Hypofractionated and hyper-hypofractionated radiation therapy in postoperative breast cancer treatment

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy is widely used as adjuvant treatment in breast cancer patients. In the last decades, several studies have been designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hypofractionated breast radiation therapy. More recently, even shorter regimens with doses above 4 Gy (hyper-hypofractionation) have also been proposed. This study aims to present a narrative review of the various hypofractionation protocols used to treat breast cancer patients with a focus on clinical application. RESULTS: Long-term results from several phase III randomized controlled trials demonstrated the safety and efficacy of hypofractionated breast radiation therapy using 15 or 16 fractions for early and locally advanced disease. The results of the initial clinical trials of hyper-hypofractionation are also encouraging and it is believed that these regimens may become routine in the indication of adjuvant radiation therapy treatment after the ongoing studies on this subject have matured. CONCLUSIONS: The idea that normal tissues could present high toxicity at doses above 2 Gy was opposed by clinical trials that demonstrated that moderate hypofractionation had similar results regarding oncological and cosmetic outcomes compared to conventional fractionation. Cosmetic and toxicity results from hyper-fractionation studies are in principle favorable. However, the long-term oncological results of studies that used hyper-hypofractionation for the treatment of breast cancer patients are still awaited.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO: A radioterapia é amplamente utilizada como tratamento adjuvante nas pacientes com câncer de mama. Nas últimas décadas, diversos estudos foram desenhados para avaliar a segurança e a eficácia da radioterapia hipofracionada moderada de mama. Mais recentemente, esquemas ainda mais curtos, com doses acima de 4 Gy (hiper-hipofracionamento), foram também propostos. Este estudo tem o objetivo de apresentar uma revisão narrativa dos diversos protocolos de hipofracionamento utilizados no tratamento do câncer de mama com o foco na aplicação clínica. RESULTADOS: Os resultados de longo prazo de diversos ensaios clínicos randomizados fase III demonstraram a segurança e a eficácia da radioterapia hipofracionada moderada utilizando 15 ou 16 frações para doença inicial e localmente avançada. Os resultados dos ensaios clínicos iniciais de hiper-hipofracionamento são também animadores e acredita-se que esses esquemas poderão se tornar rotina na indicação do tratamento adjuvante com radioterapia após a maturação dos estudos em andamento sobre esse tema. CONCLUSÕES: A ideia de que os tecidos normais poderiam apresentar toxicidade elevada com doses acima de 2 Gy foi pioneiramente contraposta por ensaios clínicos que comprovaram que o hipofracionado moderado apresentava resultados semelhantes em relação aos desfechos oncológicos e cosméticos quando comparados ao fracionamento convencional. Os resultados cosméticos e de toxicidade dos estudos de hiper-hipofracionamento são, em princípio, favoráveis. Todavia, ainda se aguardam os resultados oncológicos de longo prazo dos estudos que aplicaram o hiper-hipofracionamento para o tratamento das pacientes com câncer de mama.

Lattice radiation therapy - its concept and impact in the immunomodulation cancer treatment era

SUMMARY Voluminous tumors represent a challenge in radiation oncology, particularly when surgical resection is not possible. Lattice radiotherapy (LTR) is a technique that may provide equivalent or superior clinical response in the management of large tumors while limiting toxicity to adjacent normal tissues. LRT can precisely deliver inhomogeneous high doses of radiation to different areas within the gross tumor volumes (GTV). The dosimetric characteristic of LTR is defined by the ratio of the valley dose (lower doses - cold spots) and the peak doses, also called vertex (higher doses - hot spots), or the valley-to-peak dose ratio. The valley-to-peak ratio thereby quantifies the degree of spatial fractionation. LRT delivers high doses of radiation without exceeding the tolerance of adjacent critical structures. Radiobiological experiments support the role of radiation-induced bystander effects, vascular alterations, and immunologic interactions in areas subject to low dose radiation. The technological advancements continue to expand in Radiation Oncology, bringing new safety opportunities of treatment for bulky lesions.

RESUMO Tumores volumosos representam um desafio para a radio-oncologia, em especial quando a ressecção cirúrgica não é possível. A radioterapia com técnica Latisse (LTR) pode gerar resposta clínica equivalente ou superior ao tratamento convencional de grandes tumores, limitando a toxicidade nos tecidos normais adjacentes. A LRT pode fornecer com precisão altas doses não homogêneas de radiação em diferentes áreas do volume tumoral (GTV). A característica dosimétrica da LTR é definida pela razão entre a dose na região do vale (doses mais baixas - pontos frios) e as doses de pico, também chamadas de vértice (doses mais altas - pontos quentes) ou a razão da dose vale/pico. Dessa forma, a razão vale/pico quantifica o grau de fracionamento espacial da entrega de dose. A LRT entrega, dessa forma, altas doses de radiação sem exceder a tolerância de estruturas críticas adjacentes. Experimentos radiobiológicos suportam o chamado "efeito espectador" induzido por radiação, o qual promove alterações vasculares e interações imunológicas, levando à resposta tumoral mesmo em áreas expostas a baixas doses de radiação. Os avanços tecnológicos continuam a se expandir na radio-oncologia, trazendo, por meio da LTR, uma nova oportunidade segura de tratamento para lesões volumosas.

Sarcoma de Kaposi: variedades clínicas y resultados del tratamiento local con radioterapia / Local radiation treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma: clinical varieties and treatment outcomes

Background: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare tumor that affects mainly immunodeficient and elderly patients. Aim: To describe the features and outcomes of a cohort of patients with different types of KS treated locally with radiotherapy (RT). Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of patients with KS referred to our radiation oncology center for local treatment of symptomatic lesions that did not respond to high activity anti-retroviral therapy or chemotherapy. Results: Between January 1995 and December 2016, 20 patients with a median age of 40 years (18 males) with KS were assessed and treated with RT due to symptomatic lesions. The most common KS type was epidemic in 15 patients, followed by the classic type in three and the iatrogenic variety in two. In patients with non-epidemic varieties, SK was exclusively cutaneous, while visceral involvement was present in 46% of patients with epidemic SK. Complete response was observed in 95% of cases. Skin toxicity caused by RT was mild in all cases. Conclusions: RT may be considered as a reasonable local treatment choice in classic, iatrogenic and epidemic varieties of KS.

¿Dosis menores de Radioterapia generan mayor riesgo de Fístulas Vaginales en pacientes con Cáncer de Cuello Uterino? / Do lower doses of Radiotherapy generate higher risk of Vaginal Fistulas in patients with Cervical Cancer?

Introducción: El tratamiento del cáncer de cuello uterino con radiaciones ionizantes y quimioterapia radiosensibilizadora puede tener como complicación la generación de fístulas vaginales. El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer la prevalencia de fístulas vaginales en un grupo de pacientes que recibieron radioterapia convencional versus radioterapia 3D. Métodos: El presente estudio retrospectivo fue realizado en el Hospital de Solón Espinosa Ayala, SOLCA- Quito. Se registraron las pacientes que recibieron radioterapia externa ya sea en modalidad 2D o 3D más braquiterapia o refuerzo externo de dosis, con quimioterapia concurrente o sin esta última en el período de estudio Enero 2008 a Diciembre 2012. Para el análisis se compararon los tipos de radioterapia y se reporta Odds Ratio. Resultados: Se registraron 315 casos en el grupo de Radioterapia Convencional 2D (R2D) y 299 casos en el grupo de radioterapia Conformacional 3D (R3D). La prevalencia de fístulas en el grupo R2D fue de 10 casos (1.62 %) y en el grupo R3D fue de 8 casos (1.31 %), Odds ratio de 1.19 (IC95 % 0.46 a 3.06) P =0.71. De los 18 casos de fístulas, 9 casos (50 %) fueron con refuerzo externo, 6 casos (33 %) por braquiterapia y 3 casos (17 %) sin refuerzo. El refuerzo externo vs braquiterapia mostro un OR=4.77 IC 95 % (1.66 ­ 13.65) P =0.04. La dosis de radioterapia usada en el tratamiento de Braquiterapia fue de 87.5 ±2.5 Gy vs Refuerzo 68 ±2.5 Gy P <0.001. Conclusión: No existe diferencia entre la prevalencia en los grupos de Radioterapia convencional versus Radioterapia 3D. La radioterapia de refuerzo es un factor de riesgo para fístulas vaginales comparado con la braquiterapia, aun cuando la dosis de radioterapia fue menor en este grupo.

Introduction: The treatment of cervical cancer with ionizing radiation and radiosensitizing chemotherapy can have as a complication the generation of vaginal fistulas. The aim of the present study was to establish the prevalence of vaginal fistulas in a group of patients who received conventional radiotherapy versus 3D radiotherapy. Methods: The present retrospective study was carried out at the Solón Espinosa Ayala Hospital, SOLCA-Quito. The patients who received external radiotherapy either in 2D or 3D modality plus brachytherapy or external dose reinforcement, with concurrent chemotherapy or without the latter in the study period January 2008 to December 2012, were registered. For the analysis, radiotherapy types were compared and Odds Ratio is reported. Results: 315 cases were registered in the 2D Conventional Radiotherapy group (R2D) and 299 cases in the Conformacional 3D radiotherapy group (R3D). The prevalence of fistulas in the R2D group was 10 cases (1.62 %) and in the R3D group it was 8 cases (1.31%), Odds ratio 1.19 (95 % CI 0.46 to 3.06) P = 0.71. Of the 18 cases of fistulas, 9 cases (50 %) were externally reinforced, 6 cases (33 %) by brachytherapy and 3 cases (17%) without reinforcement. The external reinforcement vs. brachytherapy showed an OR = 4.77 IC 95 % (1.66 - 13.65) P = 0.04. The dose of radiotherapy used in the Brachytherapy treatment was 87.5 ± 2.5 Gy vs Reinforcement 68 ± 2.5 Gy, P <0.001. Conclusion: There is no difference between the prevalence in the groups of conventional radiotherapy versus 3D radiotherapy. Booster radiotherapy is a risk factor for vaginal fistulas compared to brachytherapy, even when the dose of radiotherapy was lower in this group.

Simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and ezetimibe from combined pharmaceutical products by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography

Abstract A rapid and sensitive micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography method with UV photodiode-array detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and ezetimibe in fixed dose drug combination. Experimental conditions such as buffer concentration and pH, surfactant concentration, system temperature, applied voltage, injection parameters were optimized in order to improve the efficiency of the separation. The best results were obtained when using fused silica capillary (48 cm length X 50 µm ID) and 25 mM borate buffer electrolyte at pH 9.3 containing 25 mM SDS, + 30 kV applied voltage, 20 ºC system temperature. The separation was achieved in approximately 2 minutes, with a resolution of 7.02, the order of migration being atorvastatin followed by ezetimibe. The analytical performance of the method was verified with regard to linearity, precision, robustness and the limit of detection and quantification were calculated.

Tratamiento no quirúrgico en cáncer epidermoide de orofaringe avanzado: análisis de resultados oncológicos en función del subsitio tumoral y fraccionamiento de radioterapia / Nonsurgical treatment in advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer

Objetivo: Reportar resultados de nuestro protocolo de radioquimioterapia concomitante exclusiva en el cáncer de orofaringe avanzado. Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó 87 pacientes. Se realizó radioterapia concomitante con cisplatino semanal. Se aceptó la realización de fraccionamiento convencional (FC), hiperfraccionamiento (Hfx) o fraccionamiento acelerado tipo boost concomitante (FABC). Se revisó la sobrevida global (SG), sobrevida libre de enfermedad (SLE), sobrevida libre de recidiva local (SLRL) y regional (SLRR) según subsitio y fraccionamiento. Resultados: Ingresaron 87 pacientes. Mediana de seguimiento: 120 meses. El 53, 30 y 17% recibieron FC, FABC y Hfx respectivamente. La SG a 2, 5 y 10 años fue de un 73, 61 y 43% respectivamente. La SG a 5 años según subsitio anatómico fue: amígdala 74%, paladar blando 33%, base de lengua 33%, y pared faríngea posterior 33%. Al comparar la SG de amígdala versus otros subsitios se alcanza una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0,001). La mediana de SG para amígdala no fue alcanzada, mientras que en otros subsitios fue de 22 meses. La SLE fue diferente en los distintos subsitios, superior en amígdala y diferente entre los distintos fraccionamientos, a favor de Hfx, alcanzando diferencias significativas. Las mismas tendencias se demostraron en SLRL y SLRR. Observamos un 23% de segundos primarios, siendo el pulmón el sitio más frecuente. Conclusión: La radioterapia concomitante con cisplatino semanal es un tratamiento adecuado para el cáncer de orofaringe. Ofrece excelentes resultados en cáncer de amígdala, especialmente con fraccionamiento modificado. Para los otros subsitios nos parece recomendable explorar nuevas estrategias de tratamiento.

Objective: To report results of our concomitant radiochemotherapy protocol for advanced oropharyngeal cancer. Materials and methods: Retrospective study. Concomitant radiochemotherapy was performed with weekly cisplatin. Conventional fractionation (CF), hyperfractionation (Hfx) or accelerated fractionation with concomitant boost (FABC) were accepted. Overall survival (OS), Disease-free survival (RFS), Local relapse-free survival (LRFS) and Regional relapse-free survival (RRFS) were calculated, according subsite and radiotherapy fractionation. Results: We found 87 patients. Median follow-up: 120 months. 53%, 30% and 17% received FC, FABC, Hfx respectively. OS at 2, 5 and 10 years was 73%, 61% and 43% respectively. The 5-year OS was, by anatomic subsite: Tonsillar 74%, 33% soft palate, base of tongue 33%, and 33% for posterior pharyngeal wall. By comparing the OS in tonsil versus other subsites we found statistically significant difference in favor of tonsillar cancer (P < .001). Median OS for tonsillar cancer was not achieved, while in other subsites was 22 months. DFS was different in different subsites, better for amygdala and different among different fractionations, better for Hfx, reaching significant differences. The same trends were demonstrated in LRFS and RRFS. We observed a 23% of second cancers, being lung the most common site. Conclusion: Concomitant radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin is an appropriate treatment for oropharyngeal cancer. It provides excellent outcomes in tonsillar cancer, especially with modified fractionation and Hfx type. For other subsites it seems advisable to explore a new treatment approach.

Lower energy and pulse stacking. A safer alternative for skin tightening using fractional CO2 laser

PURPOSE : To evaluate the effect of different energies and stacking in skin shrinkage. METHODS : Three decreasing settings of a fractional CO2 laser were applied to the abdomen of Twenty five Wistar rats divided into three groups. Group I (n=5) was histologically evaluated for microthermal zones dimensions. Groups II and III (n=10 each) were macroscopic evaluated with freeware ImageJ for area contraction immediately and after 30 and 60 days. RESULTS : No statistical significance was found within microthermal zone histological dimensions (Group I) in all settings studied. (Ablation depth: 76.90 to 97.18µm; Coagulation depth: 186.01 to 219.84 µm). In Group II, macroscopic evaluation showed that all settings cause significant immediate skin contraction. The highest setting cause significant more intense tightening effect initially, contracting skin area from 258.65 to 179.09 mm2. The same pattern was observed in Group III. At 30 and 60 days, the lowest setting significantly sustained contraction. CONCLUSION : Lower fractional CO2 laser energies associated to pulse stacking could cause consistent and long lasting tissue contraction in rats.

Parameters of the center of pressure displacement on the saddle during hippotherapy on different surfaces

Background: Hippotherapy uses horseback riding movements for therapeutic purposes. In addition to the horse's movement, the choice of equipment and types of floor are also useful in the intervention. The quantification of dynamic parameters that define the interaction of the surface of contact between horse and rider provides insight into how the type of floor surface variations act upon the subject's postural control. Objective: To test whether different types of surfaces promote changes in the amplitude (ACOP) and velocity (VCOP) of the center of pressure (COP) displacement during the rider's contact with the saddle on the horse's back. Method: Twenty two healthy adult male subjects with experience in riding were evaluated. The penetration resistances of asphalt, sand and grass surfaces were measured. The COP data were collected on the three surfaces using a pressure measurement mat. Results: ACOP values were higher in sand, followed by grass and asphalt, with significant differences between sand and asphalt (anteroposterior, p=0.042; mediolateral, p=0.019). The ACOP and VCOP values were higher in the anteroposterior than in the mediolateral direction on all surfaces (ACOP, p=0.001; VCOP, p=0.006). The VCOP did not differ between the surfaces. Conclusion: Postural control, measured by the COP displacement, undergoes variations in its amplitude as a result of the type of floor surface. Therefore, these results reinforce the importance of the choice of floor surface when defining the strategy to be used during hippotherapy intervention. .

Dosimetric Coverage of the Prostate, Normal Tissue Sparing, and Acute Toxicity with High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Large Prostate Volumes

To evaluate dosimetric coverage of the prostate, normal tissue sparing, and acute toxicity with HDR brachytherapy for large prostate volumes.

Frequent users of emergency services: associated factors and reasons for seeking care / Usuários frequentes de serviço de emergência: fatores associados e motivos de busca por atendimento / Usuarios frecuentes de servicios de emergencia: factores asociados y motivos de la búsqueda de atención

Aim: to identify the profile of frequent users of emergency services, to verify the associated factors and to analyze the reasons for the frequent use of the services. METHOD: An explanatory sequential type mixed method was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from the electronic medical records, with a sample of 385 users attended four or more times in an emergency service, during the year 2011. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 users, intentionally selected from the results of the quantitative stage. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative data using thematic analysis. RESULTS: It was found that 42.9% were elderly, 84.9% had chronic diseases, 63.5% were classified as urgent, 42.1% stayed for more than 24 hours in the service and 46.5% were discharged. Scheduled follow-up appointment, risk classification, length of stay and outcome were factors associated with frequent use. The reasons for seeking the services were mainly related to the exacerbation of chronic diseases, to easier access and concentration of technology, to the bond, and to the scheduled appointments. CONCLUSIONS: The results contribute to comprehending the repeated use of emergency services and provide additional data to plan alternatives to reduce frequent use. .

OBJETIVO: identificar o perfil de usuários frequentes de serviço de emergência, verificar fatores associados e analisar os motivos para utilização frequente do serviço. MÉTODO: adotou-se método misto, do tipo sequencial explanatório. Os dados quantitativos foram coletados em registros de prontuários eletrônicos, com amostra de 385 usuários, atendidos quatro vezes ou mais em um serviço de emergência, durante o ano de 2011. Os dados qualitativos foram obtidos por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, com 18 usuários, selecionados intencionalmente a partir dos resultados da etapa quantitativa. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados com estatística descritiva e inferencial e os qualitativos com análise temática. RESULTADOS: identificou-se que 42,9% eram idosos, 84,9% tinham doenças crônicas, 63,5% foram classificados como urgentes, 42,1% permaneceram mais de 24 horas no serviço e 46,5% tiveram alta. Os fatores associados à utilização frequente são retorno agendado, classificação de risco, tempo de permanência e desfecho. Os motivos da busca pelo serviço são relacionados, principalmente, à agudização de doenças crônicas, maior facilidade de acesso, concentração de tecnologia, vínculo e retornos agendados. CONCLUSÕES: os resultados contribuem para compreensão do uso repetido de serviços de emergência e oferecem subsídios para planejamento de alternativas para redução da utilização frequente. .

OBJETIVO: identificar el perfil de usuarios frecuentes de servicios de emergencia, verificar los factores asociados y analizar los motivos para utilización frecuente de ese servicio. MÉTODO: se adoptó un método mixto del tipo secuencial explicativo. Los datos cuantitativos fueron recolectados en registros de fichas electrónicas, con muestra de 385 usuarios atendidos cuatro veces o más, en un servicio de emergencia, durante el año de 2011. Los datos cualitativos fueron obtenidos por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 18 usuarios, seleccionados intencionalmente a partir de los resultados de la etapa cuantitativa. Los datos cuantitativos fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva e inferencial y los cualitativos con análisis temático. RESULTADOS: se identificó que 42,9% eran ancianos, 84,9% tenían enfermedades crónicas, 63,5% fueron clasificados como urgentes, 42,1% permanecieron más de 24 horas en el servicio y 46,5% tuvieron alta para el domicilio. El retorno programado, la clasificación de riesgo, el tiempo de permanencia y el resultado, son factores asociados a la utilización frecuente. Los motivos de la búsqueda por el servicio son relacionados, principalmente a: la agudización de enfermedades crónicas, la mayor facilidad de acceso y concentración de tecnología, los vínculos, y a los retornos programados. CONCLUSIONES: los resultados contribuyen para la comprensión del uso repetido de servicios de emergencia y ofrecen informaciones para planificar alternativas para reducción de la utilización frecuente. .

Fractional Erbium laser in the treatment of photoaging: randomized comparative, clinical and histopathological study of ablative (2940nm) vs. non-ablative (1540nm) methods after 3 months

BACKGROUND: Fractional non-ablative lasers keep the epidermis intact, while fractional ablative lasers remove it, making them theoretically more effective. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical and histological alterations induced by fractional photothermolysis for treating photoaging, comparing the possible equivalence of multiple sessions of 1540nm Erbium, to one session of 2940nm Erbium. METHODS: Eighteen patients (mean age 55.9) completed the treatment with three sessions of 1540nm fractional Erbium laser on one side of the face (50 mJ/mB, 15ms, 2 passes), and one session of 2940nm on the other side (5mJ/mB, 0.25ms, 2 passes). Biopsies were performed before and 3 months after treatment. Clinical, histological and morphometric evaluations were carried out. RESULTS: All patients presented clinical improvement with no statistically significant difference (p> 0.05) between the treated sides. Histopathology revealed a new organization of collagen and elastic fibers, accompanied by edema, which was more evident with the 2940nm laser. This finding was confirmed by morphometry, which showed a decrease in collagen density for both treatments, with a statistical significance for the 2940nm laser (p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Three 1540nm sessions were clinically equivalent to one 2940nm session. The edema probably contributed to the positive results after three months, togheter with the new collagen and elastic fibers organization. The greater edema after the 2940nm session indicates that dermal remodeling takes longer than with 1540nm. It is possible that this histological superiority relates to a more prolonged effect, but a cohort longer than three months is needed to confirm that supposition. .

Radiocirurgia e radioterapia estereotática no tratamento de meningeomas sintomáticos do seio cavernoso / Radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of symptomatic cavernous sinus meningiomas

Introdução: Radiocirurgia estereotática (RCE) e radioterapia estereotática fracionada (RCEF) são inovações modernas de procedimentos radioterápicos, de alta precisão que modelam o feixe de radiação para coincidir com o contorno da lesão, por meio de um sistema de imobilização exata do paciente ao aparelho, com definição do alvo através da fusão de imagens de RM, TC, Angiografia e PET/CT; em que pelas coordenadas de referência estereotática, determina-se que a dose de radiação de alta energia prescrita pelo médico seja depositada somente no volume-alvo, com preservação dos tecidos sadios, órgãos ou estruturas localizadas em suas adjacências. Meningeomas do seio cavernoso (MSCs) representam um problema especial porque podem evoluir comprimindo ou infiltrando estruturas neurovasculares presentes no seio cavernoso. Há evidências de que a RCE e a RCEF proporcionam controle satisfatório do crescimento dos meningeomas do seio cavernoso (MSCs) com efeitos adversos reduzidos. Objetivo: Avaliar resultados da avaliação clínica e da neuroimagem de doentes sintomáticos com MSCs tratados com RCEF ou RCE exclusivamente ou de modo adjuvante à neurocirurgia. Casuística e métodos: Estudo tipo coorte e retrospectivo sobre a avaliação de 89 doentes com MSC sintomático tratados com RCE (36%) ou RCEF (64%) entre janeiro de 1994 e março de 2009 e acompanhados até o final de 2012. Haviam sido submetidos à ressecação neurocirúrgica parcial (Simpson IV) ou à biopsia (Simpson V) previamente à radioterapia 29,2% dos doentes. A dose média de RCE foi de 14Gy, e a dose total de RCEF variou entre 50,4 e 54Gy, sendo fracionada em 1,8-2Gy/dose/dia. Resultados: O período de acompanhamento variou entre 36 e 180 meses (mediana de 73 meses). A percentagem de melhora dos sintomas neuroclínicos individuais e de melhora clínica e radiológica (p > 0,05) apresentou valores semelhantes nos doentes tratados com RCE ou RCEF, sendo respectivamente de 41,6% e 48,3%. Em 37% dos doentes, houve...

Introduction: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRS) are modern innovations in radiotherapy procedures, precision shaping the radiation beam to match the contour of the lesion, through a system of accurate patient immobilization to the device, defining target through the fusion of MRI, CT, angiography and PET / CT, which is determined by reference to stereotactic coordinates. The radiation dose of high energy prescribed by the doctor to be delivery only in the target interest, with preservation of healthy tissues, organs or structures located in their vicinity. Cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSMs) pose a special problem because they can evolve compressing or infiltrating the neurovascular structures present of the cavernous sinus. There are evidences that SRS and FRS are efficient in the treatment of CSMs. Objectives: The evaluation of the long-term clinical results and neuroimaging findings in patients with symptomatic CSM treated with FSRT or SRS as single therapy or after a previous neurosurgical treatment. Patients and methods: Retrospective cohort study involving 89 patients with symptomatic CSMs treated with SRS (36%) or FSRS (64%) from January 1994 to March 2009, and followed until the end of 2012. Previous neurosurgical partial resection (Simpson IV) or biopsies (Simpson V) had been performed in 29.2% of the patients. The median dose of SRS was 14Gy and the total dose of FSRT ranged from 50.4 to 54Gy, fractionated in 1.8 to 2Gy/dose/day. Results: The follow-up period ranged from 36 to 180 months (median= 73months). There was improvement in the individual symptoms and in the clinical and radiological findings regardless the radiotherapeutic method in 41.6% and 48.3% of the patients treated with SRS or FSRT, respectively (p > 0,05). In 37% of the patients, at least one neurological complaint present before the treatment did not change and in 43.8% patients, the image of the tumor remained stable....

Toxicidad cutánea a corto plazo de pacientes con cáncer de mama tratados con radioterapia hipofraccionada / Short-term dermal toxicity of breast cancer patients treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy

Antecedentes: reportar la factibilidad y resultados de toxicidad cutánea en una cohorte de pacientes portadores de cáncer de mama, tratados con un esquema de hipofraccionamiento de radioterapia externa, con un manejo multidisciplinario. Métodos: utilizando un software SPSS v18, se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de 299 pacientes (6H y 293 M), tratados entre marzo de 2009 y diciembre de 2011, en el Instituto Oncológico del Sureste, Murcia, España. La mediana de edad fue de 54 años (rango, 31-89); 145 (48,49 por ciento) pacientes con cáncer de mama derecha y 154 (51,50 por ciento) de mama izquierda. Con base en la 7ma ed AJCC, la etapificación patológica fue: 118 (39,5 por ciento) pacientes T1, 114 (38,1 por ciento) T2, 43 (14,1 por ciento) T3, 11 (3,8 por ciento) T4, 5 (1,7 por ciento) Tis, 4 (1,3 por ciento) Tx; 137 pacientes (45,8 por ciento) eran N0, 94 (31,5 por ciento) N1, 45 (15 por ciento) N2, 20 (6,70 por ciento) N3 y 3 (1,00 por ciento) Nx. Todos los pacientes se sometieron a RTE con técnicas 3D conformada con esquema hipofraccionado de 2,67 Gy/día, en fracciones para una dosis total de Gy. Se realizó irradiación electiva a la región supraclavicular en 169 pacientes, con igual fraccionamiento. El 100 por ciento de la muestra se sometió a cirugía, el 84,3 por ciento recibió quimioterapia (66,21 por ciento postoperatoria y 18,1 por ciento neoadyuvante). Resultados: sesenta y siete pacientes (23,1 por ciento) presentaron toxicidad cutánea grado 2 al finalizar el tratamiento. No se reportó toxicidad cutánea aguda severa. Conclusión: el esquema de hipofraccionamiento empleado en cáncer de mama es factible y no ha demostrado incremento en la toxicidad aguda severa a nivel de piel...

Effects of preoperative irradiation using fractioned electron beam on the healing process of colocolonic anastomosis in rats undergoing early and late surgical intervention

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of preoperative fractioned irradiation using an electron beam on the healing process of colocolonic anastomoses in rats that underwent early and late surgical intervention. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats, distributed as follows: group A (surgery only), group B (fractionated irradiation for 30 days (if), surgery seven days after the end of it), group C (if for 30 days, and surgery after 30 days of termination). On the seventh postoperative day the anastomotic segment analysis was taken, using tension tests, histology and collagen deposition evaluation by computerized analysis. RESULTS: Regarding the tension resistance of the anastomosis, there were no statistical differences (p=0.42). However, a significant increase in cells number in the inflammatory infiltrate in the group with a longer interval between surgery and pre op radiation (p<0.05). The collagen concentration had no significant variance. CONCLUSION: The irradiation in divided doses increased local inflammatory cellularity when the surgery was performed later. This result did not affect the increase of complications, nor on the local concentration of collagen, achieving similar clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Symptoms Palliation in a Hypofractionated Weekly Schedule of External Radiotherapy for Elderly Patients with Muscular Invasive Bladder Cancer

Aim To evaluate acute toxicity and symptoms palliation of a weekly hypofractionated 3DCRT schedule as radical treatment in elderly patients with organ confined bladder cancer cT1-2N0. Materials and Methods Between February 2005 and June 2011, 58 prospectively selected patients diagnosed with organ confined bladder cancer were treated with external 3DCRT (4-field arrangement). All candidates were medically inoperable, with poor performance status, and with age ranged from 75 to 88 years (median 78). A dose of 36 Gy in 6 weekly fractions was prescribed. The primary study endpoints were the evaluation of haematuria, dysuria, frequency and pain palliation as well as the acute toxicity according to the RTOG/EORTC scale: an assessment was performed at baseline, during and 3 months after radiotherapy, while the maximum reported score was taken into account. Results The gastrointestinal acute toxicities were 13/58 (22.4%) and 5/58 (5.6%), for grade I and II respectively. The genitourinary acute toxicities were 19/58 (32.7%) and 10/58 (17.2%), for grade I and II respectively. In terms of clinical outcome, 55/58 patients (94.8%) reported palliation of haematuria, while 19 out of 58 reported no change in frequency and dysuria. All patients reported significant improvement (P < 0.01) for pain, concerning the visual analogue score before and after radiotherapy. The median progression free survival was 14 months. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of patient-reported acute toxicity following weekly hypofractionated external 3DCRT is low while the symptom palliation compares very favorably with other reported outcomes. .

Tratamento hipofracionado de radioterapia em felinos portadores de carcinoma epidermóide facial / Hypofractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of feline facial squamous cell carcinoma

Avaliou-se a eficácia do protocolo radioterápico hipofracionado no tratamento de felinos portadores de carcinoma epidermóide facial. Um protocolo hipofracionado de radioterapia foi aplicado em cinco gatos portadores de um ou mais carcinomas epidermóides faciais, em um total de 10 lesões neoplásicas, confirmadas por meio de análise histológica. Duas lesões foram classificadas como T1, quatro como T2, duas como T3 e duas como T4. Os animais foram submetidos a quatro frações radioterápicas de 7,6 a 10gy, com intervalo de uma semana entre elas, utilizando-se um acelerador linear com feixe de elétrons. O acompanhamento dos animais foi realizado semanalmente durante o tratamento e aos 30 e 60 dias após o término da radioterapia. Neste estudo, 40 por cento das lesões resultaram em remissão completa, 40 por cento em remissão parcial e 20 por cento não apresentaram resposta ao tratamento. A taxa de resposta encontrada nessa pesquisa foi baixa, porém o protocolo de hipofracionamento radioterápico foi seguro para gatos com carcinoma epidermóide facial e resultou em efeitos colaterais leves/moderados.

The efficacy of hypofractionated radiation protocol for feline facial squamous cell carcinoma was evaluated. Hypofractionated radiation therapy was applied to five cats showing single or multiple facial squamous cell carcinomas, in a total of ten histologically confirmed neoplastic lesions. Of the lesions, two were staged as T1, four as T2, two as T3, and two as T4. The animals were submitted to four radiation fractions from 7.6 to 10 grays each, with one week intervals. The equipment was a linear accelerator with electrons beam. The cats were evaluated weekly during the treatment and 30 and 60 days after the end of the radiation therapy. In this study, 40 percent of the lesions had complete remission, 40 percent partial remission, and 20 percent did not respond to the treatment. Response rates were lower as compared to other protocols previously used. However, hypofractionated radiation protocol was considered safe for feline facial squamous cell carcinoma.

Effect of ionizing radiation on rat parotid gland

A common side effect of radiotherapy used in the treatment of oral cancer is the occurrence of structural and physiological alterations of the salivary glands due to exposure to ionizing radiation, as demonstrated by conditions such as decreased salivary flow. The present study evaluated ultrastructural alterations in the parotid glands of rats receiving a fractionated dose (1,500-cGy) of radiation emitted by a Cesium-137 source and rats that were not subjected to ionizing radiation. After sacrifice, the parotid glands were removed and examined by transmission electron microscopy. Damage such as cytoplasmic vacuolization, dilatation of the endoplasmic reticulum and destruction of mitochondria, as well as damage to the cellular membrane of acinar cells, were observed. These findings lead to the conclusion that ionizing radiation promotes alterations in the glandular parenchyma, and that these alterations are directly related to the dose level of absorbed radiation. Certain phenomena that appear in the cytoplasm and nuclear material indicate that ionizing radiation causes acinar cell death (apoptosis).

Um efeito colateral comum da radioterapia usada no tratamento de câncer na cavidade oral é a ocorrência de alterações estruturais e fisiológicas sobre as glândulas salivares por exposição à radiação ionizante, como demonstrada em situações com decréscimo do fluxo salivar. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar as alterações ultra-estruturais de glândulas parótidas de ratos que receberam uma dose fracionada (1500 - cGy) de radiação emitida por uma fonte de Césio 137 e ratos que não receberam a radiação ionizante. Após o sacrifício, as glândulas parótidas foram removidas e examinadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Lesões das organelas citoplasmáticas, como dilatação do retículo endoplasmático, destruição das mitocôndrias e formação das vacuolizações citoplasmáticas, além de lesão da membrana celular das células acinares foram observadas. Portanto, a radiação ionizante promove alterações no parênquima glandular, o que está diretamente relacionado com a dose de radiação absorvida. Determinados fenômenos que surgem no citoplasma e material nuclear são indicadores de que a radiação ionizante leva a célula acinar a morte programada (apoptose).

Otimização de imagens mamográficas / Optimization of mammographic images

OBJETIVO: Este trabalho tem como objetivo a otimização de imagens mamográficas, com consideráveis reduções de doses. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Neste estudo o feixe de raios-X foi calibrado para cada tensão (kVp), de modo a determinar a melhor combinação de kVp e mAs que irá proporcionar uma densidade ótica (DO) em torno de 1.0 acima da base mais véu do filme utilizado. RESULTADOS: Serão discutidas questões sobre os métodos empregados para a seleção de parâmetros de exposição do feixe de raios-X, seleção da melhor imagem utilizando o método de avaliação gradativa visual, comparações entre as doses e carga do tubo (kVp × mAs) proporcionadas pelas técnicas determinadas neste estudo e pelas utilizadas na rotina clínica do Serviço de Diagnóstico por Imagem do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu. Neste estudo foram obtidas imagens radiográficas de mama de excelente qualidade, com redução de dose e carga de tubo, respectivamente, de 36,8 por cento e 46,2 por cento, quando comparadas com a técnica utilizada pela rotina clínica da instituição. CONCLUSÃO: Esta pesquisa vem contribuir com a otimização da relação risco-benefício para o paciente e custo-benefício para a instituição.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is the optimization of mammographic images with a considerable radiation dose reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study the X-ray beam was calibrated for each tension (kVp), aiming at determining the best combination between kVp and mAs, resulting in optical densities of about 1.0 above the base-plus-fog density. RESULTS: This study will bring into question the methods for X-ray beam calibration, the choice of the best image by means of visual grading analysis, comparisons between doses and tube load (kVp × mAs) delivered by the techniques described in this study and by those adopted in the clinical routine at Service of Diagnostic Imaging of Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu Clinics Hospital, Botucatu, SP, Brazil. Excellent breast radiographic images have been obtained with doses and tube loads reduction of respectively 36.8 percent and 46.2 percent in comparison to those employed in our institutions' clinical routine. CONCLUSION: This study is a contribution to the optimization of the risk-benefit ratio for patients and cost-benefit ratio for the institution.

Enfoque actual de las técnicas de radiación en cáncer temprano de mama / Current review of radiation techniques of early breast cancer

Desde la década de los 80 se han realizado ensayos que permiten demostrar que la irradiación de la mama, luego de cirugía conservadora, es un componente fundamental en el manejo conservador del cáncer de mama en estadíos tempranos. La irradiación de la mama reduce el riesgo de recurrencia local, y previene la necesidad subsecuente de mastectomía. En la actualidad se han desarrollado estudios randomizados con la finalidad de evaluar el enfoque óptimo en la aplicación de las técnicas de radiación que se utilizan luego de cirugía conservadora de la mama. Estos ensayos evalúan parámetros muy importantes que incluyen esquemas de fraccionamiento, la utilización del boost. Los resultados de estos ensayos apoyan el uso de esquemas de fraccionamiento acelerado, y proponen evitar el boost de irradiación en casos seleccionados. Así mismo se evalúa la necesidad de irradiación nodal sólo en pacientes de alto riesgo que reciben irradiación de la mama en estadío temprano.

Since the 80s a series of trials have demonstrated that radiation after a conservative breast surgery is fundamental in early stage breast cancer. Radiation of the breast reduces the risk of local reoccurrences and prevents the need for a mastectomy. Radiotherapy reduces the risk of local recurrence and it prevents the subsequent necessity of mastectomy. At the moment randomized studies are being done to focus on the best radiation techniques used after conservative breast surgery. These studies evaluate very important parameters that include protocol of fractioning and the use of the boost. Also the need of nodal radiotherapy in high risk patients that had radiotherapy in early stages of breast cancer was evaluated.