Genitourinary Toxicity Research Articles

Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) in rectal cancer: a monocentric retrospective study.

To evaluate efficacy and tolerance of short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) prior to possible chemotherapy (CHT) and surgery in 64 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, in terms of acute and early late toxicity and survival outcomes with prognostic factors. Sixty-four patients affected by rectal tumor were treated from 2008 to 2023 radiation therapy, with a total dose of 25Gy in 5 fractions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the rates of overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), local control (LC), disease free survival (DFS) and metastasis free survival (MFS). Univariate analysis for prognostic factors was performed with the log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios. Toxicity assessment has been considered in acute and in early late for gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU) districts. Median follow-up was 49.6months. The median OS was 65months with 1-year, 2-year and 5-year OS at 90.6%, 77.7% and 60% respectively. CSS at the 1-year, 2-year and 5-year was 98.3%, 96.2% and 86.2% respectively. LC at 1-year, 2-year and 5-year was 93.4%, 89.4% and 87.2% respectively. DFS at the 1-year, 2-year and 5-year was 93.4%, 89% and 87% respectively. The status of lymph nodes at diagnosis was a prognostic factor in term of LC and DFS. Acute GI toxicity was G1 in 10 (15.6%) patients. Five (7.8%) patients had a G1 acute GU toxicity. Fifteen (23.4%) patients developed chronic GI toxicities. SCRT is an effective treatment in patients with rectal cancer and provides good outcomes with very low rates of toxicity profile.

The impact of age on clinicopathological features and treatment results in patients with localised prostate cancer receiving definitive radiotherapy.

This study assessed the biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS), overall survival (OS), and side effects in patients aged < 70 and ≥ 70 years following definitive radiotherapy (RT). It also analysed the correlation between age at diagnosis and clinicopathological characteristics of prostate cancer (PCa). The prognostic factors for bDFS, PCSS, and OS were determined through univariable and multivariable analyses. Two age groups were also compared in terms of acute and late grade ≥ 2 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities, the predictors of which were determined through logistic regression analysis. Of the 1,328 patients, 715 (53.8%) and 613 (46.2%) were aged < 70 and ≥ 70 years, respectively. Median follow-up time was 84.5 months. No significant differences in the 7-year bDFS (86.3% vs. 86.8%) and PCSS rates (92.9% vs. 93.3%) were found between the ≥ 70 and < 70 age groups. The multivariable analysis showed that advanced clinical T stage, high International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade, and high-risk disease independently predicted poor bDFS and PCSS. Metastatic lymph nodes were another bDFS prognostic factor. The multivariable analysis identified age ≥ 70 years, cardiac events at diagnosis, advanced stage, higher ISUP grade, and non-use of simultaneous integrated boost technique as negative factors for OS. Additionally, diabetes and transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P) independently predict late-grade ≥ 2 GU toxicity. Definitive RT is a safe and effective treatment for patients with localised PCa no matter their age. Although patients over 70 years have higher risk factors and comorbidities, their bDFS, PCSS, and toxicities were comparable to those of patients aged < 70 years.

Elective pelvic nodal irradiation in the setting of ultrahypofractionated versus moderately hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for prostate cancer: Outcomes from 3 prospective clinical trials

Background and purposeData is needed regarding the use of ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy (UHRT) in the context of prostate cancer elective nodal irradiation (ENI), and how this compares to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) ENI with CFRT or moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (MHRT) to the prostate. Materials and methodsBetween 2011–2019, 3 prospective clinical trials of unfavourable intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer receiving CFRT (78 Gy in 39 fractions to prostate; 46 Gy in 23 fractions to pelvis), MHRT (68 Gy in 25 fractions to prostate; 48 Gy to pelvis), or UHRT (35–40 Gy in 5 fractions to prostate +/- boost to 50 Gy to intraprostatic lesion; 25 Gy to pelvis) were conducted. Primary endpoints included biochemical failure (Phoenix definition), and acute and late toxicities (CTCAE v3.0/4.0). ResultsTwo-hundred-forty patients were enrolled: 90 (37.5 %) had CFRT, 90 (37.5 %) MHRT, and 60 (25 %) UHRT. Median follow-up time was 71.6 months (IQR 53.6–94.8). Cumulative incidence of biochemical failure (95 % CI) at 5-years was 11.7 % (3.5–19.8 %) for CFRT, 6.5 % (0.8–12.2 %) MHRT, and 1.8 % (0–5.2 %) UHRT, which was not significantly different between treatments (p = 0.38). Acute grade ≥ 2 genitourinary toxicity was significantly worse for UHRT versus CFRT and MHRT, but not for acute grade ≥ 3 genitourinary, or acute gastrointestinal toxicities. UHRT was not associated with worse late toxicities. ConclusionENI with UHRT resulted in similar oncologic outcomes to CFRT ENI with prostate CFRT/MHRT, with worse acute grade ≥ 2 GU toxicity but no differences in late toxicity. Randomized phase 3 trials of ENI using UHRT techniques are much anticipated.

P293 Genitourinary toxicity following radiation therapy: Not just hematuria

P293 Genitourinary toxicity following radiation therapy: Not just hematuria

P294 Outcomes of salvage cystectomy for genitourinary toxicity from pelvic radiotherapy

P294 Outcomes of salvage cystectomy for genitourinary toxicity from pelvic radiotherapy

Safety and Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel and Radiotherapy in Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results From a Prospective Pilot Study.

Approximately 15% of patients with localized prostate cancer are at high risk for disease recurrence. Many clinical trials have evaluated the impact of neoadjuvant therapy before radical prostatectomy with mixed results (NCT00321698). This phase I/II clinical trial evaluated the tolerability and preliminary efficacy of neoadjuvant radiation therapy and docetaxel before prostatectomy in 25 men with high-risk prostate cancer. The treatment regimen included 45Gy radiotherapy in 25 fractions to the prostate and seminal vesicles over 5 weeks, along with weekly dose-escalated docetaxel up to 30mg/m², followed by prostatectomy and bilateral lymph node dissection. The primary endpoint was the rate of pathologic complete response (pCR). Secondary endpoints included adverse events, symptom and quality of life measures, and prostate-specific antigen metrics. All 25 patients completed the planned treatment. The primary endpoint of pCR was not achieved. Lymphopenia was the most common grade 3 or higher toxicity, with no grade 3 or higher genitourinary or gastrointestinal toxicities observed. With a median follow-up of 11.6 years, the 10-year biochemical recurrence-free survival was 60%, and distant metastasis-free survival was 80%. Prostate cancer-specific survival and overall survival at 10 years were 84% and 60%, respectively. Although pCR was not met, the treatment demonstrated a modest toxicity profile and reasonable long-term outcomes, suggesting feasibility and safety. Further studies are needed to optimize endpoints and assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatments compared with standard approaches in high-risk prostate cancer patients.

Oral 5-aminolevulinic Acid for Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer Undergoing Low-dose-rate Brachytherapy: AMBER Trial.

Radiotherapy is one of the most frequently used options for prostate cancer (PCa). However, adverse effects related to irradiation of surrounding normal organs are significant clinical concerns. Specifically, genitourinary toxicity can dramatically reduce the quality of life. This clinical trial investigated the efficacy of oral 5-aminolevulinic acid phosphate combined with sodium ferrous citrate (ALA-SFC) in patients treated with low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) using an iodine-125 seed source. The AMBER study was a prospective single-center trial involving patients with localized PCa who underwent LDR-BT without external-beam radiotherapy (jRCTs051190077). Fifty patients were included and instructed to take capsules of ALA-SFC twice a day (200 mg phosphate salt and 229.42 mg per day) for six months from the day of seed implantation (prescribed radiation dose of 160 Gy). Patient data were collected before implantation, during ALA-SFC treatment, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-LDR-BT. The primary endpoint of this trial was urinary frequency at three months. Other patient-reported outcomes, investigator-reported adverse events, and oncological outcomes were secondary endpoints. Of 50 enrolled cases (45 in the per-protocol analysis, 49 in the safety analysis), urinary frequency and its increase from baseline did not differ from 141 historical controls at any time point, including at three months post-LDR-BT. Propensity score matched analysis confirmed no time-course differences in frequency, volume, or urinary symptom scores between groups. Biochemical failure-free and metastasis-free survival also remained similar. Oral supplementation of ALA-SFC to LDR-BT did not alleviate radiation-induced toxicity or improve oncological outcomes.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost for localized prostate cancer patients: effects on immune system and prediction of toxicity.

The other side of radiotherapy (RT), in addition to the cytotoxic effect, is the ability to modulate the immune system in terms of activation or suppression, also depending on the dose and fractionation delivered. This immune RT effect can be detected both locally in the irradiated tumor site and in the peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to assess the consequence of pelvic irradiation on peripheral immune cells and cytokine secretions in localized prostate cancer (PC) patients undergoing pelvic irradiation with a simultaneous moderately hypofractionated prostate/prostate bed boost by Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). Furthermore, we analyzed whether there was a correlation between these peripheral immune parameters and acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. Thirty-eight PC patients were treated with pelvis irradiation (dose per fraction 1.8 Gy) and simultaneous hypofractionated (median dose per fraction: 2.7 Gy) prostate/prostate bed boost. A longitudinal analysis was performed for 12 months on peripheral blood to assess changes in 9 different lymphocyte subpopulations by flow cytometry and 10 circulating cytokines by Multiplex Luminex assay and ELISA. Our analysis revealed that basal IFN-γ serum values were significantly lower in the definitive (curative intent for patients with prostate) patient group respect to the post-operative one. All the lymphocyte subsets and IFN-α, IFN-β and Il-2 peripheral concentrations displayed significant variations between the different time points considered. The immune cell population that suffers the greatest RT toxicity in the blood was B lymphocyte. We found an interesting correlation between basal TGF-β1 and late GU toxicity. In particular, TGF-β1 concentrations before RT were significantly higher in patients that experienced grade 2-3 of late GU toxicity, respect to grade 0-1. Exploring possible correlations between some clinical/biological findings and radiation planning parameters, we found no statistical significance. Our study analyzed, in the context of hypofractionated radiotherapy in prostate cancer, different parameters of the peripheral immune system. We have highlighted longitudinally the peripheral behavior of the different lymphocyte subpopulations and of a group of 10 cytokines during the first year after RT. One of the analyzed cytokines, such as TGF-β1, has proven to be promising predictive factor of severe late GU toxicity.

Proton Radiation Therapy: A Systematic Review of Treatment-Related Side Effects and Toxicities.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Around half of all cancer patients undergo some type of radiation therapy throughout the course of their treatment. Photon radiation remains (RT) the most widely utilized modality of radiotherapy despite recent advancements in proton radiation therapy (PBT). PBT makes use of the particle's biological property known as the Bragg peak to better spare healthy tissue from radiation damage, with data to support that this treatment modality is less toxic than photon RT. Hence, proton radiation dosimetry looks better compared to photon dosimetry; however, due to proton-specific uncertainties, unexpected acute, subacute, and long-term toxicities can be encountered. Reported neurotoxicity resulting from proton radiation treatments include radiation necrosis, moyamoya syndrome, neurosensory toxicities, brain edema, neuromuscular toxicities, and neurocognitive toxicities. Pulmonary toxicities include pneumonitis and fibrosis, pleural effusions, and bronchial toxicities. Pericarditis, pericardial effusions, and atrial fibrillations are among the cardiac toxicities related to proton therapy. Gastrointestinal and hematological toxicities are also found in the literature. Genitourinary toxicities include urinary and reproductive-related toxicities. Osteological, oral, endocrine, and skin toxicities have also been reported. The side effects will be comparable to the ones following photon RT, nonetheless at an expected lower incidence. The toxicities collected mainly from case reports and clinical trials are described based on the organs affected and functions altered.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy with a focal boost to the intraprostatic tumor for intermediate and high risk prostate cancer: 5-year efficacy and toxicity in the hypo-FLAME trial

BackgroundThe addition of an integrated focal boost to the intraprostatic lesion is associated with improved biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS) in patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) in conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. Furthermore, whole gland stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) demonstrated to be non-inferior to conventional radiotherapy for low- and intermediate-risk PCa. To investigate the combination of ultra-hypofractionated prostate SBRT with iso-toxic focal boosting for intermediate- and high-risk PCa, we performed the hypo-FLAME trial. MethodsPatients with intermediate- or high-risk PCa were enrolled in the phase II hypo-FLAME trial. All patients were treated with 35 Gy in 5 weekly fractions to the whole prostate gland with an iso-toxic integrated boost up to 50 Gy to the multiparametric MRI-defined tumor(s). If the dose constraints to the normal tissues would be exceeded, these were prioritised over the focal boost dose. The current analysis reports on the 5-year bDFS, late toxicity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). ResultsBetween 2016 and 2018, 100 men were treated with a median follow-up of 61 months. The estimated 5-year bDFS (95 % CI) was 93 % (86 % to 97 %). At 5 years, the prevalence of grade 2 + genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity was 12 % and 4 %, respectively. ConclusionUltra-hypofractionated focal boost SBRT is associated with encouraging biochemical control rates up to 5-year follow-up in patients with intermediate- and high-risk PCa. Furthermore, prostate SBRT with iso-toxic focal boosting is associated with acceptable late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicity rates.

A Phase 1 Trial of Image Guided Risk Volume-Adapted Postprostatectomy Radiation Therapy

This was a phase 1 trial with the primary objective of identifying the most compressed dose schedule (DS) tolerable using risk volume-adapted, hypofractionated, postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. Secondary endpoints included biochemical progression-free survival and quality of life (QOL). Patients were treated with 1 of 3 isoeffective DSs (DS1: 20 fractions, DS2: 15 fractions, and DS3: 10 fractions) that escalated the dose to the imaging-defined local recurrence (73 Gy3 equivalent dose in 2Gy fractions) and de-escalated the dose to the remainder of the prostate bed (48 Gy3 equivalent dose in 2Gy fractions). Escalation followed a standard 3 + 3 design with a 6-patient expansion at the maximally tolerated hypofractionated DS. Dose-limiting toxicity was defined as Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.4.0 grade (G) 3 toxicity lasting >4 days within 21 days of PORT completion or G4 gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary toxicities thereafter. QOL was assessed longitudinally through 24 months with the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite short form. Between January 2018 and December 2023, 15 patients were treated (3 with DS1, 3 with DS2, and 9 with DS3). The median follow-up was 48 months. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed on any DS, and thus, expansion occurred at DS3. The cumulative incidence of G3 GI and genitourinary toxicity was 7% and 9% at 24 months, respectively, with no G4 events observed. Transient, acute G2+ GI toxicity was the most common. QOL worsened transiently during study follow-up in urinary incontinence, GI, and sexual subdomains but was similar to baseline by 24 months. The biochemical progression-free survival was 91% at both 24 and 60 months. The maximally tolerated hypofractionated DS for hypofractionated, risk volume-adapted PORT was determined to be DS3 (36.4 Gy to the prostate bed and 47.1 Gy to the imaging-defined recurrence in 10 daily fractions). No >G3 events were observed. Transient declines in QOL did not persist through 24 months.

Response Of Radiation Therapy Between 30 Gy In 10 Fractions Versus 20 Gy In 5 Fractions In The Management Of Bony Metastasis

Background: Bone metastases are a common complication of advanced-stage cancers, particularly affecting patients with lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Palliative radiotherapy is a primary modality used to alleviate pain and improve quality of life. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of two radiotherapy fractionation schedules—20 Gy in 5 fractions versus 30 Gy in 10 fractions—in managing bone metastases in a resource-limited setting. Methods: This prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2014 to December 2014. A total of 60 patients were divided into two arms: Arm A received 20 Gy in 5 fractions, and Arm B received 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Radiological and laboratory investigations were conducted pre- and post-treatment, and toxicity was monitored. Patient responses were assessed using RECIST version 2.0 criteria. Results: Complete response was achieved in 60.00% of Arm A patients and 66.67% of Arm B patients. Partial responses were observed in 36.67% of patients in Arm A and 33.33% in Arm B. Genitourinary toxicity was significantly higher in Arm A (p = 0.003), while skin toxicity resolved in all patients after 3 months. SGPT levels were significantly higher in Arm B both after 1 month (p = 0.001) and 3 months (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Both fractionation schedules were effective in managing bone metastases, with comparable pain relief and response rates. However, toxicity profiles differed, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment planning, especially in resource-limited settings.

P107-3 SBRT and IMRT in localized prostate cancer: genitourinary toxicity comparison

P107-3 SBRT and IMRT in localized prostate cancer: genitourinary toxicity comparison

Physician reported toxicities and patient reported quality of life of transperineal ultrasound-guided radiotherapy of prostate cancer

PurposeThis study aims to address therapy-related toxicities and quality of life in prostate cancer patients undergoing transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) guided radiotherapy (RT). MethodsAcute and late gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities were assessed by physicians using CTCAE v5.0. Patient-reported quality of life outcomes were evaluated using EORTC QLQ-C30, -PR25 and IPSS. We utilized Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as the RT technique for this study. The assessments were carried out before RT, at RT end, 3 months after RT and subsequently at 1-year intervals. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was also evaluated at each follow-up. ResultsIn this study, a total of 164 patients were enrolled, while among them, 112 patients delivered quality-of-life data in a prospective evaluation. The median pre-treatment PSA was 7.9 ng/mL (range: 1.8–169 ng/ml). At the median follow-up of 19 months (3–82 months), the median PSA decreased to 0.22 ng/ml. Acute grade II GI and GU toxicities occurred in 8.6 % and 21.5 % patients at RT end. Regarding late toxicities, 2.2 % patients experienced grade II GI toxicities at 27 months and only one patient at 51 months, whereas no grade II GU late toxicities were reported at these time points. Quality of life scores also indicated a well-tolerated treatment. Patients mainly experienced acute clinically relevant symptoms of fatigue, pain, as well as deterioration in bowel and urinary symptoms. However, most symptoms normalized at 3 months and remained stable thereafter. Overall functioning showed a similar decline at RT end but improved over time. ConclusionThe outcomes of TPUS-guided RT demonstrated promising results in terms of minimal physician-reported toxicities and satisfactory patient-reported QoL.

PE013 Outcomes of salvage cystectomy for genitourinary toxicity from radiation treatment

PE013 Outcomes of salvage cystectomy for genitourinary toxicity from radiation treatment

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy for High-Risk and Very High-Risk Locoregional Prostate Cancer in the Modern Era: Real-World Experience from an Asian Cohort.

This study retrospectively evaluates the clinical outcomes of definitive volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for high-risk or very high-risk locoregional prostate cancer patients from an Asian institution. Consecutive patients who received VMAT (76 Gy in 38 fractions) between January 2017 and June 2022 were included. Whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) (46 Gy in 23 fractions) was employed for clinically node-negative disease (cN0) and a Roach estimated risk of ≥15%, as well as simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of 55-57.5 Gy to node-positive (cN1) disease. The primary endpoint was biochemical relapse-free survival (BRFS). Secondary endpoints included radiographic relapse-free survival (RRFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS) and prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS). A total of 209 patients were identified. After a median follow-up of 47.5 months, the 4-year actuarial BRFS, RRFS, MFS and PCSS were 85.2%, 96.8%, 96.8% and 100%, respectively. The incidence of late grade ≥ 2 genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity were 15.8% and 11.0%, respectively. No significant difference in cancer outcomes or toxicity was observed between WPRT and prostate-only radiotherapy for cN0 patients. SIB to the involved nodes did not result in increased toxicity. International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) group 5 and cN1 stage were associated with worse RRFS (p < 0.05). PSMA PET-CT compared to conventional imaging staging was associated with better BRFS in patients with ISUP grade group 5 (p = 0.039). Five-year local experience demonstrates excellent clinical outcomes. PSMA PET-CT staging for high-grade disease and tailored pelvic irradiation based on nodal risk should be considered to maximize clinical benefit.

Clinical and Dosimetric Comparison Between Non-image Guided Radiation Therapy and Fiducial-Based Image Guided Radiation Therapy With or Without Reduced Margin in Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

PurposeThis study aimed to compare the outcomes and toxicities between patients treated with image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) using fiducial markers and non-IGRT in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer. Methods and MaterialsIn total, 518 patients with intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer received IMRT with 78 Gy in 39 fractions after neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy for at least 3 months. Of these patients, 371 were in the non-IGRT group and 147 in the IGRT group, including the IGRT-A group using the same margins as the non-IGRT group and the IGRT-B group using reduced margins. The median follow-up periods for the non-IGRT, IGRT-A, and IGRT-B groups were 99 months, 88 months, and 63 months, respectively. Results: The 5-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates in the non-IGRT, IGRT-A, and IGRT-B groups were 88%, 95%, and 98% (non-IGRT vs. IGRT-A: p = 0.396, IGRT-A vs. IGRT-B: p = 0.426), respectively. Those for intermediate- and high-risk patients were 94%, 93%, and 96% (non-IGRT vs. IGRT-A: p = 0.916, IGRT-A vs. IGRT-B: p = 0.646) and 87%, 96%, and 100% (non-IGRT vs. IGRT-A: p = 0.500, IGRT-A vs. IGRT-B: p = 0.483), respectively. For the non-IGRT and IGRT-A groups, the rates of acute grade ≥ 2 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities and late grade ≥ 2 genitourinary (GU) toxicities were 17% and 7% (p = 0.019); and 28% and 16% (p = 0.028), respectively. In the IGRT-A and IGRT-B groups, the rates of acute grade ≥ 2 GU toxicities were 45% and 21% (p = 0.003). All V60Gy and V70Gy values of the bladder and rectal walls in the IGRT-B group were smaller than those in the IGRT-A group. Conclusions: IGRT with fiducial markers results in lower acute and late toxicities compared with non-IGRT in IMRT for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer. Moreover, the toxicities are further decreased by reducing the margins in the treatment planning under IGRT. These processes do not decrease the biochemical recurrence-free survival rates.

Moderately hypofractionated prostate-only versus whole-pelvis radiotherapy for high-risk prostate cancer: A retrospective real-world single-center cohort study

BackgroundThe benefit of prophylactic whole pelvis radiation therapy (WPRT) in prostate cancer has been debated for decades, with evidence based mainly on conventional fractionation targeting pelvic nodes. AimThis retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the impact of adding moderately hypofractionated pelvic radiotherapy to prostate-only irradiation (PORT) on prognosis, toxicity, and quality of life in real-world settings. Materials and methodsPatients with high-risk and conventionally staged prostate cancer (cT1-3N0M0) treated with moderately hypofractionated WPRT or PORT, using external beam radiotherapy alone or combined with high-dose-rate brachytherapy, at Örebro University Hospital between 2008 and 2021 were identified. Biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), prostate cancer-specific survival (PCSS), and overall survival (OS) were compared using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards. Toxicity and quality of life measures were also analysed. ResultsAmong 516 patients (227 PORT, 289 WPRT), 5-year BFFS rates were 77 % (PORT) and 74 % (WPRT), adjusted HR=1.50 (95 % CI=0.88–2.55). No significant differences were found in MFS, PCSS, or OS in main analyses. WPRT was associated with a higher risk of acute grade ≥ 2 and 3 genitourinary toxicities whereas no differences in late toxicities or quality of life between PORT and WPRT were observed. ConclusionWe found no significant differences in oncological outcomes or quality of life when comparing moderately hypofractionated PORT to WPRT. Some differences in toxicity patterns were observed. Despite caveats related to study design, our findings support the need for further research on WPRT’s impact on treatment-related and patient-reported outcomes.

Three-Dimensional Conformal Radiotherapy Versus Image-Guided Intensity Modulated External Beam Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Phase III Randomized Control Study

AimsThe standard treatment of locally advanced cervical carcinoma is radical chemoradiation followed by brachytherapy which has improved survival. Hence, a major concern is our attempt to reduce the incidence of acute and late toxicities. IMRT has been shown to reduce toxicities. In this study, we have compared 3DCRT with IG-IMRT using patient-specific margins to evaluate tumor control as well as OAR-related toxicities. Materials and MethodsThis was a single institution prospective phase III randomised control study including patients of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix (stage II–IIIB, FIGO 2009) without pelvic lymph node involvement. All patients were simulated using intermediate bladder filling protocol and those in the IG-IMRT arm, underwent additional scans with full and empty bladder to assess the range of internal motion and generate individualised ITV margin. EBRT dose of 46Gy/23#/4.5 weeks was delivered with weekly concurrent cisplatin followed by brachytherapy. All toxicities during EBRT and till 3 months post brachytherapy were considered acute toxicity. Post-treatment, patients were followed up every 2 months for first 2 years and then once every 6 months. Disease-related outcomes were assessed with clinical examination and symptom-directed imaging. ResultsTwo hundred patients were screened for inclusion and of them, 89 patients in 3DCRT and 84 patients in IG-IMRT arms were considered for final analysis. The baseline characteristics were comparable in both arms, majority of patients in both arms having stage II disease. For OARs, all dosimetric parameters were significantly better in the IG-IMRT arm. Acute radiation induced toxicities (dermatitis, genito-urinary and gastrointestinal toxicities) were significantly less in the IG-IMRT arm. The local, pelvic, and distant control were comparable in both arms. ConclusionBased on our experience, the use of IG-IMRT with patient-specific ITV margins results in reduction in acute OAR toxicities in patients without compromising on tumor control.

Clinical Outcome Comparison between CT-Guided Versus all MRI-Guided Scenarios in Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Single-Institute Experience

ObjectivesImage-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) is the standard of care for patients with cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes and adverse effects of computed tomography (CT)-guided and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided scenarios. Materials and MethodsData of patients with cervical cancer treated using external beam radiotherapy followed by IGABT from 2012 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. CT-guided IGABT was compared with the three modes of MRI-guided IGABT: pre-brachytherapy (MRI Pre-BT) without applicator insertion for fusion, planning MRI with applicator in-place in at least 1 fraction (MRI ≥1Fx), and MRI in every fraction (MRI EveryFx). Patient characteristics, oncologic outcomes, and late radiation toxicity were analyzed using descriptive, survival, and correlation statistics. ResultsOverall, 354 patients were evaluated with a median follow-up of 60 months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 61.5%, 65.2%, 54.4%, and 63.7% with CT-guided, MRI PreBT, MRI ≥1Fx, and MRI EveryFx IGABT, respectively with no significant differences (p = 0.522). The 5-year local control (LC) rates were 92.1%, 87.8%, 80.7%, and 76.5% (p = 0.133), respectively, with a significant difference observed between the CT-guided and MRI ≥1Fx (p = 0.018). The grade 3–4 late gastrointestinal toxicity rates were 6% in the CT-guided, MRI ≥1Fx, and MRI EveryFx, and 8% in MRI PreBT. The grade 3–4 late genitourinary toxicity rates were 4% in the CT-guided, 2% in MRI PreBT, 1% in MRI ≥1Fx, and none in MRI EveryFx. No significant differences were observed in the oncologic and toxicity outcomes among MRI PreBT, MRI ≥1Fx, and MRI EveryFx. ConclusionsCT-guided IGABT yielded an acceptable 5-year OS, LC, and toxicity profile compared with all MRI scenarios and is a potentially feasible option in resource-limited settings.