Sarcopenia is related to poor prognosis in patients after trimodality therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: The association between sarcopenia and prognosis in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing trimodality therapy, consisting of preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and surgery, has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of sarcopenia and fat mass with prognosis after trimodality therapy. METHODS: To assess sarcopenia, the psoas muscle mass was measured. Using computed tomography data, including third lumbar vertebra level images, psoas muscle mass and visceral and subcutaneous fat mass were measured. Additionally, body mass indices, and visceral/subcutaneous fat ratio, obtained by dividing the visceral fat index by the subcutaneous fat index, were calculated. We investigated the relationship between these parameters and overall survival. RESULTS: Ninety-nine eligible patients were included. In the univariate analysis, age, clinical stage, tumor location, psoas muscle index, and visceral/subcutaneous fat ratio were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (P = 0.008, P = 0.04, P = 0.04, P = 0.02, and P = 0.02, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, age and psoas muscle index were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). The 5-year overall survival rates for the high and low psoas muscle index groups were 79.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 67.1-94.5%] and 66.2% (95% CI, 54.1-81.1%), respectively; whereas, the 10-year overall survival rates were 61.9% (95% CI, 42.0-91.4%) and 25.3% (95% CI, 8.6-74.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia was related to poor overall survival in patients with locally advanced NSCLC undergoing trimodality therapy. Assessment of body composition prior to treatment may provide important information for formulating rational therapeutic strategies.

Clinical Outcome of Palliative Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Cisplatin/Docetaxel for Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

Palliative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is often administered to patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated the clinical outcomes of patients receiving palliative CCRT for NSCLC. Data of patients with NSCLC who underwent palliative CCRT (n=16), preoperative CCRT plus surgery (n=97), or definitive CCRT (n=48) were evaluated. In all groups, the concurrent chemotherapy regimens consisted of cisplatin and docetaxel. Rates of local control (LC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and prognosis were compared. The 2-year rates of LC, DMFS, PFS, and OS in 16 patients who underwent palliative CCRT were 44.4%, 12.5%, 12.5%, and 18.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that palliative CCRT was associated with poor LC (p<0.001), DMFS (p<0.001), PFS (p<0.001), and OS (p<0.001) outcomes in patients who completed CCRT as a preoperative treatment and poor LC (p=0.01), DMFS (p=0.003), PFS (p=0.04), and OS (p=0.004) outcomes in patients who were considered for definitive CCRT. Although there were some long-term survivors, the clinical outcomes of palliative CCRT were significantly inferior to those of the ideal treatments. Therefore, careful determination of the appropriate treatment indications and further studies are warranted.

Volumetric PET Parameters Predict Prognosis after Definitive Chemoradiotherapy with Cisplatin/Docetaxel for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether volumetric positron emission tomography (PET) parameters are prognostic predictors in stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients receiving definitive concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) with cisplatin/docetaxel. Cases involving definitive CCRT were reviewed retrospectively, and the maximum standardized uptake value, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were calculated. The relationships between these PET parameters and prognosis were analyzed. MTV and TLG were significant predictors of distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (p = 0.0003 and 0.0005, respectively) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.001 and 0.0007, respectively). The three-year DMFS rates in patients with low and high MTV were 13.3% and 64.6%, respectively, and the corresponding values in those with low and high TLG were 13.3% and 65.2%, respectively. The three-year PFS rates in patients with low and high MTV were 13.3% and 57.8%, respectively, and the corresponding values in patients with low and high TLG were 13.3% and 57.8%, respectively. However, MTV and TLG were not predictors of local control or overall sur-vival. We demonstrated that volumetric PET parameters were predictors of patients receiving definitive CCRT. Our findings contradict the findings of previous reports and warrant further research to validate them.

Investigation into the Effect of Breast Volume on Irradiation Dose Distribution in Asian Women with Breast Cancer.

Reports on irradiation dose distribution in breast cancer radiotherapy with sufficient sample size are limited in Asian patients. Elucidating dose distribution in Asian patients is particularly important as their breast volume differs compared to patients in Europe and North America. Here, we examined dose distribution in the irradiation field relative to breast volume for three irradiation methods historically used in our facility. We investigated the influence of breast volume on each irradiation method for Asian women. A total of 573 women with early-stage breast cancer were treated with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Three methods were compared: wedge (W), field-in-field (FIF), and wedge-field-in-field (W-FIF). In patients with small breast volume, FIF decreased low- and high-dose areas within the planning target volume, and increased optimal dose area more than W. In patients with medium and large breast volumes, FIF decreased high-dose area more than W. The absolute values of correlation coefficients of breast volume to low-, optimal-, and high-dose areas and mean dose were significantly lower in FIF than in W. The correlation coefficients of V107% were 0.00 and 0.28 for FIF and W, respectively. FIF is an excellent irradiation method that is less affected by breast volume than W in Asian breast cancer patients.

Dose-volume parameters predict radiation pneumonitis after induction chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between lung dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters and radiation pneumonitis (RP) associated with induction concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by surgery in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear, particularly when concerning irradiation of the whole lung prior to resection. We performed this study to identify factors associated with grade ≥ 2 RP in such patients. METHODS: Patients who received induction CCRT (chemotherapy: cisplatin and docetaxel; radiotherapy: 46 Gy/23 fractions) between May 2003 and May 2017 were reviewed. The mean lung dose (MLD) and the percentage of the lung volume that received ≥5 Gy (V5) and ≥ 20 Gy (V20) were calculated. Factors associated with the development of grade ≥ 2 RP were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were included in this study, 34 (31.5%) of whom experienced grade ≥ 2 RP. A V20 ≥ 21%, an MLD ≥10 Gy, and a lower lobe tumor location were significant predictors of grade ≥ 2 RP on univariate analysis (p = 0.007, 0.002, and 0.004, respectively). Moreover, an MLD ≥10 Gy and lower lobe location were significant predictors of grade ≥ 2 RP on multivariate analysis (p = 0.026 and 0.0043, respectively). The cumulative incidence rates of grade ≥ 2 RP at 6 months were 15.7 and 45.6% in patients with MLDs < 10 Gy and ≥ 10 Gy, respectively, and were 23.5 and 55.6% in patients with upper/middle lobe- vs. lower lobe-located tumors, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MLD and lower lobe location were predictors of grade ≥ 2 RP in patients who received induction CCRT. It is necessary to reduce the MLD to the greatest extent possible to prevent the occurrence of this adverse event.

A double-blind, randomized comparative study to investigate the morphine to hydromorphone conversion ratio in Japanese cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the morphine to hydromorphone conversion ratio for hydromorphone (DS-7113b) immediate-release tablets in cancer patients who achieved pain control with oral morphine. METHODS: This was a multicenter, active-controlled, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, comparative study (July 2013 to December 2014) at 39 Japanese sites. Seventy-one patients (aged >20 years) who had achieved pain control with morphine 60 mg/day and 90 mg/day were randomly allocated 1:1 to hydromorphone immediate-release tablets at a dose converted at a hydromorphone:morphine ratio of 1:5 or 1:8, respectively, and treated for up to 5 days. The efficacy was evaluated as the pain control ratio. RESULTS: The pain control ratio in the full analysis set was 83.3% (25/30) in the conversion ratio 1:5 group and 95.0% (38/40) in the conversion ratio 1:8 group, and both groups demonstrated highly successful pain control. The incidence of adverse events was 46.7% (14/30) in the conversion ratio 1:5 group and 58.5% (24/41) in the 1:8 group; the difference was not clinically relevant. Frequently observed adverse events (incidence ≥5%) were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, somnolence and dyspnea. CONCLUSIONS: A high pain control ratio was maintained by a switch at either conversion ratio, and no notable difference was observed in the incidence of adverse events. A switch from morphine to hydromorphone is effective at a dose converted at ratios of 1:5 and 1:8.

Dose-Volume Parameters Predict Radiation Pneumonitis after Surgery with Induction Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

To clarify the relationship between dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters and radiation pneumonitis (RP) after surgery in cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with induction concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). Patients with NSCLC treated with induction CCRT (chemotherapy: cisplatin and docetaxel; radiotherapy: 2.0 Gy fractions once daily for a total of 46 Gy) before surgery were reviewed. We calculated the percentage of lung volume receiving at least 20 Gy (V20) and the mean lung dose (MLD) for the total lung volume and the lung remaining after resection. Factors affecting the incidence of RP at grade 2 or higher (≥ G2 RP) were analyzed. Eighteen of 49 patients (37%) experienced ≥G2 RP. The V20 and MLD for the lung remaining after resection (V20r and MLDr) were significant predictors according to the multivariate analysis (p=0.007 and 0.041, respectively). The incidence of ≥G2 RP was 8% in patients with V20r<10%, and 13% in patients with MLDr<5.6 Gy, respectively. The optimal approach to reduce the rate of postoperative RP in patients with induction CCRT for NSCLC is to keep the V20r below 10% and/or the MLDr below 5.6 Gy in the radiotherapy planning.

Interfractional Seminal Vesicle Motion Relative to the Prostate Gland for Image-guided Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer with/without Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

We investigated differences in seminal vesicle (SV) length and interfractional SV motion relative to the prostate gland in prostate cancer patients. We compared 32 patients who received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) before radiotherapy with 12 patients receiving radiotherapy alone at Okayama University Hospital in August 2008-July 2011. We examined the right and left SVs' length and motion by computed tomography (CT) to determine the ADT's effects and analyzed 347 CT scans in a multiple linear regression model. The ADT patients' SV length was significantly shorter than the non-ADT patients'. The differences in right and left SV lengths between the ADT and non-ADT patients were 6.8 mm (95% CI 2.0-11.7 mm) and 7.2 mm (95% CI 3.1- 11.3 mm) respectively in an adjusted regression model. SV motion did not differ between the ADT and non- ADT patients in terms of interfractional motion of the SV tips and the SVs' center relative to the prostate gland. The ADT patients had significantly shorter SVs compared to the non-ADT patients, but no difference in SV motion was observed. SV interfractional motion should thus be compensated using the same planning margins, regardless of whether ADT is used.

Tolterodine activates the prefrontal cortex during bladder filling in OAB patients: a real-time NIRS-urodynamics study.

AIMS: Studies of overactive bladder (OAB) have shown urothelial/suburothelial changes and increased bladder afferents, while in the brain the frontal micturition area that normally suppresses the bladder is deactivated. It has been unclear whether anticholinergic medication could reverse this suppression. To address this question, we performed a real-time NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy)-urodynamic study in OAB patients before and after the administration of an anticholinergic agent, tolterodine. METHODS: We recruited 13 OAB patients in our outpatient clinic (9 males, 4 female; mean age 73 years). Before and after the administration of 4 mg/day tolterodine for 3 months, all patients completed the OAB-symptom scale and a NIRS-urodynamics examination. Cerebral changes in the oxy-hemoglobin concentration (oxy-Hb) were sampled. Concentration changes in oxy-Hb were calculated based on a modified Beer-Lambert approach. RESULTS: Tolterodine significantly reduced the OAB patients' nighttime frequency (P < 0.05) and increased their first-sensation volume (290-359 ml, P < 0.01). The number of patients with detrusor overactivity did not lessen significantly (11-9). The real-time NIRS-urodynamic study showed that, during slow bladder filling between start and bladder capacity, tolterodine significantly activated the right frontal micturition area of the OAB patients (P < 0.05). The activation was prominent in Brodmann's area 8, 9, 10 of the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: Tolterodine reduced bladder sensation together with a significant activation of the frontal micturition area of OAB patients, particularly Brodmann's area 8, 9, 10 of the right prefrontal cortex. This activation seems to be a secondary phenomenon, since tolterodine does not easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier.

Separation of Adjacent Light Rare Earth Elements Using Silica Gel Modified with Diglycolamic Acid.

The separation of adjacent rare earth elements (REEs) is a challenging issue due to their chemical similarity. We have investigated the separation of adjacent REEs using four types of adsorbents consisting of silica gel modified with diglycolamic acid with different functional groups at the amide position. For all the adsorbents, the adsorption ratio of REEs increased with the increase in atomic number from La to Sm and then became constant for heavy REEs. Among them, EDASiDGA, an adsorbent containing secondary and tertiary amides, showed a high separation factor for Nd/Pr of 2.8. The EDASiDGA-packed column was tested for individual recovery of Pr, Nd, and Sm. After the adsorption of these REEs from 0.10 M HCl, desorption tests were performed with 0.32 and 1.0 M HCl. As a result, Pr and Nd were eluted separately with 0.32 M HCl, and Sm was recovered with 1.0 M HCl. Since the EDASiDGA-packed column showed excellent separation of Pr/Nd/Sm without any chelating agent, it is promising for practical use.

Imidafenacin on bladder and cognitive function in neurologic OAB patients.

OBJECTIVE: To explore imidafenacin's effects on bladder and cognitive function in neurologic overactive bladder (OAB) patients. METHODS: Sixty-two subjects (25 men, 37 women; mean age 70 years (25-86) with OAB due to neurologic diseases) were enrolled in the study. We conducted a urinary symptom survey and cognitive tests (MMSE, FAB, ADAS-cog) in all patients. We performed urodynamics in 35 patients and measured real-time near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-urodynamics in eight patients before and after the administration of imidafenacin, an anticholinergic agent, for 3 months at 0.2 mg/day. RESULTS: Imidafenacin significantly ameliorated urinary urgency, nighttime urinary frequency, and quality of life index (p < 0.05). Three cognitive measures did not change significantly. Urodynamics showed increased bladder capacity (p < 0.05) but detrusor overactivity did not change significantly. NIRS showed that the subtraction of oxyhemoglobin between the start of filling and the first sensation increased in the bilateral prefrontal area but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Imidafenacin ameliorated bladder sensation without cognitive worsening, with a trend of prefrontal activation. Regarding cognitive function, imidafenacin is safely used in OAB patients due to neurologic diseases. SYNOPSIS: In order to explore imidafenacin (anticholinergic agent)'s effects on bladder and brain function, we performed urinary questionnaire, cognitive tests, urodynamics and near-infrared spectroscopy (selected cases) in 62 overactive bladder (OAB) patients due to various neurologic diseases. As a result, imidafenacin ameliorated bladder sensation without cognitive worsening, with a trend of prefrontal activation. Imidafenacin seems safe in treating OAB patients due to neurologic diseases.

Tumor size before image-guided brachytherapy is an important factor of local control after radiotherapy for cervical squamous cell carcinoma: analysis in cases using central shielding.

We analyzed the local control (LC) of cervical squamous cell carcinoma treated by computed tomography (CT)-based image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) using central shielding (CS). We also examined the value of tumor diameter before brachytherapy (BT) as a factor of LC. In total, 97 patients were analyzed between April 2016 and March 2020. Whole-pelvic (WP) radiotherapy (RT) with CS was performed, and the total pelvic sidewall dose was 50 or 50.4 Gy; IGBT was delivered in 3-4 fractions. The total dose was calculated as the biologically equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions, and distribution was modified manually by graphical optimization. The median follow-up period was 31.8 months (6.3-63.2 months). The 1- and 2-year LC rates were 89% and 87%, respectively. The hazard ratio was 10.11 (95% confidence interval: 1.48-68.99) for local recurrence in those with a horizontal tumor diameter ≥ 4 cm compared to those with < 4 cm before BT. In CT-based IGBT for squamous cell carcinoma, favorable LC can be obtained in patients with a tumor diameter < 4 cm before BT. However, if the tumor diameter is ≥ 4 cm, different treatment strategies such as employing interstitial-BT for dose escalation may be necessary.

Sarcopenia is associated with poor prognosis after chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer: a retrospective analysis.

We intended to investigate whether muscle and adipose masses were associated with prognosis among patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). We retrospectively explored data of patients with stage III NSCLC who underwent definitive CCRT (≥ 60 Gy) between January 2004 and March 2018 at our hospital. We examined the relationship of overall survival (OS) with body mass index (BMI), skeletal muscle index (SMI), psoas muscle index (PMI), visceral adipose tissue index (VAI), subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SAI), and visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio (VSR) using log-rank tests for the univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazard models for the multivariate analysis. Overall, 16, 32, and 12 patients had stage IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC NSCLC, respectively. The total radiotherapy dose ranged from 60 Gy/30 fractions to 66 Gy/33 fractions. In the univariate analysis, the performance status (PS), BMI, and SMI were associated with OS, whereas the PMI, VAI, SAI, and VSR were not. In the multivariate analysis, the PS and SMI were associated with OS. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 2.91 and 1.28-6.64 for PS, and 2.36 and 1.15-4.85 for SMI, respectively. The 1, 3, and 5-year OS rates were 92.1%, 59.6%, and 51.0% in patients with high SMI, and 63.6%, 53.8%, and 17.9% in patients with low SMI, respectively. The SMI correlated with prognosis in our study population, whereas adipose mass did not. Therefore, sarcopenia should be considered while predicting the OS in such patients.

Speciation and separation of platinum(iv) polynuclear complexes in concentrated nitric acid solutions.

Understanding the solution chemistry of Pt(iv) is crucial for the hydrometallurgy of precious metals. To gain such an understanding, the speciation and separation of Pt(iv) complexes in concentrated HNO3 solutions were investigated via Pt LIII edge X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The XAFS results for concentrated HNO3 solutions of Na2Pt(OH)6 revealed the dominant presence of Pt polynuclear complexes, wherein the formation of Pt(iv) polynuclear complexes depended on the metal concentration and the Na2Pt(OH)6 dissolution temperature. The dominant species present in a heated nitrate solution of 0.90 g-Pt L-1 and a non-heated nitrate solution of 3.2 g-Pt L-1 were dinuclear Pt(iv) complexes, whereas those in a heated solution of 3.0 g-Pt L-1 were predominantly larger polynuclear complexes, such as, tetra- and hexa-nuclear complexes. The presence of larger Pt(iv) complexes was confirmed via XAFS spectroscopy, wherein the adsorption of Pt(iv) ions from a 10 M HNO3 solution by a chelating resin functionalised with iminodiacetic acid and a strongly basic anion-exchange resin bearing trimethyl ammonium nitrate was examined. The adsorption of 50 mg L-1 of Pt(iv) by the two resins was tested using aqueous solutions diluted from heated HNO3 solutions with varying metal concentrations, and also from a non-heated solution. We found that Pt(iv) complexes from heating solutions containing high Pt(iv) concentrations displayed high adsorption percentages. In addition, the selective adsorption of Pt(iv) over Pd(ii), Ag(i), Cu(ii), Ni(ii), and Fe(iii) from a 10 M HNO3 solution was achieved using a strongly basic anion-exchange resin.

Visceral Adipose Mass and Radiation Pneumonitis After Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Non-small-cell Lung Cancer.

Aim: To investigate whether muscle and adipose mass are associated with radiation pneumonitis (RP) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients and Methods: We calculated body mass index and determined skeletal muscle, psoas muscle, visceral adipose tissue (VAI), and subcutaneous adipose tissue indices, and visceral-to-subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio for patients using computed tomography. We examined their relationship with grade 2 or more RP. Results: Among 94 patients, 28 experienced grade 2 or more RP. On multivariate analysis, only VAI was associated with grade 2 or more RP (all p=0.026). The 6-month incidence rates of grade 2 or more RP were 21.4% and 36.8% in patients with VAI <39 and ≥39 cm 2 /m 2 , respectively. Conclusion: High visceral adipose mass is associated with grade 2 or more RP in patients undergoing preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Measuring visceral adipose mass may help to predict RP occurrence. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

A PET/CT volumetric parameter predicts prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer treated using preoperative chemoradiotherapy and surgery: A retrospective case series study.

The purpose of the present study was to clarify whether positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) volumetric parameters were prognostic predictors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment in patients who had undergone preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and surgery. In the present study, retrospectively surveyed the data of patients with NSCLC who underwent preoperative CCRT and surgery at Okayama University Hospital (Okayama, Japan) between April 2006 and March 2018. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and volumetric parameters, including metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), were calculated using PET/CT and the percentage decrease (Δ) in each parameter value post-CCRT. The SUVmax threshold for defining MTV was set at 2.5. Furthermore, the association between survival and PET parameter values was analyzed. A total of 52 patients were included in the present study. The median follow-up period was 50.65 months. In univariate analysis, ΔTLG was identified to be a significant predictor of progression-free survival (PFS; P=0.03). The 5-year PFS rates were 48.6 and 76.6% for patients with low ΔTLG and high ΔTLG, respectively. High ΔTLG was indicative of a higher overall survival rate (P=0.08). The present results suggest that ΔTLG calculated using PET/CT is a prognostic predictor of NSCLC treated using preoperative CCRT and surgery, and may help physicians determine treatment strategies.

New field-in-field with two reference points method for whole breast radiotherapy: Dosimetric analysis and radiation-induced skin toxicities assessment.

The usefulness of the field-in-field with two reference points (FIF w/ 2RP) method, in which the dose reference points are set simultaneously at two positions in the irradiation field and the high-dose range is completely eliminated, was examined in the present study with the aim of decreasing acute skin toxicity in adjuvant breast radiotherapy (RT). A total of 573 patients with breast cancer who underwent postoperative whole breast RT were classified into 178 cases with wedge (W) method, 142 cases with field-in-field without 2 reference points (FIF w/o 2RP) method and 253 cases with FIF w/ 2RP method. Using the FIF w/ 2RP method, the high-dose range was the lowest among the three irradiation methods. The planning target volume (PTV) V105% and the breast PTV for evaluation (BPe) V105% decreased to 0.09 and 0.10%, respectively. The FIF w/ 2RP method vs. the FIF w/o 2RP method had a strong association (η) with PTV V105% (η=0.79; P<0.001) and BPe V105% (η=0.76; P<0.001). The FIF w/ 2RP method had a significant impact on lowering the skin toxicity grade in weeks 3 and 4, and increasing the occurrence of skin toxicity grade 0. The FIF w/ 2RP method vs. the W method had a moderate association with skin toxicity grade at week 3 (η=0.49; P<0.001). Using the FIF w/ 2RP method, the high-dose range V105% of the target decreased to 0%, and skin adverse events were decreased in conjunction. For patients with early-stage breast cancer, particularly patients with relatively small-sized breasts, the FIF w/ 2RP method may be an optimal irradiation method.

Radiation pneumonitis after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin/docetaxel for non-small cell lung cancer: Analysis of dose-volume parameters.

BACKGROUND: Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a major pulmonary adverse event of chest radiotherapy. The PACIFIC trial that identified durvalumab as an effective subsequent-line therapy after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) found that patients with grade 2 or higher RP may have to be excluded from treatment under certain criteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between grade ≥2 RP and the parameters of dose-volume histograms after CCRT with cisplatin/docetaxel for stage III non-small cell lung cancer and conduct a subset analysis of severe RP that can lead to the permanent discontinuation of treatment per the PACIFIC trial criteria to help determine treatment strategy. METHODS: We calculated the percentage of the lung volume received at least 5 Gy (V5) and 20 Gy (V20), the mean lung dose (MLD), and the lung volume spared from a 5 Gy dose (VS5) to the total lung volume. Factors affecting the incidence of grade ≥2 RP were identified; severe RP was defined as grade ≥3 as well as grade 2 RP that required ≥10 mg prednisolone for at least 12 weeks. RESULTS: This study included 45 patients. On univariate analysis, all parameters and total lung volume were found to be significant predictors of grade ≥2 RP (P = .001, .003, .03, .004, and .02, respectively). On multivariate analysis, V20 was a significant predictive factor of grade ≥2 RP (P = .007). Severe RP developed in 6 of 37 patients (16.2%) whose V20 values were 35% or lower. On univariate analysis, only V20 was a significant predictor of severe RP in these patients (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: The best approach to reduce the rate of grade ≥2 RP is to maintain the V5, V20, MLD, and VS5 as low as possible during radiotherapy planning in patients receiving definitive CCRT with cisplatin/docetaxel.

Unique Anion-exchange Properties of 3,3'-Diaminobenzidine Resulting in High Selectivity for Rhodium(III) over Palladium(II) and Platinum(IV) in a Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid Solution.

The effective recovery of Rh(III) from mixtures also containing Pd(II) and Pt(IV) is one of the most difficult tasks in platinum group metal refining. Adding 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB) to 7 and 10 M HCl aqueous solutions containing Rh(III), Pd(II), and Pt(IV) chlorido species affords the effective separation of Rh(III) from Pd(II) and Pt(IV) through a process where Rh(III) becomes sequestered into solid phases composed of DAB. The stoichiometry and inner coordination sphere of the metal in Rh-DAB complexes were determined by estimating the Rh(III), H+, and Cl- concentrations in the solid phase and X-ray absorption fine structure measurements to clarify the mechanism of DAB selectivity for Rh(III). These results indicate that the Rh-DAB reaction in a concentrated HCl solution occurs in two steps: (1) the precipitation of DAB trihydrochloride salts, where DAB's amino groups are protonated and (2) anion exchange of the trihydrochloride salts for chloride ions with [RhCl6]3-, which is the predominant species in a concentrated HCl solution. By contrast, ion-pair complexes with [PdCl4]2- and [PtCl6]2- were not observed in DAB phases. The significantly lower affinity of the DAB trihydro cation for [PtCl6]2- and [PdCl4]2- than for [RhCl6]3- in 7 and 10 M HCl solutions accounts for the effective separation of Rh(III) from Pd(II) and Pt(IV).

Prostate Cancer Detection with Multiparametric MRI: A Comparison of 1 M-Concentration Gadobutrol with 0.5 M-Concentration Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents.

INTRODUCTION: Gadobutrol (Gd-DO3A-butrol) (Gadovist®) is a macrocyclic gadolinium-based contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) formulated at 1.0 mmol Gd/ml. Gadobutrol's higher concentration compared to other contrast agents (0.5 mmol Gd/ml) is associated with higher T1 relaxivity. We examined whether gadobutrol increases the accuracy of prostate cancer detection using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiparametric MRI was performed in 379 patients: 94 patients received 1 M gadobutrol while 285 randomly received equivalent doses of 0.5 M gadoterate meglumine or gadopentetate dimeglumine. MRI images were retrospectively and blindly assessed for the presence of cancer by comparing them with prostate biopsy findings. RESULTS: The specificity and accuracy were significantly higher with 1 M gadobutrol than 0.5 M of the other contrast agents. There were no significant differences in the sensitivity, or positive and negative predictive values. CONCLUSION: Multiparametric MRI using 1 M gadobutrol may improve the accuracy of prostate cancer detection.