Stereotactic Pelvic Reirradiation for Locoregional Cancer Relapse

AIMS

Up to 40% of patients who have received radiation for a pelvic malignancy will develop locoregional recurrence in the previously irradiated volume. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been used in the oligometastatic setting, and provides an ablative approach ideal for reirradiation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes after SBRT reirradiation of extraosseous recurrences in the pelvis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single institution retrospective study evaluated patients treated with SBRT reirradiation in the pelvis from January 2011 to February 2018. Patients with more than five oligometastatic lesions, >7 cm in size, and recurrence within the prostate were excluded.

RESULTS

In total, 30 patients were treated with SBRT with a median follow-up of 29.4 months. The primary tumour sites were most commonly rectum (30.8%) and prostate (30.8%). The median time interval between irradiation for the primary and SBRT reirradiation was 48 months (3-245). The typical reirradiation treatment was 35 Gy in five fractions, the median gross tumour volume size was 10.2 (0.3-110.5) ml and the most common target was the iliac nodes (40%). There were three (10%) acute grade 3 toxicities and no late grade 3 or more toxicities. At 12/24 months, local relapse-free survival, metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival and overall survival were 67.7%/50.7%, 67%/41.7%, 34.8%/14.9% and 83.2%/62.5%, respectively. On univariate analysis, improved local control was associated with low gross tumour volume (<10 ml) (P = 0.003) and prostate primary (P = 0.02), but was no longer significant on multivariate analysis. The proximity of organ at risk to the target did not significantly correlate with worse toxicity (P = 0.14) or tumour coverage (gross tumour volume: P = 0.8, planning target volume: P = 0.4).

CONCLUSION

SBRT pelvic reirradiation in oligometastatic patients is a safe and effective treatment modality. Careful consideration should be taken with larger tumour size, as it may be associated with worse oncological and toxicity outcome.

A brief history of contact X-ray brachytherapy 50 kVp

Contact X ray brachytherapy 50 kVp was initiated in the 1930s with the Siemens unit and popularized with the Philips unit in the 1950s. A renaissance was seen in the early 2000s with the Intrabeam™ unit for breast IORT. Presently the Papillon™ systems thanks to its high dose rate (>10Gy/mn) can be used to treat breast (IORT), skin, eyelid and rectal cancers. Future developments are expected to consolidate the place of contact radiotherapy as a safe and efficient treatment for accessible early tumors.

[Indications and results for protontherapy in cancer treatments]

Purpose was to summarize results for proton therapy in cancer treatment. A systematic review has been done by selecting studies on the website www.pubmed.com (Medline) and using the following keywords: proton therapy, radiation therapy, cancer, chordoma, chondrosarcoma, uveal melanoma, retinoblastoma, meningioma, glioma, neurinoma, pituitary adenoma, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, craniopharyngioma and nasal cavity. There are several retrospective studies reporting results for proton therapy in cancer treatments in the following indications: ocular tumors, nasal tumors, skull-based tumors, pediatric tumors. There is no prospective study except one phase II trial in medulloblastoma. The use of proton therapy for these indications is due to dosimetric advantages offering better tumor coverage and organ at risk sparing in comparison with photon therapy. Clinical results are historically at least as efficient as photon therapy with a better toxicity profile in pediatric tumors (cognitive and endocrine functions, radiation-induced cancer) and a better tumoral control in tumors of the nasal cavity. Clinical advantages of proton therapy counterbalance its cost especially in pediatric tumors. Proton therapy could be used in other types of cancer. Proton therapy showed good outcome in ocular, nasal tumors, pediatric, skull-based and paraspinal tumors. Because of some dosimetric advantages, proton therapy could be proposed for other indications in cancer treatments.

A Nomogram to predict parotid gland overdose in head and neck IMRT

Purposes

To generate a nomogram to predict parotid gland (PG) overdose and to quantify the dosimetric benefit of weekly replanning based on its findings, in the context of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for locally-advanced head and neck carcinoma (LAHNC).

Material and methods

Twenty LAHNC patients treated with radical IMRT underwent weekly computed tomography (CT) scans during IMRT. The cumulated PG dose was estimated by elastic registration. Early predictors of PG overdose (cumulated minus planned doses) were identified, enabling a nomogram to be generated from a linear regression model. Its performance was evaluated using a leave-one-out method. The benefit of weekly replanning was then estimated for the nomogram-identified PG overdose patients.

Results

Clinical target volume 70 (CTV70) and the mean PG dose calculated from the planning and first weekly CTs were early predictors of PG overdose, enabling a nomogram to be generated. A mean PG overdose of 2.5Gy was calculated for 16 patients, 14 identified by the nomogram. All patients with PG overdoses >1.5Gy were identified. Compared to the cumulated delivered dose, weekly replanning of these 14 targeted patients enabled a 3.3Gy decrease in the mean PG dose.

Conclusion

Based on the planning and first week CTs, our nomogram allowed the identification of all patients with PG overdoses >2.5Gy to be identified, who then benefitted from a final 4Gy decrease in mean PG overdose by means of weekly replanning.

Aims of combined modality therapy in rectal cancer (M0)

OPTIMIZING THE COST/BENEFIT RATIO OF TREATMENT: Evidence Based The aim of a cancer treatment is always to achieve the maximum of cure rate with a minimum of toxicity and best quality of life at an acceptable cost for the society. It is always a multifactorial challenge depending on the patient, the tumor, the doctor, and the society cultural and financial backgrounds. The goal is to find the best cost/benefit ratio between all possible strategies in agreement with a well-informed patient. In rectal cancer (M0) surgery is the cornerstone of treatment. Combined modality therapies aim at optimizing the cost/benefit ratio of possible strategies and only randomized trials can bring strong evidence regarding their results and recommendations. LESSONS FROM RANDOMIZED TRIALS: quite modest During the past decades many phase III trials have shown that: (1) neoadjuvant treatment even with "TME" surgery was better than adjuvant, (2) chemoradiotherapy (CRT) was better than RT alone, (3) long course CRT was probably more efficient (in terms of ypCR) than short course (25/5), and (4) capecitabine was as efficient as 5 FU but oxaliplatin was not adding benefit. Overall, the gains of nCRT remain modest and it is mainly a reduction in local relapse not exceeding 5 %, but no benefit in survival and neither in sphincter saving surgery has been proven. The way forwards organ preservation in case of CCR. Local control: can probably be improved for T4 tumors by RT dose escalation. Survival: can be increased by innovative medical treatment either before or after surgery.

TOXICITY

may be reduced by a less aggressive treatment in elderly. Conservative treatment: A new field of clinical research is to achieve "organ preservation" (and not only sphincter saving). To modify the surgical approach and preserve the whole rectum, neoadjuvant treatment must achieve safely a clinical complete response. As rectal adenocarcinoma is a relatively radioresistant tumor endocavitary irradiation (contact X-Ray) is a promising safe approach and this hypothesis will be addressed by the OPERA randomized trial.

Impact of preoperative radiotherapy on head and neck free flap reconstruction: a report on 429 cases

BACKGROUND

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative radiotherapy on the outcomes of head and neck microvascular reconstruction. The secondary objective was to assess the specific effects of irradiation doses (IDs) ≥60 Gy on the outcomes of head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

METHODS

All patients who underwent head and neck free-flap reconstruction in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. A total of 429 patients were enrolled including 136 patients previously irradiated on the head and neck. The impact of preoperative radiotherapy on free-flap success, local and general complications, postoperative mortality, time of decannulation, duration of enteral nutrition and length of stay was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, preoperative radiotherapy (irrespective of ID) was a significant risk factor for fistula formation (p = 0.003) and wound infection (p = 0.005). Previous neck irradiation at doses ≥60 Gy was associated with an increased risk of free-flap failure (p = 0.04), overall local complications (p = 0.05), haematoma (p = 0.04) and longer duration of enteral nutrition (p = 0.006) and hospital stay (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative radiotherapy, particularly for ID ≥ 60 Gy, is one of the main determinants of the outcomes of head and neck microvascular reconstruction.

Clinical and histological prognostic factors in locally advanced oral cavity cancers treated with primary surgery

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to determine the clinical and pathological prognostic factors in locally advanced oral cavity cancers treated by primary surgery.

METHODS

All patients treated by primary surgery with free-flap reconstruction for locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in our institution between 2000 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Overall, cause-specific and locoregional disease-free survivals were determined by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Clinical and histological prognostic factors were assessed by univariate (Log Rank tests) and multivariate (Cox models) analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients (102 men and 47 women; mean age=61.3±12.1 years) were included in the study. Five-year overall, cause-specific and locoregional disease-free survivals were 55%, 68% and 71%, respectively. Age, comorbidity and tumour size (histological evaluation) were significantly correlated with overall survival (P<0.05). Age, tumour size, bone invasion and surgical margins were significantly correlated with locoregional disease-free survival (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The main prognostic factors identified in this study were clinical (age and comorbidity) and histological (pathological tumour size, bone invasion and surgical margins).

[Induction chemotherapy for head and neck epidermoid carcinomas]

The standard treatment for head and neck inoperable squamous cell carcinoma is an association of radiotherapy and platinum. However, only one patient out of three remains alive five years after diagnosis. The interest in induction chemotherapy was renewed by the introduction of taxanes combined with cisplatinum and 5-fluoro-uracile. The triple association taxane-cisplatinum-5-fluoro-uracile yielded improved survival when compared to cisplatinum-5-fluoro-uracile. Wider use of taxane-cisplatinum-5-fluoro-uracile is limited by its toxicity and the lack of randomized comparison with a concomitant chemoradiotherapy scheme including optimal doses of platinum. Until the results of new phase III trials are published, the choice between induction chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy or concomitant chemoradiotherapy alone has to be made on an individualized basis, taking into account the patient's medical condition, the ability of the medical team to deal with intensive treatment regimens, and the clinical/pathological characteristics of the tumour.

[Total pharyngolaryngectomy in the 21st century: indications, oncologic and functional outcomes]

INTRODUCTION

The development of laryngeal preservation protocols has considerably modified the indications for total (pharyngo-)laryngectomy (TPL). The objectives of our study are to analyze the current indications for TPL and to evaluate the oncologic and functional outcomes after TPL and their predictive factors.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TPL for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx, at our institution, between 2000 and 2009, were included in this retrospective study. Predictive factors of oncologic and functional outcomes were assessed in univariate and multivariate analyzes.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were enrolled in our study including 119 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 65.9 years. TPL was realized for salvage in 65 patients. Extra-laryngeal tumor extension (n = 42) was the main indication for TPL in the 65 remaining patients. Overall survival was 49 and 41% at 3 and 5 years respectively. In multivariate analysis, primary tumor site (hypopharynx in comparison to larynx; p = 0.04) has a significant pejorative impact on overall survival. Oral alimentation (no enteral nutrition) was recovered successfully by 94% of the patients. In multivariate analysis, primary tumor site (hypopharynx) has a significant pejorative impact on functional results (deglutition: p < 0.0001; phonation: p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Primary tumor site is one of the main predictive factor of oncologic and functional outcomes after TPL.

[Reirradiation of spine and lung tumor with CyberKnife]

We present the results of two retrospective studies, one regarding reirradiation of spinal tumours and the second, concerning lung tumours. In the first case, primary or secondary tumours were located in or in contact with the vertebrae and spinal cord. The first irradiation has given a full dose to the spinal cord. In the second case, primary or secondary lung tumours have already been treated by irradiation alone or by radiochemotherapy. No grade 3 or 4 early toxicity has been found. Preliminary clinical results are encouraging. The use of CyberKnife represents a major therapeutic advance in the management of irradiated spinal or lung lesions. The possibility of sparing organs at risk and increasing the dose in the tumour target volume are the main advantages.

A remnant tooth in an edentulous patient

OBJECTIVES

We describe a case of an unusual remnant tooth located in the paranasal sinus in a head and neck cancer patient.

CASE REPORT

A 72-year patient with a history of T3N2aM0 oropharyngeal cancer treated with chemoradiation came for systematic post-therapeutic multidetector-CT reformation (MDCT) examination. MDCT scan multi planar reformation revealed a well-limited high-density mass in his maxillary sinus, which proved to be a remnant molar tooth. Physical examination and CT imaging were performed at 26 months. Local malignancy, fungal ball and persistent oroantral fistula were ruled out.

CONCLUSION

The physio-pathogenesis of oroantral fistula (OAF) and causes of intra sinusal tooth as well as therapy are discussed in this article.

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in patients aged 80 or older: Risk factors, treatment, and outcome

6064

Background: We have recently reported a large series of patients aged ≥ 80 years showing that in this population about half of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) are located in the oral cavity. There are no specific data on this cancer location outcome in elderly patients. Therefore, we report here the experience of two French cancer centers in the treatment of oral cavity SCC in patients aged ≥ 80 years. Methods: Two hundred sixty patients aged ≥ 80 years with a primary oral cavity SCC were included in this retrospective analysis. Results: Sex ratio was near to 1. The risk factor distribution was significantly different between men and women: tobacco/alcohol consumption (66.3% vs 15.8%, p < 0.001), history of leukoplakia/lichen planus/oral traumatism (10.8% vs 55.3%, p = 0.002). Two hundred patients received a loco regional (LR) treatment with a curative intent (surgery and/or radiotherapy), 29 with a palliative intent and 31 did not receive a LR treatment. Curative treatments were delivered according to the institution policy in 56 patients (28%).The median disease specific survival (DSS) was 16.9 months. In multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors were stage (HR = 0.45 [0.29–0.69], p < 0.001), and curative intent of treatment (HR = 0.28 [0.17–0.45], p < 0.001). Median overall survival (OS) was 13.9 months. In multivariate analysis, the independent prognostic factors for OS were age (HR = 0.63 [0.33–0.76], p < 0.001), stage (HR = 0.61 [0.40–0.91], p = 0,016), and curative intent of treatment (HR = 0.41 [0.23–0.71], p < 0.001. In patients treated with a curative intent, the standard treatment was not associated with improved overall survival or disease specific survival as compared with those treated with an adapted treatment. However, prophylactic lymph node treatment in early stage cancer decreased the rate of nodal recurrence from 38% to 6% (p = 0.01). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the need for prospective evaluation of standard and adapted schedules in elderly patients with oral cavity cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Feasibility and efficacy of cyberknife radiotherapy for lung cancer: early results]

PURPOSE

High-dose robotic stereotactic irradiation can be achieved with high precision using the CyberknifeM system equipped with the Synchrony respiratory tracking device. Cyberknife irradiation can overcome some limitations of conventional radiotherapy including errors due to breathing motion and patient setup. High dose levels are of interest for tumours that have shown a dose-response relationship including lung tumours. We reviewed the treatments and outcomes for the first French patients with lung tumours treated at the Cyberknife centre of Nice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty four patients were treated between November 2006 and November 2007 at the Cyberknife centre of Nice, Centre Lacassagne, France. Thirty had untreated primary lung cancer, 4 had colorectal metastasis to the lung. We evaluated the feasibility and reliability of fiducial placement, toxicity and early outcomes. Objective tumour response was assessed on thoracic CT scan every three months.

RESULTS

There was no grade 3-4 toxicity. Toxicity (11%) mainly consisted of grade 1-2 asthenia. Crude overall tumour response rate was 96% for all assessable patients and 91% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. The use of one fiducial ensured minimal toxicity (no grade III pneumothorax) while allowing reliable tumour tracking as shown by the low infield failure rate (no geographic miss). Diagnostic procedure was performed during fiducial placement when required.

CONCLUSION

Early toxicity and tumour control rates from this population suggest that the use of a unique fiducial for a Cyberknife treatment was safe and effective for the treatment of selected primary and secondary lung tumours. This strategy is corroborated by similar control rates in the literature. Longer follow-up are awaited.