Long-term evaluation of the safety of a rectal-prostate spacer, the ProSpace® balloon, in patients treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Due to the close proximity of the prostate and rectum, rectal toxicity remains a major problem in patient treated by radiotherapy for prostate adenocarcinoma. One method of increasing the distance between the prostate and the rectum is to use a spacer implanted into the rectoprostatic space. This report describes the long-term outcomes obtained with a new ballon spacer. METHODS: Patients treated with curative radiotherapy for low- or intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma, who underwent insertion of the ProSpace® (BioProtect Ltd, Tzur Yigal, Israel) rectal-prostate balloon spacer, were included. The main objective was to evaluate the dosimetric benefit of the spacer for OARs. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of ProSpace® balloon placement and to evaluate its long-term therapeutic efficacy and tolerance. RESULTS: Between October 2013 and March 2015, 16 patients were enrolled in the Pasteur Clinic, Toulouse, France. The median follow-up was 85.5 months. From top to bottom, the space created was a mean of 16.3 mm (range: 11-20.5 mm) at the base of the prostate, 12.1 mm (range: 4-16 mm) at the middle and 8.9 mm at the apex (range: 5-15 mm). On average, rectal volumes receiving a dose of 70 Gy, 60 Gy and 50 Gy were significantly lower after balloon implantation: -4.81 cc (1.5 vs. 6.3; p < 0.0005), -8.08 cc (6.4 vs. 14.5; p = 0.002) and -9.06 cc (16.7 vs. 25.7; p = 0.003), respectively. There were significant differences in coverage after balloon implantation: Median V95% (p < 0.0005), median Dmin (p = 0.01) and median V98% (p < 0.001) were higher after balloon implantation. At 5 years, cumulative gastrointestinal toxicity was grade 1 in 6% (1/16 patients). No toxicity of grade 2 or higher was found. At 5 years, no urinary toxicity grade 3 or 4 toxicity was found. The QoL was not deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the ProSpace® balloon seems to be well accepted by patients, allowing a double dosimetric gain: a decrease in doses received by the rectum and an improvement in the coverage of the high-risk PTV. The long-term gastrointestinal toxicity remains low and QoL is preserved in all treated patients.

Stereotactic body radiation therapy for multiple lung cancers in a patient with six primary cancers: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the standard care for patients with early-stage lung cancer, and stereotactic body radiation therapy is an option for those who are medically inoperable or refuse surgery. Medical developments in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies would prolong prognosis of patients with cancer. The number of patients with multiple cancers has also increased. Duplex primary malignant neoplasms are the most common, and triple or more primary malignant neoplasms were extremely rare. This is the first case of sextuple primary malignant neoplasms with lung cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of two courses of stereotactic body radiation therapy for an 88-year-old Japanese male patient with six primary cancers in five organs. Cancers were detected in the thyroid, prostate, esophagus, bladder, and lungs. He also had a history of angina pectoris and had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. Although he was capable of undergoing surgery for lung cancers, he refused it because he had experienced many invasive treatments, such as surgeries and percutaneous coronary intervention. In January 2020, the first stereotactic body radiation therapy was performed for the adenocarcinoma in the right lung. In March 2022, the second stereotactic body radiation therapy was performed for the nodule of the left lung. Although he complained of mild dyspnea after the first stereotactic body radiation therapy, we did not use steroids because his peripheral oxygen saturation was within the normal range. He had pleural effusion, cardiac dilatation, and pericardial effusion 2 months after the second stereotactic body radiation therapy, which improved with the use of compression stockings. CONCLUSION: A total of 43 and 17 months have passed since the first and second stereotactic body radiation therapy, respectively, there is no local recurrence and the patient can walk independently. We safely performed stereotactic body radiation therapy twice for our older patient with metachronous early-stage lung cancers. If another new tumor is detected, stereotactic body radiation therapy would be a good treatment option for the functional preservation of organs.

Preliminary result of combined treatment with scanning carbon-ion radiotherapy and image-guided brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma.

Although there is growing evidence of the efficacy of carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) for locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma, reports on combined treatment with CIRT and image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) are scarce. We retrospectively analyzed patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2008) stage II-IVA locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma who received combined scanning CIRT (sCIRT) and IGBT between April 2019 and March 2022. sCIRT consisted of whole-pelvic irradiation with 36 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) in 12 fractions and subsequent local boost irradiation with 19.2 Gy (RBE) in 4 fractions. Three sessions of IGBT were administered after completion of sCIRT. Concurrent chemotherapy using weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2/week) was also administered. Efficacy, toxicity and dose-volume parameters were analyzed. Fifteen patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up period was 25 months. The 2-year overall survival, progression-free survival and local control rates were 92.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 77.8-100%), 52.5% (95% CI = 26.9-78.1%) and 84.8% (95% CI = 65.2-100%), respectively. Neither severe acute toxicity necessitating treatment cessation nor grade 3 or higher late toxicity were observed. The sigmoid D2cm3 of the patient who developed grade 2 late sigmoid hemorrhage was 65.6 Gy, which exceeded the standard deviation and target dose. The combination of sCIRT and IGBT for locally advanced cervical adenocarcinoma showed acceptable efficacy and safety. Further large-scale and long-term studies are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of this treatment.

Early outcomes of MR-guided SBRT for patients with recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Local treatment options for locally recurrent pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LR-PAC) are limited, with median survival time (MST) of 9-13 months (mos) following recurrence. MRI-guided stereotactic body radiation therapy (MRgSBRT) provides the ability to dose escalate while sparing normal tissue. Here we report on the early outcomes of MRgSBRT for LR-PAC. METHODS: Patients with prior resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with local recurrence treated with MRgSBRT at a single tertiary referral center from 5-2021 to 2-2023 were identified from our prospective database. MRgSBRT was delivered to 40-50 Gy in 4-5 fractions with target and OAR delineation per institutional standards. Endpoints included local control per RECIST v1.1, distant failure, overall survival (OS), and acute and chronic toxicities per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, v5. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with LR-PAC were identified with median follow-up of 10.6 mos (2.8-26.5 mos) from MRgSBRT. There were 8 females and 7 males, with a median age of 69 years (50-83). One patient underwent neoadjuvant radiation for 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions followed by resection, and one underwent adjuvant radiation for 45 Gy in 25 fractions prior to recurrence. MRgSBRT was delivered a median of 18.8 mos (3.5-52.8 mos) following resection. OS following recurrence at 6 and 12 mos were 87% and 51%, respectively, with a median survival time of 14.1 mos (3.2-27.4 mos). Three patients experienced local failure at 5.9, 7.8, and 16.6 months from MgSBRT with local control of 92.3% and 83.9% at 6 and 12 months. 10 patients experienced distant failure at a median of 2.9 mos (0.3-6.7 mos). Grade 1-2 acute GI toxicity was noted in 47% of patients, and chronic GI toxicity in 31% of patients. No grade > 3 toxicities were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on toxicity and outcomes of MRgSBRT for LR-PAC in the literature. MRgSBRT is a safe, feasible treatment modality with the potential for improved local control in this vulnerable population. Future research is necessary to better identify which patients yield the most benefit from MRgSBRT, which should continue to be used with systemic therapy as tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Jefferson IRB#20976, approved 2/17/21.

Adaptive MRI-guided stereotactic body radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer - A phase II study.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a promising new modality for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The current study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of SBRT in patients with LAPC (NCT03648632). METHODS: This prospective single institution phase II study recruited patients with histologically or cytologically proven adenocarcinoma of the pancreas after more than two months of combination chemotherapy with no sign of progressive disease. Patients were prescribed 50-60 Gy in 5-8 fractions. Patients were initially treated on a standard linac (n = 4). Since 2019, patients were treated using online magnetic resonance (MR) image-guidance on a 1.5 T MRI-linac, where the treatment plan was adapted to the anatomy of the day. The primary endpoint was resection rate. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled between August 2018 and March 2022. All patients had non-resectable disease at time of diagnosis. Median follow-up from inclusion was 28.3 months (95 % CI 24.0-NR). Median progression-free and overall survival from inclusion were 7.8 months (95 % CI 5.0-14.8) and 16.5 months (95 % CI 10.7-22.6), respectively. Six patients experienced grade III treatment-related adverse events (jaundice, nausea, vomiting and/or constipation). One of the initial four patients receiving treatment on a standard linac experienced a grade IV perforation of the duodenum. Six patients (21 %) underwent resection. A further one patient was offered resection but declined. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that SBRT in patients with LAPC was associated with promising overall survival and resection rates. Furthermore, SBRT was safe and well tolerated, with limited severe toxicities.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw after radiation followed by bevacizumab.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a recognized complication associated with bevacizumab. Here, we present a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil who experienced minimal skin fibrosis following intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Subsequently, the patient developed rectal adenocarcinoma and encountered osteonecrosis of the jaw after receiving two cycles of bevacizumab. Close monitoring, accompanied by thorough examination to detect early signs of osteonecrosis of the jaw, should be considered for patients who have undergone radiation therapy in the head and neck region and are receiving bevacizumab or other medications known to be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Carbon ion radiotherapy for mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mesonephric adenocarcinoma is an extremely rare subtype of uterine cervical cancer that is associated with a poor prognosis and for which a standardized treatment protocol has not been established. Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is an emerging radiotherapy modality that has been shown to have a favorable anti-tumor effect, even for tumors resistant to conventional photon radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, there is no report on CIRT outcomes for mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. CASE PRESENTATION: We treated a 47-year-old Japanese woman with mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix (T2bN0M0 and stage IIB according to the 7th edition of the Union for International Cancer Control and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, respectively) with CIRT combined with brachytherapy and concurrent chemotherapy. CIRT consisted of whole pelvic irradiation and boost irradiation to the gross tumor; 36.0 Gy (relative biological effectiveness [RBE]) in 12 fractions and 19.2 Gy (RBE) in 4 fractions, respectively, performed once a day, four times per week. Computed tomography-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy was performed after completion of CIRT, for which the D90 (i.e., the dose prescribed to 90% of the target volume) for the high-risk clinical target volume was 20.4 Gy in a total of 3 sessions in 2 weeks. A weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2) dose was administered concomitantly with the radiotherapy for a total of five courses. From 4 months post-CIRT, the patient developed metastasis of the lung, with a total of 10 lung metastases over 70 months; these lesions were treated on each occasion by photon stereotactic body radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy. At 8 years from initial treatment (i.e., 2 years after the last treatment), the patient is alive without any evidence of recurrence and maintains a high quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of CIRT for treatment of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix. The present case indicates the potential efficacy of CIRT in combination with brachytherapy for treatment of this disease.

Treatment Related Acute Toxicities Between Treatment with 3D-CRT and IMRT in Localised Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE:  To compare the acute toxicities of two radiation treatment techniques, intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in localised prostate adenocarcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Oncology, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from July 2016 to June 2022. METHODOLOGY: Patients with localised prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent treatment using two different advanced radiotherapy techniques i.e., IMRT and 3D-CRT were recruited during the study period. They were followed up for six months for acute gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) adverse events (acute toxicities) related to both treatment modalities according to Modified radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) criteria. The acute toxicities were assessed at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th week during treatment and at the 3rd and 6th month after treatment. RESULTS:  There were 78 patients, with 39 patients in each group. The mean age was 68 ± 10 years in the 3D-CRT and 68 ± 07 years in the IMRT group. Patients in the IMRT group exhibited markedly lower treatment-related acute GI and GU effects at the end of 4th and 6th weeks for anorectal pain (p = 0.04) and (p = 0.01) and burning micturition (p = 0.003) and (p = 0.01), respectively. Furthermore, at 3 months anorectal pain (p = 0.02), loose stools (p = 0.005), and burning micturition (p = 0.01) were present and at 6 months anorectal pain was (p = 0.01) still present. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy modalities 3D-CRT and IMRT both showed acceptable toxicity profile in the management of localised prostate cancer, while IMRT group exhibited significantly lower treatment-related acute GI and GU effects. KEY WORDS: 3D-CRT (3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy), IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy), Radiation toxicity.

Systematic Review of Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: There has been limited progress made in improving the suboptimal outcomes delivered by conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (RT) for oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A greater biological effect may be achieved using hypofractionated RT (HFRT), though the toxicity, tolerability and efficacy of this approach in OAC and OSCC is uncertain. METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidance. Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for terms relating to HFRT (>2.4Gy per fraction) for OAC or OSCC. All relevant clinical studies published between January 2000 and April 2023 were included. Study quality was assessed using predefined criteria. RESULTS: Ninety-six studies were screened and 20 subsequently included, together incorporating 1208 patients. Fourteen studies focussed on neoadjuvant or definitive treatment. These were predominantly retrospective (n = 10, 71%) though two (n = 2, 14%) early phase trials were identified. Most focussed on OSCC (n = 7, 47%) or mixed OSCC/OAC (n = 6, 43%) populations. Four (28.6%) included a conventionally fractionated chemoradiotherapy (CRT) comparator, against which median overall (mOS) and progression free survival outcomes from HFRT did not differ. Reported mOS for HFRT ranged between 29-36 months at 2.5-3.125Gy per fraction (total dose 50-60Gy) for OAC and OSCC combined. Toxicity and tolerability with HFRT was comparable with conventionally fractionated CRT up to, but not exceeding, 5Gy. Three (50%) of the six palliative-intent studies were early phase trials and most (n = 4, 67%) focussed on OAC and OSCC. Response rates with HFRT in the palliative setting were 63.6-88.0%. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence in OAC/OSCC for promising efficacy and an acceptable toxicity profile for moderately HFRT, alone or with concurrent chemotherapy. These data should prompt prospective, randomised comparisons of HFRT and conventionally fractionated CRT and single-modality RT schedules. REGISTRATION DETAILS: PROSPERO; CRD42023457791.

Metastatic Lung Adenocarcinoma Received Combined 177 Lu-FAP-2286 Radiation Therapy and Targeted Therapy.

ABSTRACT: A 56-year-old man with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma received combined 177 Lu-FAP-2286 radiation therapy and targeted therapy. After 1 treatment cycle, improvement of symptoms and radiological remission was observed. Moreover, the patient did not report any adverse effects.

Microwave hyperthermia enhances radiosensitization by decreasing DNA repair efficiency and inducing oxidative stress in PC3 prostatic adenocarcinoma cells.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy (RT) is the primary treatment for prostate cancer (PCa); however, the emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) often leads to treatment failure and cancer-related deaths. In this study, we aimed to explore the use of microwave hyperthermia (MW-HT) to sensitize PCa to RT and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: We developed a dedicated MW-HT heating setup, created an in vitro and in vivo MW-HT + RT treatment model for CRPC. We evaluated PC3 cell proliferation using CCK-8, colony experiments, DAPI staining, comet assay and ROS detection method. We also monitored nude mouse models of PCa during treatment, measured tumor weight, and calculated the tumor inhibition rate. Western blotting was used to detect DNA damage repair protein expression in PC3 cells and transplanted tumors. RESULTS: Compared to control, PC3 cell survival and clone formation rates decreased in RT + MW-HT group, demonstrating significant increase in apoptosis, ROS levels, and DNA damage. Lower tumor volumes and weights were observed in treatment groups. Ki-67 expression level was reduced in all treatment groups, with significant decrease in RT + MW-HT groups. The most significant apoptosis induction was confirmed in RT + MW-HT group by TUNEL staining. Protein expression levels of DNA-PKcs, ATM, ATR, and P53/P21 signaling pathways significantly decreased in RT + MW-HT groups. CONCLUSION: MW-HT + RT treatment significantly inhibited DNA damage repair by downregulating DNA-PKcs, ATM, ATR, and P53/P21 signaling pathways, leading to increased ROS levels, aggravate DNA damage, apoptosis, and necrosis in PC3 cells, a well-established model of CRPC.

IFN-Type-I Response and Systemic Immunity in Rectal Adenocarcinoma Patients Treated with Conventional or Hypofractionated Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy.

The IFN-type-I pathway is involved in radiotherapy (RT)-mediated immune responses. Large RT fractions have been suggested to potently induce this pathway. Neoadjuvant hypofractionated short-course (scRT) and conventional long-course (lcRT) RT applied for the treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma patients provides a unique model to address the immuno-stimulatory properties of RT on a systemic level. We prospectively analyzed the IFNß plasma levels and lymphocyte counts (LCs) of rectal adenocarcinoma patients before and after treatment with scRT (n = 22) and lcRT (n = 40). Flow cytometry was conducted to assess the effects on lymphocytic subpopulations in a subset of 20 patients. A statistically significant increase in the post-RT IFNß plasma levels was noted in patients undergoing scRT (p = 0.004). Improved pathological tumor regression was associated with elevated post-RT IFNß levels (p = 0.003). Although all patients experienced substantial lymphopenia after treatment, the post-RT LC of patients treated with scRT were significantly higher compared to lcRT (p = 0.001). Patients undergoing scRT displayed significantly lower percentages of regulatory CD4+/CD25+ T-cells after therapy (p = 0.02). scRT enables effective stimulation of the IFN-type-I pathway on a systemic level and confers decreased lymphocytic cytotoxicity and limited regulatory T-cell activation compared to lcRT, supporting its increasing role in immuno-RT trials.

[Paraneoplastic subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus]. / Paraneoplastischer subakut kutaner Lupus erythematodes.

The genesis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is multifactorial and includes idiopathic, drug-related and paraneoplastic etiologies. This article reports the case of a 70-year-old female patient with paraneoplastic SCLE in whom a lung adenocarcinoma was detected during the extended examination. A paraneoplastic SCLE should be considered when a patient with SCLE presents with lesions in regions of the skin not exposed to sunlight and beginning B symptoms.

Esophagogastric Cancer: The Current Role of Radiation Therapy.

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment modality in the management of patients with esophageal cancer regardless of tumor location (proximal, middle, or distal esophagus) or histology (squamous cell vs adenocarcinoma). The addition of neoadjuvant CRT to surgery in patients who are surgical candidates has consistently shown a benefit in terms of locoregional recurrence, pathologic downstaging, and overall survival. For patients who are not surgical candidates, CRT has a role as definitive treatment.

A systematic review of circulating predictive and prognostic biomarkers to aid the personalised use of radiotherapy in the radical treatment of patients with oesophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The availability of circulating biomarkers that are predictive of treatment response or prognostic of overall outcome could enable the personalised and adaptive use of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: A systematic review was carried out following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidance. Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Scopus and the Web of Science databases were searched for studies published between January 2005-February 2023 relating to circulating biomarkers evaluated in the context of neoadjuvant or definitive RT delivered for OAC/OSCC. Study quality was assessed using predefined criteria. RESULTS: A total of 3012 studies were screened and 57 subsequently included, across which 61 biomarkers were reported. A majority (43/57,75.4%) of studies were of Asian origin and retrospective (40/57, 70.2%), with most (52/57, 91.2%) biomarkers reported in the context of patients with OSCC. There was marked inter-study heterogeneity in patient populations, treatment characteristics, biomarker measurement and the cut points used to define biomarker positivity. Nevertheless, there is evidence for the prognostic and predictive value of circulating tumour DNA and numerous miRNAs in OAC and OSCC, as well as for the prognostic and predictive value of circulating levels of CYFRA21.1 in OSCC. CONCLUSIONS: There is consistent evidence for the potential predictive and prognostic value of a small number of biomarkers in OSCC and OAC, though these data are insufficient for translation to current clinical practice. Well-designed prospective studies are now required to validate their role in stratified and personalised RT treatment approaches.

Brachytherapy for favorable prognostic prostate cancer in men up to 60 years of age: Long term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Brachytherapy (BT) is a standard treatment for low- and favorable intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma. Few studies have focused on young patients. We therefore evaluated long-term efficacy and toxicity of BT in patients aged ≤ 60 years with low- and favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients aged ≤60 years with low- or favorable intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma treated with iodine BT alone between 1999 and 2014 at the Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine. Follow-up assessment included incidence of biochemical failure (BF) at 10 and 15 years after BT, as well as survival data and late toxicities. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients of median age 56 years (54-58) were analyzed, with a median follow-up of 126 months (97-172). Incidence of BF at 10 and 15 years after BT was 5.4% and 11.7% respectively. PSA nadir (HR = 51.8 [95% CI 6.69-277], p < 0.001), age at treatment (HR = 1.78 [95% CI 1.19-2.65], p = 0.005) and prostate D90% (HR = 1.08 [95% CI 1.01-1.15], p < 0.021) were identified as predictive factors of BF. Overall survival at 10 and 15 years after BT was 92.8% and 84.4% respectively. Cancer-specific survival at 10 and 15 years after BT was 99.3% and 97.7% respectively. No major toxicity was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive BT is a long-term effective treatment for patients aged ≤ 60 years with low- or favorable intermediate-risk prostate adenocarcinoma.

Low energy contact X-ray brachytherapy for treatment of rectal cancer: a health technology appraisal by Health Technology Wales.

AIM: Health Technology Wales sought to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of contact X-ray brachytherapy (CXB) for early-stage rectal cancer. METHODS: Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and Scopus. A cost-utility model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CXB in National Health Service Wales, using results of the Organ Preservation in Early Rectal Adenocarcinoma (OPERA) trial. Patient perspectives were obtained through the Papillon Patient Support group and All-Wales Cancer Network. RESULTS: The OPERA randomized controlled trial showed that CXB improved complete response and organ preservation rates compared with external-beam boost for people with T2-3b, N0-1, M0 rectal cancer who are fit for surgery. Managing more of this population non-operatively after CXB was estimated to provide 0.2 quality-adjusted life years at an additional cost of £887 per person. CXB was cost effective compared with external-beam boost at a cost of £4463 per quality-adjusted life year gained. This conclusion did not change in scenario analysis and CXB was cost effective in 91% of probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Patients valued receiving clear information on all available options to support their individual treatment choices. The detrimental impact of a stoma on quality of life led some patients to reject the idea that surgery was their only option. CONCLUSION: This evidence review and cost-utility analysis indicates that CXB is likely to be clinically and cost effective, as part of a watch and wait strategy for adults fit for surgery. Wider access to CXB is supported by patient testimonies.

Feasibility estimation of injected hydrodissection before definitive radiotherapy of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is often not diagnosed until an advanced stage, and so most patients are not eligible for resection. For patients who are inoperable, definitive radiotherapy is crucial for local disease control. However, the pancreas is located close to other vulnerable gastrointestinal organs, making it challenging to deliver an adequate radiation dose. The surgical insertion of spacers or injection of fluids such as hydrogel before radiotherapy has been proposed, however, no study has discussed which patients are suitable for the procedure. METHODS: In this study, we reviewed 50 consecutive patients who received definitive radiotherapy at our institute to determine how many could have benefitted from hydrodissection to separate the pancreatic tumor from the adjacent gastrointestinal tract. By hypothetically injecting a substance using either computed tomography (CT)-guided or endoscopic methods, we aimed to increase the distance between the pancreatic tumor and surrounding hollow organs, as this would reduce the radiation dose delivered to the organs at risk. RESULTS: An interventional radiologist considered that hydrodissection was feasible in 23 (46%) patients with a CT-guided injection, while a gastroenterologist considered that hydrodissection was feasible in 31 (62%) patients with an endoscopic injection. Overall, we found 14 (28%) discrepancies among the 50 patients reviewed. Except for 1 patient who had no available trajectory with a CT-guided approach but in whom hydrodissection was considered feasible with an endoscopic injection, the other 13 patients had different interpretations of whether direct invasion was present in the CT images. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that about half of the patients could have benefited from hydrodissection before radiotherapy. This finding could allow for a higher radiation dose and potentially better disease control.