Interfraction variations in doses at OARs during three-dimensional high dose rate brachytherapy planning of cervix cancer

Objective

The American Brachytherapy (BT) Society recommends that BT must be included as a component of the definitive radiation therapy for cervical carcinoma because recurrences and complications are decreased when BT is used in addition to external beam radiotherapy. The aim of this study is to quantify the interfraction dose variations (VARacts) during high dose rate (HDR) BT, the effect of variation in dose in terms of excess "unrecognized" dose to OAR and to conclude the reason of the variation in reference of applicator position/geometry versus deformation of the organ at risk (OAR) concerned.

Materials and Methods

Total 30 patients of carcinoma cervix, biopsy proven, between June 2018 and May 2019, were taken for the study. All patients were treated with external beam radiation therapy to a dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks, followed by three fractions of HDR intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) (7.5 Gy to point A in each fraction) by two-dimensional (2D) X-ray-based planning. Before treatment in the first and last fraction of BT, computed tomography (CT) scan was done for every patient. Then, a 3D-based planning was performed with CT images on our HDR Plus software with image sequence option. VARact was calculated. Rigid image registration of consecutive fraction images was used for quantification of the hypothetical variation in dose (VARhypo) arising exclusively due to changes in applicator placement and geometry.

Results

The mean contoured rectal volumes for the first and third fractions were 41.49 cc and 44.72 cc, respectively, while the respective volumes for bladder were 9.33 cc and 9.35 cc cm. These differences were statistically insignificant (P value: 0.263 and 0.919 for rectum and bladder, respectively). The mean equivalent dose in 2 Gy fraction (EQD2) bladder D2cc was 5.68 Gy and 5.79 Gy in the first and third fraction ICBT, respectively. The mean EQD2 for the rectal D2cc was 11.63 Gy and 12.85 Gy in the first and third fraction ICBT, respectively. None of the patients had an actual cumulative EQD2 more than 90 Gy for bladder, but 36.66% of the patients had a rectal dose exceeding the tolerance (75 Gy). Regression plots showed that VARhypo alone could predict about 42.2% of the VARact in the rectum and 19.2% of the VARact in the bladder. Thus, the remaining variation was due to the organ deformation-related dose variations between the two fractions.

Conclusions

There were no statistically significant variations in the volumes or doses of OAR between the two fractions. However, a significant proportion of patients may have a higher dose to the OAR in the third fraction in the absence of individualized planning. This increase is likely to be more detrimental where higher doses per fraction are used. Variations in OAR doses may be caused by organ deformation and/or changes in applicator placement/geometry.

Comparative study of concurrent conventional chemoradiotherapy versus hypofractionated chemoradiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme postoperative patients

Purpose

To assess the treatment response and toxicity profile among two groups of newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) postoperative patients receiving conventional radiotherapy (RT) versus hypofractionated RT with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ) in both.

Materials and Methods

A total of 50 patients randomly allotted into two arms (25 in each). Dose received 60 Gy (2 Gy/#) in conventional fractionation RT versus 50 Gy (2.5 Gy/#) in hypofractionated RT with concurrent TMZ 75 mg/m2 orally daily in both arms, respectively. Follow-up was done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after completion of treatment to evaluate toxicities, treatment response, and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

All patients were well tolerated with treatment; no major adverse effects were monitored in two arms. There was no statistical significant difference in treatment response, which was found 64% versus 60% in arm A and arm B, respectively, at 3 months of follow-up (P = 0.768). Toxicity profiles were also noted similar in both arms. The 6-month PFS was 84% and 80% in arm A and arm B, respectively (P = 0.71) and 12-month PFS was 60% and 52% in arm A and arm B, respectively (P = 0.69).

Conclusion

Among the patients followed, this study showed that hypofractionated RT regimen was not inferior to conventional RT regimen.

Comparative study of induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy alone in locally advanced head and neck cancer

Objective

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CTRT) is the standard treatment for patients with unresectable, nonmetastatic Locally advanced squamous cell cancer of head and neck (LASCCHN). The aim of this study to compare the efficacy and toxicity of induction chemotherapy (ICT) followed by CTRT versus standard CTRT alone in patients with LASCCHN.

Materials and Methods

Between January 2017 and September 2017, 100 patients with LASCCHN (Stage III and IV) were randomly assigned to two arms: 50 patients in each. Arm A treated by standard CTRT alone (a total 66 Gy in 33fr 2 Gy/# administered daily 5 days/week with 3 weekly inj. cisplatin 100 mg/m² divided in two days) and Arm B received two cycles of ICT (TPF - inj. paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 on day 1, cisplatin 100 mg/m2 divided in 2 days and inj. 5FU 1 gm/m2 iv d1 and d2 ) followed by same CTRT. Assessment was done weekly during RT and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months posttreatment for treatment response, toxicities, and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Total response was observed 79.1% and 82.1% in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (P = 0.705) at 6-8 weeks after the completion of treatment. Acute toxicities were significantly higher in ICT arm. The 18 months PFS was 57% versus 55% in Arm A and Arm B, respectively (x² = 0.039, P = 0.8414).

Conclusion

Among the patients followed, this study failed to show benefit of ICT-CTRT over CTRT alone in patients of LASCCHN.

Comparison of two schedules of hypo-fractionated radiotherapy in locally advanced head-and-neck cancers

Aim

In India, more than 70% patients present as locally advanced head-and-neck cancers (LAHNC), with poor performance status and are suitable candidates for palliative radiotherapy (RT) aimed at symptom relief. This prospective study aims to compare two different short course hypo-fractionated RT regimens in patients of LAHNC at a regional cancer centre of north-west India.

Materials and Methods

A total of 70 patients of LAHNC were randomized to receive palliative RT in two groups of 35 each. Group A received 30 Gy/10# over 2 weeks and Group B received 20 Gy/5# over 1 week. Baseline symptoms of pain, dysphagia, insomnia, dysphonia, bleeding, fungation, and dyspnea were assessed before the start of study. The first assessment for toxicities, subjective and objective response was done at the conclusion of RT and then after 4-6 weeks.

Results

Out of total 70 patients, 71% were males and 29% were females with a median age of 54 years. The most common sites were oropharynx (39%) followed by larynx (24%), oral cavity (20%), and hypopharynx (17%). Nearly 60% of the patients in both groups presented in stage IV and 40% in stage III. At conclusion of RT and at 4-6 weeks follow-up, both groups showed similar results in terms of symptom palliation, objective response, and acute toxicities. Group B showed higher incidence of Grade III and above mucositis (P = 0.027). Median overall survival was found to be 5.9 months (range 1-15 months) in group A and 6.1 months (range 1-18 months) in Group B.

Conclusion

Hypo-fractionated RT promises to effectively relieve symptoms in LAHNC and reduces the need of analgesics and hospital visits. Furthermore, a shorter overall treatment time is beneficial at high volume centers and is also welcomed by patients with shorter life expectancy.

Role of DOSE Escalation in whole Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastasis in Patients with a Favorable Survival Prognosis

Background: Brain metastases is a major health care problem and is the most common intracranial cancer in adults. These patients may benefit from intensive treatments including neurosurgery and radiosurgery but many patients cannot receive such treatment, and whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) alone is the only option. The most common WBRT schedule is 30 Grays (Gy) in 10 fractions (fr). However there is need to develop fractionation schedules, but total dose still remain dilemma.The Purpose of this study to assess the potential benefit of dose escalation beyond 30 Gy. Patients and methods: Total 120 patients with multiple brain metastases, previously untreated with WBRT were randomly assigned into two arms. All patients have favorable survival prognosis. Seventy patients received a total 30Gy in 10fr, 3Gy/fr administered daily 5days/week in arm A and 50 patients received 39Gy in 13fr, with same schedule in arm B. Both arms were compared for local control (LC) and overall survival (OS). Results: The LC rate at 18 months was 11% after 30 Gy and 24% after 39 Gy (p value=0.068). The survival rate at18 months was 21% after 30 Gy and 38% after 39Gy (OS 21% vs. 38%, hazard ratio 0.593; 95% CI: .395-.891; p value=0.047). On subgroup analysis of primary tumor, the 18 months LC rate was 16% vs 53% in Breast (p value=0.020) and10% vs 11% in Lung cancer (p value=0.809) in arm A and B respectively; the 18 months OS rate was 14% vs26% in Lung (P value=0.160) and 37% vs 73% in Brest cancer (p value=0.034) in arm A and B respectively. Conclusion: Escalation of the WBRT dose beyond 30 Gy resulted in better outcomes, particularly for patients with primary breast cancer.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy versus conventional radiotherapy in early glottic cancer T1-2N0M0: A randomized study

Objective

Glottic cancer has an excellent probability of cure. The early glottic cancer is usually treated by radiotherapy with different fractionation schedules. The aim of this study was to compare conventional versus hypofractionated radiotherapy with respect to overall survival and disease-free survival.

Materials and Methods

A total of fifty patients with T1-2N0M0 glottic cancer with no previous treatment history were prospectively randomized into two arms. In Arm A (Study), patients received a total of 55 Gy in 20# at 2.75 Gy/#, 5 days a week. In Arm B (Control), patients received a total of 66 Gy in 33# at 2 Gy/#, 5 days a week. Disease response was evaluated by the WHO criteria at the end of treatment, then at 1, 2, and 3 months to complete their 6-month follow-up. Overall survival and disease-free survival were evaluated at 1, 2, and 3 years.

Results

Overall, 100% of patients in the study arm and 96% of patients in the control arm had complete response after 6 months. Overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 96%, 96%, and 88%, respectively, in the study arm, while in the control arm, these values were 92%, 84%, and 80%, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Disease-free survival at 3 years was 88% in the study arm and 80% in the control arm.

Conclusion

The study suggests that hypofractionated regimen may be better in local control and symptomatic relief with the added advantage of shorter treatment time, which offers better patient compliance and advantageous in busy setups where there is heavy patient load.

Epidemiological Profile and Clinicopathological Correlates of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients at Regional Cancer Centre

Background: Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among woman worldwide. In India breast cancer remains the leading cause of both incidence and mortality. Triple negative breast cancer is more difficult to treat as it does not respond to hormone therapy medicines or medicines that target receptor proteins (like HER 2 Neu). It is crucial for the physician to know the status of the disease as the patient can be subjected to a whole new avenue of treatment. The present study was done to assess the epidemiological profile and clinicopathological correlates of patients of triple negative breast cancer. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in Acharya Tulsi Cancer and Research Institute located in the state of Rajasthan, Bikaner, India, among Ca Breast patients presenting to Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Surgical Oncology outdoor & indoor from April 2016 to March 2017. Out of the total 1017 patients of carcinoma breast 957 were included in this Study. Exclusion criteria was non availability of ER, PR, HER2 neu status reports because of various reasons like affordability. Out of the total 957 patients 249 were found to be triple negative. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 21. Results: Mean age of the patients was 46±11.23 years. Out of total 249 patients of triple negative breast carcinoma, 91 (%) were found to have had clinical staging I and II (Early stage) and 158 (%) patients were found to have clinical staging III & IV (Late Stage). Mean size of the tumor was 3.6±1.94cm. 151 (60.6%) were pre-menopausal, 103 (41.4%) and 12 (4.8%) patients had positive family history. All of or patients diagnosed to have Ductal type of carcinoma. Lympho-vascular invasion was seen in 51 (20.5%) patients and High grade Histological Grading was seen in High Grade 169 (67.9%) patients. 172 (69.1%) undergone MRM (Modified Radical Mastectomy) and BCS was done in 74 (29.7%) patients. After comparison of triple Negative Breast Cancer with non-triple Negative Breast Cancer, lower age, later stages (III and IV), pre-menopausal status and high grade (on histology) were significantly more in negative type of Ca breast. Occurrence of early Menarche (< 13 Years) and history of OC pills used was almost equal in both the groups. Conclusion: Triple Negative Breast Cancer was found to present at an earlier age and more in pre – menopausal women. Such patients presented with a higher histological grade of tumor and late stage of presentation. There was no statistically significant association between TNBC and age of menarche, use of OC pill, previous exposure to radiotherapy and positive family history in first degree relative.

A Comparative Study Of Concurrent Chemo-Radiotherapy With or Without Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Treatment of Locally Advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

INTRODUCTION

The standard treatment for unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is concurrent chemoradiotherapy. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether induction chemotherapy along with concurrent chemoradiotherapy would result in better tumor control, improved symptom control and any variation in toxicity as compared to concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2015 to September 2016, 25 patients each were randomized to control group, in which they received concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 intravenous, during chest radiotherapy of 66Gy in 33 fractions for 6.5 weeks, and study group, in which patients received three cycles of induction chemotherapy with Cisplatin 75 mg/m2and Paclitaxel 175 mg/m2administered every 21 days followed by identical chemoradiotherapy.

RESULTS

The two groups of patients (with induction vs. without induction chemotherapy) were similar in age, performance status, histology, grade, and stage. At 6thmonth follow-up, complete response was seen in 6 patients in control arm and 7 patients in study arm (?2 = 1.603, p = 0.205) and partial response was seen in 13 and 12 patients in control and study arms respectively (?2 = 1.932, p = 0.165). Symptom control of cough, hemoptysis, chest pain and dyspnoea were also similar in both groups.

DISCUSSION

In our study, no difference in treatment outcome with respect to the two groups was observed, which was similar to studies which have been conducted previously. Radiation is a good modality for symptom control of cough, hemoptysis, chest pain and dyspnoea. In toxicities, pneumonitis and hematological toxicity was slightly higher in study group even at 6th month follow up.

CONCLUSION

Slight increase in toxicity with no added benefit in locoregional tumor control and symptom regression, was seen in patients receiving induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone can thus be used as only modality of treatment in unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Long Term Arm and Shoulder Toxicities in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy

   Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the late toxicities in hypo fractionated radiation schedule in breast cancer patients with regional nodal irradiation (RNI), limited to axilla and supraclavicular regions. Late effects on arm and shoulder were noted as follows: skin edema (lymphedema), restricted shoulder movements (brachial plexus injury) and localised pain.Material and Methods: In this study we randomly enrolled 100 breast cancer post mastectomy cases in the year 2018. All cases were previously asymptomatic after surgery. They were prospectively treated with hypo fractionated local and regional nodal irradiation by 2.67 gray / fraction dose, total 15 fractions (total dose-40 gray). Evaluation was done at 12 months after completion of radiation therapy. Assessment was done by RTOG, LENT- SOMA scales. Results: Significant lymphedema was observed in 17 (17%) cases. Restricted arm mobility was seen in 14 (14%) of patients. Pain (moderate/severe) in arm and shoulder was most commonly seen, in 25 (25%) cases. Conclusions: As hypo fractionated regimes in breast cancer treatment have become new standard; its late term effects are significant and comparable to other conventional radiation therapy regimes. These studies need further and longer duration of evaluation.    

Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by either continuous hyper-fractionated accelerated radiation therapy week-end less or conventional chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced NSCLC-A randomised prospective single institute study

Context

Better locoregional control and increased overall survival by continuous hyper fractionated accelerated radiotherapy have been shown in unresectable nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Dose escalation and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) along with continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy week end-less (CHARTWEL) were also tried for improved survival. In this present study, we compared the results of NACT followed by CHARTWEL against NACT followed by conventional concurrent chemo-radiation therapy.

Aims

The aim of this study is to compare the locoregional control and toxicities in NSCLC Stage IIIA and B in both arms.

Settings and Design

Randomized, prospective single-institutional study with a study population comprising all locally advanced unresectable NSCLC patients enrolled in 2014 at our institute.

Subjects and Methods

All enrolled patients were randomized into two arms-CHARTWEL and concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT), after three weeks of the fourth cycle of NACT. In CHARTWEL arm 30 patients received two-dimensional radiotherapy (RT) 58.5 Gy/39 fr/2.5 weeks while in CCRT arm 30 received 66 Gy/33 fr/6.5 weeks. Disease response was evaluated at 6 months and toxicity assessment during and after treatment completion. Data were analyzed using tools such as percentage, mean, Chi-square test and P value. Chi-square and P value was calculated by statistical online software (http://quantpsy.org).

Results

28% of patients in study arm and 20% in control arm had complete response at 6 months after RT. Locoregional disease control was observed in 44% in study arm and 32% in control arm of patients. There was no statistical difference in grades of toxicities or overall survival (OS)/disease-free survival except persistent esophagitis Grade III seen in two patients of study arm.

Conclusions

Study suggests that CHARTWEL in combination with NACT is an effective strategy to treat patients with locally advanced lung cancer with the advantage of a smaller dose and shorter duration. Although large multivariate studies still needed.

Metronomic palliative chemotherapy in locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic head-and-neck cancer: A single-arm, retrospective study of a regional cancer center of North India (Asia)

Background

Head-and-neck cancer is the most common cancer in developing countries of Southeast Asia. Most of the patients present to the hospital in advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profile of oral metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) in the form of methotrexate and celecoxib in locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic head-and-neck cancers.

Materials and Methods

This was a single-arm retrospective observational study that included posttreatment patients with locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic disease in the year 2016 (January 1, to December 31, 2016). A total of 84 patients warranting palliative chemotherapy but not willing to take intravenous chemotherapy were included in the study. The oral MCT schedule consisted of oral celecoxib (200 mg twice daily) and oral methotrexate (15 mg/m²/week). Response evaluation was done using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria version 1.1, and toxicity profile was assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed.

Results

Eighty-four patients, 68 males and 16 females, with a median age of 62 years (range: 35-80 years), were enrolled in the study to receive oral MCT. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was 0-1 in 62 patients and 2-3 in 22 patients. The primary sites of disease were buccal mucosa (18), tongue (22), tonsil (24), lower alveolus (7), hypopharynx (10), and soft palate (3). The best clinical response rate in post oral MCT was seen in the first 4 months (120 days). Objective response was observed in 67% of patients in the form of stable disease (56%) and partial response (11%). Disease progression was observed in 27% of patients. The median follow-up was 192 (6.4 months) days. The median estimated overall survival was 195 (6.5 months) days. The median estimated progression-free survival was 110 (3.6 months) days. Symptomatic relief with respect to pain was reported in about 75% of patients. Eighteen (21%) patients had Grade I-II mucosal reactions. Grade III-IV mucosal reactions were observed in five (6%) patients. Seventy-eight (93%) patients died at the end of the study at 1 year. Dose reduction was required in 15 (18%) patients.

Conclusion

Oral MCT using celecoxib and methotrexate is an effective, economical, and well-tolerated regimen with good pain control and low toxicity profile in patients with locally advanced, recurrent and metastatic head-and-neck cancer.

Clinical and dosimetric impact of adaptive intensity-modulated radiotherapy in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer

Background

Radiotherapy in head-and-neck cancer (HNC) is a challenging task, and the anatomical alterations occurring during the course of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) can be compensated by adaptive radiotherapy (ART) which utilizes repeat computed tomography (CT) scans during the treatment course for replanning. In this study, the clinical and dosimetric benefits of ART were compared with the conventional IMRT.

Materials and Methods

Sixty patients with locally advanced HNC were randomized into two arms to receive IMRT up to a curative dose of 70 Gy with concurrent weekly chemotherapy and were prospectively analyzed between March 2018 and March 2019. Repeat CT scan was acquired after the 3^rd week of radiation. Patients in the study arm underwent replanning, whereas those in the control arm continued with the first IMRT plan. Assessment was done weekly till the end of treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post IMRT for disease response and toxicities. Tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR) and dose reduction to organs at risk were also recorded.

Results

Complete response was observed in 90% and 96.7% patients in the control and study arms, respectively, at the end of 6 months. Insignificant differences were found between the two arms in terms of toxicities. Xerostomia was statistically significantly higher in the control arm at 6 months (P = 0.01). TVRR was found to be 31.85%. Dose to spinal cord, ipsilateral, and contralateral parotid reduced by 4.3%, 6%, and 2.2%, respectively, with ART.

Conclusion

Mid-treatment adaptive replanning can help in better target coverage and minimize toxicities in HNC patients.

Prospective randomized trial of standard antiemetic therapy with yoga versus standard antiemetic therapy alone for highly emetogenic chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in South Asian population

Aim/Background

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the most distressing side effects of highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimens. There have been continuous efforts in the direction to control CINV by many investigators.

Materials and Methods

Randomly selected patients were those receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy regimen grouped into yoga and standard antiemetic therapy (n = 50) just before receiving chemotherapy and continued for the following days and other group (n = 50) received only the standard antiemetic agent. Both the groups were assessed, followed for acute and delayed onset of chemotherapy-induced and anticipatory nausea and vomiting using radiation therapy oncology group grading for the same. We also assessed the quality of life of the patient using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General questionnaire.

Results

The median age group of the patients was 51 years with male:female ratio 2:1, The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was 0/1 in 38% of the selected population, while ECOG 2 in 62% of the patients. In yoga arm, insignificant reduction in chemotherapy-induced nausea (90% vs. 78%, P = 0.35) and but significant reduction in vomiting (42% vs. 22%, P =0.01) was observed as compared to the standard antiemetics only arm. There was a significant reduction in Grade 2 and 3 nausea (84% vs. 38% P < 0.01) and vomiting (14% vs. 0% P < 0.01). Quality of life is also significantly improved in the yoga arm, especially in the ECOG 2 performance status.

Conclusions

This study concludes that yoga along with standard antiemetic medication should be a part of the management plan for the cancer patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

Accelerated hypofractionation (OCTA SHOT): Palliative radiation schedule in advanced head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Head and neck cancers are attributed to be the most common type of malignancy in the developing countries with most cases presenting in advanced stage. This pilot study was performed to evaluate the effect of an accelerated hypofractionated 4 days schedule (octa shot) in providing palliation to such advanced cases of head and neck cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients with advanced (Stage VIB-IVB) squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region were enrolled in the study. All these patients were planned for radiotherapy at Cobalt Unit with a fractionation schedule of 3.5 Gy/fraction, 2 fractions/day with 6 h interval between two fractions, for four days (28 Gy/8Fr/4 days). Patients were reviewed at 2 and 4 weeks to assess change in tumor size, any symptomatic relief, or toxicity. The tumor response, dermal, and mucosal toxicities were assessed using WHO criteria.

RESULTS

Median age of these 22 patients (17M male + 5F female) in the study was 59.8 years. After completion of radiotherapy, first response evaluation done at 15th day showed ≥50% objective response in 14 patients. At 1 month, this response increased to ≥75% in 16 patients and 50%-75% in three patients. None of the patients had disease progression. Improvement in symptoms was reported with respect to pain and dysphagia by patients subjectively. Only two patients reported Grade III mucositis; remaining patients had mucositis and dermatitis up to Grade II.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that this "octa shot" is an effective palliative radiotherapy schedule. With a decreased duration of hospital stay, it is also favorable for outpatients.

Necessity of CT-MRI based treatment planning for cervical tumors with retroverted uterus: A case report with review of literature

Treatment of carcinoma cervix is a complex issue influenced by numerous factors, including the patient's age, clinical stage of the disease, position of the uterus, comorbidities, etc. The major drawback of the conventional four-field box technique is the lack of complete information about the flexion of the uterus and topography of the tumor. These are further influenced by bladder and rectal filling, which may lead to geographical miss of the clinical target volume (CTV). This problem was noticed mainly in the anterior and posterior borders of the lateral fields and in the superior and lateral borders of the anteroposterior fields. We demonstrate the need for computed tomographic-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based 3D planning of each patient and necessity of sagittal MRI for designing lateral portal in case of conventional four-field technique through an example of a patient's sagittal MRI of pelvis showing retroverted uterus.

Giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of male breast: A rare case report

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) is the most common form of soft tissue sarcoma during middle and late adulthood in the deep connective tissue of the extremities, abdominal cavity, and retroperitoneum. However, primary breast sarcoma is a rare disease entity, comprising less than 1% of all breast malignancies. MFH of the male breast is very rare. We present a case of MFH of giant cell variant of the right breast in a 50-year-old male who presented with a painless lump. Following cytological investigation, simple mastectomy was performed. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis.

Astroblastoma of cerebrum: A rare case report and review of literature

Astroblastoma is a rare neuroepithelial primary brain tumor of uncertain origin. They form 0.45-2.8% of all the neuroglial tumors. This tumor is usually localized in the cerebral hemisphere of young adults and children. The authors report a case of low-grade astroblastoma in a 16-year-old male and review the relevant literature. The patient presented with 2 months history of progressive headache with projectile vomiting for last 2 months. He underwent gross total resection of the lesion through right temporo-occipital craniotomy. Since tumor showed no evidence of high-grade lesion, adjuvant radiotherapy was not planned. However, the patient developed recurrence of the tumor after 12 months. Localized three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy was planned. In patients harboring anaplastic astroblastoma, gross-total resection and adjuvant therapy after the initial surgery seems to be the best choice. They can be easily misdiagnosed as they are rarely encountered in clinical practice and share common radiological and histopathologic appearance with other glial neoplasms.

Double primary malignancies: a clinical & pathological analysis report from a regional cancer institute in India

BACKGROUND

Patients which have diagnosed with a cancer, have a life time risk for developing another de novo malignancy depending on various inherited, environmental and iatrogenic risk factors. Cancer victims could survive longer due to settling treatment modalities, and then would likely develop a new metachronous malignancy.This article aims to report our observed trend of increasing, in prevalence of both synchronous and metachronous second primary malignancy, among the cancer victims, and to review the relevant literature.

METHODS

A hospital based retrospective gathering of prospective data, among the patients that have diagnosed with second de novo malignancy.The study has conducted over a 4 years period from 2009 to 2012. All patients that have diagnosed with a histologically proven second malignancy as per Warren and Gates criteria have included. Various details which have regarded site, age at presentation, sex, synchronous or metachronous, treatment have recorded.

RESULTS

Among 41 cases of multiple primary malignancies that have observed, 8 were synchronous (19.51%) and 33 were metachronous (80.49%). Out of 41 patients, 25 (60.98%) were females and 16 (39.02%) were males. The most common sites of primary tumor were head and neck cancers that have followed by gynecological cancers, breast cancer, lung cancer, esophageal cancer, and then the others. Among the second malignancy, the most common site was breast and gastrointestinal tract that have followed by lung and gynecological cancers. Out of the total number of cases with double location, 14 tumors (34.15%) have belonged to the breast, out of which 5 (12.20%) have represented first locations and 7 (17.07%) have been second locations. Both locations have belonged to the breast in 2 patients (4.9%). In 5 cases (12.20%), there were associations of breast-cervix and in 6 cases (14.63%), there were association of lung-head & neck cancers.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of multiple primary malignancies has not been rare at all. Screening procedures have especially been useful for the early detection of associated tumors, whereas careful monitoring of patients has treated for primary cancer, and then a good communication between patients and medical care team would certify not only an early detection for secondary tumors, but only finally & subsequently, an appropriate management.

Diagnosis of post-radiotherapy local failures in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a prospective institutional study

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficacies of nasopharyngoscopy and CT scan in the diagnosis of local failure of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

Total 52 patients of histopathologically proven nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), were included in this study. For every patient computed tomography (CT), nasopharyngoscopy and nasopharyngeal biopsies were performed 3 months after completion of EBRT.

RESULTS

Three months after completion of EBRT, 9 patients (17.3%) had evident disease on histological examination of biopsies. Nasopharyngoscopy showed 77.78% sensitivity, 93.03% specificity, 70% positive predictive value and 95.24% negative predictive value in diagnosing the residual/recurrence of tumor. There was statistically significant agreement between the endoscopic findings and the histological findings (Kappa reliability coefficient=0.562, p<0.01). On the other hand, CT scan showed a 55.56% sensitivity, 39.53% specificity, 16.13% positive predictive value and 80.95% negative predictive value in diagnosing the residual tumor/recurrence. There was no statistically significant agreement between the CT scan findings and the histological findings (Kappa reliability coefficient = 0.038, p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Nasopharyngoscopy should be considered the primary follow-up tool after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CT scan should be reserved for patients with histological or any symptomatic indications. Routine postnasal biopsies are not required.