Survival after partial breast brachytherapy in elderly patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer

BackgroundDespite growing utilization of accelerated partial breast irradiation using brachytherapy (APBI-Brachy) for elderly breast cancer patients, there are limited data from randomized Phase III trials to support its routine use. This study uses population-based data to examine whether APBI-Brachy results in comparable survival rates compared with whole breast irradiation (WBI).MethodsA sample of 29,647 female patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer in 2002–2007 treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy was identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program-Medicare data set. Log-rank tests, Cox proportional hazards models, instrumental variable analysis, and subgroup analysis were used to study the comparative effectiveness of APBI-Brachy and WBI.ResultsDuring a median followup of 3.6 and 4.8 years, 123 (7.7%) and 3438 (13.6%) patients died after APBI-Brachy and WBI, respectively. Recurrence-free survival (p = 0.9711) and overall survival rates (p = 0.0551) did not differ significantly between the two radiation modalities. After accounting for tumor characteristics, patient characteristics, community factors, and comorbidities, the recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.23; p = 0.5125) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.72–1.04; p = 0.1332) rates were still not significantly different between patients treated with APBI-Brachy and WBI.ConclusionPartial breast brachytherapy and WBI resulted in similar recurrence-free and overall survival rates in this cohort of elderly breast cancer patients, even after adjustment for the more favorable characteristics of patients in the former group. These findings will need to be confirmed by the randomized trials comparing these modalities.     

The American Brachytherapy Society consensus statement for accelerated partial breast irradiation

PurposeTo develop clinical guidelines for the quality practice of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) as part of breast-conserving therapy for women with early-stage breast cancer.Methods and MaterialsMembers of the American Brachytherapy Society with expertise in breast cancer and breast brachytherapy in particular devised updated guidelines for appropriate patient evaluation and selection based on an extensive literature search and clinical experience.ResultsIncreasing numbers of randomized and single and multi-institution series have been published documenting the efficacy of various APBI modalities. With more than 10-year followup, multiple series have documented excellent clinical outcomes with interstitial APBI. Patient selection for APBI should be based on a review of clinical and pathologic factors by the clinician with particular attention paid to age (≥50 years old), tumor size (≤3 cm), histology (all invasive subtypes and ductal carcinoma in situ), surgical margins (negative), lymphovascular space invasion (not present), and nodal status (negative). Consistent dosimetric guidelines should be used to improve target coverage and limit potential for toxicity following treatment.ConclusionsThese guidelines have been created to provide clinicians with appropriate patient selection criteria to allow clinicians to use APBI in a manner that will optimize clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. These guidelines will continue to be evaluated and revised as future publications further stratify optimal patient selection.     

Comparison of survival and regional failure between accelerated partial breast irradiation and whole breast irradiation

PurposeTo compare rates of regional recurrence (RR) and overall survival (OS) between a pooled set of 1400 patients treated on the American Society of Breast Surgeons MammoSite (Hologic, Inc., Bedford, MA) Registry Trial to a cohort of 3600 patients treated with whole breast irradiation (WBI).Methods and MaterialsA total of 1440 women underwent accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) between 2002 and 2004 as part of the American Society of Breast Surgeons Registry Trial and a total of 3593 patients who received WBI were evaluated from the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database with treatment received between 1980 and 2009. A matched-pair analysis was performed based on age, receipt of hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, nodal status, and tumor size (1051 patients per arm). Rates of RR and OS were then analyzed for each group.ResultsAfter the match, no differences in patient characteristics were noted when tumor size was evaluated as a continuous variable. Rates of RR and OS were similar between the WBI and APBI groups. A Cox regression model found no difference between WBI and APBI with regard to RR; however, OS was improved in the APBI cohort (hazard ratio 0.008, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsWith one of the largest patient populations to date comparing WBI and APBI, no difference in RR or OS was noted between WBI and APBI treatment. Until the publication of prospective Phase III trials, these data support the continued use of APBI on protocol and off protocol in appropriately selected patients.     

Modern radiation techniques in early stage breast cancer for the breast radiologist

Partial breast irradiation (PBI) and ultra-hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (uWBI) are contemporary alternatives to conventional and standard hypofractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI), which shorten treatment from 3 to 6 weeks to 1–2 weeks for select patients. PBI and accelerated PBI (APBI) can be delivered with external beam radiation (3D conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) or intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)), intraoperative radiation (IORT), or brachytherapy. These new radiation techniques offer the advantage of convenience and lower cost, which ultimately improves access to care. Globally, the COVID 19 pandemic has accelerated APBI/PBI and ultra-hypofractionated regimens into routine practice for carefully selected patients. Recent long-term data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated these techniques are safe and effective in suitable patients demonstrating equivalent or improved local recurrence, acute/late toxicity, and cosmesis. PBI and APBI should be limited to low risk unifocal invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ with tumor size < 2 cm, clear margins (≥2 mm), ER+, and negative nodes. Based on the results from UK Fast-Forward and UK FAST ultra-hypofractionated breast radiation can be safely employed for early stage node negative patients, but is not yet considered an international standard of care. In this review, authors will appraise recent data for these shorter course radiation treatment regimens, as well as, considerations for breast radiologists including surveillance imaging and radiographic findings.     

DEGRO practical guidelines: radiotherapy of breast cancer II

Purpose

To complement and update the 2007 practice guidelines of the breast cancer expert panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) for radiotherapy (RT) of breast cancer. Owing to its growing clinical relevance, in the current version, a separate paper is dedicated to non-invasive proliferating epithelial neoplasia of the breast. In addition to the more general statements of the German interdisciplinary S3 guidelines, this paper is especially focused on indication and technique of RT in addition to breast conserving surgery.

Methods

The DEGRO expert panel performed a comprehensive survey of the literature comprising recently published data from clinical controlled trials, systematic reviews as well as meta-analyses, referring to the criteria of evidence-based medicine yielding new aspects compared to 2005 and 2007. The literature search encompassed the period 2008 to September 2012 using databases of PubMed and Guidelines International Network (G-I-N). Search terms were “non invasive breast cancer”, “ductal carcinoma in situ, “dcis”, “borderline breast lesions”, “lobular neoplasia”, “radiotherapy” and “radiation therapy”. In addition to the more general statements of the German interdisciplinary S3 guidelines, this paper is especially focused on indications of RT and decision making of non-invasive neoplasia of the breast after surgery, especially ductal carcinoma in situ.

Results

Among different non-invasive neoplasia of the breast only the subgroup of pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; synonym ductal intraepithelial neoplasia, DIN) is considered for further recurrence risk reduction treatment modalities after complete excision of DCIS, particularly RT following breast conserving surgery (BCS), in order to avoid a mastectomy. About half of recurrences are invasive cancers. Up to 50?% of all recurrences require salvage mastectomy. Randomized clinical trials and a huge number of mostly observational studies have unanimously demonstrated that RT significantly reduces recurrence risks of ipsilateral DCIS as well as invasive breast cancer independent of patient age in all subgroups. The recommended total dose is 50 Gy administered as whole breast irradiation (WBI) in single fractions of 1.8 or 2.0 Gy given on 5 days weekly. Retrospective data indicate a possible beneficial effect of an additional tumor bed boost for younger patients. Prospective clinical trials of different dose–volume concepts (hypofractionation, accelerated partial breast irradiation, boost radiotherapy) are still ongoing.

Conclusion

Postoperative radiotherapy permits breast conservation for the majority of women by halving local recurrence as well as reducing progression rates into invasive cancer. New data confirmed this effect in all patient subsets—even in low risk subgroups (LoE 1a).     

Secondary breast angiosarcoma following accelerated partial breast irradiation with intracavitary multicatheter applicator brachytherapy

PURPOSESecondary angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare complication of breast radiotherapy and is associated with a poor prognosis. There are many reported cases of secondary angiosarcoma following whole breast irradiation (WBI), however development of secondary angiosarcoma following brachytherapy-based accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is not as well characterized.METHODS AND MATERIALSWe reviewed and reported a case of a patient who developed secondary angiosarcoma of the breast following intracavitary multicatheter applicator brachytherapy APBI.RESULTSA 69-year-old female was originally diagnosed with T1N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast and treated with lumpectomy followed by adjuvant intracavitary multicatheter applicator brachytherapy APBI. Seven years following her treatment, she developed secondary angiosarcoma. However, the diagnosis of secondary angiosarcoma was delayed due to nonspecific imaging findings and a negative biopsy.CONCLUSIONSOur case highlights the need for secondary angiosarcoma to be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients present with symptoms such as breast ecchymosis and skin thickening following WBI or APBI. Prompt diagnosis and referral to a high-volume sarcoma treatment center for multidisciplinary evaluation is vital.     

The American Brachytherapy Society consensus statement for accelerated partial-breast irradiation

PurposeAdjuvant radiation after breast-conserving surgery remains the standard-of-care treatment for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and early-stage invasive breast cancer. Multiple alternatives to standard whole-breast irradiation exist including accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI). Therefore, the purpose of this APBI guideline is to provide updated data for clinicians as well as recommendations regarding appropriate patient selection and techniques to deliver APBI.MethodsMembers of the American Brachytherapy Society with expertise in breast cancer and breast brachytherapy in particular created an updated guideline for appropriate patient selection based on an extensive literature search and clinical experience. In addition, data were evaluated with respect to APBI techniques and recommendations presented.ResultsAppropriate candidates for APBI include patients aged 45 years or older, all invasive histologies and ductal carcinoma in situ, tumors 3 cm or less, node negative, estrogen receptor positive/negative, no lymphovascular space invasion, and negative margins. With respect to techniques, the strongest evidence is for interstitial brachytherapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy APBI with moderate evidence to support applicator brachytherapy or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy APBI. Intraoperative radiation therapy and electronic brachytherapy should not be offered regardless of technique outside of clinical trial.ConclusionsThe updated guidelines presented offer clinicians with a summary of data supporting APBI and guidelines for the appropriate and safe utilization of the technique.     

DEGRO practical guidelines: radiotherapy of breast cancer I

Background and purpose

The aim of the present paper is to update the practical guidelines for postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy of breast cancer published in 2007 by the breast cancer expert panel of the German Society for Radiooncology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie, DEGRO). The present recommendations are based on a revision of the German interdisciplinary S-3 guidelines published in July 2012.

Methods

A comprehensive survey of the literature concerning radiotherapy following breast conserving therapy (BCT) was performed using the search terms “breast cancer”, “radiotherapy”, and “breast conserving therapy”. Data from lately published meta-analyses, recent randomized trials, and guidelines of international breast cancer societies, yielding new aspects compared to 2007, provided the basis for defining recommendations according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. In addition to the more general statements of the DKG (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft), this paper addresses indications, target definition, dosage, and technique of radiotherapy of the breast after conservative surgery for invasive breast cancer.

Results

Among numerous reports on the effect of radiotherapy during BCT published since the last recommendations, the recent EBCTCG report builds the largest meta-analysis so far available. In a 15 year follow-up on 10,801 patients, whole breast irradiation (WBI) halves the average annual rate of disease recurrence (RR 0.52, 0.48–0.56) and reduces the annual breast cancer death rate by about one sixth (RR 0.82, 0.75–0.90), with a similar proportional, but different absolute benefit in prognostic subgroups (EBCTCG 2011). Furthermore, there is growing evidence that risk-adapted dose augmentation strategies to the tumor bed as well as the implementation of high precision RT techniques (e.g., intraoperative radiotherapy) contribute substantially to a further reduction of local relapse rates. A main focus of ongoing research lies in partial breast irradiation strategies as well as WBI hypofractionation schedules. The potential of both in replacing normofractionated WBI has not yet been finally clarified.

Conclusion

After breast conserving surgery, no subgroup even in low risk patients has yet been identified for whom radiotherapy can be safely omitted without compromising local control and, hence, cancer-specific survival. In most patients, this translates into an overall survival benefit.     

DEGRO practical guidelines: radiotherapy of breast cancer III—radiotherapy of the lymphatic pathways

Aim

The purpose of this work is to update the practical guidelines for adjuvant radiotherapy of the regional lymphatics of breast cancer published in 2008 by the breast cancer expert panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO).

Methods

A comprehensive survey of the literature concerning regional nodal irradiation (RNI) was performed using the following search terms: “breast cancer”, “radiotherapy”, “regional node irradiation”. Recent randomized trials were analyzed for outcome as well as for differences in target definition. Field arrangements in the different studies were reproduced and superimposed on CT slices with individually contoured node areas. Moreover, data from recently published meta-analyses and guidelines of international breast cancer societies, yielding new aspects compared to 2008, provided the basis for defining recommendations according to the criteria of evidence-based medicine. In addition to the more general statements of the German interdisciplinary S3 guidelines updated in 2012, this paper addresses indications, targeting, and techniques of radiotherapy of the lymphatic pathways after surgery for breast cancer.

Results

International guidelines reveal substantial differences regarding indications for RNI. Patients with 1–3 positive nodes seem to profit from RNI compared to whole breast (WBI) or chest wall irradiation alone, both with regard to locoregional control and disease-free survival. Irradiation of the regional lymphatics including axillary, supraclavicular, and internal mammary nodes provided a small but significant survival benefit in recent randomized trials and one meta-analysis. Lymph node irradiation yields comparable tumor control in comparison to axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), while reducing the rate of lymph edema. Data concerning the impact of 1–2 macroscopically affected sentinel node (SN) or microscopic metastases on prognosis are conflicting.

Conclusion

Recent data suggest that the current restrictive use of RNI should be scrutinized because the risk–benefit relationship appears to shift towards an improvement of outcome.     

Partial-breast irradiation versus whole-breast radiotherapy for early breast cancer: A systematic review and update meta-analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of partial-breast irradiation (PBI) versus whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) in early breast cancer.Methods and MaterialsEligible randomized clinical trials were identified on Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the proceedings of annual meetings through December 2019. A meta-analysis for local recurrence (LR), overall mortality (OM), and non-breast cancer mortality (NBCM) was conducted. When possible, the outcomes were calculated for 5, 7, and 10 years of followup. A subgroup analysis by PBI technique (brachytherapy [BT], external beam radiotherapy [EBRT], intraoperative radiotherapy [IORT], and mixed) was performed. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsEleven randomized clinical trials with a total of 14,436 patients (7186 PBI vs. 7250 WBRT) were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for LR in 5 y was 1.46 (95% CI 1.15–2, p = 0.024) for PBI. In the subgroup analysis, no significant difference for LR was observed between PBI and WBRT using BT (p = 0.51), EBRT (p = 0.25), or mixed techniques (p = 0.89). The only subgroup with statistical difference was IORT 3.1 (95% CI 1.2–7.6, p = 0.014). No significant difference in LR was observed with 7 and 10 years among the groups. The OM had no difference at 5, 7, and 10 years of followup for any subgroup. A nonsignificant difference was observed comparing PBI with WBRT for NBCM OR = 1.24 (95% CI 0.98–1.57, p = 0.07). The rates of cardiac death, contralateral breast cancer, and development of second tumor were not significant.ConclusionsThe LR with PBI is low and similar to WBRT in selected early breast cancer with a longer followup. The subgroup analysis detected a significant difference for LR associated with IORT and no significant difference for BT and EBRT. Our results confirm a nonsignificant difference for OM and NBCM between PBI and WBRT.     

Impact of de-escalating systemic therapy guided by 21-gene assay on locoregional recurrence after partial-breast irradiation

PURPOSEPartial-breast irradiation (PBI) has been performed as alternative to whole-breast irradiation (WBI) in breast-conserving therapy (BCT). Recently, the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) was introduced to determine the adjuvant therapy for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative diseases. However, the impact of RS-based systemic therapy on locoregional recurrence (LRR) following BCT with PBI remains uninvestigated.METHODS AND MATERIALSPatients with ER-positive, HER2-negative, and node-negative breast cancer who underwent BCT with PBI were examined during May 2012–March 2022. In addition to immunohistochemistry (IHC), RS was available to decide on adjuvant therapy.RESULTSIn total, 431 patients were evaluated with a median followup of 48.6 months. The 4-year LRR-free survival rates were 97.3% and 96.4% in the IHC and RS cohorts, respectively (p = 0.50). Ki67 of >20% was significantly associated with LRR in the multivariate analysis (HR 4.39, p < 0.05). For patients with Ki67 > 20%, 29 of 71 (40.8%) and 46 of 59 (78.0%) patients received only endocrine therapy in the IHC and RS cohorts, respectively (p < 0.0001). For patients with Ki67 >20% who received only endocrine therapy, the 4-year LRR-free survival rates were 91.8% in the IHC cohort and 94.6% in the RS cohort (p = 0.29)CONCLUSIONSAlthough the introduction of RS increased the number of patients receiving endocrine therapy alone for Ki67 >20% of disease by two times, the LRR-free survival after BCT with PBI could be maintained. However, further studies from multiple institutions with longer followup data are required.     

Staying abreast of imaging – Current status of breast cancer detection in high density breast

ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to illustrate the current status of imaging in high breast density as we enter a new decade of advancing medicine and technology to diagnose breast lesions.Key findingsEarly detection of breast cancer has become the chief focus of research from governments to individuals. However, with varying breast densities across the globe, the explosion of breast density information related to imaging, phenotypes, diet, computer aided diagnosis and artificial intelligence has witnessed a dramatic shift in new screening recommendations in mammography, physical examination, screening younger women and women with comorbid conditions, screening women at high risk, and new screening technologies. Breast density is well known to be a risk factor in patients with suspected/known breast neoplasia. Extensive research in the field of qualitative and quantitative analysis on different tissue characteristics of the breast has rapidly become the chief focus of breast imaging. A summary of the available guidelines and modalities of breast imaging, as well as new emerging techniques under study that can potentially provide an augmentation or even a replacement of those currently available.ConclusionDespite all the advances in technology and all the research directed towards breast cancer, detection of breast cancer in dense breasts remains a dilemma.Implications for practiceIt is of utmost importance to develop highly sensitive screening modalities for early detection of breast cancer.     

Partial vs. whole breast irradiation in a community hospital: A retrospective cohort analysis of 200 patients

PurposeWe compared patients undergoing partial breast irradiation (PBI) with the MammoSite applicator (Cytyc Corp., Marlborough, MA) to a similar group of patients who underwent whole breast irradiation with external beam radiotherapy.Methods and MaterialsStage 0–IIA breast cancer patients satisfying American Brachytherapy Society selection criteria and receiving accelerated PBI with the MammoSite system (n = 100) were compared for toxicities with similarly staged patients receiving whole breast irradiation using tangential portals (n = 100). The MammoSite applicator treatment was prescribed to a total dose of 34 Gy. External beam doses generally ranged from 60 to 66 Gy.ResultsBased on common toxicity criteria scores for acute toxicities, MammoSite patients experienced less cutaneous toxicity, fatigue, and breast pain and had higher Karnofsky performance status scores during the acute period than external beam patients but experienced more seroma pain during followup. These results were both statistically significant and clinically meaningful.ConclusionsIn our institutional experience, PBI using the MammoSite applicator produces less acute toxicity than external beam radiotherapy of the whole breast but is associated with an increased incidence of seroma pain. The rate of disease recurrence in both cohorts was low.     

A survey study investigating perceptions and acceptance of the whole-body imaging techniques used for the diagnosis of myeloma

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to investigate patient perceptions and acceptance of the three whole-body imaging (WBI) modalities used for diagnosing myeloma; radiographic skeletal survey (RSS), low-dose whole-body computed tomography (LD-WBCT) and whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI). The secondary aim was to explore the factors affecting the acceptance of whole-body imaging for myeloma.Methods60 participants (median age = 58.5 years old) recruited from three NHS trusts and social media completed a survey in which they scored their experiences of each WBI modality on nine 5-point rating scales. Spearman's correlation coefficient, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare scores between different WBI techniques. Participants were invited to provide additional open text responses for interpretation using thematic analysis.ResultsAll modalities demonstrated high levels of acceptability (median score = 4). WB-MRI was perceived as more stressful (p=<0.01) and claustrophobic (p=<0.01) than RSS and LD-WBCT. Thematic analysis showed patients understood the importance of imaging but had concerns about exacerbated pain and the results. WB-MRI was difficult to tolerate due to its duration. Respondents were averse to the physical manipulation required for RSS while remaining stationary was perceived as a benefit of LD-WBCT and WB-MRI. Staff interactions had both positive and negative effects on acceptance.ConclusionsDespite the psychological and physical burdens of WBI, patients accepted its role in facilitating diagnosis. Staff support is vital for facilitating a positive whole-body imaging experience. Healthcare practitioners can improve WBI acceptance by understanding the burdens imposed by WBI and adopting the personalised care model.Implications for practicePatient experience can be improved by tailoring examinations to individual needs. RSS can be as burdensome as other WBI techniques and could be superseded by LD-WBCT or WB-MRI.     

Mammographically guided noninvasive breast brachytherapy: Preoperative partial breast radiotherapy markedly improves targeting accuracy and decreases irradiated volume

PurposeMammographically based noninvasive image-guided breast brachytherapy (NIBB) partial breast irradiation (PBI) is ideally suited for preoperative treatment. We hypothesize that delivering NIBB PBI to the preoperative tumor volume compared with the postoperative lumpectomy bed would simplify target identification and allow for a reduction in irradiated volume along each orthogonal axis.Methods and MaterialsPatients with invasive breast cancer treated with NIBB PBI at our institution were identified. Preoperative NIBB treatments were modeled along orthogonal craniocaudal and mediolateral axes with an applicator encompassing the gross lesion plus a 1 cm clinical target volume margin. Preoperative treatment volumes were calculated along each axis using the selected applicator surface area multiplied by the preoperative mammogram separation. The actual applicator size and breast separation from the first fraction of postoperative treatment was used to calculate the postoperative treatment volume. Paired -test was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative treatment separation, area, and volume for each patient.ResultsForty-eight patients with Stage I–II breast cancer had imaging and treatment data available for review. Along the axis, the mean preoperative treatment volume was significantly less than the mean postoperative treatment volume (116 cm ³ vs. 204 cm ³, respectively; p < 0.0001). Similarly, along the mediolateral axis, the mean preoperative treatment volume was significantly less than the mean postoperative treatment volume (125 cm ³ vs. 216 cm ³, respectively; p < 0001).ConclusionsBased on our retrospective comparison, PBI delivered using NIBB to the preoperative tumor may reduce the volume of healthy breast tissue receiving radiation as compared with NIBB to the postoperative tumor bed.     

X射线全身照射后脾细胞内[Ca2+)]i对Con A反应性的变化

目的 研究电离辐射对ConA激活的脾细胞内游离钙离子[Ca²⁺]i)动员的影响, 以探讨电离辐射免疫抑制作用的发生机理。方法 采用Fura2/AM双波长荧光测定法检测了X射线全身照射后的小鼠脾细胞内[Ca²⁺]i对ConA反应性的变化。结果 小鼠接受0、0.5、1、2、4和6Gy吸收剂量的X射线全身照射后24小时, 脾细胞内[Ca²⁺]i对ConA反应性呈剂量依赖性下降, 表现为[Ca²⁺]i上升幅度减小、上升至峰值时间延长。2GyX射线全身照射后的时程观察表明, 照后2小时细胞内[Ca²⁺]i对ConA反应性开始下降, 24小时达最低点, 照后5天才略有回升。结论 电离辐射所致免疫功能抑制与其抑制淋巴细胞内[Ca²⁺]i动员等信息传递过程有关。     

Intraoperative radiation therapy in the management of early stage breast cancer

Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following breast conserving surgery (BCS) is associated with an improvement in local control and a reduction in breast cancer mortality. While traditionally delivered with whole breast irradiation (WBI), novel approaches have looked to reduce the duration, target volume, and toxicity of adjuvant RT. One such approach is intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), which delivers radiation at the time of surgery with 80–90% of patients not requiring additional WBI. The current review presents IORT techniques and outcomes from modern series evaluating IORT as monotherapy or as a tumor bed boost. Based on two randomized trials (TARGIT-A and ELIOT) with recent updates, concern regarding higher rates of local recurrence with IORT exist, whether using electrons or low-energy techniques. In contrast, data is promising regarding IORT used as a boost, with ongoing studies evaluating its role prospectively. With respect to toxicity, the data suggest IORT is associated with comparable to slightly lower rates of toxicity though there may be a higher risk of seroma requiring aspiration and fat necrosis with IORT. Given current data and guidelines, WBI or other partial breast techniques should remain the standard of care in early stage breast cancer patients, while IORT should not be utilized outside of prospective clinical trials at this time.     

Development of Research Agenda in Prostate Artery Embolization: Summary of Society of Interventional Radiology Consensus Panel

PurposeTo summarize the Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation’s Research Consensus Panel development of a research agenda on prostate artery embolization (PAE).Materials and MethodsPAE for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms has been shown to be safe and effective in decreasing symptoms and prostate size. Lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PAE in the United States has prevented inclusion in American Urologic Association guideline recommendations for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recognizing the need for well-designed trials, the SIR Foundation funded a Research Consensus Panel to prioritize a research agenda. The panel included interventional radiologists, urologists, SIR Foundation leadership, and industry representatives. The goal of the meeting was to discuss weaknesses with current data and study design for development of US trials to report long-term outcomes data.ResultsFinal consensus on a research design could not be made because the group was split on 3 research designs: (i) RCT of PAE versus sham with crossover of the sham group. (ii) RCT of PAE versus simple prostatectomy. (iii) RCT of PAE versus holmium laser enucleation of the prostate/thulium laser enucleation of the prostate. The panel recommended a nonindustry-funded registry to obtain real-world data.ConclusionsLevel 1 data are required to be included in the American Urologic Association guidelines for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Because of concerns with all 3 study designs, the panel did not reach a consensus. Further meetings are planned with the panel to select among these research designs.     

DEGRO Practical Guidelines for Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer I

BACKGROUND: The present paper is an update of the practical guidelines for radiotherapy of breast cancer published in 2006 by the breast cancer expert panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) [34]. These recommendations have been elaborated on the basis of the S3 guidelines of the German Cancer Society that were revised in March 2007 by an interdisciplinary panel [18]. METHODS: The DEGRO expert panel performed a comprehensive survey of the literature, comprising lately published meta-analyses, data from recent randomized trials and guidelines of international breast cancer societies, referring to the criteria of evidence- based medicine [25]. In addition to the more general statements of the German Cancer Society, this paper emphasizes specific radiotherapeutic aspects. It is focused on radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery. Technique, targeting, and dose are described in detail. RESULTS: Postoperative radiotherapy significantly reduces rates of local recurrence. The more pronounced the achieved reduction is, the more substantially it translates into improved survival. Four prevented local recurrences result in one avoided breast cancer death. This effect is independent of age. An additional boost provides a further absolute risk reduction for local recurrence irrespective of age. Women > 50 years have a hazard ratio of 0.59 in favor of the boost. For DCIS, local recurrence was 2.4% per patient year even in a subgroup with favorable prognostic factors leading to premature closure of the respective study due to ethical reasons. For partial-breast irradiation as a sole method of radiotherapy, results are not yet mature enough to allow definite conclusions. CONCLUSION: After breast-conserving surgery, whole-breast irradiation remains the gold standard of treatment. The indication for boost irradiation should no longer be restricted to women 相似文献   

Ameliorative effect of black grape juice on systemic alterations and mandibular osteoradionecrosis induced by whole brain irradiation in rats

Purpose: Whole brain irradiation (WBI) causes a variety of secondary side-effects including anorexia and bone necrosis. We evaluated the radiomodifying effect of black grape juice (BGJ) on WBI alterations in rats measuring food and water intake, body weight, hemogram, and morphological and histological mandibular parameters.

Materials and methods: Forty male rats (200–250?g) were exposed to eight sessions of cranial X-ray irradiation. The total dose absorbed was 32?Gy delivered over 2 weeks. Four groups were defined: (i) NG: non-irradiated, glucose and fructose solution-supplemented (GFS); (ii) NJ: non-irradiated, BGJ-supplemented; (iii) RG: irradiated, GFS-supplemented; and (iv) RJ: irradiated, BGJ-supplemented. Rats received daily BGJ or GFS dosing by gavage starting 4 days before, continuing during, and ending 4 days after WBI.

Results: RJ rats ingested more food and water and showed less body weight loss than RG rats during the irradiation period. Forty days after WBI, irradiated animals started losing weight again compared with controls as a consequence of masticatory hypofunction by mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Osteoclastic activity and inflammation were apparent in RG rat mandibles. BGJ was able to attenuate the severity of ORN as well as to improve white and red blood cell counts.

Conclusions: Fractionated whole brain irradiation induces mandibular changes that interfere with normal feeding. BGJ can be used to mitigate systemic side-effects of brain irradiation and ORN.