Comparative analysis of treatment decision-making in patients with localized prostate and cervical cancer: what influences receiving surgery or radiotherapy?

PURPOSE: This study focused on identifying the factors influencing the decision-making process in patients with localized prostate and cervical cancer in Japan and specifically examining the choice between surgery and radiotherapy. METHODS: Patients with specific cancer stages registered with a healthcare research company for whom radical surgery or radiotherapy was equally effective and recommended participated in this cross-sectional online survey. RESULTS: The responses of 206 and 231 patients with prostate and cervical cancer, respectively, revealed that both groups relied heavily on the physicians' recommendations (prostate: odds ratio (OR) = 40.3, p < 0.001; cervical: OR = 5.59, p < 0.001) and their impression of radiotherapy (prostate: OR = 9.22, p < 0.001; cervical: OR = 2.31, p < 0.001). Factors such as hypertension (OR = 6.48, p < 0.05), diabetes mellitus (OR = 9.68, p < 0.05), employment status (OR = 0.08, p < 0.01), and impressions of surgery (OR = 0.14, p < 0.01) also played a significant role in patients with prostate cancer. In contrast, the specialty of the physician (OR = 4.55, p < 0.05) proposing the treatment influenced the decision-making process of patients with cervical cancer. Information sources varied between the two groups: patients with prostate cancer were more inclined towards printed materials, whereas patients with cervical cancer were more inclined towards interpersonal relationships. CONCLUSION: Although several limitations, such as the sample and recall bias, were noted, this study emphasizes the role of psychosocial factors in the decision-making process and the requirement for tailored information sources.

Adherence to national guidelines for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings in Japanese workplaces: a survey-based classification of enterprises' practices into "overscreening," "underscreening," and "guideline-adherence screening".

BACKGROUND: Workplace cancer screening programs are determined as part of an employee's benefits package and health checkups are perceived positively. However, the current status of workplace cancer screening programs in Japan is unavailable. This study aimed to assess the adherence to national guidelines for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings in the workplace among Japanese enterprises and identify factors associated with excessive or inadequate screenings. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were obtained from a survey conducted by the "Corporate Action to Promote Cancer Control" between November and December 2022 among registered partner enterprises in Japan. The survey included questions on background characteristics, cancer screening practices, and intervention approaches. The analysis included 432 enterprises that provided complete responses regarding colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings. RESULTS: The guideline-adherence rates for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings in the workplace were 12.7%, 3.0%, and 8.8%, respectively. Enterprises had lower adherence to screening guidelines than local governments. Colorectal (70.8%) and breast (67.1%) cancer screenings were predominantly categorized as "overscreening" and cervical (60.6%) cancer screening, as "underscreening." Factors such as enterprise scale, health insurance associations, and the number of interventional approaches were significantly associated with increased "overscreening" (101-1000: ß = 0.13, p = 0.01; ≥ 1000: ß = 0.17, p < 0.01; health insurance association: ß = 0.23, p < 0.01; and approaches: ß = 0.42, p < 0.01) and reduced "underscreening" (101-1000: ß = -0.13, p = 0.01; ≥ 1000: ß = -0.17, p < 0.01; health insurance association: ß = -0.18, p < 0.01; and approaches: ß = -0.48, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Adherence to national guidelines for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings in the workplace was suboptimal among Japanese enterprises. Therefore, appropriate cancer screening measures and interventions to ensure guideline adherence and optimization of screening benefits while minimizing potential harms should be expeditiously implemented.

Relationship between hydrogel spacer distribution and dosimetric parameters in linear-accelerator-based stereotactic body radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To explore the potential of quantitative parameters of the hydrogel spacer distribution as predictors for separating the rectum from the planning target volume (PTV) in linear-accelerator-based stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer. METHODS: Fifty-five patients underwent insertion of a hydrogel spacer and were divided into groups 1 and 2 of the PTV separated from and overlapping with the rectum, respectively. Prescribed doses of 36.25-45 Gy in five fractions were delivered to the PTV. The spacer cover ratio (SCR) and hydrogel-implant quality score (HIQS) were calculated. RESULTS: Dosimetric and quantitative parameters of the hydrogel spacer distribution were compared between the two groups. For PTV, D99% in group 1 (n = 29) was significantly higher than that in group 2 (n = 26), and Dmax, D0.03cc, D1cc, and D10% for the rectum were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2. The SCR for prostate (89.5 ± 12.2%) in group 1 was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in group 2 (74.7 ± 10.3%). In contrast, the HIQS values did not show a significant difference between the groups. An area under the curve of 0.822 (95% confidence interval, 0.708-0.936) for the SCR was obtained with a cutoff of 93.6%, sensitivity of 62.1%, and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The SCR seems promising to predict the separation of the rectum from the PTV in linear-accelerator-based SBRT for prostate cancer.

Exploring the Correlation Between Health Literacy and Knowledge of Cervical Cancer and Radiotherapy Among Japanese Women: A Web-Based Survey.

Health literacy (HL) plays a vital role in an individual's ability to make informed health decisions. Japan faces several challenges in cervical cancer control, including low human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening rates, underutilization of radiotherapy, and limited HL. This study explored the association between HL and knowledge of cervical cancer and radiotherapy, particularly among young Japanese women. We conducted a web-based survey among users of LunaLuna, a popular women's healthcare application, to assess their HL and knowledge about cervical cancer and radiotherapy through a 46-question survey. We compared three groups in terms of HL (inadequate, problematic, and sufficient & excellent). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knowledge. In total, 1468 respondents were included in this study. HL was positively correlated with knowledge scores (inadequate: 51.8%; problematic: 56.3%; sufficient & excellent: 60%). Participants displayed relatively low accuracy for treatment-related questions. Higher HL (ß = 0.15, p < 0.01), education (ß = - 0.11, p < 0.01), cervical cancer screening (ß = - 0.11, p < 0.01), income (ß = 0.09, p < 0.01), and employment (ß = - 0.06, p = 0.04) were significant factors affecting knowledge of cervical cancer and radiotherapy. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of HL in promoting cervical cancer prevention and providing a better understanding of radiotherapy. Despite factors such as age, education, and history of cervical cancer screening, HL showed the strongest association with knowledge of cervical cancer and radiotherapy. The enhancement of HL and knowledge dissemination may be critical for promoting cervical cancer prevention and radiotherapy in Japan.

Stereotactic radiosurgery ensures an effective and safe long-term control of Koos grade IV vestibular schwannomas: a single-center, retrospective, cohort study.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a standard treatment modality for vestibular schwannomas (VSs). However, there is a paucity of data on tumor control and neurological preservation for larger VSs. We aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness of SRS for Koos grade IV compared with I-III VSs. METHODS: We included 452 patients with VSs (50 Koos grade IV and 402 Koos grade I‒III) who were treated with SRS at our institution from 1990 to 2021. Tumor control and functional preservation were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared between groups with the log-rank test. RESULTS: The median post-SRS follow-up period was 68 months. Progression-free survival rates were 91% at 5 and 10 years for Koos grade IV VSs, and 95% and 92%, respectively, for Koos grade I‒III VSs (p = 0.278). In Koos grade IV VSs, functional preservation rates of the facial and trigeminal nerves were both 96% at 5 years (both 98% for Koos grade I‒III VSs; facial, p = 0.410; trigeminal, p = 0.107). Hearing preservation rates were 61% at 5 years for Koos grade IV VSs and 78% for Koos grade I-III VSs (p = 0.645). Symptomatic transient tumor expansion was more common with Koos grade IV VSs (8.0% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.034), although all related symptoms diminished in accordance with tumor shrinkage. CONCLUSION: SRS may contribute to long-term tumor control and adequate neurological preservation in the treatment of Koos grade IV VSs, comparable to those in the treatment of Koos grade I‒III VSs.

Risk factors for local recurrence of keloids and hypertrophic scars after postoperative electron beam radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are benign fibroproliferative lesions that occur as a result of skin injury. Postoperative radiation therapy is used to reduce the recurrence rate because of the high recurrence rate with surgical treatment alone. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for recurrence after postoperative electron beam radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with keloid or hypertrophic scars with at least one lesion and who underwent postoperative electron beam radiotherapy at our institution from June 2013 to March 2022 were included in the study, while patients with a follow-up period of fewer than three months were excluded. RESULTS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 94 lesions in 81 patients. Exactly two years after the treatment, the actuarial local control rate was 86.4%. The chest wall, shoulder, and suprapubic area were identified as high-risk recurrence sites. Compared to other body sites, these sites had significantly lower local control rates (two-year local control rates: 75.5% vs. 95.2%, P = 0.005). After multivariate analysis, treatment site (P = 0.014), male gender (P = 0.019), and younger age (P = 0.029) were revealed to be statistically significant risk factors for local recurrence. Risk factors for keloid recurrence after postoperative electron beam radiotherapy were therefore identified. CONCLUSION: This result could be used for follow-up and as a determinant for the optimal dose/fractionation of postoperative radiotherapy.

Curative Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Stratified by p16 Status, According to the Eighth Edition American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual: A Retrospective Study.

Background/Aim: The prevalence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing worldwide. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with OPSCC undergoing definitive radiotherapy, stratified according to their p16 status. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients with OPSCC treated with curative external beam radiotherapy between May 2015 and September 2023. Clinical staging was determined by the eighth edition AJCC staging manual for p16 positive and negative OPSCC. All patients were treated with radiotherapy using a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) with helical tomotherapy. The fractionation scheme, with or without chemotherapy, for the primary site and nodal lesions consisted of 2 Gy per fraction for a total dose of 70 Gy in 35 fractions over seven weeks. Results: This study included 76 patients with a median age of 66 years. With a median follow-up time of 32.6 months, the 3-year progression-free survival rate was significantly higher in p16 positive patients compared to p16 negative patients (79.6% vs. 42.5%, p<0.001). Concerning 54 patients with p16-positive tumors, the overall survival rates indicated excellent clinical outcomes for stage I, II, and III with results of 100%, 100%, and 88.1%, respectively. Conclusion: This retrospective study revealed the clinical outcomes of patients with OPSCC treated with radical radiotherapy, emphasizing the significance of p16 status. While acknowledging the limitations of the retrospective nature of this study, future prospective studies with larger cohorts and extended follow-up periods are needed to enhance evidence quality.

Hypofractionated Radiotherapy as a Standalone Treatment Modality for Locally Advanced Type B2 Thymoma in an Octogenarian Patient: 45 Gy in 15 Fractions.

Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), particularly type B2 thymomas, are rare neoplasms primarily found in the anterior mediastinum. The current therapeutic approach includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, but there is limited research on radiotherapy as a standalone treatment. This case report aims to elucidate the clinical outcomes of hypofractionated radiotherapy as a standalone treatment for locally advanced type B2 thymoma, offering insights into its potential efficacy and role in clinical practice.

Survival Following Palliative Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Examining Treatment Indications in Elderly Patients.

Background/Aim: This study investigated the survival outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergoing palliative radiotherapy, particularly focusing on challenges and factors associated with older age, providing insights into appropriate palliative radiotherapy use in this demographic. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using electronic medical records of 73 patients with HNSCC who were deemed unsuitable for curative therapy. Palliative radiotherapy involved a uniform dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier method, and multivariate analysis identified significant prognostic factors. Results: The median overall survival was 7.5 months, with no significant difference between age groups. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) >70 correlated with favorable survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed KPS as an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio=1.949, p=0.031). Conclusion: The results of this study align with those of previous studies, emphasizing the importance of palliative radiotherapy for HNSCC treatment. Optimal dose fractionation regimens remain undetermined, and tailored approaches that consider factors, such as age and performance status are crucial. Individualized, comprehensive assessments and supportive care measures enhance patient well-being, reflecting palliative care principles.

Comparing health literacy and behavioral changes in adulthood: A pilot study on alumni of a single school cancer education program.

Cancer education programs are regularly conducted in schools in Japan. Previous reports on their effectiveness were based on surveys conducted several months after the education. We aimed to evaluate whether cancer education for children influenced their behavioral changes in adulthood. We targeted schools where the Japan Cancer Society has conducted the programs since 2011 and the program participants are older than 21 years currently. Invitations were sent to the participants and controls who graduated one year before or after the participants, and answers were obtained using an online questionnaire. Data were collected on the willingness to undergo cancer screening, sociodemographic characteristics, healthy behaviors, and health literacy. We compared the data from the program participants with those from controls. We requested cooperation from 13 schools; however, only one agreed. The common reason for refusal was privacy concerns. In the all-boys participating school in Tokyo, there was no significant difference in background information between the cancer education (38 participants) and control (55 participants) groups. Multiple linear regression showed that healthcare or welfare education background (ß = 0.25, p = 0.01) and health literacy (ß = 0.24, p = 0.02) were significant predictors of cancer screening intention, while the presence of cancer education (p = 0.25) was not. Despite severe selection bias, this is the first study to examine the long-term impacts of cancer education. We found no significant impacts on the measured outcome. However, the educational content at that time differed from that of today, and the program's efficacy should not be negated.

Laryngeal Preservation Rate and Salvage Therapy Following Initial Recurrence in a Real-world Setting After Definitive Radiation Therapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background/Aim: The larynx plays a pivotal role in vocalization and airway protection, and laryngeal cancer manifests through various symptoms. Contemporary strategies focus on laryngeal preservation, particularly through non-surgical modality therapies that utilize radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the laryngeal preservation rate after definitive radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and investigate salvage therapy subsequent to the initial recurrence in a real-world context. Patients and Methods: Analysis included a total of 40 patients with locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who were treated with definitive radiotherapy in the University of Tokyo Hospital. Treatment involved external beam radiotherapy (70 Gy in 35 fractions) with elective nodal irradiation. The main study outcomes were assessment of survival, overall survival, local control, and the factors influencing laryngeal preservation. Results: The patients exhibited a median age of 64.5 years, and 80% of them were men. Chemotherapy was administered to 82.5% of the patients. The 3-year overall survival, progression-free, and laryngeal preservation survival rates were 86.3%, 66.8%, and 78.4%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified chemotherapy to be significantly associated with favorable laryngeal preservation survival (p<0.001). Conclusion: Definitive radiotherapy results in favorable outcomes for laryngeal preservation in locally advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. This study emphasizes the importance of chemotherapy in comprehensive patient management. Nevertheless, larger prospective studies are crucial to validate and optimize therapeutic approaches for this condition.

Radiotherapy for Solitary Bony or Extramedullary Plasmacytoma.

Background/Aim: This study aimed to determine the oncological outcomes associated with curative radiotherapy for solitary bony or extramedullary plasmacytomas by drawing on clinical data from a single tertiary center. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of radiotherapeutic interventions and delineate the patterns of disease recurrence. Patients and Methods: Eleven consecutive patients diagnosed with solitary bony or extramedullary plasmacytomas and treated between May 2007 and November 2023 were retrospectively screened. Different radiotherapy doses and fractionations were employed, and statistical analyses were performed to assess overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Among the 11 patients (9 males and 2 females), primary tumors were located within the bone in seven patients, whereas extramedullary tumors were observed in four patients. The median prescribed radiation dose was 46 Gy. The 5-year OS and DFS were 83.3% and 28.9%, respectively. Progression to multiple myeloma occurred in four patients with primary bony plasmacytoma. Local control rate was 88.9%, and one patient experienced distant metastasis after 32 months. Bony plasmacytoma has a high tendency of leading to multiple myeloma rather than extramedullary plasmacytoma (5-year progression to multiple myeloma-free survival rate, 20.8% vs. 100%, p=0.08). Conclusion: Radiotherapy is effective for solitary plasmacytomas with favorable local control and high objective response rates. A comparison with the existing literature supports the role of radiotherapy in the management of these conditions. The differences in outcomes between bony and extramedullary plasmacytomas emphasize the need for personalized treatment approaches.

Variation in Hounsfield unit calculated using dual-energy computed tomography: comparison of dual-layer, dual-source, and fast kilovoltage switching technique.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the variation in Hounsfield unit (HU) values calculated using dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scanners. A tissue characterization phantom inserting 16 reference materials were scanned three times using DECT scanners [dual-layer CT (DLCT), dual-source CT (DSCT), and fast kilovoltage switching CT (FKSCT)] changing scanning conditions. The single-energy CT images (120 or 140 kVp), and virtual monochromatic images at 70 keV (VMI70) and 140 keV (VMI140) were reconstructed, and the HU values of each reference material were measured. The difference in HU values was larger when the phantom was scanned using the half dose with wrapping with rubber (strong beam-hardening effect) compared with the full dose without the rubber (reference condition), and the difference was larger as the electron density increased. For SECT, the difference in HU values against the reference condition measured by the DSCT (3.2 ± 5.0 HU) was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than that using DLCT with 120 kVp (22.4 ± 23.8 HU), DLCT with 140 kVp (11.4 ± 12.8 HU), and FKSCT (13.4 ± 14.3 HU). The respective difference in HU values in the VMI70 and VMI140 measured using the DSCT (10.8 ± 17.1 and 3.5 ± 4.1 HU) and FKSCT (11.5 ± 21.8 and 5.5 ± 10.4 HU) were significantly smaller than those measured using the DLCT120 (23.1 ± 27.5 and 12.4 ± 9.4 HU) and DLCT140 (22.3 ± 28.6 and 13.1 ± 11.4 HU). The HU values and the susceptibility to beam-hardening effects varied widely depending on the DECT scanners.

Long-term geometric quality assurance of radiation focal point and cone-beam computed tomography for Gamma Knife radiosurgery system.

To investigate the geometric accuracy of the radiation focal point (RFP) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) over long-term periods for the ICON Leksell Gamma Knife radiosurgery system. This phantom study utilized the ICON quality assurance tool plus, and the phantom was manually set on the patient position system before the implementation of treatment for patients. The deviation of the RFP position from the unit center point (UCP) and the positions of the four ball bearings (BBs) in the CBCT from the reference position were automatically analyzed. During 544 days, a total of 269 analyses were performed on different days. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the deviation between measured RFP and UCP was 0.01 ± 0.03, 0.01 ± 0.03, and -0.01 ± 0.01 mm in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. The deviations with offset values after the cobalt-60 source replacement (0.00 ± 0.03, -0.01 ± 0.01, and -0.01 ± 0.01 mm in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively) were significantly (p = 0.001) smaller than those before the replacement (0.02 ± 0.03, 0.02 ± 0.01, and -0.02 ± 0.01 mm in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively). The overall mean ± SD of four BBs was -0.03 ± 0.03, -0.01 ± 0.05, and 0.01 ± 0.03 mm in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. Geometric positional accuracy was ensured to be within 0.1 mm on most days over a long-term period of more than 500 days.

Neurological prognosis prediction for cardiac arrest patients using quantitative imaging biomarkers from brain computed tomography.

PURPOSE: We aimed to predict the neurological prognosis of cardiac arrest (CA) patients using quantitative imaging biomarkers extracted from brain computed tomography images. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 86 CA patients (good prognosis, 32; poor prognosis, 54) who were treated at three hospitals between 2017 and 2019. We then extracted 1131 quantitative imaging biomarkers from whole-brain and local volumes of interest in the computed tomography images of the patients. The data were split into training and test sets containing 60 and 26 samples, respectively, and the training set was used to select representative quantitative imaging biomarkers for classification. In univariate analysis, the classification was evaluated using the p-value of the Brunner-Munzel test and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the test set. In multivariate analysis, machine learning models reflecting nonlinear and complex relations were trained, and they were evaluated using the AUC on the test set. RESULTS: The best performance provided p = 0.009 (<0.01) and an AUC of 0.775 (95% confidence interval, 0.590-0.960) for the univariate analysis and an AUCof0.813 (95% confidence interval, 0.640-0.985) for the multivariate analysis. Overall, the gray level with the maximum gradient in the histogram of the three-dimensionally low-pass-filtered image was an important feature for prediction across the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative imaging biomarkers can be used in neurological prognosis prediction for CA patients. Relevant biomarkers may contribute to protocolized computed tomography image acquisition to ensure proper decision support in acute care.

Failure Patterns of Recurrence in Patients With Localized Esthesioneuroblastoma Following Surgery and Adjuvant Radiotherapy Without Elective Nodal Irradiation.

BACKGROUND: Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB), a rare malignancy arising from the olfactory epithelium, poses clinical challenges owing to its propensity for local invasion and recurrence. Its management typically involves surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy. However, debate persists regarding the optimal treatment strategy, particularly the use of elective nodal irradiation (ENI). This study aimed to investigate recurrence patterns in patients with localized ENB treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy without ENI. METHODS: Our retrospective analysis included patients who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment of ENB between January 2011 and November 2022. Patients with incomplete data or who had received neoadjuvant radiotherapy were excluded. Patient characteristics, radiotherapy data (type, dose, and duration), and follow-up data were collected. Recurrence patterns were evaluated, and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local control rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Twelve patients with ENB (median age, 56 years) were included. Most had stage C disease. The median radiation dose was 60 Gy, and the median treatment duration was six weeks. Only one death was confirmed during the observation period, and the five-year DFS rates were 64.3%. Local control was achieved in 11 patients, with only one experiencing local recurrence. Regional lymph node recurrence occurred in three patients and was successfully managed via neck dissection. The timing of recurrence varied, emphasizing the importance of long-term surveillance. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant radiotherapy without ENI is a viable treatment option for ENB, resulting in favorable local control and OS outcomes. Regional lymph node metastases were observed but effectively managed via salvage therapy. Prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment strategy and to define optimal radiotherapy fields.

Novel breath-hold liver target stereotactic ablative radiotherapy using the intrafraction diaphragm registration of kilovoltage projection streaming image with digitally reconstructed radiography of the planning computed tomography.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is an emerging treatment option for patients with primary or metastatic liver tumors, particularly for those who are not eligible for surgery or transplantation. SABR is a high-precision radiation therapy that delivers a high dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing the dose to the surrounding healthy tissues. However, the accurate targeting of the tumor is a crucial aspect of liver SABR, which requires real-time imaging and tracking of the liver and tumor motion during treatment. One of the motion management strategies for liver SABR is the repeated breath-hold technique, which involves the patient holding their breath multiple times during treatment delivery to reduce the movement of the liver and other organs due to breathing. This technique helps to improve the accuracy of the treatment and reduce the radiation dose to the healthy liver. The current study proposes a novel approach for multiple breath-hold volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for liver tumors, which uses the intrafraction diaphragm registration in real time to improve the accuracy and precision of the treatment. The proposed approach is based on real-time comparison of the diaphragmatic surface location between the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) and intrafraction kilovoltage projection streaming images (kV-PSI) having the same beam angles. The image cross-correlation between the DRR and the intrafraction kV-PSI provides a measure of the similarity between the two images and can be used to identify and track the diaphragm position during VMAT delivery. The proposed methodology consists of several steps, including planning CT and treatment planning, reference image reconstruction, and patient positioning and immobilization. The proposed approach has the potential to improve the accuracy and precision of liver cancer VMAT SABR, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment and reducing the risk of radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.

Thirty-day Mortality in Palliative Radiotherapy: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis in a Single Center.

Background/Aim: Palliative radiotherapy is a critical component of cancer care aimed at symptom management and enhancing the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. Balancing symptom relief and potential risks is pivotal in clinical decision-making. This study explored the 30-day mortality (30-DM) rate after palliative radiotherapy in a single-center setting to shed light on potential prognostic factors and safety considerations. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent palliative radiotherapy for various indications between March 2020 and February 2023. Data were retrieved from electronic medical records and analyzed according to ethical guidelines. The primary outcome measure was 30-DM rate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the independent predictors of 30-DM. Results: A total of 931 palliative radiotherapy sessions were administered to 601 patients, with a median of one session per patient. The cohort had a median age of 70 years, predominantly men (58%), and featured diverse primary cancer types, with lung cancer being the most prevalent (15.8%). The 30-DM rate was 12.9%. Multivariate analysis identified Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) as the sole independent prognostic factor significantly associated with 30-DM. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into 30-DM rates following palliative radiotherapy. Future research should focus on prospective multicenter investigations with larger cohorts and comprehensive data collection, ultimately leading to improved risk prediction models for personalized treatment decisions in palliative radiotherapy.

Intrafractional Diaphragm Variations During Breath-Hold Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for a Liver Tumor Based on Real-Time Registration Between Kilovoltage Projection Streaming and Digitally Reconstructed Radiograph Images: A Case Report.

In liver stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), precise image guidance is paramount, serving as the foundation of this treatment approach. The accuracy of SBRT in liver cancer treatment heavily relies on meticulous imaging techniques. The diaphragm, situated adjacent to the liver, is a crucial anatomical structure susceptible to positional and motion variations, which can potentially impact the accuracy of liver tumor targeting. This study explores the application of real-time kilovoltage projection streaming images (KVPSI) in comparison to digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) for assessing diaphragm position deviations during breath-hold liver tumor SBRT. A 76-year-old male diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma underwent breath-hold SBRT using split arc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), where a full arc was split into six sub-arcs, each spanning 60 degrees. The diaphragm dome positions were continuously monitored through KVPSI during treatment. The intrafractional position deviations of the diaphragm were calculated and analyzed for each split arc. The case report revealed a mean diaphragm dome deviation of 0.47 mm (standard deviation: 4.47 mm) in the entire arc. This pioneering study showcases the feasibility of intrafractional diaphragm position variation assessment using real-time KVPSI during the breath-hold liver tumor VMAT-SBRT. Integrating real-time imaging techniques enhances our comprehension of the intra-breath-hold variations, thereby guiding adaptive treatment strategies and potentially improving treatment outcomes. Clinical validation through further research is essential.

Intractable Pleural Effusion After Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Lung Cancer.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) is an effective and attractive treatment option for patients who are poor surgical candidates. This case report describes a rare but serious complication of intractable pleural effusion after SABR for early-stage lung cancer. The patient was an 89-year-old woman with a medical history of early-stage breast cancer who was treated with partial resection and postoperative radiotherapy of 50 gray (Gy) in 25 fractions. SABR using 55 Gy in four fractions was conducted for lung lesions. The patient developed a pleural effusion that was refractory to conservative management and required multiple interventions, including repeated thoracentesis. This case report emphasizes the importance of monitoring and managing pleural effusion in patients with lung cancer receiving radiotherapy.