Role Of Adjuvant Radiotherapy Research Articles

1195 POSTER The role of adjuvant radiation therapy in uterine sarcoma

Melanoma frequently metastasizes to the central nervous system (CNS). The diagnosis of CNS metastases typically is made following the onset of clinical symptoms. Thus, more sensitive diagnostic approaches are needed to identify subclinical CNS metastases. Currently, standard cytologic analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is limited by its poor sensitivity. A more sensitive assay was therefore developed using multiple reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) markers. CSF was collected and assessed by RT-PCR for three known melanoma-associated markers (MAGE-3, MART-1, and tyrosinase) to detect occult metastatic melanoma cells in the CSF of 37 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV melanoma patients. Cytologic analysis of CSF was performed on all patients, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was performed on 33 CSF samples using anti-S100 and anti-HMB-45 antibodies. Only one patient (3%) had tumor-positive CSF cytology and IHC upon entry into the study, whereas 12 patients (32%) were positive for at least one RT-PCR marker. The correlation between CSF RT-PCR positivity of MART-1 and/or MAGE-3 and the development of CNS metastases at 3 mo was significant (p = 0.04). Fifteen of 37 patients (41%) had either positive MRI and/or positive RT-PCR results. Multimarker RT-PCR is more informative and sensitive than cytology/IHC in assessing the CSF of melanoma patients.

Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Resectable Retroperitoneal Soft Tissue Sarcoma

In the management of retroperitoneal sarcomas it is necessary to achieve local control to ensure survival. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT), either pre- or postoperative, remains controversial. Outcomes for 40 patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma treated with surgery and postoperative RT (n = 25) or preoperative RT (n = 15) were analyzed for variables prognostic for local control, survival, and associated complications. Patterns of failure for patients treated by resection and postoperative RT were local (n = 4), local and distant (n = 3), and distant (n = 3). The failure patterns for preoperative RT cases were local (n = 2), local and distant (n = 2); and distant (n = 4). Median time to local recurrence in the postoperative and preoperative RT series were 1 year and 2.5 years respectively. The margin status was predictive for local control (P = 0.0065) and survival (P = 0.0012), regardless of treatment sequence. Absolute 5-year survival was 12% with positive margins versus 69% if negative. Histologic grade was indicative of the risk for distant metastasis (low grade 8% vs high grade 64%; P = 0.1373), and significantly predicted 5-year absolute survival (low grade 77% vs high grade 34%; P = 0.0267). Postoperative RT was associated with significant complications (infection, hemorrhage, and bowel obstruction--2 cases each). Compared with the surgery-alone series, adjuvant RT appears to improve the probability of local control. Preoperative RT may be the preferred sequence potentially to improve tumor resectability and local-regional control with less risk of complications than with postoperative RT.

Adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy after resection of primary gallbladder carcinoma: A 23-year experience

Primary adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder is a rare malignancy. To better define the role of adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy, a retrospective analysis of the outcome of patients undergoing surgery and adjuvant therapy was undertaken. Twenty-two patients with primary and nonmetastatic gallbladder cancer were treated with radiation therapy after surgical resection. Median radiation dose was 45 Gy. Eighteen patients received concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 1.7 years in all patients and 3.9 years in survivors. The 5-year actuarial overall survival, disease-free survival, metastases-free survival, and local-regional control of all 22 patients were 37%, 33%, 36%, and 59%, respectively. Median survival for all patients was 1.9 years. Our series suggests that an approach of radical resection followed by external-beam radiation therapy with radiosensitizing 5-FU in patients with locally advanced, nonmetastatic carcinoma of the gallbladder may improve survival. This regimen should be considered in patients with resectable gallbladder carcinoma.

Intravaginal brachytherapy alone for intermediate-risk endometrial cancer

Despite the results of the Gynecologic Oncology Group trial No. 99 (GOG#99), some unanswered questions still remain about the role of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for intermediate-risk endometrial cancer. First, can intravaginal brachytherapy (IVRT) alone substitute for external beam RT but without added morbidity? Second, is the high-risk (HR) definition from GOG#99 a useful tool to predict pelvic recurrence specifically? The purpose of this study was to try to answer these questions in a group of patients with Stage IB-IIB endometrial carcinoma treated with high-dose-rate (HDR) IVRT alone. Between November 1987 and December 2002, 382 patients with Stage IB-IIB endometrial carcinoma were treated with simple hysterectomy followed by HDR-IVRT alone at our institution. Comprehensive surgical staging (CSS), defined as pelvic washings and pelvic/paraaortic lymph node sampling, was performed in 20% of patients. The mean age was 60 years (range, 29-92 years). Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was present in 14% of patients. The median HDR-IVRT dose was 21 Gy (range, 6-21 Gy), given in three fractions. Complications were assessed in terms of late Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (Grade 3 or worse) toxicity of the GI tract, genitourinary GU tract, and vagina. With a median follow-up of 48 months, the 5-year vaginal/pelvic control rate was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93-98%). On multivariate analysis, a poor vaginal/pelvic control rate correlated with age > or =60 years old (relative risk [RR], 3, 95% CI, 1-12; p = 0.01), International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Grade 3 (RR, 9, 95% CI, 2-35; p = 0.03), and LVI (RR, 4, 95% CI, 1-13; p = 0.051). The depth of myometrial invasion and CSS, however, were not significant. With regard to pelvic control specifically, the presence of GOG#99 HR features did not affect the pelvic control rate. The 5-year rate for HR patients was 96% (95% CI, 90-100%) vs. 96% (95% CI, 94-99%) for those without HR disease (p = 0.48). Even when the CSS effect was taken into account, the influence of HR features on pelvic control was still not significant (p = 0.51). In contrast, pelvic control was significantly influenced when patients were grouped according to CSS and stage/grade substages. For those with Stage IB Grade 3-IIB and no CSS, the 5-year pelvic control rate was 86% compared with 97% for those with Stage IB Grade 3-IIB and CSS, 97% for Stage IB, Grade 1-2 without CSS, and 100% for those with Stage IB, Grade 1-2 and CSS (p = 0.027). The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 93% (95% CI, 90-96%). On multivariate analysis, poor disease-free survival correlated with age > or =60 years (RR, 5; 95% CI, 1-18; p = 0.002), FIGO Grade 3 (RR 5, 95% CI 2-17; p = 0.013), and LVI (RR 3, 95% CI 1-8; p = 0.054). Unlike pelvic control, disease-free survival was significantly affected by GOG#99 HR features, with a 5-year rate of 87% (95% CI, 76-99%) vs. 94% (95% CI, 91-97%) for those without HR features (p = 0.027). The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rate was 93% and 97%, respectively. The overall 5-year actuarial rate of Grade 3 or worse complications was 1% (95% CI, 0-2%). Tumor grade, depth of invasion, and the use of CSS were better predictors of pelvic control than the GOG#99 HR factors. IVRT alone seemed to provide adequate tumor control with very low morbidity. Therefore, it seems prudent to consider it for intermediate-risk patients because of its superior therapeutic ratio compared with that for surgery alone or pelvic RT. Additional follow-up, however, with a larger number of patients is needed, especially for those with LVI.

Surgical margin status after radical retropubic prostatectomy

This month there are two mini-reviews on aspects of prostate cancer. The first, from the USA, presents the implications of surgical margin status after radical prostatectomy and the potential role of adjuvant radiation therapy. The second, from the USA and Belgium, discusses the use of hormonal therapy for PSA-only recurrence of prostate cancer after previous local therapy. In the third mini-review, the condition known as hypoactive sexual desire disorder is described, and that it is often ignored or erroneously treated as erectile dysfunction suggests to the authors that education of doctors and patients is required. Finally, there is a mini-review of conventional and alternative methods for providing analgesia in renal colic.

Role of external irradiation in high-risk resected colon cancer

The best therapeutic modality for colon cancer "one of the most common malignancies of human being" is surgical resection of primary tumor. Adjuvant chemotherapy can help surgery to have a higher control and survival rate in high-risk resected patients, but the role of radiation therapy is the place of debate. This study was carried out to evaluate the possible role of adjuvant radiotherapy in such cases. This retrospective trial evaluated 65 eligible patients with surgically resected high-risk colon carcinoma (serosal and/or lymph node involvement), from May 1986 to February 2000. The patients were categorized into two groups. The first group was treated with chemotherapy alone and the other with chemo-radiotherapy. Chemotherapy included 5.FU 500 mg/m2sub/5days for 6-8 courses and radiotherapy consisted 45-55 Gy with 1.5-2 Gy/fraction. Minimum follow-up was 36 months. Mean event-free survival was 140 and 101 months in chemotherapy and combined-therapy groups, respectively (P = 0.099). Local recurrence rate was detected as 9.7% in the chemotherapy arm and 23.5% in the combined-therapy arm (P > 0.1). Treatment-related morbidity and mortality has been significantly higher in the radiation arm (P < 0.001). Postoperative external radiation as adjuvant treatment does not improve local control of the patients with colon carcinoma.

Surgical treatment of phyllodes tumors of the breast: Retrospective review of 172 cases

Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon biphasic breast tumors that usually occur in adult females. They are composed of a benign epithelial component and a cellular, spindle cell stroma forming a leaf-like structure. No one morphologic finding is reliable in predicting the clinical behavior of the tumor. The purpose of this study was to explore the clinicopathologic factors associated with outcome and metastasis. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 172 patients seen at Mackay Memorial Hospital from January 1985 to December 2003. Clinical data analyzed included age, presenting symptoms and signs, tumor size, location, type of surgery, time to recurrence, and metastasis. The clinicopathologic factors associated with outcome and metastasis were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test with Yate correction. The mean follow-up was 71 months (range 7-237). The mean age was 37 years (range 11-73). The majority of tumors were found in the upper outer quadrant (46.0%), with an equal propensity to occur in either breast (48.8% vs. 50.0%). The pathologic diagnoses included 131 benign, 12 borderline, and 29 malignant lesions. Nineteen patients (11%) had a recurrence and three (1.7%) had metastases. The initial diagnosis of all 19 recurrent tumors were benign. Age, surgical approach, mitotic activity, and surgical margin were significantly correlated with recurrence (P = 0.029, 0.020, 0.048, and 0.00018, respectively). Stromal cellularity, stromal overgrowth, stromal atypia, mitotic activity, tumor margin, and heterologous stromal elements were significantly correlated with metastases (P = 0.032, 0.00008, 0.000002, 0.004, 0.005, and 0.046, respectively). Mammography and breast echo were not reliable for differentiating PTs from fibroadenomas (6.9% vs. 37.9% and 3.3% vs. 45%, respectively). Frozen section was of limited value (41.6%). The role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains to be defined. Local excision, wide excision, or mastectomy with negative surgical margins yielded high local control rates (88.7%, 88.2%, and 100%, respectively), but local excision was associated with a relatively high percentage of positive surgical margins (18.3%). A total of 42 modified radical mastectomies were performed. The reasons for these procedures included a diagnosis of malignancy on frozen section or because the tumors were so large, they were assumed to be carcinomas. No axillary lymph node metastases were found. Fifteen patients in our series had tumors with infiltrating tumor margin, severe stromal overgrowth, atypia, and cellularity. All three patients with metastases (3/15) were in this group. Presence of metastases was significantly correlated with this group (P = 0.0000038). Wide excision with a clear margin may be the preferable initial therapy, even for malignant PTs. Routine axillary lymph node dissection is not recommended. Patients have tumors with infiltrating tumor margin, severe stromal overgrowth, atypia, and cellularity are at high risk for metastases.

Defining the role for adjuvant radiotherapy in T2, T3 no squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Defining the role for adjuvant radiotherapy in T2, T3 no squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity

Angiosarcoma of the Colon and Rectum: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Angiosarcoma is a malignancy that occurs rarely in the gastrointestinal tract. We present a case of a 77-year-old male who had rectal bleeding and obstructive bowel symptoms. A large near-obstructing mass was seen endoscopically, but biopsies were inconclusive. A CT scan showed a large sigmoid lesion, and the patient had surgical resection. A large hemorrhagic-appearing tumor was found at operation. Angiosarcoma of the sigmoid colon was diagnosed on histologic examination. After colonic resection, the patient rapidly developed numerous liver metastases and died six months later. A review of the literature reveals only 12 other reported cases of colorectal angiosarcoma; 62 percent of these patients died within one year of surgical resection. The role of adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy is unclear. In conclusion, colorectal angiosarcomas are rare tumors that behave very aggressively, and the outcome is generally poor.

Surgical repair of a leaking double postinfarction left ventricular pseudoaneurysm

the effectiveness of adjuvant therapy for these aggressive tumors. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy is not well defined but is generally advocated because it might decrease the incidence of recurrent tumor. Primary PA sarcoma has a predilection to result in metastatic disease because of its tendency to embolize into the pulmonary arterial tree. Chemotherapy might be effective against microscopic metastatic disease and might decrease the burden of recurrent pulmonary and other systemic disease; however, there has been limited experience with this in the past. In summary, we present 2 cases of primary PA sarcoma that mimicked pulmonary thromboembolic disease. In both patients the diagnosis of PA sarcoma was made only after pathology was reviewed postoperatively. Despite diagnostic, operative, and oncologic advances over the last few decades, PA sarcoma still remains a diagnostic dilemma associated with a dismal prognosis.

ADJUVANT RADIOTHERAPY WITH AND WITHOUT CONCURRENT CHEMOTHERAPY FOR LOCALLY ADVANCED TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OF THE RENAL PELVIS AND URETER

Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is a relatively uncommon malignancy. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy and chemotherapy is not well defined. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 31 patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy to determine overall outcome as well as impact of concurrent chemotherapy administration. Between 1970 and 1997, 31 patients with nonmetastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (renal pelvis in 13, ureter in 15, and renal pelvis and ureter in 3) were treated with radiotherapy following attempted curative resection. Most patients (28 of 31) had T3/4 and/or N+ disease. The median radiation dose was 46.9 Gy. Nine patients received methotrexate, cisplatin and vinblastine chemotherapy for 2 to 4 cycles, followed by concurrent cisplatin with radiation. Median followup was 2.6 years in all patients and 8.5 years in survivors. Median survival in all patients was 2.4 years. Of the patients 16 (52%) experienced disease relapse, including 9 (29%) with distant metastases alone. Seven patients (23%) experienced locoregional failure with distant metastases developing in all except 1 within 8 months of locoregional failure diagnosis. Five-year actuarial overall survival, disease specific survival, locoregional control and metastasis-free survival rates were 39%, 52%, 67% and 48%, respectively. On univariate analysis patients had improved 5-year actuarial overall and disease specific survival with the administration of concurrent chemotherapy (27% vs 67%, p = 0.01 and 41% vs 76%, p = 0.06, respectively). Our series suggests that the addition of concurrent cisplatin to adjuvant radiotherapy improves the ultimate outcome in patients with resected, locally advanced upper tract urothelial malignancies. This regimen should be considered in patients with T3/4 and/or node positive upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

Controversies in the management of metastatic melanoma to regional lymphatic basins.

The primary management of lymph nodes involved with metastatic melanoma is regional lymphadenectomy. Many controversies of regional lymph node dissection exist including extent and nature of the lymphadenectomy, treatment of lymphatic metastases in unusual locations and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. Although radical neck dissection has been the gold standard for cervical disease, modified dissections do not seem to compromise regional control in appropriately selected patients. In the axilla, a Level I, II, and III dissection is most commonly performed. Combined superficial and deep groin dissection is justified for clinically palpable disease although management of patients with histologically positive yet clinically non-palpable disease is more controversial. Burden of disease, imaging, patient co-morbidity, and Cloquet nodal status must be considered. Many technical variations exist in an attempt to improve morbidity rates secondary to lymphadenectomy. Unfortunately, complication rates are difficult to compare secondary to variable study designs, definitions, and patient populations. Adjuvant radiation therapy appears warranted in patients with high risk of regional recurrence including bulky disease, extracapsular extension or cervical location.

Radio-recurrent spermatic cord leiomyosarcoma requiring radical surgery and reconstruction using a myocutaneous (tensor fascia lata) flap: a case report and review of the literature

Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) of the spermatic cord are exceedingly rare tumours. Radical inguinal orchiectomy and high ligation of the cord is the standard primary procedure. The extent of soft tissue excision required, including margins, and the precise role of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), however, remains unclear. A 58-year-old male underwent excision of a large inguinoscrotal mass and orchiectomy. Histological examination revealed the mass to be a LMS of the spermatic cord with the tumour extending to one of the resection margins. Further surgery was nevertheless withheld for fear of creating a significant anatomical defect and hence the patient was referred for radiation therapy. He developed locoregional recurrence 2.5 years later which necessitated radical excision of soft tissues in the lower–anterior abdominal wall and inguinal region, and reconstruction using a tensor fascia lata flap. This report emphasizes the need for primary radical surgery until negative histological margins are achieved even if it involves sacrificing some adjacent normal anatomy. If margins are positive after primary surgery, re-excision should be the rule rather than the exception. Adjuvant RT, though useful, should not be considered as a substitute for complete surgical clearance. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report in medical literature of a case of spermatic cord LMS recurring after surgery and RT, requiring further radical surgery. The pathophysiology and the management of this complex and rare tumour are also reviewed.

Prognostic factors in FIGO stage IB cervical cancer without lymph node metastasis and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathologic prognostic variables for disease free survival, overall survival and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in FIGO stage IB cervical carcinoma without lymph node metastasis. A retrospective review was performed of 393 patients with lymph node negative stage IB cervical cancer treated by type 3 hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at the Hacettepe University Hospitals between 1980 and 1997. The disease free survival and overall survival were 87.6 and 91.0%, respectively. In univariate analysis, tumor size, depth of invasion, vaginal involvement, lympho-vascular space involvement (LVSI) and adjuvant radiotherapy were found significant in disease free survival. Overall survival was affected by tumor size, LVSI, vaginal involvement and adjuvant radiotherapy. Tumor size, LVSI and vaginal involvement were found as independent prognostic factors for overall and disease free survival in multivariate analysis. Disease free survival, recurrence rate and site did not differ between patients underwent radical surgery and radical surgery plus radiotherapy. Tumor size, LVSI and vaginal involvement were independent prognostic factors in lymph node negative FIGO stage IB cervical cancer. Adjuvant radiotherapy in stage IB cervical cancer patients with negative nodes provides no survival advantage or better local tumoral control.

Merkel cell carcinoma and the controversial role of adjuvant radiation therapy: clinical choices in the absence of statistical evidence

Merkel cell carcinoma and the controversial role of adjuvant radiation therapy: clinical choices in the absence of statistical evidence

Prognostic factors in FIGO stage IB cervical cancer without lymph node metastasis and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy

Prognostic factors in FIGO stage IB cervical cancer without lymph node metastasis and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy after radical hysterectomy.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathologic prognostic variables for disease free survival, overall survival and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in FIGO stage IB cervical carcinoma without lymph node metastasis.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of 393 patients with lymph node negative stage IB cervical cancer treated by type 3 hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy at the Hacettepe University Hospitals between 1980 and 1997.ResultsThe disease free survival and overall survival were 87.6 and 91.0%, respectively. In univariate analysis, tumor size, depth of invasion, vaginal involvement, lympho-vascular space involvement (LVSI) and adjuvant radiotherapy were found significant in disease free survival. Overall survival was affected by tumor size, LVSI, vaginal involvement and adjuvant radiotherapy. Tumor size, LVSI and vaginal involvement were found as independent prognostic factors for overall and disease free survival in multivariate analysis. Disease free survival, recurrence rate and site did not differ between patients underwent radical surgery and radical surgery plus radiotherapy.ConclusionTumor size, LVSI and vaginal involvement were independent prognostic factors in lymph node negative FIGO stage IB cervical cancer. Adjuvant radiotherapy in stage IB cervical cancer patients with negative nodes provides no survival advantage or better local tumoral control.

Parathyroid carcinoma: is there a role for adjuvant radiation therapy?

The authors proposed to determine risk factors associated with postoperative progression of parathyroid carcinoma within the neck (locoregional) and to assess the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy in preventing disease progression within the neck. A retrospective review of patients with pathologically confirmed parathyroid carcinoma who underwent surgical resection was performed. Risk factors identified on univariate analysis were applied in a proportional hazards analysis to identify significant independent predictors of locoregional disease progression and cause-specific survival after surgical resection. Fifty-seven patients were treated with surgery alone (no adjuvant radiation therapy [RT]) and were determined to have sufficient follow-up and pathologically confirmed features to be included in the current analysis. Four patients were treated with surgery and adjuvant RT. Four patients received RT to the neck and mediastinum for unresectable locoregional disease progression. Patients were followed for a median of 75.6 months (range, 8.4-358 months). Twenty-five patients (44%) developed locoregional disease progression at a median of 27.1 months after surgery (range, 6.2-138.3 months). The univariate analysis revealed that surgical margin status and the institution at which the initial surgery was performed were predictive of locoregional progression-free survival. The institution at which the initial surgery was performed was found to be an independent predictor of cause-specific survival. Of the four patients treated with surgery and adjuvant RT, all were alive and without disease at the time of last follow-up. All four patients who received RT for locoregional disease progression after initial surgery achieved locoregional disease control. Patients with parathyroid carcinoma are reported to have a significant risk of locoregional disease progression after surgery alone. The results of the current study demonstrated that the risk of postoperative disease progression can be predicted by surgical margin status and the institution at which the initial surgery is performed. Patients treated with surgery and postoperative RT may have a lower risk of locoregional disease progression and improved cause-specific survival. RT can be used to provide locoregional control of recurrent disease.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip: is there a role for adjuvant radiotherapy in improving local control following incomplete or inadequate excision?

The treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the lip with surgery is usually curative but incomplete/inadequate excision may be associated with recurrence and poor outcome. There is no consensus in the literature on the definition of an adequate excision margin. Patients treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip at Westmead Hospital, Sydney, between 1980 and 2000 were eligible for inclusion. Polytomous logistic regression analysis was undertaken to assess for predictors of recurrence. Recurrence-free and overall survival were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. A total of 130 patients was identified. Median age at diagnosis was 64 years (23-97 years). Most lesions (90%) were located on the lower lip in 96 (74%) male patients. Median follow-up duration was 54 months (0-189 months). Most patients -presented with T1 lesions (75%). Initial treatment was surgery (39%), radiotherapy (48%) or both (13%). Twenty-seven per cent of excised lesions had a close (< or =2 mm) or positive margin. A total of 40 patients (31%) had recurrence (18% lymph nodes, 11% lip and 2% both). In the surgery group recurrence was significantly more likely with close or positive margins (P = 0.05). The 2 year -recurrence-free survival was 82% and 54% for radiotherapy and surgery, respectively (P < 0.001). The 2 year overall survival was similar (90% radiotherapy vs 100% surgery; P = 0.58). Incomplete or inadequate excision of some lip cancers results in local recurrence. If re-excision is not feasible -surgeons should consider the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in improving local control.

Ovarian germ cell malignancy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: A case report

The occurrence of germ cell tumors in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has not been previously reported. However, with the HIV pandemic in certain parts of the world, this association has become a reality. The approach to management as well as the role of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is problematic as many of these therapies are toxic. The appropriate management of such tumors will remain elusive for sometime. The presentation, management, and outcome of ovarian endodermal sinus tumor in a HIV-infected patient is reported.

Radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer

External beam radiotherapy is one of the curative treatment options for localised prostate cancer. This article will describe recent advances in prostate radiotherapy, focussing on the results of randomised trials which have addressed the role of radiation dose escalation and of adjuvant hormone therapy. Current controversies will then be considered, including the merits of radiotherapy in comparison with alternative approaches to early prostate cancer, and the possible role of adjuvant radiation following surgery. Finally, future developments will be described, including hypofractionation and dose individualisation, which have the potential to further improve the outcome of external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer.