Use of postmastectomy radiotherapy in older women

PURPOSE: Clinical trials and guidelines published between 1997 and 2001 concluded that postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) improves overall survival for women with high-risk breast cancer. However, the effect of these findings on current practice is not known. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare cohort, we sought to characterize the adoption of PMRT from 1992 to 2002 and identify risk factors for PMRT omission among high-risk older patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We identified 28,973 women aged > or =66 years who had been treated with mastectomy for invasive breast cancer between 1992 and 2002. Trends in the adoption of PMRT for low- (T1-T2N0), intermediate- (T1-T2N1), and high- (T3-T4 and/or N2-N3) risk patients were characterized using a Monte Carlo permutation algorithm. Multivariate logistic regression identified the risk factors for PMRT omission and calculated the adjusted use rates. RESULTS: Postmastectomy radiotherapy use increased gradually and consistently for low-risk (+2.16%/y) and intermediate-risk (+7.20%/y) patients throughout the study interval. In contrast, PMRT use for high-risk patients increased sharply between 1996 and 1997 (+30.99%/y), but subsequently stabilized. Between 1998 and 2002, only 53% of high-risk patients received PMRT. The risk factors for PMRT omission included advanced age, moderate to severe comorbidity, smaller tumor size, fewer positive lymph nodes, and geographic region, with adjusted use rates ranging from 63.5% in San Francisco to 44.9% in Connecticut. CONCLUSION: Among the high-risk patients, PMRT use increased sharply in 1997 after the initial clinical trial publication. Despite subsequent guidelines recommending the use of PMRT, no further increase in PMRT use has occurred, and nearly 50% of high-risk patients still do not receive PMRT.     

Minimal impact of postmastectomy radiation therapy on locoregional recurrence for breast cancer patients with 1 to 3 positive lymph nodes in the modern treatment era

Introduction

Given modern treatment strategies, controversy remains regarding whether postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is necessary for breast cancer patients with 1–3 positive axillary lymph nodes (ALN). Our aim was to assess the significance of PMRT in the modern treatment era for these patients.

The impact of immediate breast reconstruction on the technical delivery of postmastectomy radiotherapy

PURPOSE: To quantify the impact of immediate breast reconstruction on postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) planning. METHODS: A total of 110 patients (112 treatment plans) who had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction followed by radiotherapy were compared with contemporaneous stage-matched patients who had undergone mastectomy without intervening reconstruction. A scoring system was used to assess optimal radiotherapy planning using four parameters: breadth of chest wall coverage, treatment of the ipsilateral internal mammary chain, minimization of lung, and avoidance of heart. An "optimal" plan achieved all objectives or a minor 0.5 point deduction; "moderately" compromised treatment plans had 1.0 or 1.5 point deductions; and "major" compromised plans had > or =2.0 point deductions. RESULTS: Of the 112 PMRT plans scored after reconstruction, 52% had compromises compared with 7% of matched controls (p < 0.0001). Of the compromised plans after reconstruction, 33% were considered to be moderately compromised plans and 19% were major compromised treatment plans. Optimal chest wall coverage, treatment of the ipsilateral internal mammary chain, lung minimization, and heart avoidance was achieved in 79%, 45%, 84%, and 84% of the plans in the group undergoing immediate reconstruction, compared respectively with 100%, 93%, 97%, and 92% of the plans in the control group (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0015, and p = 0.1435). In patients with reconstructions, 67% of the "major" compromised radiotherapy plans were left-sided (p < 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation treatment planning after immediate breast reconstruction was compromised in more than half of the patients (52%), with the largest compromises observed in those with left-sided cancers. For patients with locally advanced breast cancer, the potential for compromised PMRT planning should be considered when deciding between immediate and delayed reconstruction.     

Risk factors for locoregional recurrence after postmastectomy radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with four or more positive axillary lymph nodes

Background

We investigated risk factors for locoregional recurrence (lrr) in breast cancer patients with 4 or more positive axillary lymph nodes receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy (pmrt).

Methods

Medical records (1998–2007) were retrospectively reviewed for the population of interest. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate; Cox regression models were used for univariate and multivariate analysis of predictors of breast cancer lrr.

Results

The study enrolled 439 patients. Median duration of follow-up was 54 months. The 5-year rates of locoregional recurrence-free survival (lrrfs), distant metastasis–free survival (dmfs), and breast cancer–specific survival (bcss) were 87.8%, 59.5%, and 70.7% respectively. In patients with lrr and no concomitant metastasis, and in those without lrr, the 5-year rates of dmfs were 21.1% and 65.7% respectively (p < 0.001), and the 5-year rates of bcss were 34.5% and 76.4% respectively (p < 0.001).Univariate analysis showed that menopausal status (p = 0.041), pN stage (p = 0.006), and positivity for her2 [human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (p = 0.003)] or the triple-negative disease subtype (p < 0.001) were determinants of lrrfs. Multivariate analysis showed that pN3 stage [hazard ratio (hr): 2.241; 95% confidence interval (ci): 1.270 to 3.957; p = 0.005], her2 positivity (hr: 2.705; 95% ci: 1.371 to 5.335; p = 0.004), and triple-negative disease subtype (hr: 4.617; 95% ci: 2.192 to 9.723; p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors of lrrfs.

Conclusions

In breast cancer patients with 4 or more positive axillary lymph nodes who undergo pmrt for breast cancer, lrr significantly influences survival. Patients who developed lrr carried a high risk for distant metastasis and death. Pathologic stage (pN3), her2 positivity, and the triple-negative disease subtype are risk factors that significantly influence lrrfs.     

三维适形放射治疗鼻咽癌的疗效及局部复发的因素分析

背景与目的:鼻咽癌常规二维放射治疗的效果不尽人意,三维适形放射治疗可以得到比二维放射治疗更优的剂量分布。本研究探讨鼻咽癌三维适形放射治疗的效果和意义,并探索影响局部复发的剂量学因素。方法:回顾性分析87例进行三维适形放射治疗的初治鼻咽癌患者,并对7例局部区域复发病例进行剂量学分析。结果:全组共有5例原发灶和2例颈部淋巴结复发,3年局部区域控制率为90.2%,T1、T2、T3和T4的局部控制率分别为95.0%、97.0%、80.1%和100%(P=0.340)。剂量学分析显示大多数患者(5/7)为野外或野边缘复发。无进展生存超过12个月的62例患者3～4级晚期反应的发生率为9.7%。87例患者的3年总生存率和3年无进展生存率分别为88.2%和80.3%,Q92分期Ⅰ期、Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期和Ⅳa期的3年生存率分别为100%、100%、84.7%和47.5%(P<0.001)。结论:初治鼻咽癌的三维适形放射治疗可以取得较好的疗效。靶区勾画范围不足,是导致局部复发的原因之一。     

Comparison of three-dimensional versus intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques to treat breast and axillary level III and supraclavicular nodes in a prone versus supine position

Background and purpose

To determine the optimal method of targeting breast and regional nodes in selected breast cancer patients after axillary dissection, we compared the results of IMRT versus no IMRT, and CT-informed versus clinically-placed fields, in supine and prone positions.

Materials and methods

Twelve consecutive breast cancer patients simulated both prone and supine provided the images for this study. Four techniques were used to target breast, level III axilla, and supraclavicular fossa in either position: a traditional three-field three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) plan, a four-field 3DCRT plan using a posterior axillary boost field, and two techniques using a CT-informed target volume consisting of an optimized 3DCRT plan (CT-planned 3D) and an intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plan. The prescribed dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions.

Results

CT-planned 3D and IMRT techniques improved nodal PTV coverage. Supine, mean nodal PTV V50 was 50% (3-field), 59% (4-field), 92% (CT-planned 3D), and 94% (IMRT). Prone, V50 was 29% (3-field), 42% (4-field), 97% (CT-planned 3D), and 95% (IMRT). Prone positioning, compared to supine, and IMRT technique, compared to 3D, lowered ipsilateral lung V20.

Conclusions

Traditional 3DCRT plans provide inadequate nodal coverage. Prone IMRT technique resulted in optimal target coverage and reduced ipsilateral lung V20.     

Selecting breast cancer patients with T1-T2 tumors and one to three positive axillary nodes at high postmastectomy locoregional recurrence risk for adjuvant radiotherapy

PURPOSE: To define the individual factors and combinations of factors associated with increased risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR) that may justify postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in patients with T1-T2 breast cancer and one to three positive nodes. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study cohort comprised 821 women referred to the British Columbia Cancer Agency between 1989 and 1997 with pathologic T1-T2 breast cancer and one to three positive nodes treated with mastectomy without adjuvant RT. The 10-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of isolated LRR and LRR with or without simultaneous distant recurrence (LRR +/- SDR) were analyzed according to age, histologic findings, tumor location, size, and grade, lymphovascular invasion status, estrogen receptor (ER) status, margin status, number of positive nodes, number of nodes removed, percentage of positive nodes, and systemic therapy use. Multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards modeling. A risk classification model was developed using combinations of the statistically significant factors identified on multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 7.7 years. Systemic therapy was used in 94% of patients. Overall, the 10-year Kaplan-Meier isolated LRR and LRR +/- SDR rate was 12.7% and 15.9%, respectively. Without PMRT, a 10-year LRR risk of >20% was identified in women with one to three positive nodes plus at least one of the following factors: age <45 years, Stage T2, histologic Grade 3, ER-negative disease, medial location, more than one positive node, or >25% of nodes positive (all p < 0.05 on univariate analysis). On multivariate analysis, age <45 years, >25% of nodes positive, medial tumor location, and ER-negative status were statistically significant predictors of isolated LRR and LRR +/- SDR. In the classification model, the first split was according to age (<45 years vs. >/=45 years), with 29.3% vs. 13.7% developing LRR +/- SDR (p < 0.0001). Of 123 women <45 years, the presence of >25% of nodes positive was associated with a risk of LRR +/- SDR of 58.0% compared with 23.8% for those with 45 years, the presence of >25% of nodes positive also conferred a greater LRR +/- SDR risk (26.7%) compared with women with 45 years with 25% of nodes positive, a medial tumor location, and ER-negative status were statistically significant independent factors associated with greater LRR, meriting consideration and discussion of PMRT. Combinations of these factors further augmented the LRR risk, warranting recommendation of PMRT to optimize locoregional control and potentially improve survival. The absence of high-risk factors identifies women who may reasonably be spared the morbidity of PMRT.     

Optimizing locoregional control and survival for women with breast cancer: a review of current developments in postmastectomy radiotherapy

For women who opt for mastectomy as primary surgery in breast cancer, indications for adjuvant radiotherapy are also being redefined in light of evidence demonstrating that postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), when given in conjunction with systemic therapy, improves, not only locoregional control, but also survival. However, in certain settings, particularly in patients wih intermediate-risk disease, and in some patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the role of PMRT remains controversial. Here, the authors review modern data pertaining to the benefits and risks of PMRT and discuss controversies related to the indications for PMRT, focusing on patients with T1–2 breast cancer with 0–3 positive nodes and patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. They also summarize key issues related to the integration of PMRT with other treatment modalities.     

Patterns of locoregional failure in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive conformal radiotherapy: Results from the Gating 2006 trial

Purpose

To determine the patterns of locoregional failure (LRF) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT).

Outcome of postmastectomy radiotherapy after primary systemic treatment in patients with clinical T1-2N1 breast cancer

Purpose

The role of postmastectomy radiotherapy following primary systemic treatment in patients with clinical T1-2N1 breast cancer remains a controversial issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of postmastectomy radiotherapy following primary systemic treatment.

Local recurrences in western low rectal cancer patients treated with or without lateral lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy: An international multi-centre comparative study

BackgroundIn the West, low rectal cancer patients with abnormal lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) are commonly treated with neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (nCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Additionally, some perform a lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). To date, no comparative data (nCRT vs. nCRT + LLND) are available in Western patients.MethodsAn international multi-centre cohort study was conducted at six centres from the Netherlands, US and Australia. Patients with low rectal cancers from the Netherlands and Australia with abnormal LLNs (≥5 mm short-axis in the obturator, internal iliac, external iliac and/or common iliac basin) who underwent nCRT and TME (LLND-group) were compared to similarly staged patients from the US who underwent a LLND in addition to nCRT and TME (LLND + group).ResultsLLND + patients (n = 44) were younger with higher ASA-classifications and ypN-stages compared to LLND-patients (n = 115). LLND + patients had larger median LLNs short-axes and received more adjuvant chemotherapy (100 vs. 30%; p < 0.0001). Between groups, the local recurrence rate (LRR) was 3% for LLND + vs. 11% for LLND- (p = 0.13). Disease-free survival (DFS, p = 0.94) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.42) were similar. On multivariable analysis, LLND was an independent significant factor for local recurrences (p = 0.01). Sub-analysis of patients who underwent long-course nCRT and had adjuvant chemotherapy (LLND-n = 30, LLND + n = 44) demonstrated a lower LRR for LLND + patients (3% vs. 16% for LLND-; p = 0.04). DFS (p = 0.10) and OS (p = 0.11) were similar between groups.ConclusionA LLND in addition to nCRT may improve loco-regional control in Western patients with low rectal cancer and abnormal LLNs. Larger studies in Western patients are required to evaluate its contribution.     

Predictors of recurrence after radiotherapy for non-melanoma skin cancer

Predictive factors of recurrence were examined in 448 non-melanoma skin cancers (72% basal cell carcinoma, 28% squamous cell carcinoma) treated with radiotherapy. The overall recurrence rate was 15.8% at a median follow-up of 18.4 months. In multivariate analysis, significant factors for recurrence were age (p = 0.0197), tumour size 2 cm or greater (p = 0.0095), immunosuppression (p = 0.0082), and treatment modality (p = 0.0009).     

术后放疗在伴有腋窝淋巴结1～3个转移的T1～T2期乳腺癌中的作用

目的分析T1-T2期伴有腋窝淋巴结1—3个转移的乳腺癌患者接受术后淋巴引流区放疗后的淋巴结复发率和胸壁复发率，并分析腋窝淋巴结转移率与复发率的相互关系。方法320例的中位年龄44岁（26—72岁），根治术或改良根治术清扫腋窝淋巴结中位数8个（1～24个），淋巴结转移率中位值为25％（5％-100％）。术后行同侧内乳和锁骨上淋巴引流区放疗，中位剂量50Gy分25次。结果中位随访期93个月（7—205个月）。5年总生存率为89．7％，无瘤生存率为83．4％。总5年淋巴结复发率和胸壁复发率分别为7．9％、5．7％。淋巴结转移率〈30％和〉t30％的5年淋巴结复发率分别为4．4％、14．2％（x^2=9．49，P=0．002）。淋巴结转移率〈30％和t〉30％的5年胸壁复发率分别为3．5％、9．6％（x^2=5．61，P=0．018）。淋巴结转移率t〉30％伴佗期的5年淋巴结复发率和胸壁复发率分别为15．8％和12．2％。淋巴结转移率≥30％伴年龄≤35岁的5年淋巴结复发率和胸壁复发率分别为40．0％和20．0％。多因素分析显示年龄和淋巴结转移率是总复发率的独立预后因素。胸壁复发率独立危险因素为淋巴结转移率。结论T1-T2期乳腺癌伴有腋窝淋巴结1—3个转移者中，淋巴结转移率t〉30％伴他期或年龄≤35岁者胸壁复发率较高，需考虑术后淋巴引流区域和胸壁放疗。     

Prospective multicenter study of combined treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in breast cancer women with the rare clinical scenario of ipsilateral supraclavicular node recurrence without distant metastases

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of chemotherapy combined with curative radiotherapy in breast cancer patients who presented with recurrent ipsilateral supraclavicular lymph node metastases (ISLM) without "nonregional disease," we designed an observational study performed prospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four consecutive patients with ISLM from breast cancer as part of recurrent regional disease without distant metastases were included in this study. All patients received chemotherapy with doxorubicin-based schema or paclitaxel for six courses and curative radiotherapy (60 Gy/30 fractions of 2 Gy/5 days a week). An "involved field" radiation was delivered during the interval between the third and fourth chemotherapy course; hormonal therapy was given based on receptor status. RESULTS: The rate of overall clinical response after chemotherapy and radiotherapy was 94.9%. Median time to progression and overall survival were 28 and 40 months, respectively; the 5-year actuarial overall survival and disease-free survival rates were 35% (95% confidence interval, 19-51) and 20% (95% confidence interval, 6-34), respectively. CONCLUSION: A curative course of intravenous chemotherapy and radical irradiation is feasible in patients with ISLM. All patients presenting recurrence in supraclavicular nodes should be treated with definitive locoregional treatments and systemic therapy because the outcomes are better than might be historically assumed.     

乳腺癌根治术后放射治疗胸壁及腋窝的临床意义

目的　探讨乳腺癌根治术后放射治疗胸壁、腋窝的临床意义。方法　资料完整 ,经过随访病例 14 6例 ,其中ⅡA4 7例 ,Ⅱb5 3例 ,ⅢA38例 ,Ⅲb8例。合并胸壁放疗组 4 6例 (胸壁组 ) ;放疗锁骨上区、内乳区 5 0例(2野组 ) :放疗锁骨上区、内乳区及腋窝 5 0例 (3野组 )。每野照射剂量 5 0 - 5 5GY ,5 0～ 5 6周完成。结果　1、3、5年局部控制率 (包括胸壁、锁骨上区、内乳区腋窝 ) ,胸壁组分别为 98 0 %、95 5 %、95 5 % ;2野组分别为 87 8%、82 4 %、79 4 % ,3野组分别为 91 5 %、84 2 %、80 8%。胸壁组与 2野组比 χ2 =4 5 2 4 (P <0 0 5 ) ;胸壁组与 3野组与 χ2 =3.4 86 (P =0 .0 5 6 )。胸壁复发率 :胸壁组为 2 2 % ,未照射胸壁 (2野组 +3野组 )者为13% ,χ2 =4 2 5 9(P <0 0 5 )。腋窝复发率 :2野组不照射腋窝 ,3野组照射腋窝 ,复发各为 8%、2 % ,(P >0 0 0 5 ) ,患侧上肢水肿发生率各为 14 %、38% ,(P <0 0 1)。 1、3、5年生存率 ,胸壁组分别为 97 8%、85 1%及80 3% ;2野组分别为 95 1%、83 4 %及 71 7% ;3野组分别为 93 8%、82 9%及 6 5 7%。胸壁组与 2野组、3野组相比 ,P均 >0 0 5。远处转移 ,胸壁组 10 8% ,2野组 8 0 % ,3野组 10 % ,P均 >0 0 5。结论　胸壁放射治疗 ,可明显     

适形放疗治疗肺癌放疗后复发的前瞻性研究

目的：研究肺癌放疗后复发病人用适形放疗再治疗的可行性,观察其耐受性和复发肿瘤的即期疗效。方法：１９９９年６月－２０００年４月,１８例肺癌放疗后复发病例用Ｃａｄｐｌａｎ ３．１．２三维放疗计划系统设计放疗计划。ＢＥＶ设计固定野、动态旋转野和非共面野,ＤＶＨ综合评价和优化放疗计划,由Ｖａｒｉａｎ多叶光栏技术实施适形放疗。计划照射剂量为５０－６０Ｇｙ,２Ｇｙ／次,１次／天,５天／周。仅照临床可见复发肿瘤