Could pulmonary low-dose radiation therapy be an alternative treatment for patients with COVID-19 pneumonia? Preliminary results of a multicenter SEOR-GICOR nonrandomized prospective trial (IPACOVID trial).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lung low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) for pneumonia in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria comprised patients with COVID-19-related moderate-severe pneumonia warranting hospitalization with supplemental O2 and not candidates for admission to the intensive care unit because of comorbidities or general status. All patients received single lung dose of 0.5 Gy. Respiratory and systemic inflammatory parameters were evaluated before irradiation, at 24 h and 1 week after LD-RT. Primary endpoint was increased in the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) or the pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2) to fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio of at least 20% at 24 h with respect to the preirradiation value. RESULTS: Between June and November 2020, 36 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and a mean age of 84 years were enrolled. Seventeen were women and 19 were men and all of them had comorbidities. All patients had bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on chest X­ray. All patients received dexamethasone treatment. Mean SpO2 pretreatment value was 94.28% and the SpO2/FiO2 ratio varied from 255 mm Hg to 283 mm Hg at 24 h and to 381 mm Hg at 1 week, respectively. In those who survived (23/36, 64%), a significant improvement was observed in the percentage of lung involvement in the CT scan at 1 week after LD-RT. No adverse effects related to radiation treatment have been reported. CONCLUSIONS: LD-RT appears to be a feasible and safe option in a population with COVID-19 bilateral interstitial pneumonia in the presence of significant comorbidities.

[COVID-19 epidemiology in health and social health workers in the health area of A Coruña and Cee]. / Epidemiología de la COVID-19 entre el personal de centros sanitarios y sociosanitarios del área sanitaria de A Coruña y Cee.

OBJECTIVE: Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has become necessary to know the epidemiological evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, this study aims to describe the characteristics of the casuistry of COVID-19 in health and social-health workers in the health area of A Coruña and Cee during the first epidemic wave, as well as to determine the association between the clinical profile and/or its duration and the condition of RT-PCR repositivization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the study period, 210 cases belonging to healthcare and social-healthcare workers from the healthcare area of A Coruña and Cee were diagnosed. A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic factors was carried out, as well as the search for association between the clinical picture and the duration of detection of a positive RT-PCR. RESULTS: The most affected categories were nursing (33.3%) and nursing assistants (16.2%). The mean time taken for cases to become RT-PCR negative was 18.3±9.1 days, with a median of 17. It was observed that 26 cases (13.8%) had a positive result in a subsequent RT-PCR, without meeting criteria for reinfection. The existence of skin manifestations and arthralgias was associated with repositivization after adjusting for age and sex (OR=4.6 and OR=6.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In healthcare professionals diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first wave, symptoms such as dyspnea, skin manifestations and arthralgias led to RT-PCR repositivization after a previous negative result and without meeting criteria for reinfection.

Cancer diagnosis in Catalonia (Spain) after two years of COVID-19 pandemic: an incomplete recovery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate potential undetected cancers over the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia. METHODS: Cancer incidence was compared between pre-pandemic (2019) and pandemic (March 2020-January 2022) periods in the Catalan Pathology Registry (CPR) according to sex, age, and tumor site. The correlation between cancer diagnosis and COVID-19 health care workload was also evaluated by means of the Pearson's correlation coefficient (R). The expected incident cancers (E) during the pandemic were estimated by applying 2019 CPR cancer incidence specific rates by sex and 5-year age groups to the 2020 and 2021 Catalan population pyramids. CPR incident cancers were considered observed (O). Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the O/E ratio. RESULTS: After two pandemic years, cancer diagnosis decreased by 12% (SIR 0.88, 95% CI 0.87-0.89), or ∼7700 undetected cancers (13 000 with nonmelanoma skin cancer). Without nonmelanoma skin cancer, 72% of the cancer underdiagnosis was generated in 2020. Diagnoses decreased more in men (whole pandemic -14%; 2020 -21%; 2021 -8%) than in women (-9%, -19%, -3%, respectively), dropping significantly overall in all pandemic waves but the fifth (first -37%, second -16%, third -8%, fourth -6%, fifth -2%, sixth -6%), and across all adult age groups. In the first wave, CPR cancer diagnosis was inversely correlated with COVID-19 caseload in primary care (R -0.91, 95% CI -0.97 to -0.75) and occupancy in conventional hospital wards (R -0.91, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.48) and intensive care (R -0.91, 95% CI 95% -0.98 to -0.70). CONCLUSIONS: Our study evaluated the overall pandemic impact on cancer diagnosis on a large scale and with minimal selection bias, showing that as of February 2022, cancer detection in Catalonia had not yet recovered to pre-pandemic levels. Pending cancer incidence data from population-based cancer registries, early CPR data could inform the development of Spanish cancer control plans.

Detection of incident breast and colorectal cancer cases from an administrative healthcare database in Catalonia, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Catalan minimum basic data set (MBDS) of hospital discharges as an information source for detecting incident breast (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC), against the Hospital del Mar Cancer Registry (RTHMar) in Barcelona (Spain) as the gold standard. METHODS: Using ASEDAT software (Analysis, Selection and Extraction of Tumour Data), we identified Catalan public hospital discharge abstracts in patients with a first-time diagnosis of BC and CRC in the years 2005, 2008, and 2011, aggregated by unique patient identifiers and sorted by date. Once merged with the RTHMar database and anonymized, tumour-specific algorithms were validated to extract data on incident cases, tumour stage, surgical treatment, and date of incidence. RESULTS: MBDS had a respective sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of 78.0% (564/723) and 90.5% (564/623) for BC case detection; and 83.9% (387/461) and 94.9% (387/408) for CRC case detection. The staging algorithms overestimated the proportion of local-stage cases and underestimated the regional-stage cases in both cancers. When loco-regional stage and surgery were combined, sensitivity and PPV reached 98.3% and 99.8%, respectively, for BC and 96.4% and 98.4% for CRC. The differences between dates of incidence between RTHMar and MBDS were greater for BC cases without initial surgery, whereas they were generally smaller and homogeneous for CRC cases. CONCLUSIONS: The MBDS is a valid and efficient instrument to improve the completeness of a hospital-based cancer registry (HBCR), particularly in BC and CRC, which require hospitalization and are predominantly surgical.

Role of boost radiotherapy for local control of pure ductal carcinoma in situ after breast-conserving surgery: a multicenter, retrospective study of 622 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of boost radiotherapy on ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) after breast-conserving surgery and whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT) with or without boost. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective, multicentre study of 622 patients (624 tumors) diagnosed with pure DCIS from 1993-2011. RESULTS: Most tumors (377/624; 60.4%) received a boost. At a median follow-up of 8.8 years, IBTR occurred in 64 cases (10.3%). A higher percentage of patients with risk factors for IBTR received a boost (p < 0.05). Boost was not associated with lower rates of IBTR than WBRT alone (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.35). On the univariate analyses, IBTR was significantly associated with tumor size (11-20 mm, HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.27-4.24; and > 20 mm, HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.14-3.88), re-excision (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.96), and tamoxifen (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.12-3.70). Boost dose > 16 Gy had a protective effect (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.187-0.824). Multivariate analyses confirmed the independent associations between IBTR and 11-20 mm (p = 0.02) and > 20 mm (p = 0.009) tumours, and re-excision (p = 0.006). On the margin-stratified multivariate analysis, tamoxifen was a poor prognostic factor in the close/positive margin subgroup (HR 4.28 95% CI 1.23-14.88), while the highest boost dose ( > 16 Gy) had a significant positive effect (HR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.86) in the negative margin subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy boost did not improve the risk of IBTR. Boost radiotherapy was more common in patients with high-risk disease. Tumor size and re-excision were significant independent prognostic factors.

Accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy (AHRT) for non-small-cell lung cancer: can we leave standard fractionation?

PURPOSE: To report interim results from a single-institution study conducted to assess accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (AHRT) delivered with 3D conformal radiotherapy in two groups of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: (1) patients with early stage disease unable to tolerate surgery and ineligible for stereotactic body radiation therapy, and (2) patients with locally advanced disease unsuitable for concurrent chemoradiotherapy. METHODS/PATIENTS: A total of 83 patients (51 stage I-II, 32 stage III) were included. Radiotherapy targets included the primary tumor and positive mediastinal areas identified on the pre-treatment PET-CT. Mean age was 77.8 ± 7.8 years. ECOG performance status (PS) was ≥2 in 50.6 % of cases. Radiotherapy was delivered in daily fractions of 2.75 Gy to a total dose of 66 Gy (BED10 84 Gy). Acute and late toxicities were evaluated according to NCI CTC criteria. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 42 months, median overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were 23 and 36 months, respectively. On the multivariate analysis, PS [HR 4.14, p = 0.0001)], stage [HR 2.51, p = 0.005)], and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) [HR 1.04, p = 0.04)] were independent risk factors for OS. PS [HR 5.2, p = 0.0001)] and stage [HR 6.3, p = 0.0001)] were also associated with CSS. No cases of severe acute or late treatment-related toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS: OS and CSS rates in patients treated with AHRT for stage I-II and stage III NSCLC were good. Treatment was well tolerated with no grade three or higher treatment-related toxicity. PS, stage, and SUV max were predictive for OS and CSS.

Predictive factors for survival in neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for advanced rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery is the standard approach in advanced rectal carcinoma. Tumor response is determined in histological specimen. OBJECTIVE: To assess predictive factors for survival in 115 patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: 115 patients treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery with total mesorectal excision, in our hospital from January 2007 to December 2014. All patients received pelvic radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy, followed by radical surgery and in some adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, distance to anal verge, radial margin, perineural invasion, and good grade regression are predictive factors for both, specific and disease free survival; and in multivariant, only radial margin and perineural invasion were predictive factors for survival. We found distance to anal verge (<5 cm) as the only clinical factor to predict a positive margin in the histologic specimen. CONCLUSIONS: Perineural invasion and positive radial margin are predictive factors for both specific and disease free survival.

Reoperations after primary breast conserving surgery in women with invasive breast cancer in Catalonia, Spain: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although complete tumor resection is accepted as the best means to reduce recurrence, reoperations after lumpectomy are a common problem in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the reoperation rates after primary breast conserving surgery in invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed in Catalonia, Spain, between 2005 and 2011 and to identify variations based on patient and tumour characteristics. METHODS: Women with invasive incident breast cancer identified from the Patient's Hospital Discharge Database [174.0-174.9 codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) as the primary diagnosis] and receiving primary breast conserving surgery were included in the study and were followed up to 3 and 12 months by collecting information about repeat breast cancer surgery. RESULTS: Reoperation rates after primary breast conserving surgery decreased from 13.0 % in 2005 to 11.7 % in 2011 at 3 months and from 14.2 % in 2005 to 12.9 % in 2011 at 12 months' follow-up. While breast conservation reoperations saw a slight, non-significant increase in the same period (from 5.7 to 7.3 % at 3 months, and from 6.0 to 7.5 % at 12 months), there was a significant decrease in radical reoperation (from 7.3 to 4.4 % at 3 months and from 8.2 to 5.4 % at 12 months). Overall, additional breast surgeries decreased among younger women. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the rise of breast conserving surgery, reoperation rates following initial lumpectomy in Catalonia decreased by 10 % at 3 and 12 months' follow-up, remaining low and almost unchanged. Ultimately, there was also a significant decrease in mastectomies.

Influence of incidental radiation dose in the subventricular zone on survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide.

PURPOSE: To determine if there is an association between the incidental radiation dose to the subventricular zone and survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty-five patients, treated between 2006 and 2015, were included in this retrospective study. The doses (75th percentile; p75) administered to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventricular zone were compared to overall survival and progression-free survival using Cox proportional hazards models. Covariates included: age, sex, surgery, tumor location, and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. RESULTS: Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 11.5 ± 9.96 and 18.8 ± 18.5 months, respectively. The p75 doses to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventrivular zone were, respectively, 57.30, 48.8, and 52.7 Gy. Patients who received a dose ≥48.8 Gy in the contralateral subventricular zone had better progression-free survival than those who received lower doses (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.91 P = 0.028). This association was not found for overall survival (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.30-1.22 P = 0.16). Administration of adjuvant temozolomide was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.41 P < 0.0001) and overall survival (HR 0.11; 95% CI 0.05-0.24 P = 0.001). In the subgroup of 46 patients whose O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter status was known, the methylation had no effect on either progression-free survival (P = 0.491) or overall survival (P = 0.203). CONCLUSION: High-dose radiation in the contralateral subventricular zone was associated with a significant improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme.

Management of breast ductal carcinoma in situ in Catalonia, Spain: Results from the Grup Oncologic Calalà-Occità-Catalonia survey with 9-year follow up.

INTRODUCTION: Reliable data on DCIS incidence and management are not available in many countries. The present study describes the management of DCIS in Catalonia, Spain in the year 2005 and compares these findings to data obtained in France. Local recurrence and late toxicity rates from 2005 through the end of 2014 are reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational survey of patients with pure DCIS (n = 270) diagnosed during 2005. A written questionnaire, the same as used in the French survey, was completed by 14 doctors at 12 cancer centres in Catalonia, Spain. RESULTS: Median patient age was 55 years (range, 29-89). Diagnosis was mammographic in 225 cases (83.3%). Treatment approaches included: mastectomy (10.4% of cases), breast-conserving surgery (BCS) alone (3.7%), and BCS plus radiotherapy (RT) (85.5%). Sentinel node biopsy and axillary dissection were performed in 27.4% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. Hormonotherapy was prescribed in 45.2% of cases. Tumour nuclear grade was as follows: low (16.7% of cases), intermediate (23%), and high (55.6%). Excision was complete (margins ≥1 mm) in 75% of patients treated with BCS alone vs. 95.7% for BCS+RT. The treatment approach varied widely: mastectomy rates ranged from 7.1% to 26.7% of centres, BCS+RT from 55.5% to 87.8%, and hormonotherapy from 3.3% to 83.3%. At a median follow-up of 102.6 months, 14 patients (5.6%) presented ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: These findings on DCIS management in Catalonia are consistent with previous international reports. The inter-centre differences observed are similar to those reported in other international surveys during the same period.

Epidemiología de la COVID-19 entre el personal de centros sanitarios y sociosanitarios del área sanitaria de A Coruña y Cee / COVID-19 epidemiology in health and social health workers in the health area of A Coruña and Cee

Objetivo Desde el comienzo de la pandemia ha sido necesario conocer la evolución epidemiológica del SARS-CoV-2. Es por ello que el objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características de la casuística de la COVID-19 en el personal de centros sanitarios y sociosanitarios del área sanitaria de A Coruña y Cee durante la primera ola epidémica, así como determinar la asociación entre el cuadro clínico y/o la duración del mismo y la condición de repositivizar la RT-PCR. Material y métodos En el periodo de estudio se diagnosticaron 210 casos de COVID-19 entre el personal sanitario y sociosanitario del área sanitaria de A Coruña y Cee. Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo de los factores sociodemográficos, así como la búsqueda de asociación entre el cuadro clínico y la duración de la detección de una RT-PCR positiva. Resultados Las categorías profesionales más afectadas fueron enfermería (33,3%) y auxiliares de enfermería (16,2%). El tiempo medio que los casos tardaron en negativizar la RT-PCR fue de 18,3±9,1 días, con una mediana de 17 días. Se observó que 26 casos (13,8%) volvían a obtener un resultado positivo en alguna RT-PCR posterior, sin cumplir criterios de reinfección. La existencia de manifestaciones cutáneas y artralgias se asoció con la repositivización tras ajustar por edad y sexo (OR=4,6 y OR=6,5; respectivamente). Conclusiones En los profesionales sanitarios diagnosticados con COVID-19 durante la primera ola, los síntomas disnea, manifestaciones cutáneas y artralgias determinaron la repositivización de la RT-PCR tras un resultado negativo previo y sin cumplir criterios de reinfección (AU)

Objective Since the beginning of the pandemic, it has become necessary to know the epidemiological evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, this study aims to describe the characteristics of the casuistry of COVID-19 in health and social-health workers in the health area of A Coruña and Cee during the first epidemic wave, as well as to determine the association between the clinical profile and/or its duration and the condition of RT-PCR repositivization. Materials and methods During the study period, 210 cases belonging to healthcare and social-healthcare workers from the healthcare area of A Coruña and Cee were diagnosed. A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic factors was carried out, as well as the search for association between the clinical picture and the duration of detection of a positive RT-PCR. Results The most affected categories were nursing (33.3%) and nursing assistants (16.2%). The mean time taken for cases to become RT-PCR negative was 18.3±9.1 days, with a median of 17. It was observed that 26 cases (13.8%) had a positive result in a subsequent RT-PCR, without meeting criteria for reinfection. The existence of skin manifestations and arthralgias was associated with repositivization after adjusting for age and sex (OR=4.6 and OR=6.5, respectively). Conclusions In healthcare professionals diagnosed with COVID-19 during the first wave, symptoms such as dyspnea, skin manifestations and arthralgias led to RT-PCR repositivization after a previous negative result and without meeting criteria for reinfection (AU)

Influence of incidental radiation dose in the subventricular zone on survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide

Purpose. To determine if there is an association between the incidental radiation dose to the subventricular zone and survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide. Methods and materials. Sixty-five patients, treated between 2006 and 2015, were included in this retrospective study. The doses (75th percentile; p75) administered to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventricular zone were compared to overall survival and progression-free survival using Cox proportional hazards models. Covariates included: age, sex, surgery, tumor location, and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. Results. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 11.5 ± 9.96 and 18.8 ± 18.5 months, respectively. The p75 doses to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventrivular zone were, respectively, 57.30, 48.8, and 52.7 Gy. Patients who received a dose ≥48.8 Gy in the contralateral subventricular zone had better progression-free survival than those who received lower doses (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.91 P = 0.028). This association was not found for overall survival (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.30-1.22 P = 0.16). Administration of adjuvant temozolomide was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.41 P < 0.0001) and overall survival (HR 0.11; 95% CI 0.05-0.24 P = 0.001). In the subgroup of 46 patients whose O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter status was known, the methylation had no effect on either progression-free survival (P = 0.491) or overall survival (P = 0.203). Conclusion. High-dose radiation in the contralateral subventricular zone was associated with a significant improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme (AU)

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Predictive factors for survival in neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy for advanced rectal cancer

Introduction. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery is the standard approach in advanced rectal carcinoma. Tumor response is determined in histological specimen. Objective. To assess predictive factors for survival in 115 patients. Patients and Method. 115 patients treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by radical surgery with total mesorectal excision, in our hospital from January 2007 to December 2014. All patients received pelvic radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy, followed by radical surgery and in some adjuvant chemotherapy. Results. In univariate analysis, distance to anal verge, radial margin, perineural invasion, and good grade regression are predictive factors for both, specific and disease free survival; and in multivariant, only radial margin and perineural invasion were predictive factors for survival. We found distance to anal verge (<5 cm) as the only clinical factor to predict a positive margin in the histologic specimen. Conclusions. Perineural invasion and positive radial margin are predictive factors for both specific and disease free survival (AU)

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Accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy (AHRT) for non-small-cell lung cancer: can we leave standard fractionation?

Purpose. To report interim results from a single-institution study conducted to assess accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (AHRT) delivered with 3D conformal radiotherapy in two groups of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: (1) patients with early stage disease unable to tolerate surgery and ineligible for stereotactic body radiation therapy, and (2) patients with locally advanced disease unsuitable for concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods/patients. A total of 83 patients (51 stage I-II, 32 stage III) were included. Radiotherapy targets included the primary tumor and positive mediastinal areas identified on the pre-treatment PET-CT. Mean age was 77.8 ± 7.8 years. ECOG performance status (PS) was ≥2 in 50.6 % of cases. Radiotherapy was delivered in daily fractions of 2.75 Gy to a total dose of 66 Gy (BED10 84 Gy). Acute and late toxicities were evaluated according to NCI CTC criteria. Results. At a median follow-up of 42 months, median overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were 23 and 36 months, respectively. On the multivariate analysis, PS [HR 4.14, p = 0.0001)], stage [HR 2.51, p = 0.005)], and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) [HR 1.04, p = 0.04)] were independent risk factors for OS. PS [HR 5.2, p = 0.0001)] and stage [HR 6.3, p = 0.0001)] were also associated with CSS. No cases of severe acute or late treatment-related toxicities were observed. Conclusions. OS and CSS rates in patients treated with AHRT for stage I-II and stage III NSCLC were good. Treatment was well tolerated with no grade three or higher treatment-related toxicity. PS, stage, and SUV max were predictive for OS and CSS (AU)

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Reoperations after primary breast conserving surgery in women with invasive breast cancer in Catalonia, Spain: a retrospective study

Background. Although complete tumor resection is accepted as the best means to reduce recurrence, reoperations after lumpectomy are a common problem in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the reoperation rates after primary breast conserving surgery in invasive breast cancer cases diagnosed in Catalonia, Spain, between 2005 and 2011 and to identify variations based on patient and tumour characteristics. Methods. Women with invasive incident breast cancer identified from the Patient’s Hospital Discharge Database [174.0-174.9 codes of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) as the primary diagnosis] and receiving primary breast conserving surgery were included in the study and were followed up to 3 and 12 months by collecting information about repeat breast cancer surgery. Results. Reoperation rates after primary breast conserving surgery decreased from 13.0 % in 2005 to 11.7 % in 2011 at 3 months and from 14.2 % in 2005 to 12.9 % in 2011 at 12 months’ follow-up. While breast conservation reoperations saw a slight, non-significant increase in the same period (from 5.7 to 7.3 % at 3 months, and from 6.0 to 7.5 % at 12 months), there was a significant decrease in radical reoperation (from 7.3 to 4.4 % at 3 months and from 8.2 to 5.4 % at 12 months). Overall, additional breast surgeries decreased among younger women. Conclusions. Despite the rise of breast conserving surgery, reoperation rates following initial lumpectomy in Catalonia decreased by 10 % at 3 and 12 months’ follow-up, remaining low and almost unchanged. Ultimately, there was also a significant decrease in mastectomies (AU)

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Preoperative induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in advanced carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

BACKGROUND: Combined modality therapy plays a central role in the management of advanced head and neck tumors. The objective of our Phase II study was to determine the feasibility, toxicity, and clinical and pathologic response of preoperative induction chemotherapy, followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with Stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging of the oral cavity and oropharynx with no distant metastases. METHODS: After staging, 62 patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx were treated preoperatively with chemotherapy (1 cycle of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil [P-5FU]) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (3 cycles of P-5FU combined with radiotherapy, 60 grays [Gy] given in 33 fractions of 1.8 Gy). After evaluation, patients underwent surgery either as a diagnostic (biopsy) or therapeutic procedure (resection of the primary tumor and/or the neck). Surgery was performed with the intent to spare organ function. RESULTS: Grade 3-4 mucositis was observed in 37 patients (59%). Overall clinical response was obtained in 87%, and the complete clinical response rate was 50%. Surgery was performed in 53 patients, 50 at the primary tumor site (11 biopsies, 14 marginal excisions, and 25 wide excision) and 46 patients had neck dissection. Pathologic complete remission was observed in 29 patients (46%). After a median follow-up of 39 months, locoregional control rate was 76%, estimated 3-year disease free survival rate was 73% (+/- 4%), and estimated 3-year overall survival rate was 76% (+/- 4%). CONCLUSIONS: This intensive multimodality treatment is feasible, and toxicity is significant but tolerable. The treatment results appear promising and durable. Organ-preserving surgery can be performed in many patients.

Long-term results and prognostic factors of patients with cervical carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: To evaluate the predictive factors of recurrence in cervical cancer treated with radical radiochemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 56 women was performed. Response was assessed using the RECIST response. Overall survival and disease-free survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyse predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: Local recurrence was documented in 16 patients and distant metastases in 15. The Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities were 95.1 ± 6.4% at 3 years and 80.4 ± 13.1% at 5 years and the Kaplan-Meier curve values for disease-free survival were 60.3 ± 14.3% at 3 years and 53.0 ± 15.7% at 5 years. Thirty-five patients were alive and 21 patients died, 19 from metastatic disease and 2 from other causes. Complete response after chemoradiation therapy, squamous cell carcinoma and tumour size ≤ 4 cm were significantly associated with outcome. In the Cox regression model, tumour size > 4 cm (hazard ratio 7.48; 95% CI 2.71-20.6; p < 0.001) and partial response (hazard ratio 7.09; 95% CI 2.82-17.8; p < 0.001) were predictive factors for disease-free survival and partial response (hazard ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.3-10.1; p < 0.001) and non-squamous cell carcinoma (hazard ratio 3.5; 95% CI 1.2-9.7; p < 0.001) were predictive factors for overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Non-squamous histology and partial response were independent prognostic factors for overall survival and tumour size and partial response were independent prognostic variables for 5-year disease survival (AU)

Variación en las indicaciones de irradiación externa en el cáncer de mama. Análisis de 4.545 casos (1990-2005) / No disponible

Introducción: Los cambios en el diagnóstico precoz, la cirugía,el tratamiento sistémico y los avances tecnológicos de laradioterapia han provocado un cambio, cualitativo y cuantitativo,en la utilización de las radiaciones en el tratamiento de laneoplasia de mama.Objetivo: Analizar los cambios en las indicaciones de irradiaciónexterna por neoplasia de mama desde el año 1990hasta la actualidad.Resultados: De enero 1990 a diciembre 2005 se realizaron4.545 irradiaciones por cáncer de mama, que representanel 29% del total. En el año 1990, el 43% de las indicacioneseran radicales y el 56% paliativas y actualmente el 82%son radicales y el 18% paliativas. También se constata un aumentodel tratamiento conservador, del 14 al 61%. Por elcontrario el resto de indicaciones, tras mastectomía, paliativosistémico o local disminuyen.Conclusiones: Actualmente el 29% de los tratamientos deun servicio de radioterapia son por cáncer de mama. Se detectaun aumento de la incidencia de la irradiación tras tratamientoconservador. Por el contrario, destaca una disminución dela irradiación tras mastectomía y de los tratamientos paliativos,tanto generales como locales, probablemente debido al aumentode la utilización de los tratamientos sistémicos(AU)

Introduction: Changes in early diagnosis, surgery, sistemictreatment and technological radiotherapy developments havemade a qualitative and quantitative changes, in the use of radiationin the treatment of breast cancer.Objective: Analyze the changes in the indication of radiationtherapy for breast cancer, since 1990 to nowadays.Results: From january 1990 to december 2005 we underwent4.545 irradiations for breast cancer (29% of total irradiations).In 1990, 43% of indications were radicals and 56% werepalliatives. Nowadays 82% are radicals and 18% are palliatives.Also, we can see an increase of the conservative treatment,from 14 to 61%. On the contrary, the rest of indications dicrease:after mastectomy, sistemic, palliative or local palliative.Conclusion: An increase in the incidence of breast canceris observed at the present time correspondig to 29% amountof treatments in a radiation in department. Also an increase ofincidence of the radiation after conservative treatment is confirmed.On the contrary, the incidence of the radiation aftermastectomy and palliative treatments decreases, probably dueto the use of the sistemic treatments(AU)

Certificación ISO del Institut d´Oncología Radioteràpica del Hospital de l`Esperança / ISO certification of the Radiotherapeutic Oncology Institute of the Hospital de l'Esperança

El IOR (Institut d´Oncología Radioterápica) nació con la misión de tratar de forma eficaz y segura a los pacientes. En este artículo nos detallan los pasos a seguir y el tiempo empleado para con seguir la certificación ISO para establecer un plan de calidad para el Servicio (AU)

The IOR (Radiotherapeutic Oncology Institute) was set up with the mission of treating patients in an effective and safe way. This article explain the steps followed and the time required for obtaining the ISO certification in order to establish a quality plan for the Service (AU)