Moving Experience from North America to Developing Country to Approach a Desired Level of Quality Assurance in Head and Neck Radiation Therapy.

Evidence is lacking correlation between head and neck (HN) radiation oncology fellowship training and quality assurance (QA) round decision for plan modifications. This study was conducted to identify the association between training and changes in QA decisions. From 2007 to 2018, data on HN cancer cases presented at departmental QA rounds were prospectively collected. Then, we retrospectively analyzed the collected data to determine the impact of fellowship training on QA decisions. Cases were divided into pre-fellowship group (January 2007-September 2014) and post-fellowship group (October 2014-December 2018). Multivariable analysis (MVA) evaluated variables that could be associated with decreased frequencies of QA modification rates. From 2007 to 2018, 1266 HN cancer patients were identified; 728 patients were in the pre-fellowship group and 538 patients in the post-fellowship group. On MVA, fellowship training transformed QA decisions from more to less modifications (modified vs. approved; OR, 0.135; 95% CI, 0.076-0.240; p = 0.0001), increased approval rate for advanced T and N categories (T3-4 vs. T0-T2; OR, 0.798; 95% CI, 1.892-4.929; p = 0.0001 and N2-3 vs. N0-1; OR, 0.865; 95% CI, 1.454-3.423; p = 0.0002). By type of modification, fellowship training demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in rates of several types of modification that include target volume definition, target volume delineation, and dose (all p < 0.05). Our study determines the impact of the HN radiation oncology fellowship on decreased QA modification rates.

The O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status and clinical outcomes of Ewing sarcoma patients treated with irinotecan and temozolomide.

Background: There remains an unmet need to identify molecular biomarkers in Ewing sarcoma (ES). We sought to assess the influence of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on response and progression-free survival (PFS) following initiation of irinotecan and temozolomide (IT), PFS following initiation of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide (VDC-IE), and overall survival (OS). Materials and methods: Data of advanced ES patients, treated with IT were retrospectively collected. Patients were required to have progression after prior VDC-IE. MGMT promoter methylation was assessed on non-decalcified Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue using methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR (MSRE-qPCR). Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 20 ES patients underwent MGMT promoter methylation testing, and were eligible for analysis. Five patients (25%) had methylated MGMT, whereas the remaining (15; 75%) had unmethylated promoter. Five (25%) had objective response to IT, with no observed difference by promoter methylation (p = 0.76). Median PFS from initiation of IT for methylated vs. unmethylated MGMT patients was 4.9 and 1.2 months, respectively, p = 0.69. Median PFS from date of initiation of VDC-IE was significantly superior in the methylated group; 27.8 vs. 8.6 months, p = 0.034. Median OS was superior but not statistically significant in the methylated group. Conclusion: MGMT-promoter methylation did not correlate with clinical activity or outcomes following the IT regimen for advanced ES. However, methylated MGMT predicted significantly superior PFS following initiation of the standard VDC-IE protocol.

Impact of 18F-FDG PET/CT, CT and EBUS/TBNA on preoperative mediastinal nodal staging of NSCLC.

BACKGROUND: Staging of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a multidisciplinary process involving imaging, endoscopic and surgical techniques. This study aims at investigating the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET/CT, CT scan, and endobronchial ultrasound/transbronchial needle aspirate (EBUS/TBNA) in preoperative mediastinal lymph nodes (MLNs) staging of NSCLC. METHODS: We identified all patients who were diagnosed with NSCLC at the King Hussein Cancer Center in Amman, Jordan, between July 2011 and December 2017. We collected their relevant clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings. The per-patient analysis was performed on all patients (N = 101) and then on those with histopathological confirmation (N = 57), followed by a per-lymph-node-station basis overall, and then according to distinct N-stage categories. RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET/CT, in comparison to CT, had a better sensitivity (90.5% vs. 75%, p = 0.04) overall and in patients with histopathological confirmation (83.3% vs. 54.6%), and better specificity (60.5% vs. 43.6%, p = 0.01) overall and in patients with histopathological confirmation in MLN staging (60.6% vs. 38.2%). Negative predictive value of mediastinoscopy, EBUS/TBNA, and 18F-FDG PET/CT were (87.1%), (90.91%), and (83.33%) respectively. The overall accuracy was highest for mediastinoscopy (88.6%) and EBUS/TBNA (88.2%), followed by 18F-FDG PET/CT (70.2%). Dividing patients into N1 disease vs. those with N2/N3 disease yielded similar findings. Comparison between 18F-FDG PET/CT and EBUS/TBNA in patients with histopathological confirmation shows 28 correlated true positive and true negative findings with final N-staging. In four patients, 18F-FDG PET/CT detected metastatic MLNs that would have otherwise remained undiscovered by EBUS/TBNA alone. Lymph nodes with a maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) more than 3 were significantly more likely to be true-positive. CONCLUSION: Multimodality staging of the MLNs in NSCLC is essential to provide accurate staging and the appropriate treatment. 18F-FDG PET/CT has better overall diagnostic utility when compared to the CT scan. The NPV of 18F-FDG PET/CT in MLNs is reliable and comparable to the NPV of EBUS/TBNA. SUVmax of MLNs can help in predicting metastases, but nevertheless, a positive 18F-FDG PET/CT MLNs particularly if such a result would change the treatment plan, should be verified histopathologically.

The impact of local control timing in Ewing sarcoma.

AIM: To assess the impact of delay in local control on survival outcomes of Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients. BACKGROUND: The cornerstone of therapy of localized ES includes chemotherapy and local control with surgery or radiotherapy. We sought to assess the impact of delay (>15 weeks) in timing of local control on survival outcomes of ES patients. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients with primary non-metastatic ES of the extremities, treated at a single institution were collected. The impact of delay of timing for local control, demographics, and disease characteristics on overall survival (OS) was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients with ES of the extremity were included. All patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Local control was by surgery in 36 patients and definitive radiation in 7. A total of 16 patients had delay in local control. At a median follow of up of 48 months, patients with delay in local control had significantly inferior OS compared to those with optimal local control timing (5-year OS 56% vs. 80%, respectively, p = 0.044). Other factors that predicted inferior OS included definitive radiation as opposed to definitive surgery (5-year OS 25% vs. 79%, respectively, p = 0.041) and tumor necrosis <90% as opposed to ≥90% (5-year OS 55% vs. 90%, respectively, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Delay in definitive therapy, local control with radiation as opposed to surgery and poor post-chemotherapy tumor necrosis predict inferior OS in ES. Adopting strategies to minimize delay in local control could improve survival outcomes.

Factors influencing the use of adaptive radiation therapy in vulvar carcinoma.

AIM: We aim to evaluate the variables affecting the frequency of adaptive radiotherapy (ART) in vulvar cancer. BACKGROUND: ART may be needed throughout a definitive RT course for vulvar carcinoma due to changes in patient's anatomy and tumor response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts of patients charts who had been treated with definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy for vulvar carcinoma, between January 2015 and December 2019 were inquired. Radiation therapy was delivered using intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with daily image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). ART was defined as re-simulation and re-planning based on deformation in the irradiated volume by more than 1 cm. Univariate analysis was conducted to study the impact of patient's demographics as well as tumor characteristics on the frequency of ART. RESULTS: 22 patients were eligible for analysis. Median age at diagnosis was 55 years (range 43-82). Radiotherapy dose was 60-66 Gy over 30-35 fractions (fx). Median primary tumor volume was 30cc (9-140). Median Body Mass Index (BMI) was 32 (range 21-40). Thirteen out of 22 patients (59%) required ART, with median timing at 25 fx (19-31). On univariate analysis, larger primary tumor volume (> = 30cc) was associated significantly with increased frequency of ART (p value = 0.0005). There was no significant impact of ART on the frequency with respect to patient's age, BMI, tumor stage, grade and location. CONCLUSION: Changes in radiation target volume are common among vulvar carcinoma patients who are treated with definitive radiotherapy, especially large primary tumors. This review highlights the importance of ART for patients with vulvar carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy.

Variables altering the impact of respiratory gated CT simulation on planning target volume in radiotherapy for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory gated CT simulation (4D-simulation) has been evolved to estimate the internal body motion. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of tumor volume and location on the planning target volume (PTV) for primary lung tumor when 4D simulation is used. METHODS: Patients who underwent CT simulation for primary lung cancer radiotherapy between 2012 and 2016 using a 3D- (free breathing) and 4D- (respiratory gated) technique were reviewed. For each patient, gross tumor volume (GTV) was contoured in a free breathing scan (3D-GTV), and 4D-simulation scans (4D-GTV). Margins were added to account for the clinical target volume (CTV) and internal target motion (ITV) in 3D and 4D simulation scans. Additional margins were added to account for planned target volume (PTV). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test the impact of the volume of the GTV and location of the tumor (relative to the bronchial tree and lung lobes) on PTV changes by more than 10% between the 3D and 4D scans. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were identified. 3D-PTV was significantly larger than the 4D-PTV; median volumes were 182.79 vs. 158.21 cc, p = 0.0068). On multivariate analysis, neither the volume of the GTV (p = 0.5027) nor the location of the tumor (peripheral, p = 0.5027 or lower location, p = 0.5802) had an impact on PTV differences between 3D-simulation and 4D-simluation. CONCLUSION: The use of 4D-simulation reduces the PTV for the primary tumor in lung cancer cases. Further studies with larger samples are required to confirm the benefit of 4D-simulation in decreasing PTV in lung cancer.

Adaptive radiotherapy in patients receiving neoadjuvant radiation for soft tissue sarcoma.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate tumor volume changes during preoperative radiotherapy and to assess the role of adaptive radiation. BACKGROUND: Contemporary neoadjuvant radiotherapy utilizes image guidance for precise treatment delivery. Moreover, it may depict changes in tumor size and shape. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, 23 patients aged ≥18 years with soft tissue sarcoma were treated with neoadjuvant radiation followed by surgical resection. The tumor volumes (cc) were measured using the Pinnacle planning system prior to starting radiotherapy and during treatment, the changes in volume and absolute differences were estimated. Moreover, patient's position on the machine was evaluated to assess setup offsets. The triggers for plan adaptation were >1 cm expansion or unacceptable setup offsets. RESULTS: The mean tumors volume at presentation was 810 cc (range, 55-4000). At last cone beam CT the tumor volume had changed in 14 patients (61%); it was stable in nine patients (39%). Disease regression was documented in eight patients (35%), with median shrinkage of -20.5% (range, -2 to -29%), while tumor progression was observed in six cases (26%), the median change was 12.5% (range, +10 to +25%).Adaptive radiation was required in four patients (17%). For the remaining 19 cases (83%), the dose distribution was adequate to cover target volumes. CONCLUSIONS: Change in soft tissue sarcoma volume during radiation is not uncommon. Image guidance should be used to reduce setup errors and to detect differences in tumor volume. Image guidance and adaptive radiation are paramount to ensure optimal radiation delivery.

Can we triumph over locally advanced cervical cancer with colossal para-aortic lymph nodes? A case report.

BACKGROUND: Para-aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) are common sites for the regional spread of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). CASE SUMMARY: We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented with cervical SCC with multiple bulky PALNs, largest measured 4.5 cm × 5 cm × 10 cm. The patient was treated with radical intent with definitive chemoradiation using sequential dose-escalated adaptive radiotherapy, followed by maintenance chemotherapy. The patient achieved a complete response; she has been doing well since the completion of treatment with no evidence of the disease for 2 years. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the size of PALN metastases of cervical carcinoma origin, it is still treatable (with radical intent) via concurrent chemoradiation. Adaptive radiotherapy allows dose escalation with minimal toxicity.

Significance of Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Predicting Disease Progression in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a high-grade sarcoma that might be associated with dismal outcome. There are no hematological markers that can be used to follow up the recurrence and/or progression of the tumor. We present a case of a 44-year-old female, who was diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma. During her management course, serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) elevation was correlated with clinical and radiological disease progression on two separate occasions. This correlation should be further investigated to potentially integrate serum ß-hCG as a predictive tool for clinical behavior and treatment response.

Bladder cancer in young adults: Disease and treatment characteristics of patients treated at a tertiary cancer center.

Objectives: The incidence of bladder cancer in the Middle East is increasing. Nevertheless, data on the young population with urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urinary bladder in this region is scarce. Therefore, we evaluated clinical and tumor characteristics, in addition to treatment details in patients younger than 45 years old. Methodology: We reviewed all patients presenting with UC of the urinary bladder from July 2006 to December 2019. Clinical characteristics including demographics, stage at presentation, and treatment outcomes were extracted. Results: Out of 1272 new cases of bladder cancer, a total of 112 (8.8%) patients were ≤45 years old. Seven patients (6%) had nonurothelial histology and were excluded from the study. The remaining 105 eligible patients with UC had a median age at presentation of 41 years (35-43). Ninety-three patients (88.6%) were males. Tumor stage at presentation: nonmuscle invasive disease (Ta-T1), locally advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) (T2-3), and metastatic disease were 84.7%, 2.8%, and 12.5%, respectively. All patients with MIBC received neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Radical cystectomy was performed in 8 (7.6%) cases; three patients with MIBC and five with high-volume non-MIBC. Neobladder reconstruction was done in six patients. A total of 13 patients with metastatic disease (93%) received palliative chemotherapy (gemcitabine/cisplatin), and one (7%) was a candidate for best supportive care only. Conclusion: Bladder cancer is relatively rare in the young population, although the incidence at our region is higher than other reports in the literature. Most patients present with early disease. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary approach are paramount for the management of these patients.

Analysis of definitive chemo-radiation outcomes in anal cancer: insights from a tertiary cancer center in the MENA Region.

Background: Outcomes of chemo-radiation (CRT) for anal cancer in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are scarce. We aim to report treatment outcomes for anal cancer treated at tertiary cancer center, with a particular focus on patients managed with non-oncological surgery prior definitive CRT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with locally advanced anal carcinoma, who underwent definitive CRT King Hussein Cancer Center, from January 2007 till January 2020. Patient demographics and disease characteristics were extracted, and a univariate chi-squared test was employed to assess the impact of chemotherapy type, HPV status, and pre-treatment non-oncological surgery on outcomes, including complete remission (CR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier tests were employed to analyze the obtained survival data. Results: Among the 34 initially identified patients, 30 were eligible, 24 (80%) achieved CR. Notably, 20 out of 21 HPV positive patients achieved CR, versus 1 out 4 HPV-negative achieved CR, p=0.006The 5-years OS for HPV-positive patients was 89% compared with 25% for HPV-negative, p=0001. There was no statistical significant difference in patients outcomes as regard type of chemotherapy, radiation technique and non-oncologic resection prior to CRT. Conclusion: Herein, we reported the first series of anal cancer from our region. CRT had yielded an oncologic outcome comparable with series in the literature. HPV-positive patients demonstrated better results. Moreover, we found non-oncologic resection prior to CRT did not seem to impact the outcomes. Further studies are warranted to overcome the limitations of our study.

Re-Irradiation for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: Freedom from Cancer Recurrence Rate.

Salvage re-irradiation (rRT) for patients with locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer (rHNC) remains challenging. A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients who received rRT between 2011 and 2018. The co-primary endpoint of the study was 2-year freedom from cancer recurrence rate (FCRR) and overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints were 2-year disease-free survival (DFS), local failure (LF), regional failure (RF), distant metastases (DM), and RTOG grade 3 ≥ late toxicities. Adjuvant and definitive rRT were delivered to 22 and 27 patients, respectively. A total of 91% of patients were managed with conventional re-RT and 71% of patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The median follow-up after rRT was 30 months. The 2-year FCRR, OS, DFS, LF, RF, and DM were 64%, 51%, 28%, 32%, 9%, and 39% respectively. MVA showed that poor performance status (PS: 1-2 vs. 0) and age > 52 years were predictive of worse OS. In comparison, poor PS (1-2 vs. 0) and total dose of rRT < 60 Gy were predictive of worse DFS. Late RTOG toxicity of grade 3 ≥ was reported in nine (18.3%) patients. FCRR at 2 years after salvage rRT for rHNC was higher than other traditional endpoints and could be an important endpoint to be included in future rRT studies. rRT for rHNC at our cohort was relatively successful, with a manageable level of late severe toxicity. Replacing this approach in other developing countries is a viable option.

Guideline-Based, Multi-Gene Panel Germline Genetic Testing for at-Risk Patients with Breast Cancer.

Background: Genetic testing for at-risk patients with breast cancer should be routinely offered. Knowledge generated may influence both treatment decisions and cancer prevention strategies among the patients themselves and their relatives. In this study, we report on the prevalence and patterns of germline mutations, using commercially available next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based multi-gene panels (MGP). Patients and Methods: Consecutive at-risk breast cancer patients, as determined by international guidelines, were offered germline genetic testing using a 20-gene NGS-based panel at a reference lab. Samples of peripheral blood were obtained for DNA extraction and genetic variants were classified as benign/likely benign (negative), pathogenic/likely pathogenic (positive) or variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Results: A total of 1310 patients, median age (range) 43 (19-82) years, were enrolled. Age ≤45 years (n = 800, 61.1%) was the most common indication for testing. Positive family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancers, and triple-negative disease were among the common indications. Among the whole group, 184 (14.0%) patients had pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants; only 90 (48.9%) were in BRCA1 or BRCA2, while 94 (51.9%) others had pathogenic variants in other genes; mostly in APC, TP53, CHEK2 and PALB2. Mutation rates were significantly higher among patients with positive family history (p = 0.009); especially if they were 50 years or younger at the time of breast cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001). Patients with triple-negative disease had relatively higher rate (17.5%), and mostly in BRCA1/2 genes (71.4%). Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) were reported in 559 (42.7%) patients; majority (90.7%) were in genes other than BRCA1 or BRCA2. Conclusion: Pathogenic mutations in genes other than BRCA1/2 are relatively common and could have been missed if genetic testing was restricted to BRCA1/2. The significantly high rate of VUS associated with multi-gene panel testing can be disturbing.

Concordance between head and neck MRI and histopathology in detecting laryngeal subsite invasion among patients with laryngeal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Accuracy of head and neck MRI (HN-MRI) in predicting tumor invasion of laryngeal site/subsites in patients with laryngeal cancer prior to laryngectomy is poorly evaluated in the literature. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of HN-MRI in accurate pre-operative estimation of tumor invasion to laryngeal subsites in patients with laryngeal cancer. METHODS: Patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent HN-MRI for cancer staging and underwent total laryngectomy between 2008 and 2021 were included. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy of HN-MRI in predicting tumor invasion of laryngeal subsites were calculated based on concordance between the HN-MRI and histopathological results. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients underwent total laryngectomy [primary: 82/137(60%), salvage 55/137(40%)]. The utilization of HN-MRI resulted in the downstaging of 16/137 (11.6%) patients and the upstaging of 8/137 (5.8%) patients. For the whole cohort, there was a significant discordance between HN-MRI and histopathology for T-category; out of 116 cT4a disease, 102(87.9%) were confirmed to have pT4a disease, and out of 17 cT3 disease, 9(52.9%) were confirmed to have pT3 disease, p < 0.001. The MRI overall diagnostic accuracy of predicting tumor invasion was 91%, 92%, 82%, 87%, 72%, 76%, 65% and 68% for base of tongue, arytenoid, vocal cord, posterior commissure, pre-epiglottic space, cricoid cartilage, inner thyroid cortex, and subglottis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with laryngeal cancer undergoing total laryngectomy, HN-MRI demonstrates promising accuracy in predicting tumor invasion of specific laryngeal subsites (e.g., base of tongue). Our findings showed the potential of HN-MRI as a valuable tool for pre-operative planning and treatment decision-making in this patient population.

A Rare Case of Nasal Sarcoma with BCOR Internal Tandem Duplication Showing Complete Pathologic Response to the VDC-IE Chemotherapy Protocol.

Sarcoma with BCOR genetic alteration is an exceptionally rare and emerging subtype of sarcoma. It is categorized into two types: BCOR-related gene fusions such as BCOR::CCNB3 sarcomas and other BCOR-rearranged sarcoma and sarcomas with internal tandem duplication of BCOR genes such as infantile undifferentiated round cell sarcomas and primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumors of infancy. BCOR::CCNB3 sarcomas predominantly arise in bone rather than soft tissue and exhibit a higher occurrence in children and adolescent males, whereas sarcomas with BCOR internal tandem duplication show a wider age range but usually arise in the first year of life. Due to their rarity, there is ongoing debate and uncertainty regarding the best treatment approach, with a lack of specific clinical trials addressing these tumors. In this report, we present a unique case of sarcoma with internal tandem duplication of BCOR gene originating in the nasal region. The tumor was successfully and completely resected using the standard VDC-IE chemotherapy protocol, resulting in an unprecedented 100 percent tumor necrosis. The patient has completed the protocol and remains recurrence-free 13 months after diagnosis. This case suggests potential efficacy of the standard VDC-IE protocol in achieving remarkable responses in BCOR rearrangement sarcomas, including the internal tandem duplication subtype. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategies for this disease.

Bone marrow involvement in patients with metastatic castration sensitive prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical significance of bone marrow (BM) metastasis in prostate cancer as well as impact on oncological prognosis is unclear. We aim to assess the prevalence and clinical outcomes of BM metastasis at initial presentation of metastatic castrate sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of newly diagnosed metastatic CSPC patients was performed with collection of clinicopathologic and radiologic characteristics. Descriptive univariate and multivariate analysis was performed as well as survival measures (OS and PFS), which was done using the Kaplan-Meier survival and the Log-rank test. RESULTS: 189 patients were eligible, of which, eleven patients (6%) had biopsy proven BM involvement at diagnosis. There was a trend to poorer PFS and OS in patients with BM involvement but not statistically significant; however, factors that correlated with inferior PFS and OS in the multivariate analysis included ECOG PS, ALP, and Hb. CONCLUSION: BM metastasis in prostate cancer may lead to poorer survival. Clinical features including poor performance status, anemia, and elevated ALP, could guide bone marrow biopsies in the future to diagnose bone marrow metastasis at an earlier stage.

Breast Cancer in Geriatric Patients: Current Landscape and Future Prospects.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide and more than half are diagnosed above the age of 60 years. Life expectancy is increasing and the number of breast cancer cases diagnosed among older women are expected to increase. Undertreatment, mostly due to unjustifiable fears of advanced-age and associated comorbidities, is commonly practiced in this group of patients who are under-represented in clinical trials and their management is not properly addressed in clinical practice guidelines. With modern surgery and anesthesia, breast surgeries are considered safe and is usually associated with very low complication rates, regardless of extent of surgery. However, oncoplastic surgery and management of the axilla can be tailored based on patients'- and disease-related factors. Most of chemotherapeutic agents, along with targeted therapy and anti-Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) drugs can be safely given for older patients, however, dose adjustment and close monitoring of potential adverse events might be needed. The recently introduced cyclin-D kinase (CDK) 4/6-inhibitors in combination with aromatase inhibitors (AI) or fulvestrant, which changed the landscape of breast cancer therapy, are both safe and effective in older patients and had substituted more aggressive and potentially toxic interventions. Despite its proven efficacy, adjusting or even omitting adjuvant radiation therapy, at least in low-risk older patients, is safe and frequently practiced. In this paper, we review existing data related to breast cancer management among older patients across the continuum; from resection of the primary tumor through adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation and endocrine therapy up to the management of recurrent and advanced-stage disease.

Anal cancer with isolated ischial fossa lymph node metastases: A rare entity in the oligometastatic dilemma.

Carcinoma of the anal canal is relatively rare cancer with a low propensity for metastasis. A literature review identifies two cases with ischial fossa metastases from anal cancer. The authors present the case of a 62-year-old male with moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal who presented with isolated ischial fossa lymph node (LN) confirmed by fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was treated with concurrent chemoradiation. Ischial fossa LN was included in the high-dose radiation volume. Posttreatment imaging showed complete clinical response. This case highlights a rare metastatic site from anal cancer treated successfully with primary chemoradiation and shows an example of tailored treatment approach of oligometastatic disease from anal cancer.

Impact of head-and-neck radiation oncology clinical fellowship on multidisciplinary assessment, radiation workflow, and survival of adult patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Purpose: The purpose of the study wast to evaluate the influence of head-and-neck clinical fellowship training on multidisciplinary assessment, radiation workflow, and clinical outcomes of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with NPC treated between 2010 and 2017. The study cohort was allocated into prefellowship cohort (pre-FSC) (January 2010-September 2014) and postfellowship cohort (post-FSC) (October 2014-December 2017). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, multidisciplinary assessment, radiation workflow, and treatment were reviewed. Univariable, multivariable, and relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were performed. Results: One hundred and forty-three patients were included, 68 in the pre-FSC and 75 in the post-FSC. For the post-FSC versus pre-FSC, there were increased multidisciplinary referrals to dental (100% vs. 79.4%, P = 0.001), nutritional (94.7% vs. 70.6%, P = 0.0001), peg-tube insertion (84% vs. 64.7%, P = 0.0001), speech and swallow (94.7% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.0001), psychosocial (100% vs. 26.5%, P = 0.0001), and smoking cessation clinic (33.3% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.0001). For the post-FSC versus pre-FSC, there were statistically significant differences in the elements of radiation workflow; mean time required for contouring was 3.2 vs. 8.8 days (P = 0.0001), radiotherapy plan implementation: 1.9 vs. 4.8 days (P = 0.0001), and plan approval: 0.4 vs. 0.9 day (P = 0.00012). On multivariable analysis, smoking was associated with poor RFS (P = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in OS (94.7% vs. 87.2% at 3 years; P = 0.126) and RFS (88.4% vs. 84.4% at 3 years; P = 0.281) between post and pre-FSCs, respectively. Conclusions: Clinical fellowship training results in increase multidisciplinary referrals to supportive services, improves radiotherapy workflow, but had no significant impact on survival outcomes.

Primary radiation therapy for advanced-stage laryngeal cancer: A laryngo-esophageal dysfunction disease-free survival.

Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of advanced-stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients treated with functional-preservation strategy with a specific focus on laryngo-esophageal dysfunction disease-free survival (LEDDFS). Methods and materials: A retrospective review was conducted of stage III-IVB laryngeal SCC patients who were treated with curative-intent radiotherapy (RT) (2007-2018). Patients were preferentially managed with upfront chemoradiation (CCRT); except for those with cN2-3, cT4, or large volume cT3 (induction chemotherapy followed by RT or CCRT is an option), and those who were unfit or declined chemotherapy (received altered RT). The primary endpoint was 3-year LEDDFS, and secondary endpoints were 3-year local failure (LF), regional failure (RF), distant metastasis (DM), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and acute and late toxicities. Cox proportional hazard tests were used for multivariable analysis (MVA). Results: A total of 213 cases were included. With a median follow-up of 37 months, the 3-year LEDDFS was 50%, while the 3-year OS, DFS, LF, RF, and DM were 81%, 74%, 9%, 5%, and 7%, respectively. On MVA, cT4-category was the only predictor of inferior LEDDFS (HR: 0.47, [95% CI: 0.29-0.74], p < .01). The most common grade ≥ 3 acute and late radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) toxicity were esophageal toxicity: 16.7% and 29.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Primary RT resulted in favorable oncologic and functional outcomes in only half of the advanced-stage laryngeal cancer patients. Future clinical trials are required to investigate further treatment options aiming to improve the oncologic and maintain functional outcomes with utilization of LEDDFS as the primary endpoint. Level of evidence: 4.