Long-term results of high-dose-rate brachytherapy and external-beam radiotherapy in the primary treatment of endometrial cancer

In this report we update our long-term follow-up results of the prospective study whose aim was to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in combination with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in the treatment of medically inoperable endometrial cancer. Between 1995 and 1998, 29 patients with stages I-III medically inoperable carcinoma of endometrium were treated with definitive irradiation. All patients underwent combined intracavitary HDR brachytherapy and EBRT. The EBRT dose was 50 Gy with midline shield from 16 Gy. The HDR brachytherapy dose was 50 Gy, delivered in 5 fractions in a weekly schedule. Overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years was 48.3% and 20.7%, respectively. Disease-specific survival (DSS) at 5 and 10 years was 73.5% and 67.9%, respectively. The 10-year DSS rate was 73.5% for all stages, 85.7% for Stage I disease, 71.4% for Stage II, and 16.7% for stage III disease. Late Grade 1-2 radiation complications were observed in 4 patients (13.8%). Our long-term follow-up confirms that HDR brachytherapy with EBRT appears to be an effective and safe treatment for stage I and II medically inoperable endometrial cancer.     

Brachytherapy for early oral tongue cancer: low dose rate to high dose rate

To examine the compatibility of low dose rate (LDR) with high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy, we reviewed 399 patients with early oral tongue cancer (T1-2N0M0) treated solely by brachytherapy at Osaka University Hospital between 1967 and 1999. For patients in the LDR group (n = 341), the treatment sources consisted of Ir-192 pin for 227 patients (1973-1996; irradiated dose, 61-85 Gy; median, 70 Gy), Ra-226 needle for 113 patients (1967-1986; 55-93 Gy; median, 70 Gy). Ra-226 and Ir-192 were combined for one patient. Ir-192 HDR (microSelectron-HDR) was used for 58 patients in the HDR group (1991-present; 48-60 Gy; median, 60 Gy). LDR implantations were performed via oral and HDR via a submental/submandibular approach. The dose rates at the reference point for the LDR group were 0.30 to 0.8 Gy/h, and for the HDR group 1.0 to 3.4 Gy/min. The patients in the HDR group received a total dose of 48-60 Gy (8-10 fractions) during one week. Two fractions were administered per day (at least a 6-h interval). The 3- and 5-year local control rates for patients in the LDR group were 85% and 80%, respectively, and those in the HDR group were both 84%. HDR brachytherapy showed the same lymph-node control rate as did LDR brachytherapy (67% at 5 years). HDR brachytherapy achieved the same locoregional result as did LDR brachytherapy. A converting factor of 0.86 is applicable for HDR in the treatment of early oral tongue cancer.     

前列腺癌调强适形放疗的临床疗效和副反应分析

目的:分析调强适形放疗治疗前列腺癌的临床疗效及副反应。方法:回顾性分析25例接受调强适形放射治疗的前列腺癌患者资料,12例患者前列腺精囊95%PTV处方剂量为70Gy。13例患者前列腺精囊95%PTV处方剂量为78Gy,盆腔淋巴引流区处方剂量50Gy。结果:完全缓解9例,部分缓解8例,稳定8例,1、3年总生存率分别为100.0%和96.0%。早期胃肠道副反应1级15例,2级9例。早期泌尿系统反应1级12例,2级6例。晚期胃肠道副反应1级5例,2级4例。晚期泌尿系副反应1级3例,2级3例。结论:调强适形放疗提高了前列腺肿瘤靶区剂量,前列腺周围正常组织和器官放疗副反应发生率低,患者可获得较好的放疗耐受性。     

Efficacy and tolerability of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 alone for locally advanced rectal cancer

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil is a standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). S-1, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, is a candidate for this chemoradiotherapy regimen in Japan; however, treatment outcomes after S-1 treatment alone are not clear. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 alone for LARC. We retrospectively evaluated 54 LARC patients who underwent preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 alone in our institution between 2005 and 2017. The clinical tumor stage was cT2–3 in 31 patients and cT4 in 23 patients, and lymph node metastases were clinically evident in 31 patients. S-1, at a dose of 80 mg/m²/day, was orally administered during radiotherapy. A total dose of 45–50.4 Gy was delivered in 25–28 fractions (median: 50.4 Gy). Surgical resections were scheduled 6–10 weeks after chemoradiotherapy completion. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 92.4 and 72.8%, respectively, with a median follow-up time of 51 months. The 3- and 5-year local control rates were 96.2 and 85.9%, respectively. A pathological complete response was observed in 7 patients (13.0%) at the time of surgery. Ten patients (18.5%) had grade 3 acute toxicities and 5 patients (9.3%) had grade 3 late toxicities. No grade 4 or 5 toxicities were observed. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 alone followed by total mesorectal excision resulted in a low incidence of toxicities and comparable clinical results. Therefore, S-1 alone can be a treatment option for preoperative chemoradiotherapy in LARC patients.     

Efficacy and safety of nedaplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy for FIGO Stage IB2–IVA cervical cancer and its clinical prognostic factors

Cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is a standard treatment for cervical cancer, but nedaplatin-based CCRT is not routinely administered. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nedaplatin-based CCRT (35 mg/m² weekly) and analyzed prognostic factors for survival among 52 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IB2–IVA cervical cancer treated from 1999 to 2009. Patients were treated with a combination of external beam radiotherapy of 40–56 Gy (in 20–28 fractions) and 13.6–28.8 Gy (in 2–4 fractions) of high-dose-rate (HDR) intracavitary brachytherapy or 18 Gy (in 3 fractions) of HDR interstitial brachytherapy. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local control (LC) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis. Acute and late toxicities were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. The median follow-up period was 52 months. The median patient age was 63 years. The 5-year OS, PFS and LC rates were 78%, 57% and 73%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that histologic type, maximum tumor diameter, and pretreatment hemoglobin level were independent risk factors for PFS. Regarding adverse effects, 24 patients (46%) had acute Grade 3–4 leukopenia and 5 (10%) had late Grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicities. No patient experienced renal toxicity. Nedaplatin-based CCRT for FIGO Stage IB2–IVA cervical cancer was efficacious and safe, with no renal toxicity. Histologic type, maximum tumor diameter, and pretreatment hemoglobin level were statistically significant prognostic factors for PFS.     

192Ir近距离腔内放疗联合体外逆向调强放射治疗宫颈癌160例疗效观察

目的 研究¹⁹²Ir高剂量率腔内放疗加体外逆向调强放疗（IMRT）治疗宫颈癌的疗效及放射反应。方法 160例宫颈癌患者采取¹⁹²Ir高剂量率腔内放疗加体外逆向调强放疗（IMRT）放射治疗，体外全盆腔照射IMRT，6MV X射线DT 45~50 Gy，5次/周，1.8~2 Gy/次。全盆腔放疗结束后行¹⁹²Ir腔内治疗1次/周，5~8 Gy/次，总剂量21~24 Gy。结果 全组1年、3年生存率分别为100%和78.75%，Ⅱ、Ⅲ期3年生存率分别为80%和63.89%，患者3年生存率I期与Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期与IV期有明显统计学差异（100%、80%，63.89%、16.67%，P<0.05），Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期无明显统计学差异（80%、63.89%，P>0.05）。病理I级与Ⅲ级的Ⅱ期患者生存率有明显差异（100%、53.33%，P<0.05）。病理I级与Ⅲ级的Ⅲ期患者生存率有明显差异（100%、33.33%，P<0.05）。IV期各病理分级的患者生存率均无明显差异（P>0.05）。Ⅱ、Ⅲ期患者中肿瘤直径<4 cm与肿瘤直径>4 cm的3年生存率有明显差异（P<0.05），而IV期患者肿瘤直径<4 cm与肿瘤直径>4 cm的3年生存率无明显差异（P>0.05）。早期放射性直肠炎反应发生率21.8%，膀胱反应发生率7.5%，晚期放射性直肠炎发生率7%，晚期膀胱炎反应发生率5%，直肠阴道瘘0.625%。结论 ¹⁹²Ir高剂量率腔内加体外适形调强放疗治疗宫颈癌疗效好，毒副反应较少。     

High-dose-rate brachytherapy and hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy combined with long-term hormonal therapy for high-risk and very high-risk prostate cancer: outcomes after 5-year follow-up

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) combined with long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria-defined high-risk (HR) and very high-risk (VHR) prostate cancer. Data from 178 HR (n = 96, 54%) and VHR (n = 82, 46%) prostate cancer patients who underwent ¹⁹²Ir-HDR brachytherapy and hypofractionated EBRT with long-term ADT between 2003 and 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean dose to 90% of the planning target volume was 6.3 Gy/fraction of HDR brachytherapy. After five fractions of HDR treatment, EBRT with 10 fractions of 3 Gy was administered. All patients initially underwent ≥6 months of neoadjuvant ADT, and adjuvant ADT was continued for 36 months after EBRT. The median follow-up was 61 months (range, 25–94 months) from the start of radiotherapy. The 5-year biochemical non-evidence of disease, freedom from clinical failure and overall survival rates were 90.6% (HR, 97.8%; VHR, 81.9%), 95.2% (HR, 97.7%; VHR, 92.1%), and 96.9% (HR, 100%; VHR, 93.3%), respectively. The highest Radiation Therapy Oncology Group-defined late genitourinary toxicities were Grade 2 in 7.3% of patients and Grade 3 in 9.6%. The highest late gastrointestinal toxicities were Grade 2 in 2.8% of patients and Grade 3 in 0%. Although the 5-year outcome of this tri-modality approach seems favorable, further follow-up is necessary to validate clinical and survival advantages of this intensive approach compared with the standard EBRT approach.     

Radiologic follow-up after breast-conserving surgery: value of MRI examination of the breast

The aim of the study was to establish an objective method for evaluation the extent, topography and quantity of skin and soft tissue side effects after tele- and/or brachyradiotherapy of the conserved breast and to compare the sequales of different radiation methods. 26 patients operated on for T1-2 N0-1 breast cancer underwent the following kinds of postoperative radiotherapy: 1. 46-50 Gy whole breast teletherapy + 10-16 Gy electron boost (5 patients), 2. 46-50 Gy teletherapy + 10-15 Gy HDR brachytherapy boost (12 patients), 3. 46-50 Gy teletherapy (6 patients), 4. 36,4 Gy sole HDR brachytherapy of the tumour bed (5 patients). The postirradiation side effects were examined by MRI, mammogram, US and physical examination, as well. MRI was performed on a 0.5 T, double breast coil, with SE-T1, SE-T2 and 3D-GE sequences. The findings of MRI and mammography were compared to physically detectable side effects using the RTOG/EORTC late radiation morbidity scoring scheme. US is useful in the measurement of skin thickening and in the diagnosis of fat necrosis. Mammography and physical examination are very subjective and low specificity methods to evaluate postirradiation side effects. MRI is a suitable and more objective method to detect the real extent and quantity of skin thickening and fibrosis. The incidence of > or = G2 side effects of skin and breast parenchyma were 64.5 and 32.2%, respectively. The differences between the side effects of whole breast irradiation and sole brachytherapy of the tumour bed are also clearly demonstrated. Brachytherapy alone is feasible without compromising cosmetic results. The authors established the MRI criteria for categorization the extent and grade of skin thickening and fibrosis (focal vs diffuse, grade 1-4). Breast MRI is an objective tool for assisting to the evaluation of the side effects of postoperative radiotherapy.     

重组人血管内皮抑素联合放化疗在非小细胞肺癌的临床观察

目的观察重组人血管内皮抑素（恩度）联合放化疗和恩度联合化疗对非小细胞肺癌（NSCLC）的疗效及毒副反应。方法经病理证实43例NSCLC（Ⅱa~Ⅲb）,按随机原则并参考病人意愿分为实验组（恩度＋放化疗）24例和对照组（恩度＋化疗）19例,化疗方案吉西他滨1 000 mg/m2,第1、8 d,顺铂20 mg/m2,第1~5 d,28 d 1周期,共3~4周期;恩度15 mg/d,同步每化疗周期的第1~14 d。放疗采用常规剂量分割2 Gy/d,总剂量60~66 Gy,与第一周期化疗同时进行。结果有2例出现明显心脏毒性或骨髓抑制,未完成治疗,只作毒性分析。实验组的完全缓解率高于对照组（P〈0.05）,中位无疾病进展时间分别为8.3月和4.7月,1年生存率分别为78.3%和55.6%（P〈0.05）,完全缓解病例主要集中在Ⅱa期鳞癌,实验组未明显增加治疗的毒副反应。结论恩度联合放化疗治疗非晚期肺鳞癌有较好近期疗效,延长无疾病生存时间及1年生存率,安全性好。     

Treatment outcomes of patients with FIGO Stage I/II uterine cervical cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy: a multi-institutional retrospective research study

The purpose of this study was to analyze the patterns of care and outcomes of patients with FIGO Stage I/II cervical cancer who underwent definitive radiotherapy (RT) at multiple Japanese institutions. The Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group (JROSG) performed a questionnaire-based survey of their cervical cancer patients who were treated with definitive RT between January 2000 and December 2005. A total of 667 patients were entered in this study. Although half of the patients were considered suitable for definitive RT based on the clinical features of the tumor, about one-third of the patients were prescribed RT instead of surgery because of poor medical status. The RT schedule most frequently utilized was whole-pelvic field irradiation (WP) of 30 Gy/15 fractions followed by WP with midline block of 20 Gy/10 fractions, and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) of 24 Gy/4 fractions prescribed at point A. Chemotherapy was administered to 306 patients (46%). The most frequent regimen contained cisplatin (CDDP). The median follow-up time for all patients was 65 months (range, 2–135 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS), pelvic control (PC) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates for all patients were 78%, 90% and 69%, respectively. Tumor diameter and nodal status were significant prognostic indicators for OS, PC and DFS. Chemotherapy has potential for improving the OS and DFS of patients with bulky tumors, but not for non-bulky tumors. This study found that definitive RT for patients with Stage I/II cervical cancer achieved good survival outcomes.     

术前辅助放化疗治疗中晚期食管癌临床疗效分析

目的　探讨中晚期食管癌术前放化疗提高手术切除率及临床疗效。方法　将中晚期食管癌 5 5例患者随机分为术前放化疗组 (A组 ) ,单纯手术组 (B组 )。A组患者术前 1周应用盖诺 DDP方案化疗、4周DT 4 0Gy的病灶及区域淋巴结放疗 ,间隔 2周后手术 ,B组单纯手术治疗。结果　A组手术切除率及生存率与B组比较结果有显著性差异 (P <0 .0 5 )。结论　术前放化疗在提高中晚期食管癌手术切除率及生存率等方面具有临床意义。     

立体定向放疗序贯TP方案治疗不能手术的早期非小细胞肺癌临床研究

目的研究立体定向放射治疗序贯TP方案化疗治疗不能手术的早期非小细胞肺癌疗效和毒副作用。方法60例不能手术的早期非小细胞肺癌患者随机分成A组和B组进行临床研究,A组30例采用立体定向放射治疗,剂量（50％剂量线）4～5Gy／次．隔日1次,共8～10次,总剂量40～50Gy。B组30例采用立体定向放射治疗序贯TP方案化疗四个疗程。结果两组患者的总有效率分别为80．O％（24／30）和83．3％（25／30）,P〉0．05,患者1、2年总生存率分别为86．7％（26／30）VS83．3％（25／30）和73．3％（22／30）VS80．0％（24／30）,P〉0．05。2年无远处转移生存率分别为60．0％（18／30）和73．2％（22／30）,B组虽高于A组,但P〉0．05。两组患者早期放射反应主要为I～II级放射性肺炎和骨髓抑制,后期放射反应主要为I～II级放射性肺炎,发生率两组接近。结论立体定向放射治疗序贯TP方案化疗治疗不能手术的早期非小细胞肺癌疗效较好。     

同步新辅助放化疗联合全根治性切除治疗中低位局部进展期直肠癌的探索研究

目的：探讨同步新辅助放化疗联合全直肠系膜切除术（TME）治疗中低位局部进展期直肠癌的可行性及安全性。方法：选取2013年6月-2014年6月本院23例中低位局部进展期直肠癌患者,Ⅱ期（T3-4No Mo）11例,Ⅲ期（T1-4N1-2Mo）12例,均接受术前同步新辅助放化疗（术前放疗总剂量全盆腔DT 40-46Gy/20-23 Fx,瘤床区加量至50-56 Gy/25-28 Fx;化疗采用含希罗达方案2个周期）。同步新辅助放化疗结束后4-8周行手术治疗,遵循TME原则,并尽可能保肛。结果：22例患者均完成同步新辅助放化疗,放化疗期间3级毒副反应总发生率为27.3%,无4级毒副反应者。放化疗后CR 2例、PR 14例、SD 4例;16例（80%）患者的临床TNM分期下降。同步新辅助放化疗结束后4-8周,20例患者行根治性手术治疗,其中12例行低位或超低位前切除术（Dixon术）,7例行腹会阴联合切除术（Miles术）,1例行Hartmann手术,保肛率为60.0%（12/20）。无一例发生围手术期死亡,术后并发症的总发生率为20%（4/20）。结论：同步新辅助放化疗联合TME治疗中低位局部进展期直肠癌安全而有效,可以降低肿瘤分期、提高肿瘤切除率和保肛率,改善患者的生活质量。     

Preliminary results of MRI-guided brachytherapy in cervical carcinoma: the Chiangmai University experience

This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the treatment planning of image-guided brachytherapy for cervical carcinoma. Seventeen consecutive patients with locally advanced cervical cancer were enrolled in the study. Fifteen patients could be evaluated. When comparing the tumor at diagnosis (GTV-Dx) and the tumor at the first brachytherapy (GTV-BT), 11 of 15 patients showed a tumor regression of more than 80% while only four patients had less than 80% tumor regression. The mean D90 of HR-CTV and the calculated D2cc of the bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 99.2 ± 11 Gy, 87.7 ± 5.7 Gy, 68.4 ± 5.4 Gy and 70.3 ± 6.8 Gy, respectively. No grade 3-4 acute toxicity was observed. The MRI can be a valuable tool for evaluating tumor response after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and is very helpful for prognosis prediction by residual GTV evaluation. Furthermore, MRI-guided brachytherapy allowed us to optimize the dose for both the target volumes and the OARs.     

Local tumor control and (disease-free) survival after surgery with pre- and intraoperative radiotherapy for primary non-resectable rectal carcinoma and local recurrence

OBJECTIVE: Survey of the results of multimodality treatment for primary irresectable rectum carcinoma and local recurrence of rectal cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: During the period 1 February 1994 to 31 August 1999, 43 patients with locally advanced primary rectal cancer (25 men and 18 women; mean age: 64 years (range: 36-86)) and 53 patients with a local recurrence (33 men and 20 women; mean age: 61 years (39-82)) were treated with a multimodality treatment: i.e. preoperative radiotherapy (doses 50.4 Gy, or 30.0 Gy in the case of reirradiation), extensive surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy (doses 10-17.5 Gy). This treatment took place at two hospitals in the Netherlands, the Catharina Hospital in Eindhoven and, since 1997, the Daniel den Hoed Cancer Centre in Rotterdam. In 2000 data were collected for the local control and (disease-free) survival; these were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Patients also completed a questionnaire about the quality of life at a median period of 14 months (range: 4-60) after the operation; the response level was 96% (76/79). RESULTS: After 3 years, the local control, disease-free survival and survival rates for the locally advanced primary rectal cancer group were 74%, 60% and 55% respectively, and for the locally recurrent rectal cancer group 64%, 34% and 50% respectively. Tumour resection with microscopically negative margins had a statistically significant positive effect on the local control and disease-free survival in both groups as well as on the survival in the locally advanced primary patient group. Seven of the 96 patients (7%) died as a result of complications. Of the patients with a primary irresectable carcinoma or a local recurrent tumour who completed the questionnaire the results were as follows: 56% and 63% respectively had been able to resume employment, 53% and 59% respectively had been able to resume their previous lifestyle, 15% and 27% respectively indicated radicular pain as a new symptom, 26% and 46% respectively stated problems with walking, 42% and 44% respectively stated problems with urinating and 59% and 52% respectively a reduction in sexual activity.     

Postoperative radiotherapy for incompletely resected non-small cell lung cancer: clinical outcomes and prognostic value of the histological subtype

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the postoperative radiotherapy in patients with incompletely resected NSCLC, and to investigate whether the histological subtype is a prognostic factor. Forty-one incompletely resected NSCLC patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The microscopic residual tumor (R1 group) was recognized in 23 patients, and the macroscopic residual tumor (R2 group) in 18. The postoperative pathological stages were I (n = 3), II (n = 8), IIIA (n = 17), and IIIB (n = 13). The histology included squamous cell carcinoma (n = 23), adenocarcinoma (n = 14) or other types (n = 4). The first site of disease progression was distant metastases alone for 3 (13%) of 23 with squamous cell carcinoma, and for 9 (64%) of 14 with adenocarcinoma (p < 0.01). The 5-year overall, local control, disease-free, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 56%, 63%, 37% and 49%. Univariate analyses showed that squamous cell carcinoma histology, N0-1 stage and the R1 group were significant predictors for better disease-free and distant metastasis-free survival. Multivariate showed that squamous cell carcinoma and N0-1 stage were significant predictors for better distant metastasis-free survival. Toxicity was generally mild; Grade 3 toxicities occurred in 3 patients (neutropenia, radiation pneumonia and esophageal stenosis), and no acute and late toxicities of Grade 4 to 5 were observed. In conclusion, postoperative radiotherapy for incompletely resected NSCLC could achieve a relatively high local control rate without severe toxicity. However, different treatment strategies for non-squamous cell carcinoma should be considered, because of the higher risk for the distant metastases.     

High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy with computed tomography-based treatment planning for patients with locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma

The aims of this study were to carry out a dose volume analysis of high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy with computed tomography-based treatment planning and to investigate the treatment outcome of patients with locally advanced bulky and/or irregularly shaped uterine cervical carcinoma. Between July 2003 and December 2007, 15 patients were treated with external beam radiation therapy and high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy with or without intracavitary brachytherapy. Seven patients were treated with interstitial brachytherapy alone, and 8 were treated with combined use of intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy. A comparison of the volume and dose parameters with intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy in patients who received both treatments showed that the median D90 of the high-risk clinical target volume per fraction was 4.4 Gy with intracavitary brachytherapy and 5.6 Gy with interstitial brachytherapy, and the median V100 was 66% with intracavitary brachytherapy and 85% with interstitial brachytherapy. The median D2cc of the bladder with intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy per fraction was 5.5 Gy and 4.7 Gy, respectively, and the median D2cc of the rectum with intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy was 5.9 Gy and 4.1 Gy, respectively. The median follow-up time was 37 months, and the overall and progression-free survival rates for all patients at 3 years were 78% and 51%, respectively. The actuarial 2-year and 3-year locoregional control rates were 80% and 71%, respectively. Dose distribution was improved with image-based interstitial brachytherapy, and satisfactory local control was achieved for patients with locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma in which intracavitary brachytherapy may result in a suboptimal dose distribution.     

Preliminary results of magnetic resonance imaging-aided high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for recurrent uterine carcinoma after curative surgery

This report presents initial experience with imaging-aided high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR-ISBT) for post-operative recurrence of uterine carcinoma. Fourteen patients presenting with post-operative recurrence of uterine carcinoma (nine cervix and five corpus) between July 2005 and October 2008 were enrolled in this study (median follow-up: 37 months, range: 6-59 months). We implanted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible plastic applicators using our own ambulatory technique. HDR-ISBT treatment consisted of twice-a-day irradiation of 6 Gy each with at least a six-hour interval to provide the total prescribed dose. Treatment was based on treatment planning-computed tomography with MRI as a reference. Seven patients were treated with a combination of ISBT (median 30 Gy/5 fractions; range: 27-33 Gy) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and the other seven with brachytherapy only (median 54 Gy/9 fractions; range: 48-54 Gy), one of whom had previously received pelvic EBRT. The three-year estimates of local control and overall survival rates were 77.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 55.8-100%) and 77.1% (95% CI: 54.2-100%), respectively. Two patients, who had received combined treatment with EBRT showed untoward reactions, including a grade 3 subileus and grade 2 constipation. Another patient, who had been treated with ISBT alone, developed grade 2 urinary constriction. Our imaging-aided HDR-ISBT for post-operative recurrence of uterine carcinoma was found to be practical with promising preliminary results.     

Analysis of simultaneous modulated accelerated radiotherapy (SMART) for nasopharyngeal carcinomas

The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of simultaneous modulated accelerated radiotherapy (SMART) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A total of 97 patients who underwent SMART for NPC between August 2005 and November 2011 were evaluated. The prescribed dose was 69.9 Gy/30 fractions at 2.33 Gy/fraction to the primary gross tumor volume (PGTV) including the nasopharynx gross target volume and the positive neck lymph nodes, and 60 Gy/30 fraction at 2.0 Gy/fraction to the PCTV1; 54 Gy/30 fractions at 1.8 Gy/fraction was given to the PCTV2. Among 59 patients with local advanced disease, 31 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (chemo-RT) with a regimen consisting of 135 mg/m² paclitaxel on Day 1 and 25 mg/m² cisplatin on Days 1–3. The median follow-up period was 42 months. The local control rate (LCR), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 93.3%, 90.3% and 91.6% at 3 years, and 87.6%, 87.9% and 85.7% at 5 years, respectively. There was no significant difference in outcome with respect to these three indicators for Stage III and IV disease treated with/without concurrent chemoradiotherapy (P > 0.05). Acute toxicities included Grade 3 mucositis, skin desquamation, and leucopenia, which occurred in 78 (80.4%), 8 (8.2%), and 45 (46.4%) patients, respectively. No patient had a Grade 3–4 late toxicity. SMART was associated with a favorable outcome for NPC with acceptable toxicity. The local-regional control was excellent but distant metastasis remains the main risk. The combination of SMART and chemotherapy needs to be optimized through further studies to enhance outcomes for locally advanced diseases.     

A modified Phase I trial of radiation dose escalation in 3D conformal radiation therapy with concurrent vinorelbine and carboplatin chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer

The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group reported a maximum tolerated dose of 74 Gy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, it was unclear whether this dose could be safely administered to Asian patients due to differences in their physique compared to Western patients. We therefore conducted a modified Phase I trial to determine whether 70 Gy could be safely delivered to Chinese patients with NSCLC undergoing 3D-conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) with concurrent chemotherapy. Previously untreated NSCLC patients received 3D-CRT (2 Gy/day, 5 fractions per week). Three dose levels were examined: 62, 66 and 70 Gy. Two cycles of concurrent chemotherapy (vinorelbine and carboplatin) were started on the first day of radiation therapy. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as severe or life-threatening side effects that altered the continued implementation of chemoradiotherapy. Among the 19 patients recruited in this study, most of the haematologic and non-haematologic toxicities were mild to moderate and clinically manageable. Only one patient, in the 70 Gy cohort, experienced a DLT of Grade 3 radiation-induced pneumonia. The overall response rate was 77.8% (14/18). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12 months, and the 1-year PFS was 37.6%. Our results support both the feasibility of incorporating 3D-CRT with concurrent vinorelbine and carboplatin and a dose escalation to 70 Gy for Chinese patients with NSCLC, based on the acceptable toxicity and encouraging overall response and survival rates. A further evaluation of this regimen in a prospective Phase II trial is ongoing.