Comparison of ultrasonography-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for subcapsular and nonsubcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma

PurposeTo compare the prognosis of subcapsular and nonsubcapsular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after ultrasonography (US)-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA).Materials and methodsFrom January 2012 to December 2015, 463 enrollment patients (382 men, 81 women; age range, 24–95 years) with a single HCC underwent US-guided percutaneous MWA. The patients were divided into two groups according to tumor location: subcapsular (n = 224) and nonsubcapsular (n = 239). Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by contrast enhanced imaging after MWA. The technique effectiveness rate, the local tumor progression (LTP) rate, overall survival (OS) rate and complication were compared between two groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the mean treatment sessions (p = 0.105) and the mean number of antenna insertions (p = 0.065) between two groups. No significant difference in the technique effectiveness rate was found between subcapsular and nonsubcapsular tumors (95.5% vs 98.3%, p = 0.089). The respective 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year cumulative LTP rates were 5.0%, 5.5%, 5.5% and 5.5% in subcapsular group and 6.4%, 6.4%, 6.4% and 6.4% in nonsubcapsular group, respectively(p = 0.861). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year OS rates were estimated to be 95.7%, 90.1%, 82.9%, and 71.1% in subcapsular group and 98.5%, 92.8%, 83.2%, and 73.6% in nonsubcapsular group, respectively (p = 0.426). There was no significant difference in major complication rates between the subcapsular group (2.2%) and nonsubcapsular group (1.3%) (p = 0.653). There was higher postoperative pain rate in subcapsular group (13.4%) than nonsubcapsular group (7.1%) (p = 0.025).ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in the technique effectiveness rate, cumulative LTP rate, OS rate and major complication rate between subcapsular and nonsubcapsular group after MWA for HCC.     

Direct lymphangiography as treatment option of lymphatic leakage: Indications,outcomes and role in patient's management

BackgroundTo evaluate the effectiveness of lymphography as a minimally invasive treatment option of lymphatic leakage in terms of local control and to investigate which parameters influence the success rate.MethodThis retrospective study protocol was approved by the ethic committee. Patient history, imaging data, therapeutic options and follow-up were recorded and retrospectively analyzed. Between June 1998 and February 2013, 71 patients (m:w = 42:29, mean age, 52.4; range 42–75 years) with lymphatic leakage in form of lymphatic fistulas (n = 37), lymphocele (n = 11), chylothorax (n = 13) and chylous ascites (n = 10) underwent lymphography. Sixty-four patients (90.1%) underwent successful lymphography while lymphography failed in 7 cases. Therapeutic success was evaluated and correlated to the volume of lymphatic leakage and to the volume of the applied iodized oil.ResultSigns of leakage or contrast extravasation were directly detected in 64 patients. Of 64 patients, 45 patients (70.3%) were treated and cured after lymphography. Based on the lymphography findings, 19 patients (29.7%) underwent surgical intervention with a completely occlusion of lymphatic leakage. The lymphatic leak could be completely occluded in 96.8% of patients when the lymphatic drainage volume was less than 200 mL/day (n = 33). Even when lymphatic drainage was higher than 200 mL/day (n = 31), therapeutic lymphography was still successful in 58.1% of the patients.ConclusionLymphography is an effective, minimally invasive method in the detection and treatment of lymphatic leakage. The volume of lymphatic drainage per day is a significant predictor of the therapeutic success rate.     

Electronic brachytherapy for postsurgical adjuvant vaginal cuff irradiation therapy in endometrial and cervical cancer: A retrospective study

PurposeA new platform for brachytherapy called electronic brachytherapy (EBT) has been developed, which uses a miniature X-ray source to generate low-energy radiation. A retrospective study of adverse events and clinical outcomes in patients treated with EBT to the vaginal cuff, either as monotherapy or in combination with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), was conducted.Methods and MaterialsMedical records were reviewed from 16 patients treated with postoperative EBT for endometrial (n = 13) or cervical cancer (n = 3) between February 2009 and November 2010. Patients received either intracavitary vaginal EBT alone or EBT in combination with EBRT. The radiobiologic effectiveness of EBT was assumed to be one.ResultsMedian follow-up was 20.5 months (range, 7–36 months). When EBT was used alone (n = 5), the median dose per fraction, number of fractions, and total dose delivered were: 6 Gy (range, 5.5–6.2 Gy), 5 fractions (range, 5–6), and 30 Gy (range, 30–34 Gy), respectively. When EBT was combined with EBRT, the EBT component median dose per fraction, number of fractions, and total dose delivered were: 5 Gy (range, 4.5–7 Gy), 2 fractions (range, 2–4), and 14 Gy (range, 9–20 Gy), respectively. The median EBRT dose was 45 Gy (range, 45–49.2 Gy). Our local control rate, locoregional (pelvic) control rate, and overall survival rate were 94%, 94%, and 88%, respectively. Of the 16 patients, 4 patients reported Grade 2 or greater toxicity (25%); however, there were no Grade 4–5 adverse events. Gynecologic, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal adverse events accounted for 57% (n = 4), 43% (n = 3), and 0% (n = 0) of all Grade 2 or greater side effects. No Grade 2 or higher toxicities were noted in patients treated with EBT alone.ConclusionEBT is an acceptable means of delivering postoperative vaginal brachytherapy and appears comparable with other methods; as the sole method of treatment, the toxicity rates of EBT are low.     

Three-dimensional phase-sensitive inversion recovery sequencing in the evaluation of left ventricular myocardial scars in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy: Comparison to three-dimensional inversion recovery sequencing

BackgroundLate gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful technique for detecting myocardial fibrosis. LGE images are typically acquired using the inversion recovery (IR) method. Recently, phase-sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) technology has been developed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate free-breathing 3D PSIR sequencing in comparison with breath-held 3D IR sequencing for the detection of myocardial fibrosis.MethodsOne hundred twenty-three patients with suspected ischemic cardiac disease (n = 27) or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, n = 29; dilated cardiomyopathy, n = 22; sarcoidosis, n = 21; arrhythmia, n = 9; myocarditis, n = 4; amyloidosis, n = 3; and others, n = 8) were evaluated by LGE–MRI, which was performed first with the IR sequence and then with the PSIR sequence, using a 3 T MRI scanner. Image quality was scored by two independent readers using a four-point scale. The 3D LGE volume was analyzed quantitatively and compared between both sequencing methods.ResultsThere was no significant difference in overall image quality (p = 0.19). LGE was detected in 73 patients, who were evaluated visually. Ultimately, 58 patients with acceptable image quality were enrolled in further quantitative analyses (volume assessment). Although quantification of LGE volume revealed a strong correlation between both methods, larger LGE volumes were detected with PSIR compared to IR in patients suspected of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (39.5 ± 25.9 cm³ for PSIR and 32.8 ± 23.9 cm³ for IR, p < 0.001). The LGE volume did not differ significantly in patients suspected of ischemic cardiac disease (17.9 ± 12.7 cm³ for PSIR and 17.5 ± 11.1 cm³ for IR, p = 0.34).Conclusions3D PSIR is suitable for detection of LGE and may be an option in cases with IR images of unacceptable quality but overestimates LGE volume in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.     

Contrast-enhanced multiphasic CT and MRI findings of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas

ObjectiveThe objective was to retrospectively study computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas (PASC).Materials and MethodsTwelve patients (six women and six men; mean age, 61.3 years; range, 47–78 years) who presented with PASC as documented by pathologic examination underwent CT (n= 10) or both CT and MRI (n= 2) examination. Two radiologists evaluated the images and determined the location, size, margin, internal attenuation or signal intensity, contrast enhancement, and pattern for each tumor. Additionally, the presence of poorly enhanced areas, upstream main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation, pancreatic atrophy, and peripancreatic tissue metastasis were evaluated. Images were cross-referenced to surgical and pathologic findings.ResultsMasses were distributed throughout the pancreas (head, n= 6; body, n= 1; and tail, n= 5). The tumor size ranged from 2.4 to 5.5 cm with an average size of 3.7 cm. Eight (66.7%) masses were ill defined, and seven (58.3%) were partially exophytic. Twelve (100%) masses showed heterogeneous and poorly enhanced areas. The lesions showed weak (n= 5), moderate (n= 5), or intense (n= 2) progressive enhancement. The diameter of MPD in six patients ranged from 3.0 to 5.0 mm with an average of 3.7 mm. Pancreatic atrophy was not found. In 10 patients (83.3%), masses invaded the peripancreatic tissues. Two patients had metastatic liver disease at presentation.ConclusionPASC typically presented as an ill-defined, hypovascular mass with a poorly enhanced area, exophytic tendency, and peripancreatic tissue invasion. Lack of pancreatic atrophy and mild MPD dilatation were also distinct from common duct pancreatic adenocarcinoma.     

Small nodules (1–2 cm) in liver cirrhosis: Characterization with contrast-enhanced ultrasound

ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic efficacy of arterial phase contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for characterizing small hepatic nodules (1–2 cm) in patients with high-risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Materials and methodsOver 12 months, CEUS was performed in 59 patients at high-risk for HCC with small hepatic nodules (1–2 cm; mean, 1.5 cm). Based only on arterial phase (<45 s) vascular intensity and pattern, lesions were prospectively diagnosed as HCC if there was hypervascularity without known features of hemangioma. The diagnosis of HCC was made regardless of the presence or absence of washout. Verification of diagnosis was made by liver transplantation (n = 13), biopsy (n = 12), resection (n = 3) or clinical and imaging follow-up for at least 12 months (n = 31).ResultsAt of the time of CEUS, the 59 nodules were diagnosed as HCC in 26 and benign lesions in 33, including 20 regenerative/dysplastic nodules (RN/DN), 11 hemangiomas, and 2 focal fat sparing. All 26 nodules with arterial phase hypervascularity without hemangioma-like features were HCC. However, CEUS misdiagnosed HCC as RN/DN in 4 cases with arterial iso- (n = 3) or hypovascularity (n = 1). CEUS correctly diagnosed all 11 hemangiomas. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CEUS for diagnosing HCC were 86.7, 100, and 93.2%.ConclusionsArterial phase vascular intensity and pattern of CEUS are highly accurate for the diagnosis of small (1–2 cm) HCC and hemangioma in liver cirrhosis. On CEUS, arterial phase hypervascularity without a hemangioma-pattern alone may be sufficient for diagnosis of small HCC. Infrequent iso/hypovascular HCC may erroneously suggest RN/DN necessitating biopsy or close follow-up.     

Impact of margin status on outcomes following accelerated partial breast irradiation using single-lumen balloon-based brachytherapy

PurposeTo examine the impact of margin status on clinical outcomes for patients enrolled in the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) MammoSite^® Registry Trial.Methods and MaterialsOne thousand four hundred forty-nine cases of early-stage breast cancer underwent breast-conserving therapy with a single-lumen balloon-based applicator used to deliver adjuvant accelerated partial breast irradiation (34 Gy in 10, bid fractions). One thousand two hundred fifty-five cases (87%) had invasive breast cancer (median size = 10 mm) and 194 cases (13%) had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS; median size = 8 mm).ResultsPatients were stratified by margin status into negative (n = 1326), close (<2mm; n = 110), and positive (n = 13) margins. One hundred twenty-three cases (8.5%) had close or positive margins. Overall, no statistical difference in the 6-year rate of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) was noted for close margins compared with that of margin-negative patients (8.7% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.10) or for positive margins compared with that of margin-negative patients (14.3% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.41). In patients with DCIS, there was a statistically significant increase in IBTR with close margins (17.6% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.004) and when close and positive margins were pooled (15.7% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.01 with a nonsignificant reduction in disease-free survival for DCIS patients with close margins (82.4% vs. 90.8%, p = 0.12). The increase in IBTR for close and close/positive patients was secondary to statistically significant increases in elsewhere failures rather than true recurrences/marginal misses.ConclusionNonsignificant increases in the rates of IBTR were noted with close and positive margins for invasive cancer with further data required to validate these findings.     

Long-term outcomes with high-dose-rate brachytherapy for the management of base of tongue cancer

PurposeTo report the long-term results of a prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial using high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) for the management of base of the tongue (BOT) tumors.Methods and MaterialsBetween January 1992 and June 2011, 60 patients (mean age, 57 years; range, 36–78 years) with T1–T4 and N0-3 carcinoma of BOT were treated. Fifty-six patients (93%) had advanced (Stage III-IV) disease. HDR BT boost (mean dose, 17 Gy; range, 12–30 Gy) was delivered after 50–70 Gy (mean 62 Gy) locoregional external beam irradiation. Seventeen patients (28%) received radiochemotherapy (RCT) with cisplatin.ResultsThe 5-year actuarial rate of local tumor control, locoregional tumor control, overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) was 57%, 50%, 47%, and 61%, respectively. OS was significantly better in patients (n = 17) receiving RCT (69% vs. 39%; p = 0.005). Delayed soft-tissue ulceration occurred in seven patients (12%). Only one patient (<2%) developed osteoradionecrosis. In univariate analysis, the tumor size (T1–T2–T3 vs. T4) was found to have a significant effect on CSS (p = 0.043), whereas the nodal status (N0 vs. N+) affected locoregional tumor control (p = 0.042), OS (p = 0.002), and CSS (p = 0.015). Low histologic grade (1–2) was associated with better CSS (p = 0.020), whereas RCT significantly improved OS (p = 0.012).ConclusionsExternal beam irradiation combined with interstitial HDR BT boost results in good local tumor control with an acceptable rate of late side effects in patients with BOT carcinoma. RCT improves OS. Our results are similar to those reported with traditional low-dose-rate BT implants.     

Outcomes of radioembolization for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with marginal functional hepatic reserve

PurposeTo evaluate the outcomes of radioembolization (RE) as a therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with marginal functional hepatic reserve.MethodsA retrospective review of 471 patients (1/2010–7/2015) treated with RE (Therasphere, BTG, UK) was performed. A total of 36 patients (mean age: 66.1 ± 9.3, male: 86.1%) underwent therapy for HCC with a MELD ≥ 15 (median: 16, range: 15–22). Baseline demographics of the study cohort were as follows: etiology (HCV: 26, 72.2%), cirrhosis (n = 32, 88.9%), ECOG 0 (n = 16, 44.4%), Child-Pugh class (A = 15, B = 19, C = 2), unilobar distribution (n = 27, 75%), AFP > 200 (n = 11, 30.6%), portal vein thrombosis (PVT, n = 7, 19.4%), metastasis (n = 3, 8.3%). Outcomes analyzed included CTCAEv4.03 laboratory toxicities (120-day), imaging response (mRECIST), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 42 treatments were performed with mean dose of 2.02 ± 1.23 GBq. The cumulative grade 3/4 toxicity was 28% overall and 21% for bilirubin at 120-days. The objective response and disease control rates were 48.3% (14/29) and 69% (20/29) respectively. The median (95% CI) PFS was 5.9 (4.4–7.7) months. Ten (27.8%) patients received additional locoregional therapy at a median (IQR) of 138 (102–243) days post RE. The mean (95% CI) OS was 21.9 (14.8–29.0) months. The absence of PVT was associated with improved OS (p = 0.005) Disease control at 90-days was also associated with an OS benefit (p = 0.037).ConclusionsPatients with unresectable HCC and marginal functional hepatic reserve treated with RE had favorable objective response and disease control rates, both predictive of overall survival.     

Optimization for high-dose-rate brachytherapy of cervical cancer with adaptive simulated annealing and gradient descent

PurposeTo validate an in-house optimization program that uses adaptive simulated annealing (ASA) and gradient descent (GD) algorithms and investigate features of physical dose and generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD)–based objective functions in high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for cervical cancer.MethodsEight Syed/Neblett template-based cervical cancer HDR interstitial brachytherapy cases were used for this study. Brachytherapy treatment plans were first generated using inverse planning simulated annealing (IPSA). Using the same dwell positions designated in IPSA, plans were then optimized with both physical dose and gEUD-based objective functions, using both ASA and GD algorithms. Comparisons were made between plans both qualitatively and based on dose–volume parameters, evaluating each optimization method and objective function. A hybrid objective function was also designed and implemented in the in-house program.ResultsThe ASA plans are higher on bladder V_75% and D_2cc (p = 0.034) and lower on rectum V_75% and D_2cc (p = 0.034) than the IPSA plans. The ASA and GD plans are not significantly different. The gEUD-based plans have higher homogeneity index (p = 0.034), lower overdose index (p = 0.005), and lower rectum gEUD and normal tissue complication probability (p = 0.005) than the physical dose-based plans. The hybrid function can produce a plan with dosimetric parameters between the physical dose-based and gEUD-based plans. The optimized plans with the same objective value and dose–volume histogram could have different dose distributions.ConclusionsOur optimization program based on ASA and GD algorithms is flexible on objective functions, optimization parameters, and can generate optimized plans comparable with IPSA.     

Value of pelvic embolization in the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage due to placenta accreta,increta or percreta

ObjectivesTo evaluate the role, efficacy and safety of pelvic embolization in the management of severe postpartum hemorrhage in women with placenta accreta, increta or percreta.MethodsThe clinical files and angiographic examinations of 12 consecutive women with placenta accreta (n = 4), increta (n = 2) or percreta (n = 6) who were treated with pelvic embolization because of severe primary (n = 10) or secondary (n = 2) postpartum hemorrhage were reviewed. Before embolization, four women had complete placental conservation, four had partial placental conservation, three had an extirpative approach and one had hysterectomy after failed partial conservative approach.ResultsIn 10 women, pelvic embolization was successful and stopped the bleeding, after one (n = 7) or two sessions (n = 3). Emergency hysterectomy was needed in two women with persistent bleeding after embolization, both with placenta percreta and bladder involvement first treated by extirpation. One case of regressive hematoma at the puncture site was the single complication of embolization.ConclusionsIn women with severe postpartum hemorrhage due to placenta accreta, increta or percreta, pelvic embolization is effective for stopping the bleeding in most cases, thus allowing uterine conservation and future fertility. Further studies, however, should be done to evaluate the potential of pelvic embolization in women with placenta percreta with bladder involvement.     

MRI reporting by radiographers: Findings of an accredited postgraduate programme

AimTo analyse the objective structured examination (OSE) results of the first three cohorts of radiographers (n = 39) who completed an accredited postgraduate certificate (PgC) programme in reporting of general magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations and to compare the agreement rates with those demonstrated for a small group of consultant radiologists.MethodForty MRI investigations were used in the OSE which included the following anatomical areas and abnormal appearances: knee; meniscal/ligament injuries, bone bruises, effusions and osteochondral defects; lumbar spine: intervertebral disc morphology, vertebral collapse, tumours (bone and soft tissue), spinal stenosis and/or nerve root involvement; internal auditory meati (IAM): acoustic neuroma. Incidental findings included maxillary polyp, arachnoid cyst, renal cyst, hydroureter, pleural effusion and metastases (adrenal, lung, perirenal and/or thoracic spine). Sensitivity, specificity and total percentage agreement rates were calculated for all radiographers (n = 39) using all reports (n = 1560). A small representative subgroup of reports (n = 27) was compared to the three consultant radiologists' reports which were produced when constructing the OSE. Kappa values were estimated to measure agreement in four groups: consultant radiologists only; radiographers and each of the consultant radiologists independently.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity and agreement rates for the three cohorts (combined) of radiographers were 99.0%, 99.0% and 89.2%, respectively. For the majority (5/9) of anatomical areas and/or pathological categories no significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the mean Kappa scores (K = 0.47–0.76) for different groups of observers, whether radiographers were included in the group analysis or not. Where differences were apparent, this was in cases (4/9) where the variation was either not greater than found between radiologists and/or of no clinical significance. These results suggest therefore that in an academic setting, these groups of radiographers have the ability to correctly identify normal investigations and are able to provide a report on the abnormal appearances to a high standard. Further work is required to confirm the clinical application of these findings.     

Do high radiation doses in locally advanced prostate cancer patients treated with 103Pd implant plus external beam irradiation cause increased urinary,rectal, and sexual morbidity?

PurposeTo investigate the morbidity of higher radiation doses in prostate cancer patients.Methods and MaterialsFive hundred eighty-five men treated with seed implantation and external beam irradiation were followed a median of 5 years (range, 2–11). Hormonal therapy (HT) of 9 months duration was used in 504 (86.2%) patients. The biologic effective dose (BED) was calculated using an α/β of 2. Urinary incontinence (UI) and symptoms (IPSS) were prospectively collected. Rectal morbidity was scored according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. Two BED dose groups of ≤220 Gy (n = 449) and >220 Gy (n = 136) were used. Comparisons of means were made by Student's t test, and the associations were tested by chi-square analysis (Pearson).ResultsUrinary retention developed in 36 (6.2%) and was not associated with BED or IPSS. Retention occurred more often with prostate volume >50 cc (17%, p = 0.001). The median change in urinary symptoms (IPSS) was 1. Sixty-one percent with high BED were more likely to have increased postimplant symptoms compared with 39% with lower BED (p = 0.025; odds ratio [OR], 1.107; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.21). UI occurred in 25 patients (4.3%) and was only associated with a postimplant transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (n = 25), 16% vs. 2.3% for no TURP (p = 0.001; OR, 8; 95% CI, 2.4–27). Of the 373 patients initially potent, 204 (54.7%) maintained potency. Impotence was only associated with age at implant (p = 0.001) and HT (p = 0.004). Sixty-two (10.6%) patients had Grade 1–2 and 4 patients had Grade 3–4 (0.7%, 2 ulcers and 2 fistulas) rectal complications. Three of the Grade 3/4 complications occurred with a dose ≤220 Gy.ConclusionA BED >220 Gy does not seem to increase morbidity.     

Tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast: Clinical,mammographic and sonographic findings

PurposeTo determine and quantitate radiologic characteristics of tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast and to report clinical and pathologic findings.Materials and methodsA retrospective review of records of 2872 women who received a diagnosis of breast carcinoma between January 1988 and January 2006 revealed 26 histopathologically proven tubulolobular carcinoma of the breast. Analysis included history; findings at physical examination, mammography, and sonography (US) at the time of diagnosis and in postoperative follow-up, and histopathological results.ResultsAt physical examination, palpable mass was present in 85% (n = 22) of the patients. The mammographic findings were mass in 17 (65%), asymmetric focal density in 2 (8%), architectural distortion in 2 (8%) and negative mammograms in 5 (19%) of the 26 patients. US depicted 25 masses in 24 patients, all of which were hypoechoic, with spiculated (n = 13) or microlobulated (n = 12) margins. The cancer was clinically occult in 12% (n = 3), mammographically occult in 19% (n = 5), and radiologically occult in 4% (n = 1) of the patients. Histologically, the mean size of the tumor was 1.7 cm and 18 (69%) patients were node negative.ConclusionTubulolobular carcinoma of the breast usually manifests clinically as a firm, immobile mass and mammographically as a spiculated or ill-defined, irregular, isodense mass without microcalcifications. Common findings on sonography include a homogeneously hypoechoic, spiculated or microlobulated mass with posterior acoustic shadowing or normal acoustic transmission. Tubulolobular carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis for breast masses with these imaging features.     

Brachytherapy provides comparable outcomes and improved cost-effectiveness in the treatment of low/intermediate prostate cancer

PurposeTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness and outcomes of low-dose-rate (LDR) and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy compared with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with low/intermediate risk of prostate cancer.Methods and MaterialsOne thousand three hundred twenty-eight patients with low or intermediate risk of prostate cancer were treated with LDR (n = 207), HDR with four fractions (n = 252), or IMRT (n = 869) between January 1992 and December 2008. LDR patients were treated with palladium seeds to a median dose of 120 Gy, whereas HDR patients were treated to a median dose 38.0 Gy (four fractions). IMRT patients received 42–44 fractions with a median dose of 75.6 Gy. Clinical outcomes were compared, including biochemical failure, cause-specific survival, and overall survival.ResultsOverall, no differences in 5-year biochemical control (BC) or cause-specific survival were noted among treatment modalities. The calculated reimbursement for LDR brachytherapy, HDR brachytherapy with four fractions, and IMRT was $9,938; $17,514; and $29,356, respectively. HDR and LDR brachytherapy were statistically less costly to Medicare and the institution than IMRT (p < 0.001), and LDR brachytherapy was less costly than HDR brachytherapy (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for cost to Medicare for BC with IMRT were $4045 and $2754 per percent of BC for LDR and HDR brachytherapy, respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio using institutional cost comparing IMRT with LDR and HDR brachytherapy was $4962 and $4824 per 1% improvement in BC.ConclusionsIn this study of patients with low and intermediate risk of prostate cancer, comparable outcomes at 5 years were noted between modalities with increased costs associated with IMRT.     

Evaluation of sclerosis in Modic changes of the spine using susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of susceptibility-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (SWMR) for the differentiation of sclerotic and non-sclerotic Modic changes (MC) of the spine compared to computed tomography (CT) and radiographs.Materials and methodsThe Institutional Ethics-Review-Board approved this prospective study in advance. Written consent was obtained from all subjects. SWMR and standard T1/T2 MR of the cervical (n = 21) and/or lumbar spine (n = 34) were performed in 54 patients. 21 patients served as control. 18 patients were evaluated with CT; in all other patients radiographs were available. 67 Modic changes were identified on T1/T2 MR. On SWMR changes were classified as sclerotic and non-sclerotic based on signal intensity measurements. The sensitivity and specificity of SWMR and T1/T2 MR for differentiating between sclerotic and non-sclerotic Modic changes were determined with CT and radiographs as reference standard.ResultsOn SWMR, signal measurements between sclerotic and non-sclerotic Modic changes differed significantly (p < 0.01). On T1- and T2-weighted MR no significant difference (p > 0.05) was measured. On SWMR, a reliable differentiation between sclerotic and non-sclerotic Modic changes could be achieved, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95%. In contrast, the combination of T1-/T2-weighted MR yielded a significantly lower sensitivity to detect sclerosis (20%).ConclusionSWMR allows a reliable detection of sclerosis in Modic changes with a higher accuracy compared to standard spine MR sequences, using radiographs and CT as reference standard.     

Saddle block analgesia for high-dose-rate brachytherapy: A prospective study

PurposeTo determine effective spinal anesthetic dosing of hyperbaric bupivacaine for patients undergoing high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer.MethodsA total of 199 HDR prostate brachytherapy sessions (n = 115 patients) under spinal anesthesia with five doses of hyperbaric bupivacaine were prospectively analyzed. Patients received either 11.25 mg (n = 40 sessions), 15 mg (n = 63 sessions), 18 mg (n = 25 sessions), 18.75 mg (n = 17 sessions), or 20.25 mg (n = 54 sessions) of 0.75% of bupivacaine with 20 μg of fentanyl in 8.25% of dextrose (Hospira, Healthcare Corporation, Montréal, Canada). Sensory block level, intraoperative hypotension, incidence of nausea and vomiting, time to ambulation, and time to discharge were recorded. We assessed for the presence of any transient neurologic symptoms post discharge.ResultsThe 11.25-mg group had a mean peak sensory block height of L1 at 90 min, which was significantly lower than the other groups. Block heights were also decreased at the 5, 60, 120, 150, 180, and 300 min time points (p < 0.05). The mean time to ambulation was 403 ± 92 min and to discharge was 427 ± 70 min; no difference among groups was found. Hypotension was not observed in the 11.25-mg group, whereas the incidence of operative hypotension was 8% in each of the other groups. No transient neurologic symptoms were reported postoperatively.ConclusionsThe 11.25-mg dose of hyperbaric bupivacaine was sufficient to provide intraoperative anesthesia for catheter placement and sufficient postoperative residual analgesia for the duration that the catheters were left in situ and subsequently removed.     

Training habits and injuries of masters' level football players: A preliminary report

ObjectiveTo profile training habits and injuries in football players participating in a national Masters tournament.MethodsA cross-sectional retrospective study design was used to survey male football players attending the 2008 New Zealand Masters Games. Information regarding player demographics, football injuries, football related training, and risk factors for injury were collected.Results199 Players were recruited, with a median age of 44 yrs (range 35–73) and a median football playing history of 15 yrs (range 0–66). Irrespective of age, 112 (84%) players included a warm-up and 104 (78%) included a stretching regime in their regular training programme. In the 12 months prior to the tournament, 128 football related injuries were reported by 93 players (64 injuries/100 players or 46 injured players/100 players). The most frequently injured region was the lower limb; specifically the lower leg (n = 23), ankle (n = 18), hamstring (n = 17), knee (n = 15), and Achilles tendon (n = 15).ConclusionThis study provides a preliminary insight into the training habits and injury profiles of Masters football players. Despite all players including some form of injury prevention strategy in their training, a significant number of players experienced an injury in the 12 months prior to the tournament.