Positron emission tomography: an independent indicator of radiocurability in head and neck carcinomas.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a biochemical-imaging tool that uses the uptake of the glucose analog 2-deoxy-2-[F-18] fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) to detect head and neck tumor proliferation. The aim of this study is to determine if quantitation of either primary tumor metabolic activity or tumor response using PET scans could predict local control and overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing primary radiotherapy. Twelve patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck underwent PET scans before and 6 weeks after completion of radiation therapy. Tumor metabolic activity was quantitated using the metabolic ratio method. Mean follow-up was 40 months (range: 18-55 months). In our series, tumors with metabolic rates greater than that of the cerebellum are associated with significantly better local control (p < 0.05) and survival. Posttreatment PET imaging was falsely positive in one patient with clinical signs of severe inflammation. Tumors with greater than 50% decrease in metabolic activity with irradiation had improved local control. Clinically, nine patients had excellent response to irradiation. These results suggest that pretreatment PET findings may have prognostic implications in determining which patients will achieve long-term local control with primary radiation therapy. This may help identify those at increased risk of recurrence that may benefit from more aggressive altered fractionation schemes or combined modality therapy.

Outcomes and factors impacting local recurrence of ductal carcinoma in situ.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains controversial. Investigators have focused on identifying patients who are eligible for treatment by excision alone. A retrospective analysis of patients with DCIS treated by various modalities was conducted to compare outcomes and determine factors significant for local recurrence (LR). METHODS: Between 1985-1992, 88 consecutive diagnoses of DCIS were identified in 85 patients. Seventy-four percent were detected mammographically. The most common histologic subtypes were comedo (54%) and cribriform (23%). Tumor sizes were < 2.5 cm (49%), > 2.5-5 cm (26%), > 5 cm (23%), and unknown (2%). Final resection margins were tumor free (75%), close/positive (23%), and unknown (2%). Treatment methods included mastectomy (30%), localized surgery and radiation therapy (LSR) (43%), or wide localized surgery alone (LS) (27%). Radiation therapy (RT) was comprised of 50 grays to the breast, and 53% of treated patients received local "boost" irradiation. RESULTS: The median follow up was 8.3 years. The overall recurrence rate was 13. 6%, whereas the median time to LR was 27.8 months. Recurrence rates according to treatment modality were: LS: 25%; LSR: 13%; and mastectomy: 4%. However, if surgical margins were tumor free, LSR had a LR rate of 3.4%. After RT, no LR occurred prior to 15 months, and 4 of 5 tumors were noninvasive. Nine patients treated by excision alone conformed to the criteria of Lagios et al. criteria and LR occurred in three of nine tumors. Of the factors analyzed, margin status was found to be the best predictor for LR (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: If surgical margins are tumor free, the LSR regimen is equivalent to mastectomy for local tumor control. Annual mammograms may be adequate for the follow-up of patients with irradiated breasts, but biannual studies still are recommended for patients treated with excision alone.

Accuracy and clinical impact of mediastinal lymph node staging with FDG-PET imaging in potentially resectable lung cancer.

To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of staging mediastinal nodal disease in potentially resectable lung cancer using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), computed tomography (CT), or both and compare these results to surgical staging. We also assessed whether PET scanning results changed clinical management. From 1992 to 1997, 50 patients underwent CT, and PET scanning before or close to the time of surgical staging. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values were then calculated based on pathology results. A retrospective review of the records was performed to determine how PET results affected clinical treatment decisions. Forty-seven of 50 patients had non-small-cell lung cancer. The prevalence of pathologically confirmed mediastinal and hilar involvement was 38%. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of mediastinal disease staging were as follows: CT alone = 73%, 77%, 76%; PET alone = 73%, 94%, 87%; PET + CT = 82%, 96%, 91%, respectively. PET was more specific and accurate than CT (p = 0.025). The results of PET changed management decisions in 12 of 50 cases (24%). Using FDG-PET in conjunction with CT scanning provides the most accurate staging of mediastinal disease in lung cancer by contributing complementary information. Furthermore, PET can affect clinical decision-making and allow some patients considered unresectable a chance for resection.

The role of positron emission tomography in occult primary head and neck cancers.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of positron emission tomography (PET) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) imaging in the workup of unknown primary head and neck tumors. METHODS: Fourteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma of cervical lymph node metastasis of unknown primary origin (clinical stage N2-N3) were studied prospectively. The patients underwent conventional workup, including physical examination, computed tomography, and random biopsies of the potentially suspected sites. If no primary site was found, 8 to 13 mCi of FDG was given intravenously, and whole-body scans with standardized uptake values were obtained. The results of FDG-PET imaging were compared with clinical, CT, and histopathologic findings. To eliminate bias, PET scans were reviewed by nuclear medicine physicians who had no previous knowledge of the other findings. RESULTS: PET identified the location of primary tumor in three patients: lung hilum, base of tongue, and pyriform sinus. These lesions were pathologically confirmed. All these primary sites were not visualized on CT or physical examination, except for a pyriform sinus lesion, which was seen on CT, but initial biopsy result was negative. In one patient, the initial PET did not identify a primary tumor, but a nasopharyngeal carcinoma was identified in post-radiation therapy follow-up PET. In the remaining nine patients, a primary lesion was never found. All cervical lymph nodes detected by CT were identified by PET. DISCUSSION: A previously unknown primary tumor can be identified with FDG-PET in about 21% of the patients in our prospective series. PET can be of value in guiding endoscopic biopsies for histologic diagnosis and treatment options.

Filgrastim (r-metHuG-CSF) and its potential use in the reduction of radiation-induced oropharyngeal mucositis: an interim look at a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

We wished to determine if filgrastim administration to chemotherapy/radiation therapy-naive patients receiving external-beam irradiation for head-and-neck malignancies would reduce the incidence and severity of oral/oropharyngeal mucositis. Patients were randomized to receive subcutaneous injections of either filgrastim or placebo beginning on day 1 of radiation and continuing daily throughout treatment. Study medication was titrated to keep the neutrophil count between 10 x 10(9) and 30 x 10(9)/l. The left and right buccal mucosa, hard palate, and posterior pharyngeal wall were scored weekly, by a blinded evaluator using two different scales, and the most severe score per week was used in data analysis. Fourteen of a planned 54 patients were randomized (8 filgrastim, 6 placebo), and were evaluable for a planned interim analysis. No statistically significant between-group differences were seen in mean worst scores across time using repeated measures analysis of variance (Hickey, p = 0.231; WHO, p= 0.288). At almost all timepoints, however, the worst mean scores were lower in patients treated with filgrastim compared with those in patients treated with placebo, and the number of severe (i.e., grade 3) mucositis scores was significantly lower in the filgrastim-treated group. Filgrastim may decrease the severity of radiation-induced oral/oropharyngeal mucositis.

Radiation tolerance of transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous-free flaps used in immediate breast reconstruction.

The authors determine the effects of postoperative radiation therapy on flap and local control outcomes in patients who have undergone immediate transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM)-free flap reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer. Details of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for 21 patients who had undergone immediate TRAM-free flap reconstruction after modified radical mastectomy were gathered retrospectively. The outcomes examined were flap complications, overall cosmesis, and local recurrence rate. Radiation therapy was indicated for large primary tumors (T3-T4), close or positive margins, or extensive nodal disease. With a mean follow-up interval of 19 months, there have been no flap complications or losses. Cosmesis was rated as excellent by 60% of patients, good by 30%, and fair by the remaining 10%. Three patients thought that radiation had improved cosmesis, one noted worse cosmesis, and the remainder thought it had no effect on cosmesis. The local control rate was 86%. Postreconstruction irradiation of TRAM-free flaps used in immediate reconstruction for locally advanced breast cancer appears safe and cosmetically acceptable.

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of resectable desmoid tumors.

PURPOSE: Desmoid tumors have a high propensity for local recurrence with surgical resection. There are many reports describing good responses of desmoid tumors to irradiation, but none have clearly established the indications for adjuvant radiotherapy in treating resectable desmoid tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 61 patients with resectable desmoid tumor(s) who were treated at our institution from 1965 to February of 1992. Five patients had multifocal disease and are analyzed separately. Fifty-six patients had unifocal disease, of which 34 had positive surgical margins. Forty-five of the 56 patients with unifocal disease were treated with surgery alone, while 11 were treated with surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 6 years. Local control was measured from the last day of treatment, and all cases were reviewed by our Department of Pathology. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis of the 56 patients with unifocal disease revealed that positive margins independently predicted for local recurrence (p < or = 0.01). Only 3 of 22 patients with clear margins experienced a local recurrence, with a 6-year actuarial local control of 85%. Multivariate analysis of the 34 patients with positive margins revealed that adjuvant radiotherapy independently predicted for improved local control (p = 0.01), and patients with recurrent disease had a slightly higher risk of local recurrence (p = 0.08). The 6-year actuarial local control determined by Kaplan-Meier for patients with unifocal disease and positive margins was 32% (+/-12%) with surgery alone, and 78% (+/-14%) with surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy (p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis of the patients with positive margins and recurrent disease revealed that those treated with surgery alone had a 6-year actuarial local control of 0% vs. 80% for those treated with surgery plus radiotherapy (p < or = 0.01). Patients with positive margins and primary disease had a trend towards improved local control with adjuvant radiotherapy, but this was not statistically significant. None of the patients treated with radiotherapy developed serious complications or a secondary malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Margin status is the most important predictor of local recurrence for patients with resectable, unifocal desmoid tumor. Adjuvant radiotherapy is indicated in the treatment of patients with positive margins following wide excision of recurrent disease. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with positive margins following resection of primary disease is controversial, and should be based on a balanced discussion of the potential morbidity from radiotherapy compared to the potential morbidity of another local recurrence. Adjuvant radiotherapy is less likely to benefit those with clear margins due to the excellent results for these patients treated with surgery alone. The local control of desmoid tumor in the adjuvant setting is excellent with total doses ranging from 50-60 Gy, with acceptable morbidity. Field sizes should be generous to prevent marginal recurrences, and large volume MRIs of patients with extremity lesions should be used to identify those patients with multifocal disease.

Concomitant pilocarpine during head and neck irradiation is associated with decreased posttreatment xerostomia.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare subjective postirradiation xerostomia scores of patients who received concomitant oral pilocarpine during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and 3 months thereafter with those of similar cohorts who did not receive pilocarpine. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Subjective xerostomia was assessed using a visual analog scale xerostomia questionnaire that measured oral dryness, oral comfort, difficulty with sleep, speech, and eating. The concomitant pilocarpine group had both parotid glands in the initial field treated to at least 45 Gy and received 5 mg pilocarpine hydrochloride four times per day (q.i.d.) beginning on the first day of radiotherapy and continuing for 3 months after completion of radiation. The control cohort had also received at least 45 Gy to both parotid glands and had not received pilocarpine at the time of evaluation. Scores on the visual analog scale were averaged and compared using the Student's t-test. RESULTS: Seventeen patients who received concomitant pilocarpine during head and neck irradiation and 18 patients who had not been treated with pilocarpine were available for follow-up. The mean intervals between completion of radiation and evaluation of xerostomia were 17 months and 16 months, respectively. Only one of the pilocarpine-treated patients was still taking pilocarpine at the time of evaluation. For each of the individual components of xerostomia scored on the visual analog scale, as well as the composite of all components, the group that had received oral pilocarpine during radiation had significantly less xerostomia (p < 0.01 for each). CONCLUSIONS: The use of 5 mg oral pilocarpine q.i.d. during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and 3 months thereafter was associated with significantly less subjective xerostomia than that reported by a similar cohort of patients who had not received pilocarpine. The continued use of pilocarpine does not appear to be necessary to maintain this benefit in most patients.

Angiosarcoma. A report of 67 patients and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Angiosarcomas (AS) are rare, aggressive tumors. Optimal treatment has not been well defined. The authors undertook a retrospective review of patients seen at their institution with the intent of identifying prognostic factors and optimal treatment strategies. METHODS: Between 1955 and 1990, 67 patients with AS were seen at the University of California, at Los Angeles Medical Center. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 173 months with a median of 30 months. RESULTS: The overall prognosis was poor. The actuarial 2- and 5-year disease free survivals (DFS) were 44% and 24%, respectively. Of 52 recurrences after primary treatment, 81% (42 of 52) had a component of local failure. Twenty-eight patients had developed distant metastases at last follow-up. Of patients who received surgery (S) and radiation therapy (RT), with or without chemotherapy (CT), 5-year actuarial DFS was 43%, compared with 17% for patients who underwent S +/- CT as initial treatment (P = 0.03). Only 9% of patients (1 of 11) treated with RT +/- CT were rendered free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AS usually present with high grade histology, and with multifocal disease. There is a propensity for both local recurrence and distant metastases. Our results and a review of the literature, suggest that S plus RT offers the best chance for long term control of this aggressive tumor. The role of CT remains undefined.

Radiation recall dermatitis and pneumonitis in a patient treated with paclitaxel.

BACKGROUND: Radiation recall refers to a tissue reaction produced by a chemotherapeutic agent in a previously irradiated field that would not occur in a nonirradiated field. A number of agents have been reported to cause radiation recall. Recently, there have been case reports of recall dermatitis from paclitaxel treatment. METHODS: A patient with metastatic lung cancer received palliative radiation to her mediastinum and ribs. Because of disease progression, she subsequently received paclitaxel. RESULTS: After paclitaxel administration, the patient became acutely dyspneic. A subsequent chest X-ray revealed a parenchymal opacity in a region that corresponded with the patient's radiation portal. She also developed a severe skin reaction in the previously treated electron field. CONCLUSIONS: This is one of few reported cases of recall dermatitis from paclitaxel and is also suggestive of recall pneumonitis, a phenomenon previously unreported to the authors' knowledge. Given paclitaxel's ability to function as a radiosensitizer, this response is not unexpected. As the frequency of paclitaxel administration increases, its potential as a radiation sensitizer and radiation recall should be considered.

Resistance to common viruses during intralymphatic injections of tumor cell vaccines. Correlation with circulating cytokines.

Patients with advanced malignancies who received intralymphatic injections of irradiated tumor cell suspensions ("vaccines") were unexpectedly found to be resistant to common viral diseases; 17 patients with a documented past history of viral infections who have been observed for 48 to 148 months (median 108 months), were analyzed. The resistance to viruses was found to correlate closely with the presence, in the serum, of certain cytokines. Specifically, the interleukins, -2, -6, -8 and interferon-gamma, at low but sustained levels appeared to be possibly responsible for the nonspecific protection against viral infections obtained by intralymphatic injections of cellular material. These findings suggest that viral infections in normal or immunosuppressed individuals at particular risk might be prevented by treatments aimed at attaining very modest levels of certain cytokines.

Margin status and local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of microscopic tumor at the margins on local recurrence after breast-conserving surgery for invasive carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients treated with surgical resection followed by radiation therapy. SETTING: A university-based radiation department and a community-based cancer referral center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 272 women treated between 1982 and 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Local recurrence according to the histopathologic status of excised margins and the total dose of radiation. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 48 months, the overall rate of local recurrence was 6.3%. Local recurrence was more frequent (P = .0001) in patients with histologically positive margins (18.2%) than in those with unknown margins (7.1%) or negative margins (3.7%). In the 44 patients with positive margins, the local recurrence rate was 8.3% after radiation doses of 66 Gy or more compared with 21.9% following lower doses. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic involvement of resection margins increases the risk of local recurrence following breast-conserving surgery for invasive carcinoma. Therefore, every effort should be made to achieve negative margins intraoperatively.

Use of positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose in patients with extracranial head and neck cancers.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of positron emission tomography- (PET) 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) imaging in extracranial head and neck cancers. METHODS: Sixty patients with biopsy-proven cancers were studied using PET-FDG. Thirty-four patients were studied before therapy (staging), of which 15 patients received primary radiotherapy and serial PET-FDG imaging (monitoring). Seven patients with advanced disease had laser excision (monitoring), and 19 patients were evaluated for recurrent disease (recurrence). RESULTS: Four patients had unknown primary lesions. PET-FDG imaging located the primary tumor in two of four patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in none of four. In the remaining patients (staging), PET-FDG imaging detected the primary tumor in 29 of 30 patients, and MRI in 23 of 30. In the staging group, PET-FDG imaging identified the presence or absence of lymph node involvement in 32 of 34 patients, and MRI in 31 of 34. PET-FDG imaging was helpful in evaluating tumor response to radiation therapy or laser excision. Ten patients evaluated for recurrent disease had biopsy-confirmed recurrences, and 7 had no recurrence. PET-FDG imaging results were positive for primary tumor recurrence in 9 of 10 patients, and MRI results were positive in 6 of 10. MRI results were negative for lymph node disease in one of these patients with recurrent primary tumor where PET-FDG imaging and biopsy demonstrated nodal involvement. PET-FDG results were negative for recurrent disease in seven of seven patients, and MRI results were negative for recurrent disease in in four of seven. CONCLUSION: In this series, the authors found that PET-FDG is a useful diagnostic modality for evaluating the patient with an unknown primary, monitoring response to therapy, and in detecting recurrent tumors.

Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck: the impact of local control on survival.

The management for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is controversial in view of the poor prognosis. Thirty-five patients seen from 1955 to 1991 were analyzed retrospectively. Almost all (34/35) presented with localized disease. Primary treatments included radical surgery (15), local resection (11), radiation therapy (6), or systemic treatment (2). While the rate of local recurrence was high (27/34), only 5 patients developed distant disease before local relapse. Furthermore, only 5/21 achieved successful local salvage. Patients with their disease controlled locally had significantly longer survival than those with persistent local disease (P = .0001). The 5-year disease-specific survival was 45%. The authors conclude that mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is not necessarily incurable. When local control is achieved, survival rate is significantly improved. Aggressive local treatments should be initiated at presentation of this disease.

Application of stereotactic radiosurgery to the head and neck region.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma recurrent following primary radiation therapy has been treated with surgery and reirradiation. Reirradiation is often limited by the tolerance of structures previously treated. Radiosurgery was used to boost the recurrent site while avoiding critical structures. Seven patients were evaluated for treatment. Three patients met requirements for treatment. The lesions invaded the parapharyngeal region, the base of skull, cavernous sinus, cranial nerves, or carotid artery. Treatment included a radiosurgery boost utilizing multiple isocenters, noncoplanar arcs, and arc weighting, to yield a plan conforming to the tumors while avoiding critical anatomical structures. The patients tolerated the procedure well with minor acute side effects. Follow-up included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Two lesions responded, and one had no significant change. One patient had a regional recurrence. Two patients had distance recurrence. Long term side effects include trismus, parotiditis, ear fullness, hemorrhage, and pain. Radiosurgery may improve the local control rate of such lesions, however, with the severe long term complications of single fraction radiosurgery in the head and neck region this procedure may be more beneficial if the treatment is fractionated.

Change induced by radiation therapy in FDG uptake in normal and malignant structures of the head and neck: quantitation with PET.

PURPOSE: To quantitate the changes induced in uptake of the glucose analog 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in normal structures in the head and neck and compare these to the change in uptake in malignant structures in patients with head and neck tumors undergoing radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were studied before, during, and after a 6-week course of radiation therapy with positron emission tomography (PET)-FDG imaging. A ratio of FDG uptake in the structure compared with that in the cerebellum (termed metabolic ratio) within and outside of the field of radiation was determined in the adenoids; lingual and palatine tonsils; parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands; and nasal turbinates, soft palate, and gingiva. RESULTS: The average metabolic ratio in the tonsils, nasal turbinates, soft palate, and gingiva did not change significantly with treatment. CONCLUSION: FDG uptake in normal structures does not change with radiation therapy. This fact is in marked contrast to the FDG uptake in squamous cell carcinomas in the head and neck, which decrease dramatically with treatment (P < .005).

The role of radiation therapy in the treatment of head and neck cutaneous melanoma.

INTRODUCTION: This study was undertaken to elucidate the efficacy of external beam irradiation in the treatment of head and neck malignant melanoma, in comparison with the efficacy of surgical excision and the efficacy of surgical excision combined with external beam irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients seen at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center with the diagnosis of head and neck melanoma from 1973 to 1992 was conducted. Using chi 2 analysis, survival rates were examined for patients treated with excision alone, irradiation alone, and both excision and irradiation. RESULTS: Patients were treated with primary excision (96%), salvage excision for recurrent or residual disease (47%), primary irradiation (9%), post-surgical-planned irradiation (22%), adjuvant chemotherapy (45%), and adjuvant immunotherapy (36%). The overall survival rate for the entire group was 29%. For patients with recurrent or regional disease, survival rates were 37% for those treated with excision in combination with irradiation, 20% for those treated with irradiation alone, and 19% for those treated with excision. Whereas the differences among groups were not statistically significant, the biologic implication is that external beam irradiation is effective in controlling regional disease, since the tumors treated with irradiation alone or excision in combination with irradiation were larger and more aggressive than those treated with excision alone. CONCLUSION: External beam irradiation is of benefit in treating patients with melanoma who are ineligible for salvage surgery or as an adjunctive modality in situations where the risk of recurrence is high.

Presence of a specific antiestrogen binding site on human follicular thyroid carcinoma cell line (UCLA RO 82 W-1): inhibition by an endogenous ligand present in human serum.

A receptor for antiestrogens, distinct from the estrogen receptor, has been identified in several tissues including the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Estrogen receptors have also been found in normal and pathological thyroid tissue homogenates. We demonstrate the presence of an antiestrogen binding site (AEBS) on a pure human follicular thyroid carcinoma cell line (UCLA RO 82 W-1) using a 3H-tamoxifen (3H-TAM) binding assay. The binding of 3H-TAM to the AEBS was determined after preincubation (30 min) of the cells with excess 17 beta-estradiol (2 mumol/L). Specific and saturable binding of 3H-TAM to the cells was observed. Displacement of the tracer from its binding site was dose dependent. Scatchard analysis revealed a dissociation constant (Kd) of 73 nmol/L, indicating a binding site with moderate affinity and capacity (72 pmol/10(6) cells). Using this assay we were also able to demonstrate the presence of an endogenous ligand for the AEBS in ethanol extracts of human serum. Cell growth and 3H-thymidine incorporation by the follicular thyroid carcinoma cells were inhibited when the cells were exposed to TAM (1.5 mumol/L). In conclusion, TAM is able to bind to a specific receptor on this follicular thyroid carcinoma cell line, and a natural circulating ligand present in ethanol extracts of human serum interferes with its binding.

Positron emission tomography with fluorodeoxyglucose to evaluate tumor response and control after radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Following radiation therapy, evaluation of viable tumor can often be difficult with anatomic imaging criteria (tumor size alone). In this study, the utility of biochemical imaging with the glucose analog 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose and positron emission tomography was investigated in patients treated with radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1990 and 1992, 19 patients were studied, including 15 patients with head and neck cancer, (4 oropharynx, 4 sinus, 3 larynx, 2 hypopharynx, 2 oral cavity [one patient], 1 nasopharynx), and 4 patients with breast cancer. Post-radiation positron emission tomography with 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose studies were done in all patients, with 9 head and neck patients receiving pre-radiation positron emission tomography with 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose scans as well. Results were correlated with other imaging techniques and pathology. RESULTS: Positron emission tomography with 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose detected head and neck primary tumors and lymph node metastases in all nine pre-radiation scans, while magnetic resonance imaging failed to detect two primary tumors. Serial positron emission tomography with 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose showed a significant decrease in tumor activity after radiation therapy, compared to pre-radiation levels, (p < 0.05), except for two patients with increased uptake at the primary site. Biopsies of these two patients showed persistent/recurrent disease after radiation therapy, which was not detected by magnetic resonance imaging. Six additional head and neck patients, with suspicious examination and inconclusive magnetic resonance imaging, were imaged with positron emission tomography after radiation therapy only. Five patients had increased positron emission tomography activity, with corresponding biopsies positive in four patients, and negative in one patient with clinically worsening symptoms. The remaining sixth patient had minimal and stable positron emission tomography uptake, and is improving clinically. Four patients had mammogram findings suspicious for recurrence after conservation treatment for breast cancer. Positron emission tomography with 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose showed no focal activity in the breast in two patients, and increased activity in the area suspicious for recurrence in the other two patients. Biopsies correlated with positron emission tomography results. CONCLUSION: Changes and presence of positron emission tomography with 2-[F-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose activity correlated with pathologic findings in head and neck and breast cancer patients in this series. In patients with elevated or rising positron emission tomography activity after radiation therapy, persistent or recurrent disease was found in 89% of patients, (8/9). Magnetic resonance imaging did not detect the head and neck recurrences, and mammography was suspicious in patients with both benign and malignant breast changes after radiation therapy. In addition, our data indicate that in head and neck patients with pre-radiation positron emission tomography scans, a significant decrease in activity should occur after radiation therapy, if local control is to be expected.

Angiosarcoma of the head and neck. The UCLA experience 1955 through 1990.

Between 1955 and 1990, 28 patients with angiosarcoma of the head and neck were seen at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif. Half the lesions arose on the scalp; the remainder occurred in the soft tissues of the face and neck. Nine patients presented with multifocal disease. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 159 months, with a median of 32 months. The overall prognosis was poor, with a 5-year disease-free survival of 26% (7/27 patients). Of 21 patients having recurrences after primary treatment, 90% (19/21 patients) had a component of local failure. Distant metastasis had developed in nine patients at last follow-up. Of patients treated initially with surgery alone, 8% (1/12 patients) remain disease free vs 67% (4/6 patients) who received postoperative radiation therapy, with or without chemotherapy. Only one (14%) of seven patients treated primarily with radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy was rendered disease free. Angiosarcoma usually presents with high-grade histologic features and frequently with multifocal disease. There is propensity for both local recurrence and distant metastasis. Our results and a review of the literature suggest that combined modality therapy offers the best chance for long-term control in patients with angiosarcoma of the head and neck.