Image-guided moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: a multicentric retrospective study (IPOPROMISE).

BACKGROUND: Moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy is a treatment option for the cure of localized prostate cancer (PCa) patients based on the results of randomized prospective trials, but there is a clinical concern about the relatively short length of follow-up, and real-world results on outcome and toxicity based on cutting-edge techniques are lacking. The objective of this study is to present the long-term results of a large multicentric series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 1325 PCa patients treated with daily volumetric image-guided hypofractionated radiotherapy between 2007 and 2020 in 16 Centers. For survival endpoints, we used Kaplan-Meier survival curves and fitted univariate and multivariable Cox's proportional hazards regression models to study the association between the clinical variables and each survival type. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, 11 patients died from PCa. The 15-year values of cancer-specific survival (CSS) and biochemical relapse-free survival (b-RFS) were 98.5% (95%CI 97.3-99.6%) and 85.5% (95%CI 81.9-89.4%), respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that baseline PSA, Gleason score, and the use of androgen deprivation therapy were significant variables for all the outcomes. Acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities of grade ≥ 2 were 7.0% and 16.98%, respectively. The 15-year late grade ≥ 2 GI and GU toxicities were 5% (95%CI 4-6%) and 6% (95%CI 4-8%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Real-world long-term results of this multicentric study on cutting-edge techniques for the cure of localized PCa demonstrated an excellent biochemical-free survival rate of 85.5% at 15 years, and very low rates of ≥ G3 late GU and GI toxicity (1.6% and 0.9% respectively), strengthening the results of the available published trials.

Dose-escalated pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer in definitive or postoperative setting.

PURPOSE: Given the absence of standardized planning approach for clinically node-positive (cN1) prostate cancer (PCa), we collected data about the use of prophylactic pelvic irradiation and nodal boost. The aim of the present series is to retrospectively assess clinical outcomes after this approach to compare different multimodal treatment strategies in this scenario. METHODS: Data from clinical records of patients affected by cN1 PCa and treated in six different Italian institutes with prophylactic pelvic irradiation and boost on pathologic pelvic lymph nodes detected with CT, MRI or choline PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed and collected. Clinical outcomes in terms of overall survival (OS) and biochemical relapse-free survival (b-RFS) were explored. The correlation between outcomes and baseline features (International Society of Urological Pathology-ISUP pattern, total dose to positive pelvic nodes ≤ / > 60 Gy, sequential or simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) administration and definitive vs postoperative treatment) was explored. RESULTS: ISUP pattern < 2 was a significant predictor of improved b-RFS (HR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1220-0.7647, P = 0.0113), while total dose < 60 Gy to positive pelvic nodes was associated with worse b-RFS (HR = 3.59, 95% CI 1.3245-9.741, P = 0.01). Conversely, treatment setting (postoperative vs definitive) and treatment delivery technique (SIB vs sequential boost) were not associated with significant differences in terms of b-RFS (HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.338-2.169, P = 0.743, and HR = 2.39, 95% CI 0.93-6.111, P = 0.067, respectively). CONCLUSION: Results from the current analysis are in keeping with data from literature showing that pelvic irradiation and boost on positive nodes are effective approaches. Upfront surgical approach was not associated with better clinical outcomes.

Tomotherapy-based moderate hypofractionation for localized prostate cancer: a mono-institutional analysis.

Background: To date, few studies have been published on image-guided helical tomotherapy (HT) in a moderate hypofractionation of localized PCa. We report outcome and toxicity of localized PCa patients treated with HT-based moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy. Materials and methods: 76 patients were retrospectively analyzed. A total dose of 60 Gy (20 × 3 Gy) or 67.5 Gy (25 × 2.7 Gy) was prescribed. The χ2 test was used to analyze associations between toxicity and dosimetric and clinical parameters. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results: median follow-up was 42.26 months [interquartile (IQR), 23-76). At 4-year, overall survival (OS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) were 91% and 89%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, smoking habitude was associated with MFS [hazard ratio (HR) 7.32, 95% CI: 1.57-34.16, p = 0.011]. Acute and late grade ≥ 2 gastro-intestinal (GI) toxicity was observed in 6.5% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. Acute and late grade ≥ 2 genito-urinary (GU) toxicity were 31.5% and 3.9%. Four-year late GI and GU grade ≥ 2 toxicity were 3% and 7%, respectively. Acute GI toxicity was associated with statins medication (p = 0.04) and androgen deprivation therapy (p = 0.013). Acute GU toxicity was associated with the use of anticoagulants (p = 0.029) and antiaggregants (p = 0.013). Conclusions: HT-based moderate hypofractionation shows very low rates of toxicity. Smoking habitude is associated with the risk of developing metastases after radical treatment for localized PCa.

Pulmonary function in stereotactic body radiotherapy with helical tomotherapy for primary and metastatic lung lesions.

AIMS: This retrospective study reports outcomes after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as delivered by helical tomotherapy (HT) for lung lesions. It promotes a dose escalation program. METHODS: Histological and/or radiological findings and/or case histories identified 41 primary and 15 metastatic lesions. Thirty patients received 40 Gy in 5 fractions (BED 72 Gy10Gy) and 26 50 Gy in 5 fractions (BED 100Gy10Gy). Primary end point was lung toxicity. Secondary end points were respiratory function, local control and local progression-free survival. RESULTS: Acute toxicity developed in 18/56 patients and late toxicity in 8/54. Median FEV-1 variations versus baseline were - 0.5% (range - 16 to + 43%) at 6 months and - 4.00% (range - 42 to + 18%) at 24 months. Median DLCO variations versus baseline were - 1% (range - 38 to + 36%) at 6 months and - 12.2% (range - 48 to + 11%) at 24 months. At 6 months, a significant positive correlation emerged between FEV-1 change and KPS (p = 0.047). At 24 months, a significant negative correlation emerged between FEV-1 change and the ipsilateral lung V5 (p = 0.006). A low baseline DLCO correlated with more marked DLCO worsening at 6 months (p = 0.012). At 24 months, DLCO worsening correlated significantly with the median contralateral lung dose (p = 0.003). At the last checkup, 23 patients were in complete remission, 16 were in partial remission, 5 had stable disease, and 7 were in relapse. Median follow-up was 12 months (range 5-56). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lung disease, SBRT, as delivered by HT, was well tolerated and provided good local control.

Helical tomotherapy re-irradiation for patients affected by local radiorecurrent prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Salvage re-irradiation in patients affected by radiorecurrent prostate cancer might be a valid as well as challenging treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and toxicity of salvage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) re-treatment in patients affected by radiorecurrent prostate cancer within the prostate gland or the prostate bed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 patients underwent EBRT re-treatment using helical tomotherapy (HT), with daily Megavolt computed tomography image-guidance. We registered toxicity according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. Biochemical relapse was defined as a PSA increase > 20% compared with the pre-EBRT re-treatment value. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: All patients received a total dose of 50 Gy (25 × 2 Gy), and 7 (46.6%) had concomitant androgen deprivation therapy (median duration of 12 months). With a median follow-up of 40.9 months, the 2-year and 4-year biochemical relapse-free survival were 55% and 35%, respectively. Acute and late genito-urinary (GU) toxicity ≥2 were recorded in 4 (26.6%) and 5 (33.3%) patients, respectively, and the 4-year late GU toxicity was 30%. Acute gastrointestinal toxicity ≥2 was recorded in 2 (13.3%) cases, whereas no patient experienced late toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inherent bias of a retrospective analysis, our long-term results showed a low toxicity profile with a relatively low rate of biochemical control for HT re-treatment in patients affected by local radiorecurrent prostate cancer. Prospective trials are needed to investigate the role of EBRT in this setting.

Influence of hormonal therapy in prostate cancer patients undergoing [18F]fluoromethyl choline PET/CT: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with suspected recurrence of prostate cancer undergoing [18F]fluoromethyl choline ([18F]FCH) PET/CT were retrospectively evaluated to investigate the influence of hormonal therapy (HT) in [18F]FCH uptake. METHODS: [18F]FCH PET/CT was performed in 102 surgically treated patients with suspected recurrence (PSA increase >0.2 ng/mL) of prostate cancer, divided in two groups: under HT (N.=54) and without HT (N.=48) at the time of PET scanning. PET/CT was carried out by an integrated system (Biograph 6, CTI/Siemens, Knoxville, TN, USA) intravenously by administering 4.1 MBq/kg of [18F]FCH to each patient; images were acquired 60 minutes later. RESULTS: On the total number of patients, 66 were found to be true positives (TP), 9 false positives (FP), 5 false negatives (FN) and 22 true negatives (TN), sensitivity to [18F]FCH PET/CT was 93%, specificity 71%, accuracy 86%, positive predictive value (PPV) 88%, negative predictive value (NPV) 81%. In the 54 patients under HT, 38 were TP, 6 FP, 3 FN and 7 TN, sensitivity was 93%, specificity 54%, accuracy 83%, PPV 86% and NPV was 70%. In the 48 patients receiving no HT, 28 were TP, 3 FP, 2 FN and 15 TN, sensitivity was 93%, specificity 83%, accuracy 90%, PPV 90% and NPV 88%. A χ2 test showed that sensitivity, accuracy and PPV did not differ among patients with and without HT, while specificity and NPV were significantly lower (P<0.001) in HT treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity, accuracy and PPV were similar in patients with and without HT. Specificity and NPV were reduced in patients under HT, but further data are necessary to support if this reduction is casual or related to therapy and it could be confirmed in a larger series of patients.

Bone Health Care Pathway for Non-metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients on Radiation and Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Survival rates of prostate cancer (PCa) patients have improved considerably as a result of earlier diagnosis and therapies, including radiotherapy (RT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Patients on ADT develop cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) and a high risk of fragility fractures. Bone health (BH) assessment is strongly recommended, together with timely initiation of treatments, to counteract CTIBL and preserve bone strength. Therefore, we decided to develop an interdisciplinary pathway of care (IPC) dedicated to non-metastatic PCa patients on long-term ADT and RT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An interdisciplinary team allocated resources to support an IPC to manage patients' CTIBL and prevent fragility fractures. The team provided a diagnostic and therapeutic workflow according to patients' and professional perspectives, consistent with recommendations and healthcare policies. The hospital's quality department certified the IPC, the Ethical Committee approved procedures over the workflow. The Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) standards inspired services and professionals' activities and interactions. RESULTS: Preliminary data support the feasibility of the IPC from professionals' and patients' perspectives. Median age of the enrolled patients was 75 years, more than a half (58.9%) had low grade osteopenia or normal BMD (T-score ≥-1.5 standard deviation, SD), while 23.5% and 17.6% had osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively. The IPC meets the requirements of a FLS concerning crucial indicators. CONCLUSION: Our IPC was a suitable approach to assure timely identification, assessment, initiation, and monitoring of adherence to anti-fracture treatments among non-metastatic PCa patients on long-term ADT and RT. Further data are required to show its effectiveness on fragility fracture prevention.

Prognostic Genomic Tissue-Based Biomarkers in the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer.

In localized prostate cancer clinicopathologic variables have been used to develop prognostic nomograms quantifying the probability of locally advanced disease, of pelvic lymph node and distant metastasis at diagnosis or the probability of recurrence after radical treatment of the primary tumor. These tools although essential in daily clinical practice for the management of such a heterogeneous disease, which can be cured with a wide spectrum of treatment strategies (i.e., active surveillance, RP and radiation therapy), do not allow the precise distinction of an indolent instead of an aggressive disease. In recent years, several prognostic biomarkers have been tested, combined with the currently available clinicopathologic prognostic tools, in order to improve the decision-making process. In the following article, we reviewed the literature of the last 10 years and gave an overview report on commercially available tissue-based biomarkers and more specifically on mRNA-based gene expression classifiers. To date, these genomic tests have been widely investigated, demonstrating rigorous quality criteria including reproducibility, linearity, analytical accuracy, precision, and a positive impact in the clinical decision-making process. Albeit data published in literature, the systematic use of these tests in prostate cancer is currently not recommended due to insufficient evidence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer: The radiation oncologist's perspective.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in men. In patients undergoing a failure after radical treatment, one of the therapeutic option is androgen deprivation: despite initial response rates, a progression to a state of castration resistance is observed in most of the patients. In the present article, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all clinical trials assessing treatment for nmCRPC with next-generation androgen receptor inhibitors. We performed a review and meta-analysis of phase III randomized controlled trials comparing new agents (apalutamide, enzalutamide, darolutamide) with placebo as control arm, in the setting of nmCRPC. Patients treated with next-generation ARIs had a 26% reduction in the risk of death compared with placebo; compared with other ARIs, darolutamide had the lowest rate of grade 3 and 4 AEs and the lowest therapy discontinuation rate due to any grade AEs. This meta-analysis shows that treatment with new ARIs is safe and significantly reduces the risk of death and of metastasis onset in nmCRPC patients. Under way studies on new biomarkers such as genomic classifiers will probably allow the stratification in more specific subsets of disease. New imaging modalities such as PSMA-PET have shown greater sensibility and specificity than conventional imaging in metastases detection. All patients were randomized in a 2:1 fashion, with a total of 2,694 who underwent next-generation ARIs (806 apalutamide, 955 darolutamide, 933 enzalutamide) and 1,423 in the placebo arm.

Long-term anorectal function after postoperative chemoradiotherapy in high-risk rectal cancer patients.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: After sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer and postoperative radiochemotherapy, many patients have unsatisfactory anorectal functional results which are not considered by the most common toxicity scales. The aim of the present study was to retrospectively assess the long-term incidence of impaired anorectal function in rectal cancer patients who underwent anterior resection and postoperative radiochemotherapy. METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent sphincter-saving surgery and postoperative radiochemotherapy for stage II-III rectal cancer from July 1991 to January 2002 were given a questionnaire on anorectal function. Postoperative incontinence was evaluated according to a scale proposed by Jorge and Wexner. Factors influencing anorectal function were examined. RESULTS: The median follow-up from surgery was 10 years. Ten (10.1%) patients reported >or= 5 bowel movements per day and 26 (26.3%) experienced clustering. The median frequency of bowel movements per 24 h was 2 (range, 1-10). Stool fragmentation was recorded in 56 (56.6%) cases, and 36 (36.4%) patients experienced urgency to defecate with inability to delay defecation for more than 15 min. The mean continence score was 4.91 (median 1, range 0-18). Incontinence to flatus, liquid and solid stools was reported at least once a week in 24 (24.2%), 11 (11.1%) and 5 (5.1%) patients, respectively. According to the study criteria, 61% of patients had good functional results. None of the variables analyzed showed a significant correlation with functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Although retrospective, the present study included a large selected series that had undergone uniform adjuvant treatment and was followed for a median of 10 years. Our data demonstrated that 39% of patients did not have good functional results and suffered some degree of urgency, increased frequency and occasional incontinence even many years after the surgery. Anorectal function assessment should enter routinely in clinical practice and should have importance in the therapeutic decisions.

Acute Toxicity Profiles of Hypofractionated Adjuvant and Salvage Radiation Therapy After Radical Prostatectomy: Results of a Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: Hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) is controversial after radical prostatectomy (RP). In this interim analysis, our prospective observational study assessed acute genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity after hypofractionated adjuvant and salvage RT, as delivered by helical tomotherapy (HT), in patients with prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: After undergoing RP with or without pelvic lymph node dissection, 112 patients were enrolled. Hypofractionated adjuvant RT (2.25 Gy daily for 29 fractions; total 65.25 Gy) was administered to 40 patients with high-risk features. Hypofractionated salvage RT (2.25 Gy daily for 32 or 33 fractions; total 72-74.25 Gy) was prescribed for 72 patients (24 with biochemical relapse, 48 with local relapse). Toxicity was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.02. The impact of RT on urinary flow was assessed by uroflowmetry. RESULTS: Acute GU toxicity occurred in 41 of 112 patients (36%) (G1 31, G2 10). Acute GI toxicity was observed in 55 (49%) patients (G1 44, G2 11). Uroflowmetry showed that only salvage RT reduced maximum flow significantly (maximum, 68 vs 50 mL/s; P = .003), perhaps because a higher RT dose had been administered. CONCLUSIONS: After RP, moderate hypofractionated adjuvant and salvage RT were associated with acceptable incidences of slight-to-moderate acute GU and GI toxicity and had little impact on urinary flow. Prospective trials are warranted with longer follow-up in larger cohorts to confirm these findings.

Randomized, multicenter, phase IIb study of preoperative chemoradiotherapy in T3 mid-distal rectal cancer: raltitrexed + oxaliplatin + radiotherapy versus cisplatin + 5-fluorouracil + radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To prospectively compare the rates of pathologic response, acute toxicity, and sphincter preservation with two different schedules of preoperative chemoradiotherapy in patients with cT3 mid-distal rectal cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with cT3 and/or N+ resectable rectal carcinoma were randomized to receive one of the two following chemoradiotherapy regimens: cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and radiotherapy (PLAFUR) or raltitrexed, oxaliplatin, and radiotherapy (TOMOX-RT). For PLAFUR, cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) was given on Days 1 and 29, with a prolonged infusion of 5-fluorouracil (1,000 mg/m(2)) on Days 1-4 and 29-32, plus concurrent radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions daily). For TOMOX-RT, raltitrexed (3 mg/m(2)) and oxaliplatin (130 mg/m(2)) was given on Days 1, 19, and 38 with the same radiotherapy regimen as used for PLAFUR. Surgery was performed 6-8 weeks after completion of chemoradiotherapy. All pathologic specimens were reviewed by a designated expert pathologist. The primary endpoint of this study was pathologic tumor downstaging (defined as tumor regression grade 1-2). Secondary endpoints included the incidence of ypT0, clinical tumor downstaging, sphincter-saving surgery, and acute treatment-related toxicity. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2005, 164 patients were accrued in 10 Italian centers, 83 patients in the PLAFUR arm and 81 in the TOMOX-RT arm. Overall, tumor regression grade 1-2 was observed in 76 patients (46.4%) and ypT0 in 49 (29.9%). The tumor regression grade 1-2 rate was 41.0% vs. 51.9% (p = 0.162) and the ypT0 rate was 24.1% vs. 35.8% (p = 0.102) for the PLAFUR vs. TOMOX-RT arm, respectively. The overall rate of tumor regression grade 1 and ypN+ was 4.6%. The occurrence of ypT downstaging was significantly greater in the TOMOX-RT arm (p = 0.035). Grade 3-4 acute toxicity occurred in 19 patients (11.6%): 7.1% in the PLAFUR arm vs. 16.4% in the TOMOX-RT arm. Sphincter-saving surgery was performed in 143 patients (87.2%) overall: 87.9% in the PLAFUR arm and 86.4% in the TOMOX-RT arm. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the PLAFUR regimen, TOMOX-RT achieved a greater incidence of downstaging but was associated with a correspondingly greater rate of acute Grade 3+ toxicity. With longer follow-up, the local control and survival rates might offer additional guidance as to the choice of regimen.

Treatment outcomes and patterns of radiologic appearance after hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy delivered with helical tomotherapy (HHT) for lung tumours.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcomes and patterns of CT lung injury after hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy delivered with helical tomotherapy (HHT) in a series of inoperable lung lesions. METHODS: 68 patients who were medically inoperable (69 lesions) without evidence of viable extrathoracic disease were included. Dose prescription was driven by tumour location (hilar/pericentral vs peripheral) and/or target volume. 52% of the lesions received a biological equivalent dose (BED10) ≥100 Gy. Assessment of tumour response was based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours 1.1 criteria coupled with fluorine-18 fludeoxyglucose/positron emission tomography-CT. Toxicity monitoring was focused on treatment-related pulmonary adverse events according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 4.0. Acute and late events were classified as radiation pneumonitis (RP) and radiation fibrosis (RF), respectively. Survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses of survival were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 3-31 months), no instances of ≥Grade 4 RP was documented, and clinically severe (Grade 3) RP occurred in 5.8% of the patients. 2 (3%) patients developed a late severe (≥Grade 3) symptomatic RF. No specific pattern of CT lung injury was demonstrated, in both acute and late settings. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) for the entire population were 30.8 and 14.1 months, respectively. At multivariate analysis (MVA), BED10 ≥ 100 Gy and KPS ≥ 90 emerged as significant prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively), and BED10 ≥ 100 Gy for PFS (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that HHT adjusted for tumour location and/or target volume is an effective treatment with an acceptable toxicity profile in patients who are medically inoperable with lung tumours and is not associated with a specific pattern of lung injury. Therefore, it can represent a viable option when conventional stereotactic ablative radiotherapy facilities are not available. Advances in knowledge: The present study is among the largest series addressing the role of HHT for inoperable lung tumours. This technique is safe and effective and is not associated with a specific pattern of lung injury, at least at early and average time points.

Statins Protect Against Acute RT-related Rectal Toxicity in Patients with Prostate Cancer: An Observational Prospective Study.

AIM: To analyze risk factors for acute rectal toxicity during hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 195 patients received 74.25 Gy in 33 fractions to the prostate and, if involved, to the seminal vescicles (SV). When the risk of SV involvement was >15% according to the Roach's formula, they received 62 Gy in 33 fractions. Overall, 107/195 patients (54.87%) received hormonal therapy (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue, anti-androgen, or both). Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 was used to classify rectal toxicity. RESULTS: Acute rectal toxicity occurred in 79 (40.51%) patients (grade 1 in 44). In univariate analysis, use of calcium channel blockers significantly reduced the acute rectal toxicity rate and 3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) significantly reduced the rectal toxicity rate and grade. In multivariate analysis, only statin use was an independent protective factor. CONCLUSION: In patients with prostate cancer treated with a moderate hypofractionated IMRT schedule, use of statins lowered the incidence and grade of acute rectal toxicity.

Short-course versus split-course radiotherapy in metastatic spinal cord compression: results of a phase III, randomized, multicenter trial.

PURPOSE: Hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) is often used in the treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). This randomized trial was planned to assess the clinical outcome and toxicity of two different hypofractionated RT regimens in MSCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred patients with MSCC were randomly assigned to a short-course RT (8 Gy x 2 days) or to a split-course RT (5 Gy x 3; 3 Gy x 5). Only patients with a short life expectancy entered the protocol. Median follow-up was 33 months (range, 4 to 61 months). RESULTS: A total of 276 (92%) patients were assessable; 142 (51%) treated with the short-course and 134 (49%) treated with the split-course RT regimen. There was no significant difference in response, duration of response, survival, or toxicity found between the two arms. When short- versus split-course regimens were compared, after RT 56% and 59% patients had back pain relief, 68% and 71% were able to walk, and 90% and 89% had good bladder function, respectively. Median survival was 4 months and median duration of improvement was 3.5 months for both arms. Toxicity was equally distributed between the two arms: grade 3 esophagitis or pharyngitis was registered in four patients (1.5%), grade 3 diarrhea occurred in four patients (1.5%), and grade 3 vomiting or nausea occurred in 10 patients (6%). Late toxicity was never recorded. CONCLUSION: Both hypofractionated RT schedules adopted were effective and had acceptable toxicity. However, considering the advantages of the short-course regimen in terms of patient convenience and machine time, it could become the RT regimen of choice in the clinical practice for MSCC patients.

Oxaliplatin with raltitrexed and preoperative radiotherapy in T3-T4 extraperitoneal rectal cancer. A dose finding study.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The availability of new drugs offers the opportunity to improve the outcome of locally advanced rectal cancer. Raltitrexed and oxaliplatin are effective in advanced colorectal cancer with acceptable toxicity and can act as radiation enhancers as shown in phase I-II studies. The aim of the study was thus to determine the recommended dose of oxaliplatin concomitantly administered with raltitrexed and concurrent preoperative radiotherapy in patients with stage II-III extraperitoneal rectal cancer. METHODS: From September 2001 to September 2002, 18 consecutive patients with T3/T4 rectal cancer were treated at our Institution with preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgery after 6-8 weeks. Pelvic radiotherapy was delivered at a dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions in 5 weeks followed by a 5.4 Gy boost at 1.8 Gy daily. Concomitant chemotherapy consisted of 3 mg/m2/i.v. of raltitrexed on days 1, 19, 38 of radiotherapy treatment with incremental doses of oxaliplatin according to dose finding rules (4 dose levels: 65, 85, 110, 130 mg/m2). Dose-limiting toxicity for oxaliplatin was defined as either grade 3-4 hematological or grade 3-4 gastrointestinal or neurological toxicity. We studied a minimum of 3 patients at each dose level. RESULTS: Three patients were treated at 65, 85, and 110 mg/m2/i.v., respectively, while 9 patients were recruited at the last dose level. Neither grade 3-4 gastrointestinal nor neurological toxicity were documented. Dose-limiting toxicity was documented in 2/9 subjects at the 130 mg/m2 level consisting of grade 3 transient asymptomatic leukopenia. Thirteen patients developed transient increase of one or more liver enzymes (grade 3-4) and 2 patients developed grade 3 perineal dermatitis. All patients received the programmed dose of radiotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen was not completed in 4 cases due to grade 2 protracted leukopenia. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum tolerated dose of oxaliplatin was not reached at the maximum dose level (i.v.); 130 mg/m2 can therefore be defined as the recommended dose. The combination of oxaliplatin with raltitrexed and radiotherapy can be considered feasible and well tolerated.

Radiotherapy for early-stage prostate cancer in men under 70 years of age.

AIMS: To demonstrate that radiotherapy (RT) is a valid alternative to surgery in men ≤70 years old with localized prostate cancer. METHODS: From 1988 to 2009, 214 patients with T1-2 N0 M0 prostate cancer were treated with RT. The effects of patient- and treatment-related risk factors on toxicity were investigated. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 105 months (range 14.2-180). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year biochemical relapse-free survival for all 214 patients was 80%, 61.9%, and 57.5%, respectively. In bivariate analysis, age (≤65 vs 65-70 years) was not a significant factor for biochemical relapse, while radiation dose was (p = 0.05) in multivariate analysis. Cancer-specific survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 98.4%, 93.2%, and 69.7%, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was 167 months (95% confidence interval 147.3-186.7). The OS rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 91.8%, 75.8%, and 42.5%, respectively. Acute genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities occurred in 105 (49%) and 98 patients (45.8%), respectively, with only 2 cases of grade III GI toxicity. Late GU and GI toxicities occurred in 17 (7.9%) and 20 (9.3%) patients, respectively, with 1 grade III GI toxicity and 2 grade III GU toxicities. Risk factors for late toxicity were age and RT dose and technique, which were unrelated to acute toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Age ≤70 years does not consistently confer a negative prognosis for localized prostate cancer. Radiotherapy appears to be a viable alternative to surgery, offering excellent long-term cancer control.

Re-irradiation of brain metastases and metastatic spinal cord compression: clinical practice suggestions.

The recent improvements of therapeutic approaches in oncology have allowed a certain number of patients with advanced disease to survive much longer than in the past. So, the number of cases with brain metastases and metastatic spinal cord compression has increased, as has the possibility of developing a recurrence in areas of the central nervous system already treated with radiotherapy. Clinicians are reluctant to perform re-irradiation of the brain, because of the risk of severe side effects. The tolerance dose for the brain to a single course of radiotherapy is 50-60 Gy in 2 Gy daily fractions. New metastases appear in 22-73% of the cases after whole brain radiotherapy, but the percentage of reirradiated patients is 3-10%. An accurate selection must be made before giving an indication to re-irradiation. Patients with Karnofsky performance status > 70, age < 65 years, controlled primary and no extracranial metastases are those with the best prognosis. The absence of extracranial disease was the most significant factor in conditioning survival, and maximum tumor diameter was the only variable associated with an increased risk of unacceptable acute and/or chronic neurotoxicity. Re-treatment of brain metastases can be done with whole brain radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Most patients had no relevant radiation-induced toxicity after a second course of whole brain radiotherapy or stereotactic radiosurgery. There are few data on fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in the re-irradiation of brain metastases. In general, the incidence of an "in-field" recurrence of spinal metastasis varies from 2.5-11% of cases and can occur 2-40 months after the first radiotherapy cycle. Radiation-induced myelopathy can occur months or years (6 months-7 years) after radiotherapy, and the pathogenesis remains obscure. Higher radiotherapy doses, larger doses per fraction, and previous exposure to radiation could be associated with a higher probability of developing radiation-induced myelopathy. Experimental data indicate that also the total dose of the first and second radiotherapy, interval to re-treatment, length of the irradiated spinal cord, and age of the treated animals influence the risk of radiation-induced myelopathy. An alpha/beta ratio of 1.9-3 Gy could be generally the reference value for fractionated radiotherapy. However, when fraction sizes are up to 5 Gy, the linear-quadratic equation become a less valid model. The early diagnosis of relapse is crucial in conditioning response to re-treatment.

Raltitrexed and radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment for stage II-III rectal cancer: a feasibility study.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Adjuvant 5-FU chemotherapy plus radiotherapy represents the standard treatment for radically resected rectal cancer at high risk of relapse according to the NIH Consensus Conference. The therapeutic gain was obtained with a high rate of severe treatment-related toxicity and a suboptimal patient compliance with this regimen. Raltitrexed is a specific thymidylate synthase inhibitor with a convenient administration schedule, acceptable toxicity and radiosensitizing properties, as the published phase I trials in combination with radiotherapy have shown. The aim of this prospective multicenter phase II study was to evaluate the feasibility, gastrointestinal and hematological acute toxicity of raltitrexed in combination with radiotherapy in rectal cancer patients. METHODS: From September 2000 to June 2004, 50 patients with radically resected stage II-III rectal adenocarcinoma were treated. All patients were evaluable for compliance and acute toxicity. Within 45-60 days of surgery, each patient underwent concomitant adjuvant radiochemotherapy. Radiotherapy was administered to the pelvis (plus perineum after abdominoperineal resection) with photon beam energy exceeding 5 MV, 3-4 fields, 45 Gy/25 fractions/5 weeks plus a boost delivered to the site of resected disease with 3-4 fields, 9 Gy/5 fractions/1 week to a total dose of 54 Gy. The boost dose was administered after complete exclusion of the small bowel from the treatment volumes; if this was not possible a total dose of 50.4 Gy was given. Raltitrexed was administered intravenously at a dose of 3 mg/m2 as a bolus injection on days 1 and 22 of radiotherapy one hour before treatment, for a total of two cycles. Each patient underwent weekly clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. Toxicity was assessed by the WHO scale. RESULTS: Forty-five (90%) patients completed the established treatment. Acute severe toxicity included grade III proctitis in 4/50 (8%), grade III-IV diarrhea in 4/50 (8%), grade III perineal dermatitis in 4/50 (8%) and grade III leukopenia in 2/50 (4%) patients; five patients (10%) experienced a transient grade Ill increase in their liver biochemistry values. CONCLUSIONS: Our data related to acute toxicity and patient compliance proved the feasibility of this adjuvant radiochemotherapy treatment. A longer follow-up is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of this new regimen in terms of disease-free and overall survival.