Intraoperative electron radiation therapy after salvage surgery in gynecological cancers and retroperitoneal sarcomas: outcomes and adverse effects.

Background: Salvage surgery is considered an option for isolated recurrences of retroperitoneal and pelvic tumors, in patients who have undergone previous radiotherapy. In order to increase local control intra operative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) can be used in these patients to administer additional radiation dose. We evaluated the outcomes and adverse effects in patients with retroperitoneal sarcoma and gynecologic tumors after salvage surgery and IOERT. Materials and methods: Twenty patients were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-three IOERT treatments were performed after surgery. Six (30%) were sarcoma and 14 (70%) were gynecological carcinoma. Administered dose depended on previous dose received with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and proximity to critical structures. The toxicities were scored using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Results: The median age of the patients was 51 years (range 34-70). After a median follow-up of 32 months (range 1-68), in the sarcoma group the local control rate was 66.6%; while in the gynecological group the local control rate was 64.3%. In relation to late toxicity, one patient had a Grade 2 vesicovaginal fistula, and one patient presented Grade 4 enterocolitis and enteric intestinal fistula. Conclusions: IOERT could have a role in the treatment of retroperitoneal sarcomas in primary tumors after EBRT, as it may suggest a benefit in local control or recurrences after surgical resection in those at high risk of microscopic residual disease. The addition of IOERT to salvage resection for isolated recurrence of gynecologic cancers suggest favorable local control in cases with concern for residual microscopic disease.

Why is a very easy, useful, old technique underused? An overview of esophageal brachytherapy - interventional radiotherapy.

Endoesophageal brachytherapy (EBT) or endoesofageal interventional radiotherapy (EIRT) is an effective technique that has been used with varying frequency for many years. It is a very good technique in T1-T2 inoperable esophageal cancer and in the palliation of dysphagia. However, only some centers have access to this technique, and consequently, it is underused. Here, we discussed the indications and several technical aspects as well as the literature available. Also, why this technique is underused and how this can be overcome. We consider that EBT is a very effective technique that should be used whenever indicated.

Systemic inflammation in older patients with breast cancer: the missing point in geriatric evaluations to sharpen survival prediction.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) prevalence steadily increases in older patients but their treatment is based on the geriatric evaluations of comorbidities and potential benefits proved in clinical trials with younger patients. The lack of better decision-making tools urges to promote the search for new prognostic markers. The association between inflammation, aging and cancer may be crucial for better treatment selection. We sought to analyze its impact on the survival of older BC patients, evaluating the interaction with age and comorbidities. METHODS: We evaluated the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers at BC diagnosis (circulating blood cell counts and inflammatory indexes) and BC-related and not related mortality rate, evaluating the influence of comorbidities and age through the competitive risks assessment. RESULTS: We analyzed 148 consecutive BC patients aged ≥ 70 years old, diagnosed with BC and regional lymph node metastases. After the median follow-up of 51.5 months, 59 patients died (28 due to breast cancer progression and 31 because of other causes). Increased levels of circulating monocytes, neutrophils and neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio and decreased level of eosinophils and eosinophil multiple by neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio were associated with higher probability of BC-related death but not with death related to other causes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a role of inflammatory parameters as a possible prognostic tool in therapeutic decision-making process in older patients with BC, as increased level of inflammation was associated with cancer-specific mortality. Prospective studies may give the possibility of refining the geriatric evaluation for BC treatment in elderly.

Omitting axillary dissection: could we offer a more tailored management to elderly patients with breast cancer?

We retrospectively reviewed the data from patients ≥ 70 years old treated between January 2012 and January 2017. Axillary staging was scarcely used in the therapeutic algorithm but arm lymphedema was significantly associated to axillar dissection (p=0.04) and regional nodal irradiation (p = 0.02). Aggressive management of axilla did not provide relevant information for deciding chemotherapy but added morbidity.

Analgesic effects of low-dose radiotherapy in greater trochanteric pain syndrome: results in a clinical series of 155 patients with recurrent or refractory symptoms.

PURPOSE: This prospective study assessed the effects of low-dose radiotherapy in patients diagnosed with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) with recurrent symptoms or refractory to previous conservative measures. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 155 patients (90.3% women, mean age 69 years). Most patients (n = 136) received 10 Gy (1 Gy/day/3 fractions per week on alternate days), but after recommendations of DEGRO guidelines published in 2015, the remaining 19 patients (12.2%) received 6 Gy (1 Gy/day/3 fractions per week on alternate days). RESULTS: At the pre-treatment visit, the mean (standard deviation, SD) visual analog scale (VAS) score was 8), which decreased to 5 (SD 2.2) after 1 month of the end of treatment and to 4 (SD 2.3) after 4 months. An objective symptom response with increased mobility, better sleep quality, and reduction of analgesic medication was found in 56% of patients at 1 month. In 129 patients (83.2%), there was a decrease of at least 1 point in the VAS score, and in 49 patients (29.0%), the VAS score was lower than 3. The mean length of follow-up was 45 months. The probability of maintaining the analgesic response estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 53% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Low dose radiotherapy effectively improved pain in the trochanteric area in most patients with recurrent or refractory GTPS, allowing a reduction in the need for analgesic medications and, more, importantly, better functioning and mobility. Further randomized studies in selected populations of GTPS are needed to define the treatment position of low-dose radiotherapy in this clinical setting.

EQD2 Analyses of Vaginal Complications in Exclusive Brachytherapy for Postoperative Endometrial Carcinoma.

Background: To evaluate whether EQD2(α/ß = 3Gy) at 2 cm3 of the most exposed area of the vagina is related to late vaginal toxicity in postoperative endometrial cancer (PEC) patients (p) treated with exclusive brachytherapy (BT). Methods: From 2014 to 2017, 43p were included in this study. BT was administered: 3-fractions of 6Gy in 37p and 2-fractions of 7.5Gy in 6p. The dose was prescribed at a depth of 5 mm from the applicator surface with dose-point optimization based on distance. The active treatment length was 2.5 cm. CTV-D90 and the dose to the most exposed 2 cm3 of the vagina was calculated for each patient. Late toxicity of the bladder and rectum was assessed using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria, and vaginal toxicity by objective Late Effects Normal Tissue Task Force (LENT)-Subjective, Objective, Management, Analytic (SOMA) (LENT-SOMA) criteria. Statistics: frequency tables, mean, median, range, standard deviation, and box plot. Results: The median follow-up was 51 months (12-68). 20 p (46.5%) and 2 p (4.7%) developed G1 and G2 vaginal complications, respectively. Only 1/2 p-G2 receiving EQD2(α/ß = 3Gy) at 2 cm3 >68Gy presented vaginal shortening and 18/20 p-G1 received doses < 68Gy. Conclusions: PECp receiving exclusive brachytherapy with doses < 68Gy EQD2(α/ß = 3Gy) at 2 cm2 of the vagina presented only G0-G1 vaginal toxicity, except for one with bleeding telangiectasias. Larger prospective studies are necessary to confirm the present results.

LincRNA-p21 Levels Relates to Survival and Post-Operative Radiotherapy Benefit in Rectal Cancer Patients.

LincRNA-p21 is a long non-coding RNA involved in the p53 pathway and angiogenesis regulation that acts as prognostic marker in several tumors. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the clinical value of lincRNA-p21 in 177 resected stage I-III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Tumor and normal paired tissue and plasma samples from tumor-draining mesenteric veins and paired peripheral veins were analyzed. LincRNA-p21 expression was determined by RTqPCR and correlated with disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS). LincRNA-p21 was downregulated in tumor versus normal tissue (p = 0.0012). CRC patients with high lincRNA-p21 expression had shorter DFS (p = 0.0372) and shorter OS (p = 0.0465). Of note, the major prognostic impact was observed in the subset of rectal cancer patients where patients with high lincRNA-p21 levels had worse DFS (p = 0.0226) and OS (p = 0.0457). Interestingly, rectal cancer patients with high lincRNA-p21 benefited from post-operative chemoradiotherapy, as indicated by a longer OS in the group of high lincRNA-p21 patients receiving post-operative chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.04). Finally, patients with high lincRNA-p21 levels in mesenteric vein (MV) had shorter OS (p = 0.0329). LincRNA-p21 is a marker of advanced disease and worse outcome in CRC. Moreover, rectal cancer patients with high lincRNA-p21 levels could benefit from post-operative chemoradiotherapy, and plasmatic-lincRNA-p21 is a promising liquid biopsy biomarker.

Analysis of Systemic Inflammatory Factors and Survival Outcomes in Endometrial Cancer Patients Staged I-III FIGO and Treated with Postoperative External Radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The causal link between elevated systemic inflammation biomarkers and poor survival has been demonstrated in cancer patients. However, the evidence for this correlation in endometrial cancer (EC) is too weak to influence current criteria of risk assessment. Here, we examined the role of inflammatory indicators as a tool to identify EC patients at higher risk of death in a retrospective observational study. METHODS: A total of 155 patients surgically diagnosed with EC stage I-III FIGO 2009 and treated with postoperative External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) ± brachytherapy and chemotherapy according to ESMO-ESTRO-ESGO recommendation for patients at high risk of recurrence at the Gustave Roussy Institut, France, and Hospital Clínic, Spain, between 2008 and 2017 were evaluated. The impact of pre-treatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR ≥ 2.2), Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR ≥ 0.18), Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index (SII ≥ 1100) and lymphopenia (<1.0×109/L) on overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival and progression-free survival was evaluated. Subsequently, a cohort of 142 patients within high-advanced risk groups according to ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO classification was evaluated. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, NLR (HR = 2.2, IC 95% 1.1-4.7), SII (HR = 2.2, IC 95% 1.1-4.6), MLR (HR = 5.0, IC 95% 1.1-20.8) and lymphopenia (HR = 3.8, IC 95% 1.6-9.0) were associated with decreased OS. On multivariate analysis, NLR, MLR, SII and lymphopenia proved to be independent unfavorable prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: lymphopenia and lymphocytes-related ratio are associated with poorer outcome in surgically staged I-III FIGO EC patients classified as high risk and treated with adjuvant EBRT and could be considered at cancer diagnosis. External validation in an independent cohort is required before implementation for patients' stratification.

Postoperative endometrial carcinoma treated with external beam irradiation plus vaginal-cuff brachytherapy. Is there a dose relationship with G2 vaginal complications?

AIM: To analyse the possible relationship between the EQD2(α/ß=3Gy) at 2 cm3 of the vagina and late toxicity in vaginal-cuff-brachytherapy (VBT) after external-beam-irradiation (EBRT) for postoperative endometrial carcinoma (EC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2014 to 2016, 62 postoperative EC patients were treated with EBRT + VBT. The median EBRT dose was 45 Gy (44 Gy-50.4 Gy). VBT involved a single 7 Gy dose. Toxicity was prospectively evaluated using the RTOG score for the rectum and bladder and the objective LENT-SOMA criteria for the vagina. EQD2(α/ß = 3Gy) at 2 cm3 of the most exposed part of the vagina was calculated by the sum of the EBRT + VBT dose. Statistics: Boxplot, Student's t and Chi-square tests and ROC curves. RESULTS: Mean follow-up: 39.2 months (15-68). Late toxicity: bladder:0 patient; rectum:2 patients-G1; Vagina: 26 patients-17G1, 9G2; median EQD2(α/ß=3Gy) at 2 cm3 in G0-G1 patients was 70.4 Gy(SD2.36), being 72.5 Gy(SD2.94) for G2p. The boxplot suggested a cut-point identifying the absence of G2: 100 % of G2p received >68 Gy, ROC curves showed an area under the curve of 0.72 (sensitivity of 1 and specificity of 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Doses >68 Gy EQD2(α/ß=3Gy) at 2 cm3 to the most exposed area of the vagina were associated with late G2 vaginal toxicity in postoperative EC patients treated with EBRT + VBT suggesting a very good dose limit to eliminate the risk of G2 late toxicity. The specificity obtained indicates the need for prospective analyses.

Economic impact of decreasing the fraction number in vaginal cuff brachytherapy: A direct cost analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the direct economic impact of two vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VBT) schedules in postoperative endometrial carcinoma (PEC) with similar vaginal control and toxicity results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2015, 397 PEC patients (p) were treated with VBT: mean 40p/year, 67.5% received external beam radiotherapy (EBRT)+VBT and 32.5% exclusive VBT. Schedule 1: 3 fractions (Fr) after EBRT and 6Fr (4-6 Gy/Fr) in exclusive VBT. Schedule 2: 7Gy × 1Fr + EBRT and 6Gy × 3Fr in exclusive VBT. Differential cost analysis of the two schedules was retrospectively performed. The direct costs in each schedule were (1) Personnel: radiotherapy technicians, nurses, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, administrative personnel, orderlies; time dedicated by each professional during CT planning acquisitions and delineation of vagina/organs at risk, dosimetric study and evaluation, autoradiography, procedure reporting time during/after treatment, removal of bladder/rectal tubes and applicators, material cleaning and transportation for sterilization; (2) Health care material (gels, gauzes, gloves, etc); (3) Equipment (time equipment used). The differential between the two schedules was estimated. Indirect costs and evaluation of quality of life-adjusted costs were not considered. RESULTS: The overall reduction in the number of Fr per year in Schedule 2 was 93. Cost savings included treatment time per year: 4,185 min (70 h); personnel: 221€ ($246)/p in EBRT + VBT and 331€ ($368)/p in exclusive VBT; and health care material and equipment: 40€ ($44.5)/p in EBRT + VBT and 90€ ($100.2)/p in exclusive VBT. The overall savings per patient was 261€ ($295) in combined treatment and 421€ ($475.7) in exclusive VBT. The total savings per year with Schedule 2 in 40p was 12,503€ ($13,915.8). CONCLUSIONS: A 41% reduction in the fractions number in VBT for PEC allowed economic savings of 261€ ($290.5)/p in combined treatment and 421€ ($475.7)/p in exclusive VBT. Other benefits include patient comfort and fewer treatment visits.

New pre-treatment eosinophil-related ratios as prognostic biomarkers for survival outcomes in endometrial cancer.

BACKGROUND: Systemic inflammation has long been related with adverse survival outcomes in cancer patients, and its biomarkers, such as the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), are recognized as poor prognostic indicators. However, the role of eosinophils in this field has been largely overlooked. Here, we describe two new pre-treatment biomarkers, expressed as Eosinophil-to-Lymphocytes Ratio (ELR) and Eosinophil*Neutrophil-to-Lymphocytes ratio (ENLR), and we analyse their impact on prognosis of endometrial cancer (EC) patients. METHODS: A total of 163 consecutive patients diagnosed with EC and treated with postoperative radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy in our institution from January 2011 to December 2015 were evaluated. The cohort was divided in two groups applying the cut-off value of 0.1 and 0.5 according to ROC curve for pre-treatment ELR and ENLR, respectively. After patients' stratification according to the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO modified risk assessment, subgroup analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Higher values of ELR and ENLR were associated with worse OS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.010, respectively). On univariate analysis, the factors associated with shorter OS were ELR ≥ 0.1 (HR = 2.9, p = 0.017), ENLR ≥ 0.5 (HR = 3.0, p = 0.015), advanced FIGO stage (HR = 3.4, p = 0.007), endometrioid histology (HR = 0.26, p = 0.003) and ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO high-risk (HR = 10.2, p = 0.023). On multivariate Cox regression, higher ELR and ENLR were independently associated with a worse outcome adjusted for the standardly applied prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Increased values of ELR and ENLR portend worse OS in EC, especially in patients classified by the ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO guidelines as a high-risk group. To our best knowledge, this is the first report describing eosinophils-related ratios as prognostic biomarkers in malignant tumours.

Intraoperative radiation therapy in uterine cervical cancer: A review.

Locally advanced uterine cervical cancer continues to present a high number of pelvic relapses. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) allows a precise therapeutic intensification in the surgical area in cases in which removal of the tumour recurrence is feasible. At the same time, IORT excludes the radiosensitive organs from the field of irradiation. While the first gynecological IORT took place in 1905, procedures have been limited over the years and the series are retrospective, including few patients. At the same, time recurrences are located at different pelvic areas. Both heterogeneity and the long recruiting time make it difficult to correctly interpret the published results. Despite this, we have reviewed the most relevant publications. Some institutions indicated IORT as a boost on the surgical bed of the excised tumor recurrence. In others, IORT permits an extra radiation dose after radical surgery of the primary tumor, usually in stage IIB. Most studies conclude that the addition of IORT increases the local control but probably with little impact on survival. On the other hand, there is a controversy in the indication of IORT in surgically resectable primary tumours. No clear advantage over the usual scheme of chemoradiation and brachytherapy has been detected. Randomized studies that allow a breakthrough in the conclusions are highly unlikely to be performed in this area.

Radiation Oncology Teaching Programmes as Part of the Undergraduate Degree in Medicine in Spanish Universities: the Need for an Update of the Contents and Structure.

The relevance of radiation oncology (RO) teaching in the Faculty of Medicine Degree Plan is justified by the high number of cancer patients who will require it at some point in their evolution of radiotherapy (RT). About 40 % of the population who will suffer cancer will be cured by RT alone or other related treatment modalities. Therefore, cancer education and RT teaching needs to have an in depth impact in the undergraduate medicine programmes. This education component is highly variable, not only among countries but also within each country, in terms of content (theory and practical training), number of credits and departmental affiliation of the teachers. Our aim is to take a snapshot of the situation of the teaching of RO in undergraduate university education in Spain. We have analysed 40 Spanish universities about specific aspects related to the teaching of RT. Information was obtained by mail or telephone contact throughout 2015. We have analysed the elements involved in teaching performance. In universities with various instructional units, we have taken the average of them. Among the Universities consulted in Spain, during the period of the medical degree, the average time allocated to RT lectures is 12 h (range, 0-36), the mean time allocated to seminars is 4 h (range, 0-22), and the mean time assigned to practices is 11 h (range, 0-38). The subject is mainly taught by a radiation oncologist and 80 % of Spanish universities have at least one radiation oncologist on staff. Undergraduate radiation oncology teaching in Spain shows structural heterogeneity. The Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology (SEOR) University Forum has identified new opportunities and elaborated a proposal to improve undergraduate education in oncology.

Is anti-inflammatory radiotherapy an effective treatment in trochanteritis?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of low-dose radiotherapy in refractory cases of trochanteritis. METHODS: We evaluated a total of 60 consecutive patients who received low-dose radiotherapy to achieve an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect for recurrent trochanteritis following scarce response to conventional therapy. All patients were evaluated at baseline (prior to radiotherapy) and at 1 and 4 months after radiotherapy and then yearly thereafter for pain assessment using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and to determine the administration of analgesic treatment. RESULTS: An improvement in the symptomatology was observed in 62% of the patients with a significant reduction in the VAS (8 ± 2 vs 4 ± 2; p < 0.0001), which was largely maintained until the second evaluation at 4 months. In the cases responding to radiotherapy, the probability of maintaining improvement beyond 24 months was 70%. CONCLUSION: Low-dose anti-inflammatory radiation may be used in the treatment of the recurrent cases of relapse or no response of trochanteritis to conventional treatments, with a high probability of remission of pain. These preliminary results indicate the need for evaluating the use of radiotherapy in patients with trochanteritis refractory to conventional treatment in a long-term controlled study. Advances in knowledge: Radiotherapy provides effective analgesic treatment for patients refractory to standard treatment for trochanteritis.

Radiotherapy for Graves' disease. The possible role of low-dose radiotherapy.

Immunomodulatory effects of low-dose radiotherapy (LD-RT) have been used for the treatment of several benign diseases, including arthrodegenerative and inflammatory pathologies. Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease and radiotherapy (RT) is a therapeutic option for ocular complications. The dose recommended in the clinical practice is 20 Gy (2 Gy/day). We hypothesized that lower doses (<10 Gy total dose, <1 Gy/day) could results in higher efficacy if we achieved anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of LD-RT. We review current evidence on the effects of RT in the treatment of Graves' disease and the possible use of LD-RT treatment strategy.

Can we shorten the overall treatment time in postoperative brachytherapy of endometrial carcinoma? Comparison of two brachytherapy schedules.

PURPOSE: To analyze vaginal-cuff relapses (VCR) and toxicity of two brachytherapy (BT) schedules in postoperative endometrial carcinoma and to correlate vaginal toxicity with vaginal-surface-EQD2Gy3 dose (VS-EQD2Gy3). METHODS/MATERIALS: 319 patients (p) I-IIIC-Figo-stage were treated with 2 BT schedules. One schedule included 166p (Group-1) to whom 3 fractions (Fr) of 4-6Gy per week (w) of BT were administered after external beam radiotherapy (EBI) (125p) and 6Fr/2w of 4-6Gy in exclusive-BT (41p). The second schedule included 153p (Group-2) with BT administered daily with 2Fr/w of 5-6Gy after EBI (94p) and 5-6Gy/4Fr/w in exclusive-BT (59p). Doses were prescribed at 5mm from the vaginal surface. Toxicity was evaluated using RTOG scores for the rectum and bladder and objective LENT-SOMA scores for the vagina. STATISTICS: Chi-square, Fisher and Student's-t tests. RESULTS: Mean follow-up (months): Group-1: 66.55 (7.73-115.40), Group-2: 41.49 (3.13-87.90). VCR: Group-1: 3p (1.88%); Group-2: 2p (1.3%). No differences were found between the two schedules comparing rectal (p=0.170), bladder (p=0.125) and vagina (p=0.680) late toxicities and comparing vagina EBI+BTp vs. exclusive-BTp (p=0.667). Significant differences in VS-EQD23Gy were observed considering EBI+BT (Groups 1+2) vs. exclusive-BT (Groups 1+2) (p<0.0001); nevertheless, no association was found between VS-EQD23Gy and vaginal complications. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found between the two schedules. No association was found between vaginal toxicity and VS-EQD23Gy. Consequently, treatment with the least number of fractions is preferable.

Endoluminal brachytherapy in the treatment of oesophageal cancer. Technique description, case report and review of the literature.

Endoesophageal brachytherapy is a useful technique for the palliative treatment of dysphagia in advanced oesophageal cancer. This technique offers good results on dysphagia control and quality of life.We report the case of a patient treated with this technique presenting complete response to the dysphagia. We describe endoesophageal brachyterapy technique and we comment on the literature.

Decentralisation of radiation therapy. Is it possible and beneficial to patients? Experience of the first 5 years of a satellite radiotherapy unit in the province of Tarragona, Spain.

BACKGROUND: The concept of satellite radiotherapy originates in countries whose populations are largely dispersed in order to treat homogenously the population by a unique fixed team. AIM: This report describes the creation and management of a satellite radiotherapy unit in Spain (RUTE-Radiotherapy Unit, Terres de l'Ebre). It is managed by the Radiation Oncology Department at Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus. We report the benefit gained in the comfort of patients and the economic benefit gained by reducing the expense of transport for the health care system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RUTE is equipped with a linear accelerator. A team of 10 physicians, specialised in different oncology pathologies, travel to RUTE on a rotational basis from the main Radiation Oncology Department. Simulation and planning of treatment is managed at the Radiation Oncology Department in Reus. Patients from RUTE only have to visit the centre in Reus once throughout the treatment process. RESULTS: Since August 2008, 1500 patients have completed treatment in the satellite unit. The implementation of RUTE has greatly improved the comfort of patients and along with that, there have been important savings in transport costs to the regional health care system. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high technological requirements of our speciality, decentralising radiotherapy is feasible. We can guarantee the highest standards of treatment with no differences from attending the main centre. It implies a clear benefit for the comfort of the patients and an economic benefit by decreasing transport costs.

Quality assurance in radiotherapy: analysis of the causes of not starting or early radiotherapy withdrawal.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the reasons for not starting or for early of radiotherapy at the Radiation Oncology Department. METHODS: All radiotherapy treatments from March 2010 to February 2012 were included. Early withdrawals from treatment those that never started recorded. Clinical, demographic and dosimetric variables were also noted. RESULTS: From a total of 3250 patients treated and reviewed, 121 (4%) did not start or complete the planned treatment. Of those, 63 (52%) did not receive any radiotherapy fraction and 58 (48%) did not complete the course, 74% were male and 26% were female. The mean age was 67 ± 13 years. The most common primary tumour was lung (28%), followed by rectum (16%). The aim of treatment was 62% radical and 38% palliative, 44% of patients had metastases; the most common metastatic site was bone, followed by brain. In 38% of cases (46 patients) radiotherapy was administered concomitantly with chemotherapy (10 cases (22%) were rectal cancers). The most common reason for not beginning or for early withdrawal of treatment was clinical progression (58/121, 48%). Of those, 43% died (52/121), 35 of them because of the progression of the disease and 17 from other causes. Incomplete treatment regimens were due to toxicity (12/121 (10%), of which 10 patients underwent concomitant chemotherapy for rectal cancer). CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients who did not complete their course of treatment is low, which shows good judgement in indications and patient selection. The most common reason for incomplete treatments was clinical progression. Rectal cancer treated with concomitant chemotherapy was the most frequent reason of the interruption of radiotherapy for toxicity.

Undifferentiated uterine sarcoma: a rare, not well known and aggressive disease: report of 13 cases.

PURPOSE: Undifferentiated uterine sarcomas (UUS) are rare and aggressive tumor with scarce data on the outcome and best treatment. We aimed to describe the behavior among patients with UUS at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with UUS treated in our centre from 1979 to 2010 were analyzed. STATISTICS: descriptive analysis for frequencies and Kaplan-Meier actuarial method for overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Patients mean age was 66 years. Three had FIGO 2009 stage IA, five IB, two IIB, and three IVB. Ten patients underwent surgery and eight received postoperative radiotherapy. Three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The median follow-up was 16 months (2-276 months). Stage I patients developed two local relapses and three distant metastases (DM). DM was also observed in stage II patients and in 61.5 % of the entire series. Fifty percent of patients receiving radiotherapy remain alive without relapse. The median OS was 16 months, being 17 months for stage I and 9 for the remainder. CONCLUSIONS: Poor outcome of UUS was associated with a high incidence of DM. Stage I had the best outcome. Radiotherapy seems to have benefited patients, with 100 % of local control and 50 % of long-term survivors. The high incidence of metastasis suggests the need for more accurate initial assessment.