Cisplatin-docetaxel induction chemotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a non-endemic cohort

This is the report on our clinic's 15 years of experience (2004-2018) on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) and subsequent concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), comprising population characteristics and treatment outcomes of 203 patients with non-metastatic NPC. IC comprised docetaxel (75 mg/m2) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2) combination (TP). Concurrent cisplatin (P) was applied either weekly (40 mg/m2, 32 cases) or every-3-week (100 mg/m2, 171 cases). The median follow-up duration was 85 months (range, 5-204 months). Overall and distant failure rates were observed in 27.1% (n = 55) and 13.8% (n = 28) patients, respectively. The 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 84.1%, 86.4%, 75%, and 78.7% respectively. The overall stage was an independent prognostic factor for the LRRFS, DMFS, DFS, and OS. The WHO histological type was a prognostic factor for the LRRFS, DFS, and OS. Age was a prognostic factor for the DMFS, DFS, and OS. Concurrent P schedule was independent prognostic only the LRRFS.

Promising Outcomes in Acromegaly Patients Receiving CyberKnife Stereotactic Hypofractionated Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The primary treatment for patients with acromegaly has traditionally been transsphenoidal surgery, with decreasing reliance on radiotherapy (RT) due to advancements in pharmacotherapy (PT). Despite these advancements, a substantial portion of patients still face persistent acromegaly, necessitating novel treatment approaches. This study investigates the role of CyberKnife Stereotactic Hypofractionated Radiotherapy (CK-HFRT) in persistent acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to assess the impact of CK-HFRT on endocrine remission (ER) rates while maintaining acceptable toxicity levels.

METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed 31 consecutive patients with acromegaly who received CK-HFRT following multiple unsuccessful surgeries and prolonged PT without ER. Various CK-HFRT dose fractionation regimes were administered, and dose volume histograms were evaluated. Tumor control, cured disease (CD), endocrine remission (ER) rates, and overall survival were estimated at a median follow-up of 62 months. Acute and late toxicity, including pituitary insufficiency and radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION), were also assessed.

RESULTS

At 62 months of follow-up, the study group demonstrated excellent tumor control with 100% nonprogressive adenomas. Endocrine remission was achieved in 86.7% of patients, with a 22.4% CD rate at five years. Pituitary insufficiency occurred in 32.3% of patients, and no cases of RION were reported. The study observed three deaths related to cardiovascular diseases, all in patients receiving PT. Overall survival at five years was 79.2%.

CONCLUSION

CyberKnife stereotactic hypofractionated radiotherapy, as an adjunct to PT, provides a viable treatment option for patients with persistent acromegaly following unsuccessful surgeries. The therapy results in substantial ER rates and tumor control while minimizing the risk of permanent radiation-induced optic neuropathy. However, the decision to administer CK-HFRT should be individualized, considering the patient's overall condition and treatment history.

The possibilities of using quinoa flour in the production of chicken meat patties

In this study, the mixtures obtained by mixing quinoa flour with wheat flour in different proportions were added to chicken meat patties and their effects on some quality characteristics were investigated. The yields of the meatballs prepared with the mixes containing 50% and 100% quinoa flour were higher than those of other meatballs (69.59% and 69.71%, respectively). The moisture retention of the fried meatballs prepared with mixtures containing 50%, 70% and 100% quinoa flour was found to be 45.80%, 45.97% and 51.09%, respectively. The results indicated that the moisture retention of these meatballs was higher than those of meatballs containing 30 and 0% quinoa flour. In contrast, oil absorption rates in the fried samples were in the range of 4.46-5.65% for all quinoa-containing samples and were lower compared to the control sample. Firmness decreased in meat patties prepared with mixtures containing high quinoa rates. It was observed that quinoa flour did not have a negative effect on quality factors. It was concluded that especially the mixtures containing 30% and 50% quinoa flour can be recommended.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma in children: Multimodal treatment and long-term outcome of 92 patients in a single center over a 28-year period

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term outcome and late effects in pediatric patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), followed by radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

Ninety-two children (65 male, 27 female) diagnosed with NPC between 1989 and 2017 in the Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology were evaluated retrospectively. NACT consisted of three cycles of cisplatin-containing regimen every 3 weeks, followed by RT.

RESULTS

The median age was 13 years (5-18 years). Most had locoregionally advanced disease (stage III/IVA/IVB) and five had distant metastases at presentation. At a median follow-up of 108 months (3-332 months), 5- and 10-year overall survival rates and event-free survival rates were 87.5%, 79.7% and 82.1%, 78.9%, respectively. Three patients with distant metastasis are long-term survivors. Thirteen patients relapsed at a median of 8 months (2-23 months). Hypothyroidism (36%) and xerostomia (25%) were the most frequent long-term treatment-related toxicities. Nine second malignancies developed in eight patients, eight in the irradiated field at a median of 14 years (range 5-26 years), five of whom are long-term survivors after curative surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Three courses of cisplatin-containing NACT, followed by RT lead to high survival and locoregional control rate in advanced stage NPC in children. Patients with distant metastasis should also be treated with curative intent by systemic chemotherapy and locoregional radiotherapy. Patients should be followed closely for recurrences and long-term morbidities including second malignancies, which may be treated with curative surgeries if diagnosed early.

Efficacy and Safety of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Cushing's Disease: A Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiotherapy (RT) in patients with Cushing's disease (CD).

METHODS

The study included 38 patients [31 patients who received gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS) and 7 patients who received cyberknife hypofractionated RT (HFRT)] with CD. Hormonal remission was considered if the patient had suppressed cortisol levels after low dose dexamethasone, normal 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC), and lack or regression of clinical features.

RESULTS

Biochemical control after RT was observed in 52.6% of the patients with CD and median time to hormonal remission was 15 months. Tumor size control was obtained in all of the patients. There was no significant relationship between remission rate and laboratory, radiological and pathological variables except for preoperative UFC. Remission rate was higher in patients with lower preoperative UFC. Time to remission increased in parallel to postoperative cortisol and 1mg DST level. Although medical therapy before RT did not affect the rate of- and time to remission, medical therapy after RT prolonged the time to hormonal remission.

CONCLUSION

In this current single center experience, postoperative cortisol and 1mg DST levels were found as the determinants of time to remission. Although medical therapy before RT did not affect the rate of- and time to remission, medical therapy after RT prolonged the time to biochemical control . This latter finding might suggest a radioprotective effect of cortisol lowering medication use on peri-RT period.

Induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) patients treated between 2004 and 2016: Patient and treatment characteristics and long term outcome

e17507

Background: Standard treatment of locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LRA-NPC) is CCRT with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (CT). The value of adding IC to CCRT in LRA-NPC is unclear. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate LRA-NPC patients treated with IC followed by CCRT and analyse patient, tumor, treatment characteristics and outcome. Methods: Between 2004 and 2016, 202 patients with nonmetastatic LRA-NPC (stage 3-4), 144 males and 58 females ranging from 17 to 75 (median 49) years old were treated with IC followed by CCRT. Eleven (%5.4) patients had keratinised (WHO I), and 191 (%94.6) had nonkeratinised or undiffrentiated (WHO II-III) carcinoma. Cumulative radiation dose to primary tumor ranged from 60 to 74 (median 70) Gy. Ninety-one (%45) of the patients received 2-dimensional and 111 (%55) received intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). IC consisted of taxane (T)(75 mg/ m2) and platinum (P)(75 mg/m2) combination (199 patients) or P and fluoruracil or epirubicine (3 patients) combination and 188 of the patients received 3 cycles of IC. Concomittant P was used either weekly (40 mg/m2, 25 patients) or every 3-weekly (100 mg/m2, 177 patients) application. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 167 months (median, 72.5 months). Results: Treatment failure was observed in 52 (%25.7) of the patients (21 local, 13 regional and 27 distant failures). Distant failure rate of all the patients exceeds 13%. Five and 10 years disease free survival (DFS) rates are 75.2% and 70.4% and overall survival (OS) rates are 78.9% and 64% respectively. In univariate analysis patient age favoring those below 49 and stage of disease favoring WHO II-III were all significant predictors of DFS and OS. In addition pathology was a significant predictor of DFS. Conclusions: LRA-NPC patients treated with IC followed by CCRT have a high locoregional control rate. Despite the use of systemic (induction) chemotherapy distant control remains insufficient and continues to be a challenge in NPC treatment. Besides improving locoregional control more effective systemic therapy is needed. [Table: see text]

Effectiveness of Black Mulberry Molasses in Prevention of Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Randomized Controlled Study in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVES

Radiation-induced oral mucositis is one of the problems experienced by 70%-80% of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT). This randomized controlled trial assessed the effectiveness of black mulberry molasses in the prevention of oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients receiving RT.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Eighty head and neck cancer patients scheduled to undergo RT to the oropharyngeal mucosa were randomly assigned to receive RT (42) or RT plus mulberry molasses (38). The research data were collected with a Patient Description Form, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0, an Oral Assessment Guide, and the University of Washington Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The incidence and severity of oral mucositis were lower in the black mulberry molasses group. However, black mulberry molasses usage was an only independent and significant factor in prevention of mucositis [HR 0.63 (%95 GI 0.40-0.98)]. There were no differences between the quality of life scores of experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized controlled study showed that black mulberry molasses usage is an effective intervention in the prevention of the radiation-induced mucositis of head and neck cancer patients. However, to confirm these results, further studies are needed.

Carcinoma of the tongue: a case-control study on etiologic factors and dental trauma

BACKGROUND

Carcinoma of the tongue is the most common intra-oral malignancy in Western countries. Incidence and mortality rates have increased in recent years, and survival has not improved. This study aimed to determine etiologic factors for tongue cancer with age-sex matched case-control data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

47 patients with carcinoma of the tongue referred to our oral medicine clinic between years 2005-2006 were analyzed and compared with control group data. The medical records , including family history of cancer, dental trauma, and history of abuse of alcohol and tobacco products was recorded for all subjects. Chi square comparison tests and linear regression analysis were performed using the SPSS program for statistics.

RESULTS

Patient and randomly selected control groups each consisted of 30 male and 17 female subjects with mean ages 53.2 (± 12.6) and 52.6 (± 11.5) years respectively. Smoking and alcohol abuse proportions were significantly higher in the patient group (p=0.0001, p<0.0001 respectively). Chronic mechanical trauma was observed in 44.7% of the patients and 17.0% of the control group (p=0.004). Similarly, family history of cancer of any type (for the first degree relatives) was found to be more common in the patient group (p=0.009). On regression analysis, alcohol abuse, family history of cancer, smoking, chronic mechanical traumas appeared as significant etiologic factors (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that field cancerization may become evident in oral and oropharyngeal mucosa with multiple steps of molecular changes starting from the first sign of dysplasia with chronic exposure to etiological factors. Chronic trauma cases need particular attention to search for very early signs of cancer.

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin is highly effective for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant chemotherapy (CT) has improved the therapeutic outcome of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANC). However, the importance of induction CT before definitive therapy is still undefined. Patients (n=59) who had LANC were included in this retrospective study. They received induction CT consisting of cisplatin and docetaxel followed by definitive RT with cisplatin. The median age was 49 years (18-68). All patients were of stages II (15%), III (63%) and IV (22%). Fifty eight patients could receive 3 cycles of CT. Except one patient, there was no grade 3 or 4 toxicity during induction CT. Chemoradiotherapy could be given to 49 patients (83%). Twelve percent of patients had complete response after induction CT and this number had increased to 95% after the completion of the therapy. Objective responses (complete and partial) were 100% after the completion of the therapy. Median follow up time was 29 months. Nine patients had relapse (2 had local only, 4 distant, 3 local and distant). Three patients who had both local and distant relapse died during follow-up. Three year overall and progression free survival rates were 94.9% and 84.7%, respectively. Induction CT with docetaxel and cisplatin is a feasible and tolerable treatment for patients with LANC.

Effects of immobilization beds on the dose in the entrance and exit dose region for Co-60, 4, 6 and 15 MV photons

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of Styrofoam beds used for immobilization on build-up and exit dose regions for high energy photon beams.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Build-up dose and exit dose measurements in central axis of Co-60 and 4, 6 and 15 MV photons at various field sizes and source to phantom distances were made in a water equivalent solid phantom with 2, 5 and 10 cm thick uniform Styrofoam beds at the surface. A Markus type plane-parallel ion chamber with fixed separation between collecting electrodes was used to measure the percent depth doses.

RESULTS

The surface dose increased almost linearly with field size for Co-60, 4, 6 and 15 MV X-ray beams. The effect of immobilization (Styrofoam beds) on the surface dose increased with the thickness and this effect was lower with higher energies. When a 2 cm thick Styrofoam bed was used for immobilization, the surface dose in a 10x10 cm field was higher (43.9, 36.8, 28.8 and 14.9% for Co-60, 4, 6 and 15 MV, respectively).

CONCLUSION

As the Styrofoam bed was thicker, the maximum dose point moved closer to the surface of the phantom for all energies. The exit surface dose was also enhanced with the presence of Styrofoam beds and similar to the effects on the surface dose. This enhancement was the maximum 5% for high energy photon beams and 6% for Co-60 beam. The introduction of Styrofoam beds in the radiation beam for the immobilization of the patient increases surface and exit doses to a considerable extent.

Effects of amifostine on healing of microvascular anastomoses, flap survival, and nerve regeneration with preoperative or postoperative irradiation

Amifostine is an organic thiophosphate compound, which has both cytoprotective and radioprotective effects. An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the effects of its use on reconstructive surgery in cancer treatment. One hundred and twenty guinea pigs were divided into three equal groups to investigate flap survival and healing, patency of microvascular anastomoses, and nerve regeneration, respectively. The groups were subdivided in such a way that they were given either preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy, with or without amifostine treatment. Macroscopic and planimetric examination, light and electron microscopy, and histomorphometric analyses were performed to evaluate flap survival and healing, patency of arterial anastomoses, and nerve regeneration. Although flap survival rates were not affected, significantly better flap healing was observed in the postoperative radiotherapy subgroup with amifostine treatment. However, amifostine treatment did not result in a statistically significant difference in terms of anastomotic patency and nerve regeneration with either preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy.

Prognostic significance of hemoglobin concentration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: does treatment-induced anemia have negative effect?

PURPOSE

To assess the value of hemoglobin concentration (HC) in predicting treatment outcomes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-eight NPC patients treated with three courses of platinum-based neoadjuvant CT (NCT) and conventional RT were grouped as having normal HC (> or = 12.0 g/dl in females and > or = 13 g/dl in males), having mild anemia (MA) (13.0 g/dl > Hb > or = 11 g/dl in males, 12.0 g/dl > Hb > or = 11 g/dl in females) and having severe anemia (SA) (Hb < 11 g/dl). Massive decrease in HC (MDHC) was defined as > or = 1.5 g/dl decline with NCT. Along with other known risk factors (sex, age, histopathology, T stage, N stage, bilateral neck involvement, cranial nerve involvement and total RT time), the prognostic value of SA and MDHC were evaluated by Cox-regression.

RESULTS

SA increased from 7 to 33% with NCT (p < 0.0001). Patients with SA had lower 5-year locoregional control (LRC) (49 vs. 73%, p = 0.03), disease-free survival (DFS) (42 vs. 68%, p = 0.01) and overall survival (OS) (43 vs. 69%, p = 0.01) rates than patients with normal HC or MA. The presence of MDHC worsened 5-year LRC (p = 0.002), DFS (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.02) rates. In multivariate analyses, MDHC and SA had pronounced effect on LRC and survival, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MDHC and SA adversely affect treatment outcome in NPC patients treated with CT and RT. This may favour concomitant scheduling of RT and CT over neoadjuvant setting. Correction of HC before RT can improve the efficacy of RT and should be further evaluated.

Prognostic significance of melanoma inhibiting activity levels in malignant melanoma

This analytic (phase II) study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the decline in serum melanoma-inhibiting activity (MIA) levels following initiation of treatment might have prognostic value. The mean serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), MIA and S100 levels in patients with malignant melanoma before treatment were higher than in the control group. Patients with visceral dissemination had much higher mean serum MIA levels than patients with nodal spread only. A regression model was constructed to analyse the prognostic factors in patients with advanced stage malignant melanoma. Therapy included surgical excision or lymph node dissection, hypofractionated radiotherapy, and immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Blood samples were collected within 24 h before the initiation of systemic treatment and two or three times more at 20-28 day intervals. Overall survival was investigated by univariate analysis, and correlation with clinical factors was compared using the log-rank test. Gender, primary tumour site, surgery, radiation therapy, serum S100 levels before systemic treatment and choice of chemotherapy were not correlated with the outcome. In addition to the stage of disease, low serum LDH levels before systemic treatment and a decline in serum MIA levels following initiation of systemic treatment predicted a favourable outcome. Metastasis to visceral organs was associated with higher serum MIA levels. Persistence of high serum MIA levels despite systemic treatment predicts an unfavourable prognosis.

Locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: computed tomography findings, clinical evaluation, and treatment outcome

PURPOSE

We present our experience with computed tomography (CT) for delineating the extent of bone erosion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and propose that a new subdivision of Stage T4 disease be added to the staging criteria for cases of minimal bone disease, defined as erosion of the base of the sphenoid or the pterygoid without cranial nerve (CN) involvement.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical findings, radiological findings, and treatment outcome in 64 patients with Stage T4 NPC, diagnosed according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer 4th edition criteria. The median follow-up was 34 months (range, 3-118 months). Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test, the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Local control was achieved in 19 (46%) of 41 patients with CN deficits and 18 (78%) of 23 patients without CN deficits (p = 0.01). Overall 5-year survival with and without CN deficits was 25% and 58%, respectively (p = 0.01). When the 16 patients with minimal bone disease were compared to the remaining 48 patients, there were significant differences in local control rates (87% vs. 48%, p = 0. 006) and 5-year survival rates (68% vs. 28%, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with Stage T4 NPC, a subgroup of patients with only minimal bone disease may have a more favorable prognosis, which may have a considerable bearing on our approach to this patient group.

Prognostic significance of marker half-life during chemotherapy in non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumors

Decrease in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels is considered as a response during chemotherapy of non-seminomatous germ cell testicular tumors, but data on the prognostic significance of marker half-life remains inconclusive. Serum marker half-life was evaluated in 34 patients with elevated markers, receiving chemotherapy (CT). Marker half-life was calculated from the natural logarithm of the sequential AFP or HCG concentrations. The correlation between event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) with unfavorable half-lives of AFP and HCG was evaluated. Median actual half-life (AHL) AFP was 3.9 days (range, 1.4-21.5) and median AHL HCG was 4.4 days (range, 1.4-21.0); 82% of the patients had a satisfactory initial decline in AFP, and 71% had a satisfactory initial decline in HCG. There was a significant difference in EFS and OS between the two groups of patients with an AFP half-life < 7 days and > 7 days. HCG half-life did not adversely affect EFS and OS. The correlation of better EFS and OS with appropriate AFP marker half-life during chemotherapy could provide a dynamic method, which could complement the standard baseline prognostic factors, for the prediction of prognosis.