Adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer: can comorbidity risk scores predict outcome?

PURPOSE: This study compares the objective American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27 (ACE-27) scores with the subjective Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) for patient outcome prediction. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy at the LMU Munich from June 2008 to June 2015. The study focused on associations between patient outcomes; treatment failures; known risk factors (including human papillomavirus [HPV] status and tumor stage); and the comorbidity indices ECOG-PS, ASA score, and ACE-27. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analysis and identifying independent risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients were analyzed, 175 received concurrent chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 61.8 months, and median age at diagnosis was 61 years. The 3­ and 5­year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 70.5%/60.2% and 64.7%/57.6%, respectively. Both ACE-27 and ASA showed significant correlations with OS in univariate and multivariate analyses, while ECOG-PS was significant only in univariate analysis. ASA and ACE-27 scores were also significantly correlated with local and locoregional recurrence, but only HPV status and tumor stage were significant in multivariate models. CONCLUSION: ACE-27 and ASA score effectively categorize patients' risks in adjuvant radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, proving more predictive of overall survival than ECOG-PS. These results underscore the importance of objective comorbidity assessment and suggest further prospective studies.

Development and benchmarking of a Deep Learning-based MRI-guided gross tumor segmentation algorithm for Radiomics analyses in extremity soft tissue sarcomas.

BACKGROUND: Volume of interest (VOI) segmentation is a crucial step for Radiomics analyses and radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning. Because it can be time-consuming and subject to inter-observer variability, we developed and tested a Deep Learning-based automatic segmentation (DLBAS) algorithm to reproducibly predict the primary gross tumor as VOI for Radiomics analyses in extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS). METHODS: A DLBAS algorithm was trained on a cohort of 157 patients and externally tested on an independent cohort of 87 patients using contrast-enhanced MRI. Manual tumor delineations by a radiation oncologist served as ground truths (GTs). A benchmark study with 20 cases from the test cohort compared the DLBAS predictions against manual VOI segmentations of two residents (ERs) and clinical delineations of two radiation oncologists (ROs). The ROs rated DLBAS predictions regarding their direct applicability. RESULTS: The DLBAS achieved a median dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.88 against the GTs in the entire test cohort (interquartile range (IQR): 0.11) and a median DSC of 0.89 (IQR 0.07) and 0.82 (IQR 0.10) in comparison to ERs and ROs, respectively. Radiomics feature stability was high with a median intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97, 0.95 and 0.94 for GTs, ERs, and ROs, respectively. DLBAS predictions were deemed clinically suitable by the two ROs in 35% and 20% of cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the DLBAS algorithm provides reproducible VOI predictions for radiomics feature extraction. Variability remains regarding direct clinical applicability of predictions for RT treatment planning.

Intracavitary brachytherapy with additional Heyman capsules in the treatment of cervical cancer.

PURPOSE: Brachytherapy is a mandatory component of primary radiochemotherapy in cervical cancer. The dose can be applied with a traditional intracavitary approach (IC alone) or with multiple catheter brachytherapy to optimize dose distribution in an individual concept. We therefore evaluated whether the utilization of a tandem-ring applicator plus additional intracavitary applicators (add IC) provides an advantage over the traditional IC alone approach, as this method is less time consuming and less invasive compared to a combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy. METHODS: Twenty three procedures of intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer with additional intracavitary applicators performed in seven patients treated between 2016 and 2018 in our institution were included in this study. Plans were optimized for D90 HR-CTV with and without the utilization of the additional applicators and compared by statistical analysis. RESULTS: D90 for HR-CTV was 5.71 Gy (±1.17 Gy) for fractions optimized with add IC approach and 5.29 Gy (±1.24 Gy) for fractions without additional applicators (p < 0.01). This translates to a calculated mean EQD2 HR-CTV D90 of 80.72 Gy (±8.34 Gy) compared to 77.84 Gy (±8.49 Gy) after external beam therapy and four fractions of brachytherapy for add IC and IC alone, respectively (p < 0.01). The predictive value of improved coverage of HR-CTV in the first fraction was high. CONCLUSION: In a subgroup of cases, the addition of intracavitary Heyman capsules can be an alternative to interstitial brachytherapy to improve the plan quality compared to standard IC alone brachytherapy. The benefit from the addition of applicators in the first fraction is predictive for the following fractions.

Integration of p16/HPV DNA Status with a 24-miRNA-Defined Molecular Phenotype Improves Clinically Relevant Stratification of Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) generally have a more favourable prognosis. We hypothesized that HPV-associated HNSCC may be identified by an miRNA-signature according to their specific molecular pathogenesis, and be characterized by a unique transcriptome compared to HPV-negative HNSCC. We performed miRNA expression profiling of two p16/HPV DNA characterized HNSCC cohorts of patients treated by adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy (multicentre DKTK-ROG n = 128, single-centre LMU-KKG n = 101). A linear model predicting HPV status built in DKTK-ROG using lasso-regression was tested in LMU-KKG. LMU-KKG tumours (n = 30) were transcriptome profiled for differential gene expression and miRNA-integration. A 24-miRNA signature predicted HPV-status with 94.53% accuracy (AUC: 0.99) in DKTK-ROG, and 86.14% (AUC: 0.86) in LMU-KKG. The prognostic values of 24-miRNA- and p16/HPV DNA status were comparable. Combining p16/HPV DNA and 24-miRNA status allowed patient sub-stratification and identification of an HPV-associated patient subgroup with impaired overall survival. HPV-positive tumours showed downregulated MAPK, Estrogen, EGFR, TGFbeta, WNT signaling activity. miRNA-mRNA integration revealed HPV-specific signaling pathway regulation, including PD-L1 expression/PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer in HPV-associated HNSCC. Integration of clinically established p16/HPV DNA with 24-miRNA signature status improved clinically relevant risk stratification, which might be considered for future clinical decision-making with respect to treatment de-escalation in HPV-associated HNSCC.

First experiences with PET-MRI/CT in radiotherapy planning for cervical cancer.

PURPOSE: PET-CT has recently been included in the NCCN staging recommendations for cervical cancer stages II-IV and is already routinely applied to radiotherapy planning for other malignancies, as it is expected to provide higher accuracy for the detection of areas with tumor cell spread. In this study, we report on our first experiences of PET-based radiotherapy planning for cervical cancer. METHODS: 19 patients with cervical cancer that underwent pre-therapeutic PET imaging treated at our institution between January 2016 and April 2019 were included in the study. Information on the primary tumor, lymph node involvement, metastatic spread and changes in the radiotherapy procedure based on the PET findings are described. RESULTS: A previously unknown primary tumor extension that was detected by PET imaging in one patient. In patients who underwent a PET before the systematic pelvic and paraaortic lymphonodectomy (n = 2), PET was false negative for pelvic lymph node metastases in 50%. In patients who underwent a PET after the systematic LNE (n = 13), additional lymph node metastases were detected in seven patients (53.80%). Distant metastases were suspected in three patients (15.7%) based on PET imaging. The suspicion was confirmed in one patient (peritoneal spread) and excluded in two patients (supra-diaphragmatic lymph nodes). In 13 patients (68.4%), RT procedures were altered due to findings in PET imaging. CONCLUSION: PET-based radiochemotherapy planning may improve control rates by identifying areas of tumor cell spread eligible for dose escalation. False positivity, however, should be excluded in patients with findings that lead to major modifications of the therapeutic strategy.

Definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with squamous cell cancers of the head and neck - results from an unselected cohort of the clinical cooperation group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer".

BACKGROUND: Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is a standard treatment for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer. There is a clinical need for a stratification of this prognostically heterogeneous group of tumors in order to optimize treatment of individual patients. We retrospectively reviewed all patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx, treated with dCRT from 09/2008 until 03/2016 at the Department of Radiation Oncology, LMU Munich. Here we report the clinical results of the cohort which represent the basis for biomarker discovery and molecular genetic research within the framework of a clinical cooperation group. METHODS: Patient data were collected and analyzed for outcome and treatment failures with regard to previously described and established risk factors. RESULTS: We identified 184 patients with a median follow-up of 65 months and a median age of 64 years. Patients received dCRT with a median dose of 70 Gy and simultaneous chemotherapy in 90.2% of cases, mostly mitomycin C / 5-FU in concordance with the ARO 95-06 trial. The actuarial 3-year overall survival (OS), local, locoregional and distant failure rates were 42.7, 29.8, 34.0 and 23.4%, respectively. Human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx cancer (HPVOPC) and smaller gross tumor volume were associated with significantly improved locoregional tumor control rate, disease-free survival (DFS) and OS in multivariate analysis. Additionally, lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with impaired DFS und OS in univariate analysis. The extent of lymph node involvement was associated with distant failure, DFS and OS. Moreover, 92 patients (50%) of our cohort have been treated in concordance with the ARO 95-06 study, corroborating the results of this study. CONCLUSION: Our cohort is a large unselected monocentric cohort of HNSCC patients treated with dCRT. Tumor control rates and survival rates compare favorably with the results of previously published reports. The clinical data, together with the available tumor samples from biopsies, will allow translational research based on molecular genetic analyses.

A Five-MicroRNA Signature Predicts Survival and Disease Control of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Negative for HPV Infection.

PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with unfavorable prognosis, while independent prognostic markers remain to be defined. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We retrospectively performed miRNA expression profiling. Patients were operated for locally advanced HPV-negative HNSCC and had received radiochemotherapy in eight different hospitals (DKTK-ROG; n = 85). Selection fulfilled comparable demographic, treatment, and follow-up characteristics. Findings were validated in an independent single-center patient sample (LMU-KKG; n = 77). A prognostic miRNA signature was developed for freedom from recurrence and tested for other endpoints. Recursive-partitioning analysis was performed on the miRNA signature, tumor and nodal stage, and extracapsular nodal spread. Technical validation used qRT-PCR. An miRNA-mRNA target network was generated and analyzed. RESULTS: For DKTK-ROG and LMU-KKG patients, the median follow-up was 5.1 and 5.3 years, and the 5-year freedom from recurrence rate was 63.5% and 75.3%, respectively. A five-miRNA signature (hsa-let-7g-3p, hsa-miR-6508-5p, hsa-miR-210-5p, hsa-miR-4306, and hsa-miR-7161-3p) predicted freedom from recurrence in DKTK-ROG [hazard ratio (HR) 4.42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.98-9.88, P < 0.001], which was confirmed in LMU-KKG (HR 4.24; 95% CI, 1.40-12.81, P = 0.005). The signature also predicted overall survival (HR 3.03; 95% CI, 1.50-6.12, P = 0.001), recurrence-free survival (HR 3.16; 95% CI, 1.65-6.04, P < 0.001), and disease-specific survival (HR 5.12; 95% CI, 1.88-13.92, P < 0.001), all confirmed in LMU-KKG data. Adjustment for relevant covariates maintained the miRNA signature predicting all endpoints. Recursive-partitioning analysis of both samples combined classified patients into low (n = 17), low-intermediate (n = 80), high-intermediate (n = 48), or high risk (n = 17) for recurrence (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The five-miRNA signature is a strong and independent prognostic factor for disease recurrence and survival of patients with HPV-negative HNSCC.See related commentary by Clump et al., p. 1441.

A prognostic mRNA expression signature of four 16q24.3 genes in radio(chemo)therapy-treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Previously, we have shown that copy number gain of the chromosomal band 16q24.3 is associated with impaired clinical outcome of radiotherapy-treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. We set out to identify a prognostic mRNA signature from genes located on 16q24.3 in radio(chemo)therapy-treated HNSCC patients of the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas, n = 99) cohort. We applied stepwise forward selection using expression data of 41 16q24.3 genes. The resulting optimal Cox-proportional hazards regression model included the genes APRT, CENPBD1, CHMP1A, and GALNS. Afterward, the prognostic value of the classifier was confirmed in an independent cohort of HNSCC patients treated by adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy (LMU-KKG cohort). The signature significantly differentiated high- and low-risk patients with regard to overall survival (HR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.10-3.70; P = 0.02125), recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.01-3.34; P = 0.04206), and locoregional recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.03-3.40; P = 0.03641). The functional impact of the four signature genes was investigated after reconstruction of a gene association network from transcriptome data of the TCGA HNSCC cohort using a partial correlation approach. Subsequent pathway enrichment analysis of the network neighborhood (first and second) of the signature genes suggests involvement of HNSCC-associated signaling pathways such as apoptosis, cell cycle, cell adhesion, EGFR, JAK-STAT, and mTOR. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the first neighborhood revealed a cluster of co-expressed genes located on chromosome 16q, substantiating the impact of 16q24.3 alterations in poor clinical outcome of HNSCC. The reported gene expression signature represents a prognostic marker in HNSCC patients following postoperative radio(chemo)therapy.

Postoperative (chemo) radiation in patients with squamous cell cancers of the head and neck - clinical results from the cohort of the clinical cooperation group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer".

BACKGROUND: Postoperative (chemo) radiation improves tumor control and survival in high-risk patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on established risk factors. The clinical cooperation group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer" focuses on the identification and validation of new biomarkers, which are aimed at eventually stratifying and personalizing the therapy concept. Hence, we reviewed all patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx, treated with postoperative (chemo) radiation from 06/2008 until 06/2015 at the Department of Radiation Oncology in the University Hospital, LMU Munich. Here we report the clinical results of the cohort, laying the foundation for further research within the framework of a clinical cooperation group. METHODS: Patient data were retrospectively (until 2013) and prospectively (from 2013) collected and analyzed for outcome and treatment failures with regard to previously described and established risk factors. RESULTS: We identified 302 patients (median follow-up 45 months, average age 60.7 years), having received postoperative (chemo)radiation (median 64 Gy). Chemotherapy was added in 58% of cases, mostly Cisplatin/5- Fluorouracil in concordance with the ARO 96-3 study. The 3-year overall survival, local, locoregional and distant failure estimates were 70.5, 9.7, 12.2 and 13.5%, respectively. Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer was associated with a significant improved overall survival, locoregional, distant and overall tumor control rates in multivariate analysis. Additionally, in multivariate analysis, for local failure, resection status and perineural invasion, for locoregional and distant failure extracapsular extension and for overall survival the presence of nodal disease were significant adverse factors. Moreover, 138 patients have been treated in concordance with the ARO 96-3 protocol, corroborating the results of this study. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort represents a large unselected cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with postoperative (chemo)radiation. Tumor control rates and survival rates are consistent with the results of previously reported data.

Combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy of cervical cancer using the novel hybrid applicator Venezia: Clinical feasibility and initial results.

PURPOSE: To report on first-in-human experience and the initial clinical results using the hybrid applicator Venezia (Elekta, Sweden) in the treatment of patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March, 2017, and February, 2018, a total of 40 fractions were performed on patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation and brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer. A plan comparison was conducted evaluating the hybrid applicator with the clinically used intracavitary and interstitial (IC/IS) BT against a standard plan prescribed to Point A and a manually optimized plan using only intracavitary (IC) BT. Overall 80 treatment plans were retrospectively generated. RESULTS: The clinical use of the hybrid applicator system proved to be feasible in all 40 treatment fractions. The applicator consists of the IC tandem and two lunar-shaped ovoids forming a ring that serves as a template for defined parallel and oblique (12°) needle insertion. MRI preplanning was performed the day before the implant. One to six needles were placed per fraction, and overall a total of 66 needles were used. No complications such as bleeding or organ penetration occurred due to needle placement. Significant differences in IC/IS, Point A, and IC plans were derived for dose application to the target volume; D90 high-risk clinical target volume was 90.7 vs. 88.1 vs. 80.8 Gy (p = 0.008). Likewise, sparing of organs at risk differed significantly for bladder D2cc 79.4 vs. 91.8 vs. 79.2 Gy (p = 0.03) and rectum D2cc 58.7 vs. 67.3 vs. 62.5 Gy (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The clinical application of the Venezia applicator is feasible and allows significantly improved dose coverage while at the same time sufficiently sparing organs at risk.

Dose optimization of total or partial skin electron irradiation by thermoluminescent dosimetry.

BACKGROUND: Due to the complex surface of the human body, total or partial skin irradiation using large electron fields is challenging. The aim of the present study was to quantify the magnitude of dose optimization required after the application of standard fields. METHODS: Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) was applied using the Stanford technique with six dual-fields. Patients presenting with localized lesions were treated with partial skin electron irradiation (PSEI) using large electron fields, which were individually adapted. In order to verify and validate the dose distribution, in vivo dosimetry with thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) was performed during the first treatment fraction to detect potential dose heterogeneity and to allow for an individual dose optimization with adjustment of the monitor units (MU). RESULTS: Between 1984 and 2017, a total of 58 patients were treated: 31 patients received TSEI using 12 treatment fields, while 27 patients underwent PSEI and were treated with 4-8 treatment fields. After evaluation of the dosimetric results, an individual dose optimization was necessary in 21 patients. Of these, 7 patients received TSEI (7/31). Monitor units (MU) needed to be corrected by a mean value of 117 MU (±105, range 18-290) uniformly for all 12 treatment fields, corresponding to a mean relative change of 12% of the prescribed MU. In comparison, the other 14 patients received PSEI (14/27) and the mean adjustment of monitor units was 282 MU (±144, range 59-500) to single or multiple fields, corresponding to a mean relative change of 22% of the prescribed MU. A second dose optimization to obtain a satisfying dose at the prescription point was need in 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thermoluminescent dosimetry allows an individual dose optimization in TSEI and PSEI to enable a reliable adjustment of the MUs to obtain the prescription dose. Especially in PSEI in vivo dosimetry is of fundamental importance.

Multi-criterial patient positioning based on dose recalculation on scatter-corrected CBCT images.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility and potential advantages of dose guided patient positioning based on dose recalculation on scatter corrected cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A scatter correction approach has been employed to enable dose calculations on CBCT images. A recently proposed tool for interactive multicriterial dose-guided patient positioning which uses interpolation between pre-calculated sample doses has been utilized. The workflow was retrospectively evaluated for two head and neck patients with a total of 39 CBCTs. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters were compared to rigid image registration based isocenter corrections (clinical scenario). RESULTS: The accuracy of the dose interpolation was found sufficient, facilitating the implementation of dose guided patient positioning. Compared to the clinical scenario, the mean dose to the parotid glands could be improved for 2 out of 5 fractions for the first patient while other parameters were preserved. For the second patient, the mean coverage over all fractions of the high dose PTV could be improved by 4%. For this patient, coverage improvements had to be traded against organ at risk (OAR) doses within their clinical tolerance limits. CONCLUSIONS: Dose guided patient positioning using in-room CBCT data is feasible and offers increased control over target coverage and doses to OARs.

Genomic amplification of Fanconi anemia complementation group A (FancA) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): Cellular mechanisms of radioresistance and clinical relevance.

Radio (chemo) therapy is a crucial treatment modality for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but relapse is frequent, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Therefore, novel biomarkers are urgently needed. Previously, we identified gains on 16q23-24 to be associated with amplification of the Fanconi anemia A (FancA) gene and to correlate with reduced progression-free survival after radiotherapy. Here, we analyzed the effects of FancA on radiation sensitivity in vitro, characterized the underlying mechanisms, and evaluated their clinical relevance. Silencing of FancA expression in HNSCC cell lines with genomic gains on 16q23-24 resulted in significantly impaired clonogenic survival upon irradiation. Conversely, overexpression of FancA in immortalized keratinocytes conferred increased survival accompanied by improved DNA repair, reduced accumulation of chromosomal translocations, but no hyperactivation of the FA/BRCA-pathway. Downregulation of interferon signaling as identified by microarray analyses, enforced irradiation-induced senescence, and elevated production of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) appeared to be candidate mechanisms contributing to FancA-mediated radioresistance. Data of the TCGA HNSCC cohort confirmed the association of gains on 16q24.3 with FancA overexpression and impaired overall survival. Importantly, transcriptomic alterations similar to those observed upon FancA overexpression in vitro strengthened the clinical relevance. Overall, FancA amplification and overexpression appear to be crucial for radiotherapeutic failure in HNSCC.

Prognostic factors for survival and radiation necrosis after stereotactic radiosurgery alone or in combination with whole brain radiation therapy for 1-3 cerebral metastases.

BACKGROUND: In the present study factors affecting survival and toxicity in cerebral metastasized patients treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) were analyzed with special focus on radiation necrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 340 patients with 1-3 cerebral metastases having been treated with SRS were retrospectively analyzed. Radiation necrosis was diagnosed by MRI und PET imaging. Univariate and multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and log-rank test were performed to determine the prognostic value of treatment-related and individual factors for outcome and SRS-related complications. RESULTS: Median overall survival was 282 days and median follow-up 721 days. 44% of patients received WBRT during the course of disease. Concerning univariate analysis a significant difference in overall survival was found for Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS ≤ 70: 122 days; KPS > 70: 342 days), for RPA (recursive partitioning analysis) class (RPA class I: 1800 days; RPA class II: 281 days; RPA class III: 130 days), irradiated volume (≤2.5 ml: 354 days; > 2.5 ml: 234 days), prescribed dose (≤18 Gy: 235 days; > 18 Gy: 351 days), gender (male: 235 days; female: 327 days) and whole brain radiotherapy (+WBRT: 341 days/-WBRT: 231 days). In multivariate analysis significance was confirmed for KPS, RPA class and gender. MRI and clinical symptoms suggested radiation necrosis in 21 patients after SRS +/- whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). In five patients clinically relevant radiation necrosis was confirmed by PET imaging. CONCLUSIONS: SRS alone or in combination with WBRT represents a feasible option as initial treatment for patients with brain metastases; however a significant subset of patients may develop neurological complications. Performance status, RPA class and gender were identified to predict improved survival in cerebral metastasized patients.

Current concepts in clinical radiation oncology.

Based on its potent capacity to induce tumor cell death and to abrogate clonogenic survival, radiotherapy is a key part of multimodal cancer treatment approaches. Numerous clinical trials have documented the clear correlation between improved local control and increased overall survival. However, despite all progress, the efficacy of radiation-based treatment approaches is still limited by different technological, biological, and clinical constraints. In principle, the following major issues can be distinguished: (1) The intrinsic radiation resistance of several tumors is higher than that of the surrounding normal tissue, (2) the true patho-anatomical borders of tumors or areas at risk are not perfectly identifiable, (3) the treatment volume cannot be adjusted properly during a given treatment series, and (4) the individual heterogeneity in terms of tumor and normal tissue responses toward irradiation is immense. At present, research efforts in radiation oncology follow three major tracks, in order to address these limitations: (1) implementation of molecularly targeted agents and 'omics'-based screening and stratification procedures, (2) improvement of treatment planning, imaging, and accuracy of dose application, and (3) clinical implementation of other types of radiation, including protons and heavy ions. Several of these strategies have already revealed promising improvements with regard to clinical outcome. Nevertheless, many open questions remain with individualization of treatment approaches being a key problem. In the present review, the current status of radiation-based cancer treatment with particular focus on novel aspects and developments that will influence the field of radiation oncology in the near future is summarized and discussed.

Stabilization of N-Myc is a critical function of Aurora A in human neuroblastoma.

In human neuroblastoma, amplification of the MYCN gene predicts poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. In a shRNA screen of genes that are highly expressed in MYCN-amplified tumors, we have identified AURKA as a gene that is required for the growth of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells but largely dispensable for cells lacking amplified MYCN. Aurora A has a critical function in regulating turnover of the N-Myc protein. Degradation of N-Myc requires sequential phosphorylation by cyclin B/Cdk1 and Gsk3. N-Myc is therefore degraded during mitosis in response to low levels of PI3-kinase activity. Aurora A interacts with both N-Myc and the SCF(Fbxw7) ubiquitin ligase that ubiquitinates N-Myc and counteracts degradation of N-Myc, thereby uncoupling N-Myc stability from growth factor-dependent signals.