Long-term results of a phase III trial comparing once-daily radiotherapy with twice-daily radiotherapy in limited-stage small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: This Phase III study was performed to determine whether twice-daily (b.i.d.) radiotherapy (RT) resulted in better survival than once-daily (q.d.) RT for patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 310 patients with LD-SCLC initially received three cycles of etoposide and cisplatin. Subsequently, the 261 patients without significant progression were randomized to two cycles of etoposide and cisplatin plus either q.d. RT (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) or split-course b.i.d. RT (24 Gy in 16 fractions, a 2.5-week break, and 24 Gy in 16 fractions) to the chest. Patients then received a sixth cycle of etoposide and cisplatin followed by prophylactic cranial RT. RESULTS: Follow-up ranged from 4.6 to 11.9 years (median, 7.4 years). The median survival and 5-year survival rate from randomization was 20.6 months and 21% for patients who received q.d. RT compared with 20.6 months and 22% for those who received b.i.d. RT (p = 0.68), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found in the rates of progression (p = 0.68), intrathoracic failure (p = 0.45), in-field failure (p = 0.62), or distant failure (p = 0.82) between the two treatment arms. No statistically significant difference was found in the overall rate of Grade 3 or worse (p = 0.83) or Grade 4 or worse toxicity (p = 0.95). Grade 3 or worse esophagitis (p = 0.05) was more common in the b.i.d. arm. Grade 5 toxicity occurred in 4 (3%) of 130 patients who received b.i.d. RT compared with 0 (0%) of 131 who received q.d. RT (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Although this study did not demonstrate an advantage to split-course b.i.d. RT, the long-term survival was favorable, likely reflecting the positive influences of concurrent combined modality therapy and prophylactic cranial RT.     

Routine use of approximately 60 Gy once-daily thoracic irradiation for patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: To review the outcome of patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer receiving daily thoracic irradiation (RT) to approximately 60 Gy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The records of patients treated with RT for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer between 1991 and 1999 at Duke University were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty-five patients were identified who had received continuous course once-daily 1.8-2 Gy fractions to approximately 60 Gy (range 58-66). All patients received chemotherapy (CHT); 32 received concurrent RT/CHT and 33 sequential CHT and then RT. Prophylactic cranial RT was administered to 17 patients. The time from diagnosis to local failure, tumor progression, and death was assessed using actuarial methods. The median follow-up for all patients was 16.7 months and for surviving patients was 29.6 months. The median age was 64 years (range 36-83), and the median Karnofsky performance status was 80 (range 50-100). RESULTS: The 3-year actuarial rate of local failure, progression-free survival, and overall survival was 40%, 25%, and 23%, respectively. One case of acute Grade 3 esophagitis developed. Ten late complications occurred: four pulmonary, two esophageal, two infectious, one leukemia, and one retinal toxicity with prophylactic cranial RT. Six were mild and resolved with treatment. CONCLUSION:CHT plus approximately 60 Gy of once-daily RT for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer was generally well tolerated. The survival rates were less than have been reported using 45 Gy in 1.5-Gy twice-daily fractions (2-year overall survival rate 47% compared with 30% in this study), but may be comparable because fewer than one-half our patients received concurrent CHT/RT and only 26% received prophylactic cranial RT. The relatively low rate of normal tissue morbidity in our patients supports the use of conventional once-daily fractionation to > or = 60 Gy. A randomized trial would be required to compare the outcomes after maximally tolerated dose twice-daily RT vs. maximally tolerated dose daily RT.     

Phase I study of hypofractionated dose-escalated thoracic radiotherapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: To determine the maximal tolerated dose of hypofractionated thoracic radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Three radiotherapy regimens were used. Radiotherapy was given in two phases: patients initially received 20 Gy in 10 fractions to gross tumor plus uninvolved mediastinal nodes, followed by a boost to gross disease of 30, 38, or 42 Gy in 15 fractions. Radiotherapy was planned with conformal techniques. All patients received four cycles of cisplatin (25 mg/m2) and etoposide (100 mg/m2) chemotherapy. Radiotherapy commenced with Day 1 of Cycle 2 of chemotherapy. All complete/near-complete responders were offered prophylactic cranial irradiation. The maximal tolerated dose of radiotherapy was based on the dose that caused unacceptably high rates of radiotherapy-related toxicity. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were accrued. All patients who commenced radiotherapy received all prescribed chemo- and radiotherapy. There were no treatment-related deaths. There was one Grade 3 acute nonhematologic toxicity in the 50-Gy group. Of the 6 patients given 58 Gy, 3 experienced acute Grade 3 esophagitis. With a median follow-up of 7 months, median overall survival was 9.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: The maximal tolerated dose of thoracic radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy on this trial was 50 Gy in 25 daily fractions.     

Phase I study of thoracic radiation dose escalation with concurrent chemotherapy for patients with limited small-cell lung cancer: Report of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) protocol 97-12

PURPOSE: The purpose of RTOG 97-12 was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of thoracic radiation therapy (RT) with concurrent chemotherapy for patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients received four cycles of cisplatin (60 mg/m(2) i.v.) and etoposide (120 mg/m(2) i.v. Days 1-3) (PE), with concurrent thoracic RT starting on Day 1. Thoracic RT was given during the first two cycles with 1.8 Gy/fraction daily to the clinical target volume, followed by thoracic RT to the gross tumor volume b.i.d. for the last 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 treatment days (total dose 50.4, 54.0, 57.6, 61.2, or 64.8 Gy, respectively). The MTD was based on the dose that produced Grades 3-4 nonhematologic toxicity (mainly esophagitis and pneumonitis) in greater than 50% of patients. RESULTS: After the first 8 patients were enrolled in Arm 1, administration of etoposide was changed from 120 mg/m(2) i.v. on Days 2 and 3 of each cycle to 240 mg/m(2) p.o. for patient convenience as outpatients. Total thoracic RT doses from 50.4 Gy to 61.2 Gy over 5 weeks given with PE were well tolerated. Three of the first 5 patients in the 64.8 Gy arm developed Grade 3 acute esophagitis; the MTD was determined to be 61.2 Gy. Fifty-four (87%) of the 62 evaluable patients achieved a complete (68%) or partial (19%) tumor response. The 18-month survival was 25% for patients receiving 50.4 Gy and 82% for those receiving 61.2 Gy. CONCLUSIONS: The MTD for this accelerated thoracic RT regimen with concurrent PE was 61.2 Gy over 5 weeks.     

RTOG 96-10: reirradiation with concurrent hydroxyurea and 5-fluorouracil in patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck

Purpose: Patients with recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCH&N) are generally treated with systemic chemotherapy. Improvement in survival has not occurred, despite an increased objective response rate. This study was undertaken to explore the feasibility and toxicity, and estimate the therapeutic impact of, reirradiation (RRT) with concurrent hydroxyurea and 5-fluorouracil.

Methods and Materials: The eligibility requirements included SCH&N presenting as a second primary or recurrence ≥6 months after definitive RT to ≥45 Gy, with ≥75% of the tumor volume within the previous field. The cumulative spinal cord dose was limited to 50 Gy, and measurable disease was required. Four weekly cycles were given, each separated by 1 week of rest. A cycle consisted of 5 days, Monday through Friday, of 1.5-Gy twice-daily repeated RT, with the fractions separated by ≥6 h, with 1.5 g of hydroxyurea given 2 h and 300 mg/m² of a 5-fluorouracil IV bolus given 30 min before each second daily fraction.

Results: Eighty-six patients were entered; 81 patients were assessable. The median prior radiation dose was 61.2 Gy. The 4 planned cycles were delivered in 79% of patients. Grade 3 mucositis occurred in 14% of patients, and Grade 4 in 5%. Grade 3 acute pharyngeal toxicity was seen in 17%. Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in 9%, Grade 4 in 10%, and Grade 5 in 7%. Six patients died of treatment-related toxicity. Two died of hemorrhage from the tumor site without thrombocytopenia. With a median follow-up of 16.3 months for living patients, the estimated median overall survival was 8.2 months and the estimated 1-year survival rate 41.7%. Patients treated >3 years after the previous RT had a 1-year survival rate of 48% compared with 35% for patients treated within 3 years (p = 0.017). The 1-year survival rate for patients with a second primary was 54% compared with 38% for patients with recurrence (p = 0.083).

Conclusion: Repeated RT with concurrent chemotherapy as given in this study is a feasible approach for selected, previously irradiated patients with SCH&N and may produce increased median and 1-year survival rates compared with systemic chemotherapy trials reported in the literature. A randomized study should be conducted to compare these two different approaches.     

An intergroup phase III comparison of standard radiation therapy and two schedules of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with unresectable squamous cell head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: The Head and Neck Intergroup conducted a phase III randomized trial to test the benefit of adding chemotherapy to radiation in patients with unresectable squamous cell head and neck cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly assigned between arm A (the control), single daily fractionated radiation (70 Gy at 2 Gy/d); arm B, identical radiation therapy with concurrent bolus cisplatin, given on days 1, 22, and 43; and arm C, a split course of single daily fractionated radiation and three cycles of concurrent infusional fluorouracil and bolus cisplatin chemotherapy, 30 Gy given with the first cycle and 30 to 40 Gy given with the third cycle. Surgical resection was encouraged if possible after the second chemotherapy cycle on arm C and, if necessary, as salvage therapy on all three treatment arms. Survival data were compared between each experimental arm and the control arm using a one-sided log-rank test. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 1999, 295 patients were entered on this trial. This did not meet the accrual goal of 362 patients and resulted in premature study closure. Grade 3 or worse toxicity occurred in 52% of patients enrolled in arm A, compared with 89% enrolled in arm B (P <.0001) and 77% enrolled in arm C (P <.001). With a median follow-up of 41 months, the 3-year projected overall survival for patients enrolled in arm A is 23%, compared with 37% for arm B (P =.014) and 27% for arm C (P = not significant). CONCLUSION: The addition of concurrent high-dose, single-agent cisplatin to conventional single daily fractionated radiation significantly improves survival, although it also increases toxicity. The loss of efficacy resulting from split-course radiation was not offset by either multiagent chemotherapy or the possibility of midcourse surgery.     

局限期小细胞肺癌加速超分割放疗同步EP方案化疗的剂量递增I期研究

背景与目的加速超分割放疗（每日两次方案）联合EP方案同步化疗是美国国立综合癌症网络（Na-tional Comprehensive Cancer Network, NCCN）指南推荐的局限期小细胞肺癌的标准治疗方式,但国人对EP方案标准化疗剂量耐受性尚不明确。本研究旨在探讨局限期小细胞肺癌同步放化疗EP方案的最大耐受剂量。方法研究纳入病理证实的局限期小细胞肺癌患者,进行加速超分割放疗同步EP方案（依托泊苷+顺铂）化疗,放疗处方剂量为45 Gy/30 f,1.5 Gy/f,每日两次,同一日两次放疗间隔时间≥6 h,5天/周,共3周完成。化疗方案采用依托泊苷联合顺铂,每21天为1周期,具体依托泊苷100 mg/m2,d1-d3,顺铂采用剂量递增的方式（第1组为70 mg/m2 d1,第2组为75 mg/m2 d1）。主要观察指标为治疗期间的血液学毒性。次要观察指标为非血液学毒性和1年总生存期（overall sur-vival, OS）、无进展生存期（progression free survival, PFS）。根据不良事件常用术语评定标准（Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, NCI-CTCAE）4.0,最大耐受剂量设定为6例患者中不超过1例患者出现剂量限制毒性（4级血液学毒性）的剂量,同时下一剂量组6例患者至少2例出现剂量限制性毒性。结果研究共纳入20例局限期小细胞肺癌患者,平均年龄49.50（30-68）岁。第1组入组6例患者,1例患者出现4度中性粒细胞减少;后第2组入组14例患者,1例患者出现4度中性粒细胞减少。其中,第1组有4例患者出现≥3度血液学毒性,1例患者出现3度以上放射性食管炎;第2组有10例患者出现≥3度血液学毒性,无患者出现3度以上放射性食管炎。中位随访9.0个月（3.2个月-36.2个月）,1年OS、PFS分别为91%、62%。结论局限期小细胞肺癌患者采用加速超分割放疗联合EP方案化疗将顺铂剂量递增至75 mg/m2是安全的,其有效性还需要进一步扩大样本量和随访更长的时间来证实。     

局限期小细胞肺癌同步推量调强放疗的I期/II期临床研究

背景与目的同步放化疗是局限期小细胞肺癌的标准治疗,但患者局部复发率和远处转移率仍较高,本研究旨在评估同步推量调强放疗治疗局限期小细胞肺癌的安全性和有效性。方法符合局限期小细胞肺癌的患者纳入研究行同步放化疗,放疗采用每日两次方案,应用经典“3+3”模式对肿瘤大体体积（gross target volume, GTV）进行同步推量剂量递增,设定为三个剂量梯度,分别为45 Gy/30 f（单次剂量1.50 Gy）、50 Gy/30 f（单次剂量1.67 Gy）和54 Gy/30 f（单次剂量1.80 Gy）。计划靶体积均为45 Gy/30 f。主要研究终点为放疗期间及结束3个月内毒性反应。次要研究终点包括1年生存率、无进展生存期、局部无进展生存期。结果研究共入组26例患者,中位年龄为52岁（30岁-68岁）。26例患者中,1例出现3级放射性食管炎,未观察到3级及以上放射性肺炎。中位随访时间11.2（3.2-36.2）个月,1年生存率、无进展生存率和局部无进展生存率分别为89.0%、51.0%和85.0%。结论局限期小细胞肺癌采用化疗联合同步推量调强放疗,将GTV由45 Gy提升至54 Gy是安全有效的。     

Randomized phase III trial of sequential chemoradiotherapy compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Groupe Lyon-Saint-Etienne d'Oncologie Thoracique-Groupe Fran?ais de Pneumo-Cancérologie NPC 95-01 Study.

PURPOSE: We conducted a phase III study to compare the survival impact of concurrent versus sequential treatment with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arms. In the sequential arm, patients received induction CT with cisplatin (120 mg/m2) on days 1, 29, and 57, and vinorelbine (30 mg/m2/wk) from day 1 to day 78, followed by thoracic RT at a dose of 66 Gy in 33 fractions (2 Gy per fraction and 5 fractions per week). In the concurrent arm, the same RT was started on day 1 with two concurrent cycles of cisplatin 20 mg/m2/d and etoposide 50 mg/m2/d (days 1 to 5 and days 29 to 33); patients then received consolidation therapy with cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on days 78 and 106 and vinorelbine 30 mg/m2/wk from days 78 to 127. RESULTS: Two hundred five patients were randomly assigned. Pretreatment characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. There were six toxic deaths in the sequential arm and 10 in the concurrent arm. Median survival was 14.5 months in the sequential arm and 16.3 months in the concurrent arm (log-rank test P = .24). Two-, 3-, and 4-year survival rates were better in the concurrent arm (39%, 25%, and 21%, respectively) than in the sequential arm (26%, 19%, and 14%, respectively). Esophageal toxicity was significantly more frequent in the concurrent arm than in the sequential arm (32% v 3%). CONCLUSION: Although not statistically significant, clinically important differences in the median, 2-, 3-, and 4-year survival rates were observed, with a trend in favor of concurrent chemoradiation therapy, suggesting that is the optimal strategy for patients with locally advanced NSCLC.     

Effect of Low-Dose Chest Irradiation Before Chemotherapy on the Rate of Local Failure in Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate the rate of tumor recurrence within the irradiated volume after initial low-dose irradiation of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), to assess the tolerance of a sequential combination of low-dose chest irradiation followed by chemotherapy, and to confirm the responsiveness of limited-stage SCLC to low-dose irradiation.Methods and Materials: In this pilot study, 26 patients with limited-stage SCLC were treated by first-line 20-Gy thoracic irradiation followed 3 weeks later by chemotherapy (cisplatin, doxorubicin, and etoposide for six cycles).Results: We present our final results with a median follow-up of surviving patients of 7 years. The response rate to this low-dose irradiation was 83%, with an overall response rate to radiochemotherapy of 96% and a median survival of 21 months. No unexpected early or late toxicity was observed. The rate of initial isolated local failure was 8%, which compares favorably with other published series using higher doses of radiochemotherapy.Conclusion: An initial chest irradiation of 20 Gy before chemotherapy could be sufficient to reduce the risk of local failure during the time of survival of patients with limited-stage SCLC. Potential advantages of this treatment may be the prevention of resistance mechanisms to radiotherapy induced by preliminary chemotherapy and a reduced radiation-induced toxicity.     

A phase II trial of accelerated radiotherapy using weekly stereotactic conformal boost for supratentorial glioblastoma multiforme: RTOG 0023

PURPOSE: This phase II trial was performed to assess the feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of dose-intense accelerated radiation therapy using weekly fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) boost for patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with histologically confirmed GBM with postoperative enhancing tumor plus tumor cavity diameter <60 mm were enrolled. A 50-Gy dose of standard radiation therapy (RT) was given in daily 2-Gy fractions. In addition, patients received four FSRT treatments, once weekly, during Weeks 3 to 6. FSRT dosing of either 5 Gy or 7 Gy per fraction was given for a cumulative dose of 70 or 78 Gy in 29 (25 standard RT + 4 FSRT) treatments over 6 weeks. After the RT course, carmustine (BCNU) at 80 mg/m(2) was given for 3 days, every 8 weeks, for 6 cycles. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients were analyzed. Toxicity included: 3 Grade 4 chemotherapy, 3 acute Grade 4 radiotherapy, and 1 Grade 3 late. The median survival time was 12.5 months. No survival difference is seen when compared with the RTOG historical database. Patients with gross total resection (41%) had a median survival time of 16.6 months vs. 12.0 months for historic controls with gross total resection (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: This first, multi-institutional FSRT boost trial for GBM was feasible and well tolerated. There is no significant survival benefit using this dose-intense RT regimen. Subset analysis revealed a trend toward improved outcome for GTR patients suggesting that patients with minimal disease burden may benefit from this form of accelerated RT.     

局限期小细胞肺癌胸部放疗靶区的前瞻性随机对照研究

目的 通过开展前瞻性随机对照研究探讨局限期小细胞肺癌(SCLC)胸部不同放疗靶区对预后的影响。方法 选取2002-2017年中山大学肿瘤医院及浙江省肿瘤医院收治的接受2程EP方案诱导化疗后无疾病进展的309例局限期SCLC患者。随机分为照射化疗后残留肿瘤组(159例)和照射化疗前原发病灶组(150例)。2个组患者均采用累及野照射纵隔阳性淋巴结的完整结区。胸部放疗采用45 Gy分30次3周完成,2 次/d,与第3程EP方案化疗同步进行。共化疗4-6程。放化疗后疗效评价完全缓解及部分缓解的患者接受全脑预防性放疗25 Gy分10次2周完成或30 Gy分15次3周完成。采用Kaplan-Meier法分析生存数据。结果 照射化疗后残留肿瘤组和化疗前原发病灶组1、2、5年局部控制率分别为79.4%、61.5%、60.1%和79.8%、66.5%、57.3%(P=0.73)。化疗后残留肿瘤组和化疗前原发病灶组中位生存时间分别为22.1个月(95%CI:18.2~26.0)和26.9个月(95%CI:23.5~30.3),1、3、5、7年总生存率分别为81.1%、31.6%、23.9%、 22.2%和85.3%、36.6%、26.1%、20.0%(P=0.51)。化疗后残留肿瘤组和化疗前原发病灶组2-3级急性放射性食管炎发生率分别为32.9%和43.2%(P=0.01),2-3级肺纤维化发生率分别为2.0%和10.9%(P=0.01)。结论 对于诱导化疗后的局限期SCLC,胸部放疗可仅照射化疗后残留原发灶,纵隔淋巴结引流区可常规采用累及野放疗。     

局限期SCLC超分割或大分割放疗同步化疗预后比较

目的 比较超分割或大分割放疗同步化疗对局限期SCLC的生存影响。方法 超分割和大分割组分别入组患者92、96例。超分割组采用45 Gy分30次,2 次/d。大分割组采用55 Gy分22次,1 次/d。采用Kaplan-Meier法计算生存率,Cox模型多因素预后分析。结果 超分割和大分割组患者1、2、5年PFS率分别为82%、61%、59%和85%、69%、69%(P=0.27),OS率分别为85%、41%、27%和77%、34%、27%(P=0.37)。多因素分析显示化疗开始到放疗开始时间≤43 d是PFS的有利因素(P=0.005),化疗开始到放疗结束时间≤63 d、PCI是OS有利因素(P=0.044、0.000)。超分割组和大分割组2、3级急性放射性食管炎发生率分别为28%、9%和16%、2%(P=0.009)。结论 采用加速超分割或大分割方案联合同步化疗的PFS及OS均显著提高。控制化疗开始至放疗开始、结束时间≤43 d、≤63 d有利于提高PFS和OS。但2、3级急性放射性食管炎的发生率超分割组显著高于大分割组。     

A phase II study of continuous concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in combination with mitomycin, vindesine and cisplatin in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer

The split-course concurrent thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) and full-dose chemotherapy for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has produced promising results by comparison with the sequential approach. Instead of split-course radiation, we conducted a phase II study to investigate the feasibility of continuous concurrent TRT and chemotherapy. Twenty-two patients with unresectable NSCLC were enrolled onto a phase II study of continuous concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of two courses of cisplatin (80 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 29), vindesine (3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 29 and 36), and mitomycin (8 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 29). TRT began on day 2 at a dose of 60 Gy (2 Gy per fraction and 5 fractions per week for a total of 30 fractions). Of 22 patients assessable for response, none achieved a CR and 17 (77.3%) achieved a PR with an overall response rate of 77.3% (95% confidence interval, 54.6-92.2%). Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia was observed in 5/13 (81.8%) patients. Six patients (27.3%) experienced > or = grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Non-hematological toxicity was relatively mild. The overall median survival time was 19.0 months and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 84.8 and 34.5%, respectively. It was possible to administer two courses of chemotherapy in 18 patients (81.8%) as planned. Nineteen (86.4%) of the 22 patients received the planned 60 Gy radiation. It seems to be difficult to administer the planned treatment without any interruption for the majority of patients. However, in the selected patients who completed the 60 Gy TRT, nearly half of the patients completed TRT without interruption. This combination regimen is considered to be feasible on condition that the stopping rule of the treatment is followed. We recommend administering radiotherapy continuously as far as possible.     

Thoracic radiation therapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: unanswered questions

The role of thoracic radiation therapy (RT; TRT) is now established in the management of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). There is increasing evidence in the literature in favor of early concurrent chemoradiation therapy, and a gold standard of care for patients with a good performance status is twice-daily TRT (45 Gy in 3 weeks) with concurrent cisplatin/etoposide. Five-year survival rates > 20% can be expected with this combined-modality approach. Although current clinical trials are exploring the efficacy of new chemotherapeutic strategies for the disease, essential questions related to the optimization of TRT remain unanswered. In particular, the optimal RT dose, fractionation, and treatment volume have not been defined. This review highlights the need for well-designed multinational trials aimed at the optimization and standardization of RT for limited-stage SCLC. These trials should integrate translational research studies to investigate the molecular basis of RT resistance and to develop biomarker profiles of prognosis.     

Chemotherapy with concurrent brain and thoracic radiotherapy in brain-only metastases of treatment naive small-cell lung cancer: a phase II study

To study the treatment outcomes of brain-only metastases from small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) at initial diagnose treated by chemotherapy with concurrent brain and thoracic radiotherapy (RT). From Jan 2004 to Jan 2009, 36 treatment-na?ve SCLC patients with brain-only metastases in Sun yat-sen University were enrolled. Treatment contained initial EP chemotherapy with concurrent whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). EP regimen consisted of etoposide 100 mg/m(2) IV d1-3, cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) IV d1, repeated every 3 weeks. WBRT with total dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions was started within 1 week from the beginning of chemotherapy followed by thoracic RT including 2 Gy once daily to a total dose of 60 Gy. Treatment responses were evaluated after 3 cycles of chemotherapy. EP regimen was given totally 6 cycles for no tumor progression. Thirty-four patients were evaluable. All of the 20 CNS symptomatic patients experienced symptoms relief. Objective responses in the brain and primary thoracic lesions were observed in 26 (76.5%, 16CR + 10PR) and 29 (85.3%, 23CR + 6PR) patients, respectively. The median survival time (MST) was 19.2 months, and the 1-and 2-year overall survival rates (OS) were 70.6 and 29.4%, respectively, in all patients. Patients with CR response had the longest MST of 21.9 months and 1-and 2-year OS of 93.8 and 43.8%, respectively. Treatment toxicity profiles were acceptable. The treatment strategy of concurrent chemotherapy with brain and thoracic RT might achieve promising survival outcomes comparable to limited-stage SCLC in initially diagnosed SCLC with brain-only metastases.     

Phase III study of concurrent versus sequential thoracic radiotherapy in combination with cisplatin and etoposide for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: results of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study 9104.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the optimal timing for thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) in limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC), the Lung Cancer Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group conducted a phase III study in which patients were randomized to sequential TRT or concurrent TRT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We treated 231 patients with LS-SCLC. TRT consisted of 45 Gy over 3 weeks (1.5 Gy twice daily), and the patients were randomly assigned to receive either sequential or concurrent TRT. All patients received four cycles of cisplatin plus etoposide every 3 weeks (sequential arm) or 4 weeks (concurrent arm). TRT was begun on day 2 of the first cycle of chemotherapy in the concurrent arm and after the fourth cycle in the sequential arm. RESULTS: Concurrent radiotherapy yielded better survival than sequential radiotherapy (P =.097 by log-rank test). The median survival time was 19.7 months in the sequential arm versus 27.2 months in the concurrent arm. The 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates for patients who received sequential radiotherapy were 35.1%, 20.2%, and 18.3%, respectively, as opposed to 54.4%, 29.8% and 23.7%, respectively, for the patients who received concurrent radiotherapy. Hematologic toxicity was more severe in the concurrent arm. However, severe esophagitis was infrequent in both arms, occurring in 9% of the patients in the concurrent arm and 4% in the sequential arm. CONCLUSION: This study strongly suggests that cisplatin plus etoposide and concurrent radiotherapy is more effective for the treatment of LS-SCLC than cisplatin plus etoposide and sequential radiotherapy.     

Long-term results of conventional radiotherapy versus accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy versus concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy in locoregionally advanced carcinoma of the oropharynx

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: To compare conventional fractionation (CF) radiation therapy (RT), arm A, versus a split-course accelerated hyperfractionated schedule (S-AHF), arm B, versus CFRT plus concomitant chemotherapy (CT), arm C, in terms of five-year survival and toxicity for squamous cell tumors of the oropharynx. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Between January 1993 and June 1998, 192 previously untreated patients with stage III and IV oropharyngeal carcinoma (excluding T1N1 and T2N1) were enrolled in a multicenter randomized phase III trial (ORO 93-01). In arms A and C, 66 to 70 Gy in 33 to 35 fractions was administered five days a week for six and a half to seven weeks. In arm B, the dose delivered was 64 to 67.2 Gy in two fractions of 1.6 Gy every day, five days a week, with a planned two-week split at 38.4 Gy. In arm C the CT regimen consisted of three cycles of carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil (CBDCA 75 mg/m2 on days 1 to 4 and 5-FU 1000 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 to 4 every 28 days). RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in five-year overall survival (P = 0.39): 21% for arm A, 21% for arm B, and 40% for arm C. Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of five-year relapse-free survival: 15% for arm A, 17% for arm B, and 36% for arm C. There was a slight trend towards better five-year locoregional control (P = 0.07) for the combined arm: patients without locoregional relapse were 48% in arm C, 21% in arm A and 18% in arm B. Locoregional control was significantly better when arm C was compared with arms A and B combined (P = 0.02; arm A+B 20%; arm C 48%). Distant metastases were fairly balanced in the three arms (A: 14; B: 9; C: 11), with a tendency towards more frequent isolated distant metastasis development in arm C (8 of 11 [72%] versus 7 of 23 [30%] in arms A+B). Five-year second-tumor-free survival was 85%. The 13 second tumors were equally distributed and were mainly correlated with tobacco and alcohol consumption (five lung, two esophagus, two oral cavity, one larynx, one pancreas, one hepatocarcinoma, one myeloma). Arm C showed slightly more G3+ late side effects involving subcutaneous tissues and mucosa, although significant late sequelae were relatively uncommon and the mucosal side effects were mostly transient. The occurrence of persistent G3 xerostomia was comparable in the three treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained with the combination of CT and RT compared with RT alone did not reach statistical significance, but combined treatment almost doubled the five-year overall survival, relapse-free survival and locoregional control rate. Patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx who are medically suitable for the combined approach should be treated with a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The occurrence of second tumors is relatively common in these patients and may contribute substantially to the causes of death.     

Phase III study of concurrent versus sequential thoracic radiotherapy in combination with mitomycin, vindesine, and cisplatin in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: A phase III study was performed to determine whether concurrent or sequential treatment with radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT) improves survival in unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were assigned to the two treatment arms. In the concurrent arm, chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin (80 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 29), vindesine (3 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, 29, and 36), and mitomycin (8 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 29). RT began on day 2 at a dose of 28 Gy (2 Gy per fraction and 5 fractions per week for a total of 14 fractions) followed by a rest period of 10 days, and then repeated. In the sequential arm, the same CT was given, but RT was initiated after completing CT and consisted of 56 Gy (2 Gy per fraction and 5 fractions per week for a total of 28 fractions). RESULTS: Three hundred twenty patients were entered onto the study. Pretreatment characteristics were well balanced between the treatment arms. The response rate for the concurrent arm was significantly higher (84. 0%) than that of the sequential arm (66%) (P =.0002). The median survival duration was significantly superior in patients receiving concurrent therapy (16.5 months), as compared with those receiving sequential therapy (13.3 months) (P =.03998). Two-, 3-, 4-, and 5-year survival rates in the concurrent group (34.6%, 22.3%, 16.9%, and 15.8%, respectively) were better than those in the sequential group (27.4%, 14.7%, 10.1%, and 8.9%, respectively). Myelosuppression was significantly greater among patients on the concurrent arm than on the sequential arm (P =.0001). CONCLUSION: In selected patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC, the concurrent approach yields a significantly increased response rate and enhanced median survival duration when compared with the sequential approach.     

Phase II study of irinotecan and cisplatin with concurrent split-course radiotherapy in limited-disease small cell lung cancer

Background

Irinotecan and cisplatin are one of active regimens for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC). To determine the efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan and cisplatin with concurrent split-course thoracic radiotherapy in limited-disease (LD) SCLC, we conducted a phase II study.

Patients and methods

Thirty-four patients fulfilling the following eligibility criteria were enrolled: chemotherapy-na?ve, good performance status (PS 0–1), age ≤75, LD-SCLC, and adequate organ function. The patients received irinotecan 40?mg/m² i.v. on days 1, 8, and 15, and cisplatin 60?mg/m² i.v. on day 1. Four cycles of chemotherapy were repeated every 4?weeks. Split-course thoracic radiotherapy of once-daily 2?Gy/day commenced on day 2 of each chemotherapy cycle, with 26 and 24?Gy administered in the first and second cycles, respectively.

Results

Thirty-four patients were eligible and assessable for response, toxicity, and survival. Patients’ characteristics were as follows: male/female?=?29/5; PS 0/1?=?18/16; median age (range)?=?67 (50–73); and stage IB/IIA/IIB/IIIA/IIIB?=?2/2/3/16/11. The overall response was 100?% (CR 8, PR 26). Grade 4 leukopenia, neutropenia, grade 3–5 pneumonitis, diarrhea, and esophagitis occurred in 24, 38, 6, 3, and 0?%, respectively. There were 2 treatment-related deaths from pneumonitis. The median time to tumor progression was 14.3?months. The median overall survival time and the 2- and 5-year survival rates were 44.5?months, 66.7 and 46.1?%, respectively. No tumor progression was observed in patients with CR.

Conclusion

Irinotecan plus cisplatin with concurrent split-course thoracic radiotherapy was effective and tolerable in untreated LD-SCLC.