Results of a Nationwide Survey on Radiotherapy of Bone Metastases in Germany

Background: Assuming interinstitutional differences in the treatment of bone metastases, a survey of German radiotherapy institutions was carried out. The goal was to demonstrate regional strategies in pretherapeutic diagnosis, radiation treatment, and follow-up. Patients and Methods: A structured questionnaire (eleve multiple-choice questions, ten tables to complete) was sent to all institutions primarily performing radiotherapy. The reply rate was 63.7% (86/135). Results: The estimated proportion of patients with irradiated bone metastases was 18.2% (5-60%). The overall number of treated patients with bone metastases has increased. 45% of all radiation treatments for bone metastases wer performed in patients with mammary carcinoma, followed by lung carcinoma (17%). Central beam dose calculation was performed in 72% of patients, in other cases computer-assisted planning (23%) and 3-D planning (5%) were carried out. Special techniques (individual shielding, special fixations) were used in 57 institutions in 19.8% of patients. The applied single dose varied between 1 and 10 Gy, and the total dose between 5 and 60 Gy. The majority of institutions vary their treatment schemes. In most institutions, the definitive result assessment followed 4-6 weeks after the end of irradiation. Conventional X-rays play the most important role in evaluation of the radiation result. Approximately a quarter of patients are permanently included in the radiation oncological follow-up. Conclusions: The therapeutic variety corresponds with the greatly varing recommendations in the literature. There were no major differences between private practices, hospitals and university facilities. Considering the standards of diagnosis, treatment, and results assessment, a high quality of palliative treatment can be assumed. Hintergrund: Unter der Annahme interinstitutioneller Unterschiede bei der Behandlung von Knochenmetastasen erfolgte eine schriftliche Umfrage in allen deutschen radiotherapeutischen Einrichtungen. Das Ziel war die Erfassung der regionalen Strategien in der prätherapeutischen Diagnostik, in der Durchführung der Bestrahlung und in der Nachsorge. Patienten und Methode: An alle Institutionen, die Radiotherapie schwerpunktmäßig betreiben, wurde ein strukturierter Fragebogen (elf Multiple-Choice-Fragen, zehn Tabellen zum Ergänzen) verschickt. Die Rückantwortrate betrug 63,7% (86/135). Ergebnisse: Der geschätzte Anteil der Patienten mit bestrahlten Knochenmetastasen beträgt im Durchschnitt 18,2% (5-60%). Die Zahl der bestrahlten Knochenmetastasen zeigte eine konstante bis leicht zunehmende Tendenz. 45% aller Radiotherapien der Skelettmetastasen erfolgen bei Mammakarzinomen, gefolgt von Bronchialkarzinomen (17%). Die Zentralstrahldosisberechnung wird bei 72% der Patienten durchgeführt, bei den restlichen kommt computergestützte (23%) und dreidimensionale Planung (5%) zum Einsatz. Besondere Techniken (individuelle Blöcke, spezielle Fixierung) kamen in 57 Institutionen (66,3%) zur Anwendung. Die applizierte Einzeldosis variierte zwischen 1 und 10 Gy, die Gesamtdosis zwischen 5 und 60 Gy. Die Mehrheit der Einrichtungen verwendet kein festes Dosierungs- und Fraktionierungsschema. Die abschließende Beurteilung des Resultates der Behandlung erfolgte bei den meisten Institutionen 4-6 Wochen nach Abschluss der Bestrahlung. Konventionelle Röntgenuntersuchung überwog bei der Bewertung des Therapieerfolges. Etwa ein Viertel der Patienten bleibt dauerhaft in der radioonkologischen Nachsorge. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Vielfalt der therapeutischen Strategien entspricht den stark variierenden Literaturdaten, dabei sind die Unterschiede zwischen Krankenhäusern, Praxen und Universitätskliniken nicht wesentlich. Die Antworten zur Diagnostik, Durchführung und Kontrolle des Therapieresultates lassen bei vielen Institutionen eine hohe Qualität der Behandlung vermuten.     

Intraoperative Radiotherapie (IORT) lokal ausgedehnter und rezidivierter Nierenzellkarzinome

Purpose

Renal cell carcinomas are relatively radioresistant. After macroscopically incomplete tumor resection conventional external beam radiotherapy is dose-limited and additional systemic treatment with chemotherapy ineffective to achieve local control. In a pilot study the role of intraoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent renal cell carcinomas was analysed.

Patients and Method s

From January 1992 to July 1994 11 patients with a primary (n=3) or recurrent renal cell carcinoma had IORT. One patient had complete resection and in 3 respectively 7 patients microscopically or macroscopically residual disease was left. Using 6 to 10 MeV, a single dose of 15 to 20 Gy was delivered to the fossa renalis and the corresponding paraaortic area. Based on three-dimensional treatment planning, additional external beam radiotherapy was given 3 to 4 weeks later (40) Gy, 2 Gy SD, 23 MV).

Results

After a mean follow-up of 24.3 months 5 patients had died of distant metastases (lung, liver, bone, mediastinum) with a mean survival time of 11.5 months. Mean disease-free interval was 6.4 months. One patient suffered from a second malignancy. Two patients are alive with distant metastases. Local tumor control in the entire group was 100%. The calculated 4-year overall and disease-free survival was 47% and 34%. The postoperative course was affected in 3 patients (abscess n=1, short dehiscence of the abdominal wound n=2). The gastrointestinal toxicity during external beam radiotherapy was low. No IORT-specific late adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

After incomplete tumor resection local tumor control with minimal therapy related side effects could be achieved using intraoperative radiotherapy. With IORT the dose limitation in the radiotherapy of renal cell carcinoma could be overcome. The high distant metastases rate relativized overall prognosis. The low morbidity rate justifies further evaluation of this technique.     

Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (hfSRT) with three different dose concepts for irresectable brain metastases not amenable to radiosurgery (SRS) using non-invasive fixation of the skull. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 6/2000 to 6/2005, 150 patients with 228 brain metastases were treated at the dedicated stereotactic radiosurgery system Novalis (BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany) in two German treatment centers. Three different dose concepts were applied: 5 x 6-7 Gy (A: 72 brain metastases), 10 x 4 Gy (B: 59 brain metastases) and 7 x 5 Gy (C: 97 brain metastases). Median planning target volume (PTV) was 6.1 cm(3) (range, 0.02-95.97). RESULTS: Rates of complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), no change (NC) and progressive disease (PD) were 42%, 30%, 21% and 7%, respectively (median follow-up 28 months). Median survival was 16 months. Survival at 6 and 12 months was 83% and 66%, respectively. Side effects were dependent on the PTV and on dose concept (median PTV in case of increasing edema or necrosis: 17 cm3, A: 22%, C: 7%). HfSRT with 10 x 4 Gy (B) was well tolerated without side effects. CONCLUSION: Hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy is an effective and safe treatment. In case of brain metastases >15 cm(3) (diameter >3 cm) and concerning toxicity, 10 x 4 Gy seem to be more advantageous than shorter fractionation with higher doses while 5 x 6-7 Gy and 7 x 5 Gy were followed by higher response rates. Further specification of tolerance doses and tolerance according to the different brain regions has to be done.     

Treatment of Primary Tracheal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In a retrospective study the role of radiation therapy for the treatment of primary tracheal carcinoma was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1984 and 1997, 25 patients with primary tracheal carcinoma were treated with external beam radiotherapy (17 squamous-cell carcinoma [SCC], 8 adenoid cystic carcinoma [ACC], median dose SCC 60 Gy. ACC 55 Gy). An additional brachytherapy boost was carried out in 10/25 patients (median dose SCC 18 Gy, ACC 15 Gy). Ten patients underwent operative treatment. RESULTS: The median survival (Kaplan-Meier) for patients with SCC was 33 months (ACC 94.2). The 1-, 2- and 5-year survival rates (Kaplan-Meier) for patients with SCC were 64.7% (ACC 85.7%), 64.7% (ACC 85.7%), and 26% (ACC 85.7%). Patients with ACC and patients with a complete remission after treatment had a significantly better survival probability (log rank test, p < 0.05). An excellent or good relief of clinical symptoms was achieved in 88% of the patients with SCC (ACC 88%). Eleven patients were locally controlled at last follow-up (SCC: 5/17; ACC: 6/8). Grade 1 to 2 toxicity (RTOG/EORTC) occurred in 12% (SCC: 2/17, ACC: 1/8) and Grade 3 to 4 toxicity in 8% (SCC: 0/17, ACC: 2/8) of the patients. Persistent or progressive local disease caused complications in 5 patients (fatal hemorrhage n = 2, esophagotracheal fistula n = 2, tracheal necrosis n = 1). CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for primary tracheal neoplasms. Surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and primary radiotherapy in inoperable cases represent potentially curative treatment options. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to determine the optimal radiotherapeutic approach.     

Radiotherapy of rhinopharyngeal carcinoma: analysis of the caseload of Varese (1979-1986)

From December 1979 to December 1986, 100 patients affected with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, staged according to TNM (UICC-1978) criteria received exclusive radiation therapy at the Radiotherapy Department of the General Hospital of Varese. The median follow-up is 36 months (range: 1-114). Irradiation was delivered with 10 MV photons (58 patients) or 60Co (42 patients), with two opposed parallel lateral fields and progressive shrinkage, or rotation technique. Direct fields of electron beams (6-15 MeV) were employed as boosts on the residual nodes. Median total dose: 60 Gy to T, 46 Gy to N0, 62 Gy to N1-3. A conventional fractionation (2 Gy once a day, 5 times a week) was used in 43 patients, while an accelerated hyperfractionated regimen (1.5 Gy twice a day, 5 times a week) was employed in 57 patients. Five-year overall survival (Kaplan-Meier) of the 100 treated patients is 54.9%, while 5-year disease-free survival of the 71 patients in complete clinical remission at the end of radiation therapy is 54.7%. The nodal status represents the most important prognostic variable: 5-year overall survival (100 patients) is 77.7% for N0 patients and 40.8% for N1-3 patients, while 5-year disease-free survival for the 71 patients in clinical remission at the end of radiation therapy is 78.9% and 48.8% for N0 and N1-3 patients respectively. Our findings confirm the high rescue rate (approximately 50%) of irradiation failures by re-irradiation and/or salvage surgery. The analysis of loco-regional recurrences and persistent disease, after radiotherapy, strongly suggests the need for an improvement in loco-regional control rates, by means of a more accurate treatment planning (with CT and MR) and more attention to isoeffect parameters (CRE). The incidence of distant metastases (14%) and difficulties in loco-regional control of advanced disease seem to suggest the use of combined chemo-radiotherapy modalities only for selected groups of patients and exclusively in randomized studies.     

Adenoid cystic salivary gland carcinoma: treatment with irradiation and surgery

The records of 71 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands were reviewed to determine the dose response relationships for this aggressive tumor. Local control after treatment was determined for all patients and analyzed with respect to extent of surgery and dose of radiation. Of 70 patients who were available for evaluation of local control, 28 (40%) had a local recurrence and 42 (60%) did not. The highest control rates were found in patients who underwent both radiation therapy and surgery. Patients who received a dose equal to or greater than 6,000 rad (60 Gy) in addition to surgery had significantly higher local control rates than those who received less than 6,000 rad (60 Gy). Distant metastases developed in 50% of patients regardless of local control, with the following distribution: 39% lung, 19% bone, and 10% disseminated soft-tissue metastases. Lymph node involvement was rare. Implications for combined modality treatment are discussed.     

Effectiveness of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Painful Bone Metastases Two Prospective Studies with 1 × 4 Gy and 4 × 4 Gy

BACKGROUND: Although effectiveness of fractionated radiotherapy for painful bone metastases is well documented, there are unanswered questions regarding the adequacy of low-dose short radiation schedules for long-term pain control which give maximum benefit in patients with a short life expectancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two consecutive non-randomized prospective follow-up studies were performed at a single institution to analyze pain response and duration of response in patients with a variety of primary tumors. Included were only patients with symptomatic nonvertebral bone metastases and without impending pathologic fracture. Forty-five patients received 1 x 4 Gy to 50 different sites (group I) while 86 patients received 4 x 4 Gy to 96 sites (group II). Pain relief to irradiation was evaluated according to patient interviews using a 4-point categorical scale. Follow-up was performed 7 and 90 days after radiotherapy. RESULTS: Pain relief after 4 x 4 Gy was significantly superior to 1 x 4 Gy with pain control rates being 86.5% vs 48% at day 7 (after end of treatment) and 80% vs 55% at day 90, respectively. A subgroup analysis of patients treated with 4 x 4 Gy demonstrated a more favorable outcome for breast cancer patients in comparison to patients with other primaries concerning pain relief (96% vs 81%), pain control after 90 days (93% vs 72%), median time to pain progression (9 vs 3 months), and median overall survival (14 vs 5.5 months). CONCLUSIONS: In this study 4 x 4 Gy proved to be clearly superior to 1 x 4 Gy in relieving pain from symptomatic nonvertebral bone metastases without impending pathologic fracture. Even if radiotherapy with 1 single fraction seems to be applicable in specific cases doses higher than 4 Gy should be chosen. In breast cancer patients pain control seems to be better compared to other primaries.     

Transperineal Low-Dose Rate Iridium-192 Interstitial Brachytherapy in Cervical Carcinoma Stage IIB

PURPOSE: To assess local control, survival and complications in patients with cervical carcinoma Stage IIB treated radically with transperineal Iridium-192 low-dose rate interstitial brachytherapy following external beam radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 65 women (age 25-70 years, mean 47 years) with cervical carcinoma Stage IIB were initially treated with external beam radiotherapy on a telecobalt or 6 MV linear accelerator to a dose of 50 Gy delivered in 5-6 weeks. After 2-3 weeks of completing external radiation, patients received interstitial brachytherapy with Iridium-192 (activity 0.5-1 mCi/cm) using a Syed-Neblett perineal template. The median dose delivered to the implant volume was 24 Gy (range 20-32 Gy) delivered at an average dose rate of 0.70 Gy/h (range 0.40-1.20 Gy/h). A point defined at 1.5 cm lateral to the central uterine tandem at the level of os was taken as a representative for assessing the dose to the cervix. Mean doses delivered by interstitial brachytherapy to point A, cervix, point B and rectum were 38 Gy, 34 Gy, 16 Gy and 16 Gy, respectively. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 53 months, the actuarial disease free survival and overall survival for 65 patients at both 5 and 10 years was 64% and 44%, respectively. Response to radiotherapy was a strong predictor of local control with 82% of patients continuing to have pelvic control after initial complete response. Overall, nine (14%) patients had persistent disease, ten (15%) developed a central recurrence after initial control and three patients developed distant metastasis on follow-up. No patient had any immediate treatment-related complication. Late toxicity included grade I-II rectal reactions in five patients and grade IV bladder complication (vesico-vaginal fistula) in two patients. 5 years after treatment, one patient developed intestinal obstruction, which was relieved after conservative management. Two patients developed vaginal stenosis. The 5- and 10-year disease free survival was 48% in patients aged less than 45 years as compared to 80% in patients of more than 45 years (p = 0.009). Dose to the cervical point was a prognostic indicator with 5- and 10-year disease free survival of 47% in patients who received < 35 Gy in comparison to 80% in patients who had > 35 Gy (p = 0.03). There was no difference in local control and survival in patients with minimal and moderate parametrial involvement. Bulky disease (> 4 cm) at presentation and a longer gap between external radiation and brachytherapy showed a trend towards inferior local control. CONCLUSIONS: Interstitial brachytherapy after external beam irradiation in patients with cervical carcinoma Stage IIB results in acceptable local control, survival and complication rates. Increased dose to the cervical disease results in improved local control and survival and should therefore be considered while optimizing brachytherapy treatment plans. Comparison of the results with those of standard intracavitary therapy remains to be proven in a randomized trial.     

Nasopharynxkarzinom: Nur Bestrahlung oder simultane Radiochemotherapie?

BACKGROUND: Between 1979 and 1997, a total of 92 patients with primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated at the Hospitals of the University of Erlangen. Until 1988, radiotherapy alone was the treatment of choice and simultaneous radiochemotherapy was consistently applied thereafter. This retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of concurrent radiochemotherapy on survival and to identify possible prognostic factors on cause-specific survival-, locoregional tumor control- and distant-metastases-free survival rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients (58%) received treatment by radiotherapy alone and 39 (42%) underwent primary radiochemotherapy with 2 courses of 5-FU and cisplatin. Median total dose to the bilateral neck region was 60 Gy (range, 50 to 62 Gy), and 74 Gy (range, 56 to 88 Gy) to the primary tumor. Median follow-up of the surviving patients was 8 years. RESULTS: Following radiochemotherapy and radiotherapy alone, the 5-year-survival rates were 67% and 48%, respectively (p = 0.06). Female patients had a survival advantage as compared to male patients (5-year-survival rate 77% vs 44%, p = 0.01). Patients with and without cranial nerve palsy at presentation had survival rates of 0% and 61%, respectively, at 5 years (p = 0.01). Distant-metastases-free survival was influenced by the following factors: lymph-node involvement (NO: 82% vs N1 to N3: 68%, p = 0.04), gender (female: 88% vs male: 64%, p = 0.01), type of treatment (radiochemotherapy: 86% vs radiotherapy: 63%, p = 0.02) and cranial nerve involvement (76% without and 42% with involvement, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma simultaneous radiochemotherapy can significantly reduce distant metastases and improve survival as compared to radiotherapy alone. Since late toxicity rates were similar in both treatment groups and the slightly increased acute side effects following radiochemotherapy were effectively compensated by standard supportive care, patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma may benefit from simultaneous radiochemotherapy.     

Reirradiation of Locally Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of reirradiation as salvage treatment in patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1993 and 2000, 20 consecutive patients (twelve males and eight females) with nasopharyngeal cancer, previously irradiated in different Hungarian institutions, were reirradiated for biopsy-proven locally recurrent tumor. Histologically, 85% of the patients had WHO type III, 5% type II, and 10% type I disease. Stages I-IV (AJCC 1997 staging system) were assigned to five (25%), seven (35%), five (25%), and three (15%) patients, respectively; none of them had distant metastases, and only eight (40%) displayed regional dissemination. The median time period between termination of primary treatment and local recurrence was 30 (range, 10-204) months.Brachytherapy was the method most frequently used: in ten cases alone (especially for rT1 tumors), and in eight cases in combination with external beam therapy. Two patients with locally advanced disease underwent external beam therapy only. The median dose in the event of brachytherapy alone was 20 Gy (4 x 5 Gy or 5 x 4 Gy, range, 16-36 Gy), and the dose range for exclusive external irradiation was 30-40 Gy. In cases of combined irradiation, a median 20-Gy brachytherapy (range, 16-40 Gy) was associated with 30-40 Gy of external irradiation. Radiotherapy was supplemented by neck dissection (six patients), nasopharyngectomy (one patient), or chemotherapy (eleven patients). RESULTS: 16 patients were reirradiated once, three twice, and one patient three times, with a median equivalent dose for tumor effect of 36 Gy (mean, 44 Gy; range, 19-117 Gy; the estimated alpha/beta-ratio was 10 Gy). The median equivalent dose of reirradiation for late effect on normal tissue (with an estimated 70% delivery of the tumor dose) amounted to 30 Gy (mean, 37 Gy; range, 13-101 Gy, estimated alpha/beta-ratio 3 Gy). After a median follow-up of 37 (range, 12-72) months, the overall survival was 60% (12/20). Seven of the twelve surviving patients are currently tumor-free. After primary irradiation, xerostomy occurred in all patients as an unavoidable side effect of treatment. Following reirradiation, a severe (grade 3 or higher) late toxicity (CTC criteria, version 2) has been observed in two tumor-free patients (10%) so far (necrosis of soft palate and paresis of glossopharyngeal nerve). CONCLUSION: Retreatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with radiotherapy (preferably a combined modality), can result in longterm local control and survival in a substantial proportion of patients, at the price of an acceptable morbidity.     

Reirradiation with local-field radiotherapy for painful bone metastases

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the effectiveness, prognostic factors, and sequelae of the first course of local-field reirradiation for painful bone metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1994 to 2000, a total of 30 patients were reirradiated for painful bone metastases. The most commonly used initial treatment regimen was 30 Gy/10 Fr/2 wk. An additional dose in the range from 10 Gy/5 Fr to 26 Gy/13 Fr was reirradiated. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (50%) showed some type of pain relief after reirradiation. Patients with initial CR were more likely to respond than those with previous PR (100% vs. 41%). The median duration of pain relief was five months. The duration of response was longer in initial CR than initial PR. The median survival time of responders after retreatment was 11 months. No patient developed radiation myelopathy. Prognostic factors for pain relief were duration from initial treatment, performance status (PS), and status of bone metastases. CONCLUSION: Reirradiation for patients with a long duration from initial treatment (> or = 4 months), good PS (ECOG: 1-2), or solitary bone metastases was effective for pain relief. The appropriate indications, optimal dose, fractions, and technique for reirradiation to painful bone metastases should be further explored in randomized study.     

通过骨痛量表分析放疗前后肝癌骨转移患者的生活质量及影响因素

目的通过分析肝癌骨转移患者的癌症治疗评估量表-骨痛量表(FACT-BP),研究放疗对肝癌骨转移患者生活质量的影响,分析临床因素对放疗后生活质量的影响。方法回顾性收集2013年1月至2018年12月徐州市肿瘤医院43例肝癌骨转移患者放疗前后FACT骨痛量表,从生活质量总体评分、总体功能状态、疼痛程度、躯体功能、社会心理等5个方面分析放疗前后生活质量评分变化,并对比分析生活质量未改善的患者各方面评分;比较各临床因素与放疗后生活质量改善率的相关性。结果放疗后患者各方面生活质量评分较放疗前均有提高,且差异有统计学意义(t=7.621、5.887、9.407、7.785、4.487,P<0.05)。生活质量未改善患者中,放疗前后生活质量总体评分、社会心理评估评分均降低明显,存在明显差异(t=3.381、4.982,P<0.05)。各临床因素中,骨转移部位软组织块、放疗处方剂量对患者放疗后生活质量改善有明显影响(χ^2=5.180、7.457,P<0.05)。放疗前骨转移部位是否存在软组织肿块,放疗后生活质量改善率分别为50.00%、85.00%。放疗处方剂量<40 Gy及≥40 Gy,放疗后生活质量改善率分别为44.44%、84.00%。多因素分析发现骨转移部位软组织块、放疗处方剂量、疼痛数字评分法(NRS)疼痛评分对生活质量改善的影响有相关性(OR=0.296、0.020、1.592,P<0.05)。结论骨转移部位的放疗能明显改善肝癌骨转移患者生活质量。社会心理状态可影响患者生活质量。放疗处方剂量≥40 Gy更可能改善骨转移部位存在软组织肿块患者的生活质量。     

The postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy and radiochemotherapy for UICC stage II and III rectal cancer. A retrospective analysis.

AIM: This analysis was undertaken to review the outcome and toxicity of postoperative adjuvant therapy for Stage II and III rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 112 patients treated with radiotherapy (44 patients) and radiochemotherapy (68 patients) after potentially curative (R0) surgery for rectal cancer (UICC Stages II and III), between 1983 and 1994 at the University Clinic of Würzburg. Median radiation dose was 56 Gy (range: 45 to 66 Gy). Chemotherapy consisted of 4 to 6 courses of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (420 mg/m2/d) and leucovorin (200 mg/m2/d). Median follow-up was 37 months. RESULTS: The overall survival was 84% for patients with UICC Stage II and 45% for patients with UICC Stage III disease (p = 0.0045). There were no statistically significant differences between patients treated with radiochemotherapy vs radiotherapy in terms of 5-year survival (63% after radiochemotherapy vs 53% after radiotherapy, p = 0.16), relapse-free survival (52% vs 50%) and locoregional control (69% vs 67%). UICC Stage III disease was associated with high failure rates (40% pelvic recurrences and 53% distant metastases). There was a statistically significant difference in terms of the incidence of distant metastases between the 2 treatment modalities for patients with Stage III disease (49% 5-year probability for developing distant metastases after radiochemotherapy vs 66% after radiotherapy, p = 0.047). In a multivariate analysis, the addition of chemotherapy, lymph node stage and grading were independent prognostic factors for survival. Severe late toxicity was documented in 5% of treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis of patients with UICC Stage III rectal cancer remains poor after "standard" surgery followed by postoperative adjuvant treatment (pelvic radiotherapy and bolus intravenous injection of 5-FU and leucovorin). Major efforts should be made in order to improve prognosis for these patients, including optimization of surgical treatment and systemic treatment. More effective multimodality treatment strategies should be investigated in prospective randomized trials.     

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of salivary glands: treatment results and failure patterns

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment results and failure patterns of lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of salivary glands. From June 1987 to May 2001, nine patients with LELC of salivary glands were treated at our hospital. One patient was excluded due to the loss of clinical follow-up after surgery. For the remaining eight patients, the primary tumour sites were parotid glands (4 patients), submandibular glands (3), and the minor salivary glands in right cheek (1), respectively. Seven patients underwent surgical treatment and post-operative radiotherapy, while the other one patient was treated with surgery only. The total radiation dose to the salivary tumour bed ranged from 39.6 Gy to 67.6 Gy (mean dose: 58.3 Gy and median dose: 59 Gy). The treatment results and failure patterns were analysed. The survival time ranged from 21.4 months to 145.2 months (mean: 69.1 months, median: 54.5 months). At the end of follow-up, six patients were still alive and two died. One patient died of distant metastases 21.5 months after the surgical treatment of LELC. The other case died of intercurrent disease (pontine haemorrhage) 53 months after surgery. No patient had local or regional failure after the treatments. Distant failure was noted in two patients. The patients with LELC of salivary glands were shown to have favourable prognoses. No local or regional failure was noted. However, distant failure developed in two patients. The risk of distant metastasis should be carefully monitored, especially for those patients with more advanced neck node involvement.     

36例老年非小细胞肺癌患者三维适形放疗的疗效观察

目的 观察三维放射治疗(3D-CRT)治疗老年非小细胞肺癌患者的疗效和副反应.方法 2001年8月～2006年10月,应用3D-CRT技术治疗70岁以上非小细胞肺癌患者36例.以Leibinger三维放疗计划系统制订放疗计划,处方剂量为40～80Gy(中位剂量60Gy).其中采用低分割照射者24例,单次分割剂量5～8Gy,隔日照射,共8～12次照射;常规分割者12例,共30～40次照射.观察所有患者的肿瘤反应率,1、2年的生存率及治疗毒副作用.结果 33例患者治疗后临床症状获得改善,3例无变化.肿瘤获得完全缓解8例,部分缓解22例,肿瘤总反应率83.33%(30/36).全组生存时间为2～53个月,中位生存时间8个月,1年生存率66.67%,2年生存率36.11%.无严重并发症.结论 对于老年非小细胞肺癌患者,3D-CRT技术是一种安全有效的治疗手段,能够改善生存质量,提高生存率.     

Osteodensitometry of vertebral metastases after radiotherapy using quantitative computed tomography

Bone density has been assessed during and after radiotherapy of metastases of the spine using quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in 19 patients with osteolytic vertebral lesions. All patients underwent external photon radiation with a total dose of 40 Gy over a period of 4 weeks. Measurements of vertebral mineral density were performed at the beginning, at the end, and 3 months after radiotherapy. In 13 patients with osteolytic metastases, radiotherapy achieved complete release of pain; it was unsuccessful in the remaining 6 patients. Immediately after successful radiotherapy, osteolytic metastases showed a decrease of bone density of 24.7% followed by an increase of 60.6% 3 months later. Normal bone surrounding the osteolysis showed an increase of density at the end and 3 months after radiotherapy. QCT has proved to be a helpful tool in assessing successful radiotherapy of metastases of the spine.     

Locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer: long-term outcomes of radiation therapy

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes in patients with stage T4M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Findings in 179 patients (age range, 13-78 years) with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage T4M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated from January 1983 to February 1992 with a minimum follow-up of at least 5 years were reviewed. Of the 179 patients, 166 (92.7%) had World Health Organization type II or III disease. Forty-one patients (22.9%) had no lymph nodal involvement; 138 patients (77.1%) had metastatic nodal involvement in the neck. All patients underwent radiation therapy; 39 patients also received different forms of chemotherapy. The radiation therapy doses were usually 70-74 Gy administered to the primary tumor over 7 or 8 weeks, 70-74 Gy to the neck region in patients with nodal involvement, or 50-60 Gy administered to the neck region over 5 or 6 weeks in patients without neck nodal involvement. RESULTS: In 100 patients, radiation therapy failed in the primary tumor alone (n = 28), neck nodes alone (n = 5), and distant metastases alone (n = 43) or at a combination of sites (n = 24). The cumulative failure rates for the primary tumor, neck metastases, and distant metastases were 25.1% (n = 45), 14.0% (n = 25), and 33.0% (n = 59), respectively. The 5-year primary disease-free, distant disease-free, and overall survival rates were 68.7%, 56.5%, and 28.6%, respectively. Results of salvage treatment for relapse were unsatisfactory. CONCLUSION: In about three-tenths of patients, T4M0 nasopharyngeal carcinoma can be cured with conventional high-dose radiation therapy.     

Hyperfractionated Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous randomized trials suggesting a benefit of unconventional fractionation in locally advanced head and neck cancer, the role of this approach in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is debatable. Based on the current clinical experience, the authors introduced hyperfractionated irradiation in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer, including nasopharyngeal tumors. The preliminary results of this treatment approach in nasopharyngeal cancer patients are presented, with special focus on the pattern of failure and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 43 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (stage II-IV, TNM 1997) underwent hyperfractionated irradiation. In 34 cases, radiotherapy was preceded by a median of three cycles of cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy. Irradiation was delivered using a shrinking-field technique up to a total dose of 74.4 Gy in 62 fractions of 1.2 Gy twice daily (minimum 6-h interval)/5 days/week. RESULTS: Acute toxicity of hyperfractionated radiotherapy was significant but tolerable. Mucositis proved the most common side effect (grade 3: 24 patients, grade 4: three patients). Severe late toxicity was not observed. 30 of 34 patients (88%) responded to induction chemotherapy. At 6 weeks after completion of radiotherapy, complete response was seen in 35 patients (81%), partial response in five (12%), stable disease in one, and progressive disease in two. After a median follow-up of 32 months, 18 patients (41%) developed progressive disease. Primary tumor progression was observed in three patients, and seven patients each showed regional lymph node progression and distant metastases. In one case both regional lymph node progression and distant metastases were diagnosed. The 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 58% and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Hyperfractionated radiotherapy seems a feasible and active regimen in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Accompanying acute and late toxicity is acceptable and does not compromise delivery of the planned irradiation dose. This regimen is associated with a high local control rate; relatively high nodal and distant failure, however, call for further treatment modifications, e. g., optimization of irradiation technique and/or dose escalation as well as improved systemic therapies.     

The implication of hot spots on bone scans within the irradiated field of breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy followed by radiotherapy

Objective  To analyze the implication of abnormal hot spots in the irradiated field of patients treated with mastectomy followed by radiotherapy for breast cancer. Methods  We reviewed 1842 consecutive bone scans performed on 292 patients treated with a modified radical mastectomy and followed by radiotherapy. If abnormal hot spots at the irradiated sites were detected in the bone scans, we evaluated further studies to determine whether bone metastases were present. Radiation was given using 4 or 6 MV X-rays at a dosage of 50.4 Gy during 5.5 weeks with a dosage per fraction of 1.8 Gy. The follow-up period was 25–136 months (median 57 months). Results  Sixty patients (20.6%) developed bone metastasis. Solitary rib metastases were identified in four patients; all were detected outside of the irradiated field. Of 232 patients who did not develop bone metastases, hot spots in the irradiated field were detected in 30 patients (12.9%). A simple rib facture at the site of a hot spot was demonstrated in four patients. The cumulative incidence of hot spots at 5 years was 12.9%. The cumulative incidence of hot spots was more common in postmenopausal women, patients who were less than 60 kg, patients who received adjuvant hormonal therapy and patients who had radiation that included the supraclavicular area. Conclusions  We confirmed that the hot spots within the irradiated fields might be benign, especially in patients who were postmenopause, had a low body weight, received adjuvant hormonal therapy and who had radiation that included the supraclavicular area.