[Proposal for the delineation of postoperative primary clinical target volumes in maxillary sinus and nasal cavity cancers]. / Proposition de délinéation des volumes cibles anatomocliniques postopératoires de la tumeur primitive des cancers du sinus maxillaire et des cavités nasales.

In this article, we propose a consensus delineation of postoperative clinical target volumes for the primary tumour in maxillary sinus and nasal cavity cancers. These guidelines are developed based on radioanatomy and the natural history of those cancers. They require the fusion of the planning CT with preoperative imaging for accurate positioning of the initial GTV and the combined use of the geometric and anatomical concepts for the delineation of clinical target volume for the primary tumour. This article does not discuss the indications of external radiotherapy (nor concurrent systemic treatment) but focuses on target volumes when there is an indication for radiotherapy.

[Breast cancer radiation therapy: Current questions in 2023]. / Radiothérapie des cancers du sein : questions d'actualité en 2023.

Radiation therapy is a corner stone of breast cancer treatment as it has been shown postoperatively that it improves local control and overall survival. In recent years, multidisciplinary therapeutic strategies have evolved considerably for early-stage breast cancer, both surgically and in terms of systemic treatments or radiation therapy. Each of these developments affects other treatment components and open up new questions allowing even more personalized treatments. Essentially normofractionated a few years ago, breast radiation therapy is today very largely moderately or even ultra hypofractionated. De-escalation of the surgery of the axilla has changed the indications for lymph node radiation therapy keeping similar efficacy with reduced toxicity. Indications for radiation therapy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy remain based on pre-chemotherapy staging pending the results of ongoing randomized studies. The addition of a boost to the tumor bed significantly reduces the risk of local recurrence, but the magnitude of this benefit decreases with increasing age. The main risk factors for local recurrence are young age, the associated extended ductal in situ component, hormone receptor negative and high-grade status. The results of the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) seem similar with normo- or moderately hypofractionated radiation therapy regimen.

Histosurgical mapping of endoscopic endonasal surgery of sinonasal tumours to improve radiotherapy guidance.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is becoming a standard for most malignant sinonasal tumours. Margin analysis after piecemeal resection is complex and optimally relies on accurate histosurgical mapping. Postoperative radiotherapy may be adapted based on margin assessment mapping to reduce the dose to some sinonasal subvolumes. We assessed the use of histosurgical mapping by radiation oncologists (RO). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A French practice survey was performed across 29 ENT expert RO (2 did not answer) regarding integration of information on EES, as well as quality of operative and pathology reportsto refine radiotherapy planning after EES. This was assessed through an electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: EES was ubiquitously performed in France. Operative and pathology reports yielded accurate description of EES samples according to 66.7% of interviewed RO. Accuracy of margin assessment was however insufficient according to more than 40.0% of RO. Additional margins/biopsies of the operative bed were available in 55.2% (16/29) of the centres. In the absence of additional margins, quality of resection after EES was considered as microscopically incomplete in 48.3% or dubious in 48.3% of RO. As performed, histosurgical mapping allowed radiotherapy dose and volumes adaptation according to 26.3% of RO only. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized histosurgical mapping with margin and additional margin analysis could be more systematic. Advantages of accurate EES reporting could be dose painting radiotherapy to further decrease morbidity in sinonasal tumours.

Radiotherapy of breast cancer.

Adjuvant radiotherapy is an essential component of the treatment of breast cancer. After conservative surgery for an infiltrating carcinoma, radiotherapy must be systematically performed, regardless of the characteristics of the disease, because it decreases the rate of local recurrence and by this way, specific mortality. A boost dose over the tumour bed is required if the patient is younger than 50 years-old. Partial breast irradiation could be routinely proposed as an alternative to whole breast irradiation, but only in selected and informed patients. For ductal carcinoma in situ, adjuvant radiotherapy must be also systematically performed after lumpectomy. After mastectomy, chest wall irradiation is required for pT3-T4 tumours and if there is an axillary nodal involvement, whatever the number of involved lymph nodes. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy and mastectomy, in case of pN0 disease, chest wall irradiation is recommended if there is a clinically or radiologically T3-T4 or node positive disease before chemotherapy. Axillary irradiation is recommended only if there is no axillary surgical dissection and a positive sentinel lymph node. Supra- and infraclavicular irradiation is advised in case of positive axillary nodes. Internal mammary irradiation must be discussed case by case, according to the benefit/risk ratio (cardiac toxicity). Hypofractionation regimens (42.5Gy in 16 fractions, or 41,6Gy en 13 or 40Gy en 15) are equivalent to conventional irradiation and must prescribe after tumorectomy in selected patients. Delineation of the breast, the chest wall and the nodal areas are based on clinical and radiological evaluations. 3D-conformal irradiation is the recommended technique, intensity-modulated radiotherapy must be proposed only in specific clinical situations. Respiratory gating could be useful to decrease the cardiac dose. Concomitant administration of chemotherapy in unadvised, but hormonal treatment could be start with or after radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Nasopharyngeal cancers are a rarity in France. Radiotherapy is the cornerstone of treatment, frequently combined with chemotherapy. The technical modality of radiotherapy is complex in this disease, which is located in the vicinity of numerous organs at risk. In this article, we will present the updated guidelines of the French society for radiation oncology (Société française de radiothérapie oncologique, SFRO) on the indications, and technical details of radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancers.

Radiotherapy for oral cavity cancers.

Intensity modulated radiation therapy and brachytherapy are standard techniques of irradiation for the treatment of oral cavity cancers. These techniques are detailed in terms of indication, planning, delineation and selection of the volumes of interest, dosimetry and patients positioning control. This is an update of the guidelines of the French Society of Radiotherapy Correspondence.

A priori quality assurance using a benchmark case of the randomized phase 2 GORTEC 2014-14 in oligometastatic head and neck cancer patients.

PURPOSE: A Benchmark Case (BC) was performed as part of the quality assurance process of the randomized phase 2 GORTEC 2014-14 OMET study, testing the possibility of multisite stereotactic radiation therapy (SBRT) alone in oligometastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as an alternative to systemic treatment and SBRT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Compliance of the investigating centers with the prescription, delineation, planning and evaluation recommendations available in the research protocol was assessed. In addition, classical dosimetric analysis was supplemented by quantitative geometric analysis using conformation indices. RESULTS: Twenty centers participated in the BC analysis. Among them, four major deviations (MaD) were reported in two centers. Two (10%) centers in MaD had omitted the satellite tumor nodule and secondarily validated after revision. Their respective DICE indexes were 0.37 and 0 and use of extracranial SBRT devices suboptimal There were significant residual heterogeneities between participating centers, including those with a similar SBRT equipment, with impact of plan quality using standard indicators and geometric indices. CONCLUSION: A priori QA using a BC conditioning the participation of the clinical investigation centers showed deviations from good SBRT practice and led to the exclusion of one out of the twenty participating centers. The majority of centers have demonstrated rigorous compliance with the research protocol. The use of quality indexes adds a complementary approach to improve assessment of plan quality.

[Proposal for the delineation of postoperative primary clinical target volumes in ethmoid cancers]. / Proposition de délinéation des volumes cibles anatomocliniques postopératoires de la tumeur primitive des cancers de l'ethmoïde.

It is proposed to delineate the anatomo-clinical target volumes of primary tumor (CTV-P) in ethmoid cancers treated with post-operative radiotherapy. This concept is based on the use of radioanatomy and the natural history of cancer. It is supported by the repositioning of the planning scanner with preoperative imaging for the replacement of the initial GTV and the creation of margins around it extended to the microscopic risk zones according to the anatomical concept. This article does not discuss the indications of external radiotherapy but specifies the volumes to be delineated if radiotherapy is considered.

[Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for head neck cancers. Should organs at risk dose constraints be revisited ?] / Chimioradiothérapie concomitante des cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures. Faut-il revoir les contraintes de dose dans les organes à risque ?

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy improves the outcome of locally advanced head and neck cancers and the current reference chemotherapy is cisplatin. These results are obtained at the cost of increased toxicities. To limit the risk of toxicity, organ at riskdose constraints have been established starting with 2D radiotherapy, then 3D radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Regarding grade ≥3 acute toxicities, the scientific literature attests that concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly increases risks of mucositis and dysphagia. Constraints applied to the oral mucosa volume excluding the planning target volume, the pharyngeal constrictor muscles and the larynx limit this adverse impact. Regarding late toxicity, concurrent chemoradiotherapy increases significantly the risk of postoperative neck fibrosis and hearing loss. However, for some organs at risk, concurrent chemotherapy appears to increase late radiation induced effect, even though the results are less marked (brachial plexus, mandible, pharyngeal constrictor muscles, parotid gland). This additional adverse impact of concomitant chemotherapy may be notable only when organs at risk receive less than their usual dose thresholds and this would be vanished when those thresholds are exceeded as seems to be the situation for the parotid glands. Until the availability of more robust data, it seems appropriate to apply the principle of delivering dose to organs at risk as low as reasonably achievable.

[Impact of reconstructive or minimal invasive surgery on the assessment of current definitions of postoperative clinical target volume for head and neck cancers]. / Impact de la chirurgie reconstructrice avec lambeaux et de la chirurgie mini-invasive sur la définition du volume cible anatomoclinique des cancers de la sphère ORL.

Advances in the reconstructive surgery and minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery of head and neck is poorly evaluated in terms of their impact on radiotherapy planning and outcomes. These surgical advances have resulted in reduced morbidity with equivalent or better tumor control. In the absence of a recommendation on how to delineate target volumes in patients with flaps or to consider margins after endoscopic endonasal surgery, radiotherapy practices are inevitably heterogeneous. Efforts are needed to increase the therapeutic index of postoperative radiotherapy in these situations. We analysed the rare existing literature and outlined a preliminary basis for a recommendation. Strengthening of multidisciplinarity to accurately define target volumes in these complex and relatively new situations, and "delineation concertation meetings" between radiologists, surgeons and radiation oncologists could probably contribute to improved outcomes.

[Post-treatment follow-up of head and neck cancer patients]. / Surveillance après traitement d'un cancer cervicofacial.

Post-therapeutic follow-up of patients with head and neck cancer involves numerous professionals. The radiation oncologist should play an active role in this process. His oncological knowledge and technical expertise position him as a cornerstone for the detection of recurrences from the treated tumor, the research of second primary cancers and the screening of potential side-effects induced by the different treatments administered. To improve the benefits/costs ratio and allow good patient-compliance, follow-up programs should be built through close collaboration between the different contributors and planned according to a feasible schedule. Paraclinical exams must be arranged to respond to accurate objectives. Patient-education is essential to ensure the patient's full understanding and active participation. Finally, the transfer of the long-term follow-up of cancer survivors from specialists to primary care physicians is relevant but would require a prospective evaluation of its efficiency for this specific population.

Volumetric and dosimetric comparison of two delineation guidelines for the radiation treatment of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Three methods have been recently proposed for the delineation of the primary tumor clinical target volume (CTV-P) in Head and Neck Cancers: the anatomic method popularized in the French literature by Lapeyre et al. the geometric methods proposed by the DAHANCA group, and more recently the international guidelines promoted by Grégoire et al. integrating the latter two. The aim of this study was to perform a volumetric and dosimetric comparison of the French and the International consensus methods in laryngeal SCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two radiation oncologists independently delineated the high dose and low dose primary tumor CTV in four patients with T2 or T3 N0-M0 laryngeal SCC following either the so-called French guidelines or the International guidelines. For the 4 cases, the GTV was delineated by a single radiation oncologist. Nodal CTVs were delineated by one radiation oncologist for the 4 cases using International guidelines. Dose optimization was then performed with VMAT (MONACO version 5.11) using 6 MeV photons. Differences in target volumes and dose distributions in OARs and PTVs were then evaluated with various metrics such as the DICE Similarity Coefficient and the homogeneity index. RESULTS: Major differences were observed in the CTV delineation between the 2 delineation methods for the low dose volumes and to a lower extend for the high dose volumes. These differences translated into variations in dose distribution favoring the International guidelines for decreasing dose to various OARs. Such differences toned down when dose distribution on the primary tumors PTVs and nodal PTVs were combined. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated large differences in CTV delineation between the 2 delineation guidelines. Such differences translated into differences in dose distribution.

Radiation recall syndrome in a patient with breast cancer, after introduction of everolimus.

The addition of everolimus to exemestane is recommended in patients with HR+ advanced breast cancer with disease recurrence or progression following prior non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors. We report a case of radiation recall syndrome in a breast cancer patient, after introduction of everolimus. A woman with a right breast cancer underwent a mastectomy, then adjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonotherapy. In a phase III trial (UNIRAD protocol), she received everolimus 5 months after radiation therapy. Seven days after introduction, she was suffering from a radiation recall syndrome with exacerbation skin reactions. The exact pathophysiological mechanism of radiation recall syndrome is unknown. The combination of radiation therapy and mTor inhibitor, even sequentially, should be done with caution as several cases have already been reported.

A randomized trial of induction docetaxel-cisplatin-5FU followed by concomitant cisplatin-RT versus concomitant cisplatin-RT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (GORTEC 2006-02).

Background: Concomitant chemotherapy (CT)-radiotherapy (RT) is a standard of care in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and a role for induction CT is not established. Methods: Patients with locally advanced NPC, WHO type 2 or 3, were randomized to induction TPF plus concomitant cisplatin-RT or concomitant cisplatin-RT alone. The TPF regimen consisted of three cycles of Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 day 1; cisplatin 75 mg/m2 day 1; 5FU 750 mg/m2/day days 1-5. RT consisted of 70 Gy in 7 weeks plus concomitant cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly. Results: A total of 83 patients were included in the study. Demographics and tumour characteristics were well balanced between both arms. Most of the patients (95%) in the TPF arm received three cycles of induction CT. The rate of grade 3-4 toxicity and the compliance (NCI-CTCAE v3) during cisplatin-RT were not different between both arms. With a median follow-up of 43.1 months, the 3-year PFS rate was 73.9% in the TPF arm versus 57.2% in the reference arm [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20-0.97, P = 0.042]. Similarly the 3 years overall survival rate was 86.3% in the TPF arm versus 68.9% in the reference arm (HR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.15-1.04, P = 0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, several important aspects can be emphasized: the compliance to induction TPF was good and TPF did not compromise the tolerance of the concomitant RT-cisplatin phase. The improved PFS and overall survival rates needs to be confirmed by further trials.

Genomic alterations and radioresistance in breast cancer: an analysis of the ProfiLER protocol.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) patients with comparable prognostic features have heterogeneous outcomes, party related to a possible radiotherapy resistance leading to local-regional recurrences (LRR). The objective of the present study was to identify predictive molecular biomarkers of LRR of BC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genetic profile of 146 BC patients' tumours included in the ProfiLER clinical trial (NC01774409) between 2013 and 2016 were analysed using next-generation-sequencing and comparative-genomic-hybridization tests. Patients and tumour characteristics were retrospectively collected and analysed for association with genomic rearrangements (mutations, amplification, deletions). Only gene alterations observed in >3% of the tumours were selected. RESULTS: A total of 193 genomic rearrangements were identified, and 16 were observed in >3% of tumours. One was statistically correlated to the risk of local relapse. A median loco-regional progression-free survival (LRPFS) of 23.6 years was reported for PIK3CA mutation carriers (n = 31, 21.2%) versus 9.9 years for PIK3CA wild-type patients (HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12-0.65, P = 0.002 in univariate analysis). PIK3CA mutation was identified as an independent protective factor on LRR using multivariate analysis (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.99, P = 0.047). All other mutations, amplifications or deletions were not found associated with LRPFS. CONCLUSION: PIK3CA mutation was associated with a lower risk of local relapse in this population of BCs. This is consistent with recent studies suggesting PIK3CA to be part of biological pathways impacting the radiosensitivity.

[Description of the GORTEC 2017-03 study: Postoperative stereotactic radiotherapy for early stage oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer with high risk margin (PHRC-K-16-164)]. / Présentation de l'étude Gortec 2017-03 : radiothérapie en conditions stéréotaxiques postopératoire des cancers localisés de l'oropharynx et de la cavité buccale avec marges à risque (PHRC-K-16-164).

The GORTEC 2017-03-Stereo-postop study is a phase 2, multicentric, nationwide study, funded by the hospital clinical research program (PHRC). The sponsor is Centre Jean-Perrin in Clermont-Ferrand, in partnership with the GORTEC. The principal investigators are Dr J Biau and Dr M Lapeyre. The main objective is to study severe late toxicity of postoperative stereotactic radiotherapy (6×6Gy) for early stage oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer with high risk margins. The secondary objectives include acute toxicity, efficacy, nutritional impact and quality of life. The population is adult patients, with pT1 or pT2 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx or oral cavity (except lips), without indication of neck irradiation or concomitant chemotherapy, with at risk margin (R1, less than 5mm or uncertain). Ninety patients will be included over a 2-year period; this was calculated to limit the rate of 2-year severe toxicity at 5 to 15%, with a 2-year local control of at least 80 to 90%. If this study is considered as positive, stereotactic radiotherapy (6×6Gy) could become the third therapeutic option, with brachytherapy and normofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), for postoperative irradiation of oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancer with high risk margins.

[Head and neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy: Normal tissues dose constraints. Pharyngeal constrictor muscles and larynx]. / Radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité des cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures : dose de tolérance des tissus sains. Muscles constricteurs du pharynx et larynx.

Radio-induced pharyngolaryngeal chronic disorders may challenge the quality of life of head and neck cancer long survivors. Many anatomic structures have been identified as potentially impaired by irradiation and responsible for laryngeal edema, dysphonia and dysphagia. Some dose constraints might be plausible such as keeping the mean dose to the pharyngeal constrictor muscles under 50 to 55Gy, the mean dose to the supra-glottic larynx under 40 to 45Gy and, if feasible, the mean dose to the glottic larynx under 20Gy. A reduction of the dose delivered to the muscles of the floor of the mouth and the cervical esophagus would be beneficial as well. Nevertheless, the publications available do not provide an extensive enough level of proof. One should consider limiting as low as possible the dose delivered to these structures without compromising the quality of irradiation of the target tumor volumes.

[Intensity-modulated radiotherapy of head and neck cancers: Dose effects on the ocular, orbital and eyelid structures]. / Radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité des cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures : dose de tolérance de l'œil et des voies optiques.

Radiation-induced damage of ocular, orbital and eyelid structures are mainly reported for the optic nerve, retina, lens and lacrimal gland. Dose-volume relationships are, however, inaccurate due to the small volume of most of the organs at risk involved and limited ability of irradiation techniques to spare these structures in the pre-IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) era. The ability of newest radiation techniques including IMRT and proton therapy to generate steep dose gradients may yield more accurate models in the future. Some toxicities are severe and irreversible, leading to vision loss, as in the case of radiation-induced optic neuropathy for which curative treatments are suboptimal. Other toxicities can lead to reversible vision loss but can be surgically corrected, as is the case for radiation-induced cataract. In this paper, we will review the dose effects for the ocular; orbital and eyelid structures.

[Intensity modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, dose constraint for normal tissue: Cochlea vestibular apparatus and brainstem]. / Radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité des cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures, dose de tolérance des tissus sains : appareil cochléovestibulaire et tronc cérébral.

Modern techniques such as intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) have been proven to significantly decrease the dose delivered to the cochleovestibular apparatus, limiting consecutive toxicity especially for sensorineural hearing loss. However, recent data still report a 42% rate of radio-induced hypoacusia underscoring the need to protect the cochleovestibular apparatus. Due to the small size of the cochlea, a precise dose-volume analysis could not be performed, and recommendations only refer to the mean dose. Confusing factors such as age, concomitant chemotherapy, primary site and tumor stage should be taken into account at the time of treatment planning. (Non-coplanar) VMAT and tomotherapy have been proven better at sparing the cochlea in comparison with 3D CRT. Brainstem radio-induced injuries were poorly studied because of their infrequency and the difficulty of distinguishing between necrosis and tumor progression in the case of a primary tumor located at the base of skull. The following toxicities have been described: brainstem focal radionecrosis, cognitive disorders without dementia, cranial nerve injuries and sensori motor disability. Maximal dose to the brainstem should be kept to < 54Gy for conventional fractionation. This dose could be exceeded (no more than 10mL should receive more than 59Gy), provided this hot spot is located in the peripheral area of the organ.

[Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Dose constraint for salivary gland and mandible]. / Radiothérapie conformationnelle avec modulation d'intensité des cancers des voies aérodigestives supérieures. Dose de tolérance des tissus sains : glandes salivaires et mandibule.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the gold standard for head and neck irradiation. It allows better protection to the organs at risk such as salivary glands and mandible, and can reduce the frequency of xerostomia, trismus and osteoradionecrosis. At the time of treatment planning, the mean dose to a single parotid gland should be kept below 26Gy, the mean dose to a single submandibular gland below 39Gy, the mean dose to the mandible below 60 to 65Gy and the D2% to a single temporomandibular joint below 65Gy. These dose constraints could be further improved with data extracted from cohorts of patients receiving IMRT exclusively. The dose administered to the target volumes should not be lessened to spare the salivary glands or mandible.