Oncological outcomes for encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast: Multicentric study of Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology breast cancer study group (TROD 06-014 study).

BACKGROUND: Encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) is a rare malignant papillary breast cancer accounting for approximately .5%-2% of all breast tumors. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate clinicopathologic features of EPC in addition to oncological outcomes and radiotherapy (RT) details. METHODS: From 10 different academic hospitals in Turkey, we obtained pathology reports of 80 patients with histologically confirmed EPC between 2005 and 2022. Demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data were collected from medical records, retrospectively. Local failure, distant progression, toxicity-adverse effects, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival were evaluated, and survival analyzes were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Eighty patients with the diagnosis of misspelled sorry (ECP) were retrospectively evaluated. The median age of the patients was 63 (range, 35-85). After a median follow-up of 48 (range; 6-206) months, local recurrence was observed in three patients (4%). Local recurrence was less common in the patients who received whole breast RT with a tumour bed boost (p = .025). There were not any distant metastasis or disease-related death. RT was applied to 61% of the cases, and no treatment-related grade 3 or higher toxicity was reported in any of the patients. Five year OS, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and  were observed as 85%, 100%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ECP is a rare, slow-progressing breast carcinoma associated with good prognosis, it is a disease of elderly patient, and usually occurs in postmenopausal women. It responds extremely well to optimal local treatments and appropriate adjuvant treatments on a patient basis, and has excellent OS and CSS ratios.

Vaginal cuff brachytherapy practice in endometrial cancer patients: a report from the Turkish Oncology Group.

PURPOSE: The American Brachytherapy Association is attempting to develop standards for delivering brachytherapy, although differences in practice have been reported in the literature. This study evaluated vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VBT) practice and quality of life-related recommendations among Turkish radiation oncologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationwide web-based 17-item survey was distributed to the members of the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology. These members received e-mail notifications, and a link was posted on the Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology internet site to solicit voluntary responses The survey addressed the simulation processes, target volume, prescribed dose, delivery schedules, and recommendations related to vaginal side effects. RESULTS: Fifty-seven radiation oncologists responded to the survey. The most used dose fraction schemes for adjuvant VBT were 7 Gy × 3 fractions (30%), 5.5 Gy × 5 fractions (26%), and 6 Gy × 5 fractions (28%). The preferred VBT scheme was 5 Gy × 3 fractions (50%) when the external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) dose was 45 Gy external radiotherapy, while the preferred schemes were 6 Gy × 3 fractions (30%) or 5 Gy × 3 fractions (32%) when the external radiotherapy dose was increased to 50.4 Gy. One-half of the respondents delivered VBT twice a week, and the dose was prescribed to 0.5 cm from vaginal mucosa by 86% of the respondents. There was no common definition for the dose prescription length, which was defined as 3 cm from the vaginal cuff in 33% of responses and as 4 cm in 35% of responses. For serous and clear cell histological types, 38% of the respondents targeted "full cylinder length". To prevent vaginal side effects, 78% of the respondents recommended using a vaginal dilator and/or sexual intercourse after VBT. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed variations in the clinical practice of VBT among Turkish radiation oncologists, which suggests that standardization is necessary.

Role of vaginal brachytherapy boost following adjuvant external beam radiotherapy in cervical cancer: Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology Gynecologic Group Study (TROD 04-002).

OBJECTIVE: There are a limited number of studies supporting vaginal brachytherapy boost to external beam radiotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of cervical cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the addition of vaginal brachytherapy boost to adjuvant external beam radiotherapy on oncological outcomes and toxicity in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: Patients treated with post-operative external beam radiotherapy ± chemotherapy ± vaginal brachytherapy between January 2001 and January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The treatment outcomes and prognostic factors were analyzed in patients treated with external beam radiotherapy with or without vaginal brachytherapy. RESULTS: A total of 480 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 51 years (range 42-60). At least two intermediate risk factors were observed in 51% of patients, while 49% had at least one high-risk factor. The patients in the external beam radiotherapy + vaginal brachytherapy group had worse prognostic factors than the external beam radiotherapy alone group. With a median follow-up time of 56 months (range 33-90), the 5-year overall survival rate was 82%. There was no difference in 5-year overall survival (87% vs 79%, p=0.11), recurrence-free survival (74% vs 71%, p=0.49), local recurrence-free survival (78% vs 76%, p=0.16), and distant metastasis-free survival (85% vs 76%, p=0.09) rates between treatment groups. There was no benefit of addition of vaginal brachytherapy to external beam radiotherapy in patients with positive surgical margins. In multivariate analysis, stage (overall survival and local recurrence-free survival), tumor histology (recurrence-free survival, local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival), parametrial invasion (recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival), lymphovascular space invasion (recurrence-free survival), and lymph node metastasis (distant metastasis-free survival) were found as negative prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Adding vaginal brachytherapy boost to external beam radiotherapy did not provide any benefit in local control or survival in patients with cervical cancer.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for uterine carcinosarcoma: A retrospective assessment of treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to understand the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and prognostic factors for patients diagnosed with uterine carcinosarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 31 patients receiving adjuvant RT between the dates of September 2003-January 2013 in our clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Surgery was performed in 27 (87%) patients as staging laparotomy, for 4 patients as total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Pelvic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) was 4500-5040 cGy in 25-28 fractions. In addition, 23 patients received brachytherapy following EBRT, 12 patients received adjuvant, and 1 patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT). RESULTS: The median age was 63 (between 30 and 78). The stage distribution of the patients was as follows: Stage I, 20 (64%); Stage II, 7 (23%), and Stage III, 4 (13%) patients. Five-year locoregional control (LRC) rate was 100%, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 65.5% and 66.2%, respectively. Stage I or II patients have a tendency for better 5-year OS and DFS rates than Stage III patients (73.1% vs. 42.9% and 72.7% vs. 42.9%; P = 0.065 and 0.051). Regarding lymph node dissection was performed or not, 5-year OS (64.7% vs. 75.0%) was not statistically different between groups (P = 0.77). Five-year OS and DFS rates were 69.2% and 61.5% for patients receiving CT (adjuvant or neoadjuvant) versus 63.7% and 68.8% for patients not receiving CT; P = 0.63 and P = 0.89, respectively. Based on the analysis of peritoneal washings, 5-year OS was 0% for patients with malignant or suspicious cytology whereas 89% for patients with benign cytology (P = 0.000). A negative correlation was observed between mitotic count of sarcomatous component and DFS time (rs = -0.812 and P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery and adjuvant RT seem beneficial for excellent LRC rate. However, survival rates are low due to distant metastases. Thus, there is a great need for better systemic therapies.

Local recurrence outcomes after breast conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy in ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast and a comparison with ECOG E5194 study.

PURPOSE: Turkish Radiation Oncology Study Group investigated local recurrence rates and prognostic factors in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast treated with breast conservative surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy (RT) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Study E5194 were compared with the original study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Totally 252 patients were evaluated retrospectively. Prognostic factors that might influence local control (age, nuclear grade, comedo necrosis, surgical margins, tumor size, hormone receptor status) were compared. The eligibility criteria of ECOG 5194 were stratified into two groups as in the original study and were compared for local control. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 59 (21-220) months. Local recurrence was observed in 9 patients (3.6%) who had invasive carcinoma (3 patients) and DCIS (6 patients). Ten years local control rates was 91.8% respectively. We found that the risk of ipsilateral breast recurrence was significantly higher in women younger than 50 years old (p = 0.016). In addition, a statistically significant trend was found in patients with tumor larger than 1 cm and HER2 positive tumors (p = 0.051, p = 0.068 respectively). When 12-year results were compared with the ECOG 5194, adjuvant RT produced an absolute difference of 11% in low-intermediate and 20% in high grade in local control. CONCLUSION: In our study, the 10-year local control rate was 92% and younger than 50 years old was the most important unfavorable prognostic factor for local recurrence. There was provided 20% absolute local control with adjuvant radiotherapy which eligibility criteria of ECOG 5194 high grade group.

Evaluation of unusual and highly aggressive variant of endometrium cancer: nonendometrioid endometrium carcinoma of the uterus.

AIMS: To evaluate the survival and treatment outcomes of patients with nonendometrioid endometrium carcinoma after postoperative radiotherapy. METHODS: The records of 94 patients treated with postoperative radiotherapy (RT) between January 2005 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative RT was delivered with a dose of 45-50.4 Gy with 1.8 Gy daily fractions and brachytherapy was added to external RT for 62 patients with a dose of 3 × 6 Gy. Median follow-up time was 35 months (range 6-95 months). RESULTS: Median age was 63 years (range 43-83 years) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) was positive in 15 (16.0%) patients. The stage distribution of the patients was as follows: stage I, 58 (61.7%); stage II, 16 (17.0%); stage III, 18 (19.1%); stage IV, 2 (2.2%). Five-year locoregional control (LRC), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 92.3%, 68.2%, and 78.6%, respectively. In univariable analysis, it was determined that the factors affecting OS rates were stage (p = 0.003), presence of LNM (p = 0.003), and presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (p = 0.007); factors affecting DFS rates were stage (p = 0.019), presence of LVSI (p = 0.002), and having LNM (p = 0.049); and the factor affecting LRC rates was tumor size (>5 cm) (p = 0.011). In subgroup analyses, among all stage I patients, the DFS rates were lower for those with histologic grade 3 tumors and more than ½ myometrial invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its rarity, the prognostic factors and outcomes of nonendometioid endometrium carcinoma are not fully understood. In our analysis, stage, LNM, and presence of LVSI were found to be the most important prognostic factors. In order to tailor the optimal treatment strategy, prospective studies are needed.

Outcome and Predictive Factors in Uterine Carcinosarcoma Using Postoperative Radiotherapy: A Rare Cancer Network Study.

Uterine carcinosarcomas (UCS) are rare tumors. Consensus regarding therapeutic management in non-metastatic disease is lacking. This study reports on outcome and predictive factors when using postoperative radiotherapy. We analyzed a retrospective analysis in 124 women treated between 1987-2007 in the framework of the Rare-Cancer-Network. Median follow-up was 27 months. Postoperative pelvic EBRT was administered in 105 women (85%) and 92 patients (74%) received exclusive or additional vaginal brachytherapy. Five-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), cancer specific survival (CSS) and locoregional control (LRC) were 51.6% (95% CI 35-73%), 53.7% (39-71%), 58.6% (38-74%) and 48% (38-67%). Multivariate analysis showed that external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) >50Gy was an independent prognostic factor for better OS (P=0.03), CSS (P=0.02) and LRC (P=0.01). Relative risks (RR) for better OS (P=0.02), DFS (P=0.04) and LRC (P=0.01) were significantly associated with younger age (≤60 years). Higher brachytherapy (BT)-dose (>9Gy) improved DFS (P=0.04) and LRC (P=0.008). We concluded that UCS has high systemic failure rate. Local relapse was reduced by a relative risk factor of over three in all stages of diseases when using higher doses for EBRT and brachytherapy. Postoperative RT was most effective in UCS stage I/II-diseases.

The retrospective analysis of patients with uterine sarcomas: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Uterine sarcomas are rare, malignant, gynecological tumors and show diverse histopathological features. Therefore, there is no consensus on risk factors for poor outcome and optimal treatment. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to report the clinical outcome of patients with uterine sarcoma treated at a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data was obtained regarding the patient's demographic characteristics, pathological results, treatments given, survival, and complications of all uterine sarcoma patients treated in a single center between the years 2000 and 2012. The 80.month overall survival. (OS) was determined with respect to prognostic factors including age, stage of disease, histopathological type, and adjuvant treatment. RESULTS: A total of 57 case records are retrieved for this retrospective analysis. The mean age of the patients is 62.5 ± 11.2 years. International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage distribution is stage I: 29; stage II: 13; stage III: 9; stage IV: 6. Fifty-seven patients underwent surgery, 33 received postoperative radiotherapy (PORT), and 32 received chemotherapy. Median follow-up period was 25 months (range 2-85 months). The 80-month OS for the entire group of patients was 36.7%. The significant prognostic factors for survival are age under 50 years, stage of disease, and adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Although limited by small sample size and retrospective nature, age under 50 years, stage of disease, and adjuvant chemotherapy are significant prognostic factors for survival for uterine sarcomas.

Treatment results and prognostic factors of patients with vulvar cancer treated with postoperative or definitive radiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Vulvar cancer is a relatively uncommon type of gynecologic cancer. The aim of this study is to analyze the treatment results and prognostic factors of vulvar cancer. METHODS: Forty-four vulvar cancer patients treated between 2000 and 2011 at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, were retrospectively reviewed. External radiotherapy (RT) was applied with 6-18 MV linear accelerators with 1.8 Gy daily fractions with a median total dose of 50.4 Gy (45-59.4 Gy) for postoperative cases and 64.8 Gy (range 54-66 Gy) for definitive cases. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Among 44 patients with a median age of 68 years (range 28-86), 14 (31.8%) were treated with curative and 30 (68.2%) were treated with postoperative RT or radiochemotherapy (RCT). According to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, 11 (25%) had stage IB, 10 (22.7%) had stage II, 6 (13.6%) had stage IIIA, 5 (11.4%) had stage IIIB, and 12 (27.3%) had stage IVA disease. Within a median of 24 months (range 6-135) of follow-up, 11 (27.3%) patients had local recurrence, 8 had regional recurrence, 2 had both local and regional recurrence, and 6 had distant metastases. Five-year locoregional, disease-free, and overall survival rates were 45%, 40%, and 54%, respectively. Older age, poor tumor differentiation, positive surgical margin, and lymphovascular space invasion were found to be important prognostic factors for disease-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis of vulvar cancer remains poor even with a multidisciplinary approach. Molecular prognostic factors need to be defined for individualized treatment options to achieve better treatment results.

Adverse effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer: single institute experience.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The main purpose of this study is to assess the known adverse effects of adjuvant endocrine therapy for non-metastatic breast cancer patients and to present our single center experience with light of literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant radiotherapy in Medical School of Ege University between January 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated for this trial after obtaining their acceptance. Vital findings, bone mineral densitometry, endometrium thickness measured with trans-vaginal ultrasonography, biochemical results including liver function tests and blood lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglyceride) were recorded for each controls. Socio-demographic data, financial statuses, medical history, co-morbid diseases were obtained from first controls. Patients were followed without any local recurrence and distant metastases until June 2011. RESULTS: Endometrium thickness was not seen in AI using patients. As compared with tamoxifen group, lack of thickness in AI group was statistically significant (p = 0.000). When compared the values before AI, the number of patients who had osteoporosis was gradually increasing. The decrease was seen in the number of patients with osteopenia. The number of patients with normal lipid profile was gradually increasing up to the second evaluation for tamoxifen group (p = 0.000). On the other hand, the number of patients with hyperlipidemia was increasing for AIs group in follow-up period statistically (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: With the aid of careful patient follow and effective disease management strategies, the negative effect over the QoL can be minimized and also the greatest benefit from endocrine therapy can be obtained.

Quality of life assessment in women with breast cancer: a prospective study including hormonal therapy.

PURPOSE: Evaluating the effect of hormonal treatment on quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer patients by using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment (FACT) questionnaire is the main purpose of this trial. METHODS: Breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant between January 2007 and December 2009 were evaluated. The first survey was done after patients completed their whole adjuvant treatment except for the hormonal therapy and this was as 'basal assessment.' The second survey was done 6 to 12 months after the basal surveys during their routine policlinic controls. The last survey was done within the last 18 to 24 months of the follow-up period. RESULTS: The effect of marital status, number of pregnancies, residence in the village or city, hemoglobin levels, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for any other reason except for breast cancer on the QoL could not be seen. Endocrine subscale scores were detected to be higher in patients aged >60 years than in younger ones. The other dimension scores were low in the elderly patient group. There was a statistically significant relationship between being >30 years old and improvement in the social well-being score (p=0.028). The functional well-being scores were found to be significantly higher in the patient group that had no comorbid disease (p=0.018). Endocrine subscale scores were statistically worse in patients who had psychiatric disease (p=0.057) but the general QoL data were similar with others. It was shown that all QoL scores for all dimensions had statistically significant changes (p<0.001) in terms of hormonal regimes. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of breast cancer was found to be an independent factor that affects social well-being and social life in a negative way. We must give attention to complaints including complaints about sexual life and hormonal status in order to ensure compliance of patients with the required hormonal regimens. By the help of future research, we can improve the prognosis of this disease through increased treatment adherence and belief of patients.

Phase II study of loading-dose ibandronate treatment in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases suffering from moderate to severe pain.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of loading-dose intravenous (i.v.) ibandronate in women with breast cancer and bone metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, phase II, open-label study, 13 women with breast cancer, bone metastases, and moderate/severe bone pain received ibandronate 6 mg/day (i.v. loading-dose 15 min infusion over 3 consecutive days) with follow-up until day 14. Endpoints included pain response (primary), duration until pain response, analgesic use, Karnofsky index, safety (including hematologic, biochemical, and urine examinations), and adverse events. RESULTS: Pain intensity decreased on days 7 and 14 versus day 1 (mean visual analogue scale score: 3.2 ± 2.2 and 3.0 ± 2.1 versus 6.1 ± 0.9, respectively; p < 0.01 for both). Mean time to pain response was 8.2 ± 3.3 days. Mean rate of analgesic use decreased (69.2%, 16.7% and 15.4% on days 1, 7 and 14, respectively). Mean Karnofsky index score increased (80.8 ± 13.1 and 80.8 ± 13.2, on days 7 and 14 versus 77.7 ± 11.7 on day 1; p < 0.05 on both days). CONCLUSION: Bone pain and analgesic use decreased in women with breast cancer and bone metastases following loading dose i.v. ibandronate which was well-tolerated with no renal safety concerns.

Outcome and prognostic factors in endometrial stromal tumors: a Rare Cancer Network study.

PURPOSE: To provide further understanding regarding outcome and prognostic factors of endometrial stromal tumors (EST). METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the records of 59 women diagnosed with EST and treated with curative intent between 1983 and 2007 in the framework of the Rare Cancer Network. RESULTS: Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) were found in 44% and undifferentiated ESS (UES) in 49% of the cases. In 7% the grading was unclear. Of the total number of patients, 33 had Stage I, 4 Stage II, 20 Stage III, and 1 presented with Stage IVB disease. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 12 patients, all with UES. External-beam radiotherapy (RT) was administered postoperatively to 48 women. The median follow-up was 41.4 months. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 96.2% and 64.8% for ESS and UES, respectively, with a corresponding 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate of 49.4% and 43.4%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, adjuvant RT was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.007) and DFS (p = 0.013). Locoregional control, DFS, and OS were significantly associated with age (≤60 vs. >60 years), grade (ESS vs. UES), and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (I-II vs. III-IV). Positive lymph node staging had an impact on OS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prognosis of ESS differed from that of UES. Endometrial stromal sarcomas had an excellent 5-year OS, whereas the OS in UES was rather low. However, half of ESS patients had a relapse. For this reason, adjuvant treatment such as RT should be considered even in low-grade tumors. Multicenter randomized studies are still warranted to establish clear guidelines.

Validation of the Turkish versions of EORTC QLQ-C30 and BR23 modules in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To test the validity and reliability of The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) core (QLQ-C30) and breast cancer module (QLQ-BR23) for Turkish breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 127 patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) enrolled to this prospective study. EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 modules applied to patients before initiation of RT and at follow-up period. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Questionnaires' were found reliable and valid for Turkish breast cancer patients. Six of the 8 multi-item scales of QLQ-C30 had a high reliability (Cronbach's ? >0.7); where physical functioning and pain scores were less reliable (Cronbach's ? of 0.66 and 0.68 respectively). In the QLQ-BR23, 3 of 5 multi-item scales were reliable; less reliable were breast and arm symptoms scale (Cronbach's ? of 0.65 and 0.61 respectively). In our analysis the most determinative subscales of QLQ-C30 on global health was emotional functioning followed by fatigue, role functioning and appetite loss (respectively p=0.002, p=0.01; p=0.03 and p=0.08). Among QLQ-BR23 scales systemic therapy SIDE effects, future perspective and upset by hair loss subscales had high impact on global health status (respectively p=0.006; p=0.01 and p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 modules are reliable and valid tools to assess quality of life of Turkish breast cancer patients.

The interaction between antioxidant status and cervical cancer: a case control study.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: To compare the antioxidant status of cervical cancer patients with healthy controls and to assess the antioxidant levels before and after radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Antioxidant levels (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde) were measured in 35 patients with cervical cancer and 35 age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were collected twice (before and after treatment) from cervical cancer patients and once from healthy control subjects. RESULTS: In the patient group, pre-radiotherapy glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly lower (P <0.01 and P <0.0001, respectively) than the control group. Pre-radiotherapy levels of superoxide dismutase were significantly higher in cancer patients (P <0.01). In general, no difference was observed between pre- and post-radiotherapy antioxidant levels in cancer patients. However, when post-radiotherapy glutathione levels were analyzed, patients who did not respond to treatment had significantly higher levels than those who did respond (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of antioxidants significantly differed between the patients with cervical cancer and the controls, and no change in antioxidant levels was observed after treatment. Moreover, further studies evaluating the predictive value of glutathione levels on treatment response are warranted.

Evaluation of burnout syndrome in oncology employees.

Burnout is an important occupational problem for health care workers. We aimed to assess the burnout levels among oncology employees and to evaluate the sociodemographic and occupational factors contributing to burnout levels. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, which is designed to measure the three stages of burnout-emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA), was used. The study sample consisted of 90 participants with a median age of 34 (range 23-56). The mean levels of burnout in EE, DP and PA stages were 23.80 +/- 10.98, 5.21 +/- 4.99, and 36.23 +/- 8.05, respectively, for the entire sample. Among the 90 participants, 42, 20, and 35.6% of the employees had high levels of burnout in the EE, DP, and PA substage, respectively. Sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with higher levels of burnout included age of less than 35, being unmarried, being childless, >40 work hours per week, working on night shifts, and <10 years experience in the medicine/oncology field. Within all oncology clinics, medical oncology employees had the highest levels of burnout. Furthermore, employees who are not pleased with working in oncology field, who would like to change their specialty if they have an opportunity, and whose family and social lives have been negatively affected by their work experienced higher levels of burnout. Burnout syndrome may influence physical and mental health of the employee and affects the quality of health care as well. Therefore, several individual or organizational efforts should be considered for dealing with burnout.

Palliative radiotherapy for the skin metastasis of ovarian cancer: a case report and review of the literature.

Ovarian cancer which is the most common cause of death among all gynecological malignancies tends to metastasize through peritoneal cavity. Skin metastasis, however, is a very rare clinical entity and related with poor prognosis. We report a 43-year-old patient with recurrent ovarian cancer presented with extensive abdominal skin metastasis approximately 6 years after the initial diagnosis. Patient was treated with radiotherapy with electrons to a total dose of 37.5 Gy given in 2.5 Gy per fraction per day. Skin metastasis showed good response to radiotherapy, and the patient has been alive for 7 months after radiotherapy with no recurrences on abdominal skin. Radiotherapy might be considered as an efficient palliative treatment option for the skin metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Radiotherapy in maxillary sinus carcinomas: evaluation of 79 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of patients with maxillary sinus carcinoma after radiotherapy regarding local control, prognostic factors and morbidity of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1983 and December 1996, 79 cases of maxillary sinus carcinoma without any evidence of distant metastases, were treated with radiotherapy. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (65.8%) were male and 27 (34.2%) were female. The median age was 57. Histologically 62% were epidermoid carcinoma, 32.9% were non-epidermoid carcinoma and 5.1% were unclassified. Sixteen patients (20.5%) had T2, 25 (29.8%) had T3 and 38 (49.7%) had T4 tumour while 13 patients (16.5%) had lymph node metastases. Fifty-nine patients (74.4%) underwent surgical resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy and 20 patients (25.3%) received radiotherapy alone. The median follow-up was 71 months; 5-year overall survival and local control rates were 53% and 54% respectively. Prognostic factors influencing the overall survival were histologic type (epidermoid carcinoma, p = 0.02), advanced T stage (p = 0.04), postoperative residual tumour (p = 0.002) and lymph node involvement (p = 0.01) whereas the factors influencing local control were histologic type (p = 0.05) and postoperative residual tumour (p = 0.005). Late radiation morbidity were cataract (11.4%), loss of vision (8.9%), trismus (5.1%) and hearing loss (2.5%). CONCLUSION: In maxillary sinus carcinomas high rates of local control can be achieved with surgery and radiotherapy. Postoperative radiotherapy can have a positive impact on local control and overall survival especially in patients with early stage tumour of non-epidermoid histology and without residual disease after surgery.