Preoperative Intensified Chemoradiation with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy and Simultaneous Integrated Boost Combined with Capecitabine in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Long-Term Outcomes of a Real-Life Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the feasibility and promising activity data on intensity-modulated RT and simultaneous integrated boost (IMRT-SIB) dose escalation in preoperative chemoradiation (CRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), few data are currently available on long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 288 LARC patients with cT3-T4, cN0-2, cM0 treated with IMRT-SIB and capecitabine from March 2013 to December 2019, followed by a total mesorectal excision (TME) or an organ-preserving strategy, was collected from a prospective database of 10 Italian institutions. A dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions was prescribed to the tumor and elective nodes, while the SIB dose was prescribed according to the clinical practice of each institution on the gross tumor volume (GTV). Concurrent capecitabine was administered at a dose of 825 mg/m2 twice daily, 7 days a week. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate long-term outcomes in terms of local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary objective was to confirm the previously reported feasibility, safety and efficacy (pCR, TRG1-2 and downstaging rates) of the treatment in a larger patient population. RESULTS: All patients received a dose of 45 Gy to the tumor and elective nodes, while the SIB dose ranged from 52.5 Gy to 57.5 Gy (median 55 Gy). Acute gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity rates of grade 3-4 were 5.7% and 1.8%, respectively. At preoperative restaging, 36 patients (12.5%) with complete or major clinical responses (cCR or mCR) were offered an organ-preserving approach with local excision (29 patients) or a watch and wait strategy (7 patients). The complete pathologic response rate (pCR) in radically operated patients was 25.8%. In addition, 4 TME patients had pT0N1 and 19 LE patients had pT0Nx, corresponding to an overall pT0 rate of 31.3%. Of the 36 patients selected for organ preservation, 7 (19.5%) required the completion of TME due to unfavorable pathologic features after LE or tumor regrowth during W-W resulting in long-term rectal preservation in 29 of 288 (10.1%) of the total patient population. Major postoperative complications occurred in 14.2% of all operated patients. At a median follow-up of 50 months, the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 72.3% (95% CI: 66.3-77.4) and 85.9% (95% CI: 80.2-90.1), respectively. The 5-year local recurrence (LR) rate was 9.2% (95% CI: 6.0-13.2), while the distant metastasis (DM) rate was 21.3% (95% CI: 16.5-26.5). The DM rate was 24.5% in the high-risk subset compared to 16.2% in the low-intermediate risk group (p = 0.062) with similar LR rates (10% and 8%, respectively). On multivariable analysis, cT4 and TRG3-5 were significantly associated with worse PFS, OS and metastasis-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative IMRT-SIB with the moderate dose intensification of 52.5-57.5 Gy (median 55 Gy) and the full dose of concurrent capecitabine confirmed to be feasible and effective in our real-life clinical practice. Organ preservation was shown to be feasible in carefully selected, responsive patients. The favorable long-term survival rates highlight the efficacy of this intensified treatment program. The incorporation of IMRT-SIB with a more effective systemic therapy component in high-risk patients could represent a new area of investigational interest.

Modern Techniques in Re-Irradiation for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with previously irradiated locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Over the years, numerous technologies and different types of RT have emerged. The aim of our systematic literature review was to determine whether the new techniques have led to improvements in both outcomes and toxicities. METHODS: A computerized search was performed by MEDLINE and the Cochrane database. The studies reported data from patients treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), intensity-modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT), and stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT). RESULTS: Seven publications of the 126 titles/abstracts that emerged from our search met the inclusion criteria and presented outcomes of 230 patients. OS was reported with rates of 90.0% and 73.0% at 1 and 2 years, respectively; LC was 89.0% and 71.6% at 1 and 2 years after re-RT, respectively. Toxicity data vary widely, with emphasis on acute and chronic gastrointestinal and urogenital toxicity, even with modern techniques. CONCLUSION: data on toxicity and outcomes of re-RT for LRRC with new technologies are promising compared with 3D techniques. Comparative studies are needed to define the best technique, also in relation to the site of recurrence.

Pattern of care for re-irradiation in locally recurrent rectal cancer: a national survey on behalf of the AIRO gastrointestinal tumors study group.

PURPOSE: Radical resection (R0) represents the best curative treatment for local recurrence (LR) rectal cancer. Re-irradiation (re-RT) can increase the rate of R0 resection. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines on Re-RT for LR rectal cancer. The Italian Association of Radiation and clinical oncology for gastrointestinal tumors (AIRO-GI) study group released a national survey to investigate the current clinical practice of external beam radiation therapy in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In February 2021, the survey was designed and distributed to members of the GI working group. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions regarding center characteristics, clinical indications, doses, and treatment techniques of re-RT for LR rectal cancer. RESULTS: A total of 37 questionnaires were collected. Re-RT was reported as an option for neoadjuvant treatment in resectable and unresectable disease by 55% and 75% of respondents, respectively. Long-course treatment with 30-40 Gy (1.8-2 Gy/die, 1.2 Gy bid) and hypofractionated regimen of 30-35 Gy in 5 fractions were used in most centers. A total dose of 90-100 Gy as EqD2 dose (α/ß = 5 Gy) was delivered by 46% of the respondents considering the previous treatment. Modern conformal techniques and daily image-guided radiation therapy protocols were used in 94% of centers. CONCLUSION: Our survey showed that re-RT treatment is performed with advanced technology that allow a good management of LR rectal cancer. Significant variations were observed in terms of dose and fractionation, highlighting the need for a consensus on a common treatment strategy that could be validated in prospective studies.

External validation of a composite bio-humoral index in anal cancer patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A prognostic scoring system based on laboratory inflammation parameters, [Hemo-Eosinophils-Inflammation (HEI) index], including baseline hemoglobin level, the systemic inflammatory index and eosinophil count was recently proposed in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (ASCC). HEI was shown to discriminate disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival in ASCC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation (CRT). We tested the accuracy of the model on a multicentric cohort for external validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with CRT were enrolled. The Kaplan-Meier curves for DFS and OS based on HEI risk group were calculated and the log-rank test was used. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the prognostic factors for DFS and OS. The exponential of the regression coefficients provided an estimate of the hazard ratio (HR). For model discrimination, we determined Harrell's C-index, Gönen & Heller K Index and the explained variation on the log relative hazard scale. RESULTS: A total of 877 patients was available. Proportional hazards were adjusted for age, gender, tumor-stage, and chemotherapy. Two-year DFS was 77 %(95 %CI:72.0-82.4) and 88.3 %(95 %CI:84.8-92.0 %) in the HEI high- and low- risk groups. Two-year OS was 87.8 %(95 %CI:83.7-92.0) and 94.2 %(95 %CI:91.5-97). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed a HR = 2.02(95 %CI:1.25-3.26; p = 0.004) for the HEI high-risk group with respect to OS and a HR = 1.53(95 %CI:1.04-2.24; p = 0.029) for DFS. Harrel C-indexes were 0.68 and 0.66 in the validation dataset, for OS and DFS. Gonen-Heller K indexes were 0.67 and 0.71, respectively. CONCLUSION: The HEI index proved to be a prognosticator in ASCC patients treated with CRT. Model discrimination in the external validation cohort was acceptable.

BRIDGE -1 TRIAL: BReak Interval Delayed surgery for Gastrointestinal Extraperitoneal rectal cancer, a multicentric phase III randomized trial.

Design: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery is the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Several studies have shown a correlation between a longer interval between the end of nCRT and surgery (surgical interval - SI) and an increased pathological complete response (pCR) rate, with a maximum obtained between 10 and 13 weeks.The primary endpoint of this multicenter, 2-arm randomised trial is to investigate SI lengthening, evaluating the difference in terms of complete response (CR) and Tumor Regression Grade (TRG)1 rate in the two arms. Secondly, the impact of SI lengthening on survival outcomes and quality of life (QoL) will be investigated. Methods: Intermediate-risk LARC patients undergoing nCRT will be prospectively included in the study. nCRT will be administered with a total dose of 55 Gy in 25 fractions on Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) plus the corresponding mesorectum of 45 Gy in 25 fractions on the whole pelvis. Chemotherapy with oral capecitabine will be administered continuously.The patients achieving a clinical major or complete response assessed at clinical-instrumental re-evaluation at 7-8 weeks after treatment completion, will be randomized into two groups, to undergo surgery or local excision at 9-11 weeks (control arm) or at 13-16 weeks (experimental arm). Pathological response will be assessed on the surgical specimen using the AJCC TNM v.7 and the TRG according to Mandard. Patients will be followed up to evaluate toxicity and QoL.The promoter center of the trial will conduct the randomization process through an automated procedure to prevent any possible bias.For sample size calculation, using CR difference of 20% as endpoint, 74 patients per arm will be enrolled. Conclusions: The results of this study may prospectively provide a new time frame for the clinical re-evaluation for complete/major responders patients in order to increase the CR rate to nCRT.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03581344.

A Pattern of Care Report on the Management of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus-A Study by the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) Gastrointestinal Tumors Study Group.

Background and objectives: The diagnosis and therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus may vary significantly in daily clinical practice, even if international guidelines are available. Materials and Methods: We conducted a pattern of care survey to assess the management of patients with anal cancer in Italy (38 questions). We analyzed 58 questionnaires. Results: Most of the respondents work in public and/or university hospitals (75.8%) in northern Italy (65.5%). The majority (88.0%) treat less than 20 patients/year. Common examinations for diagnosis and staging are anorectal endoscopy (84.5%), computed tomography scan (86.2%) and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (96.5%). The most frequently prescribed dose to primary tumor is 50-54 Gy (46.5-58.6%) for early stage disease and 54-59.4 Gy (62.1-32.8%) for locally advanced cases. Elective volumes are prescribed around 45 Gy (94.8%). Most participants use volumetric intensity modulated radiotherapy (89.7%) and a simultaneous integrated boost (84.5%). Concurrent radiotherapy, 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin is considered the standard of care (70.6%). Capecitabine is less frequently used (34.4%). Induction chemotherapy is an option for extensive localized disease (65.5%). Consolidation chemotherapy is rarely used (18.9%). A response evaluation is conducted at 26-30 weeks (63.9%) with a pelvic MRI (91.4%). Follow-up is generally run by the multidisciplinary tumor board (62.1%). Conclusions: Differences were observed for radiotherapy dose prescription, calling for a consensus to harmonize treatment strategies.

FDG-PET/CT in the Radiotherapy Treatment Planning of Locally Advanced Anal Cancer: A Monoinstitutional Experience.

AIMS: Radiotherapy with concurrent 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin-C based chemotherapy has been established as definitive standard therapy approach for anal cancer. Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) leads to a precise treatment of the tumor, allowing dose escalation on Gross Tumor Volume (GTV), with a surrounding healthy tissues sparing. Our study assessed the impact of 18-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) on the radiotherapy contouring process and its contribution to lymphatic spread detection, resulting to a personalization of Clinical Target Volume (CTV) and dose prescription. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients, with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCAC) were analyzed. All patients were evaluated with history and physical examination, trans-anal endoscopic ultrasound, pelvis magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis and planning 18FDG-PET/CT. The GTV and CTV were drawn on CT, MRI and 18FDG-PET/CT fused images. RESULTS: Thirty-four (91%) out of 37 patients presented lymph nodes involvement, in one or more areas, detected on 18FDG-PET/CT and/or MRI. The 18FDG-PET/CT showed positive lymph nodes not detected on MRI imaging (PET+, MRI-) in 14/37 patients (38%). In 14 cases, 18FDG-PET/CT allowed to a dose escalation in the involved nodes. The 18FDG-PET/CT fused images led to change the stage in 5/37(14%) cases: four cases from N0 to N1 (inguinal lymph nodes) and in one case from M0 to M1 (common iliac lymph nodes). CONCLUSIONS: The 18FDG-PET/CT has a potentially relevant impact in staging and target volume delineation/definition in patients affected by anal cancer. In our experience, clinical stage variation occurred in 14% of cases. More investigations are needed to define the role of 18FDG-PET/CT in the target volume delineation of anal cancer.

Treatment Volume, Dose Prescription and Delivery Techniques for Dose-intensification in Rectal Cancer: A National Survey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate boost volume definition, doses, and delivery techniques for rectal cancer dose intensification. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An online survey was made on 25 items (characteristics, simulation, imaging, volumes, doses, planning and treatment). RESULTS: Thirty-eight radiation oncologists joined the study. Twenty-one delivered long-course radiotherapy with dose intensification. Boost volume was delineated on diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 18 centres (85.7%), and computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography-CT in 9 (42.8%); 16 centres (76.2%) performed co-registration with CT-simulation. Boost dose was delivered on gross tumor volume in 10 centres (47.6%) and on clinical target volume in 11 (52.4%). The most common total dose was 54-55 Gy (71.4%), with moderate hypofractionation (85.7%). Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was used in all centres, with simultaneous integrated boost in 17 (80.8%) and image-guidance in 18 (85.7%). CONCLUSION: A high quality of treatment using dose escalation can be inferred by widespread multidisciplinary discussion, MRI-based treatment volume delineation, and radiation delivery relying on IMRT with accurate image-guided radiation therapy protocols.

Radiotherapy with Intensity-Modulated (IMRT) Techniques in the Treatment of Anal Carcinoma (RAINSTORM): A Multicenter Study on Behalf of AIRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology) Gastrointestinal Study Group.

A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the pattern of care and clinical outcomes of anal cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) techniques. In a cohort of 987 patients, the clinical complete response (CR) rate (beyond 6 months) was 90.6%. The 3-year local control (LC) rate was 85.8% (95% CI: 84.4-87.2), and the 3-year colostomy-free survival (CFS) rate was 77.9% (95% CI: 76.1-79.8). Three-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 80.2% and 88.1% (95% CI: 78.8-89.4) (95% CI: 78.5-81.9), respectively. Histological grade 3 and nodal involvement were associated with lower CR (p = 0.030 and p = 0.004, respectively). A statistically significant association was found between advanced stage and nodal involvement, and LC, CFS, PFS, OS and event-free survival (EFS). Overall treatment time (OTT) ≥45 days showed a trend for a lower PFS (p = 0.050) and was significantly associated with lower EFS (p = 0.030) and histological grade 3 with a lower LC (p = 0.025). No statistically significant association was found between total dose, dose/fraction and/or boost modality and clinical outcomes. This analysis reports excellent clinical results and a mild toxicity profile, confirming IMRT techniques as standard of care for the curative treatment of anal cancer patients. Lymph node involvement and histological grade have been confirmed as the most important negative prognostic factors.

Seminoma Retroperitoneal Relapse 23 Years After Surgery.

Stage I seminoma is the most frequent tumour in young men. It has a very good prognosis thanks to the use of a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach including surgery, radiotherapy and systemic chemotherapy. Late (after 2 years) and very late (after 5 years) relapses are uncommon, but not impossible, even if standardized follow-up for testicular tumours lasts up to 5 years after the diagnosis. We report a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian man with metachronous bilateral testicular seminoma who developed a retroperitoneal relapse of testicular seminoma 23 years after the first orchiectomy. Based on histological confirmation of testicular relapse, the patient underwent four cycles of systemic chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (PEB), with no adverse reactions. He subsequently achieved complete radiological response at restaging computed tomography imaging, confirmed by the absence of glucose metabolism on positron emission tomography. In conclusion, this case report suggests the importance of longer standardized follow-up for patients treated for testicular tumours in order to detect earlier recurrence, which can be successfully treated.

Long-Term Outcomes of Local Excision Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Local excision might represent an alternative to total mesorectal excision for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who achieve a major or complete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Between August 2005 and July 2011, 63 patients with mid-low rectal adenocarcinoma who had a major/complete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were enrolled in a multicenter prospective phase 2 trial and underwent transanal full thickness local excision. The main endpoint of this study was to evaluate the 5- and 10-year overall, relapse-free, local, and distant relapse-free survival, which were calculated by applying the Kaplan-Meier method. The rate of patients with rectum preserved and without stoma were also calculated. RESULTS: Of 63 patients, 38 (60%) were male and 25 (40%) were female, with a median (range) age of 64 (25-82) years. At baseline, the following clinical stages were found: cT2, n = 21 (33.3%); cT3, n = 42 (66.6%), 39 (61.9%) patients were cN+. At a median (range) follow-up of 108 (32-166) months, the estimated cumulative 5- and 10-year overall survival, relapse-free survival, local recurrence-free survival, and distant recurrence-free survival were 87% (95% CI 76-93) and 79% (95% CI 66-87), 89% (95% CI 78-94) and 82% (95% CI 66-91), both 91% (95% CI 81-96), and 90% (95% CI 80-95) and 86% (95% CI 73-93), respectively. Overall, 49 (77.8%) patients had their rectum preserved, and 54 (84.1%) were stoma-free. CONCLUSION: In highly selected patients, the local excision approach after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is associated with excellent long-term outcomes, high rates of rectum preservation and absence of permanent stoma.

Role of upper abdominal reirradiation for gastrointestinal malignancies: a systematic review of cumulative dose, toxicity, and outcomes on behalf of the Re-Irradiation Working Group of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

PURPOSE: Abdominal recurrences of gastrointestinal malignancies are common. Evidence in clinical studies has shown that re-irradiation (Re-I) is tolerable and efficient in different tumor locations. In contrast, little clinical data are available on normal long-term Re­I tolerance doses. A systematic review of upper abdominal Re­I was performed with the aim of exploring the cumulative dose, toxicity, and outcomes. METHODS: A computerized search was undertaken in MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID, and the Cochrane database. Only studies reporting toxicity and/or outcomes were taken into consideration. To improve the comparability of the different Re­I regimens and assess the relationship between Radiotherapy (RT) dose and toxicity, the equivalent dose in 2­Gy fractions was calculated according to the linear quadratic model. RESULTS: Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with the total patients numbering 408. Median follow-up Re­I ranged from 5.9 to 45 months. The median time elapsed since previous RT treatment was 15 months (2-162 months). Re­I prescription doses were variable (22.5 Gy in 3 fractions to 126.5 Gy with 125I). Cumulative doses calculated for acute- and late-responding tissues ranged from 67.25 to 136 Gy and 30.3 to 188.38 Gy, respectively. Comprehensively, the pooled ≥G3 toxicity was 12% (95%CI: 7.6-19%). The overall 1­year survival and local recurrence-free survival rates were 53.7% (95%CI: 45.6-63.2%) and 66.5% (95% CI: 58.7-75.4%), respectively. Pain improvement was reported in 66.9% of patients. CONCLUSION: Due to limited evidence as a result of the retrospective design of the majority of the studies, our review suggests that upper abdominal Re­I is effective in terms of local control and palliation, with a moderate rate of severe toxicities.

The INTERACT Trial: Long-term results of a randomised trial on preoperative capecitabine-based radiochemotherapy intensified by concomitant boost or oxaliplatin, for cT2 (distal)-cT3 rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Capecitabine-based radiochemotherapy (cbRCT) is standard for preoperative long-course radiochemotherapy of locally advanced rectal cancer. This prospective, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial investigated two intensification regimens. cT4 lesions were excluded. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: pathological outcome (TRG 1-2) among arms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Low-located cT2N0-2M0, cT3N0-2M0 (up to 12 cm from anal verge) presentations were treated with cbRCT randomly intensified by either radiotherapy boost (Xelac arm) or multidrug concomitant chemotherapy (Xelox arm). Xelac: concomitant boost to bulky site (45 Gy/1.8 Gy/die, 5 sessions/week to the pelvis, +10 Gy at 1 Gy twice/week to the bulky) plus concurrent capecitabine (1650 mg/mq/die). Xelox: 45 Gy to the pelvis + 5.4 Gy/1.8 Gy/die, 5 sessions/week to the bulky site + concurrent capecitabine (1300 mg/mq/die) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/mq on days 1,19,38). Surgery was planned 7-9 weeks after radiochemotherapy. RESULTS: From June 2005 to September 2013, 534 patients were analysed: 280 in Xelac, 254 in Xelox arm. Xelox arm presented higher G ≥ 3 haematologic (p = 0.01) and neurologic toxicity (p < 0.001). Overall, 98.5% patients received curative surgery. The tumour regression grade distribution did not differ between arms (p = 0.102). TRG 1+2 rate significantly differed: Xelac arm 61.7% vs. Xelox 52.3% (p = 0.039). Pathological complete response (ypT0N0) rates were 24.4 and 23.8%, respectively (p non-significant). Median follow-up:5.62 years. Five-year disease-free survival rate were 74.7% (Xelac) and 73.8% (Xelox), respectively (p = 0.444). Five-year overall survival rate were 80.4% (Xelac) and 85.5% (Xelox), respectively (p = 0.155). CONCLUSION: Xelac arm significantly obtained higher TRG1-2 rates. No differences were found about clinical outcome. Because of efficacy on TRG, inferior toxicity and good compliance, Xelac schedules or similar radiotherapy dose intensification schemes could be considered as reference treatments for cT3 lesions.

Positron emission tomography for staging locally advanced cervical cancer and assessing intensity modulated radiotherapy approach.

AIMS: To evaluate toxicity and outcome of concomitant chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) based simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS: Patients with LACC underwent chemo-radiation with IMRT and SIB. Staging and follow-up were performed with clinical evaluation and CT, MRI, 18FDG-PET/CT. SIB was done on positive nodes with 18FDG-PET/CT based planning. CT-based planning high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) was delivered as subsequent boost to the primary tumor. Cisplatin concomitant chemotherapy was administered during IMRT. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with cervical cancer were prospectively recruited between August 2014 and June 2017, 13 (93%) had a LACC, one (7%) patient was not evaluable because 18FDG-PET/CT evidenced metastases to the liver undetected by previous CT/MRI. Patients had a median age of 59 years, a median Karnofsky performance status of 100%, and a prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma histology (85%). SIB was delivered on 23 positive lymph nodes. IMRT median dose to the pelvis was 48.6 Gy in 27 fractions, SIB median dose 54 Gy in 27 fractions, HDR-BT boost median dose 21 Gy in 3 fractions. After a median follow-up of 30 months, 2-year local control and distant control were 86% and 86%, respectively. There were no grade 4 acute and/or late toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: The 18FDG-PET/CT influenced stage assessment and RT treatment planning due to its high specificity in distant metastases and nodal involvement detection. The IMRT with SIB for positive nodes was an effective therapy with acceptable toxicity in LACC.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with computed tomography (CT) for interobserver agreement of gross tumor volume delineation in pancreatic cancer: a multi-institutional contouring study on behalf of the AIRO group for gastrointestinal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Due to the high soft tissue resolution, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could improve the accuracy of pancreatic tumor delineation in radiation treatment planning. A multi-institutional study was proposed to evaluate the impact of MRI on inter-observer agreement in gross tumor volume (GTV) and duodenum delineation for pancreatic cancer compared with computer tomography (CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two clinical cases of borderline resectable (Case 1) and unresectable (Case 2) pancreatic cancer were selected. In two sequential steps, diagnostic contrast-enhanced CT scan and MRI sequences were sent to the participating centers. CT-GTVs were contoured while blinded to MRI data sets. DICE index was used to evaluate the spatial overlap accuracy. RESULTS: Thirty-one radiation oncologists from different Institutions submitted the delineated volumes. CT- and MRI-GTV mean volumes were 21.6 ± 9.0 cm3 and 17.2 ± 6.0 cm3, respectively for Case 1, and 31.3 ± 15.6 cm3 and 33.2 ± 20.2 cm3, respectively for Case 2. Resulting MRI-GTV mean volume was significantly smaller than CT-GTV in the borderline resectable case (p < .05). A substantial agreement was shown by the median DICE index for CT- and MRI-GTV resulting as 0.74 (IQR: 0.67-0.75) and 0.61 (IQR: 0.57-0.67) for Case 1; a moderate agreement was instead reported for Case 2: 0.59 (IQR:0.52-0.66) and 0.53 (IQR:0.42-0.62) for CT- and MRI-GTV, respectively. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic MRI resulted in smaller GTV in borderline resectable case with a substantial agreement between observers, and was comparable to CT scan in interobserver variability, in both cases. The greater variability in the unresectable case underlines the critical issues related to the outlining when vascular structures are more involved. The integration of MRI with contrast-enhancement CT, thanks to its high definition of tumor relationship with neighboring vessels, could offer a greater accuracy of target delineation.

Time to surgery and pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in rectal cancer: A population study on 2094 patients.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively evaluate the difference in terms of pathologic complete response (pCR) according to time elapsed between chemoradiation (CRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) on a large unselected real-life dataset of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective cohort study of LARC patients from 21 Italian Radiotherapy Institutions was performed. Patients were stratified into 3 different time intervals from CRT. The 1st group included 300 patients who underwent TME within 6 weeks, the 2nd 1598 patients (TME within 7-12 weeks) and the 3rd 196 patients (TME within 13 or more weeks after CRT), respectively. RESULTS: Data on 2094 LARC patients treated between 1997 and 2016 were considered suitable for analysis. Overall, 578 patients had stage II while 1516 had stage III histological proven invasive rectal adenocarcinoma. A CRT schedule of one agent (N = 1585) or 2-drugs (N = 509) was administered. Overall, pCR was 22.3% (N = 468 patients). The proportion of patients achieving pCR with respect to time interval was, as follows: 12.6% (1st group), 23% (2nd group) and 31.1% (3rd group) (p < 0.001), respectively. The pCR relative risk comparison of 2nd to 1st group was 1.8, while 3rd to 2nd group was 1.3. Moreover, between the 3rd and 1st group, a pCR relative risk of 2.4 (p < 0.01) was noted. At univariate analysis, clinical stage III (p < 0.001), radiotherapy dose >5040 cGy (p = 0.002) and longer interval (p < 0.001) were significantly correlated to pCR. The positive impact of interval (p < 0.001) was confirmed at multivariate analysis as the only correlated factor. CONCLUSION: We confirmed on a population-level that lengthening the interval (>13 weeks) from CRT to surgery improves the pathological response (pCR and pathologic partial response; pPR) in comparison to historic data. Furthermore, radiotherapy dose >5040 cGy and two drugs chemotherapy correlated with pPR rate.

Underuse of brachytherapy for the treatment of dysphagia owing to esophageal cancer. An Italian survey.

BACKGROUND: International guidelines strongly recommend brachytherapy as valid alternative or in addition to stenting in patients with dysphagia owing to esophageal cancer. However, for not well understood reasons, brachytherapy is definitively underused for the palliative treatment of malignant dysphagia. Aim of the current survey was to investigate the use of brachytherapy for the treatment of malignant dysphagia in Italy. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was submitted to the 1510 members of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncologists (AIRO). These members refer to 177 centres of radiotherapy across Italy and in 68 (38.4%) of them brachytherapy is routinely performed. RESULTS: Of the 1510 invited members, 178 completed the survey (11.7%). The answers provided by the 178 participants allowed to get information on 40 out of 68 brachytherapy centres (58.8%). Seven out of 40 (17.5%) centres perform brachytherapy of the oesophagus, in 3 out of 40 (7.5%) centres brachytherapy represents the first line of treatment. The main reason why brachytherapy is not routinely performed is the lack of experience. CONCLUSION: Despite the strong recommendations of the international guidelines and the wide diffusion of brachytherapy centres across Italy, only very few of them routinely considered brachytherapy for the treatment of dysphagia due to esophageal cancer.

Radiotherapy in the multidisciplinary treatment of liver cancer: a survey on behalf of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology.

PURPOSE: To report the results of the first Italian survey investigating the role of liver-directed radiotherapy in the multidisciplinary approach of primary and metastatic liver cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 21-item, two-section questionnaire was sent to all Italian radiotherapy centers on June 2014. The two sections aimed at: (1) evaluating the presence of a multidisciplinary liver tumor board and describing the role of radiation oncologists within the latter, (2) analyzing Radiotherapy treatment details and differences between centers. RESULTS: A total of 37 centers completed the survey. A multidisciplinary liver tumor board was available in most centers (73 %), with a radiation oncologist routinely attending the latter in the majority of cases (85 %). Most of the respondents considered liver-directed Radiotherapy as the third line choice when other therapies were not indicated or technically suitable. 18 centers reported the use of liver-directed radiotherapy. The majority of centers started liver irradiation after 2010. The most adopted motion management strategy was abdominal compression. The most adopted GTV-CTV expansion was 0 and 5 mm for metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. Stereotactic body radiotherapy was the technique of choice; several treatment schedules were registered, being 45 Gy in three fractions the most reported fractionation scheme. Dose was prescribed at the PTV margin in most cases. CONCLUSION: Liver-directed radiotherapy represents a new field of interest which is currently adopted by 10 % of all Italian Centers. The technical equipment seems adequate. The variations observed in the treatment regimens reflect the lack of a well-established standard schedule.

Patterns of radiotherapy practice for pancreatic cancer: Results of the Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology Study Group multi-institutional survey.

No information is currently available regarding pancreatic cancer (PC) pattern of care in Italy. In the present study, a nationwide survey using a questionnaire was performed to enquire the local standards for PC diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment. Fifty-seven percent of 140 Italian centres completed questionnaire. The main causes of no radiotherapy indication were poor general condition (45%) and lack of guidelines (25%). Physicians (38%) employed neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced PC patients, while in other centres (62%) adjuvant chemoradiation was administered. Adjuvant gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was selected as the treatment of choice by 59% of centres. Patients were treated mostly with doses of 50-54.9 Gy on the tumour (or bed) plus lymph nodes. A 3D-CRT technique was used in 81.2% of centres, while IMRT and IGRT were available in 61.2 and 48.7% of cases, respectively. Extensive variation exists with regard to patterns of care for PC in Italy. Nevertheless, cooperative studies emerging from this survey appeared beneficial.