Status of head and neck brachytherapy in Spain in 2022

Purpose Brachytherapy (BT) has been used for many years for disease control in tumours of the head and neck area (H&N). It is currently performed with high dose rate (HDR) or pulsed dose rate (PDR), but its use has been reduced due to the implementation of new non-invasive external beam radiotherapy techniques such as intensity modulation (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and the improvement of surgical techniques. Methods The Spanish Brachytherapy Group (GEB) has carried out a survey to find out the number of centres in Spain that continue to use BT in H&N and its indications and expectations for the future. Results The results were presented at the XX GEB Consensus Meeting held on October 21, 2022, in Valencia (Spain) and it was confirmed that, although there are fewer and fewer centres that use BT in H&N, there are still units with extensive experience in this technique that should be positioned as referral centres. Conclusion It is necessary to carry out continuous work with other specialities involved, such as H&N surgeons, and other radiation oncologists, to improve the training of residents, both oncologists and medical physicists (AU)

Impacto de la realización de resonancia magnética multiparamétrica (RMmp) antes de la braquiterapia en pacientes con cáncer de próstata / Prior MRI-imaging impact of patients submitted to brachytherapy for prostate cancer

Introducción La braquiterapia es una opción terapéutica bien establecida para el cáncer de próstata. El uso de la resonancia magnética multiparamétrica (RMmp) para la estadificación y el diagnóstico del cáncer de próstata ha supuesto un cambio en el paradigma actual. En este estudio pretendemos evaluar el impacto, en términos de la recurrencia bioquímica y el tiempo hasta el nadir, de la realización de RMmp para evaluar la presencia de lesiones extracapsulares antes de la braquiterapia en pacientes con cáncer de próstata. Métodos Revisar los datos de 73 pacientes sometidos a braquiterapia. Se evaluaron los siguientes factores: edad, PSA inicial, resultados de la estadificación local por RMmp, ISUP, nadir, tiempo hasta el nadir, PSA a un año, recurrencia bioquímica y tiempo hasta la recurrencia. Resultados La mediana de edad fue de 68años (51-72) y la mediana de seguimiento, de 53meses (30-72). En cuanto a la modalidad de imagen para el diagnóstico, el 30,1% (n=22) de los pacientes se sometieron a RMmp. En el grupo de RMmp, el 90,9% (n=20) tenían al menos una lesión sospechosa en la RMmp. El tiempo hasta el nadir fue de 27meses (3-64) en los pacientes en los que no se realizó RMmp y de 23,5meses (2-48) en los pacientes sometidos a RMmp (p=0,244). La mediana del nadir fue de 0,42ng/ml (<0,001-2) en los pacientes sometidos a RMmp, frente a 0,28ng/ml (<0,001-4) en los pacientes sin RMmp (p=0,062) La recurrencia según los criterios Phoenix fue del 9% (n=2) en los pacientes con RMmp y del 9,2% (n=5) en pacientes sin RMmp (p=0,456), con una mediana de seguimiento de 43meses (12-72) para el grupo con RMmp y de 58meses (30-78) para el grupo sin RMmp. Ambos grupos fueron estadísticamente similares. Conclusión Nuestros resultados nos permiten concluir que en nuestra serie la RMmp no influyó en la recurrencia bioquímica, el tiempo hasta el nadir o el valor del nadir (AU)

Introduction Brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is a well-established option. Use of Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI) for staging and diagnosis of prostate cancer has come to change the current paradigm. In this study we aim to assess the impact of performing mpMRI to evaluate the presence of extracapsular lesions before brachytherapy in patients with prostate cancer concerning biochemical recurrence and time to nadir. Methods Review data from 73 patients submitted to brachytherapy. The following factors were evaluated: age, initial PSA, MRI local staging results, ISUP, nadir, time to nadir, PSA at one-year, biochemical recurrence, and time to recurrence. Results Median age was 68years (51-72) and median follow-up 53months (30-72). Concerning imaging modality 30.1% (n=22) patients performed mpMRI. In the mpMRI group, 90.9% (n=20) had at least one suspect lesion on mpMRI. Time to nadir was 27months (3-64) in patients where mpMRI was not performed and 23.5months (2-48) in patients submitted to mpMRI (P=.244). The median value of nadir was 0.42ng/mL (<0.001-2) in patients submitted to mpMRI and vs 0.28ng/mL (<0.001-4) in patients without MRI (P=.062) Recurrence utilizing Phoenix criteria was 9% (n=2) in patients with MRI and 9.2% (n=5) without mpMRI (P=.456), median follow-up of 43months (12-72) for the MRI group with 58months (30-78) for the non-mpMRI group. Both groups were statistically similar. Conclusion Our results allow us to conclude that in our series MRI did not influence biochemical recurrence, time to nadir, or nadir value (AU)

Radiation therapy for vulvar cancer: consensus guidelines of the GINECOR working group of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology. Part 1: clinical recommendations

Purpose The present consensus statement was developed by the GINECOR working group on behalf of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR). Given the lack of prospective data on the management of vulvar carcinoma, this document provides an up-to-date review of radiotherapy treatment in vulvar cancer and a series of consensus-based recommendations from a group of experts. Methods A two-round, online modified Delphi study was conducted to reach consensus treatment recommendations in three clinical settings: 1) adjuvant treatment, 2) locally-advanced vulvar cancer (LAVC), and 3) recurrent disease. After the first round, we comprehensively reviewed the available medical literature from peer-reviewed journals to assess and define the evidence-based treatment options. In the second round, participants were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the preliminary recommendations according to the GRADE (Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria, as follows: strongly agree; agree; neither agree nor disagree; disagree; strongly disagree. Results The main recommendations were as follows: 1) following surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended with the presence of adverse risk factors (primarily positive margins and lymph node involvement); 2) radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy) should be considered in LAVC; and 3) in recurrent disease, radiotherapy should be individualised on a case-by-case basis. A high level of agreement over 80% was reached. Conclusions In the absence of robust clinical data, these final recommendations may help to select the optimal radiotherapy approach for this relatively rare cancer (AU)

Radiation therapy for vulvar cancer: consensus technical guidelines of the GINECOR working group of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology. Part 2: radiotherapy recommendations

Purpose The present consensus statement was developed by the GINECOR working group on behalf of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR). This document provides an up-to-date review of the technical aspects in radiation treatment of vulvar cancer. Methods A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted to reach consensus on the appropriateness of technical aspects of external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Three clinical scenarios were proposed: adjuvant treatment of vulvar cancer, radiation treatment of locally advanced vulvar carcinoma and locoregional recurrences. After the first round, an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journal was performed to define evidence-based treatment options. In the second round, participants were asked to indicate their level of agreement with the preliminary recommendations according to the GRADE (Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) criteria, as follows: strongly agree; agree; neither agree nor disagree; disagree and strongly disagree. Results The main recommendations on external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy, both in adjuvant setting and local advanced disease are summarized. Recommendations include treatment technique, treatment volume, and doses in target and organs at-risk. Taking into consideration the different clinical scenarios of recurrent disease, the radiation treatment should be individualized. Conclusions In the absence of robust clinical data, these recommendations may help to select the optimal radiotherapy approach for this relatively rare cancer (AU)

MRI-Derived Radiomics Model to Predict the Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer Following Seed Brachytherapy

Objective: We aimed to investigate the predictive value of imaging features derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and develop a radiomics model predicting the biochemical recurrence-free survival (BFS) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients treated with seed brachytherapy (seed-BT). Methods: The data of 272 patients with PCa treated with seed-BT at Peking University Third Hospital from 2007 to 2019 was retrospectively investigated. Based on the eligibility criteria, 83 patients were finally included in our study. The cohort was divided into two groups in a ratio of 8:2 (training set: n = 67, test set: n = 16). The Cox survival model combined with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was applied to select the radiomics features from T2WI of pretreatment MRI. A radiomics model with selected features was established to predict the BFS. Results: Nineteen patients experienced biochemical recurrence (BCR) during a median follow-up period of 46 months. Three features with non-zero coefficients were selected from 1598 features and used to construct a radiomics model for BCR prediction. The model accurately predicted the BCR in both the training and test groups, for which the concordance index (C-index) were 0.83 and 0.78, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the test set was conducted to assess the prediction accuracy. The model achieved a high area under the operator curve (AUC) performance for BCR prediction in the test cohort. Conclusions: Our study revealed the considerable potential of a radiomics model based on MRI-derived imaging features in BCR prediction of PCa patients after seed-BT. Radiomics provides a new perspective to clinicians assessing the outcome of radiotherapy, facilitating accurate prognostic evaluation and preoperative consultation for PCa patients followed by seed-BT (AU)

Vaginal dilator use more than 9 months is a main prognostic factor for reducing G2 late vaginal complications in 3D vaginal cuff brachytherapy (interventional radiotherapy) ?

Purpose Analyse the impact of different prognostic factors on G2-late vaginal complications after vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) ± external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in postoperative endometrial cancer (PEC). Methods One hundred and twenty-six PEC patients treated with VBT ± EBRT were retrospectively analysed considering age, body mass index, applicator diameter, clinical target volume (CTV), use of dilators, chemotherapy and EQD2(α/β=3) at the most exposed 2 cm3 of the CTV as prognostic factors for vaginal complications. Late vaginal complications were evaluated using objective LENT-SOMA criteria. Statistics: descriptive analysis, Chi-square, Fisher and Student tests were applied. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed with the Baptista–Pike exact method and multiple logistic regression. Results Mean age was 65 years (SD ± 10), and median follow-up was 66 months (8–104). 19/126 patients (15%) showed G2-late vaginal complications, and 107/126 (85%) G0–G1. Univariate analysis showed: CTV ≤ 9 cm3 (p = 0.036), use of dilators < 9 months (p = 0.015), and total ≥ 68 Gy EQD2 received by 2 cm3 of CTV (p = 0.039) were associated with G2-late vaginal toxicity. Multivariate analysis showed the use of dilators < 9 months as an independent prognostic factor for G2-late vaginal toxicity (p = 0.043, OR 8.59, CI 1.59–159.9). Conclusion The use of dilators < 9 months in VBT ± EBRT for PEC was an independent prognostic factor for G2-late vaginal toxicity. The use of vaginal dilators ≥ 9 months requires further analysis in studies evaluating late vaginal toxicity (AU)

125I brachytherapy: a useful treatment to control painful osteoblastic bone metastases

Backgrounds 125I brachytherapy is effective in relieving cancer pain due to osteolytic bone metastases. However, fewer studies focused on painful osteoblastic bone metastases (OBMs), we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of 125I brachytherapy for the treatment of painful OBMs. Methods From April 2017 to April 2019, clinical data of a total of 65 patients with OBMs who underwent CT/cone beam CT -guided 125I brachytherapy were collected and analyzed. The primary study endpoints were technical success, relief of pain (RoP), and quality of life (QoL). The secondary study endpoints were treatment-related complications, local tumor control (LCR), and overall survival (OS). The logistic regression analysis was performed to predict RoP. Results Technical success rate was 100%. Visual analog scale scores and daily morphine consumption continuously decreased significantly at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks (all P < 0.05). The RoP at 6 weeks was 84.62%. QoL presented improvement at 6 and 10 weeks. Only minor complications occurred in 12 patients (18.46%). LCR was 93.85% at 10 weeks. The OS was 29.80 months. Two factors were significantly associated with the RoP: max diameter (MD, < 3 cm vs. ≥ 3 cm, P = 0.019) and serum levels of bone alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP, ≥ 100 U/L vs. < 100 U/L, P = 0.016). Conclusions 125I brachytherapy is an effective treatment in relieving painful OBMs and improving patients’ QoL (AU)

Recommendations of the Spanish brachytherapy group of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology and the Spanish Society of Medical Physics for interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy for gynaecologic malignancies

The present document includes consensus-based recommendations from the Brachytherapy Group (GEB) of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) and the Spanish Society of Medical Physics (SEFM) for interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) for gynaecologic malignancies. A nine-item survey—which included questions on experience with interstitial BT; indications and technique; applicator type; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based planning; dose; fractionation schedule; and treatment planning—was sent to all radiation oncology departments (n = 174) in Spain in 2021. Responses were received from 36 centres (50% of all centres [n = 72] with a BT unit). The consensus-based recommendations presented here are based on a review of the available literature, professional experience among the group of experts, and in-person discussions held during the annual meeting of these two societies. We describe the results of the survey and the following: indications; contraindications; patient selection; description of applicators; role of imaging in planning; contouring; dose prescription; dosimetric reconstruction; optimisation; and dose indications for cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. The various clinical scenarios in which interstitial BT is used in the treatment of gynaecological tumours are described in detail, including cervix intracavitary/interstitial hybrid HDR-BT; cervix perineal templates/freehand implants; primary vaginal malignancies/vaginal recurrences; and vulvar interstitial implants (AU)

Radioembolización en hepatocarcinoma: a propósito de 53 casos / Radioembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a series of 53 cases

Objetivo Contribuir con la presentación de los resultados de nuestro estudio a ampliar la evidencia científica sobre el empleo de la radioembolización en el manejo de pacientes con hepatocarcinoma. Material y método Se trata de una revisión retrospectiva realizada en nuestro centro que incluye a 53 pacientes con hepatocarcinoma tratados con radioembolización. Los pacientes fueron clasificados según el algoritmo del BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) y de forma pormenorizada por su estado funcional siguiendo la clasificación de Child-Pugh. Se realizó un estudio de supervivencia siguiendo la metodología de Kaplan-Meier. Se empleó el método de regresión de Cox para la determinación de parámetros clínicos significativos, incluyendo dosis administradas en los parámetros estudiados. Resultados La serie evaluada comprende a pacientes con una media de edad de 60 años (rango 28-86). Se llevaron a cabo un total de 61 procedimientos. La actividad media administrada fue de 2,8 GBq (0,7-6,4 GBq), administrando una dosis media en tumor de 229,9 Gy (74-425,9 Gy). El tiempo libre de progresión fue de 6,7 meses desde el momento del tratamiento y la supervivencia global fue de 12,8 meses. La clasificación de los pacientes según BCLC (p=0,848) y Child-Pugh (p=0,252) no resultó significativa respecto al tiempo libre de enfermedad. Los parámetros clínicos que resultaron con diferencias significativas en cuanto a supervivencia global fueron los niveles de bilirrubina (p<0.001) y las cifras de transaminasas (GOT) pretratamiento (p=0.022), la subclasificación Child-Pugh (p=0.003) y la dosis recibida por el tumor (p=0,001). Tan solo uno de los pacientes tratados presentó un efecto adverso grave, con fallo hepático posterapia y resultado de muerte... (AU)

Objective To contribute our results to increase the scientific evidence about the use of radioembolization in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Material and methods This retrospective review included 53 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with radioembolization at our center. Patients were classified according to the BCLC algorithm in detail according to their Child-Pugh functional status. We analyzed survival using the Kaplan-Meier method. We used Cox regression analysis to determine clinically significant parameters, including the doses administered in the parameters studied. Results Patients ranged in age from 28 to 86 years (mean, 60 years). A total of 61 procedures were done. The mean activity administered was 2.8 GBq (0.7-6.4 GBq), with a mean dose of 229.9Gy (74-425.9Gy) administered in the tumor. Progression-free survival was 6.7 months and overall survival was 12.8 months. Differences in disease-free survival according to BCLC and Child-Pugh classification were not significant (p=0.848 and p=0.252, respectively). The clinical parameters that were significantly different with respect to overall survival were bilirubin levels (p<0.001), pretreatment transaminase levels (AST) (p=0.022), Child-Pugh subclassification (p=0.003), and dose administered in the tumor (p=0.001). Only one patient had a severe adverse reaction, developing posttreatment liver failure resulting in death. Conclusions Radioembolization is safe and efficacious in the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver function and the doses received by the tumor are key parameters for the efficacy of treatment. The increase in the scientific evidence supports the inclusion of this technique in treatment guidelines. (AU)

Experiencia inicial del tratamiento braquiterápicoen coadyuvancia a la resección quirúrgica decicatrices queloideas en población pediátrica / Initial experience with brachytherapy treatment adjuvant to surgical resection of keloid scars in the pediatric population

Objetivos: El tratamiento de las cicatrices queloideas se basa enmúltiples líneas terapéuticas, con diferentes niveles de eficacia (1) , sinexistir actualmente un tratamiento que garantice su curación y prevengasu recurrencia. En la población pediátrica los tratamientos empleados noestán estandarizados y no hay evidencia suficiente que avale su eficaciay sus complicaciones. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar lospacientes que han precisado braquiterapia coadyuvante a la resecciónquirúrgica en cicatrices queloideas recidivantes.Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de los pacientesdiagnosticados en nuestro centro de cicatriz queloidea, en los quese realizó braquiterapia coadyuvante, valorando su eficacia y suimplementación en nuestro protocolo de tratamiento de la cicatrizqueloidea. Resultados: Se estudiaron 4 pacientes entre 9-17 años con cicatricesqueloideas a nivel auricular, recidivantes a varias líneas terapéuticas,que fueron candidatos para el uso de braquiterapia coadyuvante, admi-nistrada posterior a la resección quirúrgica, en dos sesiones, se realizóseguimiento hasta 18-21 meses.Conclusiones: A pesar de nuestra limitada experiencia en el usode la braquiterapia coadyuvante, los resultados obtenidos hasta la fechaavalan su eficacia, de acuerdo con lo publicado en la literatura. Conside-ramos adecuada su inclusión en el tratamiento de cicatrices queloideasrecidivantes a otros tratamientos.(AU)

Objectives: The treatment of keloid scars is based on multiple linesof therapy, with varying levels of efficacy (1) , and there is currently nosingle treatment that guarantees cure and prevents recurrence. In thepediatric population, the treatments used are not standardized, and thereis insufficient evidence to support efficacy and complications. The objective of this study was to analyze the patients who required brachytherapyas an adjuvant to surgical resection in recurrent keloid scars.Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with keloids and undergoing adjuvant brachytherapy in ourinstitution was carried out, while assessing efficacy and implementationin our treatment protocol for keloid scarring.Results: After various therapeutic lines, 4 patients aged 9-17 yearsold with recurrent keloid scars around the ear and eligible for adjuvantbrachytherapy – administered after surgical resection, in two sessions– were studied and followed up for up to 18-21 months.Conclusions: Despite our limited experience in the use of adjuvant brachytherapy, the results obtained to date support its efficacy,as reported in the literature. We therefore consider its inclusion in thetreatment of keloid scars that have recurred after other treatments tobe appropriate.(AU)

Incidence of Bladder Cancer in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer

Introduction: Radiotherapeutic treatment of prostate cancer has been validated in terms of efficacy, but its relationship with the occurrence of second pelvic primary malignancy and the relevance of radio-induced toxicity is still under debate. This study analyses the occurrence of second pelvic primary malignancy as well as morbidity secondary to radiotherapy treatment in patients treated for prostate cancer. Material and Methods: Retrospective consecutive descriptive study of 317 patients who received radiotherapy treatment for prostate cancer between 2007 and 2017. Predictor variables, side effects and the appearance of second pelvic primary malignancy during a maximum follow-up of 10 years were collected. We analyse whether there is a significant relationship in the appearance of second pelvic primary malignancy and describe the clinical toxicity presented by the patients. Results: The median age was 62.27 years and the most commonly employed treatment modality was brachytherapy with IMRT (60%). 17 patients (5.4%) developed a second pelvic primary malignancy, with a median time to onset of 58 and 25 months for bladder and colon tumours, respectively. Local recurrence and mortality rates are 8% and 7%, respectively. Statistically significant association is demonstrated for the occurrence of second pelvic primary malignancy and for chronic radioinduced toxicity according to type of radiotherapy χ2 (4) = 16.34; p = 0.003 and χ2 (1) = 6.47; p = 0.011 respectively. Conclusions: In our series, the occurrence of a second pelvic primary malignancy is statistically associated with the modality of radiotherapy administered and occurrence of chronic adverse effects (AU)

Ytrrium-90 transarterial radioembolization in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 (Y90) is a promising alternative strategy to treat liver tumors and liver metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC), as it selectively delivers radioactive isotopes to the tumor via the hepatic artery, sparring surrounding liver tissue. The landscape of TARE indications is constantly evolving. This strategy is considered for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with liver-confined disease and preserved liver function in whom neither TACE nor systemic therapy is possible. In patients with liver metastases from CRC, TARE is advised when other chemotherapeutic options have failed. Recent phase III trials have not succeeded to prove benefit in overall survival; however, it has helped to better understand the patients that may benefit from TARE based on subgroup analysis. New strategies and treatment combinations are being investigated in ongoing clinical trials. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical applications of TARE in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies.

Preliminary results of a vaginal constraint for reducing G2 late vaginal complications after postoperative brachytherapy in endometrial cancer: a prospective analysis

PurposeTo evaluate the preliminary results of the use of 68 Gy EQD2(α/β=3 Gy) as a dose limit to the lowest dose in the most exposed 2 cm3 of the vagina in order to reduce G2 late vaginal problems in postoperative endometrial carcinoma (EC).MethodsFrom November 2016 to October 2019, 69 postoperative EC patients receiving vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) ± external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) were prospectively analyzed. The median EBRT dose was 45 Gy (range: 44–50.4 Gy), 1.8−2 Gy/day, 5 fractions(Fr)/week. VBT was administered with the following schedule: 1Fr of 7 Gy after EBRT and 2 daily Fr × 7.5 Gy in exclusive VBT. The dose was prescribed at 0.5 cm from the applicator surface with an active length of 2.5 cm; 56 patients were treated with vaginal cylinders (49–3.5 cm, 6–3 cm, and 1–2.5 cm) and 13 with the colpostat technique. The overall VBT dose was adjusted to meet the vaginal restriction of < 68 Gy EQD2(α/β=3 Gy) at 2 cm3. Late toxicity was prospectively assessed using RTOG scores for bladder and rectum, and the objective LENT-SOMA criteria for vagina.ResultsWith a median follow-up of 31.0 months, no vaginal-cuff recurrences were found. Late toxicity: only 1G1(1.4%) rectal toxicity; 21G1(30.4%) and 3G2(4.3%) vaginal complications. Only one (1.4%) of 3 G2 manifested as vaginal shortening.ConclusionsIn postoperative EC patients treated with VBT, only one developed G2 vaginal stenosis with the use of 68 Gy EQD2(α/β=3 Gy) as a dose constraint. These preliminary results seem to indicate the value of this dose limit for reducing G2 vaginal stenosis. Nonetheless, these findings should be confirmed in a larger number of patients with longer follow-up.

High-dose-rate plesiotherapy with customized molds in non-melanoma skin cancer: efficacy and safety at 10 years—single institution experience

PurposeOur center adopted high-dose-rate brachytherapy with surface applicators (plesiotherapy) in 2008, creating custom molds to treat irregular areas. This study describes the efficacy and safety outcomes after extensive follow-up in the patients.Methods/patientsWe planned the treatment using two computed tomography (CT) scans: the first to delineate the lesion and the second after placing the thermoplastic mold. Fusing the two CT images enables planning of the target volume and pinpointing, where the catheters are in the mold.ResultsSeventy patients received plesiotherapy, either exclusively or following excision in patients with risk factors for recurrence. Those receiving plesiotherapy alone showed a complete response rate of 95.8%, and recurrences occurred in 5.7% at a mean follow-up of 96.2 months. Chronic toxicity appeared in 26.6% of patients, but severity was limited to grade 1 or 2.ConclusionsHigh-dose-rate brachytherapy with customized molds yields a high rate of complete response, with long-term recurrence rates in line with similar studies and an acceptable toxicity rate.

Exclusive 3D-brachytherapy as a good option for stage-I inoperable endometrial cancer: a retrospective analysis in the gynaecological cancer GEC-ESTRO Working Group

PurposeAnalyse outcomes of stage-I inoperable endometrial cancer (EC) patients from seven European centres treated with 3D-image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) alone.Materials and methodsFrom 2004 to 2018, 62 patients (41 stage-IA and 21 IB) were retrospectively studied, analysing anaesthetic procedure, applicator type, BT-planning imaging, clinical target volume (CTV), BT schedule, overall daily-dose equivalent to 2 Gy (EQD2(α/β=4.5 or 3)) to the CTV(α/β=4.5) and D2 cm3(α/β=3) for organs at risk. Complications were evaluated using CTCAEv4 scores. The 2 and 5 year survival was calculated [cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), loco-regional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS)]. Descriptive analysis and the Kaplan–Meier method were used for survival analysis.ResultsMean follow-up: 32.8 months (SD 33.7). Spinal anaesthesia (38/62) followed by none (16/62) were the most common. Y-shaped Rotte applicators were used in 74% of patients. High-dose rate brachytherapy was administered in 89%. Median D90 to the CTV was 58.9 Gy (8.66–144 Gy). Eight patients presented relapse: four uterine, four nodal and four distant. The 2 and 5 year CSS was 93.3 and 80.5%, DFS 84.8 and 80.5%, LRFS was 93.1 and 88.7%, LRRFS was 91 and 91% and DMFS was 90.2 and 90.2%, respectively, CSS was better in stage-IA vs. IB (p = 0.043). Late vaginal and bladder G3-complication rates were 2.1%, respectively.ConclusionInoperable EC patients can be safely treated by BT with 2 and 5 year CSS of 93 and 80.5%, respectively, with even better results for IA cases. Prospective studies on 3D-IGBT are necessary to better analyse EC patient outcomes based on dose and treated volumes.