Early PSA level decline is an independent predictor of biochemical and clinical control for salvage postprostatectomy radiotherapy

BackgroundTo improve the early detection of responders to salvage external beam radiotherapy (RT) after radical prostatectomy (RP).MethodsBetween 2002 and 2007, in a single institution, 136 consecutive patients received salvage RT to a dose of 66 Gy without androgen-deprivation therapy after RP for a rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA measurements were systematically performed before RT (PSA_RT), at the fifth week of RT (PSA5), and in the follow-up at least twice a year (every 6 mo). The PSA level decline during RT was expressed as PSA ratio (PSA5/PSA_RT). Two different definitions of biochemical failure after salvage RT were considered: PSA level>0.4 ng/ml and PSA>PSA nadir post-RT +0.4 ng/ml. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate Cox regression models.ResultsThe median follow-up was 60 months. The 5-year freedom from biochemical and clinical failure rates were 57% (95% CI: 48%–66%) and 92% (95% CI: 87%–97%), respectively. The mean PSA5 was 0.61 ng/ml (range: 0–7) and the mean PSA ratio was 0.67 (0–1.7). A PSA ratio<1 was a significant prognostic factor in multivariate analysis for both definitions of biochemical failure (P = 0.01 for both) and for clinical failure (P = 0.005).ConclusionsFor patients undergoing salvage RT after RP for a rising PSA level, the absence of PSA level decline during RT is predictive of biochemical and clinical failure and may be used to rapidly identify poor responders.     

Cancer in pregnancy

Cancer is rarely diagnosed during pregnancy, but the incidence of cases is increasing. Diagnosis may be delayed due to an assumption that symptoms are pregnancy-related, or a reluctance to perform investigations. Multidisciplinary discussion is vital, with decision-making involving the obstetrician, patient and family. Many cancers can be treated during pregnancy. Surgery is considered safe and chemotherapy after the first trimester does not increase fetal risks. Timing and mode of delivery will depend on the treatment plans as well as obstetric considerations. The rate of preterm birth is increased, but overall neonatal and paediatric outcomes do not seem to be affected.     

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for Stage I lung cancer with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: special reference to survival and radiation-induced pneumonitis

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate radiation-induced pneumonitis (RIP) and a related condition that we define in this report—prolonged minimal RIP (pmRIP)—after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for Stage I primary lung cancer in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We assessed 136 Stage I lung cancer patients with COPD who underwent SBRT. Airflow limitation on spirometry was classified into four Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grades, with minor modifications: GOLD 1 (mild), GOLD 2 (moderate), GOLD 3 (severe) and GOLD 4 (very severe). On this basis, we defined two subgroups: COPD-free (COPD −) and COPD-positive (COPD +). There was no significant difference in overall survival or cause-specific–survival between these groups. Of the 136 patients, 44 (32%) had pmRIP. Multivariate analysis showed that COPD and the Brinkman index were statistically significant risk factors for the development of pmRIP. COPD and the Brinkman index were predictive factors for pmRIP, although our findings also indicate that SBRT can be tolerated in early lung cancer patients with COPD.     

Hypofractionated versus conventional fractionated radiotherapy for breast cancer in patients with reconstructed breast: Toxicity analysis

PurposeThis study investigated whether hypofractionated adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) increased breast-related complication(s) compared to conventional fractionated RT in reconstructed breast cancer patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review including 349 breast cancer patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery (BCS) between 2009 and 2018 at two institutions. All patients were treated with adjuvant RT via either a conventional fractionated or hypofractionated regimen. We defined a major breast complication as a breast-related toxic event requiring re-operation or re-hospitalization during the follow-up period after the end of RT.ResultsThe median follow-up was 32.3 months (4.8–118.5 months); 126 patients had conventional fractionated RT, and 223 patients received hypofractionated RT. In patients with mastectomy, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of any or major breast-related complications between the two fractionation regimens. In patients undergoing BCS, incidence of any breast complication showed no difference between two RT groups and no major breast complication was reported as well. Hypofractionated RT did not increase major wound problem (infection and dehiscence) compared to conventional RT. Incidence of major contracture was significantly lower in hypofractionated RT.ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in the occurrence of any or major breast-related complications between the two different fractionation regimens, even in patients with mastectomy. Hypofractionated RT may be used comparable to conventional fractionated RT in terms of breast-related complications in reconstructed breast cancer patients. The prospective randomized trial would be necessary to clarify this issue.     

早期高危子宫内膜癌“夹心模式”序贯放化疗的疗效分析

目的评估“化疗-放疗-化疗”的“夹心模式”序贯放化疗在早期高危子宫内膜癌患者中疗效及可行性。方法回顾性分析2004年1月至2015年12月于北京大学人民医院行分期手术,分期(FIGO 2009)Ⅰ~Ⅱ期,且术后行“夹心疗法”的内膜癌患者,分析其临床病理特征,复发、生存及副反应。结果40例纳入研究,平均年龄(57±7)岁;随访51~182个月,仅1例术后66个月发生远处复发,其余均无瘤生存;5年总生存率及无疾病生存率均100%;无疾病生存期(178.7±3.3)m(95%CI:172.3~185.1);16例出现化疗副反应,仅1例发生Ⅲ度骨髓抑制;8例出现放疗副反应,其中1例发生左侧输尿管狭窄,其余为Ⅰ~Ⅱ度副反应。结论“夹心疗法”应用于早期高危内膜癌具有较好疗效,副反应可耐受。因病例数有限,有待积累病例,进一步总结。     

A new technique for the 3D reconstruction of the incisional hernia: A pilot study

PurposeThis study aimed to accurately evaluate incisional hernias with a new three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology, proving surgeons more information for intuitive and accurate judgments about incisional hernia to minimize the perioperative complications and recurrence rate.MethodThis was a pilot study using a new technique, 3D reconstruction, based on computed tomography (CT) scans to measure abdominal wall defect, herniary area, herniary volume, abdominal cavity volume, and the volume of transverse, oblique, and recti abdominis in three patients with incisional hernias.ResultsThe 3D reconstruction technique made automated segmentation of the bony skeleton, skin, outer abdominal wall, vessel, and hernia sac. The hernia sac, abdominal muscles, and their anatomic relationship were clearly illustrated in 3D reconstruction images. Moreover, abdominal cavity volume; herniary diameter, area, and volume; and the volume of transverse, oblique, and recti muscles could be evaluated through 3D reconstruction images. Surgeons can also freely combine, rotate, scale, and move the 3D reconstruction mode, modify the name and transparency of the 3D reconstruction model, and observe the internal structure of the tissue and the size, shape, and location of the lesion from multiple angles for better and accurate judgments.ConclusionThe herniary diameter, area, and volume and the volume of transverse, oblique, and recti abdominis can be accurately calculated through this 3D reconstruction technology. A three-dimensional vision of the abdomen through this technology can objectively and quantitatively evaluate the situation of incisional hernia, providing a more realistic means for diagnosis and treatment of incisional hernias.