Prognostic Factors For Local Recurrence Research Articles

Impact of anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in preventing early-phase local recurrence after surgery.

The superiority of anatomical liver resection (AR) for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over nonanatomical liver resection (NR) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of AR in preventing local and early HCC recurrence. A total of 280 patients who underwent initial liver resection for solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter were categorized into the AR and NR groups and compared using propensity score matching analysis. Between the matched pairs (n = 87 in each group), the incidence rates of local and early (recurrence within 2 years after surgery) recurrences in the AR group were significantly lower than those in the NR group (13.8% vs. 28.7%, p = .025; 20.7% vs. 35.6%, p = .028, respectively). The overall survival in the AR group was better than that in the NR group (median: 13.4 vs. 7.6 years, p = .003). NR was among independent risk factors for early recurrence (odds ratio: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6, p = .023) and prognostic factors for local recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.44, 95% CI: 1.4-4.4, p = .003). AR is superior in controlling local and early recurrence postoperatively for solitary HCC ≤5 cm in diameter compared with NR.

Survivin, β-catenin, and ki-67 immunohistochemical expression in canine perivascular wall tumors: Preliminary assessment of prognostic significance.

High survivin expression has been correlated with poor outcomes in several canine tumors but not in soft tissue tumors (STTs). Survivin is a target gene of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is involved in human STT oncogenesis. Immunohistochemistry for survivin, β-catenin, and Ki-67 was performed on 41 canine perivascular wall tumors (cPWTs), and statistical associations of protein expression and histopathologic and clinical variables with clinical outcomes were investigated. Immunohistochemically, there was nuclear positivity (0.9%-12.2% of tumor cells) for survivin in 41/41 (100%), cytoplasmic positivity (0 to > 75% of tumor cells) for survivin in 31/41 (76%), nuclear positivity (2.9%-67.2% of tumor cells) for β-catenin in 24/41 (59%), and cytoplasmic positivity (0% to > 75% of tumor cells) for β-catenin in 23/41 (56%) of cPWTs. All tumors expressed nuclear Ki-67 (2.2%-23.5%). In univariate analysis and multivariate analysis (UA and MA, respectively), every 1% increase of nuclear survivin was associated with an increase of the instantaneous death risk by a factor of 1.15 [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.15; P = .007]. Higher nuclear survivin was associated with grade II/III neoplasms (P = .043). Expression of cytoplasmic survivin, nuclear and cytoplasmic β-catenin, and nuclear Ki-67 were not significantly associated with prognosis in UA nor MA. Tumor size was a significant prognostic factor for local recurrence in UA [subdistribution HR (SDHR) = 1.19; P = .02] and for reduced overall survival time in MA. According to UA and MA, a unitary increase of mitotic count was associated with an increase of the instantaneous death risk by a factor of 1.05 (HR = 1.05; P = .014). Nuclear survivin, mitotic count, and tumor size seem to be potential prognostic factors for cPWTs. In addition, survivin and β-catenin may represent promising therapeutic targets for cPWTs.

Is Perineural Invasion an Independent Prognostic Factor for Local Recurrence in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Is Perineural Invasion an Independent Prognostic Factor for Local Recurrence in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Long-term postoperative outcomes of spinal cellular schwannoma: study of 93 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND CONTEXTCellular schwannoma (CS) is a rare tumor that accounts for 2.8%–5.2% of all benign schwannomas. There is a dearth of up-to-date information on spinal CS in the literature. PURPOSEThe aims of this study were to identify the proportion of CS cases amongst spinal benign schwannoma, describe the clinical features of spinal CS, and identify prognostic factors for local recurrence by analyzing data from 93 consecutive CS cases. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review. PATIENT SAMPLEWe analyzed 93 PSGCT screened from 1,706 patients with spine CS who were treated at our institute between 2008 and 2021. OUTCOME MEASURESDemographic, radiographic, operative and postoperative data were recorded and analyzed. METHODSWe compared the clinical features of spinal CS from the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments. Prognostic factors for local recurrence-free survival (RFS) were identified by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors with p≤.05 in univariate analysis were subjected to multivariate analysis by Cox regression analysis. RESULTSThe proportion of spinal CS in all benign schwannomas was 6.7%. The mean and median follow-up times for the 93 patients in this study were 92.2 and 91.0 months respectively (range 36–182 months). Local recurrence was detected in 11 cases, giving an overall recurrence rate of 11.7%, with one patient death. Statistical analysis revealed that tumor size ≥5 cm, intralesional resection, and Ki-67 ≥5% were independent negative prognostic factors for RFS in spinal CS. CONCLUSIONSWhenever possible, en bloc resection is recommended for spinal CS. Long-term follow-up should be carried out for patients with tumor size ≥5 cm and postoperative pathological Ki-67 ≥5%.

Evaluation of Prognostic Factors for Local Recurrence of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Evaluation of Prognostic Factors for Local Recurrence of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Observational Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Biology and Management of Deep-seated Atypical Lipomatous Tumor of the Extremities.

Adipocytic neoplasms are frequently encountered in clinical practice. Atypical lipomatous tumor (ALT) is a locally aggressive but non-metastasizing adipocytic neoplasm that primarily occurs in the proximal extremities of middle-aged to older adults. Histologically, ALT is divided into adipocytic (lipoma-like), sclerosing and inflammatory subtypes. The sclerosing subtype is an unfavorable prognostic factor for local recurrence. ALT is characterized by supernumerary ring and/or giant rod chromosomes. These rings and giant markers invariably contain amplified sequences originating from the long arm of chromosome 12, including the MDM2 proto-oncogene (MDM2) and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) gene. MDM2 and/or CDK4 nuclear immunopositivity is present in most cases. Confidently differentiating deep-seated ALT from deep-seated ordinary lipoma is often difficult on imaging. Moreover, the sclerosing subtype may mimic a higher grade liposarcoma. Detection of MDM2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization would be helpful diagnostically for ALT in more difficult cases. The standard treatment for deep-seated ALT is surgery. Although there is no consensus on the best surgical approach for deep-seated ALT of the extremities, the use of marginal resection is acceptable to preserve musculoskeletal function. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the clinical and imaging characteristics, pathogenesis, histopathology, and management of deep-seated ALT of the extremities.

Temporo-frontal and parotidial hidradenocarcinoma: A case report

Introduction: Hidradenocarcinoma is a very rare malignant tumor of the sweat glands. Diagnosis is based essentially on histological and immunohistochemical studies. Standard treatment is surgery combined with radiotherapy if there is a prognostic factor for local recurrence. We report a case treated in our department. Observation: A 24-year-old female patient with no specific pathological history consulted the Joliot Curie Institute of the Dantec Hospital for a forehead nodule that appeared in 2012 and was painless, evolving towards February 2021 into two right temporo-maxillary masses progressively increasing in volume. Examination revealed two tumors of stony consistency, with smooth, ulcerated surface, infiltrated center, raised borders, budding, not bleeding on contact, painless, the largest measuring approximately 16cm, located at the temporofrontal and right parotid level with extension to the right auricle associated with homolateral periorbital edema and right retroauricular and submental adenopathies, the largest measuring 3x2cm. Parotid skin biopsy revealed nodular tumour masses in the deep dermis, composed of a proliferation of medium- to large-sized epithelial cells, sometimes clear with central nuclei and numerous atypia and abnormal mitoses. Epidermoid differentiation can be seen in places. The stroma is fibrino-hyaline. The appearance was suggestive of a hidradenocarcinoma. The cervical CT scan revealed an inhomogeneous tissue process, strongly enhanced after well-limited contrast injection, in close contact with the right parotid gland. Similar homolateral parietofrontal lesions were noted, as well as a spiky homolateral frontoparietal appearance with cortical irregularity. The extension work-up was negative. Conclusion: Hidradenocarcinoma is a very rare malignant tumour with a high risk of locoregional and distant recurrence, mainly in lymph nodes. Its prognosis is poor.

The prognostic significance of surgical resection margins for local recurrence, distant metastasis, and overall survival in sarcoma.

Surgical resection with microscopically negative margins constitutes one of the key elements of a curative therapeutic approach for localized sarcomas. However, the prognostic value of quantitative margin width remains controversial. We sought to determine the prognostic significance of margin status and margin width for local recurrence (LR), distant recurrence (DR), and overall survival. Retrospective analysis of 210 patients undergoing resection of localized sarcoma between 1997 and 2018 at a national sarcoma reference center. Logistic regression did not reveal an effect of metric margin width as a prognostic factor for LR (odds ratio [OR] = 0.98, p = 0.574), DR (OR = 1, p = 0.908), or overall survival (hazard ratio = 0.98, 95% confidence interval = 0.73-1.20, p = 0.609). Subgroup analysis revealed no differences between complete first resections (R0) and re-resections (re-R0) following unplanned R1-resections for LR (p = 0.727) and overall survival (p = 0.125), but a significantly higher DR-rate in re-R0 cases (p = 0.022). Achieving a negative margin is essential in sarcoma surgery, however, metric margin width was not associated with disease-specific outcomes. Re-resection of unplanned R1-resections should be performed to control for LR and overall survival rates. As re-R0 cases were at significantly higher risk of DR, these patients should be followed up closely in standardized surveillance protocols.

Prognostic Factors for Local Recurrence after Cryoablation of Desmoid Tumors

PurposeTo determine the risk factors for local of adult patients treated for desmoid tumors by cryoablation. Materials and MethodsEighty-four patients treated for nonabdominopelvic desmoid tumors by cryoablation from July 2012 to July 2020 were included in a retrospective study. The population was composed of 64 women (76.19%) and 20 men (23.81%), aged from 16 to 75 years (median, 35 years ± 14.25). Each patient underwent preprocedural gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and was followed up to 36 months with the same technique. Clinical features, such as tumor size and previous treatment, epidemiological features, and the technical parameters of cryoablation, were studied. ResultsLocal relapse was found in 19 (22.62%) of 84 patients. The 12-, 24-, and 36-month progression-free survival rates were 89% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79–94), 74% (95% CI, 60–83), and 68% (95% CI, 53–79), respectively. In univariate analysis, significant prognostic factors associated with local recurrence were non–abdominal wall location (P = .042), debulking strategy (P = .0105), risk of visceral injury (P = .034) or peripheral nerve injury during cryoablation (P = .033), previous radiation therapy (P = .043), and treatment before 2016 (P = .008). In multivariate analysis, abdominal wall tumors displayed the best outcome, whereas the neck and trunk showed a high rate of recurrence (hazard ratio, 7.307 [95% CI, 1.396–38.261]). ConclusionsThe local recurrence of desmoid tumors after cryoablation depends on a number of prognostic factors, in particular, a non–abdominal wall location of the tumor and previous local treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Mutant pattern of p53 predicts local recurrence and poor survival rate in gastric cancer.

TP53 mutation is a poor prognostic factor for various organ malignancies such as colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma and clinical pathologists previously evaluated it using immunohistochemistry for p53. The clinicopathologic significance of p53 expression in gastric cancer remains unclear due to inconsistent classification methods. Immunohistochemistry for p53 protein was performed using tissue microarray blocks generated from 725 cases of gastric cancer, and p53 expression was divided into three staining patterns using a semi-quantitative ternary classifier: heterogeneous (wild type), overexpression, and absence (mutant pattern). Mutant pattern of p53 expression had a male predominance, greater frequency in cardia/fundus, higher pT stage, frequent lymph node metastasis, local recurrence clinically, and more differentiated histology microscopically compared with wild type. In survival analysis, p53 mutant pattern was associated with worse recurrent-free survival and overall survival rates, and significance was maintained in subgroup analysis of early versus advanced gastric cancers. In Cox regression analysis, p53 mutant pattern was a significant predicting factor for local recurrence (relative risk (RR=4.882, p<0.001)) and overall survival (RR=2.040, p=0.007). The p53 mutant pattern remained significant for local recurrence (RR=2.934, p=0.018) in multivariate analyses. Mutant p53 pattern on immunohistochemistry was a significant prognostic factor for local recurrence and poor overall survival in gastric cancer.

A Dosiomics Analysis Based on Linear Energy Transfer and Biological Dose Maps to Predict Local Recurrence in Sacral Chordomas after Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy

Carbon Ion Radiotherapy (CIRT) is one of the most promising therapeutic options to reduce Local Recurrence (LR) in Sacral Chordomas (SC). The aim of this work is to compare the performances of survival models fed with dosiomics features and conventional DVH metrics extracted from relative biological effectiveness (RBE)-weighted dose (DRBE) and dose-averaged Linear Energy Transfer (LETd) maps, towards the identification of possible prognostic factors for LR in SC patients treated with CIRT. This retrospective study included 50 patients affected by SC with a focus on patients that presented a relapse in a high-dose region. Survival models were built to predict both LR and High-Dose Local Recurrencies (HD-LR). The models were evaluated through Harrell Concordance Index (C-index) and patients were stratified into high/low-risk groups. Local Recurrence-free Kaplan-Meier curves were estimated and evaluated through log-rank tests. The model with highest performance (median(interquartile-range) C-index of 0.86 (0.22)) was built on features extracted from LETd maps, with DRBE models showing promising but weaker results (C-index of 0.83 (0.21), 0.80 (0.21)). Although the study should be extended to a wider patient population, LETd maps show potential as a prognostic factor for SC HD-LR in CIRT, and dosiomics appears to be the most promising approach against more conventional methods (e.g., DVH-based).

Long-Term Outcomes of an International Cooperative Study of Intraoperative Radiotherapy Upfront Boost with Low Energy X-Rays in Breast Cancer

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> To assess the effectivity of upfront kilovoltage intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a boost in high-risk early-stage breast cancer patients from an international pooled cohort. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> Patients from four centers in three different countries were retrospectively screened. Those with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Cumulative local- (LRR), regional- (RRR) and distant recurrence rates (DRR) were analyzed. Additionally, the estimated overall survival (OS) was assessed. The Cox regression analysis was performed to identify failure predicting factors. <h3>Results</h3> A total 653 patients from centers in Peru, Spain and Germany were included. The median follow-up was 55 (12-180) months and age was 58 (27-86) years. Clinical tumor (T) staging was T1 65.85%, T2 30.17% and T3 3.98%. Positive margins were found in 7.9% and in-situ component in 20.06%. The median IORT dose was 20 (6-20). Median time from IORT to EBRT was 74.5 (13-364) days. An overall 3.4% (n=22) of patients developed local recurrence at some point during follow-up. The 12-, 60- and 120-month cumulative LRR were 0.3%, 2.3% and 7.9%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, only age < 50 or ≥ 50 remained to be a significant prognostic factor for local recurrence (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.47; p<0.05) The 10-year estimated OS was 81.2%. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Upfront boost with IORT yields similar local control outcomes to those EBRT-based reports. Results from prospective trials, regarding toxicity, cosmesis and effectivity are awaited to confirm these findings.

Long-Term Outcomes of an International Cooperative Study of Intraoperative Radiotherapy Upfront Boost With Low Energy X-Rays in Breast Cancer.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the effectivity of upfront kilovoltage intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) as a boost in high-risk early-stage breast cancer patients from an international pooled cohort.Materials/MethodsPatients from four centers in three different countries were retrospectively screened. Those with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Cumulative local (LR), regional (RR), and distant metastasis rates (DM) were analyzed. Additionally, the estimated overall survival (OS) was assessed. The Cox regression analysis was performed to identify failure predicting factors.ResultsA total of 653 patients from centers in Peru, Spain, and Germany were included. The median follow-up was 55 (12–180) months, and age was 58 (27–86) years. Clinical tumor (T) staging was T1 65.85%, T2 30.17%, and T3 3.98%. Positive margins were found in 7.9% and in-situ component in 20.06%. The median IORT dose was 20 (6–20). The median time from IORT to EBRT was 74.5 (13-364) days. An overall 3.4% (n = 22) of patients developed local recurrence at some point during follow-up. The 12-, 60-, and 120-month cumulative LR were 0.3%, 2.3%, and 7.9%, respectively. After multivariate analysis, only age <50 remained to be a significant prognostic factor for local recurrence (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08–0.47; p < 0.05). The 10-year estimated OS was 81.2%.ConclusionUpfront boost with IORT yields similar local control outcomes to those EBRT-based reports. Results from prospective trials, regarding toxicity, cosmesis, and effectivity are awaited to confirm these findings.

Abstract P4-07-04: Bc cancer ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (BCC IBTR) nomogram

Abstract INTRODUCTION:. Local and systemic treatments for breast cancer have evolved in the past decades. This study reports the development of a modern population-based nomogram to individualize local recurrence (LR) risk estimates for patients treated with breast conservation surgery (BCS). The magnitude of benefit of adjuvant breast radiotherapy (BRT) depends on individual patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics (1). Nomograms can provide accurate predictions of LR and the absolute LR benefit of BRT that can assist patients in making informed decisions regarding BRT. This nomogram is based on a large cohort of women with prospectively captured biomarker data and modern systemic therapies including anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapy. METHOD:. Study Population:. The study cohort included women treated curatively for newly diagnosed breast cancer between 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2014. Inclusion criteria were: age &amp;gt;16 years, invasive ductal or lobular carcinoma, stage I-III, and BCS. Patients with metastatic disease, prior or synchronous contralateral breast cancer, unknown tumor or treatment characteristics, or treated with neoadjuvant therapy or mastectomy were excluded. Nomogram Development and Validation:. Age, tumor size, number of positive lymph nodes, grade, margin status, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), extensive intraductal component (EIC), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2 status, use of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiotherapy with or without boost were recorded for each patient. The endpoint was LR as the first event. Fine and Gray’s competing risk model, with distant recurrence and death as competing risks, was used for the multivariable analysis, adjusting for demographics, tumor, and treatment factors. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each variable were calculated. The multivariable model forms the basis for the nomogram, which is being internally validated using the bootstrap and cross-validation. RESULTS:Of 11,310 patients, there were 429 LR (crude risk = 3.8%). The HR and 95% CIs from the Fine and Gray model for each of the variables in the nomogram are presented in the table. Age, number of positive nodes, grade, ER, LVI, margins, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were independent prognostic factors for LR. For patients treated with RT, the predicted 10-year cumulative incidence of LR ranged from 2.4% in patients with low-risk disease to 12.5% in patients with high-risk disease. CONCLUSION:A new nomogram for local recurrence, based on patients who had ER/PR/HER2 testing and who received modern systemic therapies is being developed. It will assist clinicians and patients individualize estimates of local recurrence risk and improve shared decision-making regarding the use of BRT in contemporary practice. REFERENCES:. (1)Sanghani, M., et al J Clin Oncol.,2010; 28(5), 718-722. Cox regression hazard ratios and confidence intervals for variablesCharacteristicHR95%CIp-valueAge0.980.970.99&amp;lt;0.01T-size1.011.001.010.14No. nodes1.041.011.070.005GradeGrade1---Grade21.751.322.33&amp;lt;0.001Grade32.541.813.56&amp;lt;0.001ERNeg---Pos1.441.012.060.046PRNeg---Pos0.790.611.030.084Her2Neg---Pos0.960.731.250.8LVINeg---Pos1.961.552.47&amp;lt;0.001Unk1.360.722.580.3Margin StatusNeg---Close1.411.081.840.011Pos1.681.082.590.200Extensive DCISNo---Yes1.140.841.550.4HTNo---Yes0.520.410.65&amp;lt;0.001ChemoNo---Yes0.540.420.71&amp;lt;0.001RTNo---Yes0.330.260.42&amp;lt;0.001BoostNo---Yes0.800.621.040.094 Citation Format: Dylan Narinesingh, Alan Nichol, Pauline Truong, Lovedeep Gondara, Caroline Speers, Laveniya Kugathasan, Caroline Lohrisch, Dave Voduc, Nafisha Lalani. Bc cancer ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (BCC IBTR) nomogram [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-07-04.

The clinical outcome of hemicortical resection in extremity malignant bone tumors.

Hemicortical resection is challenging when a huge fungating tumor is covering the osteotomy site. We report the clinical outcome of hemicortical resection and reconstruction for primary bone tumors, especially with high-grade histology and extensive circumferential involvement. We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients (males, n = 18; females, n = 26) who underwent hemicortical resection from 2005 to 2014. The median follow-up period was 46.0 (23-178) months. Disease-specific, local recurrence-free, and metastasis-free survival rates of patients in the malignant group at 5 years were 96.6%, 84.5%, and 93.6%, respectively. Among 42 patients, there were local recurrences (n = 6), metastasis (n = 2), and death (n = 1). Surgical margin was an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence (hazard ratio = 5.7; p = 0.038). The recycled autograft and strut allograft groups did not show statistical difference in bone union. Failure rate was 31.8% and local recurrence was the most frequent, followed by infection. Hemicortical resection can be a feasible option for extremity malignant bone tumors. Regarding reconstruction, there were no difference between autograft and allograft in bone union rate. Surgical margin was an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence.

Survival Outcomes and Predictors for Recurrence of Surgically Treated Brain Metastasis From Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BackgroundThere are numerous factors to consider in deciding whether to undergo surgical treatment for brain metastasis from lung cancer. Herein, we aimed to analyze the survival outcome and predictors of recurrence of surgically treated brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsA total of 197 patients with brain metastasis from NSCLC who underwent microsurgery were included in this study.ResultsA total of 114 (57.9%) male and 83 (42.1%) female patients with a median age of 59 years (range, 27–79) was included in this study. The median follow-up period was 22.7 (range, 1–126) months. The 1-year and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates of patients with brain metastasis secondary to NSCLC were 59% and 43%, respectively. The 6-month and 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of local recurrence were 80% and 73%, respectively, whereas those of distant recurrence were 84% and 63%, respectively. En-bloc resection of tumor resulted in better PFS for local recurrence (1-year PFS: 79% vs. 62%, p=0.02). Ventricular opening and direct contact between the tumor and the subarachnoid space were not associated with distal recurrence and leptomeningeal seeding. The difference in PFS of local recurrence according to adjuvant resection bed irradiation was not significant. Moreover, postoperative whole-brain irradiation did not show a significant difference in PFS of distant recurrence. In multivariate analysis, only en-bloc resection was a favorable prognostic factor for local recurrence. Contrastingly, multiple metastasis was a poor prognostic factor for distant recurrence.ConclusionEn-bloc resection may reduce local recurrence after surgical resection. Ventricular opening and contact between the tumor and subarachnoid space did not show a statistically significant result for distant recurrence and leptomeningeal seeding. Multiple metastasis was only meaningful factor for distant recurrence.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy boost for locally advanced cervical cancer: Oncological outcome and toxicity analysis of 4 fractionation schemes

PurposeBrachytherapy (BT) boost after radio-chemotherapy (RCT) is a standard of care in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). As there is no consensus on high-dose-rate (HDR) BT fractionation schemes, our aim was to report the oncological outcome and toxicity profile of four different schemes using twice-a-day (BID) HDR-BT. Patients and methodsThis was an observational, retrospective, single institution study for patients with LACC receiving a HDR-BT boost. The latter was performed with a single implant and single imaging done on day 1. The different fractionation schemes were: 7 Gy + 4x3.5 Gy (group 1); 7 Gy + 4x4.5 Gy (group 2); 3x7Gy (group 3) and 3x8Gy (group 4). Local (LFS), nodal (NFS) and metastatic (MFS) recurrence-free survival as well as progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Acute (≤6 months) and late toxicities (>6 months) were reported. ResultsFrom 2007 to 2018, 191 patients were included. Median follow-up was 57 months [45–132] and median EQD210D90CTVHR was 84, 82 and 90 Gy for groups 2, 3 and 4 respectively (dosimetric data missing for group 1). The 5-year LFS, NFS, MFS, PFS and OS were 85% [81–90], 83% [79–86], 70% [67–73], 61% [57–64] and 75% [69–78] respectively, with no significant difference between the groups. EQD210D90CTVHR < 85 Gy was a prognostic factor for local recurrence in univariate analysis (p = 0.045). The rates of acute/late grade ≥ 2 urinary, digestive and gynecological toxicities were 9%/15%, 3%/15% and 9%/25% respectively. ConclusionBi-fractionated HDR-BT boost seems feasible with good oncological outcome and slightly more toxicity after dose escalation.

Clinical Outcome of Sacral Chordoma Patients Treated with Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy

AimsSacral chordomas are locally aggressive, radio-resistant tumours. Proton therapy has the potential to deliver high radiation doses, which may improve the therapeutic ratio when compared with conventional radiotherapy. We assessed tumour control and radiation-induced toxicity in a cohort of sacral chordoma patients treated with definitive or postoperative pencil beam scanning proton therapy. Methods and materialsSixty patients with histologically proven sacral chordoma treated between November 1997 and October 2018 at the Paul Scherrer Institute with postoperative (n = 50) or definitive proton therapy (n = 10) were retrospectively analysed. Only 10 (17%) patients received combined photon radiotherapy and proton therapy. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier actuarial method. The Log-rank test was used to compare different functions for local control, freedom from distant recurrence and overall survival. Acute and late toxicity were assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0. ResultsThe median follow-up was 48 months (range 4–186). Local recurrence occurred in 20 (33%) patients. The 4-year local control, freedom from distant recurrence and overall survival rates were 77%, 89% and 85%, respectively. On univariate analysis, subtotal resection/biopsy (P = 0.02), tumour extension restricted to bone (P = 0.01) and gross tumour volume >130 ml (P = 0.04) were significant predictors for local recurrence. On multivariate analysis, tumour extension restricted to bone (P = 0.004) and gross total resection (P = 0.02) remained independent favourable prognostic factors for local recurrence. Twenty-four (40%), 28 (47%) and eight (11%) patients experienced acute grade 1, 2 and 3 toxicities, respectively. The 4-year late toxicity-free survival was 91%. Two patients developed secondary malignancies to the bladder 3–7 years after proton therapy. ConclusionsOur data indicate that pencil beam scanning proton therapy for sacral chordomas is both safe and effective. Gross total resection, tumour volume <130 ml and tumour restricted to the bone are favourable prognostic factors for local tumour control.

Poor response at restaging MRI and high incomplete resection rates of locally advanced mucinous rectal cancer after chemoradiation therapy.

AimMucinous carcinoma is a histological subtype of rectal cancer and has been associated with a poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The primary aim of this study was to analyse the response on MRI of mucinous locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after CRT compared to regular adenocarcinoma.MethodPatients with LARC (defined as cT4 and/or cN2), who underwent CRT followed by restaging MRI and surgery in two tertiary referral hospitals were retrospectively included in the study. Pre‐ and post‐treatment MRI was reviewed by an experienced abdominal radiologist.ResultsA total of 102 patients, of whom 29 were diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma, were included for analysis. At restaging MRI, adenocarcinoma patients demonstrated significantly less clinical involvement of the mesorectal fascia (37% vs. 62%, P = 0.003) while this was not demonstrated in mucinous carcinoma patients (86% vs. 97%, P = 0.16). Significant downstaging after CRT in adenocarcinoma patients (P = 0.01) was seen while, in mucinous carcinoma patients, no downstaging after CRT (P = 0.89) was seen. Pathology revealed significantly higher rates of an involved circumferential resection margin in mucinous carcinoma versus adenocarcinoma patients (27.6% vs. 1.4%; P < 0.001). After multivariate regression analysis, mucinous carcinoma remained an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence (hazard ratio 3.6; 95% CI 1.1–12.4), although no differences in overall or disease‐free survival were observed.ConclusionMucinous rectal carcinoma is associated with a poor clinical response at restaging MRI after CRT, leading to relatively higher rates of involved circumferential resection margins at pathology. In this cohort, mucinous carcinoma seems to be a prognostic factor for increased risk of local recurrence, without an effect on overall survival.

Deep transfer learning based on magnetic resonance imaging can improve the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in patients with rectal cancer.

Lymph node (LN) metastasis is the main prognostic factor for local recurrence and overall survival of patients with rectal cancer. The accurate evaluation of LN status in rectal cancer patients is associated with improved treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to apply deep transfer learning to classify LN status in patients with rectal cancer to improve N staging accuracy. The study included 129 patients with 325 rectal cancer screenshots of LN T2-weighted (T2W) images from April 2018 to March 2019. Deep learning was applied through a pre-trained model, Inception-v3, for recognition and detection of LN status. The results were compared to manual identification by experienced radiologists. Two radiologists reviewed images and independently identified their status using various criteria with or without short axial (SA) diameter measurements. The accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were calculated. When the same radiologist performed the analysis, the AUC was not significantly different in the presence or absence of LN diameter measurements (P>0.05). In the deep transfer learning method, the PPV, NPV, sensitivity, and specificity were 95.2%, 95.3%, 95.3%, and 95.2%, respectively, and the AUC and accuracy were 0.994 and 95.7%, respectively. These results were all higher than that achieved with manual diagnosis by the radiologists. The internal details of LNs should be used as the main criteria for positive diagnosis when using MRI. Deep transfer learning can improve the MRI diagnosis of positive LN metastasis in patients with rectal cancer.