Whole Brain Irradiation or Stereotactic RadioSurgery for five or more brain metastases (WHOBI-STER): A prospective comparative study of neurocognitive outcomes, level of autonomy in daily activities and quality of life

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The main aim of MBM treatment is to palliate neurological symptoms and to maintain an adequate QoL.

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SRT could be the “new standard” over WBI in the management of MBM patients.

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Neurocognitive functions could deteriorate more after WBI than after SRT.

Aims

To evaluate neurocognitive performance, daily activity and quality of life (QoL), other than usual oncologic outcomes, among patients with brain metastasis ≥5 (MBM) from solid tumors treated with Stereotactic Brain Irradiation (SBI) or Whole Brain Irradiation (WBI).

Methods

This multicentric randomized controlled trial will involve the enrollment of 100 patients (50 for each arm) with MBM ≥ 5, age ≥ 18 years, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 70, life expectancy > 3 months, known primary tumor, with controlled or controllable extracranial disease, baseline Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 20/30, Barthel Activities of Daily Living score ≥ 90/100, to be submitted to SBI by LINAC with monoisocentric technique and non-coplanar arcs (experimental arm) or to WBI (control arm). The primary endpoints are neurocognitive performance, QoL and autonomy in daily-life activities variations, the first one assessed by MoCa Score and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, the second one through the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and QLQ-BN-20 questionnaires, the third one through the Barthel Index, respectively. The secondary endpoints are time to intracranial failure, overall survival, retreatment rate, acute and late toxicities, changing of KPS. It will be considered significant a statistical difference of at least 30% between the two arms (statistical power of 80% with a significance level of 95%).

Discussion

Several studies debate what is the decisive factor accountable for the development of neurocognitive decay among patients undergoing brain irradiation for MBM: radiation effect on clinically healthy brain tissue or intracranial tumor burden? The answer to this question may come from the recent technological advancement that allows, in a context of a significant time saving, improved patient comfort and minimizing radiation dose to off-target brain, a selective treatment of MBM simultaneously, otherwise attackable only by WBI. The achievement of a local control rate comparable to that obtained with WBI remains the fundamental prerequisite.

Trial registration

NCT number: NCT04891471.

Dosimetric analysis of Deep Inspiratory Breath-hold technique (DIBH) in left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy and evaluation of pre-treatment predictors of cardiac doses for guiding patient selection for DIBH

Introduction

The risk of radiotherapy-associated cardiovascular disease has been a concern for decades in breast cancer survivors. The objective of our study is to evaluate the dosimetric benefit of Deep Inspiratory Breath-hold technique (DIBH) on organs-at-risk (OAR) sparing in left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy and to find out pre-treatment predictors of cardiac doses for guiding patient selection for DIBH.

Material and methods

Pre-radiotherapy planning CT scans were done in Free Breathing (FB) and in DIBH [using Active Breathing Coordinator system (ABC™)] in 31 left sided breast cancer patients. 3DCRT plans were generated for both scans. Comparison of anatomical and dosimetric variables were done using paired t test and correlation was evaluated using Pearson correlation. Linear regression was used to get independent predictors of cardiac sparing and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done to find out the specific threshold of the predictors.

Results

There was a 39.15% reduction in mean heart dose in DIBH compared to FB (2.4 Gy vs 4.01 Gy) (p < 0.001), 19% reduction in maximum Left Anterior Descending (LAD) dose and a 9.9% reduction in ipsilateral lung mean dose (p = 0.036) with DIBH. A significant correlation was observed between reduction in Heart Volume in Field (HVIF) and Maximum Heart Depth (MHD) with reduction in mean heart dose. Reduction in HVIF (ΔHVIF) independently predicted cardiac sparing.

Conclusion

DIBH leads to significant reduction in OAR doses and is suggested for all patients of left-sided breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. However, HVIF and MHD predicted for cardiac sparing and threshold criteria of ΔHVIF and ΔMHD may be used by centres with high workload to select patients for DIBH.

Intensity modulated radiotherapy for anal canal squamous cell carcinoma: A 16-year single institution experience

Introduction

To report long-term efficacy and adverse events (AEs) associated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for patients with anal canal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective review of patients with ASCC who received curative-intent IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy (98%) between 2003 and 2019. Overall survival (OS), colostomy-free survival (CFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative incidence of local recurrence (LR), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM) were reported. Acute and late AEs were recorded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for AEs.

Results

127 patients were included. The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 55-69) and 79% of patients were female. 33% of patients had T3-4 disease and 68% had clinically involved pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes (LNs).The median patient follow-up was 47 months (IQR: 28-89 months). The estimated 4-year OS, CFS, and PFS were 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73%-89%), 77% (95% CI: 68%-86%), and 78% (95% CI: 70%-86%), respectively. The 4-year cumulative incidences of LR, LRR, and DM were 3% (95% CI: 1%-9%), 9% (95% CI: 5%-17%), and 10% (95% CI: 6%-18%), respectively. Overall treatment duration greater than 39 days was associated with an increased risk of LRR (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 5.2, 95% CI: 1.4-19.5, p = 0.015). The most common grade 3+ acute AEs included hematologic (31%), gastrointestinal (GI) (17%), dermatologic (16%), and pain (15%). Grade 3+ late AEs included: GI (3%), genitourinary (GU) (2%), and pain (1%). Current smokers were more likely to experience grade 3+ acute dermatologic toxicity compared to former or never smokers (34% vs. 7%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

IMRT was associated with favorable toxicity rates and long-term efficacy. These data support the continued utilization of IMRT as the preferred treatment technique for patients with ASCC.

Nodal recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RTOG-based nodal radiotherapy for prostate cancer

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Recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RT for PC_N+ were correlated with nodal fields.

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In-field nodal recurrences were uncommon.

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Out-field nodal recurrences occurred mostly just above the elective nodal field.

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Expanding elective fields to the aorta bifurcation may prolong disease-free survival.

Purpose

Biochemical failure after external beam radiotherapy (RT) for node-positive prostate cancer (PC_N+) frequently involves nodal recurrences, in most cases out of field. This raises the question if current RTOG-based elective nodal fields can still be considered optimal. Modern diagnostic tools like PSMA PET/CT and choline PET/CT can visualize nodal recurrences with unprecedented accuracy. We evaluated recurrence patterns on PET/CT after RT for PC_N+, with the aim to explore options for improved nodal target definition.

Methods and materials

Data of all patients treated with curative intent EBRT for PC_N+ in NKI-AVL from 2008 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. EBRT comprised 70 Gy to the prostate or 66–70 Gy to the prostate bed, 60 Gy to involved nodes, and 52,5–56 Gy (46 Gy EQD2) to RTOG-based elective nodal fields, in 35 fractions. Locations of recurrences on PET/CT were noted, and nodal locations were correlated with the applied EBRT fields.

Results

42 patients received PSMA (28) or choline (14) PET/CT at biochemical recurrence. 35 patients (83%) had a positive scan. At their first positive scan 17 patients had nodal metastasis, in some cases together with a local recurrence or distant disease. In-field nodal recurrences were uncommon (n = 3). Out-field nodal recurrences occurred more frequently (n = 14), with the majority (n = 12) just above the elective nodal field. These nodes were the single area of detectable failure in 6 patients (14%).

Conclusions

Current RT with RTOG-based nodal fields for PC_N+ provides good in-field tumour control, but frequent out-field nodal recurrences suggest missed microscopic locations. Expanding elective fields to include the aorta bifurcation may prolong recurrence-free survival. Future research must address whether the potential benefits of this strategy outbalance additional toxicity.

Proton therapy- the modality of choice for future radiation therapy management of Prostate Cancer?

BACKGROUND

Proton Therapy (PR) is an emerging treatment for prostate cancer (Pca) patients. However, limited and conflicting data exists regarding its ability to result in fewer bladder and rectal toxicities compared to Photon Therapy (PT), as well as its cost efficiency and plan robustness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic literature search was performed to acquire eligible studies published between 2007 and 2018. Studies comparing bladder and rectal dosimetry or Gastrointestinal (GI) and Genitourinary (GU) toxicities between PR and PT, the plan robustness of PR relative to motion and its cost efficiency for Pca patients were assessed.

RESULTS

28 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. PR resulted in improved bladder and rectal dosimetry but did not manifest as improved GI/GU toxicities clinically compared to PT. PR plans were considered robust when specific corrections, techniques, positioning or immobilisation devices were applied. PR is not cost effective for intermediate risk Pca patients; however PR may be cost effective for younger or high risk Pca patients.

CONCLUSION

PR offers improved bladder and rectal dosimetry compared to PT but this does not specifically translate to improved GI/GU toxicities clinically. The robustness of PR plans is acceptable under specific conditions. PR is not cost effective for all Pca patients.

Patients' view of the differences in topical creams for radiation dermatitis prevention. A pilot study of cosmetic properties

Aim

To investigate the feasibility of including patients' reports on the cosmetic properties of topical formulations for acute radiation dermatitis (ARD).

Background

No topical agent tested for acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) has proven to be better than any other, all achieving similar objective outcomes. No clear guidelines have therefore been established in clinics. Because the vehicle for such creams has shown to be an important factor in patient adherence to treatments in other dermatological diseases, patients' opinions are evaluated.

Material and methods

Seventy breast cancer patients referred for postoperative radiotherapy after conservative surgery were enrolled. Patients were assigned to use one of the 7 topical agents that are most-commonly used in the prevention of ARD. Patients' reports were assessed using continuous visual analogue scales (VAS), objective signs and symptoms produced by ARD, and were rated using the RTOG and RISRAS scales.

Results

The creams tested differed in their cosmetic properties significantly (p = 0.044). The performance of the agent, their absorption and any residue left over were also significantly different (p = 0.022, 0.014 and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusions

Topical agents for preventive ARD are reported by patients to show different cosmetic properties. Cosmetic properties are important when choosing topical agents for ARD prevention. Recommending those with better cosmetic profiles would improve patient adherence to treatments.

Variability of clinical target volume delineation for rectal cancer patients planned for neoadjuvant radiotherapy with the aid of the platform Anatom-e

Objective

Delineation of treatment volumes is a major source of uncertainties in radiotherapy (RT). This is also true for rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant RT, with a potential impact on treatment quality. We investigated the role of the digital platform Anatom-e (Anatom-e Information Sytems Ltd., Houston, Texas) in increasing the compliance to follow a specific treatment protocol in a multicentric setting.

Materials and methods

Two clinical cases of locally advanced rectal cancer were chosen. Participants were instructed to follow the 2009 Radiation Therapy Oncology Group consensus atlas and asked to manually segment clinical target volumes (CTVs), for both patient 1 and 2, on day 1 with and without the use of Anatom-e. After one week (day 2), the same radiation oncologist contoured again, with and without Anatom-e, the same CT series. Intraobserver (Intra-OV) and interobserver (Inter-OV) variability were evaluated with the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), the Hausdorff distance (HD) and mean distance to agreement (MDA).

Results

For clinical case 1, no significant difference was found for Intra-OV and Inter-OV. For clinical case 2, no significant difference was found for Intra-OV but a statistically significant difference was found for Inter-OV in DSC when using or not the platform. Mean DCS was 0.65 (SD: ±0.64; range: 0.58-0.79) for day 1 vs reference volume without Anatom-e and 0.72 (SD: ±0.39; range: 0.67-0.77) (p = 0.03) with it. Mean MDA was lower with Anatom-e (3.61; SD: ±1.33; range: 2.85-4.78) than without (4.14; SD: ±2.97; range: 2.18-5.21), with no statistical significance (p = 0.21) The use of Anatom-e decreased the SD from 2.97 to 1.33. Mean HD was lower with Anatom-e (26.06; SD: ±2.05; range: 24.08-32.62), with no statistical significance (p = 0.14) compared to that without (31.39; SD: ±1.31; range: 26.14-48.72).

Conclusions

The use of Anatom-e decreased the Inter-OV in the CTV delineation process for locally advanced rectal cancer with complex disease presentation planned for neoadjuvant RT. This system may be potentially helpful in increasing the compliance to follow shared guidelines and protocols.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Medically Inoperable Stage I-II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Mayo Clinic Experience

Objective

To examine disease control and survival after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for medically inoperable, early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and determine associations of pretreatment ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax), biologically effective dose, and mediastinal staging with disease control and survival outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of consecutive patients with FDG-PET-staged, medically inoperable NSCLC treated with SBRT at our institution between January 1, 2008, and August 4, 2014. Cumulative incidences of recurrence were estimated, accounting for the competing risk of death. Associations of SUVmax, biologically effective dose, and mediastinal staging with outcomes were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Among 282 patients, 2-year cumulative incidences of recurrence were 4.9% (95% CI, 2.6%-8.3%) for local, 9.8% (95% CI, 6.3%-14.2%) for nodal, 10.8% (95% CI, 7.0%-15.5%) for ipsilateral lung, 6.0% (3.3%-9.8%) for contralateral lung, 9.7% (95% CI, 6.3%-14.0%) for distant recurrence, and 26.1% (95% CI, 20.4%-32.0%) for any recurrence. The 2-year overall survival was 70.4% (95% CI, 64.5%-76.8%), and the 2-year disease-free survival was 51.2% (95% CI, 44.9%-58.5%). Risk of any recurrence was significantly higher for patients with higher SUVmax (hazard ratio [per each doubling], 1.29 [95% CI, 1.05-1.59]; P=.02). A similar association with SUVmax was observed when considering the composite outcome of any recurrence or death (hazard ratio, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.05-1.44]; P=.01). The SUVmax was not significantly associated with other outcomes (P≥0.69). Two-year cumulative incidences of local recurrence for patients receiving 48 Gy in 4 fractions, 54 Gy in 3 fractions, or 50 Gy in 5 fractions were 1.7% (95% CI, 0.3%-5.6%), 3.7% (95% CI, 0.7%-11.4%), and 15.3% (95% CI, 5.9%-28.9%), respectively (P=.02); this difference was independent of lesion size (P=.02).

Conclusion

Disease control was excellent for patients who received SBRT for early-stage NSCLC, and this series represents the largest single-institution experience from the United States on SBRT for early-stage inoperable NSCLC. Higher pretreatment FDG-PET SUVmax was associated with increased risk of any recurrence, and the 50 Gy in 5 fractions dose prescription was associated with increased risk of local recurrence.

Linking CHHiP prostate cancer RCT with GP records: A study proposal to investigate the effect of co-morbidities and medications on long-term symptoms and radiotherapy-related toxicity

Background

Patients receiving cancer treatment often have one or more co-morbid conditions that are treated pharmacologically. Co-morbidities are recorded in clinical trials usually only at baseline. However, co-morbidities evolve and new ones emerge during cancer treatment. The interaction between multi-morbidity and cancer recovery is significant but poorly understood.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of co-morbidities (e.g. cardiovascular and diabetes) and medications (e.g. statins, antihypertensives, metformin) on radiotherapy-related toxicity and long-term symptoms in order to identify potential risk factors. The possible protective effect of medications such as statins or antihypertensives in reducing radiotherapy-related toxicity will also be explored.

Methods

Two datasets will be linked. (1) CHHiP (Conventional or Hypofractionated High Dose Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer) randomised control trial. CHHiP contains pelvic symptoms and radiation-related toxicity reported by patients and clinicians. (2) GP (General Practice) data from RCGP RSC (Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Centre). The GP records of CHHiP patients will be extracted, including cardiovascular co-morbidities, diabetes and prescription medications. Statistical analysis of the combined dataset will be performed in order to investigate the effect.

Conclusions

Linking two sources of healthcare data is an exciting area of big healthcare data research. With limited data in clinical trials (not all clinical trials collect information on co-morbidities or medications) and limited lengths of follow-up, linking different sources of information is increasingly needed to investigate long-term outcomes. With increasing pressures to collect detailed information in clinical trials (e.g. co-morbidities, medications), linkage to routinely collected data offers the potential to support efficient conduct of clinical trials.