Influence of tumor necrosis on treatment sensitivity and long-term survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Spatiotemporal modeling of radiopharmaceutical transport in solid tumors: Application to 177Lu-PSMA therapy of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

177Lu-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) represents a pivotal advancement in addressing prostate cancer. However, existing therapies, while promising, remain incompletely understood and optimized. Computational models offer potential insights into RPTs, aiding in clinical drug delivery enhancement. In this study, we investigate the impact of various physiological parameters on the delivery of 177Lu-PSMA-617 RPT using the convection-diffusion-reaction (CDR) model.

METHODS

Our investigation encompasses tumor geometry and surrounding tissue, characterized by well-defined boundaries and initial conditions. Utilizing the finite element method, we solve governing equations across a range of parameters: dissociation constant KD (1, 0.1, 0.01 [nM]), internalization rate (0.01-0.0001 [min-1]), diverse tumor shapes, and variable necrotic zone sizes. This model can provide an accurate analysis of radiopharmaceutical delivery from the injection site to the tumor cell, including drug transport in the vascular, interstitial, and intracellular spaces, and considering important parameters (e.g., drug extravasation from microvessels or to lymphatic vessels, the extracellular matrix, receptors, and intracellular space).

RESULTS

Our findings reveal significant enhancements in tumor-absorbed doses as KD decreases. This outcome can be attributed to the higher affinity of radiopharmaceuticals for PSMA receptors as KD diminishes, facilitating a more efficient binding and retention of the therapeutic agent within the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, tumor-absorbed doses for KD ∼ 1 [nM] show an upward trend with higher internalization rates. This observation can be rationalized by considering that a greater internalization rate would result in a higher proportion of radiopharmaceuticals being taken up by tumor cells after binding to receptors on the cell surface. Notably, tumor shape and necrotic zone size exhibit limited influence on tumor absorbed dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study employs the CDR model to explore the role of physiological parameters in shaping 177Lu-PSMA-617 RPT delivery. These findings provide insights for improving prostate cancer therapy by understanding radiopharmaceutical transport dynamics. This computational approach contributes to advancing our understanding of radiopharmaceutical delivery mechanisms and has implications for enhancing treatment efficacy.

Assessment of Prophylactic Internal Carotid Artery Management in Postradiation Nasopharyngeal Necrosis Patients

OBJECTIVE

Postradiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN) frequently develops after second-course radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). PRNN can lead to internal carotid artery (ICA) massive hemorrhage due to ICA rupture, resulting in sudden death. This study aims to explore the pretreatment of the ICA to prevent fatal massive hemorrhage in PRNN patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with NPC and PRNN from January 2010 to September 2022 were included. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to analyze risk factors for massive hemorrhage and survival. A nomogram was developed to integrate prognostic models and perform parameter calibration.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifty-four PRNN patients were included in this study. Prophylactic ICA occlusion significantly reduced the risk of ICA hemorrhage compared to no prophylactic ICA occlusion (3.6% vs 40.6%, P < .001). Surgical repair on necrosis significantly prevented hemorrhage and improved survival. The nomogram, incorporating the above 2 factors and the nearest distance from necrosis to ICA ≤ 3 mm, exhibited excellent discriminative ability for hemorrhage. We identified 3 high-risk factors that indicate the need for prophylactic ICA management in PRNN patients: (1) exposure of ICA by rhinoscopy; (2) signs of ICA erosion on MRA scanning; (3) the depth of soft tissue coverage surrounding the ICA wall within the necrotic cavity is less than 3 mm on magnetic resonance imaging.

CONCLUSION

We have identified 3 high-risk factors for PRNN patients that necessitate prophylactic ICA management. These findings are expected to contribute to improving the quality of life and overall survival of PRNN patients.

A contrast-enhanced CT radiomics-based model to identify candidates for deintensified chemoradiotherapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

OBJECTIVES

To develop a contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) radiomics-based model to identify locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) patients who would benefit from deintensified chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

LA-NPC patients who received low-dose concurrent cisplatin therapy (cumulative: 150 mg/m2), were randomly divided into training and validation groups. 107 radiomics features based on the primary nasopharyngeal tumor were extracted from each pre-treatment CECT scan. Through Cox regression analysis, a radiomics model and patients' corresponding radiomics scores were created with predictive independent radiomics features. T stage (T) and radiomics score (R) were compared as predictive factors. Combining the N stage (N), a clinical model (T + N), and a substitution model (R + N) were constructed.

RESULTS

Training and validation groups consisted of 66 and 33 patients, respectively. Three significant independent radiomics features (flatness, mean, and gray level non-uniformity in gray level dependence matrix (GLDM-GLN)) were found. The radiomics score showed better predictive ability than the T stage (concordance index (C-index): 0.67 vs. 0.61, AUC: 0.75 vs. 0.60). The R + N model had better predictive performance and more effective risk stratification than the T + N model (C-index: 0.77 vs. 0.68, AUC: 0.80 vs. 0.70). The R + N model identified a low-risk group as deintensified chemoradiotherapy candidates in which no patient developed progression within 3 years, with 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) both 90.7% (hazard ratio (HR) = 4.132, p = 0.018).

CONCLUSION

Our radiomics-based model combining radiomics score and N stage can identify specific LA-NPC candidates for whom de-escalation therapy can be performed without compromising therapeutic efficacy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Our study shows that the radiomics-based model (R + N) can accurately stratify patients into different risk groups, with satisfactory prognosis in the low-risk group when treated with low-dose concurrent chemotherapy, providing new options for individualized de-escalation strategies.

KEY POINTS

• A radiomics score, consisting of 3 predictive radiomics features (flatness, mean, and GLDM-GLN) integrated with the N stage, can identify specific LA-NPC populations for deintensified treatment. • In the selection of LA-NPC candidates for de-intensified treatment, radiomics score extracted from primary nasopharyngeal tumors based on CECT can be superior to traditional T stage classification as a predictor.

Regional lymph node density-based nomogram predicts prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients without distant metastases

BACKGROUND

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a relatively common type of cancer in Southern China, with local recurrence or distant metastases even after radical treatment; consequently, it is critical to identify the patients at higher risk for these events beforehand. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of regional lymph node density (RLND) associated nomograms in NPC and to evaluate the utility of nomograms in risk stratification.

METHODS

A total of 610 NPC patients without distant metastases (425 in the training and 185 in the validation cohort) were enrolled. The MRI-identified nodal features and clinical characteristics were documented, and the RLND was calculated. Cox analyses were conducted to identify prognostic-associated factors. Nomograms were generated based on the multivariate analysis results. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram models were determined using the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and calibration curve; the results were compared with those of the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification. Decision curve analysis (DCA) and C-index were used to assess the prognostic effect and added discriminative ability of RLND. We also estimated the optimal RLND-based nomogram score cut-off values for survival prediction.

RESULTS

RLND was an independent predictor of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), with hazard ratios of 1.36 and 1.30, respectively. RLND was utilized in the construction of nomograms, alongside other independent prognostic factors. The RLND-based nomogram models presented a more effective discriminative ability than the TNM classification for predicting OS (C-index, 0.711 vs. 0.680) and DFS (C-index, 0.681 vs. 0.669), with favorable calibration and consistency. The comparison of C-index values between the nomogram models with and without RLND provided substantiation of the crucial role RLND plays in these models. DCA confirmed the satisfactory clinical practicability of RLND. Moreover, the nomograms were used to categorize the patients into three groups (high-, middle-, and low-risk), and the Kaplan-Meier curves showed significant differences in prognosis between them (p < 0.05). These results were verified in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSION

RLND stands as a robust prognostic factor in NPC. The RLND-based nomograms excel in predicting survival, surpassing the TNM classification.

A dynamic nomogram combining tumor stage and magnetic resonance imaging features to predict the response to induction chemotherapy in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To establish an effective dynamic nomogram combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of primary tumor and regional lymph nodes with tumor stage for the pretreatment prediction of induction chemotherapy (IC) response in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).

METHODS

A total of 498 LANPC patients (372 in the training and 126 in the validation cohort) with MRI information were enrolled. All patients were classified as "favorable responders" and "unfavorable responders" according to tumor response to IC. A nomogram for IC response was built based on the results of the logistic regression model. Also, the Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors of disease-free survival (DFS).

RESULTS

After two cycles of IC, 340 patients were classified as "favorable responders" and 158 patients as "unfavorable responders." Calibration curves revealed satisfactory agreement between the predicted and the observed probabilities. The nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.855 (95% CI, 0.781-0.930) for predicting IC response, which outperformed TNM staging (AUC, 0.661; 95% CI 0.565-0.758) and the MRI feature-based model alone (AUC, 0.744; 95% CI 0.650-0.839) in the validation cohort. The nomogram was used to categorize patients into high- and low-response groups. An online dynamic model was built ( https://nomogram-for-icresponse-prediction.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/ ) to facilitate the application of the nomogram. In the Cox multivariate analysis, clinical stage, tumor necrosis, EBV DNA levels, and cervical lymph node numbers were independently associated with DFS.

CONCLUSIONS

The comprehensive nomogram incorporating MRI features and tumor stage could assist physicians in predicting IC response and formulating personalized treatment strategies for LANPC patients.

KEY POINTS

• The nomogram can predict IC response in endemic LANPC. • The nomogram combining tumor stage with MRI-based tumor features showed very good predictive performance. • The nomogram was transformed into a web-based dynamic model to optimize clinical application.

Risk factors for primary site necrosis after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors of primary site necrosis (PSN) after definitive concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) in patients with nonoral cavity head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 256 patients treated with CCRT for HNC during 2010-2018. Patient-related (age, sex, history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, serum hemoglobin and albumin), tumor-related (tumor site, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage), and treatment-related (induction chemotherapy, maximum point dose and mean dose of planning target volume [PTV] of primary site, absolute volumes of the PTV receiving >50-75 Gy [V₅₀-V₇₅]) variables were analyzed. Critical dosimetric parameters of PSN were identified using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to select the significant variables for PSN development.

RESULTS

After median follow-up of 44 months (range, 5-127), 7 patients (2.7%) developed PSN with a median time to event of 10 months (range, 3-12). V₇₀ ⩾79.8 mL was the most critical dosimetric parameter for PSN (area under the ROC curve 0.873, sensitivity 0.857, specificity 0.747). In univariate analyses, pretreatment serum hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL and V₇₀ ⩾79.8 mL were significantly associated with higher risk of PSN occurrence. V₇₀ ⩾79.8 mL (hazard ratio 5.960, 95% confidence interval 1.289-27.548; p = 0.022) remained significant predictors of PSN in multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

V₇₀ ⩾79.8 mL is significantly related to the risk of developing PSN. These findings offer valuable clues for clinicians to minimize PSN incidence in HNC treated with curative CCRT.

Prognostic value of the cervical lymph node necrosis ratio in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

PURPOSE

Whether cervical lymph node necrosis (CNN) is an independent adverse prognostic factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been determined. In this study, the CNN ratio was graded quantitatively to explore the prognostic value in NPC.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a total of 648 pathologically confirmed as NPC. We outlined metastatic lymph nodes and necrotic area of lymph nodes slice by slice on the magneticresonanceimages (MRI) cross section, and calculated the corresponding CNN ratio.

RESULTS

The median CNN ratio (17.37 %) was taken as the cut-off point, 256 (39.51 %) patients were divided into CNN1 group (<17.37 %, n = 128) and CNN2 group (≥17.37 %, n = 128), 392 (60.49 %) patients without lymph nodes necrosis were CNN0. Among the CNN0, CNN1 and CNN2 groups, five-year overall survival (OS) was 82.4 %, 76.6 % and 71.1 %, locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) was 91.3 %, 91.1 % and 90.5 %, distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) was 83.7 %, 78.5 % and 68.7 %, progression-free survival (PFS) was 78.3 %, 71.7 % and 61.6 % respectively. By multivariate analysis, CNN was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P = 0.003), DMFS (P = 0.019) and PFS (P = 0.007). More than 3 cycles of chemotherapy significantly increased OS (P = 0.024) and DMFS (P = 0.015) in the CNN1 group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that CNN is one of the factors with the negative prognosis of NPC. The CNN ratio might be used as one of the reference factors in the formulation of individualized treatment plan.

Chromosome 12 Open Reading Frame 49 Promotes Tumor Growth and Predicts Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Little is known about the role of chromosome 12 open reading frame 49 (C12ORF49)-induced metabolic signal transduction in tumor growth. We investigated the relationship between C12ORF49 expression and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

METHODS

C12ORF49 protein expression was measured in CRC tissues by Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining. Knock out of C12ORF49 in CRC cells was then performed, and the role of C12ORF49 in CRC cell proliferation and growth was examined. The expression of C12ORF49 in CRC was analyzed in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases. A prognosis model with 11 C12ORF49-associated genes (CAGs) was generated by TCGA databases.

RESULTS

C12ORF49 expression was significantly higher in CRC tumor tissue than in non-tumor tissue. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo loss-of-function experiments, showed that C12ORF49 plays critical roles in promoting tumor cell growth. There was a significant correlation between C12ORF49 protein and the presence of tumor necrosis. C12ORF49 is critical for its interaction with SREBF1, TMEM41A, and S1PR3 in the poor prognosis of CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that C12ORF49 plays a key role in CRC tumor growth.

Prognostic value of quantitative cervical nodal necrosis burden on MRI in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its role as a stratification marker for induction chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of quantitative cervical nodal necrosis (CNN) burden in N staging risk stratification in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models evaluated the association between lymph node variables based on MRI images and survival. Revisions for the N classification system were proposed and compared to the 8th edition AJCC staging system using Harrell's concordance index (C-index). The survival outcomes of induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and CCRT alone in patients with multiple CNNs were compared.

RESULTS

In 1319 patients enrolled, CNN was not an independent prognostic factor for the main survival outcomes, but multiple CNNs (three or more necrotic nodes) were independent prognostic factors for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.05; p = 0.020) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 1.78; p = 0.004), surpassing other nodal variables. On upgrading patients with multiple CNNs to revised N3 disease, the proposed N staging widened the differences in DMFS and PFS between N2 and N3 disease. The overall survival of patients with multiple CNNs who received CCRT plus induction chemotherapy was improved compared to that of those who received CCRT alone (76.1% vs. 55.7%; adjusted p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Upgrading patients with multiple CNNs to stage N3 may improve prognostication of the current AJCC staging system. Multiple CNNs might be a potential marker for stratifying patients who would benefit from induction chemotherapy.

KEY POINTS

• Quantitatively assessed the prognostic value of CNN burden in patients with NPC. • Upgrading patients with multiple CNNs to stage N3 may improve prognostication. • Multiple CNNs may be used as a stratification marker for induction chemotherapy.

FMISO-Based Adaptive Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy represents one of the most used strategies in the curative treatment of patients with head and neck (HNC) cancer. Locoregional failure is the predominant recurrence pattern. Tumor hypoxia belongs to the main cause of treatment failure. Positron emission tomography (PET) using hypoxia radiotracers has been studied extensively and has proven its feasibility and reproducibility to detect tumor hypoxia. A number of studies confirmed that the uptake of FMISO in the recurrent region is significantly higher than that in the non-recurrent region. The escalation of dose to hypoxic tumors may improve outcomes. The technical feasibility of optimizing radiotherapeutic plans has been well documented. To define the hypoxic tumour volume, there are two main approaches: dose painting by contour (DPBC) or by number (DPBN) based on PET images. Despite amazing technological advances, precision in target coverage, and surrounding tissue sparring, radiation oncology is still not considered a targeted treatment if the “one dose fits all” approach is used. Using FMISO and other hypoxia tracers may be an important step for individualizing radiation treatment and together with future radiomic principles and a possible genome-based adjusting dose, will move radiation oncology into the precise and personalized era.

Efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus Endostar compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study

Background

To retrospectively analyze the efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) plus recombinant human endostatin (Endostar, CCRT + E) versus CCRT alone in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients initially treated for LANPC from November 2016 to March 2019 was performed: trial group received CCRT + E and control group received CCRT. Prognoses and adverse effects were evaluated.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were included: 43 received CCRT + E and 45 received CCRT. The median follow-up time was 54.0 (range: 8.0–64.0) months. The survival data of the CCRT + E and CCRT groups were as follows: 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates, 81.4% and 63.6% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.418, 95%CI 0.181–0.963, P = 0.034); 3-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates, 88.3% and 77.3% (HR 0.370, 95%CI 0.132–1.039, P = 0.049); 3-year overall survival rates, 88.2% and 81.9% (HR 0.437, 95%CI 0.151–1.260, P = 0.114); and 3-year locoregional failure-free survival rates, 87.8% and 86.9% (HR 0.795, 95%CI 0.242–2.616, P = 0.705). Three months after radiotherapy, the complete response (CR) rates of cervical lymph node regression were 97.7% and 82.2% for the CCRT + E and CCRT groups (P = 0.041). The corresponding CR rates were 100% and 80.0% for lymph node necrosis (P = 0.001) and 100% and 85.2% for extranodal extension (P = 0.041). The CCRT + E group had higher incidence of grade 3/4 leukopenia (32.6% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.031), with similar results for late toxicity.

Conclusions

CCRT + E significantly prolonged 3-year PFS and DMFS in LANPC, and patients had better lymph node regression.

Prognostic value of cervical nodal necrosis on staging imaging of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purposes

To systematically review and perform meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of cervical nodal necrosis (CNN) on the staging computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Methods

Literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library was conducted. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CNN for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were extracted from the eligible studies and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the pooled HRs with 95%CI.

Results

Nine studies, which investigated the prognostic values of 6 CNN patterns on MRI were included. Six/9 studies were eligible for meta-analysis, which investigated the CNN presence/absence in any nodal group among 4359 patients. The pooled unadjusted HRs showed that the CNN presence predicted poor DMFS (HR =1.89, 95%CI =1.72-2.08), DFS (HR =1.57, 95%CI =1.08-2.26), and OS (HR =1.87, 95%CI =1.69-2.06). The pooled adjusted HRs also showed the consistent results for DMFS (HR =1.34, 95%CI =1.17-1.54), DFS (HR =1.30, 95%CI =1.08-1.56), and OS (HR =1.61, 95%CI =1.27-2.04). Results shown in the other studies analysing different CNN patterns indicated the high grade of CNN predicted poor outcome, but meta-analysis was unable to perform because of the heterogeneity of the analysed CNN patterns.

Conclusion

The CNN observed on the staging MRI is a negative factor for NPC outcome, suggesting that the inclusion of CNN is important in the future survival analysis. However, whether and how should CNN be included in the staging system warrant further evaluation.

Which evaluation criteria of the short-term efficacy can better reflect the long-term outcomes for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

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1D, 2D, and 3D measurements were all significantly correlated with PTV measurement.

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The 1D measurement more closely agreed with the PTV measurement than the 2D and 3D measurements.

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1D tumor response assessment of the short-term efficacy can reflect the PFS for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Purpose

To compare the consistency of one-dimensional Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (1D-RECIST), two-dimensional WHO criteria (2D-WHO), and three-dimensional (3D) measurement for therapeutic response assessment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Materials and methods

Retrospective data of 288 newly diagnosed NPC patients were reviewed. Tumor size was assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the 1D-RECIST, 2D-WHO, and 3D measurement criteria. Agreement between tumor responses was assessed using unweighted k statistics. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off point of the PTV. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression were used for the survival analysis.

Results

The optimal cut-off point of the PTV for progression-free survival (PFS) was 29.6%. Agreement with PTV measurement was better for 1D measurement than for 2D and 3D measurements (kappa values of 0.646, 0.537, and 0.577 for 1D, 2D, and 3D measurements, respectively; P < 0.05). The area under the curve of the 1D measurement (AUC=0.596) was similar to that of the PTV measurement (AUC=0.621). Compared with 2D and 3D measurements, 1D measurement is superior for predicting prognosis in NPC (C-index of 0.672, 0.663, and 0.646 were for 1D, 2D, and 3D measurements, respectively; P < 0.005). Survival analysis showed that patients with non-responders had worse prognosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The 1D measurement more closely agreed with the PTV measurement than the 2D and 3D measurements for predicting therapeutic responses in NPC. Therefore, we recommend using the less time-consuming 1D-RECIST criteria in routine clinical practice.

Initial surgical management of bulky malignant type II tumors of the endometrium by a robotic approach

Type II uterine tumors often present with very large, necrotic tumor burden in the uterus that leads to dilation and effacement of the cervix. In patients with this presentation, conventional hysterectomy poses a much greater challenge as the ureters are composed of the mass of the tumor and are at an increased risk for injury. Given this surgical challenge, many of these patients may begin with neoadjuvant chemo-radiation. However, these treatment modalities are associated with significant toxicity and negatively impact patient quality of life. Therefore, we describe a minimally invasive robotic surgical approach that aims to optimize quality of life without sacrificing prognosis. Outcomes of 4 patients are presented.

Long-term outcomes of induction chemotherapy followed by intensity-modulated radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients with N3 disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate long-term outcomes of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with N3 disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 2005 to August 2016, 143 patients confirmed NPC with the 8th AJCC/UICC staging criteria N3 were reviewed. All patients received IC followed by IMRT and AC.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 67 months, the 5-year and 10-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), local progression-free survival (LPFS) and regional progression-free survival (RPFS) were 75.7% and 61.6%, 61.2% and 53.4%, 73.1% and 72.1%, 92.4% and 87%, 88.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that T stage (P = 0.001) appeared to be prognostic factors for OS. T stage (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002) and neck lymph node necrosis (P = 0.015 and P = 0.045) were independent predictors of PFS and DMFS. The acute toxicities were mainly grade 1/2 hematologic toxicities in patients treated with IC+IMRT+AC, and severe toxicities were uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

IC followed by IMRT and AC achieved satisfactory long-term survival outcomes in NPC patients with N3 disease. Neck lymph node necrosis and late T stage served as predictors of poor prognosis for patients.

Retrospective Analysis of a Modified Irrigation Method for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients With Post-Radiation Nasopharyngeal Necrosis

Purpose

Post-radiation nasopharyngeal necrosis (PRNN) is one of the most serious late effects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiotherapy. Standard conservative treatments are not always effective, and this study sought to investigate the feasibility of modified nasopharyngeal irrigation in the treatment of PRNN.

Methods

Between September 2011 and September 2018, 113 NPC patients with pathologically or radiologically diagnosed PRNN were analyzed retrospectively. All patients received the traditional conservative treatments of debridement of the necrotic tissues guided by an endoscope and systematic antibiotic therapy partly guided by culture results. The patients were divided into two groups according to the irrigation method used: traditional and modified groups. Modified irrigation used an irrigation device made by our hospital, guided by endoscopy, while the patients in the traditional irrigation group used a nasopharyngeal irrigation pot to wash the nasopharynx by themselves each day.

Results

Survival was affected by ICA (internal carotid artery) exposure, necrosis grade, and re-irradiation, but only ICA exposure and re-irradiation were found to be independent prognostic factors. The modified irrigation had a significantly more positive effect on the recovery rates of patients with mild- and moderate-grade PRNN than did traditional irrigation. The 2-year overall survival (OS) of the 113 patients was 68.4%. The modified irrigation was associated with better OS in the mild- and moderate-grade groups, in the one-course radiotherapy group, and in the low-risk group (according to the 2017 system).

Conclusions

More intense modified irrigation under the physicians control may be an effective treatment for PRNN, especially mild- and moderate-grade, one-course radiotherapy, or low-risk PRNN.