Palliative radiotherapy for painful bone metastases from solid tumors delivered with static ports of tomotherapy (TomoDirect): feasibility and clinical results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and response to palliative radiotherapy delivered with static ports of tomotherapy--TomoDirect (TD) in patients affected with painful bone metastases from solid tumors. METHODS: A prospective cohort of 130 patients (185 osseous lesions) was treated between 2010 and 2013 with TD. Three fractionation schedules were employed according to clinical decision-making (3 Gy × 10; 4 Gy × 5; 8 Gy × 1). Pain response was investigated at 2 weeks and 2 months (for evaluable patients). The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) was used to assess pain. Response rates to radiotherapy were calculated following the criteria of the International Bone Metastases Consensus Group (IBMCG), accounting for the use of concomitant analgesics (response: complete or partial; non-response: stable pain, pain progression or "other"). Analgesic consumption was recalculated into the daily oral morphine-equivalent dose (OMED). RESULTS: Most of the patients had 1-2 bone metastases (91); those with multiple lesions mostly had a metachronous presentation (60%). Synchronous lesions were mainly approached with multiple plans (63%). Most treatments employed 3-4 fields (77%). Treatment times ranged from 255 to 939 s depending on fractionation, fields, and target lesions number. At 2 weeks, the median self-reported worst pain decreased significantly as median oral morphine-equivalent dose regardless of fractionation used. The response rate according to the IBMCG-based response categories ranged from 45 to 55%. Pain relief duration seems (response at 2 months) slightly inferior with the single fraction approach, with a higher re-treatment rate. At 2 weeks, the median self-reported worst pain and OMED significantly decreased regardless of fractionation (response rate: 49-55%). Pain relief decreased at 2 months, especially for single fraction (higher re-treatment rate). CONCLUSION: TD is a valid option to deliver palliative radiotherapy for painful bone metastases from solid tumors.

Impact of beam complexity on plan delivery accuracy verification of a transmission detector in volumetric modulated arc therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of beam complexity on VMAT delivery accuracy evaluated by means of a transmission detector, together with the possibility of scoring plan complexity. METHODS: 43 clinical VMAT plans delivered by a TrueBeam linear accelerator to both Delta4 Discover and Delta4 Phantom+ for patient-specific quality assurance were evaluated. Global Dose-γ analysis, MLC-γ analysis, percentage of leaves with a deviation between planned and measured leaf tip position lower than 1 mm (LD) were computed. Modulation complexity score (MCSv), average leaf travel (LT), a multiplicative combination of LT and MCSv (LTMCS), percentage of leaves with speed lower than 5 mm/s (LS), from 5 to 20 mm/s (MS), higher than 20 mm/s (HS) and the average value of leaf speed (MLCSav) were evaluated by means of an home-made Matlab script. RESULTS: Dose-γ passing rate showed a moderate correlation with MCSv, LT, MLCSav, LS and HS, while a stronger positive correlation was found with LTMCS. A strong correlation was observed between LD and both LT and leaves speed, while a weak correlation was observed with MCSv. A correlation between MLC-γ pass rate and plan complexity parameters was found except for MCSv; a moderate correlation with LS was observed, while all other parameters showed weak correlations. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the possibility to establish correlations between plan complexity indices versus dose distribution and MLC parameters measured by a transmissive detector. Further investigation is necessary to define specific values of the complexity indices to evaluate whether a VMAT plan is deliverable as intended.

Clinical evaluation of a deep learning CBCT auto-segmentation software for prostate adaptive radiation therapy.

Purpose: Aim of the present study is to characterize a deep learning-based auto-segmentation software (DL) for prostate cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to evaluate its applicability in clinical adaptive radiation therapy routine. Materials and methods: Ten patients, who received exclusive radiation therapy with definitive intent on the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, were selected. Femoral heads, bladder, rectum, prostate, and seminal vesicles were retrospectively contoured by four different expert radiation oncologists on patients CBCT, acquired during treatment. Consensus contours (CC) were generated starting from these data and compared with those created by DL with different algorithms, trained on CBCT (DL-CBCT) or computed tomography (DL-CT). Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), centre of mass (COM) shift and volume relative variation (VRV) were chosen as comparison metrics. Since no tolerance limit can be defined, results were also compared with the inter-operator variability (IOV), using the same metrics. Results: The best agreement between DL and CC was observed for femoral heads (DSC of 0.96 for both DL-CBCT and DL-CT). Performance worsened for low-contrast soft tissue organs: the worst results were found for seminal vesicles (DSC of 0.70 and 0.59 for DL-CBCT and DL-CT, respectively). The analysis shows that it is appropriate to use algorithms trained on the specific imaging modality. Furthermore, the statistical analysis showed that, for almost all considered structures, there is no significant difference between DL-CBCT and human operator in terms of IOV. Conclusions: The accuracy of DL-CBCT is in accordance with CC; its use in clinical practice is justified by the comparison with the inter-operator variability.

Dosimetric characterization and use of GAFCHROMIC EBT3 film for IMRT dose verification.

Radiochromic film has become an important tool to verify dose distributions in highly conformal radiation therapy such as IMRT. Recently, a new generation of these films, EBT3, has become available. EBT3 has the same composition and thickness of the sensitive layer of the previous EBT2 films, but its symmetric layer configuration allows the user to eliminate side orientation dependence, which is reported for EBT2 films. The most important EBT3 characteristics have been investigated, such as response at high-dose levels, sensitivity to scanner orientation and postirradiation coloration, energy and dose rate dependence, and orientation dependence with respect to film side. Additionally, different IMRT fields were measured with both EBT3 and EBT2 films and evaluated using gamma index analysis. The results obtained show that most of the characteristics of EBT3 film are similar to the EBT2 film, but the orientation dependence with respect to film side is completely eliminated in EBT3 films. The study confirms that EBT3 film can be used for clinical practice in the same way as the previous EBT2 film.

Preliminary evaluation of a novel secondary check tool for intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment planning.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dosimetric accuracy of the Delta4 Insight (DI) secondary-check dosimetry system. METHODS: Absolute dosimetry in reference conditions, output factors, percent depth doses normalized and off-axis dose profiles for different field sizes calculated by DI were compared with measurements. Dose calculations for 20 clinical IMRT/VMAT plans generated in the TPS using both AAA or AcurosXB algorithms were compared with measurements. The average difference between calculated and measured point dose in high-dose region was calculated for all cases. 3D dose measurements were performed in Delta4 Phantom+ and a comparison between calculated and measured dose distributions was performed by means of the gamma analysis with 3 %/2 mm criteria. The dose distributions calculated by DI for 20 IMRT/VMAT plans were compared with those calculated by the TPS. RESULTS: The absolute dosimetry computed by DI showed dose value in agreement with the measured one within 0.3 %. The average differences between measured and calculated output factors were less than 2.5 %. The average PDD differences were less than 0.6 %. An excellent agreement between calculations and off-axis measurements is found. The point doses calculated for the 20 recalculated plan showed good agreement with measurements with average differences less than 0.5 %. The average gamma pass rate values for the Delta4 Phantom + 3D dose analysis was greater than 97.%. The comparison of DI with theTPS showed good agreement for the used metrics. CONCLUSIONS: Delta4 Insight may provide a useful independent secondary dose verification system for IMRT/VMAT plans, complementing the traditional global QA protocols.

Accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole breast radiotherapy with concomitant photon boost after conserving surgery for early stage breast cancer: a prospective evaluation on 463 patients.

The current standard therapeutic option for early stage breast cancer (EBC) employs a multimodality treatment approach including conservative surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. The most common adjuvant radiotherapeutic strategy consists of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) delivered to the whole breast using 1.8-2 Gy fractions given five times a week, up to a total dose of 45-50 Gy over a period of 5 weeks. In recent years, altered schedules employing larger dose per fraction delivered in fewer treatment sessions over a shorter overall treatment time began to be explored. We herein present clinical data on accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole-breast radiotherapy delivered on a daily basis for a total treatment time of 20 fractions. Between February 2005 and June 2009, a total of 463 patients underwent hypofractionated accelerated adjuvant radiation after conservative surgery for early breast cancer (pathological stage pTis, pT1 or pT2, pN0-N1). The basic course of radiotherapy consisted of 45 Gy, to the whole breast in 20 fractions with 2.25 Gy/fraction; an additional daily boost dose of 0.25 Gy was concomitantly delivered, to the lumpectomy cavity, for an additional total dose of 5 Gy. The cumulative nominal dose was 50 Gy. At follow-up, patients were examined at 3 and 6 months after the end of radiotherapy and twice a year afterward. Toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group /European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer toxicity scale. Cosmetic results were assessed in agreement with the Harvard criteria. All the 463 patients treated with the accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole-breast radiotherapy schedule achieved at least 6 months' follow-up and subsequently were considered for the present analysis. With a median follow-up of 27 months, 5-year DFS is 93.1%. Only three patients experienced disease recurrence: two of them with an axillary nodal relapse; one patient with systemic spread. No local relapse occurred. No major toxicities (grade 3 or more) were detected during follow-up. Only 2% of the patients experienced grade 3 skin toxicity at the very end of the radiotherapy course. Cosmetic result was assessed and scored at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years: 100% of patients showed excellent or good cosmetic result. The explored accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant radiotherapeutic approach for early breast cancer with concomitant photon boost seems to be feasible providing consistent clinical results with excellent short-to-medium-term toxicity profile.

Moderately Hypofractionated Radiotherapy with Simultaneous Integrated Boost in Prostate Cancer: A Comparative Study with Conventionally Fractionated Radiation.

BACKGROUND: To report 5-year clinical outcomes and toxicity in organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa) for low- and intermediate-risk patients treated with a moderately hypofractionated schedule of radiotherapy (RT) delivered with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) compared to a conventionally fractionated RT regimen. METHODS: Data of 384 patients with PCa treated between August 2006 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The treatment schedule consisted of hypofractionated RT (HYPO FR) with SIB up to 70 Gy to the prostate gland and 63 Gy to seminal vesicles delivered in 28 fractions or in conventionally fractionated RT (CONV FR) up to a total dose of 80 Gy in 40 fractions. Patient allocation to treatment was based on the time period considered. For intermediate-risk patients, androgen deprivation was given for a median duration of 6 months. The 5-year biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Furthermore, we evaluated gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities. Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to test the impact of clinical variables on both outcome and toxicity. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients was treated with hypofractionated RT and 186 with the conventional schedule. At a median follow-up of 5 years, no significant differences were observed in terms of GI toxicity and outcome between the two groups. Early GU toxicity was significantly increased in HYPO FR, while late GU toxicity was significantly higher in CONV FR. In HYPO FR, a biochemical relapse occurred in 12 patients (6.1%), and 9 patients (4.5%) reported a clinical relapse (4 local, 2 locoregional, and 3 systemic recurrence). In CONV FR, 15 patients (8.1%) experienced a biochemical relapse and 11 patients (5.9%) showed a clinical relapse (5 local, 4 locoregional, and 3 systemic recurrences). Early grades 1-2 GU and GI toxicities were observed in 60 (30.3%) and 37 (18.7%) patients, respectively, in the hypofractionated group and in 33 (17.7%) and 27 (14.5%) patients, respectively, in the conventionally fractionated RT group. Late GU and GI toxicities occurred in 1 (0.51%) and 8 (4.1%) patients, respectively, in HYPO FR. In CONV FR, 5 (2.7%) and 6 (3.2%) patients experienced late GU and GI toxicities, respectively. The 5-year OS, bRFS, and CSS were 98.9%, 94.1%, and 99.5%, respectively, in HYPO FR, and 94.5%, 92.1%, and 99.0%, respectively, in CONV FR. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in this study showed that moderately hypofractionated RT employing SIB can be an effective approach providing valuable clinical outcomes with an acceptable toxicity profile.

Olfactory neuroblastoma treated with minimally invasive surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy: a case report and review of the literature.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ON) is a rare tumour of the olfactory neuroepithelium that is characterized by a pattern of slow growth and local recurrences. Combination of surgery and radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy, is considered to be the standard of care for primary site disease. Recent literature supports the view that endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy correlates with better outcome. In this short communication, we present a case report of olfactory neuroblastoma arising in the right nasal sinus in a 34-year-old male. This patient was treated with endoscopic resection and external beam radiotherapy to the right nasal sinus with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. After 2 years follow-up, the patient is free of tumour without any late effect related to therapies. We believe that, in such patients, a treatment strategy including endoscopic resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy may be effective and feasible and should be considered the gold standard of care.

The role of radiation therapy in vulvar cancer: review of the current literature.

The purpose of this article is to discuss the current role of radiation therapy in vulvar cancer and especially to review the recent literature relative to the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in disease management. Owing to the low incidence of vulvar cancer, at present there are no available results of cooperative prospective trials. As evidenced in dosimetric and preliminary retrospective clinical studies, the use of IMRT has resulted in superior normal tissue sparing and lower rates of acute and chronic toxicities compared to previous studies that used conventional approaches. Data on long-term outcomes in these patients remain limited.

Ten-year results of accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole-breast radiation with concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity after conserving surgery for early breast cancer.

Accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) is considered a standard therapeutic option for early breast cancer (EBC) in the postoperative setting after breast conservation (BCS). A boost to the lumpectomy cavity may further increase local control. We herein report on the 10-year results of a series of EBC patients treated after BCS with hypofractionated WBRT with a concomitant photon boost to the surgical bed over 4 weeks. Between 2005 and 2007, 178 EBC patients were treated with a basic course of radiotherapy consisting of 45 Gy to the whole breast in 20 fractions (2.25 Gy daily) with an additional boost dose of 0.25 Gy delivered concomitantly to the lumpectomy cavity, for an additional dose of 5 Gy. Median follow-up period was 117 months. At 10-year, overall, cancer-specific, disease-free survival and local control were 92.2% (95% CI 88.7-93.4%), 99.2% (95% CI 96.7-99.7%), 95.5% (95% CI 91.2-97.2%) and 97.3% (95% CI 94.5-98.9%), respectively. Only eight patients recurred. Four in-breast recurrences, two axillary node relapses and two metastatic localizations were observed. Fourteen patients died during the observation period due to other causes while breast cancer-related deaths were eight. At last follow-up, ≥G2 fibrosis and telangiectasia were seen in 7% and 5% of patients. No major lung and heart toxicities were observed. Cosmetic results were excellent/good in 87.8% of patients and fair/poor in 12.2%. Hypofractionated WBRT with concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity after BCS in EBC led to consistent clinical results at 10 years. Hence, it can be considered a valid treatment option in this setting.

Correction to: Ten-year results of accelerated hypofractionated adjuvant whole-breast radiation with concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity after conserving surgery for early breast cancer.

An error inadvertently occurred in the discussion of the original publication when citing the local relapse rates of the EORTC 22881-10882 trial ('boost vs no boost trial').

Hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy and concomitant boost after breast conservation in elderly patients.

AIMS: To report the 5- and 10-year results of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) with concomitant boost to the tumor bed in 83 consecutive patients with early breast cancer aged >70 years. METHODS: All patients were treated with breast conservation and hypofractionated WBRT. The prescription dose to the whole breast was 45 Gy (2.25 Gy/20 fractions) with an additional daily concomitant boost of 0.25 Gy to the surgical cavity (2.5 Gy/20 fractions up to 50 Gy). The maximum detected toxicity was scored according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0. We considered as skin toxicity: erythema, edema, desquamation, ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis, telangiectasia, fibrosis-induration, hyperpigmentation, retraction and atrophy. Cosmetic results were assessed as set by the Harvard criteria. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 60 months (range 36-88), no local recurrence was observed. The maximum detected acute skin toxicity was G0 in 57% of patients, G1 in 40% and G2 in 3%. Late skin and subcutaneous toxicity was generally mild with no ≥G3 events. The cosmetic results were excellent in 69% of patients, good in 22%, fair in 5%, and poor in 4%. CONCLUSIONS: The present results support the use of hypofractionation employing a concomitant boost to the lumpectomy cavity in women aged >70 years. This is a convenient treatment option for both this type of population and health-care providers.

Multi-variable models of large International Prostate Symptom Score worsening at the end of therapy in prostate cancer radiotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE: Prospectively assessing clinical/dosimetry factors affecting the acute worsening of urinary functionality after radiotherapy for prostate cancer. MATERIAL/METHODS: DUE01 population was considered, including patients treated with conventional or moderate hypo-fractionation (2.2-2.7 Gy/fr). Relevant clinical factors were collected, urinary symptoms were self-reported through the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before and at the end of radiotherapy; while absolute weekly dose-surface histograms (DSHw) were chosen as dosimetry descriptors. An IPSS increase of at least 10 and 15 points (ΔIPSS ⩾ 10 and ΔIPSS ⩾ 15) were chosen as endpoints. Patients with baseline IPSS>20 were excluded. Relevant factors were chosen through a bootstrap-based in silico methodology. RESULTS: Complete information was available for 380 patients: 77/380 (20%) and 28/380 (7%) with ΔIPSS ⩾ 10 and ΔIPSS ⩾ 15, respectively. Neoadjuvant hormone was protective (OR=0.49 and 0.69). DSHw at 8.5 Gy/week and 12 Gy/week were risk factors, with additional risk for patients who use cardiovascular drugs and anti-hypercholesterolemia drugs. In the hypo-fractionated subgroup (n=209) the role of cardiovascular drugs (OR=2.16) for ΔIPSS ⩾ 10 and anti-hypercholesterolemia drugs (OR=2.80) for ΔIPSS⩾15, together with DSHw (10 Gy/week and 12.5 Gy/week, respectively), was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Current study shows a dose-surface/volume effect for acute large worsening of urinary functionality; several clinical variables largely impact the risk and especially all the factors related with vascular diseases.

Dosimetric evaluation of a commercial 3D treatment planning system using the AAPM Task Group 23 test package.

The accuracy of the dose calculation algorithm is one of the most critical steps in assessing the radiotherapy treatment to achieve the 5% accuracy in dose delivery, which represents the suggested limit to increase the complication-free local control of tumor. We have used the AAPM Task Group 23 (TG-23) test package for clinical photon external beam therapy to evaluate the accuracy of the new version of the PLATO TPS algorithm. The comparison between tabulated values and calculated ones has been performed for 266 and 297 dose values for the 4 and 18 MV photon beams, respectively. Dose deviations less than 2% were found in the 98.5%- and 90.6% analyzed dose points for the two considered energies, respectively. Larger deviations were obtained for both energies, in large dose gradients, such as the build-up region or near the field edges and blocks. As far as the radiological field width is concerned, 64 points were analyzed for both the energies: 53 points (83%) and 64 points (100%) were within +/-2 millimeters for the 4 and 18 MV photon beams, respectively. The results show the good accuracy of the algorithm either in simple geometry beam conditions or in complex ones, in homogeneous medium, and in the presence of inhomogeneities, for low and high energy beams. Our results fit well the data reported by several authors related to the calculation accuracy of different treatment planning systems (TPSs) (within a mean value of 0.7% and 1.2% for 4 and 18 MV respectively). The TG-23 test package can be considered a powerful instrument to evaluate dose calculation accuracy, and as such may play an important role in a quality assurance program related to the commissioning of a new TPS.

Bilateral breast radiation delivered with static angle tomotherapy (TomoDirect): clinical feasibility and dosimetric results of a single patient.

We herein report on a case of synchronous bilateral breast cancer patient undergoing adjuvant intensity-modulated whole breast with static angle tomotherapy (TomoDirect). The patient was treated with a hypofractionated schedule employing a simultaneous integrated boost approach. Radiotherapy schedule was 45 Gy/20 fractions (2.25 Gy daily) to the bilateral whole breast and 50 Gy/20 fractions (2.5 Gy daily) to the 2 lumpectomy cavities. Treatment was delivered over 4 weeks. Dosimetric results were robust with consistent target coverage and adequate normal tissue avoidance. Treatment was generally well-tolerated and acute toxicity profile was mild. The present report highlights the promising clinical feasibility of TomoDirect for bilateral breast irradiation.

Penile metastasis from prostate cancer: a case report.

Metastatic involvement of the penis is rare. About 80% of secondary lesions originate from pelvic primary tumors, mainly bladder and prostate. We present a case of prostatic mucinous adenocarcinoma with penile metastasis symptomatic for pain, which was treated with external-beam radiation (35 Gy/14 fractions; 2.5 Gy daily) combined with androgen deprivation, resulting in complete pain relief and objective response after treatment.

Cerebellar glioblastoma multiforme in an adult woman.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent primary central nervous system malignancy in adults, accounting for 50% of all primary intracranial malignancies. GBM mostly arises within the cerebral hemispheres and frequently affects patients in the fifth and sixth decades of life. Conversely, primary cerebellar GBM is a rather infrequent occurrence in the adult population, accounting for 1%-2.2% of all GBMs. Here we report a case of cerebellar GBM in an adult woman and provide an extensive review of the literature. METHODS: A 42-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for occipital constrictive headache, dizziness and gait disturbance. Multimodality imaging including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a right cerebellar mass. Gross total resection was performed. Histological examination showed grade IV GBM according to the World Health Organization classification, with a synchronous component of low-grade glioma. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for p53 and negativity for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). After surgical tumor excision, the patient underwent adjuvant radiation to the posterior fossa with an intensity-modulated approach for a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. In addition, she received concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide. RESULTS: Treatment was well tolerated, with mild acute toxicity. There was no evidence of recurrence on brain and spinal gadolinium-enhanced MRI scans 4, 8 and 12 months after primary surgery. No late side effects were recorded. CONCLUSION: Our patient had several immunohistochemical characteristics of secondary glioblastoma such as p53 positivity, EGFR negativity and the presence of a low-grade glioma component. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy allowed us to safely deliver full-dose radiation with sparing of critical structures.

Minimizing a tricky situation in breast irradiation with helical tomotherapy.

We report on a patient with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant intensity-modulated whole breast and lymph node irradiation with static angle tomotherapy (TomoDirect), who experienced a traumatic ipsilateral humeral fracture and was able to continue radiotherapy with helical tomotherapy and daily dosimetric monitoring by means of the Planned Adaptive module.

Intensity-modulated and hypofractionated simultaneous integrated boost adjuvant breast radiation employing statics ports of tomotherapy (TomoDirect): a prospective phase II trial.

PURPOSE: To report the 1-year outcomes of a prospective phase II study on hypofractionated whole-breast intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IM-WBRT) with a simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) to the tumor bed delivered with static ports of tomotherapy (TomoDirect) (TD). METHODS: A prospective cohort of 82 patients was enrolled between 2011 and 2012. Treatment schedule consisted of 45 Gy/20 fractions to the whole breast and 50 Gy/20 fractions to the surgical bed delivered concomitantly with TD over 4 weeks. A one-armed optimal two-stage Simon's design was selected to test the hypothesis that treatment modality under investigation would decrease acute skin toxicity over historical data using conventional fractionation and sequential boost. Primary endpoint was acute skin toxicity. Secondary endpoints included late toxicity, cosmesis, quality of life and local control. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 12 months (range 6-18). Maximum detected acute skin toxicity was G0 41 %; G1 53 %; G2 6 %; G3 <1 %. With two G2-G3 acute skin toxicity events in the first stage and four in the second, the study fulfilled the requirements for the definition of the treatment approach under investigation as promising. Late skin toxicity was mild with no >G2 events. Cosmesis was good/excellent in 91 % of patients and fair/poor in 9 %. Quality of life was preserved over time, with the exception of fatigue, which was transiently increased. CONCLUSIONS: Hypofractionated IM-WBRT with a SIB to the tumor bed delivered with TD provides consistent clinical results and it is able to reduce acute skin toxicity rate over conventionally fractionated and sequential boost tomotherapy-based IM-WBRT.

Hypofractionation and concomitant boost to deliver adjuvant whole-breast radiation in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): a subgroup analysis of a prospective case series.

To report the four-year outcomes of accelerated hypofractionated whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) with a concomitant boost (CB) to the tumor bed in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), we performed a subgroup analysis of 103 patients affected with DCIS within a cohort of 960 early breast cancer patients treated with breast conservation and hypofractionated WBRT. Prescription dose to the whole breast was 45 Gy (2.25 Gy/20 fractions) with an additional daily CB of 0.25 Gy to the surgical cavity (2.5 Gy/20 fractions up to 50 Gy). With a median follow-up of 48 months (range 12-91), no local recurrence was observed. Maximum detected acute skin toxicity was as follows: G0 in 35 % of patients, G1 in 54 %, G2 in 9 % and G3 in 2 %. Late skin and subcutaneous toxicity were generally mild with only 1 % of patients experiencing ≥G3 events (telangiectasia). No major lung and heart toxicity were detected. Cosmetic results were excellent in 50 % of patients, good in 37 %, fair in 9 % and poor in 4 %. Quality of life had a generally favorable profile both within the functioning and symptoms domains. The present result supports the hypothesis that DCIS patients could be safely treated with a hypofractionated schedule employing a CB to the lumpectomy cavity.