Central neurocytoma: management recommendations based on a 35-year experience

PURPOSE: To examine the outcomes of patients with histologically confirmed central neurocytomas. METHODS AND MATErials: The data from 45 patients with central neurocytomas diagnosed between 1971 and 2003 were retrospectively evaluated. Various combinations of surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy had been used for treatment. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 10.0 years. The 10-year overall survival and local control rate was 83% and 60%, respectively. Patients whose tumor had a mitotic index of <3 (per 10 high-power fields) experienced a 10-year survival and local control rate of 89% and 74%, respectively, compared with 57% (p = 0.040) and 46% (p = 0.14) for patients with a tumor mitotic index of > or =3. The 10-year survival and local control rate was 90% and 74% for patients with typical tumors compared with 63% (p = 0.055) and 46% (p = 0.41) for those with atypical tumors. A comparison of gross total resection with subtotal resection showed no significant difference in survival or local control. Postoperative RT improved local control at 10 years (75% with RT vs. 51% without RT, p = 0.045); however, this did not translate into a survival benefit. No 1p19q deletions were found in the 19 tumors tested. CONCLUSION: Although the overall prognosis is quite favorable, one-third of patients experienced tumor recurrence or progression at 10 years, regardless of the extent of the initial resection. Postoperative RT significantly improved local control but not survival, most likely because of the effectiveness of salvage RT. For incompletely resected atypical tumors and/or those with a high mitotic index, consideration should be given to adjuvant RT because of the more aggressive nature.     

Rapid shrinkage of remnant central neurocytoma after gamma knife radiosurgery: a case report

Central neurocytomas are typically benign tumors that have high local control rates after gross total resection. Radiotherapy for residual or recurrent central neurocytomas is controversial.We report a 30-year-old male with a central neurocytoma in the lateral ventricle. The tumor was subtotally resected through a transcallosal approach, and subsequently treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. The tumor had shrunken markedly by 2 months after radiosurgery and remained unchanged during the one year follow-up period.Gamma knife radiosurgery may be an option for effective treatment of patients with residual or recurrent central neurocytomas.     

Well-differentiated neurocytoma: what is the best available treatment?

Most neurocytomas are well differentiated, being associated with better long-term survival than the more aggressive atypical lesions. Atypical neurocytomas are characterized by an MIB-1 labeling index >3% or atypical histologic features. This analysis focuses on well differentiated neurocytomas in order to define the optimal treatment. A case with a follow-up of 132 months is presented. The patient developed two recurrences two and four years after first surgery, each showing an increasing proliferation activity. Furthermore, all published well-differentiated neurocytoma cases were reviewed for surgery, radiotherapy, and prognosis. Additional relevant data were obtained from the authors. Complete resection (CTR), complete resection plus radiotherapy (CTR + RT), incomplete resection (ITR), and incomplete resection plus radiotherapy (ITR + RT) were compared for outcome by using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Data were complete in 301 patients (CTR, 108; CTR + RT, 27; ITR, 81; ITR + RT, 85). Local control and survival were better after CTR than after ITR (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0085, respectively). Radiotherapy improved local control after ITR (P < 0.0001) and after CTR (P = 0.0474), but not survival (P = 0.17 and P = 1.0, respectively). In the ITR + RT group, doses < or =54 Gy (n = 33) and >54 Gy (n = 32) were not significantly different for local control (P = 0.88) and survival (P = 0.95). The data demonstrated CTR to be superior to ITR for local control and survival. After CTR and ITR, radiotherapy improved local control, but not survival. A radiation dose of 54 Gy appeared sufficient. Application of postoperative radiotherapy should be decided individually, taking into account the risk of local failure, the need for another craniotomy, and potential radiation toxicity.     

Defining the best available treatment for neurocytomas in children

BACKGROUND: In children, neurocytomas are extremely rare tumors in the central nervous system. Since this entity was introduced in 1982, approximately 60 cases have been reported among patients age /= 54 Gy when compared for local control (P = 1.0) and survival rates (P = 1.0). Radiotherapy-related psychomotor retardation or secondary brain tumors were not reported. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of children with neurocytomas is extremely good. CTR was associated with better local control and survival rates than ITR. After ITR, radiotherapy improves local control, but not survival. If postoperative radiotherapy is considered, a dose of 50 Gy was appropriate for long-term local control in children, whereas higher doses were required in adults.     

Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast: treatment results on 107 patients

From 1958 to 1985, 107 patients with a clinical and/or histopathologic diagnosis of non-metastatic inflammatory breast cancer received radiotherapy as all or part of initial treatment. Therapy included definitive irradiation alone in 31 patients, irradiation with mastectomy in 16 patients, irradiation and combination chemotherapy in 23 patients, and irradiation with chemotherapy and surgery in 37 patients. Survivors have a median follow-up of 30 months. Overall median relapse-free survival (RFS) was 12 months (12% at 5 years). Local control and relapse-free survival were significantly improved for patients receiving surgery as part of initial treatment: 19% (10/52) of operated patients experienced locoregional failure vs. 70% (37/53) not operated (p less than 0.0001). The median overall actuarial survival was 24 months (17% at 5 years). Patients who received surgery showed improved survival (44 months vs. 18 months median; 37% vs. 7% at 5 years; p = 0.0004). Chemotherapy also was associated with improved relapse-free survival (18 months vs. 8 months median; 20% vs. 5% at 5 years; p = 0.02) and actuarial survival (32 months vs. 17 months median; 23% vs. 3% at 5 years; p less than 0.02). Patients treated with initial chemotherapy (usually 2-3 cycles of CAF), surgery, and postoperative irradiation followed by maintenance chemotherapy showed a 34 month median relapse-free survival (37% at 5 years RFS) and a 47 month median survival (48% at 5 years). Moderate to severe complications were seen in 25% of patients, the most frequent complication being fibrosis of the breast or chest wall. There were two fatalities secondary to Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy. This study suggests better local control, with fewer complications, when surgery and irradiation are combined with multiagent chemotherapy. Further prospective clinical trials are strongly recommended.     

Treatment outcome of high-dose image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy using intra-prostate fiducial markers for localized prostate cancer at a single institute in Japan

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Several studies have confirmed the advantages of delivering high doses of external beam radiotherapy to achieve optimal tumor-control outcomes in patients with localized prostate cancer. We evaluated the medium-term treatment outcome after high-dose, image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using intra-prostate fiducial markers for clinically localized prostate cancer. METHODS: In total, 141 patients with localized prostate cancer treated with image-guided IMRT (76Gy in 13 patients and 80Gy in 128 patients) between 2003 and 2008 were enrolled in this study. The patients were classified according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Networkdefined risk groups. Thirty-six intermediate-risk patients and 105 high-risk patients were included. Androgen-deprivation therapy was performed in 124 patients (88%) for a median of 11months (range: 2-88 months). Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse was defined according to the Phoenix-definition (i.e., an absolute nadir plus 2 ng/ml dated at the call). The 5-year actuarial PSA relapse-free survival, the 5-year distant metastasis-free survival, the 5- year cause-specific survival (CSS), the 5-year overall survival (OS) outcomes and the acute and late toxicities were analyzed. The toxicity data were scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4.0. The median follow-up was 60 months. RESULTS: The 5-year PSA relapse-free survival rates were 100% for the intermediate-risk patients and 82.2% for the high-risk patients; the 5-year actuarial distant metastasis-free survival rates were 100% and 95% for the intermediate- and high-risk patients, respectively; the 5-year CSS rates were 100% for both patient subsets; and the 5-year OS rates were 100% and 91.7% for the intermediate- and high-risk patients, respectively. The Gleason score (<8 vs. [greater than or equal to]8) was significant for the 5-year PSA relapse-free survival on multivariate analysis (p=0.044). There was no grade 3 or 4 acute toxicity. The incidence of grade 2 acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities were 1.4% and 8.5%, respectively. The 5-year actuarial likelihood of late grade 2-3 GI and GU toxicities were 6% and 6.3%, respectively. No grade 4 GI or GU late toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These medium-term results demonstrate a good tolerance of high-dose image-guided IMRT. However, further follow-up is needed to confirm the long-term treatment outcomes.     

Clinical outcome of oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with platinum-based chemoradiotherapy

To determine the efficacy, feasibility, and toxicity of treated with platinum-based chemoradiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma. A retrospective survey of 91 patients who underwent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital between 1971 and 2003. The radiotherapy dose ranged from 50 to 74 Gy (median, 66 Gy). Nine patients who had a tumor in the base of the tongue were also treated with arterial infusion chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 63 months (range, 2–190 months), 26 (29%) patients developed recurrence. Five patients (5%) developed distant metastases. The 5-year overall survival was 66%, and the relapse-free survival was 51.6%. The 5-year local control rate was 79%. The 5-year local control rate for each subsite was: anterior wall, 90%; lateral wall, 80%; posterior wall, 67%; and superior wall, 64%. The 5-year overall survival was 85% for stage I–II and 62% for stage III–IV. Two patients developed grade 3 (mandibular bone necrosis) or 4 (laryngeal edema) late toxicities. No acute or late grade 5 toxicities were observed. In this study, platinum-based chemoradiotherapy provided good local control for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Although acute and late toxicities occurred, they were considered tolerable.     

Salvage Curative-Intent Reirradiation Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Isolated Pelvic and/or Paraortic Recurrences of Gynecologic Malignancies

PurposeTo determine the feasibility of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for isolated nodal recurrences of gynecologic malignancies within a previously irradiated area.Methods and MaterialsA retrospective review was performed on 20 patients who underwent 21 curative-intent reirradiation SBRT treatments for locoregional recurrences of gynecologic malignancies. Disease control and survival outcomes were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Treatment toxicities were graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.03.ResultsAll patients had an isolated pelvic, paraortic, or intra-abdominal nodal recurrence, with the exception of 1 patient who had a concurrent paraortic and right acetabulum metastasis, both of which were irradiated with SBRT. Primary sites included cervix (30.0%), uterus (55.0%), vulva (5.0%), vagina (5.0%), and ovary (5.0%). Median prior external beam radiation therapy dose was 45 Gy. Recurrences were in field in 14 (66.7%) and marginal in 7 (33.3%). SBRT was directed to the pelvis in 13 cases (61.9%) and to paraortic or celiac nodes in 8 (38.1%). The most common SBRT regimen was 40 to 45 Gy in 5 fractions (n = 12). At a median follow-up of 31.2 months, 3-year actuarial in-field local control, distant progression-free survival, and overall survival were 61.4%, 44.0%, and 51.9%, respectively. At the time of last follow-up, 9 (45.0%) patients remained alive without evidence of disease. Actuarial 3-year risk of grade ≥2 and grade ≥3 late toxicities was 38.1% and 14.3%, respectively.ConclusionsSBRT for isolated pelvic or intra-abdominal recurrences of gynecologic malignancies within a previously irradiated field is feasible with an acceptable toxicity rate. With this approach, about half of patients achieved durable disease-free survival.     

多西他赛联合奈达铂同步调强适形放疗治疗局部晚期鼻咽癌的临床研究

  目的  观察比较调强放疗联合化疗与单纯调强适形放疗治疗鼻咽癌的临床疗效、急性反应及晚期损伤。  方法  初治鼻咽癌患者72例,均为Ⅲ~Ⅳa期;随机接受单纯根治性放疗+序贯化疗（30例）和同步放化疗+序贯化疗（42例）。鼻咽和颈部靶体积均采用调强适形放疗（intensity modulated radiation therapy,IMRT）技术照射。采用Kaplan-Meier法进行生存分析,RTOG/ EORTC标准评价急性反应和晚期损伤。  结果  本组中位随访时间13.5个月,单纯放疗组1、2年局部区域无进展和无远处转移生存率及总生存率分别为95.0%、80.0%、95.0%和80.0%、60.0%、75.0%;同步放化疗组1、2年局部区域无进展和无远处转移生存率及总生存率分别为100%、96.4%、96.4%和100%、92.9%、92.9%;两组间2年局部区域无进展生存率（χ2=3.951,P=0.047）和无远处转移生存率（χ2=3.858,P=0.049）差异有统计学意义,2年总生存率差异无统计学意义（χ2=1.334,P=0.248）。多数患者仅表现为1~2级放疗急性反应和0~1级放疗晚期损伤,两组差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）,未观察到4级急性反应和晚期损伤;在晚期损伤症口干表现中,两组差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。化疗相关不良反应中,两组的白细胞、中性粒细胞抑制及消化道反应差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）;体重下降方面两组差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。  结论  IMRT联合同步化疗治疗局部晚期鼻咽癌患者可获得较好的局部区域及远处转移控制率,两者急性放射损伤无显著性差异;晚期损伤方面联合治疗患者较易出现口干等症状;联合治疗组亦能顺利完成治疗。      

Consolidative proton therapy after chemotherapy for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma

BackgroundWe investigated early outcomes for patients receiving chemotherapy followed by consolidative proton therapy (PT) for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).Patients and methodsFrom June 2008 through August 2015, 138 patients with HL enrolled on either IRB-approved outcomes tracking protocols or registry studies received consolidative PT. Patients were excluded due to relapsed or refractory disease. Involved-site radiotherapy field designs were used for all patients. Pediatric patients received a median dose of 21 Gy(RBE) [range 15–36 Gy(RBE)]; adult patients received a median dose of 30.6 Gy(RBE) [range, 20–45 Gy(RBE)]. Patients receiving PT were young (median age, 20 years; range 6–57). Overall, 42% were pediatric (≤18 years) and 93% were under the age of 40 years. Thirty-eight percent of patients were male and 62% female. Stage distribution included 73% with I/II and 27% with III/IV disease. Patients predominantly had mediastinal involvement (96%) and bulky disease (57%), whereas 37% had B symptoms. The median follow-up was 32 months (range, 5–92 months).ResultsThe 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 92% for all patients; it was 96% for adults and 87% for pediatric patients (P = 0.18). When evaluated by positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan response at the end of chemotherapy, patients with a partial response had worse 3-year progression-free survival compared with other patients (78% versus 94%; P = 0.0034). No grade 3 radiation-related toxicities have occurred to date.ConclusionConsolidative PT following standard chemotherapy in HL is primarily used in young patients with mediastinal and bulky disease. Early relapse-free survival rates are similar to those reported with photon radiation treatment, and no early grade 3 toxicities have been observed. Continued follow-up to assess late effects is critical.     

Central Neurocytoma: A Review

Central neurocytomas are rare intraventricular neoplasms of the central nervous system, compromising 0.25-0.5% of brain tumors. The diagnosis and management of these tumors remains controversial since most clinical series are small. Typically, patients with central neurocytomas have a favorable prognosis, but in some cases the clinical course is more aggressive. Although histological features of anaplasia do not predict biologic behavior, proliferation markers including MIB-1 might be more useful in predicting relapse. The most important therapeutic modality is surgery, and a safe maximal resection confers the best long-term outcome. In cases of a subtotal resection,'standard external beam radiation can be added or radiation can be delayed until tumor progression occurs. Smaller residual tumor volumes or recurrences can be treated with more conformal radiation or focused radiosurgery. Re-operation for recurrence should be considered if the procedure can be safely performed. Chemotherapy may be useful for recurrent central neurocytomas that cannot be resected and have been radiated, although long-term responses have not been reported for chemotherapy. Overall, this paper reviews the findings of the larger studies and highlights some of the important case reports that contribute to the current management of central neurocytomas.     

Central nervous system neurocytoma and neuroblastoma in adults-report of eight cases

Summary The clinical features, pathologic findings and treatment courses of eight adults with central nervous system small-cell neuronal tumors were reviewed. Five patients had central neurocytomas, two patients central nervous system neuroblastomas, and one patient a neurocytoma-like spinal cord tumor. The neurocytomas were intraventricular, moderately cellular tumors with bland nuclei and perinuclear halos. Patients with neurocytoma were treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy, and have followed favorable clinical courses. The neuroblastomas were intraparenchymal, hypercellular tumors with necrosis and frequent mitoses. Patients with neuroblastomas were treated with surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, with some clinical response, but overall poor survival. One of the two patients developed extracranial metastasis. The spinal cord tumor had histologic features of neurocytoma, and responded well to biopsy and radiation therapy. The cases are compared with the varieties of small-celled neuronal tumors described in the literature, and pathologic, histogenetic and treatment implications are discussed. This paper was presented in part at the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology meeting, Boston, MA, March 7, 1990     

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Salvage Treatment of Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PurposeThis study analyzes the outcomes and toxicity of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as salvage treatment for recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods and MaterialsThis retrospective analysis considered patients treated with thoracic SBRT and a history of prior external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), SBRT, or surgical resection for NSCLC. Follow-up included positron emission tomography and computed tomography imaging at 2- to 3-month intervals. Key outcomes were presented with the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsForty patients with 52 treatments were included at a mean of 11.82 months after treatment with EBRT (n = 21), SBRT (n = 15), surgical resection (n = 9), and SBRT after EBRT (n = 7). Median imaging and clinical follow-up were 13.39 and 19.01 months, respectively. SBRT delivered a median dose of 40 Gy in 4 fractions. Median biologically effective dose (BED) was 79.60 Gy. Median gross tumor volume and planning target volume were 10.80 and 26.25 cm³, respectively. Local control was 65%, with a median time to local failure of 13.52 months. Local control was 87% after previous SBRT but only 33% after surgery. Median overall survival was 24.46 months, and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.11 months. Patients presenting after previous SBRT had improved local control (P = .021), and the same result was obtained including patients with SBRT after EBRT (P = .0037). Treatments after surgical resection trended toward worse local control (P = .061). Patients with BED ≥80 Gy had improved local PFS (P = .032), PFS (P = .021), time without any treatment failure (P = .033), and time to local failure (P = .041). Using the Kaplan–Meier method, BED ≥80 Gy was predictive of improved local PFS (P = .01) and PFS (P < .005). Toxicity consisted of 10 instances of grade <3 toxicity (16%) and no grade ≥3 toxicity.ConclusionsSalvage treatment for recurrent NSCLC with SBRT was effective and well tolerated, particularly after initial treatment with SBRT. When possible, salvage SBRT should aim to achieve a BED of ≥80 Gy.     

Preoperative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Stage IIIA Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Thirty-one patients with stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by surgery. The treatment protocol could not be completed in eight patients. The acute hematologic toxicities of grade III or IV occurred in 48.4% (15/31) after the first chemotherapy cycle, and in 39.1% (9/23) after the second cycle. The most common non-hematologic toxicity was radiation esophagitis. Surgery was attempted in 23 patients and successful in 22 patients (resection rate = 71.0%). Pathologic complete response and down-staging were achieved in 13.6% (3/22) and 68.2% (15/22). The median survival period, 2-year overall survival, local control and disease-free survival rates of all 31 patients and of 22 patients who underwent surgery were 19 months, 37.2%, 49.1%, 35.5%, and 19 months, 43.2%, 51.8%, 25.6%, respectively. On the basis of our observations, preoperative CCRT followed by surgery for stage IIIA NSCLC has resulted in outcomes comparable with those in previous reports.     

Ⅰ期低级别子宫内膜间质肉瘤术后序贯放化疗的临床分析

目的 探讨术后序贯放化疗对Ⅰ期低级别子宫内膜间质肉瘤（LGESS）预后的影响及安全性。方法 回顾性分析1995年6月至2010年12月术后接受序贯放化疗的Ⅰ期LGESS患者28例及同期接受单纯手术者24例。序贯放化疗组术后先给予2个周期化疗（化疗采用CYVADIC、VAD或IAP方案）,之后行盆腔外照射（DT 40～50 Gy）,放疗结束后再行2个周期化疗。比较两组患者的生存和复发情况,同时评价术后序贯放化疗的不良反应。结果中位随访118个月（20～185个月）,随访率为92.3％。52例患者中,复发9例,其中单纯手术组复发7例。序贯放化疗组5年和10年无复发生存率分别为96.4％和91.4％,优于单纯手术组的75.0％和70.3％,差异有统计学意义（P=0.035）;两组5年和10年生存率的差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。所有接受序贯放化疗的患者均顺利完成治疗,化疗的不良反应主要为胃肠道反应及骨髓抑制,胃肠道反应均为1～2级,发生骨髓抑制者13例,其中5例发生3级及以上骨髓抑制,经积极处理后恢复正常。放疗的不良反应主要为放射性直肠炎及阴道炎,无3级以上急性不良反应发生。结论LGESS预后较好,但有远期复发倾向。Ⅰ期LGESS的治疗以手术为主,术后序贯放化疗可能有助于减少盆腔复发,不良反应可耐受,是Ⅰ期LGESS可供参考的一种治疗选择。     

Long-term outcome and late toxicities of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy in pediatric and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The application of simultaneous integrated boost-intensity modulated radiotherapy (SIB-IMRT) in pediatric and adolescent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is underevaluated. This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcome and late toxicities in pediatric and adolescent NPC after SIB-IMRT combined with chemotherapy. Thirty-four patients (aged 8-20 years) with histologically proven, non-disseminated NPC treated with SIB-IMRT were enrol ed in this retrospective study. The disease stage distribution was as fol ows:stage I, 1 (2.9%);stage III, 14 (41.2%);and stage IV, 19 (55.9%). Al patients underwent SIB-IMRT and 30 patients also underwent cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The prescribed dose of IMRT was 64-68 Gy in 29-31 fractions to the nasopharyngeal gross target volume. Within the median fol ow-up of 52 months (range, 9-111 months), 1 patient (2.9%) experienced local recurrence and 4 (11.8%) developed distant metastasis (to the lung in 3 cases and to multiple organs in 1 case). Four patients (11.8%) died due to recurrence or metastasis. The 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, disease-free survival, and overal survival rates were 97.1%, 88.2%, 85.3%, and 88.2%, respectively. The most common acute toxicities were grades 3-4 hematologic toxicities and stomatitis. Of the 24 patients who survived for more than 2 years, 16 (66.7%) and 15 (62.5%) developed grades 1-2 xerostomia and ototoxicity, respectively. Two patients (8.3%) developed grade 3 ototoxicity; no grade 4 toxicities were observed. SIB-IMRT combined with chemotherapy achieves excellent long-term locoregional control in pediatric and adolescent NPC, with mild incidence of late toxicities. Distant metastasis is the predominant mode of failure.     

Rituximab,Dexamethasone, Cytarabine,and Oxaliplatin (R-DHAX) Is an Effective and Safe Salvage Regimen in Relapsed/Refractory B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

BackgroundSalvage therapy for patients with refractory/relapsed B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is based on polychemotherapy, followed by high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation in eligible patients (HDT/ASCT). R-DHAP combines rituximab with cisplatin, cytarabine, and dexamethasone.Patients and MethodsWe substituted cisplatin with oxaliplatin to avoid nephrotoxicity and retrospectively analyzed a large series of 91 patients with refractory/relapsed B-cell NHL to evaluate toxicities, response rates (RRs), and survival. Median age at R-DHAX (rituximab/dexamethasone/cytarabine/oxaliplatin) treatment was 60 years (range, 28-82 years). Renal insufficiency was present in 18 patients. The most frequent histologic subtypes were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (n = 42) and follicular lymphoma (n = 30). Seventeen patients (19%) were naive to rituximab at time of R-DHAX.ResultsGrade III/IV toxicities were mainly hematologic, including anemia (n = 9), neutropenia (n = 44), and thrombocytopenia (n = 47). Grade I/II neurologic toxicities, sensitive or motor, were observed, and these were mainly transient except for 3 cases of motor neuropathy associated with previous exposure to vincristine. Neither renal toxicities nor degradation of previous renal insufficiency were observed. The overall RR was 75%, with a complete RR of 57%, with no statistical difference between patients previously treated with rituximab versus without rituximab. At a median follow-up of 23 months, 2-year probability rates of overall survival and progression-free survival were 75% and 43%, respectively, with a significant difference between patients treated with HDT/ASCT and patients not eligible for HDT/ASCT.ConclusionR-DHAX is an efficient regimen in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell NHL even in elderly patients if hematologic toxicities are closely managed.     

The effect of delayed postoperative irradiation on local control of soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity and torso

: The impact of delayed adjuvant radiotherapy in patients treated by surgical resection for peripheral or torso soft tissue sarcoma has not been well characterized. We retrospectively examined this issue in an institutional patient cohort.

: One hundred two adult patients were treated at the University of Washington Medical Center between 1981 and 1998 with postoperative radiotherapy for cure of a newly diagnosed soft tissue sarcoma. Of this group, 58 patients had primary intermediate- or high-grade disease of the extremity or torso (50 extremity/8 torso). Tumor histology was predominantly malignant fibrohistiocytoma, synovial cell sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma. The group was dichotomized according to time interval from definitive resection to the start of adjuvant radiation. Twenty-six patients had a short delay, defined as <4 months, and 32 patients had a long delay of ≥4 months. Both groups were balanced with regard to site, size, margin status, and tumor depth; however, the long-delay group had a larger proportion of high histologic grade lesions and was treated more frequently with chemotherapy (31/32 [97%] for long-delay patients vs. 14/26 [54%] for short-delay patients). Median follow-up was 49.5 months (range: 7–113 months). Median follow-up for patients still alive was 54 months (range: 9–113 months). Survival outcomes were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

: Overall local relapse-free survival at 5 years from the time of definitive resection was 74%. On univariate analysis, estimated 5-year local relapse-free survival was significantly improved in the short-delay group (88% vs. 62% for the long-delay group, p = 0.048 by log rank). Overall distant relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, and overall survival at 5 years were 77%, 68%, and 86%, respectively. These survival outcomes were statistically equivalent in both radiation delay groups. There was no evidence to suggest that delaying adjuvant systemic therapy for postoperative radiation negatively impacted distant relapse-free survival, disease-free survival, or overall survival. Patterns of failure analysis revealed that 11/12 disease failures in the long-delay group had a local component, with five patients presenting with solitary local recurrences. Severe chronic radiation-related soft tissue or peripheral nerve morbidity was infrequent (5/58 or 8.6%) and similar in both groups.

: Postoperative radiation delays of 4 months or greater were associated with inferior local disease control for intermediate- and high-grade soft tissue sarcomas of the extremity and torso. Our results suggest that timing postoperative radiation before postoperative chemotherapy may optimize local therapy for such patients without adversely affecting distant disease control, long-term morbidity, or overall survival. Prospective testing of this hypothesis is warranted.     

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer: late morbidity and results on biochemical control.

PURPOSE: To report on late morbidity and biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) after intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2005 133 patients were treated with IMRT for T(1-4) N0 M0 prostate cancer. The median follow-up time was 36 months. In a first cohort, patients received a median planning target volume (PTV) dose of 74 Gy with a hard constraint on maximum rectum dose of 72 Gy (74R72, n=51). Later, median PTV and maximum rectum dose were increased to 76 and 74 Gy, respectively (76R74; n=82). We defined low-risk (n=20), intermediate-risk (n=70) and high-risk (n=43) groups. Androgen deprivation was given to patients in the intermediate- and high-risk group. Late gastro-intestinal (GI) and genito-urinary (GU) morbidity and biochemical relapse, in accordance with the ASTRO consensus, were recorded. RESULTS: We observed grade 2 GI (17%) and GU (19%), grade 3 GI (1%) and GU (3%) late toxicities. Except for hematuria, the median duration of side-effects was 6 months. Biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) at 3 and 5 years was 88% and 83%, respectively, with a significantly better 3-year bRSF for the 76R74 than for the 74R72 group (p=0.01). Five-year bRFS for patients in the low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk group was 100%, 94% and 74%, respectively (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: IMRT for localized or locally advanced prostate cancer combines low morbidity with excellent biochemical control.     

奈达铂同期放化疗治疗中晚期宫颈癌前瞻性临床研究

目的探讨顺铂同期放化疗与奈达铂同期放化疗治疗中晚期宫颈癌的疗效和不良反应。方法180例中晚期宫颈癌患者随机分为奈达铂同期放化疗组（奈达铂组90例）和顺铂同期放化疗组（顺铂组90例）,观察并比较2组的近期疗效及不良反应。结果奈达铂组近期有效率、1年无复发生存率、1年无转移生存率、2年无复发生存率、2年无转移生存率分别为98．85％、89．66、86．21％、85．06％和80．46％,顺铂组近期有效率、1年无复发生存率、1年无转移生存率、2年无复发生存率、2年无转移生存率分别分别为97．60％（χ2=3．07,P〉0．05）、81．93％（χ2=3．07,P〉0．05）、83．13％（χ2=0．31,P〉0．05）、78．31％（χ2=1．30,P〉0．05）和80．72％（χ2=0．00,P〉0．05）,两组间差异无统计学意义。顺铂组恶心呕吐总发生率及Ⅲ-Ⅳ级发生率分别为52．27％、12．50％,明显高于奈达铂组的27．27％、6．82％（χ2=12．18,P=0．01）,而贫血、白细胞减少、血小板减少、腹泻等不良反应两组间无明显差异。结论奈达铂同期放化疗疗效与顺铂同期放化疗相同,不良反应可以耐受。