. Conclusions Our study show that a significant number of patients who received PTR died before they could achieve optimal effect of the treatment. PS and histology were significant prognostic factors favoring PS 0-1 and squamous cell carcinoma. Based on our study, we suggest that patients with PS 0-1 should be considered for fractionated PTR whereas patients with PS ≥ 2 should be considered for high dose single fraction only or supportive palliative care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12904-017-0270-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Støchkel Frank
- Department of Oncology, Finsen Center, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorte Schou Nørøxe
- Department of Oncology, Finsen Center, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Lotte Nygård
- Department of Oncology, Finsen Center, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Section of Radiotherapy, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Fredberg Persson
- Department of Oncology, Finsen Center, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Hagovská M, Dzvoník O, Olekszyová Z. Comparison of Two Cognitive Training Programs With Effects on Functional Activities and Quality of Life. Res Gerontol Nurs 2017; 10:172-180. [DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20170524-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Nieder C, Tollali T, Yobuta R, Reigstad A, Flatoy LR, Pawinski A. Palliative Thoracic Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer: What Is the Impact of Total Radiation Dose on Survival? J Clin Med Res 2017; 9:482-487. [PMID: 28496548 PMCID: PMC5412521 DOI: 10.14740/jocmr2980w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective symptom palliation can be achieved with low-dose palliative thoracic radiotherapy. In several studies, median survival was not improved with higher doses of radiation. More controversy exists regarding the impact of higher doses on 1- and 2-year survival rates. Therefore, a comparison of survival outcomes after radiotherapy with different biologically equivalent doses (equivalent dose in 2-Gy fractions, EQD2) was performed. Methods This was a retrospective single-institution study of 232 patients with small or non-small cell lung cancer. Most commonly 2 fractions of 8.5 Gy were prescribed (34%), followed by 10 fractions of 3 Gy or equivalent regimens (30%, EQD2 circa 33 Gy). The highest EQD2 consisted of 45 Gy. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed. Results Survival was significantly shorter with regimens of intended EQD2 < 33 Gy, e.g., 2 fractions of 8.5 Gy (median 2.5 months compared to 5.0 and 7.5 months with EQD2 of circa 33 and 45 Gy, respectively). The 2-year survival rates were 0%, 7% and 11%, respectively. In 128 prognostically favorable patients, median survival was comparable for the three different dose levels (6 - 8.3 months). The 2-year survival rates were 0%, 10%, and 13%, respectively (not statistically significant). Conclusion Although most of the observed survival differences diminished after exclusion of poor prognosis patients with reduced performance status and/or progressive extrathoracic disease, a slight increase in 2-year survival rates with higher EQD2 cannot be excluded. Because of relatively small improvements, a confirmatory randomized trial in this subgroup would have to include a large number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Nieder
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodo, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromso, Tromso, Norway
| | - Terje Tollali
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodo, Norway
| | - Rosalba Yobuta
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodo, Norway
| | - Anne Reigstad
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodo, Norway
| | - Liv Randi Flatoy
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodo, Norway
| | - Adam Pawinski
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodo, Norway
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Nieder C, Tollåli T, Haukland E, Reigstad A, Flatøy LR, Dalhaug A. External Validation of a Prognostic Score for Patients Receiving Palliative Thoracic Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2017; 18:e297-e301. [PMID: 28189593 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative thoracic radiotherapy is a common treatment for patients with incurable lung cancer. A recent study suggested that a prognostic score based on performance status and N and M stage predicts survival and might support decision-making (eg, when deciding about fractionation). Our aim was to perform a validation study in an independent, larger dataset. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective single-institution study of 232 patients with small- or non-small-cell lung cancer, with methodology comparable with that of the original study. Three subgroups were created, based on the point sum resulting from assessment of performance status and N and M stage (10-11, 12-14, 15-17 points). RESULTS Performance status and N and M stage were significantly associated with overall survival after palliative radiotherapy in uni- and multivariate analyses. An unfavorable prognosis (10-11 points) was predicted in 56 patients (24%). Their median survival was 1.2 months. The intermediate group consisted of 137 patients (59%) with a median survival of 5.3 months. A favorable prognosis (15-17 points) was predicted in 39 patients (17%), whose median survival was 8.2 months. The difference between the intermediate and favorable subgroups did not reach statistical significance (P = .1, as compared with P = .0001 for the remaining 2 comparisons). CONCLUSION In the original study, the median survival of patients in the 3 different prognostic strata was 2, 6, and 38 months. Except for the favorable subgroup, the validation study confirmed these results. Given the large, clinically highly relevant discrepancy (8 vs. 38 months), additional studies are needed in order to inform therapeutic decisions in patients with favorable point sum of 15 to 17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Nieder
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Terje Tollåli
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Ellinor Haukland
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anne Reigstad
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Liv Randi Flatøy
- Department of Pulmonology, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Astrid Dalhaug
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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Harrow S, Hanna GG, Faivre-Finn C, McDonald F, Chalmers AJ. The Challenges Faced in Developing Novel Drug Radiation Combinations in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2016; 28:720-725. [PMID: 27591000 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the UK. Outcomes for patients with this disease remain poor and new strategies to treat this disease require investigation. One potential option is to combine novel agents with radiotherapy in clinical studies. Here we discuss some of the important issues to consider when combining novel agents with radiotherapy, together with potential solutions as discussed at a recent Clinical Translational Radiotherapy Group (CTRad) workshop.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Harrow
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK.
| | - G G Hanna
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - C Faivre-Finn
- The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - A J Chalmers
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Lehman M. Improving Therapeutic Outcomes in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer not Suitable for Curative Intent Therapy — A Review of the Role of Radiation Therapy in an Era of Increasing Systemic Therapy Options. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2016; 28:327-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Jeremic B, Fidarova E, Sharma V, Faheem M, Ameira AA, Nasr Ben Ammar C, Frobe A, Lau F, Brincat S, Jones G. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) randomized trial of palliative treatment of incurable locally advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CHT) in limited resource setting. Radiother Oncol 2015; 116:21-6. [PMID: 26163093 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To optimize palliation in incurable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the International Atomic Energy Agency conducted a prospective randomized study (NCT00864331) comparing protracted palliative radiotherapy (RT) course with chemotherapy (CHT) followed by short-course palliative RT. METHODS AND MATERIALS Treatment-naive patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC, stage IIIA/IIIB, received either 39Gy in 13 fractions as RT alone (arm A, n=31) or 2-3 platinum-based CHT cycles followed by 10Gy in a single fraction or 16Gy in 2 fractions separated by one week (arm B, n=34). Primary outcome was overall survival. RESULTS Treatment groups were balanced with respect to various variables. Median survival for all 65 patients was 8months, while median survival was 7.1 and 8.1months for the two arms, respectively (log-rank p=0.4 by study arm, and p=0.6 by Cox regression and stratified by country and sub-stage). One and three year survival rates for the two arms were 29%, and 9% and 41%, and 6%, respectively. There were no differences in any of the following endpoints: any failure, local failure, regional failure, contralateral thoracic failure, and distant failure between the two arms. High-grade (⩾3) toxicity was similar between the two arms. Symptoms, adverse events of any kind, KPS and body-mass index, were not different during treatment and during follow-up. There was no grade 5 toxicity. CONCLUSIONS This incomplete and underpowered trial only hinted similar outcome between the treatment arms. Therefore, combined CHT-RT can perhaps be considered, in limited resource setting, where access to RT remains inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislav Jeremic
- Institute of Lung Diseases, Sremska Kamenica and BioIRC Research Centre, Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | | | - Vinay Sharma
- University of Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mohammed Faheem
- Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | | | - Ana Frobe
- Sestre Milosrdnice Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - FeeNee Lau
- General Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Walasek T, Sas-korczyńska B, Dąbrowski T, Reinfuss M, Jakubowicz J, Blecharz P, Łuczyńska E, Darasz Z, Skotnicki P. Palliative thoracic radiotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and poor performance status. Lung Cancer 2015; 87:130-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative radiotherapy to the chest is often used in patients with lung cancer, but radiotherapy regimens are more often based on tradition than research results. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2001 and previously updated in 2006. OBJECTIVES The two objectives of this review were:1. To assess the effects of different palliative radiotherapy regimens on improving thoracic symptoms in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who are not suitable for radical RT given with curative intent.2. To assess the effects of radiotherapy dose on overall survival in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer who are not suitable for radical RT given with curative intent. SEARCH METHODS The electronic databases MEDLINE (1966 - Jan 2014), EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, reference lists, handsearching of journals and conference proceedings, and discussion with experts were used to identify potentially eligible trials, published and unpublished.Two authors (FM and RS) independently identified all studies that may be suitable for inclusion in the review.We updated the search up to January 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled clinical trials comparing different regimens of palliative thoracic radiotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The reviewers assessed search results independently and possible studies were highlighted and the full text obtained. Data were extracted and attempts were made to contact the original authors for missing information.The primary outcome measure was improvement in major thoracic symptoms (degree and duration). Secondary outcome measures were short and long term toxicities, effect on quality of life and overall survival.Patient reported outcomes were reported descriptively. Quantitative data such as survival and toxicity were analysed as dichotomous variables and reported using relative risks (RR).For this update of the review a meta-analysis of the survival data was carried out. MAIN RESULTS Fourteen randomised controlled trials (3576 patients) were included, with no new studies added in this update.There were important differences in the doses of radiotherapy investigated, the patient characteristics including disease stage and performance status and the outcome measures.The doses of RT investigated ranged from 10 Gy in 1 fraction (10Gy/1F) to 60 Gy/30F over six weeks, with a total of 19 different dose/ fractionation regimens.Potential biases were identified in some studies. Methods of randomisation, assessment of symptoms and statistical methods used were unclear in some papers. Withdrawal and drop-outs were accounted for in all but one study.All 13 studies that investigated symptoms reported that major thoracic symptoms improved following RT.There is no strong evidence that any regimen gives greater palliation. Higher dose regimens may give more acute toxicity and some regimens are associated with an increased risk of radiation myelitis. Variation in reporting of toxicities, in particular the absence of clear grading, means results of the meta-analysis should be treated with caution.Meta-analysis of overall survival broken down by performance status, a key variable, is included in this update. Further information was sought from all the original authors if stratified data was not included in the original publication. Three published studies contained sufficient data and seven authors were able to provide further information which represented 1992 patients (56% of all patients). The absence of data for nearly half of the patients has affected the quality of evidence.The meta-analysis showed no significant difference in 1-year overall survival between regimens with fewer radiotherapy fractions compared with regimens with more when patients were stratified by performance status. The results of the meta-analysis of 1-year overall survival for patients with good performance status (WHO performance status 0-1) showed moderately high heterogeneity and a summary result was not thought meaningful. The results of 1-year overall survival for patients with poor performance status was RR 0.96 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.02; moderate quality of evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Radiotherapy for patients with incurable non-small cell lung cancer can improve thoracic symptoms. Care should be taken with the dose to the spinal cord to reduce the risk of radiation myelopathy. The higher dose, more fractionated palliative radiotherapy regimens do not provide better or more durable palliation and their use to prolong survival is not supported by strong evidence. More research is needed into reducing the acute toxicity of large fraction regimens and into the role of radical compared to high dose palliative radiotherapy. In the future, large trials comparing different RT regimens may be difficult to set up because of the increasing use of systemic chemotherapy. Trials looking at how best to integrate these two modalities, particularly in good PS patients, need to be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary Stevens
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre1053 Great Western RoadGlasgowUKG12 0YN
| | | | - Elizabeth Toy
- Velindre HospitalOncologyWhitchurchCARDIFFWalesUKCF14 2TL
| | - Bernadette Coles
- Cardiff UniversityCancer Research Wales LibraryVelindre Cancer CentreWhitchurchCardiffUKCF14 2TL
| | - Jason F Lester
- Velindre Hospital NHS TrustOncology DepartmentVelindre RoadCardiffSouth GlamorganUKCF4 7XL
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Stevens R, Macbeth F, Toy E, Coles B, Lester JF. Palliative radiotherapy regimens for patients with thoracic symptoms from non-small cell lung cancer. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002143.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Ma JT, Zheng JH, Han CB, Guo QY. Meta-analysis comparing higher and lower dose radiotherapy for palliation in locally advanced lung cancer. Cancer Sci 2014; 105:1015-22. [PMID: 24974909 PMCID: PMC4317848 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare higher dose (≥30 Gy) and lower dose (<30 Gy) radiotherapy (RT) on palliation of symptoms and survival in patients with locally advanced lung cancer. A search of PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted on 10 June 2013 using combinations of the search terms: radiotherapy, non-small-cell lung carcinoma, palliative, supportive, symptom relief. Inclusion criteria were: (i) palliative thoracic RT; (ii) randomized controlled trial; (iii) English language; and (iv) compared outcomes between higher dose (≥30 Gy) and lower dose (<30 Gy) RT. The primary outcome was palliation of symptoms (cough, chest pain, hemoptysis), and 1- and 2-year overall survival. Tests of heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias were performed. Five randomized controlled trials with a total of 1730 patients with lung cancer were included in the meta-analysis. There were 925 patients treated with a higher RT dose (≥30 Gy) and 805 treated with a lower RT dose (<30 Gy). The combined odds ratios (ORs) indicated no significant difference in palliation of cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis between the higher dose and lower dose RT groups (combined ORs = 0.88, 1.83, 1.39, respectively). The 1- and 2-year OS rates were similar between the high and low dose RT groups (combined ORs = 1.09 and 1.38, respectively). This meta-analysis indicates that high dose (≥30 Gy) and lower dose (<30 Gy) RT provide similar symptom palliation and 1- and 2-year OS in patients with locally advanced lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Tao Ma
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Sigurdardottir KR, Oldervoll L, Hjermstad MJ, Kaasa S, Knudsen AK, Løhre ET, Loge JH, Haugen DF. How are palliative care cancer populations characterized in randomized controlled trials? A literature review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2014; 47:906-914.e17. [PMID: 24018205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The difficulties in defining a palliative care patient accentuate the need to provide stringent descriptions of the patient population in palliative care research. OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic literature review with the aim of identifying which key variables have been used to describe adult palliative care cancer populations in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS The data sources used were MEDLINE (1950 to January 25, 2010) and Embase (1980 to January 25, 2010), limited to RCTs in adult cancer patients with incurable disease. Forty-three variables were systematically extracted from the eligible articles. RESULTS The review includes 336 articles reporting RCTs in palliative care cancer patients. Age (98%), gender (90%), cancer diagnosis (89%), performance status (45%), and survival (45%) were the most frequently reported variables. A large number of other variables were much less frequently reported. CONCLUSION A substantial variation exists in how palliative care cancer populations are described in RCTs. Few variables are consistently registered and reported. There is a clear need to standardize the reporting. The results from this work will serve as the basis for an international Delphi process with the aim of reaching consensus on a minimum set of descriptors to characterize a palliative care cancer population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Ruth Sigurdardottir
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Sunniva Centre for Palliative Care, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Line Oldervoll
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Røros Rehabilitation Centre, Røros, Norway
| | - Marianne Jensen Hjermstad
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Regional Centre for Excellence in Palliative Care, South Eastern Norway, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stein Kaasa
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Oncology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anne Kari Knudsen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Department of Oncology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erik Torbjørn Løhre
- Department of Oncology, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jon Håvard Loge
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; National Resource Centre for Late Effects After Cancer Treatment, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dagny Faksvåg Haugen
- European Palliative Care Research Centre, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Regional Centre of Excellence for Palliative Care, Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Eldeeb N, Bela A, Eganady A, Radwan A. Comparative study of two radiotherapy regimens for palliation of symptomatic advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcdt.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Chalimou I, Lind H, Sakellaropoulos GC, Lind BK, Papanikolaou N, Nikiforidis GC, Mavroidis P. Clinical survey for registering treatment decision criteria in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer radiotherapy and determination of the dose–response relationship for 1-year survival. J Radiother Pract 2014; 13:18-28. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396912000519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPurposeRecent studies have suggested significant variations in radiotherapy schedules used to treat advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), both between different centers in one country as well as between countries. In this study, different treatment methodologies have been explored using management plans proposed by radiation oncologists regarding general questions and theoretical case histories for patients with advanced NSCLC.Materials and methodsThe survey was conducted by sending a questionnaire to 24 radiotherapy centers in Europe. The questionnaire was composed of two sections. The first section concerned reasons for giving radiotherapy, parameters that influence the choice of total dose and fractionation for radiotherapy and kind of equipment used. The second section concerned the management of five theoretical patients (A–E) regarding the selection of the radiotherapy technique and the aim of treatment (radical or palliative). Furthermore, 19 trials comparing different regimens of palliative radiotherapy in patients with NSCLC were reviewed. There were marked differences in the doses of the investigated radiotherapy schemes, the patient characteristics and the assessed outcome measures.Results70% of the responders answered that the most important factors for deciding what dose and fractionation scheme to use were: metastases, performance status (PS) of the patient, lung function and size of the primary tumour. The most common reasons for giving the treatment were symptom relief, prolongation of life and, in some cases, possibly cure. More than 95% of the responders stated that they would give radiotherapy in each of these cases. The total doses proposed where 20 Gy in five fractions or 30 Gy in ten fractions in 2 weeks for the cases A and D. If the previous two schemes were converted to a fractionation scheme delivering 2 Gy per fraction, the equivalent doses would be 23 and 33 Gy, respectively. For the cases B, C and E, the proposed fractionation schemes were 2 Gy daily to 60–68 Gy in 6 weeks or 2 Gy daily to 68 Gy in 7 weeks. For the case E, 20% of the responders suggested Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) giving 21 Gy three times a week with a day apart to 63 Gy. The total dose and number of fractions of radiotherapy are related to the perceived aims and expectations of treatment. Those aiming at extending life would give significantly higher total doses in a larger number of fractions, whereas those aiming at relieving symptoms would give significantly lower total doses. There is evidence for an increase in survival, in patients who are given higher radiotherapy doses, especially in those patients with better PS.ConclusionsThis survey demonstrates a range of treatment strategies for advanced and inoperable NSCLC within Europe. There are a number of factors that influence the perceived aims of treatment and treatment planning. These factors should be taken into account when evaluating the effectiveness of different irradiation techniques, especially in the determination of radiobiological parameters and dose–response relations. The majority of patients should be treated with short courses of palliative radiotherapy, of one or two fractions. The use of high-dose palliative regimens using many fractions or SBRT should be considered for selected patients with good PS.
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Sharieff W, Okawara G, Tsakiridis T, Wright J. Predicting 2-year survival for radiation regimens in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2013; 25:697-705. [PMID: 23962917 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2013.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Total dose, dose per fraction, number of fractions and treatment time are important determinants of the biological effect of a radiation regimen. Several randomised clinical trials (RCTs) have tested a variety of dosing regimens in advanced unresected non-small cell lung cancer, but survival remains poor. This work used past RCT data to develop and validate a predictive model that could help in designing new radiation regimens for successful testing in RCTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eleven RCTs that compared radiation regimens alone were used to define the relationship between radiation regimens and 2-year survival. On the basis of this relationship, predictive models were developed. Predicted values were internally and externally validated against observed values from the same 11 RCTs and 21 other RCTs. Scatter plots and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used for validation. Finally, regimens were explored that could improve survival. RESULTS Increments in the total dose, dose per day and the number of treatment days were associated with improved survival; increments in dose-squared and treatment weeks were associated with reduced survival. The observed and predicted values were similar on internal (r = 0.96) and external validation (r = 0.76). Regimens that delivered a higher total dose over a shorter time had higher survival rates compared with the standard (60 Gy, 30 fractions, 6 weeks); survival may be improved by delivering the standard treatment in 5 weeks rather than 6 weeks. CONCLUSION The developed model can predict the effect of thoracic radiation on survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. It is a useful tool for designing new radiation regimens for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Sharieff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Radiation Oncology, Cape Breton Regional Cancer Centre, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world and pain is its most common symptom. Pain can be brought about by several different causes including local effects of the tumor, regional or distant spread of the tumor, or from anti-cancer treatment. Patients with lung cancer experience more symptom distress than patients with other types of cancer. Symptoms such as pain may be associated with worsening of other symptoms and may affect quality of life. Pain management adheres to the principles set out by the World Health Organization's analgesic ladder along with adjuvant analgesics. As pain can be caused by multiple factors, its treatment requires pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures from a multidisciplinary team linked in with specialist palliative pain management. This review article examines pain management in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claribel P.L. Simmons
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. EH4 2XR
| | - Nicholas MacLeod
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. EH4 2XR
| | - Barry J.A. Laird
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. EH4 2XR
- European Palliative Care Research Centre (PRC), NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
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Louie AV, Rodrigues G, Cheung P, Palma DA, Movsas B. A review of palliative radiotherapy for lung cancer and lung metastases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s13566-012-0042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Rodrigues G, Macbeth F, Burmeister B, Kelly KL, Bezjak A, Langer C, Hahn C, Vichare A, Movsas B. International Practice Survey on Palliative Lung Radiotherapy: Third International Consensus Workshop on Palliative Radiotherapy and Symptom Control. Clin Lung Cancer 2012; 13:225-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Rodrigues G, Macbeth F, Burmeister B, Kelly KL, Bezjak A, Langer C, Hahn C, Movsas B. Consensus Statement on Palliative Lung Radiotherapy: Third International Consensus Workshop on Palliative Radiotherapy and Symptom Control. Clin Lung Cancer 2012; 13:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico L Ampil
- Department of Radiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA E-mail:
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Li X, Butts C, Fenton D, King K, Scarfe A, Winget M. Utilization of oncology services and receipt of treatment: a comparison between patients with breast, colon, rectal, or lung cancer. Ann Oncol 2011; 22:1902-9. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdq692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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van Oorschot B, Schuler M, Simon A, Schleicher U, Geinitz H. Patterns of care and course of symptoms in palliative radiotherapy: a multicenter pilot study analysis. Strahlenther Onkol 2011; 187:461-6. [PMID: 21786111 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-011-2231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To evaluate patterns of care as well as effectiveness and side effects of palliative treatment in four German radiation oncology departments. PATIENTS AND METHODS All referrals in four German radiation oncology departments (two university hospitals, one academic hospital, one private practice) were prospective documented for 1 month in 2008 (2 months at one of the university hospitals). In palliatively irradiated patients, treatment aims and indications as well as treated sites and fractionation schedules were recorded. In addition, symptoms and side effects were analyzed with standardized questionnaires before and at the end of radiotherapy. RESULTS During the observation period, 603 patients underwent radiation therapy in the four centers and 153 (24%, study population) were treated with palliative intent. Within the study, patients were most frequently treated for bone (34%) or brain (27%) metastases. 62 patients reported severe or very severe pain, 12 patients reported severe or very severe dyspnea, 27 patients reported neurological deficits or signs of cranial pressure, and 43 patients reported a poor or very poor sense of well-being. The most frequent goals were symptom relief (53%) or prevention of symptoms (46%). Life prolongation was intended in 37% of cases. A wide range of fractionation schedules was applied with total doses ranging from 3-61.2 Gy. Of the patients, 73% received a slightly hypofractionated treatment schedule with doses of > 2.0 Gy to ≤ 3.0 Gy per fraction and 12% received moderate to highly hypofractionated therapy with doses of > 3.0 Gy to 8.0 Gy. Radiation therapy led to a significant improvement of well-being (35% of patients) and reduction of symptoms, especially with regard to pain (66%), dyspnea (61%), and neurological deficits (60%). Therapy was very well tolerated with only 4.5% grade I or II acute toxicities being observed. Unscheduled termination was observed in 19 patients (12%). CONCLUSIONS Palliative radiation therapy is effective in reducing symptoms, increases subjective well-being, and has minimal side effects. More studies are necessary for subgroup analyses and for clarifying the different goals in palliative radiotherapy.
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Han K, Bezjak A, Xu W, Kane G. Has the practice of radiation oncology for locally advanced and metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer changed in Canada? Curr Oncol 2011; 17:33-40. [PMID: 20179801 PMCID: PMC2826774 DOI: 10.3747/co.v17i1.387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Previous surveys have revealed wide variations in the management by radiation oncologists of non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) in Canada. The aim of the present study was to determine the current patterns of practice for locally advanced and metastatic nsclc among Canadian radiation oncologists. Materials and Methods An online survey was distributed electronically to all members of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists. Those who treat lung cancer were invited to participate. The survey consisted of three scenarios focusing on areas of nsclc treatment in which the radiotherapy (rt) regimen that provides the best therapeutic ratio is unclear. Results Replies from 41 respondents were analyzed. For an asymptomatic patient with stage iiib nsclc unsuitable for radical treatment, 22% recommended immediate rt, and 78% recommended rt only if the patient were to become symptomatic. Those who believed that immediate rt prolongs survival were more likely to recommend it (p = 0.028). For a patient with a bulky stage iiib tumour and good performance status, 39% recommended palliative treatment, and 61% recommended radical treatment (84% concurrent vs. 16% sequential chemoradiation at 60–66 Gy in 30–33 fractions). Those who believed that chemoradiation has a greater impact on survival were more likely to recommend it (p < 0.001). For a symptomatic patient with stage iv nsclc, 54% recommended external-beam rt (ebrt) alone, 41% recommended other modalities (brachytherapy, endobronchial therapy, or chemotherapy) with or without ebrt, and 5% recommended best supportive care. A majority (76%) prescribed 20 Gy in 5 fractions for ebrt. Conclusions Compared with previous surveys, more radiation oncologists now offer radical treatment for locally advanced nsclc. Management of nsclc in Canada may be evidence-based, but perception by radiation oncologists of the treatment’s impact on survival also influences treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON
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Salvo N, Hadi S, Napolskikh J, Goh P, Sinclair E, Chow E. Quality of life measurement in cancer patients receiving palliative radiotherapy for symptomatic lung cancer: a literature review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 16:16-28. [PMID: 19370175 PMCID: PMC2669235 DOI: 10.3747/co.v16i2.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 27% of North American cancer deaths are attributable to cancer of the lung. Many lung cancers are found at an advanced stage, rendering the tumours inoperable and the patients palliative. Common symptoms associated with palliative lung cancer include cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea, all of which can significantly debilitate and diminish quality of life (QOL). In studies of the effects of cancer therapies, the frequent evaluative endpoints are survival and local control; however, it is imperative that clinical trials with palliative patients also have a QOL focus when a cure is unattainable. We conducted a literature review to investigate the use of QOL instrument tools in trials studying QOL or symptom palliation of primary lung cancer or lung metastases through the use of radiotherapy. We identified forty-three studies: nineteen used a QOL tool, and twenty-four examined symptom palliation without the use of a QOL instrument. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (eortc) QLQ-C30 survey was the most commonly used QOL questionnaire (in thirteen of twenty trials). Of those thirteen studies, eight also incorporated the lung-specific QOL survey eortc QLQ-LC13 (or the eortc QLQ-LC17). A second lung-specific survey, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung (fact-L) was used in only two of the twenty trials. In total, only ten of forty-three trials (23%) used a lung-specific QOL tool, suggesting that QOL was of low priority as an endpoint and that measures created for lung cancer patients are underused. We encourage investigators in future trials to include specific QOL instruments such as the eortc QLQ-LC13 or the fact-L for studies in palliative thoracic radiotherapy because those instruments provide a measure of QOL specific to patients with lung cancer or lung metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Salvo
- Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON
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Rodrigues G, Videtic GMM, Sur R, Bezjak A, Bradley J, Hahn CA, Langer C, Miller KL, Moeller BJ, Rosenzweig K, Movsas B. Palliative thoracic radiotherapy in lung cancer: An American Society for Radiation Oncology evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Pract Radiat Oncol 2011; 1:60-71. [PMID: 25740118 PMCID: PMC3808743 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide guidance to physicians and patients with regard to the use of external beam radiotherapy, endobronchial brachytherapy, and concurrent chemotherapy in the setting of palliative thoracic treatment for lung cancer, based on available evidence complemented by expert opinion. METHODS AND MATERIALS A Task Force authorized by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Board of Directors synthesized and assessed evidence from 3 systematic reviews on the following topics: (1) dose fractionation in thoracic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT); (2) clinical utility of initial and salvage endobronchial brachytherapy (EBB); and (3) use of concurrent chemotherapy (CC) with palliative thoracic radiotherapy. Practice guideline recommendations were produced and are contained herein. RESULTS Studies suggest that higher dose/fractionation palliative EBRT regimens (eg, 30 Gy/10 fraction equivalent or greater) are associated with modest improvements in survival and total symptom score, particularly in patients with good performance status. As these improvements are associated with an increase in esophageal toxicity, various shorter EBRT dose/fractionation schedules (eg, 20 Gy in 5 fractions, 17 Gy in 2 weekly fractions, 10 Gy in 1 fraction), which provide good symptomatic relief with fewer side effects, can be used for patients requesting a shorter treatment course and/or in those with a poor performance status. No defined role for EBB in the routine initial palliative treatment of chest disease has been demonstrated; however, EBB can be a reasonable option for the palliation of endobronchial lesions causing obstructive symptomatology including lung collapse, or for hemoptysis after EBRT failure. The integration of concurrent chemotherapy with palliative intent/fractionated radiotherapy is not currently supported by the medical literature. CONCLUSION This Guideline is intended to serve as a guide for the use of EBRT, EBB, and CC in thoracic palliation of lung cancer outside the clinical trial setting. Further prospective clinical investigations with relevant palliative endpoints into the respective roles of EBB and CC/targeted therapy in the thoracic palliation of lung cancer are warranted, given the current state of the medical literature in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Rodrigues
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Ranjan Sur
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Bezjak
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Bradley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Carol A Hahn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Corey Langer
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Keith L Miller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, 21st Century Oncology, Fort Myers, Florida
| | - Benjamin J Moeller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Kenneth Rosenzweig
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin Movsas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan
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Abstract
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women across the world. In the past, studies on lung cancer have focused on traditional end points such as survival, disease-free survival or local control. More recently, investigators have begun to appreciate the importance of health-related quality-of-life outcomes, particularly in the setting of lung cancer. This article provides an overview of the importance, methodology, analysis and presentation of health-related quality of life in lung cancer trials, and also discusses some of the limitations and challenges of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzan Siddiqui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Reinfuss M, Mucha-Małecka A, Walasek T, Blecharz P, Jakubowicz J, Skotnicki P, Kowalska T. Palliative thoracic radiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. An analysis of 1250 patients. Palliation of symptoms, tolerance and toxicity. Lung Cancer 2011; 71:344-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2010.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2010] [Revised: 06/12/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Lee SS, Chung HY, Yu W. Quality of life of long-term survivors after a distal subtotal gastrectomy. Cancer Res Treat 2010; 42:130-4. [PMID: 20948917 PMCID: PMC2953775 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2010.42.3.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a distal subtotal gastrectomy on the quality of life (QoL). MATERIALS AND METHODS The QoL data of 126 patients were obtained on their 5th annual follow-up visit after a curative distal subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer (Group A). The QoL data of 130 age- and gender-adjusted healthy population were obtained from the individuals who visited the health screening center for a medical check-up (Group B). There were 42 women and 84 men in the study group and their mean age was 56.0±11.1 years. QoL was assessed using the Korean versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30) and QLQ-STO22. RESULTS The EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status and QoL scores of Group A and Group B were 63.9±22.7 and 61.3±22.1, respectively (p=0.361). Group A revealed a better score for emotional functioning (84.1±16.1 and 75.2±21.4, respectively; p<0.001), cognitive functioning (82.0±16.4 and 75.0±21.4, respectively; p=0.004) and fatigue (27.7±20.8 and 33.8±23.2, respectively; p=0.028). However, Group A revealed a worse score for nausea and vomiting (14.8±20.0 and 10.2±16.0, respectively; p=0.042), financial difficulties (14.8±22.9 and 7.1±16.1, respectively; p=0.002), reflux (16.7±17.7 and 10.1±17.0, respectively; p=0.003), eating restrictions (13.6±15.2 and 6.6±10.2, respectively; p<0.001) and body image (23.3±25.4 and 16.2±24.6, respectively; p=0.023). CONCLUSION The QoL of long-term survivors after a distal subtotal gastrectomy is still influenced by the surgery itself even though they are considered to be free of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Soo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Ho Young Chung
- Department of Surgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Wansik Yu
- Department of Surgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
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Abstract
Despite an increasing use of chemotherapy in the palliative setting for lung cancer, the role of palliative thoracic radiotherapy should not be disregarded. It offers quick and efficient palliation, with improvement observed in approximately two-thirds of treated patients. There is evidence that the short and long radiotherapy schedules are equally effective for poor performance patients. Higher radiation doses delivered via protracted schedules give a modest survival benefit for good performance patients. The current review covers the issues related to the use of palliative thoracic radiotherapy, such as total dose, fractionation, delayed versus immediate use, external-beam radiotherapy versus endobronchial brachytherapy, combination with chemotherapy, re-irradiation and palliation with radiation in small-cell lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Kepka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, M. Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, ul Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
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Metcalfe SK, Milano MT, Bylund K, Smudzin T, Rubin P, Chen Y. Split-course palliative radiotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2010; 5:185-90. [PMID: 20009771 DOI: 10.1097/JTO.0b013e3181c6eb20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Palliative chest radiotherapy (RT) for lung malignancies is effective in relieving serious chest symptoms from tumor bleeding or mass effect on major airways, vessels, and nerves. Albeit an important subject, there is a lack of consensus for an optimal palliative RT regimen. We report the outcomes of a split-course palliative chest RT, a frequently used schema at our institution. METHODS AND MATERIALS Records of 140 patients treated between 1995 and 2006 were reviewed. Treatment was prescribed to an initial 25 Gy in 10 fractions through anterior-posterior/posterior-anterior beam arrangements. After a 2-week rest period, patients were selected to receive an additional 10 Gy (anterior-posterior/posterior-anterior) followed by off-cord beams to a final dose of 50 to 62.5 Gy. Symptom relief and toxicity during RT and after completion of RT were assessed from clinician notes and patient-reported symptom inventory forms. Second, the impact on survival was assessed. RESULTS Symptomatic relief was observed in 52 to 84% of patients with durable palliation in 58%. There were no grade 3 to 5 toxicities. Grades 1 and 2 esophagitis and pneumonitis were observed in 34 and 8% patients, respectively. Median survival was 5 months. CONCLUSIONS A majority of patients experienced symptomatic improvement. The built-in 2-week break allowed for selection of patients for high-dose palliative radiation and balanced treatment benefits with potential side effects. Cancer survival was not adversely affected by treatments in this population with mostly advanced disease. This regimen is a viable option for patients who cannot tolerate a protracted, uninterrupted course of treatment.
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Wasteson E, Brenne E, Higginson IJ, Hotopf M, Lloyd-Williams M, Kaasa S, Loge JH. Depression assessment and classification in palliative cancer patients: a systematic literature review. Palliat Med 2009; 23:739-53. [PMID: 19825894 DOI: 10.1177/0269216309106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to review the literature on depression in palliative cancer care in order to identify which assessment methods and classification systems have been used in studies of depression. Extensive electronic database searches in PubMed, CancerLit, CINAHL, PsychINFO, EMBASE and AgeLine as well as hand search were carried out. In the 202 included papers, 106 different assessment methods were used. Sixty-five of these were only used once. All together, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was the most commonly used assessment method. However, there were regional differences and while the HADS dominated in Europe it was quite seldom used in Canada or in the USA. Few prevalence and intervention studies used assessment methods with an explicit reference to a diagnostic system. There were in total few case definitions of depression. Among these, the classifications were in general based on cut-off scores (77%) and not according to diagnostic systems. The full range of the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria was seldom assessed, i.e. less than one-third of the assessments in the review took into account the duration of symptoms and 18% assessed consequences and impact upon patient functioning. A diversity of assessment methods had been used. Few studies classified depression by referring to a diagnostic system or by using cut-off scores. Evidently, there is a need for a consensus on how to assess and conceptualize depression and related conditions in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Wasteson
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), N-7006 Trondheim, Norway.
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Tang JI, Shakespeare TP, Lu JJ, Chan YH, Lee KM, Wong LC, Mukherjee RK, Back MF. Patients' preference for radiotherapy fractionation schedule in the palliation of symptomatic unresectable lung cancer. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2009; 52:497-502. [PMID: 19032397 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1673.2008.02002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The palliative radiotherapeutic management of unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer is controversial, with various fractionation (Fx) schedules available. We aimed to determine patient's choice of Fx schedule after involvement in a decision-making process using a decision board. A decision board outlining the various advantages and disadvantages apparent in the Medical Research Council study of Fx schedules (17 Gy in two fractions vs 39 Gy in 13 fractions) was discussed with patients who met Medical Research Council eligibility criteria. Patients were then asked to indicate their preferred Fx schedules, reasons and their level of satisfaction with being involved in the decision-making process. Radiation oncologists (RO) could prescribe radiotherapy schedules irrespective of patients' preferences. Of 92 patients enrolled, 55% chose the longer schedule. English-speaking patients were significantly more likely to choose the longer schedule (P = 0.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-7.6). Longer Fx was chosen because of longer survival (90%) and better local control (12%). Shorter Fx was chosen for shorter overall treatment duration (80%), cost (61%) and better symptom control (20%). In all, 56% of patients choosing the shorter schedule had their treatment altered by the treating RO, whereas only 4% of patients choosing longer Fx had their treatment altered (P < 0.001). Despite this, all (100%) patients were satisfied with being involved in the decision-making process. The decision board was useful in aiding decision-making, with both Fx schedules being acceptable to patients. Interestingly, despite the longer average survival associated with longer Fx, nearly half of the patients believed that this was not as important as a shorter duration of treatment and lower cost. Despite patients' preferences, there were significant alterations of preferred schedules because of RO's own biases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore.
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Fairchild A, Harris K, Barnes E, Wong R, Lutz S, Bezjak A, Cheung P, Chow E. Palliative thoracic radiotherapy for lung cancer: a systematic review. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:4001-11. [PMID: 18711191 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.15.3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal dose of radiotherapy (RT) to palliate symptomatic advanced lung cancer is unclear. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of palliative thoracic RT. METHODS RCTs comparing two or more dose fractionation schedules were reviewed using the random-effects model of a freely available information management system. The relative risk and 95% CI for each outcome were presented in Forrest plots. Exploratory analysis comparing dose schedules after conversion to the time-adjusted biologically equivalent dose (BED) was performed to investigate for a dose-response relationship. RESULTS A total of 13 RCTs involving 3,473 randomly assigned patients were identified. Outcomes included symptom palliation, overall survival, toxicity, and reirradiation rate. For symptom control in assessable patients, lower-dose (LD) RT was comparable with higher-dose (HD), except for the total symptom score (TSS): 65.4% of LD and 77.1% of HD patients had improved TSS (P = .003). Greater likelihood of symptom improvement was seen with schedules of 35 Gy(10) versus lower BED. At 1 year after HD and LD RT, 26.5% versus 21.7% of patients were alive, respectively (P = .002). Sensitivity analysis suggests this survival improvement was seen with 35 Gy(10) BED schedules compared with LDs. Physician-assessed dysphagia was significantly greater in the HD arm (20.5% v 14.9%; P = .01), and the likelihood of reirradiation was 1.2-fold higher after LD RT. CONCLUSION No significant differences were observed for specific symptom-control end points, although improvement in survival favored HD RT. Consideration of palliative thoracic RT of at least 35 Gy(10) BED may therefore be warranted, but must be weighed against increased toxicity and greater time investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysa Fairchild
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2 Canada.
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Fairchild A, Goh P, Sinclair E, Barnes EA, Ghosh S, Danjoux C, Barbera L, Tsao M, Chow E. Has the Pattern of Practice in the Prescription of Radiotherapy for the Palliation of Thoracic Symptoms Changed Between 1999 and 2006 at the Rapid Response Radiotherapy Program? Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2008; 70:693-700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2007] [Revised: 10/27/2007] [Accepted: 10/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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