International Prognostic Score for Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma.

PURPOSE: Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare cancer, and large international cooperative efforts are needed to evaluate the significance of clinical risk factors and immunoarchitectural patterns (IAPs) for all stages of pediatric and adult patients with NLPHL. METHODS: Thirty-eight institutions participated in the Global nLPHL One Working Group retrospective study of NLPHL cases from 1992 to 2021. We measured progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), transformation rate, and lymphoma-specific death rate. We performed uni- and multivariable (MVA) Cox regression stratified by management to select factors for the lymphocyte-predominant international prognostic score (LP-IPS) validated by five-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: We identified 2,243 patients with a median age of 37 years (IQR, 23-51). The median follow-up was 6.3 years (IQR, 3.4-10.8). Most had stage I to II (72.9%) and few B symptoms (9.9%) or splenic involvement (5.4%). IAP was scored for 916 (40.8%). Frontline management included chemotherapy alone (32.4%), combined modality therapy (30.5%), radiotherapy alone (24.0%), observation after excision (4.6%), rituximab alone (4.0%), active surveillance (3.4%), and rituximab and radiotherapy (1.1%). The PFS, OS, transformation, and lymphoma-specific death rates at 10 years were 70.8%, 91.6%, 4.8%, and 3.3%, respectively. On MVA, IAPs were not associated with PFS or OS, but IAP E had higher risk of transformation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.81; P < .05). We developed the LP-IPS with 1 point each for age ≥45 years, stage III-IV, hemoglobin <10.5 g/dL, and splenic involvement. Increasing LP-IPS was significantly associated with worse PFS (HR, 1.52) and OS (HR, 2.31) and increased risk of lymphoma-specific death (HR, 2.63) and transformation (HR, 1.41). CONCLUSION: In this comprehensive study of all ages of patients with NLPHL, we develop the LP-IPS to identify high-risk patients and inform upcoming prospective clinical trials evaluating de-escalation of therapy for patients with low LP-IPS scores (<2).

Clinical Outcomes from Dose-Reduced Radiotherapy to the Prostate in Elderly Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer.

Radical treatment of localized prostate cancer in elderly patients may lead to unacceptable treatment-associated toxicities that adversely impact quality of life without improving survival outcomes. This study reports on a cohort of 54 elderly (>70 years) patients that received 4000-5000 cGy of palliative external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) as an alternative to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The primary outcome of interest was the period of ADT-free survival, and secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS) and metastases-free survival (MFS). Kaplan-Meier regression was used to estimate survival outcomes. Thirty-six (67%) patients achieved a break in ADT post-radiotherapy, with a median time to ADT reinitiation of 20 months. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) were limited to low-grade gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) toxicities, with no skin toxicities observed. Grade 1 GI toxicity was observed in 9 (17%) patients, and grades 1 and 2 GU toxicities were observed in 13 (24%) and 3 (6%) patients, respectively, with no higher-grade toxicities reported. Five-year MFS and OS were 56% and 78%, respectively. In summary, the treatment regimen was well-tolerated and achieved durable ADT-free survival in most patients. Dose-reduced EBRT appears to be a viable alternative to ADT in elderly patients with localized prostate cancer.

Stage I-II nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: a multi-institutional study of adult patients by ILROG.

Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon histologic variant, and the optimal treatment of stage I-II NLPHL is undefined. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including patients ≥16 years of age with stage I-II NLPHL diagnosed from 1995 through 2018 who underwent all forms of management, including radiotherapy (RT), combined modality therapy (CMT; RT+chemotherapy [CT]), CT, observation after excision, rituximab and RT, and single-agent rituximab. End points were progression-free survival (PFS), freedom from transformation, and overall survival (OS) without statistical comparison between management groups. We identified 559 patients with median age of 39 years: 72.3% were men, and 54.9% had stage I disease. Median follow-up was 5.5 years (interquartile range, 3.1-10.1). Five-year PFS and OS in the entire cohort were 87.1% and 98.3%, respectively. Primary management was RT alone (n = 257; 46.0%), CMT (n = 184; 32.9%), CT alone (n = 47; 8.4%), observation (n = 37; 6.6%), rituximab and RT (n = 19; 3.4%), and rituximab alone (n = 15; 2.7%). The 5-year PFS rates were 91.1% after RT, 90.5% after CMT, 77.8% after CT, 73.5% after observation, 80.8% after rituximab and RT, and 38.5% after rituximab alone. In the RT cohort, but not the CMT cohort, variant immunoarchitectural pattern and number of sites >2 were associated with worse PFS (P < .05). Overall, 21 patients (3.8%) developed large-cell transformation, with a significantly higher transformation rate in those with variant immunoarchitectural pattern (P = .049) and number of involved sites >2 (P = .0006). OS for patients with stage I-II NLPHL was excellent after all treatments.

Standardized flattening filter free volumetric modulated arc therapy plans based on anteroposterior width for total body irradiation.

In this work, the feasibility of using flattening filter free (FFF) beams in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) total body irradiation (TBI) treatment planning to decrease protracted beam-on times for these treatments was investigated. In addition, a methodology was developed to generate standardized VMAT TBI treatment plans based on patient physical dimensions to eliminate plan optimization time. A planning study cohort of 47 TBI patients previously treated with optimized VMAT ARC 6 MV beams was retrospectively examined. These patients were sorted into six categories depending on height and anteroposterior (AP) width at the umbilicus. Using Varian Eclipse, clinical 40 cm × 10 cm open field arcs were substituted with 6 MV FFF. Mid-plane lateral dose profiles in conjunction with relative arc output factors (RAOF) yielded how far a given multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf must move in order to achieve a mid-plane 100% isodose for a specific control point. Linear interpolation gave the dynamic MLC aperture for the entire arc for each patient AP width category, which was subsequently applied through Python scripting. All FFF VMAT TBI plans were then evaluated by two radiation oncologists and deemed clinically acceptable. The FFF and clinical VMAT TBI plans had similar Body-5 mm D98% distributions, but overall the FFF plans had statistically significantly increased or broader Body-5 mm D2% and mean lung dose distributions. These differences are not considered clinically significant. Median beam-on times for the FFF and clinical VMAT TBI plans were 11.07 and 18.06 min, respectively, and planning time for the FFF VMAT TBI plans was reduced by 34.1 min. In conclusion, use of FFF beams in VMAT TBI treatment planning resulted in dose homogeneity similar to our current VMAT TBI technique. Clinical dosimetric criteria were achieved for a majority of patients while planning and calculated beam-on times were reduced, offering the possibility of improved patient experience.

Salvage Treatment and Survival for Relapsed Follicular Lymphoma Following Primary Radiation Therapy: A Collaborative Study on Behalf of ILROG.

PURPOSE: We previously reported that ∼30% of patients with localized follicular lymphoma (FL) staged by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography receiving primary radiation therapy (RT) will relapse within 5 years. We sought to report outcomes for those who relapsed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study of patients aged ≥18 years who received RT ≥ 24 Gy for stage I to II, grade 1 to 3A FL, staged with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Observation was defined as >6 months without treatment from relapse. Overall survival (OS) and freedom from progression (FFP) were estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariable and multivariable analyses with Cox regression. RESULTS: Of 512 patients with median follow-up of 52 months, 149 (29.1%) developed recurrent lymphoma at a median of 23 months (range, 1-143) after primary RT. Median follow-up was 33 months after relapse. Three-year OS was 91.4% after recurrence. OS was significantly worse for those with relapse ≤12 months from date of diagnosis versus all others-88.7% versus 97.6%, respectively (P = .01)-and remained significantly worse on multivariable analyses (follicular lymphoma international prognostic index-adjusted hazard ratio, 3.61; P = .009). Histology at relapse included 93 indolent (grade 1-3A), 3 FL grade 3B/not otherwise specified, and 18 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; 35 patients did not undergo biopsy. Of those with follow-up ≥3 months who underwent biopsy (n = 74) or had presumed (n = 23) indolent recurrence, 58 patients (59.8%) were observed, 19 (19.6%) had systemic therapy, 16 (16.5%) had RT, and 4 (4.1%) had systemic therapy + RT. For patients with indolent recurrences that were observed, 3-year FFP or freedom from treatment was 56.6% (median, 48 months). For all patients with biopsied/presumed indolent recurrence receiving salvage treatment (n = 59, including 20 initially observed) 3-year FFP was 73.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis for patients with relapsed FL after primary radiation therapy is excellent, supporting the role of primary radiation in the management of early stage disease. Patients with localized FL treated with primary RT who experience early relapse (<12 months) have inferior survival compared with those with longer disease-free interval.

Definitive radiotherapy for localized follicular lymphoma staged by 18F-FDG PET-CT: a collaborative study by ILROG.

Radiotherapy (RT) can be curative in patients with localized follicular lymphoma (FL), with historical series showing a 10-year disease-free survival of 40 to 50%. As 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography with computerized tomography (PET-CT) upstages 10 to 60% of patients compared to CT, we sought to evaluate outcomes in patients staged by PET-CT, to determine if more accurate staging leads to better patient selection and results. We conducted a multicenter retrospective study under the direction of the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG). Inclusion criteria were: RT alone for untreated stage I to II FL (grade 1-3A) with dose equivalent ≥24 Gy, staged by PET-CT, age ≥18 years, and follow-up ≥3 months. End points were freedom from progression (FFP), local control, and overall survival (OS). A total of 512 patients treated between 2000 and 2017 at 16 centers were eligible for analysis; median age was 58 years (range, 20-90); 410 patients (80.1%) had stage I disease; median RT dose was 30 Gy (24-52); and median follow-up was 52 months (3.2-174.6). Five-year FFP and OS were 68.9% and 95.7%. For stage I, FFP was 74.1% vs 49.1% for stage II (P < .0001). Eight patients relapsed in-field (1.6%). Four had marginal recurrences (0.8%) resulting in local control rate of 97.6%. On multivariable analysis, stage II (hazard ratio [HR], 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44-3.10) and BCL2 expression (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.07-2.47) were significantly associated with less favorable FFP. Outcome after RT in PET-CT staged patients appears to be better than in earlier series, particularly in stage I disease, suggesting that the curative potential of RT for truly localized FL has been underestimated.

Extended SSD VMAT treatment for total body irradiation.

In this work, we develop a total body irradiation technique that utilizes arc delivery, a buildup spoiler, and inverse optimized multileaf collimator (MLC) motion to shield organs at risk. The current treatment beam model is verified to confirm its applicability at extended source-to-surface distance (SSD). The delivery involves 7-8 volumetric modulated arc therapy arcs delivered to the patient in the supine and prone positions. The patient is positioned at a 90° couch angle on a custom bed with a 1 cm acrylic spoiler to increase surface dose. Single-step optimization using a patient CT scan provides enhanced dose homogeneity and limits organ at risk dose. Dosimetric data of 109 TBI patients treated with this technique is presented along with the clinical workflow. Treatment planning system (TPS) verification measurements were performed at an extended SSD of 175 cm. Measurements included: a 4-point absolute depth-dose curve, profiles at 1.5, 5, and 10 cm depth, absolute point-dose measurements of an treatment field, 2D Gafchromic® films at four locations, and measurements of surface dose at multiple locations of a Alderson phantom. The results of the patient DVH parameters were: Body-5 mm D98 95.3 ± 1.5%, Body-5 mm D2 114.0 ± 3.6%, MLD 102.8 ± 2.1%. Differences between measured and calculated absolute depth-dose values were all <2%. Profiles at extended SSD had a maximum point difference of 1.3%. Gamma pass rates of 2D films were greater than 90% at 5%/1 mm. Surface dose measurements with film confirmed surface dose values of >90% of the prescription dose. In conclusion, the inverse optimized delivery method presented in the paper has been used to deliver homogenous dose to over 100 patients. The method provides superior patient comfort utilizing a commercial TPS. In addition, the ability to easily shield organs at risk is available through the use of MLCs.

Double high-dose therapy with dose-intensive cyclophosphamide, etoposide, cisplatin (DICEP) followed by high-dose melphalan and autologous stem cell transplantation for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma.

The purpose of the present study was to review retrospectively our results of double high-dose therapy with DICEP (dose-intensified cyclophosphamide 5.25 g/m(2), etoposide 1.05 g/m(2), and cisplatin 105 mg/m(2)) re-induction followed by high dose melphalan 200 mg/m(2) (HDM) and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for 73 consecutive patients with relapsed (n = 43) or refractory (n = 30) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated between June 1995 and November 2009. DICEP chemotherapy resulted in successful stem cell mobilization in 71 patients (97%), with a median CD34 (+) cell collection of 15.6 × 10(6)/kg. With a median follow-up of 56 months post-DICEP, the 5-year progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 61% [95%CI = 49-72%] and 80% [95%CI = 69-89%], respectively. The 5-year PFS was 65% vs. 30% for DICEP responders vs. nonresponders (logrank p = 0.003) and 89% for International Prognostic Score (IPS) = 0-1, 56% for IPS = 2-3, and 24% for IPS = 4-7 (logrank p < 0.001). Response to DICEP and IPS at relapse were the only two factors that independently predicted PFS and OS in multivariate analyses. Treatment-related mortality was 1%. In conclusion, DICEP-HDM/ASCT is well tolerated double high-dose therapy associated with excellent stem cell mobilization and favorable PFS and OS outcomes for relapsed as well as primary refractory HL.

Upfront double high-dose chemotherapy with DICEP followed by BEAM and autologous stem cell transplantation for poor-prognosis aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

A single center, prospective clinical trial was conducted evaluating 2 cycles of induction high-dose chemotherapy for adults younger than 65 years of age with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 2 to 3 Age-Adjusted International Prognostic Index risk factors. Patients received one cycle of standard dose cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) followed by one cycle of dose-intensive cyclophosphamide 5.25 g/m(2), etoposide 1.05 g/m(2), cisplatin 105 mg/m(2) (DICEP), then underwent autologous blood stem cell collection, followed by one cycle of high-dose carmustine (BCNU) 300 mg/m(2), etoposide 800 mg/m(2), Ara-C 1600 mg/m(2), melphalan 140 mg/m(2) (BEAM), and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and radiotherapy to prior bulk. From June 1998 to August 2004, 55 patients aged 20 to 63 years (median 44 years) were accrued, 51 (92%) of whom had diffuse large B-cell NHL. Poor prognostic factors included stage 4 (n = 46), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; n = 47), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 2 to 4 (n = 43), bulky mass more than 10 cm (n = 34), and marrow involvement (n = 16). Only one patient experienced nonrelapse mortality. With a median follow-up of 49 months, 4-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates for all 55 patients are 72% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 60%-84%) and 79% (95% CI = 69%-90%), respectively. In conclusion, CHOP-DICEP-BEAM is feasible and gave encouraging EFS and OS for patients with poor-prognosis aggressive NHL.

Electronic compensation using multileaf collimation for involved field radiation to the neck and mediastinum in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

An efficient procedure is required for the preparation, planning, and delivery of radiation therapy for involved field radiation to the neck and mediastinum. This technique must reduce tissue complications while maintaining dose uniformity. An elegant intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment that is forward planned has been developed. Both static fields and static subfields shaped by multileaf collimators (MLCs) and asymmetric jaws are used. Patients receiving involved field radiation to the neck and mediastinum are planned in 3 dimensions (3D), where 3D dose compensation is provided using subfields consisting of MLC or asymmetric jaws instead of physical compensators or wedges. Forward planning is performed, usually generating 2 pairs of parallel-opposed fields, with at least 1 of them consisting of subfields to eliminate elevated dose regions. Efficiency in the preparation, planning, and delivery of treatment has been achieved for more than 10 patients. Verification of treatment setup, target anatomy, and MLC configuration is quick when using an electronic portal imaging device. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) have verified point-dose uniformity noticeably to +/- 5%. An efficient technique using forward planning for simple IMRT consisting of static MLC and asymmetric jaws has been developed.

In pursuit of an artful death: discussion of resuscitation status on an inpatient radiation oncology service.

GOALS OF WORK: Consensus has emerged among health practitioners, legal experts, clinical ethicists and the public that end-of-life decisions should be the shared responsibility of physicians and patients. In discussion of withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cancer patients, however, opinion remains divided. We performed a quality assurance investigation on the use of the 'do-not-resuscitate' (DNR) order on an inpatient radiation oncology service to determine how often DNR orders are accompanied by a description of informed consent. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of patients admitted 1 July to 31 December 2002 were identified and reviewed to determine the presence or absence of a DNR order. Circumstances surrounding the order, including evidence of informed consent, were determined. MAIN RESULTS: The study population comprised 96 patients admitted 109 times. The median age was 64 years, and in 56.0% of admissions, the patient was female. In 26.8%, the patient had lung cancer. The intent of admission was curative in 53.2%, and palliative in 44.0%. DNR was recorded for 30.2% of patients, and there was evidence of informed consent in 41.4%. In 89.7% admission was with palliative intent. Nine patients (9.4%) experienced cardiac arrest; all were DNR at the time of their event. CONCLUSIONS: While almost one-third of the patients on this inpatient radiation oncology service had documented DNR status, informed consent appeared to have been obtained in fewer than half. Patient involvement in resuscitative decisions should be an ethical obligation. Performed well, this may also allow for exploration of patients' needs at the end of life, to allow the pursuit of what Nuland terms an 'artful death'.