Chemoradiotherapy Group Research Articles

Analysis results of surgical treatment and chemoradiotherapy with assessment of prognostic factors in localy advanced laryngeal cancer

The study objective – to analyze the treatment results and prognostic factors of survival in patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer who received surgical treatment and chemoradiotherapy.Materials and methods. The retrospective study included patients with locally advanced laryngeal cancer treated at the N. N. Petrov National medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of Russia in the period from 2009 to 2018. The patients included in the study were divided into 2 equal groups (74 patients were included in each group) depending of treatment: surgery with postoperative radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy (group 1) and concurrent chemoradiation therapy and subsequent surgical treatment in case of incomplete response to treatment or disease progression (group 2). The endpoints of the study were general and relapse-free survival.Results. One hundred and forty-eight patients were included in the study: 74 patients in group 1 and 74 patients in the group 2. The median overall survival in the surgical treatment group was 45 months, in the chemoradiotherapy group – 44.6 months, and the overall 5-year survival for the group 1 and the group 2 were 39.3 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 26.1–59.2), and 59.2 % (95 % CI 45.3–77.2), respectively. The relapse-free 5-year survival rate for the surgical treatment group and the chemoradiotherapy group was 36.8 (95 % CI 25.1–53.8), and 53.9 % (95 % CI 40.7–71.4), respectively.Conclusion. There were no significant differences in overall and relapse-free survival. Metastatic lesion of the neck lymph nodes (N2–3), invasion of laryngeal cartilage, invasion of the thyroid gland and the spread of the tumor to the larynx are statistically significantly associated with lower overall and relapse-free survival.

Adaptive dose escalated radiotherapy in oropharyngeal cancers: a treatment planning feasibility study

BackgroundA significant proportion of patients with poor prognosis squamous cell cancer of the oropharynx relapse loco-regionally despite radical (chemo)radiotherapy. If a predictive biomarker for disease control can be identified during treatment then individualised and adaptive treatment strategies may be employed. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of adaptive and dose-escalated RT to the gross tumour volume without increasing surrounding planning target volume doses and maintaining clinically acceptable organs at risk doses.Materials and methodsTwenty representative patients with poor prognosis locally advanced OPSCC who were known to have relapsed post RT, were re-planned retrospectively using Eclipse TPS v15.5, RapidPlan™ and multi-criteria optimisation. In our centre, PTV65 is treated with 65 Gy in 30 fractions while areas at risk of containing microscopic disease (PTV54) are treated synchronously to 54 Gy in 30 fractions. The original clinical plans were re-optimised to act as controls (Group I). These plans were split into two plans of 15 fractions each, with the latter 15 fractions used to escalate the dose to the GTV to 73 Gy (Group II) and 82 Gy (Group III). Plan sums were created for the total 30 fractions to record plan evaluation parameters along with assessments of plan deliverability.ResultsFor all groups, the dose coverage at D98% and D50% for the PTVs were comparable. The D2% dose levels for PTV65-GTV increased. All dose levels associated with PTV54 remained largely unaffected by the dose escalation regimens. Conformity indices for PTV65 and PTVAll (PTV65 plus PTV54) reveal comparable target volume coverage across all three groups. Despite the GTV being escalated by 12.3% and 26.2% in groups II and III, the volume of GTV receiving > 84 Gy was considerably less than 1.75 cc. While OAR doses increased for the escalated groups, these increases were not clinically significant.ConclusionThis planning feasibility study exploring RapidPlan™ combined with multi-criteria optimisation has demonstrated that doses to the GTV may be escalated without increasing PTV65-GTV, PTV54 or OAR doses considerably, suggesting an interventional clinical trial using this approach would be feasible.

Responses of Patients with T3-4N0- 2 M0 Rectal Cancer to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy: Review of Current Literature

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy followed by surgery in patients with locally advanced unresectable rectal cancer.Material and method: We reviewed records for 65 patients with locally advanced unresectable rectal cancer treated by preoperative chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy followed by surgery between 2013 and 2016. Of these, 23 patients were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy (40 - 45 Gy) plus concomitant chemotherapy (5Fluorouracil + Calcium Folinate). For comparison, 42 similar patients, treated by preoperative radiotherapy (45 - 50Gy) plus surgery served as control. The primary end-point of the study was overall survival and local control rate.Results: No treatment plan was delayed because of toxicities in both groups. The radical resectability rate was 69.9 % in the chemoradiotherapy group and 33.3 % in the radiotherapy plus surgery group (P = 0. 024). The anal sphincter preservation rates were 26. 6 % and 3. 7 %, respectively (P= 0. 028). The anal sphincter preservation rates of the lower rectal cancer were 27. 3 % and 0. 0 %, respectively (P = 0. 014). Response rates of chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy plus surgery groups were 82.6 % and 61.9 % (P = 0. 053). The tumor downstage rates were 16 (69.6%) and 24 (57.1%) in these groups (P = 0. 206). The 3-years overall survival rates were 66. 7 % and 55. 6 % (P = 0. 485), and the tumor-free survival rates were 40. 3 % and 33. 1 % (P = 0. 663) . The 3-years local recurrent rates were 26. 9 % and 48. 1 % (P = 0. 174) . No obvious late effects were found in either group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested at least that acute side effects of preoperative chemoradiotherapy can be tolerated and a higher surgical resection rate can be achieved. However, the chemoradiotherapy did not improve the survival rate while it increased local recurrence due to the high rate of anal sphincter preservation. It is safe and effective to use 5-Fluorouracil + Calcium Folinate and 5 – DFUR as a radiosensitizer during the whole course of radiotherapy.

Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of radical radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy in treatment of locally advanced, unresectable rectal cancer.

133 Background: Evaluation of tolerance and efficacy of two schemes of neoadjuvant treatment in patients with unresectable rectal cancer: radiochemotherapy and radiotherapy, including conventional and accelerated hyperfractionation. Methods: 145 patients (pts) with unresectable, locally advanced rectal cancer. Schemes used: radiotherapy (RT) in 73 (50%) or radiochemotherapy (CRT) in 72 (50%). In RT group conventional fractionation (CFRT) and hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART). In CRT 54 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions was given with two cycles of 5 Fu-LV chemotherapy in three or five day cycles. Results: Objective response (OR) in RT and CRT group was 60% versus 75%. Resection rate (RR) in RT and CRT: 37% versus 65%. Tumor mobility and laparotomy-based unresectability were significant factors for OR. Performance status, tumor mobility, neoadjuvant treatment method were significant for RR. Five-year LC in CRT versus RT: 68% versus 37%. Five-year OS: 52% versus 27%. CRT was independent positive prognostic factor for resection rate, local control. Tumor volume did not reach significance for any of the end points. Lenght of chemotherapy cycles (three or five days) did not reach significance for any of the endpoints. Toxicity was acceptable in both groups. CRT had best outcome in LC: 68% versus 42% in HART; and 25% in CFRT. Five-year OS was much better in CRT than in CFRT: 52% versus 17%. Conclusions: The results of treatment depend on performance status, patients age, tumor mobility and unresectability based on earlier laparotomy. The lack of influence of the tumor volume on all endpoints indicates the need for radical neoadjuvant treatment independently of tumor volume and underlines the key role of a proper surgical treatment. In patients not suitable for CRT, HART is optimal strategy for its better efficacy than CFRT.

Hypopharyngeal carcinoma with skeletal muscle metastases: a rare clinical entity

The common sites of distant metastatic spread of head and neck malignant tumor are lungs, liver, and bones. Skeletal muscles metastases are extremely rare. We present a case of 61-year-old man who was previously treated with radical chemo radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, stage T4bN2cM0. During surveillance follow up 21 months post treatment, he developed a right proximal arm mass. There were no neurological or vascular deficit. MRI revealed an irregular enhancing intramuscular soft tissue mass within the right triceps muscle, with widespread nodal and skeletal muscle metastases. Tissue biopsy revealed a metastatic carcinoma favoring poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. He received palliative chemotherapy but died 4 months later. Skeletal muscle metastases must be high in the list of differential diagnosis in a head and neck cancer patient presented with a muscle mass, even though it is rather rare. Radiological imaging and tissue biopsy helped in the diagnosis and prompt management.

Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Versus Upfront Surgery for Resectable and Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: Long-Term Results of the Dutch Randomized PREOPANC Trial.

The benefit of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer remains controversial. Initial results of the PREOPANC trial failed to demonstrate a statistically significant overall survival (OS) benefit. The long-term results are reported. In this multicenter, phase III trial, patients with resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer were randomly assigned (1:1) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or upfront surgery in 16 Dutch centers. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy consisted of three cycles of gemcitabine combined with 36 Gy radiotherapy in 15 fractions during the second cycle. After restaging, patients underwent surgery followed by four cycles of adjuvant gemcitabine. Patients in the upfront surgery group underwent surgery followed by six cycles of adjuvant gemcitabine. The primary outcome was OS by intention-to-treat. No safety data were collected beyond the initial report of the trial. Between April 24, 2013, and July 25, 2017, 246 eligible patients were randomly assigned to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (n = 119) and upfront surgery (n = 127). At a median follow-up of 59 months, the OS was better in the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy group than in the upfront surgery group (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.96; P = .025). Although the difference in median survival was only 1.4 months (15.7 months v 14.3 months), the 5-year OS rate was 20.5% (95% CI, 14.2 to 29.8) with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 6.5% (95% CI, 3.1 to 13.7) with upfront surgery. The effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy was consistent across the prespecified subgroups, including resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. Neoadjuvant gemcitabine-based chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery and adjuvant gemcitabine improves OS compared with upfront surgery and adjuvant gemcitabine in resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Post-operative anastomotic leakage and collagen changes in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy vs chemoradiotherapy

A significant difference in the anastomotic leakage (AL) rate has been observed between patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who have undergone preoperative chemotherapy and those undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy. This study aimed to quantitatively analyse collagen structural changes caused by preoperative chemoradiotherapy and illuminate the relationship between collagen changes and AL. Anastomotic distal and proximal "doughnut" specimens from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) were quantitatively assessed for collagen structural changes between patients with and without preoperative radiotherapy using multiphoton imaging. Then, patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy were used as a training cohort to construct an AL-SVM classifier by the Mann-Whitney U test and support vector machine (SVM). An independent test cohort from the Fujian Province Cancer Hospital (Fuzhou, China) was used to validate the AL-SVM classifier. A total of 207 patients were included from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. The AL rate in the preoperative chemoradiotherapy group (n = 107) was significantly higher than that in the preoperative chemotherapy group (n = 100) (21.5% vs 7.0%, P = 0.003). A fully quantitative analysis showed notable morphological and spatial distribution feature changes in collagen in the preoperative chemoradiotherapy group. Then, the patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy were used as a training cohort to construct the AL-SVM classifier based on five collagen features and the tumor distance from the anus. The AL-SVM classifier showed satisfactory discrimination and calibration with areas under the curve of 0.907 and 0.856 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. The collagen structure may be notably altered by preoperative radiotherapy. The AL-SVM classifier was useful for the individualized prediction of AL in rectal cancer patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Models for Predicting Early Death in Patients With Stage IV Esophageal Cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Based Cohort Study.

BackgroundDespite enormous progress in the stage IV esophageal cancer (EC) treatment, some patients experience early death after diagnosis. This study aimed to identify the early death risk factors and construct models for predicting early death in stage IV EC patients.MethodsStage IV EC patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were selected. Early death was defined as death within 3 months of diagnosis, with or without therapy. Early death risk factors were identified using logistic regression analyses and further used to construct predictive models. The concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analyses (DCA) were used to assess model performance.ResultsOut of 4411 patients enrolled, 1779 died within 3 months. Histologic grade, therapy, the status of the bone, liver, brain and lung metastasis, marriage, and insurance were independent factors for early death in stage IV EC patients. Histologic grade and the status of the bone and liver metastases were independent factors for early death in both chemoradiotherapy and untreated groups. Based on these variables, predictive models were constructed. The C-index was .613 (95% confidence interval (CI), [.573–.653]) and .635 (95% CI, [.596–.674]) in the chemoradiotherapy and untreated groups, respectively, while calibration curves and DCA showed moderate performance.ConclusionsMore than 40% of stage IV EC patients suffered from an early death. The models could help clinicians discriminate between low and high risks of early death and strategize individually-tailed therapeutic interventions in stage IV EC patients.

Postoperative Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Alone for Stage III Endometrial Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

IntroductionWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of 6 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared with chemotherapy alone as postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with stage III endometrial cancer.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients with stage III endometrial cancer who received postoperative chemoradiotherapy or chemotherapy alone at 6 hospitals between January 2009 and December 2019. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for each treatment group were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. We also assessed differences in toxicity profiles between the treatment groups.ResultsA total of 133 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 80 patients (60.2%) received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 53 (39.8%) received chemotherapy alone. The PFS and OS did not differ significantly between the groups. For patients with stage IIIC endometrioid subtype, the chemoradiotherapy group had significantly longer PFS rate than did the chemotherapy alone group (log-rank test, P = .019), although there was no significant difference in the OS (log-rank test, P = .100). CRT was identified as a favorable prognostic factor for PFS in multivariate analysis (adjusted HR, .37; 95% CI, .16-.87; P = .022). Patients treated with chemoradiotherapy more frequently suffered from grade 4 neutropenia (73.8% vs 52.8%; P = .018) and grade 3 or worse thrombocytopenia (36.3% vs 9.4%; P = .001) compared with the chemotherapy alone group. There were no differences between the 2 treatment groups in the frequency of toxicity-related treatment discontinuation or dose reduction.ConclusionWe confirmed that chemoradiotherapy yields longer progression-free survival than does chemotherapy alone for patients with stage IIIC endometrioid endometrial cancer, with an acceptable toxicity profile.

Long-Term Treatment Outcomes of the Elder Patients with Locally Advanced Thoracic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Definitive Chemoradiotherapy or Radiotherapy.

Background Few randomized trials are available to guide clinical management of elderly patients with esophageal cancer. Therefore, treatment approaches for the elderly are challenging. Objective We believe that chemotherapy and radiotherapy are more effective than radiotherapy alone. We envision that chemotherapy is more effective than radiotherapy alone in elderly patients with esophageal cancer. Methods Retrospective data of patients aged 70 years and older from 2008 to 2015 at our institution were analyzed. Of 61 eligible patients, 32 received definitive CTR and 29 received RT alone. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 16 months (range, 1–67 months), and the median overall survival was 19 months. Median PFS and OS in the chemoradiotherapy group were 17 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 15.1–24.8 months) and 22 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 20.4–32.7 months), respectively. Results The median PFS and OS in the radiotherapy group were 16 months and 16 months, respectively. The OS rates at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 82%, 42.6%, 19.7%, and 6.6%, respectively. There was no difference in PFS between CRT and RT, but there was an advantage in OS for CRT. Positive nodules had an effect on PFS and OS. Conclusions CRT is effective in elderly patients with nodal invasion of esophageal cancer. Higher radiation doses had an effect on PFS and OS, but there was no difference in PFS and OS between CRT and RT. Therefore, treatment approaches for the elderly are challenging.

Role of Chemoradiation in the Adjuvant Treatment of Radically Resected Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Mono-Institutional Retrospective Analysis.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) represents an unfavorable prognosis condition, even in patients with resectable disease. The aim of this series was to investigate the role of treatment intensification with adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) in radically resected PC patients. Data from PC patients who underwent radical surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy (CT), and CRT throughout a 20-year period were retrospectively collected. Actuarial local control (LC) and the overall survival (OS) were the primary endpoints, with disease-free survival and metastasis-free survival (MFS) representing secondary endpoints. The analysis included 108 PC patients treated with adjuvant CRT and CT from January 2000 to August 2019. Median age was 66 years (range: 40-83), and all patients underwent radical surgical resection with adjuvant CT (88, 81.5%) plus concomitant CRT (101, 93.5%) or radiotherapy alone (7, 6.5%). The median dose delivered to the tumor bed was 50.4 Gy (range: 45-50.6 Gy), while median dose to regional lymphatic drainage stations was 39.6 Gy (range 39.6-45 Gy). Concomitant CT was a gemcitabine-based regimen in the vast majority of patients (87, 80.6%). Median follow-up time was 21 months; the 2- and 5-year LC rates were 75.8% and 59.1%, respectively. Perineural invasion at pathological assessment was found significantly associated with LC (p = 0.028). Median OS was 40 months with 2- and 5-year OS rates of 73.9% and 41.6%, respectively. The outcomes of this series suggest to investigate the possible impact of adding adjuvant CRT to CT in PC patients. Timing and combination of modern CRT with new systemic therapies need to be further investigated to personalize therapy and optimize clinical advantages.

High-grade carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation of the urinary bladder: A case report of a rare variant

Neuroendocrine bladder carcinoma is considered a rare variant (<1%) with highly aggressive potential. Because of the rarity of its presentation, available data are mainly from published case reports. A 40-year-old male presented with painless hematuria for the past 3 months. After evaluation, he underwent radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection with urinary diversion. Histopathology from the postoperative specimen was suggestive of high-grade carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation (CK-focal positive, synaptophysin-focal positive, GATA-3, CD-56 positive and Ki-67 85%–90% chromogranin A-negative) stage pT4bN2M0. The case was discussed in the multidisciplinary tumor board and was planned for adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin (75 mg/m2) and etoposide (100 mg/m2) Repeated every 21 days. He completed six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and was on follow-up. Within 3 months of completing adjuvant therapy, he presented again with a complaint of hematuria and on evaluation found to have a localized recurrence, following which he received radical chemoradiotherapy and is now on follow-up. Our case provides evidence to think us in new dimension, with chemotherapy in adjuvant and radiation in salvage settings instead of adjuvant settings.

Comparison of Sequential Boost and Simultaneous Integrated Boost Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy in Treatment of Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Prospective Interventional Study

Introduction: Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) is a radiotherapy in head and neck cancer can be delivered by two boost techniques: Sequential Boost (SEQ) and Simultaneous Integrated Boost (SIB). There is still limited data comparing these two techniques. Aim: To compare SEQ and SIB planning techniques of VMAT in patients of Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in terms of disease response and acute toxicities. Materials and Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted at Geetanjali Medical College and Hospital, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India from January 2019 to December 2020. Fifty two patients of HNSCC planned for radical chemoradiation were enrolled into two study arms SEQ-VMAT and SIB-VMAT. Chemotherapy given as weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2 . Dosimetric comparison was done using Dose Volume Histogram (DVH) analysis. Response evaluation was done as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 at 8-10 weeks follow-up. Acute toxicity evaluation was done as per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity grading. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 software. Results: A total of 52 subjects were included in the study, out of which 26 subjects were included in SEB group while 26 subjects in SIB group. No significant difference was observed in demographic data in terms of age 56.2 vs 53.5 years, sex (24 males and 2 females in both the arms), disease site (oropharynx is the most common site 38.5% in both arms)and stage (IVA 69.2% in SEQ arm vs 46.2% in SIB arm and III 30.8% in SEQ arm vs 42.3% in SIB arm). Dosimetric data was comparable between the two arms. SIB-VMAT shows significantly higher incidence of acute dermatitis (grade1 dermatitis at two weeks 69.2% vs 38.5%, p=0.0279 and grade 2 dermatitis at six weeks 84.6% vs 38.5%, p=0.0007) and acute mucositis (grade 1 mucositis at two weeks 84.6% vs 38.5%, p=0.0007) as compared to SEQ-VMAT. SEQVMAT shows significantly higher incidence of dysphagia (grade 1 at four weeks 84.5% vs 50%, p=0.0087). No significant differences were observed in terms of xerostomia and laryngeal toxicity.No significant difference in overall response was observed between SIB vs SEQ (complete response 65.4% vs 53.85% p=0.40). Conclusion: SEQ appears better in terms of acute toxicities but SIB was more convenient as no re-planning was required. For head and neck radiotherapy SIB and Sequential VMAT are comparable in terms of overall response.

Comparison of dosimetric data of bone marrow between standard IMRT and bone marrow sparing IMRT in carcinoma cervix.

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess the dosimetric comparison of bone marrow between standard IMRT(SD-IMRT) and bone marrow sparing IMRT (BMS-IMRT) among carcinoma cervix patients who underwent radical or adjuvant chemoradiation in a tertiary cancer center.Materials and methodsForty eligible patients of histo-pathologically proven carcinoma cervix were enrolled in the study that was randomized on a 1:1 basis between SD-IMRT and BMS-IMRT from July 2018 to October 2019. The whole pelvis, bilateral femoral heads, and upper 1/3rd femur were contoured using the whole bone technique as a surrogate marker for the bone marrow. In both arms, V10, V20, and V40, bone marrow was noted along with mean, maximum, minimum dose, and total volume. DVH for the bone marrow in both arms was compared using the unpaired student t-test.ResultsWe found no significant difference in the mean of various parameters in SD-IMRT arm vs. BMS IMRT arm — for the bone marrow: V10 (89 ± 4.3% vs. 86.7 ± 3.7%), V20 (73.2 ± 5.3% vs. 73.1 ± 4.5%), V40 (23.9 ± 5.4% vs. 26.6 ± 7.4%) and, similarly, for mean dose (28.1 ± 3.5% vs. 28.1 ± 1.8%), maximum dose (53.4 ± 0.58% vs. 53.2 ± 0.58%), minimum dose (0.33 ± 0.18% vs. 0.38 ± 0.38%), total volume (961 ± 110 cc vs. 901 ± 152 cc).ConclusionThis study shows no statistically significant difference in dosimetry between the two groups, which suggests that SD-IMRT spares the bone marrow adequately. Therefore, the need for BMS-IMRT using the present contouring technique does not give any added advantage over SD-IMRT. However, large sample size, other novel contouring technique, and multivariate analysis are needed to reach a definite conclusion.

Role of Esophagectomy after Chemoradiation Therapy in Patients with Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparative Analysis Stratified by Clinical Response to Chemoradiation Therapy.

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the long-term effect of esophagectomy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by comparing the chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-only group and the trimodality treatment (TMT) group who received concurrent CRT followed by surgery.Materials and MethodsWe included 412 operable ESCC patients treated with TMT or CRT between January 2005 and December 2015. The oncological outcomes of the two groups were compared using a weighted Cox proportional-hazards model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).ResultsThe median survival time was 64 and 32 months in the TMT (n=270) and CRT (n=142) groups, respectively (p < 0.001). After IPTW, the median overall survival (OS) remained significantly higher in the TMT group than in the CRT group (61 months vs. 32 months, p=0.016). Moreover, the TMT group showed a better local recurrence–free rate (LRFR; p < 0.001) and distant metastasis–free rate (p=0.007). In the subgroup of patients with clinical complete response (cCR), the OS was not significantly different between the two groups, both before and after IPTW adjustment (p=0.35 and p=0.93). However, among non-cCR patients, the OS was significantly higher in the TMT group (64% vs. 45%, p < 0.001).ConclusionIn patients with locally advanced ESCC, TMT was superior to CRT in terms of OS and LRFR. Such difference was more prominent in the non-cCR subgroup. In patients who achieved cCR, esophagectomy was effective in improving LRFR but not OS, suggesting that esophagectomy may be omitted in complete responders.

Comparative analysis results of surgical treatment, chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy with assessment of prognostic factors in cervical esophageal cancer

Aim. To analyze the results of treatment and prognostic factors of survival in patients with cervical esophageal cancer (CEC) who received surgical treatment, chemoradiation therapy and chemotherapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The retrospective study included patients with a verified diagnosis of CEC treated at the Petrov National Medicine Research Center of Oncology from 2009 to 2018 and divided into three treatment groups: surgical treatment, chemoradiotherapy and chemotherapy. The endpoints of the study were overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS).&#x0D; Results. Ninety-seven patients were included in the study: 48 in the surgical group, 30 in the chemoradiotherapy group and 17 patients in the chemotherapeutic treatment group. The average age of patients was 59.210.4 years. The median OS in the surgical group was 39.1 months, in the chemoradiotherapy group 23.9 months and 8.9 months in the chemotherapy group; the overall 3-year survival rate was 51.0% (95% CI 36.471.7), 44.9% (95% CI 26.974.9) and 26.0% (95% CI 9.968.2), respectively. The overall 5-year survival rate for the surgical group and the chemoradiotherapy group was 40.0% (95% CI 25.862.0), and 44.9% (95% CI 26.974.9), respectively. The presence of coronary heart disease is associated with a significant decrease in OS. The median disease-free survival in the surgical group was 19 months, in the chemoradiotherapy group 11.5 months and 3.4 months in the chemotherapy group; the relapse-free 3-year survival rates were 44.1% (95% CI 30.264.4), 25.0% (95% CI 11.753.4) and 14.3% (95% CI 4.051.5), respectively. The relapse-free 5-year survival rate for the surgical treatment group and the chemoradiotherapy group was 34.6% (95% CI 21.655.3), and 25.0% (95% CI 11.753.4). The presence of peptic ulcer disease was statistically significantly associated with higher overall and RFS regardless of the treatment received.&#x0D; Conclusion. In our study, surgical treatment of the CEC showed better overall and RFS rates compared with chemoradiotherapy. The presence of coronary heart disease and peptic ulcer disease are prognostic factors for overall and RFS.

O-OGC04 Peri-operative chemotherapy versus preoperative chemoradiotherapy in treatment of Esophago-gastric junctional adenocarcinomas: A 10-year cohort study

Abstract Background Esophago-gastric junctional (EGJ) cancers have been considered recently as distinct tumour entity with characteristic genetic profiles. However, the optimal multimodal therapy of advanced EGJ cancers is still debatable. In this comparative study, we analysed the outcomes of peri-operative chemotherapy (CT) versus pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in treatment of advanced EGJ adenocarcinomas. Methods This study included patients with locally advanced but resectable EGJ adenocarcinomas who underwent surgical resection after oncological therapy between 2010 till 2019, at our institution. Follow up till May 2021 was done. The outcomes between CT and CRT groups were retrospectively analysed. The long-term follow up data was obtained via direct contact with the patients during our oncological clinics, cross-checked with our hospital/national patients’ electronic databases. Results 107 patients had EGJ cancers; 90 (84%) patients met our inclusion criteria. Peri-operative chemotherapy was received in 65 (72%) patients. Overall median survival rate was 2.2 years in CRT-group compared to 2.4 years in CT-group (p-value 0.29), with comparable recurrence rates (48% vs 36% respectively). R0-resections were higher in CRT-group (84%) compared to CT-group (71%), yet insignificant p-value 0.197. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy achieved higher complete pathological response (28% vs 6%, p-value 0.009) and negative lymph nodes rates (64% vs 37%, p-value 0.014) compared to CT-group. Short-term outcomes (postoperative complications, morbidity rates and length of hospital stay) were similar across both groups. Conclusions Preoperative chemoradiotherapy was associated with higher complete pathological response and negative lymph nodes rates for EGJ adenocarcinomas compared to peri-operative chemotherapy, without increase in postoperative complications or morbidity rates. However, it wasn’t associated with improved overall or disease-free survival rates. These findings supported the use of CRT in treatment of advanced EGJ adenocarcinomas.

P-OGC34 Pandemic paradigms: Early outcomes of radical chemoradiotherapy for patients with operable oesophageal and oesophago-gastric junctional adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background The peak waves of the COVID pandemic necessitated a paradigm shift in surgical management of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma due to both pressure on services and high mortality rates for those with COVID undergoing surgery. The Association of Upper GI Surgeons (AUGIS) guidance on treating Upper gastrointestinal cancers in the COVID era made suggestions to treat operable adenocarcinomas using definitive/consolidation chemoradiation (DCRT) over standard neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and our unit altered practice accordingly for a cohort of patients. For affected patients we monitored and audited clinical outcomes and the initial results from this are presented here. Methods Patients with oesophageal or oesophago-gastric junctional (O/OGJ) adenocarcinoma with potentially curative disease where initial management was altered from a treatment path which would have included surgery (with or without neoadjuvant therapy) to DCRT discussed at our regional multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting between 1st February-1st June 2020 were included. Patient demographics, investigations, treatment given and clinical outcomes were prospectively recorded. Results 31 Patients with operable adenocarcinoma of O/OGJ had treatment altered to DCRT (mean age 65.4, [range 43 – 79]), 28 (90%) Male. 1 patient deteriorated prior to starting, leaving 30 who completed DCRT. Of these 4 patients had already had NAC prior to DCRT. Follow up was for a median of 8 (range 4-8) months following start of treatment. Post- vs pre-treatment FDG-PET imaging demonstrated a significant reduction in the mean maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) (p = 0.003, Sign test), in all but 3 patients. 11 patients had DCRT alone, (all alive at the time of data collection), of whom 3 patients had no sign of tumour. 19 (56%) patients proceeded to salvage oesophagectomy at a median of 15(range 10-25) weeks after completion of DCRT. 42% of these patients had a complete pathological response to treatment. There was a 5% perioperative mortality rate for this group and 1 patient was found to be unresectable on the day of surgery. At the time the data was reviewed overall survival of the entire cohort was 91%, 56% of whom had no sign of residual or recurrent disease. Conclusions A disease free survival of 56% compares poorly with the literature at the 3-month interval. The long-term follow-up of these patients will only be apparent in the coming months and years. This data does not support the use of this modality in the future and alternate treatment plans should be devised for future pandemics.

Patient reported outcomes for cisplatin and radiation followed by carboplatin/paclitaxel versus carboplatin/paclitaxel for locally advanced endometrial carcinoma: An NRG oncology study

IntroductionChemotherapy plus radiation (Cis-RT + CP) did not demonstrate superiority in prolonging relapse-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with stage III or IVA endometrial carcinoma. The impact of treatment on quality of life (QOL), neurotoxicity (NTX) and psychometric properties of the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms subscale during treatment and up to 1 year are described herein. MethodsQOL assessments were scheduled at baseline, 6 weeks (post completion of RT (Cis-RT + CP) or prior to cycle 3 (CP)), then 18 weeks (end of treatment) and 70 weeks (1 year after the end of treatment) after starting treatment. QOL instruments included the FACT-En TOI, FACT/GOG-neurotoxicity (Ntx) subscale (short), and the gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms subscale. ResultsAt the end of treatment, patients receiving Cis-RT + CP reported a statistically significant decreased QOL when compared to CP. The decline in QOL was reflected in physical well-being, functional well-being, and endometrial cancer specific concerns, but the minimally important differences (MID) were not considered clinically meaningful. Patients in both groups reported increased chemotherapy-induced Ntx symptoms with the CP group having worse scores and reaching peak symptoms at the time of chemotherapy completion. Patients on Cis-RT + CP reported statistically significantly worse GI symptoms after radiation therapy compared to patients on CP, this occurred across assessment intervals, though the MID was not meaningful. Psychometric evaluations indicated that the GI symptom scale is reliable, valid, and responsive to change. ConclusionsPROs indicate that the chemoradiotherapy group experienced worse HRQoL and GI toxicity compared to patients randomized to chemotherapy alone for locally advanced endometrial cancer though based on the MID, these were not clinically meaningful differences. The GI symptom subscale was a reliable and valid scale that has value for future trials.Trial registration: NCT00942357

Impact of Weight Loss on Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers Treated with Chemoradiotherapy

Introduction:Malnutrition and weight loss are commonly observed in patient with esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancers. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a mainstay of treatment for locally advanced esophageal and EGJ cancers. Impact of weight loss on patients with treated with CRT was not well studied. Methods:Patients with locally advanced esophageal and EGJ cancer who received CRT were identified in our institutional database and allocated into low (LWL) and high (HWL) weight loss groups. HWL was defined as weight loss >5% of baseline during CRT. Results: A total of 167 patients were underwent definitive (n=89) or preoperative (n=78) CRT, respectively. HWL was observed in 46% and 55% of patients treated with definitive and preoperative CRT, respectively. Cisplatin/5FU regimen used during CRT was a significant predictive factor for weight loss in multivariate analysis (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.09–3.94; p=0.026). In the definitive CRT group, patients in the HWL group experienced significantly worse overall survival than those in the LWL group (1.2 years vs 1.95 years; p=0.003). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline albumin (>3.0 g/dL) was significantly associated with longer OS of definitive CRT patients (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.1-4.19; p=0.024). Tolerability and toxicities during CRT were not statistically different between groups. Conclusion:Significant weight loss during CRT was frequently observed in patients with locally advanced esophageal and EGJ cancers. Baseline hypoalbuminemia was an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients treated with definitive CRT. Nutritional support before and during treatment should be considered to potentially improve patients’ outcomes.