A simplified CT-based definition of the supraclavicular and infraclavicular nodal volumes in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The available contouring guidelines for the supraclavicular and infraclavicular lymph nodes appeared to be inadequate for their delineation on non-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. For this purpose, we developed delineation guidelines for the clinical target volumes (CTV) of these lymph nodes on non-enhanced CT-slices performed in the treatment position of breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A fresh female cadaver study as well as delineation and an anatomical descriptions review were performed to propose a simplified definition of the supra- and infraclavicular lymph nodes using readily identifiable anatomical structures. This definition was developed jointly by breast radiologists, breast surgeons, and radiation oncologists. To validate these guidelines, the primary investigator and seven radiation oncologists (observers) independently delineated 10 different nodal CTVs. The primary investigator contours were considered to be the gold standard contours. Contour accuracy and concordance were evaluated. RESULTS: Written guidelines for the delineation of supra- and infraclavicular lymph nodes CTVs were developed. Consistent contours with minimal variability existed between the delineated volumes; the mean kappa index was 0.83. The mean common contoured and additional contoured volumes were 84.6% and 18.5%, respectively. The mean overlap volume ratio was 0.71. CONCLUSIONS: Simplified CT-based atlas for delineation of the supra- and infraclavicular lymph nodes for locoregional irradiation of the breast on non-enhanced CT-scan, have been developed in this study. This atlas provides a consistent set of guidelines for delineating these volumes.

Prognostic factors of extremity soft tissue sarcoma in adults. A single institutional analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyse the prognostic factors for patients treated with limb sparing surgery and radiation for extremity soft tissue sarcoma (E-STS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 87 patients with limb sparing surgery and radiation for E-STS were reviewed retrospectively. Disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were estimated and factors potentially influencing these outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: With a mean follow-up of 69months, most recurrences occurred within the first 2years. Extent of resection margin was found to improve DFS (P=0.002) and DSS (P=0.002). Brachytherapy combined with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) improved DFS (P=0.034) and DSS (P=0.019). Tumor size (<10cm) was related to DSS (P=0.043) and its relation to DFS was almost significant (P=0.057). Short time interval between surgery and radiotherapy (≤50days) had an impact only on DSS (P=0.030). CONCLUSION: Extent of resection margin and use of brachytherapy combined with EBRT seem to improve the prognosis of E-STS. Small tumor size and short time interval between radiotherapy and surgery seem also to improve the outcome of E-STS. This study was limited by inadequate power and low number of recurrences. Larger randomised studies are needed to confirm these results.

[Organs at risk and target volumes: definition for conformal radiation therapy in breast cancer]. / Volumes de délinéation dans le traitement des cancers du sein : volumes cibles et organes à risque.

Adjuvant radiotherapy is a standard component of breast cancer treatment. The addition of radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery has been shown to reduce local recurrence rate and improve long-term survival. Accurate delineation of target volumes and organs at risk is crucial to the quality of treatment planning and delivered accomplished with innovate technologies in radiation therapy. This allows the radiation beam to be shaped specifically to each individual patient's anatomy. Target volumes include the mammary gland and surgical bed in case of breast conserving surgery, the chest wall in case of mastectomy, and if indicated, regional lymph nodes (axillary, supra- and infraclavicular and internal mammary). Organs at risk include lungs, thyroid, brachial plexus, heart, spinal cord and oesophagus. The aim of this article is to encourage the use of conformal treatment and delineation of target volumes and organs at risk and to describe specifically the definition of these volumes.

[Normal tissue tolerance to external beam radiation therapy: bladder]. / Dose de tolérance à l'irradiation des tissus sains: la vessie.

The bladder is a hollow visco-elastic organ involved in urinary continence. In relation to its anatomical location, bladder is exposed in whole or in part to ionizing radiation in external radiotherapy or in brachytherapy of the pelvic region. The acute and late functional changes after external beam radiation consist in urinary frequency, compliance defaults and hematuria. Incidence of urinary side-effects, as well as related modalities of radiotherapy, is poorly described in the literature. Medline literature searches were performed via PubMed using the keywords "bladder--radiotherapy--toxicity--radiation cystitis--tolerability--organ at risk" to describe urinary side-effects due to radiation. Some recommendations exist on the dose constraints applied to bladder. These were mainly established from prostate radiation therapy studies but without definitive consensus. In clinical practice, dose constraints take into account clinical settings: bladder cancer which requires total bladder irradiation or others pelvic tumours (prostate, uterus...) in which the bladder is considered as an organ at risk. Risks of radiation cystitis increase with total dose (above 60 Gy), bladder irradiated volume and concomitant chemoradiation. Modern techniques using conformal radiotherapy with modulated intensity will probably have beneficial impact on bladder toxicity.