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Given the important position and function of the hypopharynx, the preservation of organ function and survival improvement are equally important. The optimal role of multi-disciplinary combined treatment modality becoming increasingly important. The optimal laryngeal preservation strategy for hypopharyngeal cancer is under continuous exploration. With the constant research of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and molecular targeted therapy, new laryngeal preservation strategies continue to emerge. Herein, we primarily summarize the advances in multi-disciplinary combined treatment and the future direction in the treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.
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Objective:To investigate and understand current status of radiotherapy resources in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and analyze the radiotherapy needs of ASEAN countries, aiming to provide suggestions for China's radiotherapy technology international assistance work.Methods:We created a database of 10 ASEAN countries using open-source data, including data on population size, per capita gross national income, new cancer cases, and radiotherapy equipment (megavolt units). We also estimated the number of cases requiring radiotherapy and the demand for radiotherapy equipment. Descriptive statistics were used to present aggregate data and national data.Results:In 2020, the number of new cancer cases in ASEAN countries was 1.0992 million, and the estimated total number of cancer patients requiring radiotherapy was 700 300. The number of radiotherapy equipment required was 1 406. At present, the actual number of radiotherapy equipment in ASEAN countries is 564, and there is a certain gap between the existing radiotherapy resources in some ASEAN countries and the actual needs of cancer patients in their own countries. In 2040, the estimated number of new cancer cases in ASEAN countries will be 1.803 million, and the estimated total number of cancer patients who need radiotherapy in ASEAN countries will be 1.141 2 million. The number of required radiotherapy equipment will be 2 287. By 2040, the growth rate of radiation therapy equipment demand in ASEAN countries will be 305%, and all ASEAN countries need to allocate more radiotherapy resources to cope with the increase in the number of cancer patients and radiotherapy demand.Conclusions:ASEAN countries have a huge demand for radiotherapy in the next two decades, while there are significant differences among different countries. China's precision radiotherapy science and technology have huge potential for ASEAN countries. Radiotherapy science and technology international assistance work based on the needs of ASEAN countries will help China's radiotherapy continue to exert influence and promote the health and well-being of people in ASEAN countries.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nimotuzumab in the treatment of advanced head and neck tumors by using meta-analysis.Methods:Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) treated with nimotuzumab were searched from databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Wanfang Data and CNKI) for meta-analysis. The efficacy evaluation indexes included overall survival, progression-free survival, disease-free survival, objective response rate, and complete response rate. Adverse reactions were analyzed for safety evaluation. The heterogeneity results were evaluated by Chi-square test, the degree of heterogeneity was evaluated by I2, and the literature was statistically analyzed by random effects model. Results:A total of 11 RCT were included, consisting of 1 202 patients (602 in the intervention group and 600 in the control group). Compared with the control group, the overall survival was significantly prolonged, death risk was decreased by 22% ( HR=0.78, 95% CI=0.63-0.95, P=0.014), the progression-free survival was prolonged and the risk of disease progression was declined by 35% ( HR=0.65, 95% CI=0.53-0.81, P<0.01), and the disease-free survival was prolonged and the risk of recurrence was decreased by 29% ( HR=0.71, 95% CI=0.55-0.91, P<0.01), the objective response rate ( RR=1.37, 95% CI=1.20-1.55, P<0.01) and complete response rate ( RR=1.30, 95% CI=1.15-1.46, P<0.01) were significantly improved in the intervention group. In addition, adding nimotuzumab did not increase the incidence of adverse reaction ( RR=0.98, 95% CI=0.93-1.03, P=0.41). Conclusion:Nimotuzumab can significantly prolong long-term survival and improve short-term efficacy with high safety in LA-HNSCC patients.
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Objective:To evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics and prognosis of second primary malignancies (SPMs) among patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) in real-world analysis.Methods:A total of 594 HPC patients admitted to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The incidence and clinical characteristics of HPC patients complicated with SPMs were analyzed. Clinical efficacy was compared among different groups.Results:With a median follow-up time of 66.9 months, SPMs were present in 36.4% (216/594) of HPC patients: 22.2% (132/594) were synchronous and 14.1% (84/594) were metachronous. The upper aerodigestive tract was the most common involved region. Compared with patients without SPMs, patients with synchronous and metachronous carcinoma in situ had similar 5-year overall survival (OS) of 42.2% vs. 44.5% ( P=0.958) and 62.2% vs. 44.5% ( P=0.240), respectively. Patients with synchronous invasive SPMs had a worse 5-year OS of 27.2% vs. 44.5% in their counterparts without SPMs ( P=0.001). Patients with metachronous invasive SPMs had similar 5-year OS of 50.2% vs. 44.5% in their counterparts without SPMs ( P=0.587). SPMs accounted for 42.5% of total death in metachronous invasive SPMs group. Conclusions:Patients with HPC have a high probability of developing SPMs. Moreover, the incidence of complicated with esophageal/gastric carcinoma in situ or metachronous SPMs exerts no effect on prognosis, while the occurrence of synchronous SPMs significantly affectes the prognosis of patients. However, the incidence of SPMs is still one of the main death causes in metachronous invasive SPMs group.
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Objective:To evaluate the value of chemoradiotherapy and surgery in cervical esophageal cancer (CEC).Methods:Data of 459 patients with CEC from 2004 to 2017 were collected and retrospectively analyzed from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) database of National Cancer Institute (US). All patients were divided into the chemoradiotherapy group ( n=379) and surgery group ( n=80) according to the treatment methods. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method and survival curve was drawn. Multivariate survival analysis was conducted by Cox proportional hazards regression model. The death rate of different causes between two groups was calculated by cumulative incidence function (CIF). The differences of death rate between two groups were evaluated by Fine-Gray competing risk model. By analyzing the clinical characteristics and survival of CEC patients, the overall survival (OS) was compared between the surgery and chemoradiotherapy groups. Results:The 2- and 5-year survival rates in the chemoradiotherapy group were 43.1% and 22.4%, while those of the surgical group were 46.8% and 26.0%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the OS between the chemoradiotherapy and surgery groups ( P=0.750). Cox multivariate analysis showed that treatment (surgery group vs. chemoradiotherapy group) was not an independent prognostic factor for OS. Based on the results of competing risk analysis, the risk of esophageal cancer-specific death in the chemoradiotherapy group was higher than that in the surgery group, and the difference was statistically significant between two groups ( P<0.001). The risk of other cause-specific death in the chemoradiotherapy group was lower than that in the surgery group ( P<0.001). The proportion of patients who died of oral, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal and laryngeal diseases in the surgery group was significantly higher than that in the chemoradiotherapy group(all P<0.001). Conclusions:No significant difference is observed in the OS of CEC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy or surgery. In the surgery group, the risk of esophageal cancer-specific death is lower, whereas the risk of other cause-specific death is higher compared with those in the chemoradiotherapy group.
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Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features and treatment outcomes of the value of response-adapted treatment following radiotherapy and induction chemotherapy follwing subsequent comprehensive therapy in patients with resectable locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods:This cohort study was conducted from September 2010 to September 2020 in our hospital, 231 patients pathologically confirmed stage Ⅲ and ⅣB resectable locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma included. For the IC-directed ART strategy, IC is used to select good candidates to receive radical RT or CCRT, and others undergo surgery. He response-adapted strategy was determined based on the primary tumor response, which was evaluated at a dose of 50 Gy. If the response reached complete response or partial response(more than 80% tumor regression), patients received radical RT or CCRT; otherwise, they received surgery, if possible, at 4 to 6 weeks after RT. The end points of the study were OS(overall survival), progression free survival(PFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival(LRRFS) and LDFS. Results:In IC-directed group, 75.0%(57/76) patients reached PR after 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy. While in RT-directed group, 70.3%(109/155) patients reached large PR at dose of 50 Gy. The median interquartile range follow-up period of the whole cohort was 63.8 months. The 5-year OS, PFS, LRRFS and SFL of the whole cohort were 47.9%、39.6%、44.3% and 36.2%, respectively. In evaluations based on the different treatment strategies, the 5-year OS and SFL were 51.3% versus 37.0%(HR 0.67; 95%CI 0.43-1.05; P=0.07) and 27.8% versus 39.8%(HR 0.68; 95%CI 0.46-0.99; P=0.04) between IC-directed and RT-directed groups. In additional, surgery complications did not significantly differ between these two groups. Conclusion:In this cohort study, the response-adapted strategy based on an early RT response facilitated better treatment tailoring, and higher laryngeal preservation compared with IC-directed strategies. This approach could provide a feasible laryngeal preservation strategy in patients with resectable locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma.
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Male , Humans , Cohort Studies , Chemoradiotherapy , Carcinoma , Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy , Induction ChemotherapyABSTRACT
Objective:To analysis the clinical features and prognosis in oropharyngeal carcinoma with secondary primary tumor. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 468 pathologically confirmed oropharyngeal cancer as the primary tumor patients with p16 status, excluded distant metastasis, and admitted to the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2010 to December 2020. The clinical features and prognosis of the secondary primary tumor were analyzed. Results:Among 468 patients with oropharyngeal cancer treated at initial diagnosed, 222 cases were P16-negative. With a median follow-up time of 64.3 months, 66 cases developed second primary cancer, with an incidence of 29.3%, among which 63.6%(42/66) were synchronous and 36.4%(24/66) were heterochronous, esophagus was the most commonly involved site. The 5-year OS of p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma with synchronous second primary cancer, without second primary cancer and with heterogeneous second primary cancer were 26.3% and 57.3% and 73.2%(P=0.001); The second primary cancer accounted for 11.2%(12/107) of the deaths in the whole group, among them, the heterochronous second primary accounted for 75.0%(9/12). There were 246 patients with p16 positive, with a median follow-up time of 52.4 months, 20 patients developed second primary cancer(8.1%). Among them, 65.0%(13/20) were synchronous and 35.0%(7/20) were heterochronous. Esophagus was the most commonly involved site. The 4-year OS of p16-positive with synchronous, heterochronous and non-second primary cancer group were 51.9%, 80.7% and 83.3%. Secondary primary cancer accounted for 3.8%(2/52) of all deaths in p16 positvie group. Conclusion:The incidence of second primary cancer of p16 positive and negative oropharyngeal carcinoma were different. The esophagus was the most commonly involved site regardless of p16 status. Regardless of p16 status, the survival of patients with synchronous second primary cancer was worse than those without second primary cancer. For p16-negative oropharyngeal carcinoma, the prognosis was better in patients with heterogeneous second primary cancer, the second primary cancer is one of the main causes of death.
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Humans , Carcinoma/diagnosis , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Neoplasms, Second Primary/diagnosisABSTRACT
Oropharyngeal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of head and neck. In recent years, the incidence of Human papilloma virus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(HPV-OPSCC) has been increasing year by year. With the advancement of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the wide application of intensity modulated radiation therapy, and the demand of patients for organ function protection and higher quality of life, the unique biological behavior and better prognosis of HPV-OPSCC have led to the exploration of a series of attenuated treatment modes. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment status of oropharyngeal cancer and related research progress based on relevant reports.
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Humans , Papillomavirus Infections/diagnosis , Quality of Life , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/therapy , Head , Papillomaviridae , Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy , Head and Neck NeoplasmsABSTRACT
Adaptive radiation therapy (ART) has been proposed as a method to account for changes in head and neck cancer and normal tissues to enhance the therapeutic ratios. Online magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) using hybrid MR-Linac systems is a novel innovative application in ART for head and neck cancer. The concept of MR-Linac systems is the ability to acquire MR images for ART and also online imaging during treatment delivery. Daily ART allows to improve the targeting accuracy while avoiding organs at risk for head and neck cancer. Although an increasing number of studies related to clinical application and technical aspect of MRgRT in head and neck cancer have been published, MRgRT for ART of head and neck cancer remains in its infancy. The purpose of this article is to summarize and discuss the rationale, clinical implementation, and prospect of this promising adaptive radiotherapy modality for treating head and neck cancer.
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Cervical lymph metastasis carcinoma from unknown primary tumor (CCUP) accounts for 3% to 5% of all malignant tumors of head and neck. With the development of PET-CT, molecular pathology, endoscopy and other auxiliary examinations and the advancement of radiotherapy technology, the diagnostic and treatment levels of CCUP have been gradually improved. Surgery and radiotherapy are the most important treatment methods of CCUP. However, due to its low incidence and heterogeneity, prospective clinical trial data are still lacking. Hence, the optimal therapy of CCUP remains highly controversial. In this article, research progresses on the diagnosis and treatment of CCUP in recent years were reviewed.
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Objective:To investigate the feasibility of surface-guided hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis with open face mask immobilization.Methods:Nineteen patients treated with hypo- fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis in our hospital were included. Before the start of treatment, each patient underwent simulation with open face mask immobilization. During the treatment, cone-beam CT(CBCT)images were collected for verification each time. Laser-guided positioning was used for the first time in the treatment, and surface images were captured after six-dimensional position correction as the reference images for subsequent treatment. Subsequent treatment was randomly divided into laser-guided positioning group(LG, 85/F)and optical surface-guided positioning group(SG, 101/F). The six-dimensional error data of patients with two positioning methods were compared and expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Meanwhile, the correlation and consistency between the optical surface error data and the gold standard CBCT error data were compared in the laser-guided fraction. GraphPad Prism 6.0 software was used for data processing and mapping, and SPSS 21.software was used for mean analysis and normality test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation, and Bland-Altman plot analysis was used to test the coincidence between two methods.Results:Compared with the laser-guided positioning, the 3D error of optical surface-guided positioning was reduced from(0.35±0.16)cm to(0.14±0.07)cm. The Pearson coefficient of correlation along all three directions was less than 0.01,R 2 was 0.91,0.70 and 0.78 on Lat, Lng and Vrt, and R 2 was 0.75,0.85 and 0.77 on Pitch, Roll and Rtn(all P<0.01), respectively. The measurement results of two methods were positively correlated. The Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that the 95% limits of agreement were within preset 3 mm tolerance([-0.29 cm, 0.19 cm], [-0.25 cm, 0.25 cm], [-0.27 cm, 0.19 cm]), and the 95% limits of agreement were within preset 3° tolerance(Pitch[-1.76°,1.76°], Roll[-1.54°,1.60°], ROT[-2.18°,1.69°]), indicating agreement between two methods. Conclusions:The optical surface-guided positioning can reduce the setup errors in the hypo-fractionated radiotherapy for intracranial metastasis with open face mask immobilization. The optical surface error and CBCT error have good correlation and agreement.
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The prognosis of patients with clinical stage Ⅱ nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been significantly improved by the application of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Although the NCCN guidelines recommend concurrent chemoradiotherapy strategies for clinical stage Ⅱ nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the evidence is mostly based on the research results under the condition of two-dimensional conventional radiotherapy, and whether combined chemotherapy is required under the condition of IMRT faces challenges. In this article, current research progress on chemotherapy for clinical phase Ⅱ nasopharyngeal carcinoma was reviewed. Several studies have shown that concurrent, adjuvant and induction chemotherapy failed to improve the efficacy but significantly increased the incidence of toxic and side effects. Because of the heterogeneity in clinical stage Ⅱ nasopharyngeal carcinoma, some studies have found that high-risk patients could benefit from chemotherapy. Currently, how to distinguish high-risk patients in clinical stage Ⅱ nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a hot spot. The characteristics of metastatic lymph nodes, EB virus DNA, inflammatory markers, and other factors have certain reference value for screening high-risk patients, which needs further verification. The prediction model integrating multiple tumor characteristics seems to better identify high-risk groups and guide the treatment decision of high-risk stage Ⅱ nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
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Objective:To evaluate the psychological pain of patients with head and neck cancer aged ≥60 years old before and after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods:Distress Thermometer (DT)(Chinese version) was used to investigate the degree and problems of psychological pain before and after IMRT for 85 elderly patients with head and neck cancer. The results before and after IMRT were compared by paired t-test. Relevant factors were identified by Logistic regression analysis. Results:The median age in the cohort was 66 years old (60-85 years old). The incidence rates of psychological pain were 73% and 87% before and after IMRT ( P<0.001). The corresponding incidence rates of severe distress were 6% and 34%( P<0.001). The main distress problems before IMRT were memory loss/attention deficit, worry, oral pain, economic problems, stress, sleep problems, and dry nose. The significantly-increased distress problems after IMRT were oral pain, constipation, eating, nausea, and dry nose. Logistic regression analysis showed gender ( OR=5.520, 95% CI 1.437-21.212, P=0.013), pre-treatment PG-SGA score ( OR=1.220, 95% CI 1.048-1.421, P=0.010) and medical insurance ( OR=0.230, 95% CI 0.053-0.995, P=0.049) were the relevant factors of the severe psychological distress before IMRT. Occupation ( OR=2.286, 95% CI 1.291-4.050, P=0.005) and medical insurance ( OR=0.089, 95% CI 0.029-0.276, P<0.001) were the relevant factors of severe psychological distress after IMRT. Conclusion:The incidence rate of distress is high in elderly patients with head and neck cancer before IMRT, which can be aggravated after IMRT, primarily the treatment-related physical pain problems.
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Objective:To identify the population who can obtain clinical benefit from concurrent chemoradiotherapy through the survival analysis during concurrent chemoradiotherapy in different subgroups.Methods:All data from a phase Ⅲ randomized controlled clinical trial were collected to compare the efficacy between preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and preoperative radiotherapy from 2002 to 2012 in Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. A total of 222 patients received radiation therapy with a median dose of 69.96 Gy (27.56-76.00 Gy). The cisplatin chemotherapy regimen was adopted and the median dose was 250 mg (100-570 mg). In total, 98 patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The survival analysis was conducted with Kaplan- Meier method and univariate analysis was performed with log-rank test. The multivariate prognostic analysis was conducted with Cox’s regression model. Results:The median follow-up time was 59 months (7-139 months). Among them, 104 patients were assigned in the chemoradiotherapy group and 118 patients in the radiotherapy alone group. The local and regional recurrence rates did not significantly differ between two groups (both P>0.05), while chemoradiotherapy tended to decrease the distant metastasis rate compared with the radiotherapy alone (14.4% vs. 24.6, P=0.058). Univariate analysis showed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly increased the local recurrence-free survival in the early N stage subgroup ( P=0.009), and there was an increasing trend in patients aged≤55 years and female patients ( P=0.052, 0.066). The distant metastasis-free survival was significantly improved in T 4( P=0.048), N 3( P=0.005), non-IMRT treatment ( P=0.001) and hypopharyngeal carcinoma ( P=0.004) subgroups, there was an increasing trend in male ( P=0.064), high-and moderate-grade squamous cell carcinoma ( P=0.076) and non-surgical treatment subgroups ( P=0.063). Multivariate analyses showed that concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly prolonged the progression-free survival and overall survival in patients aged≤55 years ( P=0.017 and 0.039), women ( P=0.041 and 0.039), high-and moderate-grade squamous cell carcinoma ( P=0.006 and 0.022), N 3 stage ( P=0.001 and 0.017), non-surgical treatment ( P=0.007 and 0.033) and non-IMRT treatment subgroups ( P=0.030 and 0.024), and it significantly increased the progression-free survival in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma ( P=0.022). Conclusion:Concurrent chemoradiotherapy can be actively delivered for young age, female, high-and moderate-grade squamous cell carcinoma, N 3 stage, non-surgical treatment and non-IMRT treatment patients.
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Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant carcinoma that is closely associated with Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. After the comprehensive treatment based on modern intensity-modulated radiation therapy, the oncological outcomes can be further improved. The main target of treatment is to increase the efficacy of patients with high risk and recurrent/metastatic (R/M) NPC. Recently, continuous progress has been made in the application of immunotherapy in the field of cancer treatment. Based on the accumulated knowledge on EBV antigen and immune checkpoint inhibitors, significant progress has been made in use of immunotherapy in treating R/M-NPC. Immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy will become the hot spot in the clinical management of patients with newly-diagnosed high-risk NPC.
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Objective:To evaluate the application value of deep deconvolutional neural network (DDNN) model for automatic segmentation of target volume and organs at risk (OARs) in patients with nasopharngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods:Based on the CT images of 800 NPC patients, an end-to-end automatic segmentation model was established based on DDNN algorithm. Ten newly diagnosed with NPC were allocated into the test set. Using this DDNN model, 10 junior physicians contoured the region of interest (ROI) on 10 patients by using both manual contour (MC) and DDNN deep learning-assisted contour (DLAC) methods independently. The accuracy of ROI contouring was evaluated by using the DICE coefficient and mean distance to agreement (MDTA). The coefficient of variation (CV) and standard distance deviation (SDD) were rendered to measure the inter-observer variability or consistency. The time consumed for each of the two contouring methods was also compared.Results:DICE values of gross target volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV), MDTA of GTV and CTV by using DLAC were 0.67±0.15 and 0.841±0.032, (0.315±0.23) mm and (0.032±0.098) mm, respectively, which were significantly better than those in the MC group (all P<0.001). Except for the spinal cord, lens and mandible, DLAC improved the DICE values of the other OARs, in which mandible had the highest DICE value and optic chiasm had the lowest DICE value. Compared with the MC group, GTV, CTV, CV and SDD of OAR were significantly reduced (all P<0.001), and the total contouring time was significantly shortened by 63.7% in the DLAC group ( P<0.001). Conclusion:Compared with MC, DLAC is a promising method to obtain superior accuracy, consistency, and efficiency for the GTV, CTV and OAR in NPC patients.
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On the basis of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)-based comprehensive treatment, the 5-year overall survival rate of initially-treated nasopharngeal carcinoma patients without recurrence and metastasis has reached 80%, local regional control rate has exceeded 90%, whereas approximately 10%-15% of patients will suffer from local and/or nodal recurrence after initial treatment. The factors affecting the decision-making of re-treatment mainly include the causes of local and/or nodal recurrence of nasopharngeal carcinoma after initial treatment, selection of re-treatment, side effects and efficacy after re-treatment. This article summarizes the recent progress on these issues above.
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Objective To train individualized three-dimensional (3D) dose prediction models for radiotherapy planning,and use the models to establish a planning quality control method.Methods A total of 99 cases diagnosed as early nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) were analyzed retrospectively,who received simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).Seven geometric features were extracted,including the minimum distance features from each organs at risk (OARs) to planning target volume (PTV),boost targets and outline,as well as four coordinate position characteristics.89 cases were trained and 10 cases were tested based on 3D dose distribution prediction models using artificial neural network (ANN).A planning quality control method were established based on the prediction models.The dosimetric parameters including D2%,D25%,D50%,D75% and mean dose (MD) of each OAR were used as quality control indicators,and the passing criteria was defined as that the dosimetric difference between manual planning and the predicted dose should be less than 10%.The quality control method was tested with 10 plans ()esigned by a junior physicist.Results There was no significant discrepancy between the model predicted dose and the result of expert plan in the main dosimetric indexes of 18 OARs.The dose differences of D2%,D25%,D50%,D75% and MD were all controlled within 1.2 Gy.All the 10 plans designed by a junior physicist reached the general clinical dose requirements,while by using our proposes quality control method,one of these plans was observed not optimal enough and some dosimetric parameters of spinal cord,spinal cord PRV,brainstem and brainstem PRV could be improved.After re-optimizing this plan according to the predicted values of the model,the D2% of spinal cord and brainstem decreased by 8.4 Gy and 5.8 Gy,respectively.Conclusions This study proposes a simple and convenient quality control method for radiotherapy planning.This method could overcome the disadvantage of unified dose constrains without considering patient-specific conditions,and improve the quality and stability of individualized radiotherapy planning.
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Objective To investigate the pattern of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with locally advanced (T3,T4) laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LALSC) and provide reference for the delineation of clinical target volume.Methods Clinical data of 272 patients with LALSC treated in our hospital from 2000 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients underwent bilateral neck dissection (at least level Ⅱ-Ⅳ).The LNM ratio of each node level was calculated.The risk factors of LNM were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results LNM was found in 156 of 272 patients (57.1%).According to the location of primary lesions,all patients were divided into group A (n=72;unilateral without midline involvement),group B (n=86;unilateral with midline involvement) and group C (n=114;giant or central).In group A,the LNM ratio at ipsilateral level Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 36.3%,26.4% and 6.9%,whereas 13.9%,8.3% and 1.4% at the contralateral level,respectively.In group B,the LNM ratio at ipsilateral level Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 1.9%,29.1% and 11.6%,whereas 18.6%,14.0% and 1.2% at the contralateral level,respectively.In group C,the LNM ratio at the left neck level Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ was 24.6%,23.7% and 2.6%,whereas 21.9%,26.3% and 6.1% at the right neck,respectively.Bilateral LNM ratio did not significantly differ between group A and group B/C (15.3%,25.0%,P=0.093).Ipsilateral level Ⅲ metastasis (OR=2.929,95%CI 1.041-8.245,P=0.042) and clinical N stage (OR=0.082,95%CI 0.018-0.373,P=0.001) were associated with contralateral LNM.Ipsilateral level Ⅱ(P=0.043) or Ⅲ(P=0.009)metastasis were risk factors of the ipsilateral level Ⅳ metastasis.Conclusions Neck levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ are the high-risk LNM regions,whereaslevels Ⅳ and Ⅴ are the low-risk areas.Ipsilateral level Ⅱor Ⅲ metastases are the risk factors of ipsilateral level Ⅳ and contralateral cervical LNM.Contralateral neck LNM rarely occurs in cN0 stage patients.
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Objective:To compare the effects of comprehensive treatment with different combinations of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery on the survival of patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC).Methods:From September 2002 to May 2012, 222 patients were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial to compare the clinical efficacy between preoperative radiotherapy and preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The chemotherapy was performed at the beginning of the radiotherapy, with cisplatin 30 mg/m 2 every week. Conventional radiotherapy or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) was adopted. Clinical efficacy was evaluated during radiotherapy to 50 Gy in all patients. Whether surgery or original treatment regime was given was determined according to the clinical efficacy. The survival of different therapeutic methods was analyzed by Kaplan- Meier method. Results:The median follow-up time was 59 months (7-139 months). All patients were divided into four groups: radiotherapy group (R group, n=84), concurrent chemo-radiotherapy group (R+ C group, n=67), preoperative radiotherapy group (R+ S group, n=34) and preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (R+ C+ S group, n=37). The 5-year overall survival rates were 32%, 44%, 51%, and 52%, respectively (R+ C+ S group vs. R group, P=0.047). The 5-year progression-free survival rates were 34%, 48%, 49%, and 61%, respectively (R+ C Group vs. R group, P=0.081; R+ C+ S group vs. R group, P=0.035). The 5-yeal distant metastasis-free survival rates were 70%, 85%, 65%, and 73%, respectively (R+ C group vs. R+ S group, P=0.064; R+ C group vs. R+ S group, P=0.016). Conclusions:Compared with radiotherapy alone, comprehensive treatment with different combinations can improve the long-term survival of LA-HNSCC patients. Radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy has a tendency to improve the distant metastasis-free survival rate, The optimal comprehensive treatment modality that improves the overall survival of LA-HNSCC patients remains to be explored.