Surgical Outcomes of Mastectomy with Immediate Autologous Reconstruction Followed by Radiation.

INTRODUCTION: Timing of autologous reconstruction relative to postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) is debated. Benefits of immediate reconstruction must be weighed against a possibly heightened risk of complications from flap irradiation. We reviewed flap outcomes after single operation plus PMRT in a large institutional cohort. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for women who underwent simultaneous mastectomy-autologous reconstruction with PMRT from 2007 to 2016. Primary endpoints were rates and types of radiation-related flap complications and reoperations, whose predictors were assessed by multivariable analysis. A p value < 0.10 was deemed significant to avoid type II error. Non-parametric logistic regression generated a model of PMRT timing associated with probabilities of complications and reoperations. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty women underwent 208 mastectomy reconstruction operations, with a median follow up of 35.1 months (interquartile range 23.6-56.5). Forty-seven (36.2%) women experienced radiation-related complications, commonly fat necrosis (44.1%) and chest wall asymmetry (28.8%). Complications were higher among women who received PMRT < 3 months after surgery (46.8% for < 3 months vs. 29.3% for ≥ 3 months; p = 0.06), most of whom received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and among women treated with internal mammary nodal (IMN) radiation (65.2% vs. 26.4%; p < 0.01); IMN radiation remained strongly associated in multivariable analysis (odds ratio [OR] 5.24; p < 0.01). Thirty-two (24.6%) women underwent 70 reoperations, commonly fat grafting (51.9%) and fat necrosis excision (17.1%). Reoperations were higher among women who received PMRT < 3 months after surgery (48.9 for < 3 months vs. 36.6 for ≥ 3 months; p = 0.19), which was significantly associated in multivariable analysis (OR 0.42; p = 0.08 for ≥ 3 months). The probabilities of complications and reoperations were lowest when PMRT was administered ≥ 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Among a large institutional cohort, immediate autologous reconstruction was associated with similar rates of adverse flap outcomes as historically reported alternatively sequenced protocols. IMN radiation increased risk, while PMRT ≥ 3 months after surgery decreased risk. Additional studies are needed to elaborate the impact of IMN radiation and early PMRT in immediate versus delayed autologous reconstruction.

Comparing complications in irradiated and non-irradiated free-flaps in patients with bilateral immediate breast reconstruction and unilateral post-mastectomy radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have evaluated the effect of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on autologous breast reconstruction, but the variability of PMRT regimens and inadequate controls have made results difficult to interpret. Therefore, in this study, irradiated free-flaps are compared to non-irradiated internal controls in patients who underwent immediate bilateral reconstruction followed by unilateral PMRT to better delineate the effect of PMRT. The role of regional nodal irradiation (RNI) is also specifically assessed. METHODS: Appropriate patients were identified through retrospective review. Complications such as fat necrosis, fibrosis, infection, delayed healing, and flap loss, as well as revision surgeries, among the irradiated free-flaps were compared to those on the contralateral non-irradiated side. Additional analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of patient demographics and treatment characteristics, such as RNI, on complications involving the irradiated free-flaps. RESULTS: Seventy-three women were included. There was no significant difference between complication rates for the irradiated and non-irradiated free-flaps (39.7% vs. 38.4%, p = .78), although irradiated free-flaps were more likely to have fibrosis (17.0% vs. 0.0%; p < .0001) and multiple complications (9.6% vs. 0.0%; p = .02). Both groups underwent a similar number of revision surgeries (42.5% vs. 41.1%; p = .29). Looking at the irradiated free-flaps, internal mammary node (IMN) irradiation was the only factor predictive of complications (IRR 3.80, CI 1.32-10.97; p = .01). CONCLUSIONS: PMRT may contribute to free-flap fibrosis, but does not appear to affect the overall risk of complications or revision surgeries. However, additional counseling is warranted if IMN irradiation is likely, as it is potentially associated with increased complications.

Outcomes and relapse patterns of stage IB grade 2 or 3 endometrial cancer treated with adjuvant vaginal brachytherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors for pelvic recurrence in early stage endometrial cancer are poorly understood. We sought to describe outcomes, patterns of failure, and risk factors for recurrence among patients with grade 2-3 endometrial cancer with deep myometrial invasion who were treated with vaginal brachytherapy as sole adjuvant therapy after hysterectomy and lymph node dissection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of stage I patients with grade 2-3 endometrioid histology and ≥50% myometrial invasion treated at an academic institution from January 2005 to December 2017. Only patients with endometrioid histology were included. Mixed histologies, including papillary serous or clear cell components, were excluded. Further exclusion criteria were International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB grade 1 patients, follow-up time less than 3 months, receipt of pelvic irradiation or any form of systemic therapy (chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitor). Overall survival, disease-free survival, and pelvic recurrence-free survival were calculated with Kaplan-Meier methods. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze factors associated with overall survival and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Among 131 consecutive patients identified, 111 (85%) patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority (98.2%) underwent lymph node dissection with ≥10 lymph nodes removed in 78.9%. With a median follow-up of 36 months (IQR 12-70 months), the 3-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and pelvic recurrence-free survival were 89.6%, 90.1%, and 92.8%, respectively. Histologic grade 3, older age, and lymphovascular invasion were not associated with inferior outcomes; however, lower uterine segment involvement (p=0.031), tumor size >4 cm (p=0.024), and <10 lymph nodes removed (p=0.032) were associated with reduced disease-free survival on multivariable analysis. Pelvic recurrence occurred in 12 (11%) patients, most often in the setting of synchronous distant disease (n=9), and was significantly more likely with lower uterine segment involvement. CONCLUSION: Among patients with stage IB grade 2-3 endometrial cancer treated with vaginal brachytherapy, the risk factors for recurrence (larger tumor size and lower uterine segment involvement) in conjunction with established risk factors (high grade, ≥50% myometrial invasion, and lymphovascular invasion) may identify a group of high-risk patients who might benefit from pelvic radiotherapy.

Uterine Neoplasms, Version 1.2018, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Endometrial carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor that forms in the inner lining, or endometrium, of the uterus. Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy. Approximately two-thirds of endometrial carcinoma cases are diagnosed with disease confined to the uterus. The complete NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms provide recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. This manuscript discusses guiding principles for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of early-stage endometrial carcinoma as well as evidence for these recommendations.

Three-dimensional Analysis of How Radiation Affects Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap Volume, Projection, and Position in Breast Cancer Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has gained popularity for autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Historically, patients receiving post mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) were not candidates for immediate autologous reconstruction due to concerns for flap volume depletion, fat necrosis, and flap failure. However, this literature is anecdotal and lacks case controls. We objectively analyzed the effects radiation imparts on immediate DIEP flap reconstruction using 3-dimensional software and inherent controls. METHODS: We performed a cohort study on breast cancer patients who underwent immediate bilateral DIEP flap reconstructions followed by PMRT between 2005 and 2014. Exclusion criteria included patients less than 6 months from PMRT completion and bilateral PMRT. Three-dimensional photographs were analyzed using Geomagic (Rock Hill, SC) software to compare flap position, projection, and volume between the irradiated and nonirradiated reconstructed breasts. Breast Q survey evaluated patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Eleven patients met inclusion criteria. Average time from PMRT completion to photo acquisition was 1.93 years. There was no statistical difference in average volume or projection in the irradiated versus nonirradiated side (P = 0.087 and P = 0.176, respectively). However, position of the irradiated flaps was significantly higher on the chest wall compared to controls (mean difference, 1.325 cm; P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional analysis exhibited no statistical differences in projection or volume between irradiated DIEP flaps and nonirradiated controls. However, irradiated DIEP flaps were positioned higher on the chest wall, similar to observations in irradiated tissue expanders/implants. Patients were satisfied as measured by Breast Q. Immediate bilateral DIEP flap reconstructions can safely be performed with PMRT with satisfactory results.

On the use of bolus for pacemaker dose measurement and reduction in radiation therapy.

Special attention is required in planning and administering radiation therapy to patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), such as pacemaker and defibrillator. The range of dose to CIEDs that can induce malfunction is large among CIEDs. Clinically significant defects have been reported at dose as low as 0.15 Gy. Therefore, accurate estimation of dose to CIED and dose reduction are both important even if the dose is expected to be less than the often-used 2-Gy limit. We investigated the use of bolus in in vivo dosimetry for CIEDs. Solid water phantom measurements of out-of-field dose for a 6-MV beam were performed using parallel plate chamber with and without 1- to 2-cm bolus covering the chamber. In vivo dosimetry at skin surface above the CIED was performed with and without bolus covering the CIED for three patients with the CIED <5 cm from the field edge. Chamber measured dose at depth ~0.5-1.5 cm below the skin surface, where the CIED is normally located, was reduced by ~7-48% with bolus. The dose reduction became smaller at deeper depths and with smaller field size. In vivo dosimetry at skin surface also indicated ~20%-60% lower dose when using bolus for the three patients. The dose measured with bolus more accurately reflects the dose to CIED and is less affected by contaminant electrons and linac head scatter. In general, the treatment planning system (TPS) calculation underestimated the dose to CIED, but it predicts the CIED dose more accurately when bolus is used. We recommend the use of 1- to 2-cm bolus to cover the CIED during in vivo CIED dose measurements for more accurate CIED dose estimation. If the CIED is placed <2 cm in depth and its dose is mainly from anterior beams, we recommend using the bolus during the entire course of radiation delivery to reduce the dose to CIED.

Vulvar Cancer, Version 1.2017, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecologic malignancy. Ninety percent of vulvar cancers are predominantly squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), which can arise through human papilloma virus (HPV)-dependent and HPV-independent pathways. The NCCN Vulvar Cancer panel is an interdisciplinary group of representatives from NCCN Member Institutions consisting of specialists in gynecological oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and pathology. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Vulvar Cancer provide an evidence- and consensus-based approach for the management of patients with vulvar SCC. This manuscript discusses the recommendations outlined in the NCCN Guidelines for diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up.

Basal Cell Skin Cancer, Version 1.2016, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common cancer, with a higher incidence than all other malignancies combined. Although it is rare to metastasize, patients with multiple or frequently recurring BCC can suffer substantial comorbidity and be difficult to manage. Assessment of risk is a key element of management needed to inform treatment selection. The overall management of BCC primarily consists of surgical approaches, with radiation therapy as an alternate or adjuvant option. Many superficial therapies for BCC have been explored and continue to be developed, including topicals, cryosurgery, and photodynamic therapy. Two hedgehog pathway inhibitors were recently approved by the FDA for systemic treatment of advanced and metastatic BCC, and others are in development. The NCCN Guidelines for Basal Cell Skin Cancer, published in full herein, include recommendations for selecting among the various surgical approaches based on patient-, lesion-, and disease-specific factors, as well as guidance on when to use radiation therapy, superficial therapies, and hedgehog pathway inhibitors.

Uterine Sarcoma, Version 1.2016: Featured Updates to the NCCN Guidelines.

The NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms provide interdisciplinary recommendations for treating endometrial carcinoma and uterine sarcomas. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the NCCN Uterine Neoplasms Panel's 2016 discussions and major guideline updates for treating uterine sarcomas. During this most recent update, the panel updated the mesenchymal tumor classification to correspond with recent updates to the WHO tumor classification system. Additionally, the panel revised its systemic therapy recommendations to reflect new data and collective clinical experience. These NCCN Guidelines Insights elaborate on the rationale behind these recent changes.

Adjuvant carboplatin, paclitaxel, and vaginal cuff brachytherapy for stage III endometrial cancer: analysis of outcomes and patterns of recurrence based on pathologic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of patients with stage III endometrial adenocarcinoma treated with surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and vaginal cuff brachytherapy. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 83 patients treated for 1988 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III endometrial adenocarcinoma at our institution between 2003 and 2010. All patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging. Adjuvant therapy was carboplatin and paclitaxel for 6 cycles and vaginal cuff brachytherapy. For analysis, patients were grouped into type I (FIGO grade 1-2 endometrioid histology, n = 41) or type II (FIGO grade 3, clear cell or papillary serous histology, n = 42) disease. Forty-three patients (52%) had node-positive disease, with similar node-positive rates for type I (n = 21, 51.2%) and type II (n = 22, 52.4%). RESULTS: The median follow-up was 38.6 months. There were no isolated vaginal failures. The estimated 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for type I versus type II were 92.4% versus 58.0% (P = 0.001) and 97.2% versus 65.8% (P = 0.002), respectively. The 3-year DFS and OS for node negative versus node positive were 85.0% versus 63.6% (P = 0.02) and 84.2% versus 78.0% (P = 0.02), respectively. Associations between type I histology and node-negative disease with improved DFS and OS persisted on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our institutional approach of adjuvant chemotherapy and vaginal cuff brachytherapy for stage III endometrial cancer seemed acceptable for patients with low-risk histology or node-negative disease. In contrast, higher rates of failure among those with high-risk histology and/or node-positive disease support intensification of therapy in these subsets.

Phase I clinical trial of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus in combination with oral topotecan for recurrent and advanced endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Preclinical data suggest that mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors may potentiate the efficacy of topotecan. We evaluated the optimal schedule of oral topotecan in combination with everolimus in patients with endometrial cancer. METHODS: Women with a history of advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer were enrolled. Escalating dose of oral topotecan (1.5 mg/m, 1.9 mg/m, and 2.3 mg/m) daily on days 1 to 5 and everolimus (5 mg every other day, 5 mg daily, and 10 mg daily) were administered in a 21-day cycle. A "run-in" treatment of topotecan daily for 5 days followed by everolimus for 7 days (4-7 doses depending on dose level) was administered for the purpose of pharmacokinetic assessments. RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled on the study, and 9 were evaluable for safety analysis. A total of 28 cycles were administered (range, 1-10 cycles per patient). The patients had a median age of 73 years (range, 42-79 years). Previous lines of chemotherapy were 1 (n = 2), 2 (n = 5), 3 (n = 2), and 4 (n = 1). Seven patients had previous vaginal brachytherapy, and 2 had pelvic external beam radiation therapy. The median number of cycles (including cycle 1) is 2 (range, 1-10). Dose-limiting toxicity occurred in 3 patients (1 patient treated with 1.9-mg/m topotecan and 5-mg everolimus given every other day as well as 2 patients treated with 1.9-mg/m topotecan and 5-mg of everolimus daily) and included neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Seven patients were evaluable for response. Stable disease was the best response in 3 patients who completed the 3, 4, and 10 cycles each. CONCLUSIONS: The dose-limiting toxicity for the combination of oral topotecan and everolimus was myelosuppression. The maximum tolerated dose was topotecan 1.9 mg/m on days 1 to 5 in combination with oral everolimus 5 mg every other day. Administration of higher dose of each agent in combination was limited because of overlapping myelosuppression.

Breast conservation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): does presentation of disease affect long-term outcomes?

BACKGROUND: For DCIS patients eligible for breast conservation treatment (BCT), it remains unclear whether presenting with physical signs/symptoms (Phys) confers a worse long-term prognosis compared to mammographically detected DCIS (Mam). METHODS: We collected data on 669 DCIS patients treated with BCT from 1974 to 2007 of whom 80 were identified as category "Phys" and 589 were in category "Mam." RESULTS: Treatment parameters (i.e., the RT dose delivered, boost, rates of stereotactic biopsy, re-excision, node dissection) did not differ significantly between the two cohorts (p = NS). At a 60-month median follow-up, significant associations included younger age at presentation (p < 0.001), non-white race (p = 0.041), larger tumor size (p = 0.002), more 1°/2° papillary histology (1°, p = 0.001; 2°, p = 0.005) for the Phys cohort. As expected, mammograms were more likely to show mass/nodules/asymmetrical densities and less likely to show microcalcifications for the Phys versus Mam group (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in family history, multifocality, grade, necrosis, or residual disease at re-excision, nodal involvement, status of margins, or ER/PR/HER-2 between the cohorts. The local relapse-free survival was similar at 5 years (100 vs. 96.9 %, p = 0.116) and 10 years (96.2 vs. 96.2 %, p = 0.906), with no significant overall survival difference at 10 years (97.5 vs. 95.9 %, p = 0.364) between the Phys and Mam patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, presentation was not an independent predictor of local relapse-free survival or overall survival when accounting for age, race, tumor size, mammogram appearance, and adjuvant hormone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that although some clinicopathological differences exist between DCIS patients presenting with physical signs/symptoms compared with those presenting with mammographically detected disease, long-term outcomes are similar for patients appropriately selected for BCT.

A single arm phase 2 clinical trial of YIV-906 with neoadjuvant concurrent chemo-radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

Background: Pre-operative chemoradiation for rectal cancer is often associated with severe gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity which can interrupt, delay, and/or lead to termination of treatment. In this study, we evaluated whether the addition of YIV-906, a novel herbal medicine proven to reduce GI toxicity associated with chemotherapy could also reduce GI side effects during standard pre-operative capecitabine and pelvic radiation therapy (RT) in the neoadjuvant setting for the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods: This single arm clinical study enrolled 24 patients between Dec 23, 2014-Sep 17, 2018 at Smilow Cancer Hospital, a comprehensive cancer center at Yale New Haven Hospital. All patients were age ≥18 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1 and with histologically confirmed T3-T4 and N0-N2, M0 adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Median follow-up was 61.9 months. All patients received concurrent pelvic external beam RT (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions), YIV-906 (taken orally 800 mg twice daily on days 1-4 of RT each week), and oral capecitabine delivered in a neo-adjuvant fashion, followed by definitive surgery. Toxicity was assessed weekly during radiation and until acute symptoms resolved and then at 28 days, 4 months, 7 months and 10 months. Toxicities were graded in accordance with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Results: At the time of surgery, 4 patients (16.7%) had a complete or near-complete response. At a median follow-up of 61.9 months, the mean overall survival (OS) of our patient cohort was 74.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 67.3-82.5]. The estimated 5-year OS was 82.0%. We observed 0% acute grade 4 toxicities, and only two cases of acute grade 3 diarrhea (8.3%). Conclusions: The addition of YIV-906 to capecitabine based chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer led to reduced rates of GI toxicity compared to historical controls, in particular grade 3 or greater diarrhea. These findings suggest YIV-906 should be evaluated in a randomized clinical trial to further assess potential reductions in the toxicity profile of chemoradiation for GI cancers.

Are breast cancer subtypes prognostic for nodal involvement and associated with clinicopathologic features at presentation in early-stage breast cancer?

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer subtypes (BCS) determined from immunohistochemical staining have been correlated with molecular subtypes and associated with prognosis and outcomes, but there are limited data correlating these BCS and axillary node involvement. This study was conducted to assess whether BCS predicted for nodal metastasis or was associated with other clinicopathologic features at presentation. METHODS: Patients with stage I/II disease who underwent breast-conserving surgery and axillary surgical assessment with available tissue blocks underwent a institutional pathological review and construction of a tissue microarray. The slides were stained for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER-2/neu (HER-2) for classification into BCS. Nodal involvement and other clinicopathologic features were analyzed to assess associations between BCS and patient and tumor characteristics. Outcomes were calculated a function of BCS. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 453 patients (luminal A 48.6%, luminal B 16.1%, HER-2 11.0%, triple negative 24.2%), of which 22% (n=113) were node positive. There were no significant associations with BCS and pN stage, node positivity, or absolute number of nodes involved (p>0.05 for all). However, there were significant associations with subtype and age at presentation (p<0.001), method of detection (p=0.049), tumor histology (p<0.001), race (p=0.041), and tumor size (pT stage, p<0.001) by univariate and multivariate analysis. As expected, 10-year outcomes differed by BCS, with triple negative and HER-2 subtypes having the worse overall (p=0.03), disease-free (p=0.03), and distant metastasis-free survival (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between BCS and age, T stage, histology, method of detection, and race, but no associations to predict nodal involvement. If additionally validated, these findings suggest that BCS may not be a useful prognostic variable for influencing regional management considerations.

Roundtable--the changing oncology landscape: evolution or revolution?

Complex challenges face all players in the oncology landscape, from health care policy leaders and third-party payers, to practicing physicians and nurses, to patients and their families. In these unsteady economic times, possible answers proposed by some may represent part of the problem to others. A distinguished panel assembled at the NCCN 18th Annual Conference: Advancing the Standard of Cancer Care to explore the changing oncology landscape. This article is the synopsis of that discussion, with panelists shedding light on such issues as the astronomic cost of medical care, the need for clinicians to think outside the formulary, and the therapeutic decision-making process in the new world of "big data."

Radiation therapy and expander-implant breast reconstruction: an analysis of timing and comparison of complications.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of expander-implant exchange in the setting of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) remains unclear with prior reports yielding inconsistent and variable results. The purpose of this study was to characterize complications associated with the sequencing of expander-implant breast reconstruction before or after PMRT and to compare the outcomes between early (<4 months) and late (>4 months) expander-implant exchange in the subset of patients who received PMRT before exchange. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients PMRT in the setting of tissue expander-implant breast reconstruction between June 2004 and June 2011 at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were first classified as having undergone expander-implant exchange before the initiation of PMRT or after the completion of PMRT. Patients who underwent expander-implant exchange after PMRT were then classified as having undergone exchange early (<4 months after PMRT) or late (>4 months after PMRT). All complications requiring additional surgery or hospitalization were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-five eligible patients were identified as having undergone 56 two-stage tissue expander-implant breast reconstructions. Twenty-two reconstructions underwent exchange before PMRT and 34 reconstructions underwent exchange after PMRT. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate (54.55% vs 47.06%, P = 0.785) or reconstruction failure rate (13.64% vs 20.59%, P = 0.724) between the 2 cohorts. Twenty reconstructions underwent exchange less than 4 months after PMRT and 14 underwent exchange more than 4 months after PMRT. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate (40% vs 57.14%, P = 0.487) or failure rate (25% vs 14.29%, P = 0.672) between the 2 groups. Trends suggest a higher rate of infection in patients who underwent exchange earlier (30% vs 14.29%, P = 0.422) and a higher rate of capsular contracture in patients who underwent exchange later (5% vs 21.43%, P = 0.283); however, statistical significance was not reached. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that neither the sequencing nor timing of expander-implant exchange in the setting of PMRT affects overall complication or reconstruction failure rate. However, the timing of exchange may impact the type of complication encountered. Further investigation is necessary to determine an optimal time for expander-implant exchange.

AAPM task group report 302: Surface-guided radiotherapy.

The clinical use of surface imaging has increased dramatically, with demonstrated utility for initial patient positioning, real-time motion monitoring, and beam gating in a variety of anatomical sites. The Therapy Physics Subcommittee and the Imaging for Treatment Verification Working Group of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine commissioned Task Group 302 to review the current clinical uses of surface imaging and emerging clinical applications. The specific charge of this task group was to provide technical guidelines for clinical indications of use for general positioning, breast deep-inspiration breath hold treatment, and frameless stereotactic radiosurgery. Additionally, the task group was charged with providing commissioning and on-going quality assurance (QA) requirements for surface-guided radiation therapy (SGRT) as part of a comprehensive QA program including risk assessment. Workflow considerations for other anatomic sites and for computed tomography simulation, including motion management, are also discussed. Finally, developing clinical applications, such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) or proton radiotherapy, are presented. The recommendations made in this report, which are summarized at the end of the report, are applicable to all video-based SGRT systems available at the time of writing.

Benefit of Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold for Right Breast Cancer When Regional Lymph Nodes Are Irradiated.

BACKGROUND: Although deep inspiratory breath-hold (DIBH) is routinely used for left-sided breast cancers, its benefits for right-sided breast cancer (rBC) have yet to be established. We compared free-breathing (FB) and DIBH treatment plans for a cohort of rBC undergoing regional nodal irradiation (RNI) to determine its potential benefits. METHODS AND MATERIALS: rBC patients considered for RNI (internal mammary nodal chains, supraclavicular field, with or without axilla) from October 2017 to May 2020 were included in this analysis. For each patient, FB versus DIBH plans were generated and dose volume histograms evaluated the following parameters: mean lung dose, ipsilateral lung V20/V5 (volumes of lung receiving 20 Gy and 5 Gy, respectively); mean heart dose and heart V5 (volumes of heart receiving 5 Gy); liver V20 absolute /V30 absolute (absolute volume of liver receiving 20 Gy and 30 Gy, respectively), liver Dmax, and total liver volume irradiated (TVIliver). The dosimetric parameters were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank testing. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were eligible for analysis, comparing 108 FB and DIBH plans. DIBH significantly decreased all lung and liver parameters: mean lung dose (19.7 Gy-16.2 Gy, P < .001), lung V20 (40.7%-31.7%, P < .001), lung V5 (61.2%-54.5%, P < .001), TVIliver (1446 cc vs 1264 cc; P = .006) liver Dmax (50.2 Gy vs 48.9 Gy; P = .023), liver V20 (78.8-23.9 cc, P < .001), and liver V30 (58.1-14.6 cc, P < .001) compared with FB. DIBH use did not significantly improve heart parameters, although the V5Heart trended on significance (1.25-0.6, P = .067). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest cohort to date analyzing DIBH for RNI-rBC. Our findings demonstrate significant improvement in all lung and liver parameters with DIBH, supporting its routine consideration for rBC patients undergoing comprehensive RNI.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Discontinuation of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use in Insomnia and Anxiety Disorders.

Benzodiazepines have proven to be highly effective for treating insomnia and anxiety. Although considered safe when taken for a short period of time, a major risk-benefit dilemma arises in the context of long-term use, relating to addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and potential side effects. For these reasons, benzodiazepines are not recommended for treating chronic sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, nor for people over the age of 65, and withdrawal among long-term users is a public health issue. Indeed, only 5% of patients manage to discontinue using these drugs on their own. Even with the help of a general practitioner, this rate does not exceed 25 to 30% of patients, of which approximately 7% manage to remain drug-free in the long term. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) offer a crucial solution to this problem, having been shown to increase abstinence success to 70-80%. This article examines traditional and novel CBT techniques in this regard, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which address both the underlying condition (insomnia/anxiety) and the substance-related disorder. The theoretical framework and evidence supporting the use of these approaches are reviewed. Finally, current research gaps are discussed, and key research perspectives are proposed.

Methodological Recommendations to Control for Factors Influencing Dream and Nightmare Recall in Clinical and Experimental Studies of Dreaming.

In order to ensure robust relationships between the dependent and independent variables in clinical dream/nightmare studies, the major factors which influence the frequency of reported dreams must be controlled. This article sets out methodological recommendations to both researchers seeking to ensure the equivalence of experimental groups of participants in group-matching designs, and to clinicians who wish to check that any change in frequency of reported nightmares over the course of a psychological or a pharmacological intervention is not caused by factors other than the experimental treatment itself. The main factors influencing the frequency of dream recall are presented: demographic variables, psychological characteristics, pathological dimensions, and substance consumption. A series of questionnaires is proposed for easily measuring these control variables.