Local Progression-free Survival Rates Research Articles

The Role of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Treatment Response Evaluation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Treated With Radiation Therapy

We investigated the role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) as a response evaluation indicator for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radiation therapy (RT). Inclusion criteria of this retrospective study were DW MRI acquisition within 1 month before and 3 to 5 months after RT. In total, 48 patients were enrolled. Two radiation oncologists measured the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Possible predictive factors, including alteration of the ADC value before and 3 to 5 month after RT, in relation to local progression-free survival (LPFS) were analyzed and compared. Three months after RT, 6 patients (12.5%) showed a complete response, and 27 patients (56.3%) showed a partial response when evaluated using the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST). The average ADC ± SD values were 1.21 ± 0.27 ( × 10(-3) mm(2)/s) before and 1.41 ± 0.36 ( × 10(-3) mm(2)/s) after RT (P<.001). The most significant prognostic factor related to LPFS was mRECIST (P<.001). The increment of ADC value (≥ 20%) was also a significant factor (P=.02), but RECIST (version 1.1; P=.11) was not. When RECIST was combined with the increment of ADC value (≥ 20%), the LPFS rates were significantly different between the groups (P=.004), and the area under the curve value (0.745) was comparable with that of mRECIST (0.765). ADC value change before and after RT in HCC was closely related to LPFS. ADC value and RECIST may substitute for mRECIST in patients who cannot receive contrast agents.

Salvage stereotactic body radiotherapy for locally recurrent uterine cervix cancer at the pelvic sidewall: Feasibility and complication.

To determine the feasibility of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with pelvic sidewall recurrence of uterine cervical cancer after radical hysterectomy or definitive radiotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients with locally recurrent uterine cervical cancer limited to the pelvic sidewall who were treated with SBRT at our institution between January 2003 and May 2010. The SBRT dose ranged from 27 to 45 Gy (median, 39 Gy) in three fractions, and the fractional SBRT dose ranged from 9 to 15 Gy (median, 13 Gy). The 2-year overall survival, local progression-free survival and disease progression-free survival rates were 43%, 65% and 52%, respectively. Patients with small tumors (gross tumor volume <30 cm(3) ) had a significantly longer 2-year overall survival rate and 2-year local progression-free survival rate than did patients with large tumors (overall survival rate: 89% vs 12%; P = 0.0001 and local progression-free survival: 85% vs 0%; P = 0.0199). There were three cases (13%) of severe toxicities (rectovaginal fistula). Pelvic pain relief was achieved in all patients. In particular, 10 of 14 patients (71%) achieved analgesic (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug or narcotic) reduction of 50% or more from baseline. SBRT is a feasible treatment option for women with pelvic sidewall tumors from recurrent uterine cervical cancer, especially for small recurrent tumors. However, SBRT should be used carefully in the treatment of large tumors, as the incidence of severe late toxicity increases with the size of the tumor.

Simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiation therapy for inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 53 patients with inoperable HCC underwent SIB-IMRT using two dose-fractionation schemes, depending on the proximity of gastrointestinal structures. The 41 patients in the low dose-fractionation (LD) group, with internal target volume (ITV) < 1 cm from gastrointestinal structures, received total doses of 55 and 44 Gy in 22 fractions to planning target volume 1 (PTV1) and 2 (PTV2), respectively. The 12 patients in the high dose-fractionation (HD) group, with ITV ≥ 1 cm from gastrointestinal structures, received total doses of 66 and 55 Gy in 22 fractions to the PTV1 and PTV2, respectively. Overall, treatment was well tolerated, with no grade > 3 toxicity. The LD group had larger sized tumors (median: 6 vs. 3.4 cm) and greater frequencies of vascular invasion (80.6 vs. 16.7 %) than patients in the HD group (p < 0.05 each). The median overall survival (OS) was 25.1 mKonzept ist machbar und sicheronths and the actuarial 2-year local progression-free survival (LPFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and OS rates were 67.3, 14.7, and 54.7 %, respectively. The HD group tended to show better tumor response (100 vs. 62.2 %, p = 0.039) and 2-year LPFS (85.7 vs. 59 %, p = 0.119), RFS (38.1 vs. 7.3 %, p = 0.063), and OS (83.3 vs. 44.3 %, p = 0.037) rates than the LD group. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor response was significantly associated with OS. SIB-IMRT is feasible and safe for patients with inoperable HCC.

Effectiveness and safety of proton beam therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of proton beam therapy (PBT) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). Twenty-seven HCC patients with PVTT underwent PBT, including 22 patients with modified International Union Against Cancer (mUICC) stage IVA,five patients with stage IVB primary tumors, and 16 with main PVTT. A median dose of 55 GyE (range, 50-66 GyE) in 20-22 fractions was delivered to a target volume encompassing both the PVTT and primary tumor. Overall, treatment was well tolerated, with no toxicity of grade ≥ 3. Median overall survival (OS) times in all patients and in stage IVA patients were 13.2 months and 16 months, respectively. Assessments of PVTT response showed complete response in 0 of 27 (0%) patients, partial response in 15 (55.6%), stable disease in 10 (37%), and progressive disease in 2 (7.4%) patients, with an objective response rate of 55.6%. PVTT responders showed significantly higher actuarial 1-year local progression-free survival (LPFS; 85.6% vs. 51.3%), relapse-free survival (RFS; 20% vs. 0%) and OS (80% vs. 25%) rates than nonresponders (p<0.05 each). Multivariate analysis showed that PVTT response and mUICC stage were independent prognostic factors for OS. Our data suggest that PBT could improve LPFS, RFS, and OS in advanced HCC patients with PVTT and it is feasible and safe for these patients.

Superselective intra-arterial cisplatin infusion and concomitant radiotherapy for maxillary sinus cancer

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of superselective cisplatin infusion with concomitant radiotherapy (RADPLAT) for previously untreated patients with the squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus (SCC-MS).Methods:Between 1999 and 2010, 54 patients were given superselective intra-arterial infusions of cisplatin (100–120 mg m−2 per week) with simultaneous intra-venous infusions of thiosulfate to neutralise cisplatin toxicity and conventional radiotherapy (65–70 Gy).Results:One patient (1.9%) was diagnosed with T2, 14 (25.9%) with T3, 27 (50%) with T4a, and 12 (22.2%) with T4b disease. Lymph-node involvement was present in 12 patients (22.2%). During the median follow-up period of 6.4 years, the 5-year local progression-free and overall survival rates were 65.8 and 67.9% for all patients, respectively. No patient died as a result of treatment toxicity or experienced a cerebrovascular accident. Osteonecrosis (n=5), brain necrosis (n=1), and ocular/visual problems (n=14) were observed as late adverse reactions.Conclusion:We have shown excellent overall survival and local progression-free rate in SCC-MS patients treated by RADPLAT with acceptable rates of acute and late toxicity. A multi-institutional trial is needed to prove that this strategy is a feasible and effective approach for the treatment of SCC-MS.

Phase II clinical study on intraoperative photodynamic therapy with talaporfin sodium and semiconductor laser in patients with malignant brain tumors

The objective of the present study was to perform a prospective evaluation of the potential efficacy and safety of intraoperative photodynamic therapy (PDT) using talaporfin sodium and irradiation using a 664-nm semiconductor laser in patients with primary malignant parenchymal brain tumors. In 27 patients with suspected newly diagnosed or recurrent primary malignant parenchymal brain tumors, a single intravenous injection of talaporfin sodium (40 mg/m(2)) was administered 1 day before resection of the neoplasm. The next day after completion of the tumor removal, the residual lesion and/or resection cavity were irradiated using a 664-nm semiconductor laser with a radiation power density of 150 mW/cm(2) and a radiation energy density of 27 J/cm(2). The procedure was performed 22-27 hours after drug administration. The study cohort included 22 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of primary malignant parenchymal brain tumor. Thirteen of these neoplasms (59.1%) were newly diagnosed glioblastomas multiforme (GBM). Among all 22 patients included in the study cohort, the 12-month overall survival (OS), 6-month progression-free survival (PFS), and 6-month local PFS rates after surgery and PDT were 95.5%, 91%, and 91%, respectively. Among patients with newly diagnosed GBMs, all these parameters were 100%. Side effects on the skin, which could be attributable to the administration of talaporfin sodium, were noted in 7.4% of patients and included rash (2 cases), blister (1 case), and erythema (1 case). Skin photosensitivity test results were relatively mild and fully disappeared within 15 days after administration of photosensitizer in all patients. Intraoperative PDT using talaporfin sodium and a semiconductor laser may be considered as a potentially effective and sufficiently safe option for adjuvant management of primary malignant parenchymal brain tumors. The inclusion of intraoperative PDT in a combined treatment strategy may have a positive impact on OS and local tumor control, particularly in patients with newly diagnosed GBMs. Clinical trial registration no.: JMA-IIA00026 (https://dbcentre3.jmacct.med.or.jp/jmactr/App/JMACTRS06/JMACTRS06.aspx?seqno=862).

Japanese Multi-institutional Study of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for More Than 2000 Patients With Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

In Japan, small lung tumors are frequently detected under popularized CT screening and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been generally used as a curative treatment option for patients with early stage primary lung cancer. We organized a multi-institutional SBRT study group in Japanese Radiological Society (JRS-SBRTSG) and conducted various studies of SBRT for primary or oligometastatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of SBRT for stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the practice level with the Japanese large database. This is a retrospective analysis to review 2226 patients (median age, 77 years; male 1560, female 666) with stage I (IA 1601, IB 625) NSCLC treated at 20 institutions of JRS-SBRTSG. Histology was proven in 1658 patients (adenocarcinoma 961, squamous cell carcinoma 541, others 156). A total dose of 32 -70 Gy mainly at the isocenter was prescribed in 3-12 fractions. The median calculated biological effective dose (BED) was 107 Gy (range, 58-150 Gy) based on alpha/beta = 10 Gy). The median follow-up period for all patients was 32 months. Overall survival rate at three year (OS-3y) and disease-specific survival rate at three year of total patients was 72% and 85%, respectively. Locally progression free rate at three year of T1 and T2 tumors were 87% and 72%, respectively. Nodal and distant metastases were observed in 11.3% and 22.3% of patients, respectively. Pulmonary complications of NCI-CTC criteria grade ≥ 3 were noted in 2.9% of total patients. OS-3y of female patients was better (83%) than for male patients (68%) (p < 0.01). OS-3y was better (75%) for BED ≥100 Gy subgroup (n = 2042) compared to 63% for BED < 100 Gy (n = 184) (p < 0.01). OS-3y of medically operable patients (n = 726) was better (78%) than for inoperable patients (n = 1500, 68%) (p < 0.01). OS-3y of histology-unknown patients (n = 568) was a little better (77%) than for histology-proven patients (n = 1658, 63%) (p < 0.05). OS-3y of patients accompanying chronic pulmonary interstitial change was much worse (41%) than others. OS-3y of patients accompanying pulmonary emphysema was worse (64%) than others. The outcomes of SBRT for stage I NSCLC in Japanese multi-institutional large patient database were retrospectively analyzed. The local progression-free and overall survival rate in the practice level showed a similar results to that of JCOG (Japan Clinical Oncology Group) 0403; a prospective phase II study of SBRT (48 Gy in 4 fractions) for stage IA NSCLC. The patient's subgroup of medically operable, BED ≥ 100 Gy and no pulmonary interstitial change nor emphysema had better prognosis.

Updated long‐term outcomes and prognostic factors for patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with intraoperative radiotherapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital, 1978 to 2010

In the current study, the authors evaluated long-term outcomes, intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT)-related toxicity, and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) among patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who received IORT as part of their treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Medical records were reviewed for 194 consecutive patients with unresectable LAPC who were treated with IORT at MGH between 1978 and 2010. OS was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated at the univariate level by the log-rank test and at the multivariate level by the Cox proportional hazards model. Rates of disease progression and treatment toxicity were calculated. The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year survival rates were 49%, 16%, and 6%, respectively. Six patients (3%) survived for > 5 years. The median OS was 12.0 months. Among 183 patients with known post-IORT disease status, the 2-year local progression-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 41% and 28%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, an IORT applicator diameter ≤ 8 cm (hazards ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.30-0.84 [P = .009]), a Charlson age-comorbidity index ≤ 3 (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.73 [P = .001]), and receipt of chemotherapy (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.33-0.66 [P < .001]) predicted improved OS. The median OS for patients with all 3 positive prognostic factors was 21.2 months. Well-selected patients with LAPC with small tumors and low Charlson age-comorbidity indices can achieve good long-term survival outcomes with a treatment regimen that incorporates chemotherapy and IORT.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The authors studied the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, consisting of a taxane, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (the TPF regimen) followed by concurrent chemoradiation, in 2 separately designed and synchronously executed phase 2 trials for stage III and IVA/IVB nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Patients with newly diagnosed NPC were accrued to 2 trials, 1 for patients with stage III disease and the other for patients with IVA/IVB disease. All patients received TPF (docetaxel 75 mg/m(2), cisplatin 75 mg/m(2), and 5-FU 2500 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks for 3 cycles) followed by cisplatin 40 mg/m(2) per week concurrently with either 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy. From January 2007 to July 2011, 52 eligible patients with stage III NPC and 64 eligible patients with nonmetastatic stage IV NPC were accrued. With a median follow-up of 32.9 months, the 3-year overall survival rates were 94.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87.6%-100%) and 90.2% (95% CI, 81.8%-98.6%) for the stage III NPC group and the IVA/IVB NPC group, respectively. The 3-year progression-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and local progression-free survival rates were 78.2% (95% CI, 64.6%-91.8%), 90.5% (95% CI, 79.7%-100%), and 93.9%(87.1%-100%), respectively, for patients with stage III NPC and 85.1% (95% CI, 75.1%-95.1%), 88% (95% CI, 78.6%-97.4%), and 100%, respectively, for patients with stage IVA/IVB NPC. The most common severe (grade 3/4) hematologic and nonhematologic adverse events were neutropenia (64 patients; 55.2%) and nausea/vomiting (23 patients; 19.8%). Neoadjuvant TPF followed by concurrent chemoradiation was well tolerated and produced encouraging outcomes in patients with locally advanced NPC in this hypothesis-generating study. The authors concluded that randomized controlled trials are warranted to definitively confirm this aggressive and potentially efficacious strategy.

Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy with Helical Tomotherapy for Pain Palliation in Spine Metastasis

To evaluate the pain response, local tumor control and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with helical tomotherapy (HT) in the patients with spine metastasis. From May 2009 to June 2010, 22 patients with 31 lesions were treated by SBRT. Dose scheme were 24 Gy in 3 fractions (87.1%), 30 Gy in 5 fractions (9.7%), and 16 Gy in a single fraction (3.2%). Pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale. Analgesic consumption was recalculated into the daily oral morphine-equivalent dose (OMED). The response criteria of International Bone Metastases Consensus Group (IBMCG) was used. The median follow-up duration was 10 months (range 3-23 months). After SBRT the mean pain score decreased significantly (4.32 before SBRT, 0.71 at 3 months). However, median OMED didn't decrease until 3 months after SBRT (Median OMED; 34.5 mg before SBRT, 45 mg at 3 months). Pain response rate and pain progression-free survival rate at 3 month was 96.8 and 93.5%, respectively. Local progression-free survival rate at 3 month was 93.5%. There was no severe acute toxicity. SBRT with HT is a safe and effective treatment modality for local tumor control and pain palliation associated with spine metastasis.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with low dose weekly gemcitabine in medically inoperable muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients

We aimed to determine the efficacy and the toxicity of low dose weekly gemcitabine with radiation therapy in medically unfit muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. Twenty-six patients were included into the retrospective analysis. Weekly gemcitabine was administered 75mg/m(2) with a median dose of 63Gy radiation therapy. Clinical target volume was defined as the urinary bladder only in conformal treatment planning. Median follow-up was 51months (range 14-118months). Complete response rate was 62.5%. The 5-year local progression-free survival, disease-specific survival and overall survival rates were 40.6, 59.5 and 58.5%, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy was continued in 80.7% of patients without any interruption. Gemcitabine was stopped due to grade 3 thrombocytopenia (n=1), cardiac angina (n=1), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation (n=1) or patients' reluctance (n=2). Low dose weekly gemcitabine with concurrent radiotherapy is a tolerable regimen and have comparable outcomes with platinum-based combined treatments in muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Prospective randomized trials can help in understanding the safety and efficacy of this treatment specially in medically unfit patients.

Small- and Medium-sized Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation with a Multiple-Electrode Switching System—Mid-term Results

To prospectively assess the safety and mid-term therapeutic effectiveness of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation with a multiple-electrode switching system for treating small- and medium-sized (≤ 5 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). The institutional review board approved this prospective study, and all patients gave informed consent. From February 2009 to January 2010, 166 patients (110 men and 56 women; age range, 38-86 years; mean age, 62 years ± 10 [standard deviation]) with 166 HCCs less than or equal to 5 cm in diameter were treated with monopolar RF ablation with a multiple-electrode switching system. One of three experienced radiologists performed the RF ablation. Technique effectiveness, ablation volume and time, and major complications were evaluated by means of computed tomography (CT) immediately after RF ablation and at follow-up CT examinations at 1 month and then every 3 months after the procedure. The overall survival, disease-free survival, and local tumor progression-free survival rates were evaluated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. The technique effectiveness rate determined 1 month after RF ablation was 99.4%. Mean ablation parameters were as follows: volume, 85 cm(3) ± 54; maximum diameter, 61 mm ± 13; and minimum diameter, 43 mm ± 11. The major complication rate was 4.8%. The 6-month and 1-, 2-, and 3-year local tumor progression rates were 2%, 6%, 10%, and 11%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after RF ablation were 99%, 97%, and 96%, and corresponding local tumor progression-free survival rates were 94%, 90%, and 89%, respectively. The disease-free survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years after RF ablation were 75%, 60%, and 54%, respectively. Monopolar RF ablation with a multiple-electrode switching system in small- and medium-sized HCCs was safe and efficient, and it provided successful local tumor control and high local tumor progression-free survival rates because an adequate ablation volume was obtained.

Retrospective analysis of treatment outcome of pediatric ependymomas in Korea: analysis of Korean multi-institutional data

We analyzed the treatment outcomes of intracranial ependymomas in Korean children aged <18 years. Data for 96 patients were collected from five hospitals. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank tests for univariate analyses and Cox regression model for multivariate analysis were conducted to identify prognostic factors for survival. The median age of the patients was 4 years (range, 0.3-17.9 years). The median follow-up was 55 months (range, 2-343 months). Age <3 years was an important factor for selecting adjuvant therapy after surgery. Among children aged <3 and ≥ 3 years, adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) was applied to 55 and 84 %, respectively, and adjuvant chemotherapy to 52 and 10 %, respectively. The 5 year local progression-free survival (LPFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 54, 52, and 79 %, respectively. Gross total resection was the most significant prognostic factor for all survival endpoints. Age ≥ 3 years and RT were significant prognostic factors for superior LPFS and DFS. However, the significance of age was lost in multivariate analysis for DFS. LPFS, DFS, and OS were superior in patients who started RT within 44 days after surgery (the median time) than in patients who started RT later in the patients aged ≥ 3 years. Postoperative RT was a strong prognostic factor for intracranial ependymomas. Our results suggest that early use of RT is an essential component of treatment, and should be considered in young children.

Primary Radiotherapy with Endobronchial High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy Boost for Inoperable Lung Cancer: Long-Term Results

To retrospectively evaluate the outcome of patients with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer treated with primary external beam radiotherapy combined with high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy boost. Between 1988 and 2005, 35 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (stage I-III) ineligible for surgical resection and/or chemotherapy, were primarily treated with external beam radiotherapy with a median total dose of 50 Gy (range, 46-60). A median of 3 fractions high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy was applied as a boost after external beam radiotherapy, the median total dose was 15 Gy (range, 8-20). High-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy was carried out with iridium-192 sources (370 GBq) and prescribed to 1 cm distance from the source axis. With a median follow-up of 26 months from the first fraction of high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy, the 1-, 2- and 5-year overall (local progression-free) survival rates were 76% (76%), 61% (57%) and 28% (42%), respectively. Complete or partial remission rates 6 to 8 weeks after treatment were 57% and 17%, respectively. Significant prognostic favorable factors were a complete remission 6-8 weeks after treatment and a negative nodal status. In patients without mediastinal node involvement, a long-term local control could be achieved with 56% 5-year local progression-free survival. Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3 toxicities were hemoptysis (n = 2) and necrosis (n = 1). One fatal hemoptysis occurred in combination with a local tumor recurrence. The combination of external beam radiotherapy with high-dose-rate endobronchial brachytherapy boost is an effective primary treatment with acceptable toxicity in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer ineligible for surgical resection and/or chemotherapy.

Intensity-modulated stereotactic body radiotherapy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer

This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A prospective database of 16 consecutive patients receiving SBRT for pathologically-proven and peripherally-located stage I NSCLC was reviewed. Fifteen patients were medically inoperable and one patient refused to undergo surgery. The median age of the patients was 76 years (range, 69–86). Treatment planning used four-dimensional computed tomography and fixed-field IMRT (n=11) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT; n=5). The SBRT scheme was 48 Gy in four fractions (n=9) or 55 Gy in five fractions (n=7), delivered on consecutive days. The overall response rate at 6 months was 78.6%, including a complete response in three (21.4%) patients and a partial response in eight (57.1%). Three patients (21.4%) demonstrated a stable disease status. The median follow-up time was 14 months (range, 6–20) for the surviving patients. One patient developed local failure at 11 months, while another suffered from regional failure in a subcarinal lymph node at 4 months. Two patients did not survive within the first 6 months; one patient died during salvage chemotherapy for mediastinal lymph node metastasis and the other succumbed to a cause unrelated to lung cancer. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of local failure-free, progression-free and overall survival rates at 18 months were 91.0, 85.2 and 87.5%, respectively. The toxicity was mild; no severe (grade ≥3) toxicity was identified. IMRT-based (including VMAT) delivery of SBRT for patients with stage I NSCLC demonstrated favorable responses and local control without severe toxicity.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for small lung tumors with a moderate dose

Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SBRT, SABR) is being increasingly applied because of its high local efficacy, e.g., for small lung tumors. However, the optimum dosage is still under discussion. Here, we report data on 45 lung lesions [non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or metastases] in 39 patients treated between 2009 and 2010 by SABR. SABR was performed with total doses of 35Gy (5 fractions) or 37.5Gy (3 fractions) prescribed to the 60% isodose line encompassing the planning target volume. Three-monthly follow-up CT scans were supplemented by FDG-PET/CT if clinically indicated. The median follow-up was 17months. Local progression-free survival rates were 90.5% (all patients), 95.0% (NSCLC), and 81.8% (metastases) at 1year. At 2years, the respective local progression-free survival rates were 80.5%, 95.0%, and 59.7%. Overall survival rates were 71.1% (all patients), 65.4% (NSCLC), and 83.3% (metastases) at 1year. Overall survival rates at 2years were 52.7%, 45.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. Acute side effects were mild. With the moderate dose schedule used, well-tolerated SABR led to favorable local tumor control as in other published series. Standardization in reporting the dose prescription for SABR is needed to allow comparison of different series in order to determine optimum dosage.

Survival after C-arm CT-assisted chemoembolization of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

PurposeTo compare patient survival after transarterial chemoembolization with and without intraprocedural C-arm computed tomography (CT) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of 130 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent lipiodol-based chemoembolization using a C-arm cone-beam system. We compared patients who underwent chemoembolization with angiography alone (69 patients; April 2005–July 2007) to those who underwent C-arm CT-assisted chemoembolization (61 patients; July 2007–April 2010). Overall and local progression-free survivals were compared using the Kaplan–Meier estimator with log-rank testing. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. ResultsOverall survival rates of patients who underwent chemoembolization with and without C-arm CT assistance were 94% and 79%, 81% and 65%, and 71% and 44% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Local progression-free survival rates of these patients were 43% and 27%, 31% and 10%, and 26% and 5% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Patients receiving C-arm CT-assisted chemoembolization had significantly higher overall (P=0.005) and local progression-free (P=0.003) survival rates than those receiving chemoembolization with angiography alone. Multivariate analysis showed that C-arm CT assistance was an independent factor associated with longer overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.40; P=0.033) and local progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 0.25; P=0.003). ConclusionC-arm CT usage in addition to angiography during transarterial chemoembolization prolongs survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Intraoperative 32P High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy of the Dura for Recurrent Primary and Metastatic Intracranial and Spinal Tumors

Treatment of spinal and intracranial tumors with dural involvement is complicated by radiation tolerance of sensitive structures, especially in the setting of previous treatment. To evaluate whether intraoperative brachytherapy with short-range sources allows therapeutic dose delivery without damaging sensitive structures. The median doses of previous treatment were 3000 cGy (range, 1800-7200 cGy) for 8 patients with primary/recurrent and 17 patients with metastatic spinal tumors and 5040 cGy (range, 1300-6040 cGy) for 5 patients with locally recurrent and 2 patients with metastatic intracranial tumors. Patients underwent gross total or maximal resection of the tumor and were then treated with an intraoperative brachytherapy plaque consisting of a flexible silicone film incorporating P. A dose of 1000 cGy was delivered to a depth of 1 mm; the percent depth dose was less than 1% at 4 mm from the prescription depth. Median postoperative radiation doses of 2700 cGy (range, 1800-3000 cGy) were delivered to 15 spinal tumor patients and 3000 cGy (range, 1800-3000 cGy) to 3 intracranial tumor patients. The median follow-up was 4.4 months (range, 2.6-23.3 months) for spinal tumor patients and 5.3 months (range, 0.7-16.2) for intracranial tumor patients. At 6-month follow-up, for all spinal tumor patients, local progression-free survival and overall survival rates were both 83.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.3%-94.3%); for all intracranial tumor patients, the local progression-free survival rate was 62.5% (95% CI: 23.8%-90.9%) and the overall survival rate was 66.7% (95% CI: 26.7%-92.9%). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications secondary to radiotherapy. Use of the P brachytherapy plaque is technically simple and not associated with increased risk of complications, even after multiple radiation courses. Local control rates were more than 80% in patients with proven radiation-resistant spinal disease.

Dose Escalation by Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy Boost after Whole Pelvic Radiotherapy in Postoperative Patients of Carcinoma Cervix with Residual Disease

AimsExternal beam radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy is the standard treatment for patients with carcinoma cervix. However, for patients who come from peripheral hospitals after incomplete surgery, whole pelvic radiotherapy (WPRT) followed by boost with either vaginal vault brachytherapy if suitable or further external beam radiotherapy is recommended. This study was conducted to evaluate if it was possible to give a higher tumour dose using intensity-modulated radiotherapy for that group of patients who were not suitable for high dose rate vaginal vault brachytherapy because of gross disease after WPRT. Materials and methodsA prospective study was carried out from 2005 to 2010 in which 25 postoperative patients of cervical carcinoma with gross residual disease after WPRT of 46 Gy/23 fractions/4.5 weeks were included. Nine patients were treated with 20 Gy to the planning target volume and 30 Gy to the clinical target volume in 10 fractions; 16 patients were treated with 30 Gy to the planning target volume and 35 Gy to the clinical target volume in 15 fractions. The end points of this study were local control, survival and treatment-related toxicity. ResultsThe median follow-up was 38 months. The 3 year local control, progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 76, 74 and 67%, respectively. Late grade 2 rectal toxicity was seen in 11 patients. Grade 2 bladder toxicity occurred in two patients and grade 3 bowel toxicity in two patients. No other grade 3 or higher toxicity was seen. ConclusionInadequate and inappropriate surgery in invasive cervical cancer with resulting gross residual disease is common in India. It is possible to escalate the tumour dose by intensity-modulated radiotherapy boost after WPRT in postoperative cervical carcinoma patients with gross residual disease with low incidence of severe toxicity and excellent local control.

Involved-field radiotherapy versus elective nodal irradiation in combination with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A prospective randomized clinical study

Objective To evaluate the local failure and the impact on survival by prospectively comparing involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) and elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in combination with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer ( LA-NSCLC ).Methods LANSCLC patients were treated with 2 cycles of carboplatin ( AUC =5 - 6,d1 ) combined with paclitaxel ( 175mg/m2 ),followed assessment without distant metastasis,then randomized into IFRT (45 patients) or ENI (54 patients) arm.IFRT included primary tumor,ipsilateral hilar and positive mediastinal lymph nodes;ENI included the primary lesion,ipsilateral hilar,hilateral mediastinal lymph node drainage and bilateral supraclavicular area.The prescription dose was given as high as possible with V20 ≤35％ and spinal cord dose ≤50 Gy,combined weekly paclitaxel 40 mg/m2 concurrent chemotherapy.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival data and the log-rank method was used to test distribution of survival time between arms.Results The follow-up rate was 99％.49,29 and 17 patients were followed-up for 1-,2-and 3-year,respectively.More patients from group IFRT received ＞60 Gy than ENI (49％ vs.26％,x2 =5.59,P =0.018 ).The local failure rates were 29％ and 36％,respectively ( x2 =0.46,P =0.497 ).The 1-,2-and 3-year local tumor progression-free survival rates were 76％,69％,65％ and 80％,53％,49％ ( x2 =0.74,P =0.389),respectively; the 1-,3-and 5-year overall survival rates were 80％,41％,33％ and 69％,32％,13％ (x2 =3.97,P =0.046),respectively.There were no significant differences in acute and late toxicities between the arms ( x2 =3.910 - 0.155,P =0.142 - 0.925 ).Conclusions IFRT improved radiation dose and survival rate and did not increase the failure of elective lymph node region compared with ENI.The toxicities were no differences between IFRT and ENL Further investigation with big size sample is warranted. Key words: Carcinoma,non-small cell lung/radiochemotherapy; Radiotherapy,involved field; Radiotherapy,elective nodal; Prognosis; Prospective study