Increasing Patients With HPV-positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its Oncologic Outcomes in the Rural Region in Northern Japan

BACKGROUND/AIM

Despite the global rise in the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) in recent years, its prevalence and oncological outcomes in patients living in rural areas of Northern Japan has not been explored and should be investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 105 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent HPV screening and received first-line treatment were included in this study. The annual changes in the number of patients, survival rates, and clinical factors affecting prognosis were examined.

RESULTS

The HPV-positive rate in patients with OPC was low, with the lowest rate of 10.0% in 2013 and the highest rate of 46.7% in 2020. The number of HPV-negative cases remained almost unchanged, whereas the overall number of cases increased with the increasing number of HPV-positive cases. Additionally, HPV-positive cases exhibited a fairly good prognosis.

CONCLUSION

The number of OPC cases increased not only in urban areas, but also in rural areas. HPV-positive cases had better outcomes than HPV-negative cases.

Durable Response After Combination Therapy With Enfortumab Vedotin and Radiotherapy in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma: A Report of Two Cases

Enfortumab vedotin for urothelial carcinoma is a potentially effective anti-tumor drug that can be used in 3rd-line therapy or later, even in relatively advanced stages of the disease. Here, we present two cases of treatment using enfortumab vedotin with subsequent radiotherapy for primary lesions, and long-term disease control was achieved. The first case involved a 78-year-old man previously treated with pembrolizumab following gemcitabine plus carboplatin for lower ureteral carcinoma with multiple lung and lymph node metastases. Six months after the initiation of enfortumab vedotin, the primary tumor and metastases notably shrank. However, the primary tumor regrew, and radiotherapy was initiated along with enfortumab vedotin. The second case involved a 60-year-old man who was initially treated with avelumab following gemcitabine plus cisplatin for bladder cancer with multiple lymph node metastases. After two months of enfortumab vedotin, the primary and metastatic lesions shrunk. However, the primary tumor regrew, and radiotherapy was initiated. In both cases, the primary tumor and metastases recorded long-term shrinkage. The combination of radiotherapy and enfortumab vedotin may be an effective treatment option.

Electron beam detection in radiotherapy using a capacitor dosimeter equipped with a silicon photodiode

In this study, a newly developed capacitor dosimeter was evaluated using electron beams commonly utilized in radiotherapy. The capacitor dosimeter comprised a silicon photodiode, 0.47-μF capacitor, and dedicated terminal (dock). Before electron beam irradiation, the dosimeter was charged using the dock. The doses were measured without using a cable by reducing the charging voltages using the currents from the photodiode during irradiation. A commercially available parallel-plane-type ionization chamber and solid-water phantom were used for dose calibration with an electron energy of 6 MeV. In addition, the depth doses were measured using a solid-water phantom at electron energies of 6, 9, and 12 MeV. The doses were proportional to the discharging voltages, and the maximum dose difference in the calibrated doses measured using a two-point calibration was approximately 5% in the range of 0.25-1.98 Gy. The depth dependencies at energies of 6, 9, and 12 MeV corresponded to those measured using the ionization chamber.

Salvage craniospinal irradiation for recurrent intracranial germinoma: a single institution analysis

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of low-dose salvage craniospinal irradiation (CSI) for recurrent germinoma. We retrospectively reviewed long-term tumor control and late adverse effects in 15 recurrent germinoma patients treated at our hospital between 1983 and 2019. Following the first recurrence of germinoma, seven were treated with 24-30 Gy of salvage CSI, three underwent non-CSI, and five were treated with only chemotherapy. CSI achieved a significantly better recurrence-free survival rate after the first recurrence compared to other strategies (100% vs 33%, p < 0.001: log-rank test). To evaluate the safety of salvage CSI, we assessed the outcomes at the final follow-up of seven patients who received salvage CSI at first recurrence and three patients who received salvage CSI at second recurrence. The median follow-up period was 220 months after initial treatment. Five patients who received 40-50 Gy of radiation therapy or underwent multiple radiation therapy before salvage CSI were classified into Group A, whereas five patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy and 24-32 Gy of radiation therapy to the primary site, whole ventricle, or whole brain were classified into Group B. In Group A, one had endocrine dysfunction and the other had visual dysfunction. None were socially independent. Meanwhile, in Group B, no endocrine or visual dysfunction was found, and three patients were socially independent. Salvage CSI achieved excellent tumor control in recurrent germinoma and was safe in patients initially treated with low-dose radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Assessment of a computed tomography-based radiomics approach for assessing lung function in lung cancer patients

PURPOSE

We aimed to assess radiomics approaches for estimating three pulmonary function test (PFT) results (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC [FEV₁/FVC]) using data extracted from chest computed tomography (CT) images.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 85 lung cancer patients (mean age, 75 years ±8; 69 men) who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy between 2012 and 2020. Their pretreatment chest breath-hold CT and PFT data before radiotherapy were obtained. A total of 107 radiomics features (Shape: 14, Intensity: 18, Texture: 75) were extracted using two methods: extraction of the lung tissue (<-250 HU) (APPROACH 1), and extraction of small blood vessels and lung tissue (APPROACH 2). The PFT results were estimated using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) were determined for all PFT results, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated for FEV₁/FVC (<70 %). Finally, we compared our approaches with the conventional formula (Conventional).

RESULTS

For the estimated FEV₁/FVC, the Pearson's r were 0.21 (P =.06), 0.69 (P <.01), and 0.73 (P <.01) for Conventional, APPROACH 1, and APPROACH 2, respectively; the AUCs for FEV₁/FVC (<70 %) were 0.67 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.55, 0.79), 0.82 (CI: 0.72, 0.91; P =.047) and 0.86 (CI: 0.78, 0.94; P =.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiomics approach performed better than the conventional equation and may be useful for assessing lung function based on CT images.

Characterization of an under-development capacitor dosimeter equipped with a silicon x-ray diode

Herein, we evaluated a capacitor dosimeter under development by a manufacturer, which is designed to monitor the entrance dose in x-ray diagnosis and comprises a silicon x-ray diode (Si-XD), a 0.1 µF capacitor, and a dosimeter dock. The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity photodiode optimized for x-ray detection. The dosimeter was charged to 3.30 V using the dock before x-ray irradiation. The charging voltage was reduced by photocurrents flowing through the Si-XD during irradiation, and the discharging voltage was measured. For the fundamental characterization of this capacitor dosimeter, we investigated the x-ray tube-current and tube-voltage dependences of the measured dose using an industrial x-ray tube; the angular dependence was also investigated. A commercially available semiconductor dosimeter (RaySafe ThinX) was used for dose calibration. The doses were proportional to the tube current at a constant tube voltage of 100 kV and increased with increasing tube voltage at a constant tube current of 1.0 mA. The dose difference with respect to the commercially available semiconductor dosimeter was within 1.0% when the tube current was varied and it was within 3.0% when the tube voltage was varied. In the angular dependence measurement, a difference of up to 6.0% was observed as the angle varied from 0° to 355° in steps of 5°. The dose-calibration results indicated that the determination of the initial charging voltage was important for dose conversion using the capacitor dosimeter.

Preliminary Study of Chemoradiotherapy Using Modified Docetaxel, Cis-diaminodichloroplatinum, and 5-Fluorouracil for Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective

To examine the safety and efficacy of concomitant chemoradiotherapy using a modified TPF regimen (docetaxel + cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil) in patients with advanced sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary center (university hospital).

Methods

Seven patients with previously untreated T3-T4 SNSCC were enrolled. They underwent radiotherapy once daily (total dose, 70 Gy) with 2 courses of concomitant 120-hour infusion of 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m²/d), docetaxel (50 mg/m², day 2), and cisplatin (60 mg/m², day 2)

Results

Grade 4 leukopenia, grade 4 neutropenia, and grade 3 lymphopenia were observed in 1, 3, and 4 patients, respectively. Grade 4 creatinine elevation was observed in 1 patient. However, other grade 3 or 4 adverse events were not common. Complete response was obtained in all patients. At 60 months there was 85.7% disease-free survival and 100% overall.

Conclusion

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy with a modified TPF regimen may be feasible and effective in patients with advanced SNSCC.

Development of a dose-rate dosimeter for x-ray CT scanner using silicon x-ray diode

In an x-ray diagnosis, it is important to evaluate the entrance dose rate, as the dose rate of exposure becomes highest in that position. To investigate the effect of the entrance dose rate of x-ray CT scanners, a dose-rate dosimeter comprising a silicon x-ray diode (Si-XD), a CMOS dual operational amplifier, resistors, capacitors, and a mini-substrate measuring 20 × 17 mm² were developed. The Si-XD is desirable for measuring the changing entrance dose rate, as it enables the reduction of the response time, dimensions, and cost of the dosimeter. The dosimeter was connected to a microcomputer (mbed), and the output voltages from the dosimeter were measured using an analog-digital converter in the mbed. The output voltages were proportional to the tube currents at a constant tube voltage of 100 kV using an industrial x-ray tube, and the calibrated dose rates corresponded well to those obtained using a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter. However, owing to the energy dependence of the dosimeter, the calibrated dose rate was ∼10% higher than that of a commercially available semiconductor dosimeter at the lower tube voltage. In the angular dependence of the dosimeter, the flatness measured from 60° to 120° was ∼103% in this study. A fundamental study for measuring the dose-rate variations with rotation was performed. The results showed a different profile than the angular dependence due to the distance from the source and the complex factors of the scattered radiation.

Modified Glasgow prognostic score can predict survival of muscle invasive bladder cancer patients after radiotherapy

In patients with various cancers, modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) before treatment has predicted prognoses after antitumor therapy. This study aimed to assess whether pretreatment mGPS also has predictive value in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) after radiotherapy. A retrospective review accumulated 98 consecutive MIBC patients treated with definitive 3D-conformal radiotherapy from January 2011 to December 2016 in a single center. It included cT2-4bN0-3M0 patients with a median age of 79 years (range: 49 to 95 years). Radiotherapy was delivered at 60-66 Gy for bladder cancer. Patients were categorized in terms of their pretreatment serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) values as mGPS_0, mGPS_1, and mGPS_2. Among them, cumulative overall survival (OS) rates were compared by Kaplan-Meier plots with log-rank tests. The number of patients with mGPS_0, mGPS_1, and mGPS_2 were 40, 40, and 18, respectively. The median follow-up time for all patients was 19 months (range: 2-73 months). The 2-year OS rate for all patients was 75.7%. The 2-year OS rates for mGPS_0, mGPS_1, and mGPS_2 were 85.1%, 71.3%, and 60.9%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves revealed a significantly higher cumulative OS rate for mGPS_0 compared with mGPS_1 and mGPS_2 (P = 0.003). Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, mGPS_0 and good performance status were associated with favorable OS rates, of which mGPS_0 was more significant (Hazard ratio 2.74, 95% CI 1.30-5.57, P = 0.008). Modified Glasgow prognostic score may be a novel biomarker that can predict survival in patients with MIBC after radiotherapy.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy with a single isocentre for multiple pulmonary metastases

A 45-year-old male developed a second set of pulmonary metastases 5 years after surgery for extraskeletal mucinous chondrosarcoma of the left shoulder. He already underwent a lobectomy and two segmentectomies for a first set of pulmonary metastases 2 years ago. The closely grouped three nodules within the left lower lung formed a planning target volume (PTV) for stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with a single isocentre, which was focused on the centre of the largest nodule (the simultaneous plan). Dose-volume histogram analysis confirmed that the plan was superior to an alternative plan, in which SBRT plans would have been produced for each individual tumour (the individual plan). The mean, maximum and minimum PTV doses were 54.0, 57.5 and 47.3 Gy, respectively, in the simultaneous plan, and 65.6, 87.2 and 52.3 Gy, respectively, in the individual plan. The homogeneity index, conformity index, and the maximum dose delivered to the surrounding healthy lung were 1.21, 0.71, and 37.7 Gy, respectively, in the simultaneous plan and 1.66, 4.44, and 46.2 Gy, respectively, in the individual plan. The patient developed Grade two pneumonitis, but remained healthy until 4 years after the SBRT. When multiple closely grouped metastases are treated using SBRT, the use of a single isocentre should be considered.

Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Temporal Bone after Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy

Objectives  This article aims to clarify the long-term outcomes of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone who underwent concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Design and Setting  The study design was a retrospective chart review. Patients and Methods  From December 2001 to June 2014, 23 patients with cancer of the temporal bone who were treated by CCRT at the Tohoku University Hospital and the Iwate Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study. For advanced cancer of the temporal bone, a modified docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) regimen was used for CCRT. The long-term outcomes, including prognoses and late complications, were analyzed after CCRT of patients with cancers of the temporal bone. Results  The main long-term complications were stenosis of the external auditory canal and conductive hearing loss. No harmful late complications were observed in these patients. Disease-specific survival rates were 84.9% for all patients, 100% for patients of stage I, II, and III ( n  = 10), and 75.5% for patients of stage IV ( n  = 13) at 5 years. Conclusions  Our study showed that CCRT is an effective treatment choice for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. Furthermore, CCRT using the TPF regimen is a safe and effective initial treatment for patients with advanced cancers of the temporal bone.

Structure determination of the rutile-TiO2(110)-(1 × 2) surface using total-reflection high-energy positron diffraction (TRHEPD)

Detailed structure of the rutile-TiO₂(110)-(1 × 2) has been determined using the newly developed technique of total-reflection high-energy positron diffraction (TRHEPD).

Long-term results of chemoradiotherapy for stage II-III thoracic esophageal cancer in a single institution after 2000 -with a focus on comparison of three protocols

Background

To evaluate the long-term results of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage II-III thoracic esophageal cancer mainly by comparing results of three protocols retrospectively.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2012, 298 patients with stage II-III thoracic esophageal cancer underwent CRT. Patients in Group A received two cycles of cisplatin (CDDP) at 70 mg/m² (day 1 and 29) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at 700 mg/m²/24 h (day 1–4 and 29–32) with radiotherapy (RT) of 60 Gy without a break. Patients in Group B received two cycles of CDDP at 40 mg/m² (day 1, 8, 36 and 43) and 5-FU at 400 mg/m²/24 h (day 1–5, 8–12, 36–40 and 43–47) with RT of 60 Gy with a 2-week break. Patients in Group C received two cycles of nedaplatin at 70 mg/m² (day 1 and 29) and 5-FU at 500 mg/m²/24 h (day 1–4 and 29–32) with RT of 60–70 Gy without a break. Differences in prognostic factors between the groups were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The 5-year overall survival rates for patients in Group A, Group B and Group C were 52.4, 45.2 and 37.2 %, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates for patients in Stage II, Stage III (non-T4) and Stage III (T4) were 64.0, 40.1 and 22.5 %, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates for patients who received 1 cycle and 2 cycles of concomitant chemotherapy were 27.9 and 46.0 %, respectively. In univariate analysis, stage, performance status and number of concomitant chemotherapy cycles were significant prognostic factors (p < 0.001, p = 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, stage, protocol and number of concomitant chemotherapy cycles were significant factors (p < 0.001, p = 0.043 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The protocol used in Group A may be an effective protocol of CRT for esophageal cancer. It may be important to complete the scheduled concomitant chemotherapy with the appropriate intensity of CRT.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 agonist mosapride on human gastric accommodation

BACKGROUND

Impaired gastric accommodation is one of the major features of functional dyspepsia. Mosapride citrate is a 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5-HT4) agonist, which is shown to improve upper abdominal symptoms. However, effect of mosapride on gastric accommodation was not clear. We tested the hypothesis that mosapride enhances the gastric accommodation in normal individuals.

METHODS

Fourteen male healthy volunteers completed this study. Single administration of mosapride or placebo was performed randomly with more than 1-week interval. Subjects swallowed a triple-lumen polyvinyl tube with a polyethylene bag. The bag was positioned in the proximal stomach and the minimal distending pressure (MDP) was determined. The ramp distension starting from the MDP was then performed and subjects were instructed to score their perception using ordinate scales. Next the intra-bag pressure was set at MDP + 2 mmHg and a liquid meal was administered 30 min later, and the intra-bag volume was recorded for 60 min. We compared the MDP, perception scores, and the intra-bag volume changes by administering placebo and mosapride.

KEY RESULTS

Minimal distending pressure was not significantly different in subjects receiving mosapride or placebo. Treatment with mosapride had no effect on intra-bag pressures or volumes inducing first sensation or discomfort. Gastric accommodation, expressed as the difference between pre- and postmeal intra-bag volumes, and the percent change of the intra-bag volumes by the meal was significantly enhanced by mosapride compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

This is the first study clearly demonstrating that single administration of 5-HT4 agonist can enhance gastric accommodation in humans. (Umin.ac.jp, number UMIN000014063).

Measurement of X-ray spectra using a Lu2(SiO4)O-multipixel-photon detector with changes in the pixel number

To measure X-ray spectra with high count rates, we developed a detector consisting of a Lu2(SiO4)O [LSO] crystal with a decay time of 40 ns and a multipixel photon counter (MPPC). The photocurrents flowing through the MPPC are converted into voltages and amplified by a high-speed current-voltage amplifier, and event pulses from the amplifier are sent to a multichannel analyzer to measure spectra. We used three MPPCs of 100, 400 and 1600 pixels/mm(2), and the MPPCs were driven under pre-Geiger mode at a temperature of 20 °C. At a tube voltage of 100 kV and a tube current of 5.0 μA, the maximum count rate was 12.8 kilo-counts per second. The event-pulse widths were 200 ns, and the energy resolution was 53% at 59.5 keV using a 100-pixel MPPC.

Evaluation of radiation-induced myocardial damage using iodine-123 β-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid scintigraphy

We evaluated radiation-induced myocardial damage using iodine-123 β-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (I-123 BMIPP) scintigraphy. Between May 2010 and April 2011 we performed I-123 BMIPP scintigraphy for patients who had maintained complete response to curative radiotherapy (RT) for esophageal cancer for more than six months. We compared the area of the myocardium in the RT fields with that of reduced I-123 BMIPP uptake using a 15-segment model that is based on axial computed tomography (CT) images. We classified the segments into three categories: segments receiving 40 Gy (Segment 40 Gy), segments receiving 60 Gy (Segment 60 Gy) and segments out of the radiation fields (Segment 0 Gy). A segment with reduced uptake in the RT fields was defined as positive. A total of 510 segments in 34 patients were used for analysis. The median interval from completion of RT to I-123 BMIPP scintigraphy was 22 months (range, 6-103 months). The numbers of Segment 0 Gy, Segment 40 Gy and Segment 60 Gy were 324, 133 and 53, respectively. Reduced uptake was detected in 42.9% (57/133) of Segment 40 Gy, 67.9% (36/53) of Segment 60 Gy and 13.3% (43/324) of Segment 0 Gy. The odds ratios of 40 Gy and 60 Gy compared with regions out of the RT fields were 5.2 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7-7.4) and 15.4 (95% CI: 6.9-34.6), respectively. Reduced myocardial I-123 BMIPP uptake in RT fields, suggesting RT-induced myocardial damage, was frequently observed. I-123 BMIPP myocardial scintigraphy may be useful for identifying RT-induced myocardial damage.

Results of chemoradiotherapy for stage I esophageal cancer in medically inoperable patients compared with results in operable patients

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate long-term results of chemoradiotherapy for clinical T1b-2N0M0 esophageal cancer and to compare outcomes for operable and inoperable patients. Patients with stage I esophageal cancer (Union for International Cancer Control [UICC] 2009), excluding patients with cT1a esophageal cancer, were studied. All patients had histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma. Operable patients received cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with concurrent radiotherapy of 60 Gy including a 2-week break. Inoperable patients received nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil with concurrent radiotherapy of 60-70 Gy without a pause. End-points were overall survival rate (OS), cause-specific survival rate (CSS), progression-free survival rate (PFS), and locoregional control rate (LC). Thirty-seven operable patients and 30 medically inoperable patients were enrolled. There was a significant difference in only age between the operable group and inoperable group (P = 0.04). The median observation period was 67.9 months. In all patients, 5-year OS, CSS, PFS, and LC were 77.9%, 91.5%, 66.9%, and 80.8%, respectively. Comparison of the operable group and inoperable group showed that there was a significant difference in OS (5-year, 85.5% vs. 68.7%, P = 0.04), but there was no difference in CSS, PFS, or LC. Grade 3 or more late toxicity according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 3.0 was found in seven patients. Even in medically inoperable patients with stage I esophageal cancer, LC of more than 80% can be achieved with chemoradiotherapy. However, OS in medically inoperable patients is significantly worse than that in operable patients.

Phase I trial of neoadjuvant chemoradiation with gemcitabine and surgical resection for cholangiocarcinoma patients (NACRAC study)

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The feasibility of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for cholangiocarcinoma, followed by conventional resection, has not been determined yet. Here, a phase I study of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, named NACRAC, was performed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended dose (RD) of gemcitabine when combined with external beam radiation therapy for resectable cholangiocarcinoma.

METHODOLOGY

From August 2007 to June 2008, 12 patients provided informed consent. Preoperative radiation was administered in 1.8Gy daily fractions up to a total dose of 45Gy. Gemcitabine was administered at day 1 and 8 every three weeks. The initial dose of gemcitabine was started from 400mg/m2.

RESULTS

One patient was not able to start treatment because of bleeding caused by a duodenal ulcer and cholangitis. At 800mg/m2 of gemcitabine, one patient out of three failed to complete the treatment because of Grade 3 hematological toxicity. In another three cases of 800mg/m2, the second case could not complete the treatment because of cholangitis. Then, 600mg/m2 was determined to be the MTD, and the RD dose decided as 600mg/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

The RD of gemcitabine in NACRAC study was determined to be 600mg/m2. NACRAC study should proceed to a phase II trial to evaluate the effectiveness.

A phase I trial of S-1 with concurrent radiotherapy in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this phase I trial of S-1 chemotherapy in combination with pelvic radiotherapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended dose (RD), and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of S-1.

METHODS

We enrolled 9 patients between April 2005 and March 2009. Radiotherapy (total dose, 60 Gy in 30 fractions) was given to the gross local recurrent tumor and pelvic nodal metastases using three-dimensional radiotherapy planning. We administered oral S-1 twice a day on days 1-14 and 22-35 during radiotherapy. The dose of S-1 was initially 60 mg/m(2)/day and was increased to determine the MTD and RD for this regimen.

RESULTS

DLT appeared at dose level 2 (70 mg/m(2)/day) in 2 patients, who experienced grade 3 enterocolitis and consequently required suspension of S-1 administration for longer than 2 weeks. Hematological toxicity was mild and reversible. At the initial evaluation, complete regression and partial regression were seen in 1 patient (11%) and 2 patients (22%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This phase I trial of S-1 chemotherapy with pelvic radiotherapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer revealed that the MTD for S-1 was 70 mg/m(2)/day and the RD was 60 mg/m(2)/day.

Narrow safety range of intraoperative rectal irradiation exposure volume for avoiding bleeding after seed implant brachytherapy

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

Rectal toxicity is less common after 125I seed implant brachytherapy for prostate cancer, and intraoperative rectal dose-volume constraints (the constraint) is still undetermined in pioneering studies. As our constraint failed to prevent grade 2 or 3 rectal bleeding (bled-pts) in 5.1% of patients, we retrospectively explored another constraint for the prevention of rectal bleeding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 197 patients treated with the brachytherapy as monotherapy using real-time intraoperative transrectal ultrasound (US)-guided treatment at a prescribed dose of 145 Gy. Post-implant dosimetry was performed on Day 1 and Day 30 after implantation using computed tomography (CT) imaging. Rectal bleeding toxicity was classified by CTC-AE ver. 3.0 during a mean 29-month (range, 12-48 months) period after implantation. The differences in rV100s were compared among intraoperative, Day 1 and Day 30 dosimetry, and between that of patients with grade 2 or 3 rectal bleeding (the bled-pts) and of the others (the spared-pts). All patients were divided into groups based on provisional rV100s that were increased stepwise in 0.1-cc increments from 0 to 1.0 cc. The difference in the ratios of the bled-pts to the spared-pts was tested by chi-square tests, and their odds ratios were calculated (bled-OR). All statistical analyses were performed by t-tests.

RESULTS

The mean values of rV100us, rV100CT_1, and rV100CT_30 were 0.31 ± 0.43, 0.22 ± 0.36, and 0.59 ± 0.68 cc, respectively. These values temporarily decreased (p = 0.020) on Day 1 and increased (p = 0.000) on Day 30. There was no significant difference in rV100s between the bled-pts and spared-pts at any time of dosimetry. The maximum bled-OR was identified among patients with an rV100us value above 0.1 cc (p = 0.025; OR = 7.8; 95% CI, 1.4-145.8); an rV100CT_1 value above 0.3 cc (p = 0.014; OR = 16.2; 95% CI, 3.9-110.7), and an rV100CT_30 value above 0.5 cc (p = 0.019; OR = 6.3; 95% CI, 1.5-42.3).

CONCLUSION

By retrospective analysis exploring rV100 as intraoperative rectal dose-volume thresholds in 125I seed implant brachytherapy for prostate cancer, it is proved that rV100 should be less than 0.1 cc for preventing rectal bleeding.

Impact of pathological tumor stage for salvage radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy in patients with prostate-specific antigen < 1.0 ng/ml

BACKGROUND

To evaluate prognostic factors in salvage radiotherapy (RT) for patients with pre-RT prostate-specific antigen (PSA) < 1.0 ng/ml.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and December 2009, 102 patients underwent salvage RT for biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP). Re-failure of PSA after salvage RT was defined as a serum PSA value of 0.2 ng/ml or more above the postradiotherapy nadir followed by another higher value, a continued rise in serum PSA despite salvage RT, or initiation of systemic therapy after completion of salvage RT. Biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 44 months (range, 11-103 months). Forty-three patients experienced PSA re-failure after salvage RT. The 4-year bRFS was 50.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 39.4-62.5%). In the log-rank test, pT3-4 (p < 0.001) and preoperative PSA (p = 0.037) were selected as significant factors. In multivariate analysis, only pT3-4 was a prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 3.512 [95% CI: 1.535-8.037], p = 0.001). The 4-year bRFS rates for pT1-2 and pT3-4 were 79.2% (95% CI: 66.0-92.3%) and 31.7% (95% CI: 17.0-46.4%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who have received salvage RT after RP with PSA < 1.0 ng/ml, pT stage and preoperative PSA were prognostic factors of bRFS. In particular, pT3-4 had a high risk for biochemical recurrence after salvage RT.

Genetic variants of NPAT-ATM and AURKA are associated with an early adverse reaction in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with cervical cancer treated with pelvic radiation therapy

PURPOSE

This study sought to associate polymorphisms in genes related to cell cycle regulation or genome maintenance with radiotherapy (RT)-induced an early adverse reaction (EAR) in patients with cervical cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study enrolled 243 cervical cancer patients who were treated with pelvic RT. An early gastrointestinal reaction was graded using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria, version 2. Clinical factors of the enrolled patients were analyzed, and 208 patients were grouped for genetic analysis according to their EAR (Grade ≤1, n = 150; Grade ≥2, n = 58). Genomic DNA was genotyped, and association with the risk of EAR for 44 functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of 19 candidate genes was assessed by single-locus, haplotype, and multilocus analyses.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed two haplotypes to be associated with an increased risk of EAR. The first, comprising rs625120C, rs189037T, rs228589A, and rs183460G, is located between the 5' ends of NPAT and ATM (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.21-2.87), whereas the second is located in the AURKA gene and comprises rs2273535A and rs1047972G (OR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.10-2.78). A third haplotype, rs2273535T and rs1047972A in AURKA, was associated with a reduced EAR risk (OR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20-0.89). The risk of EAR was significantly higher among patients with both risk diplotypes than in those possessing the other diplotypes (OR = 3.24; 95% CI, 1.52-6.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Individual radiosensitivity of intestine may be determined by haplotypes in the NPAT-ATM and AURKA genes. These variants should be explored in larger association studies in cervical cancer patients.

Focal dose escalation using FDG-PET-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy boost for postoperative local recurrent rectal cancer: a planning study with comparison of DVH and NTCP

Background

To evaluate the safety of focal dose escalation to regions with standardized uptake value (SUV) >2.0 using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) by comparison of radiotherapy plans using dose-volume histograms (DVHs) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) for postoperative local recurrent rectal cancer

Methods

First, we performed conventional radiotherapy with 40 Gy/20 fr. (CRT 40 Gy) for 12 patients with postoperative local recurrent rectal cancer, and then we performed FDG-PET/CT radiotherapy planning for those patients. We defined the regions with SUV > 2.0 as biological target volume (BTV) and made three boost plans for each patient: 1) CRT boost plan, 2) IMRT without dose-painting boost plan, and 3) IMRT with dose-painting boost plan. The total boost dose was 20 Gy. In IMRT with dose-painting boost plan, we increased the dose for BTV+5 mm by 30% of the prescribed dose. We added CRT boost plan to CRT 40 Gy (summed plan 1), IMRT without dose-painting boost plan to CRT 40 Gy (summed plan 2) and IMRT with dose-painting boost plan to CRT 40 Gy (summed plan 3), and we compared those plans using DVHs and NTCP.

Results

D_mean of PTV-PET and that of PTV-CT were 26.5 Gy and 21.3 Gy, respectively. V₅₀ of small bowel PRV in summed plan 1 was significantly higher than those in other plans ((summed plan 1 vs. summed plan 2 vs. summed plan 3: 47.11 ± 45.33 cm³ vs. 40.63 ± 39.13 cm³ vs. 41.25 ± 39.96 cm³(p < 0.01, respectively)). There were no significant differences in V₃₀, V₄₀, V₆₀, D_mean or NTCP of small bowel PRV.

Conclusions

FDG-PET-guided IMRT can facilitate focal dose-escalation to regions with SUV above 2.0 for postoperative local recurrent rectal cancer.

Optimal treatment strategy for intracranial germ cell tumors: a single institution analysis

OBJECT

This study retrospectively analyzed the long-term outcomes of 108 consecutive patients to establish the classification and optimal treatment strategy for each subgroup of newly diagnosed germ cell tumors (GCTs).

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records from the authors' department between April 1989 and March 2007 identified 108 patients with newly diagnosed intracranial GCT. The diagnoses were germinoma in 83 patients, and nongerminomatous GCT (NGGCT) in 25 patients.

RESULTS

In patients with germinoma, the 10-year overall and progression-free survival (PFS) rates at a median follow-up period of 99 months were 86 and 74%, respectively. Recurrences developed during a range of 6 to 153 months (median 26 months) after starting the initial therapy. Patients treated only with chemotherapy demonstrated a shorter PFS rate, and patients treated with chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose radiation therapy to the whole ventricle, whole brain, or craniospinal axis showed significantly better PFS than patients treated with only radiation or reduced-dose radiation therapy to the focal field. Nongerminomatous GCTs were divided into good, intermediate, and poor prognosis groups as proposed by the Japanese Pediatric Brain Tumor Study Group. In the good and intermediate prognosis groups, the 10-year overall and PFS rates were 100 and 93%, respectively. In the poor prognosis group, the 3-year overall and PFS rates were 56 and 29%, respectively. All patients with NGGCTs, in whom the lesions on MR imaging disappeared after combination therapies consisting of resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, remained alive.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose radiation therapy covering the whole ventricle improves the prognosis for patients with germinoma. Combined therapy of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and radical resection as an initial or salvage treatment achieved excellent tumor control in the intermediate prognosis NGGCT group. The outcomes were still dismal in the poor prognosis NGGCT group, so initial therapy should target complete disappearance of all lesions on MR imaging.

Prospective comparison of surgery alone and chemoradiotherapy with selective surgery in resectable squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

PURPOSE

Esophagectomy remains the mainstay treatment for esophageal cancer, although retrospective studies have suggested that chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is as effective as surgery. To determine whether CRT can substitute for surgery as the primary treatment modality, we performed a prospective direct comparison of outcomes after treatment in patients with resectable esophageal cancer who had received CRT and those who had undergone surgery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Eligible patients had resectable T1-3N0-1M0 thoracic esophageal cancer. After the surgeon explained the treatments in detail, the patients selected either CRT (CRT group) or surgery (OP group). The CRT course consisted of two cycles of cisplatin and fluorouracil with split-course concurrent radiotherapy of 60Gy in 30 fractions. Patients with progressive disease during CRT and/or with persistent or recurrent disease after CRT underwent salvage resection.

RESULTS

Of 99 eligible patients with squamous cell carcinoma registered between January 2001 and December 2005, 51 selected CRT and 48 selected surgery. Of the patients in the CRT group, 13 (25.5%) underwent esophagectomy as salvage therapy. The 3- and 5-year survival rates were 78.3% and 75.7%, respectively, in the CRT group compared with 56.9% and 50.9%, respectively, in the OP group (p = 0.0169). Patients in the OP group had significantly more metastatic recurrence than those in the CRT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment outcomes among patients with resectable thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were comparable or superior after CRT (with salvage therapy if needed) to outcomes after surgery alone.

Clinical correlations between treatment with anticoagulants/antiaggregants and late rectal toxicity after radiotherapy for prostate cancer

AIM

To assess variables related to grade 2 or higher late rectal toxicity (LRT) in prostate cancer treated with external radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was carried out of 232 patients with T1-T3 prostate cancer treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) (106 patients) or intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (126 patients) between June 2000 and May 2007. One hundred and seventy-seven patients received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); fifty patients used anticoagulants/antiaggregants for vascular disease.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 31 months (range, 6-79). At 5 years, the cumulative incidence of grade 2 or 3 LRT was 5.6% . On multivariate analysis, medication with anticoagulants/antiaggregants was correlated with grade 2 or 3 LRT (p=0.027), whereas age, National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group classification, use of ADT, radiotherapy technique (3DCRT vs. IMRT) and total irradiated dose were not.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with anticoagulants/antiaggregants appears to be a factor in grade 2 or 3 LRT.

Ghrelin regulates gastric phase III-like contractions in freely moving conscious mice

In humans and dogs, motilin regulates phase III contractions of migrating motor complex (MMC) in the interdigestive state, while ghrelin regulates MMC in rats. It still remains unclear whether ghrelin regulates phase III contractions of the mouse stomach. A miniature strain gauge transducer was sutured on the antrum to detect circular muscle contractions and gastric contractions of the interdigestive state were evaluated. Effects of ghrelin, a ghrelin receptor antagonist, and atropine on spontaneous gastric contractions were studied in freely moving conscious mice. Similar to the rat stomach, phase III-like contractions were observed in the interdigestive state, which disappeared immediately after the feeding. Ghrelin augmented spontaneous phase III-like contractions, while growth-hormone secretagogue receptor antagonists and atropine abolished the occurrence of spontaneous phase III-like contractions. The spontaneous phase III-like contractions were no more observed in vagotomized mice. These results suggest that ghrelin regulates phase III-like contractions in mice stomach via its own receptors. Ghrelin-induced gastric phase III-like contractions are mediated via vagal cholinergic pathways in mice. Our recording system of mice gastric motility may be useful to study the functional changes in gene knockout mice, in the future.

Germ cell tumors in the basal ganglia: problems of early diagnosis and treatment

OBJECT

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) originating in the basal ganglia are rare. The authors investigated factors related to the diagnosis of these lesions as well as outcome in order to help decrease the time to diagnosis and improve treatment efficacy.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the clinical features of 142 cases of intracranial GCT in their institute. Fourteen cases of basal ganglia GCT were identified. The symptoms, neuroimaging findings, delay between symptom onset and diagnosis or treatment, initial and further treatment, and outcome were investigated.

RESULTS

Major symptoms were motor weakness and precocious puberty. Gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted MR images showed enhancement in 8 of 11 patients examined, but only slight hyperintensity without enhancement in 2 patients. Ipsilateral peduncle and hemispheric atrophy were found in 3 and 4 patients, respectively. Cases of basal ganglia GCT were characterized by a longer delay from the initial neuroimaging examination to diagnosis compared with GCT in other regions. Five patients had aggravated hemiparesis in the extremities due to the delay in diagnosis. Despite good response to the initial therapy, 5 patients experienced recurrence; 2 of these 5 had malignant GCTs, and 3 had been treated only with chemotherapy or radiochemotherapy with insufficient radiation dose and field. Finally, the 2 patients with malignant GCTs died of the disease, and 1 died of aspiration pneumonia due to dissemination around the brainstem.

CONCLUSIONS

Early diagnosis requires MR imaging with administration of contrast medium in young patients presenting with motor weakness and/or precocious puberty. Serial neuroimaging studies should be performed if any tiny lesion is detected in the basal ganglia. Since insufficient treatment resulted in early recurrence, radiation therapy with adequate dose and field is essential.

Correlation between DJ-1 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and the progression of disabilities in multiple sclerosis patients

Objectives

DJ-1 plays a key role in the anti-oxidative stress function. Increasing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the DJ-1 levels were increased in patients with MS and to examine its association with the progression of MS.

Methods

Quantitative immunoblot assays were performed to evaluate the DJ-1 level in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from relapsing–remitting patients with MS ( n = 29), disease controls subjects ( n = 14), and healthy subjects ( n = 44).

Results

No significant difference was observed in the serum DJ-1 level among the patients with MS, disease controls, and healthy controls. However, the CSF DJ-1 levels were significantly higher in the patients with MS than in the disease control subjects ( P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was also found between the CSF DJ-1 levels and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score ( P < 0.005, r = 0.501).

Conclusions

These results show that the CSF DJ-1 levels are significantly increased in the CSF of patients with MS and that the CSF DJ-1 levels may be associated with the disease progression of MS. Therefore, DJ-1 possibly plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MS.

Temporal change in brain natriuretic Peptide after radiotherapy for thoracic esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationships of plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) with abnormal (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation in the myocardium corresponding to irradiated fields and temporal changes in BNP, which is used as an index of heart remodeling, after radiotherapy for the mediastinum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Brain natriuretic peptide concentrations were measured before and after radiotherapy for thoracic esophageal cancer, and the change in BNP concentration after radiotherapy was investigated. Moreover, FDG accumulation in the myocardium was investigated in patients who had undergone FDG positron emission tomography less than 14 days before or after measurement of BNP concentration, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to detect significant difference between BNP concentrations in patients with and without abnormal FDG accumulation corresponding to the irradiated field.

RESULTS

There was significant difference between the levels of BNP in patients without abnormal FDG accumulation in the irradiated myocardium and in patients with abnormal FDG accumulation (p < 0.001). The levels of BNP in the 9-24 months after radiotherapy group and in the >24 months after radiotherapy group were significantly higher than the levels in the before radiotherapy group, immediately after radiotherapy group, 1-2 months after radiotherapy group, and control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The level of BNP was significantly increased more than 9 months after the start of radiotherapy and was significantly higher in patients who had high FDG accumulation corresponding to the irradiated field. The results of this study indicate that BNP concentration might be an early indicator of radiation-induced myocardial damage.

Endogenous acyl ghrelin is involved in mediating spontaneous phase III-like contractions of the rat stomach

In humans and dogs, it is known that motilin regulates phase III contractions of migrating motor complex (MMC) in the fasted state. In rats, however, motilin and its receptor have not been found, and administration of motilin failed to induce any phase III-like contractions. Ghrelin was discovered as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) from the rat stomach. Ghrelin promotes gastric premature phase III (phase III-like contractions) in the fasted state in rats. We hypothesized that endogenous ghrelin regulates spontaneous phase III-like contractions in rats. Strain gauge transducer was sutured on the antrum and a catheter was inserted into the jugular vein. We studied the effects of i.v. administration of ghrelin and a GHS-R antagonist on gastric phase III-like contractions in conscious rats. Plasma level of ghrelin was measured by a radioimmunoassay. Ghrelin augmented spontaneous phase III-like contractions and a GHS-R antagonist significantly attenuated the occurrence of spontaneous phase III-like contractions. During the phase I period, plasma ghrelin level increased to its peak then returned to basal level, subsequently phase III-like contractions were observed. These results suggest that endogenous ghrelin regulates gastric phase III-like contractions in rats.