Feasibility of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy after taxane-based induction chemotherapy for nonoperated locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

To assess the use of radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) following taxane-based induction chemotherapy (T-ICT) in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) and to evaluate the tolerability of CRT after T-ICT. From 01/2006 to 08/2012, 173 LAHNSCC patients treated as a curative intent by T-ICT, followed by definitive RT/CRT were included in this analysis. There was an 86% objective response (OR) after ICT among 154 evaluable patients. Forty-four patients received less than three cycles (25%) and 20 received only one cycle of T-ICT. The 3-year actuarial overall survival (OS) was 49% and there was no OS difference according to the type of ICT (regimen or number of cycle) or the addition of concurrent CT (cisplatin, carboplatin, or cetuximab) to RT. In multivariate analysis (MVA), clinically involved lymph node (cN+), age more than 60 years, the absence of OR after ICT, and performance status of at least 1 predicted for a decreased OS, with hazard ratios (HR) of 2.8, 2.2, 2.1, and 2, respectively. The 3-year actuarial locoregional control (LRC) and distant control (DC) rates were 52 and 73%, respectively. In MVA, the absence of OR after ICT (HR: 3.2), cN+ (HR: 3), and age more than 60 years (HR: 1.7) were prognostic for a lower LRC whereas cN+ (HR: 4.2) and carboplatin-based T-ICT (HR: 2.9) were prognostic for a lower DC. The number of cycles (≤ 2) received during ICT was borderline significant for DC in the MVA (P=0.08). Among patients receiving less than or equal to three cycles of ICT, higher outcomes were observed in patients who received cisplatin-based T-ICT (vs. carboplatin-based T-ICT) or subsequent CRT (vs. RT). T-ICT in our experience, followed by RT or CRT, raises several questions on the role and type of induction, and the efficacy of CRT over RT. The role of RT or CRT following induction, although feasible in these advanced patients, awaits answers from randomized trials.

Concurrent use of cisplatin or cetuximab with definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

AIM: The goal of the present work was to compare outcomes of definitive concurrent cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with cetuximab-based bioradiotherapy (BRT) in locally advanced head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2012, 265 patients with locally advanced HNSCC were treated at our institution with CRT (n = 194; 73%) with three cycles of cisplatin (100 mg/m(2), every 3 weeks) or BRT (n = 71; 27%) with weekly cetuximab. Patients receiving BRT had more pre-existing conditions (Charlson index ≥ 2) than the CRT group (p = 0.005). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 29 months. In all, 56% of patients treated with CRT received the planned three cycles (92% at least two cycles) and 79% patients treated with BRT received six cycles or more. The 2-year actuarial overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 72% and 61%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis (MVA), T4 stage, N2-3 stage, smoking status (current smoker as compared with never smoker), and non-oropharyngeal locations predicted for OS, whereas BRT association with OS was of borderline significance (p = 0.054). The 2-year actuarial locoregional control (LRC) and distant control (DC) rates were 73 and 79%, respectively. CRT was independently associated with an improved LRC (2-year LRC: 76% for CRT vs. 61% for BRT) and DC (2-year LRC: 81% for CRT vs. 68% for BRT) in comparison with BRT (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01 in the MVA). Subgroup analyses showed that T4 patients benefited significantly from CRT (vs. BRT) in LRC, while T1-3 did not. BRT patients had more G3-4 skin complications (p < 0.001) and CRT patients had higher rates of feeding tube placement (p = 0.006) and G3-4 gastrointestinal toxicities (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis showed a better LRC in locally advanced HNSCC treated by cisplatin-based CRT than cetuximab-based BRT, and a nonsignificant trend towards an improved OS.

Phase I trial of oral etoposide in combination with radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - GORTEC 2004-02.

PURPOSE: This study sought to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral etoposide in combination with radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Phase I, multicenter, open-labelled, non-comparative and dose escalating trial. Patients with locally advanced HNSCC were enrolled onto cohorts of escalating dose of etoposide. Oral etoposide was administered on five consecutive days every week for 7 weeks (7 treatment cycles) in combination with daily radiotherapy (70 Gy /35 fractions). Two dose levels (25 mg/day and 50 mg/day) of etoposide were planned and three to six patients were to be enrolled at each level according to the potential DLTs. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were allocated to two dose levels: 25 mg/day (3) and 50 mg/day (11). Cisplatin was contra-indicated in all the patients included. Only one patient (50 mg/day) presents a grade 4 neutropenia (DLT), no other DLTs were observed. The most frequently adverse events (AEs) were radiomucositis. Two deaths before 3 months of end of treatment were not related to treatment. Seven patients were still alive with a median follow-up of 30 months (12-58 months). Nine patients had a complete response (CR) at 3 months after the radiotherapy; Among the 9 patients, 3 patients had a local relapse; one patient with local and distant relapse. CONCLUSION: Due to only one DLT experienced, it is possible to a dose of 50 mg/day for phase II studies, however this should be considered with caution.

Definitive radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To report the long-term results after definitive radiotherapy (RT) for pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data concerning all patients treated for pyriform sinus SCC with RT with a curative intent between 1990 and 2006 were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients were included. The median follow-up is 6.5 years. Overall 123 patients had relapsed. For the entire population, the 5-year local control, regional control, freedom-from-distant metastasis, and overall survival rate were 68%, 69%, 78% and 38%, respectively. The 5-year local control rate for the 107 T1-T2 tumors was 85% (95% confidence interval (CI): 75-91). N stage was the main risk factor for the development of distant metastases, with a hazard ratio of 8.9 (95% CI: 2.1-39) and 15.6 (95% CI: 3.6-67.8) for N2 and N3 patients respectively. For patients with N2-N3 disease, pre-RT neck dissection improved regional control but not overall survival. Moderate to severe late complications occurred in 50 patients (28% of the patients without local relapse). CONCLUSION: A high local control rate can be achieved when treating T1-T2 hypopharynx cancers with definitive radiotherapy. The high rate of nodal and distant relapses among patients with N2-N3 disease warrants intensification of therapy.

Concomitant chemoradiotherapy versus acceleration of radiotherapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma (GORTEC 99-02): an open-label phase 3 randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant chemoradiotherapy and accelerated radiotherapy independently improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a combination of these approaches. METHODS: In our open-label phase 3 randomised trial, we enrolled patients with locally advanced, stage III and IV (non-metastatic) HNSCC and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2. We randomly allocated patients centrally with a computer program (with centre, T stage, N stage, and localisation as minimisation factors) in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive conventional chemoradiotherapy (70 Gy in 7 weeks plus three cycles of 4 days' concomitant carboplatin-fluorouracil), accelerated radiotherapy-chemotherapy (70 Gy in 6 weeks plus two cycles of 5 days' concomitant carboplatin-fluorouracil), or very accelerated radiotherapy alone (64·8 Gy [1·8 Gy twice daily] in 3·5 weeks). The primary endpoint, progression-free survival (PFS), was assessed in all enrolled patients. This trial is completed. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00828386. FINDINGS: Between Feb 29, 2000, and May 9, 2007, we randomly allocated 279 patients to receive conventional chemoradiotherapy, 280 to accelerated radiotherapy-chemotherapy, and 281 to very accelerated radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 5·2 years (IQR 4·9-6·2); rates of chemotherapy and radiotherapy compliance were good in all groups. Accelerated radiotherapy-chemotherapy offered no PFS benefit compared with conventional chemoradiotherapy (HR 1·02, 95% CI 0·84-1·23; p=0·88) or very accelerated radiotherapy (0·83, 0·69-1·01; p=0·060); conventional chemoradiotherapy improved PFS compared with very accelerated radiotherapy (0·82, 0·67-0·99; p=0·041). 3-year PFS was 37·6% (95% CI 32·1-43·4) after conventional chemoradiotherapy, 34·1% (28·7-39·8) after accelerated radiotherapy-chemotherapy, and 32·2% (27·0-37·9) after very accelerated radiotherapy. More patients in the very accelerated radiotherapy group had RTOG grade 3-4 acute mucosal toxicity (226 [84%] of 268 patients) compared with accelerated radiotherapy-chemotherapy (205 [76%] of 271 patients) or conventional chemoradiotherapy (180 [69%] of 262; p=0·0001). 158 (60%) of 265 patients in the conventional chemoradiotherapy group, 176 (64%) of 276 patients in the accelerated radiotherapy-chemotherapy group, and 190 (70%) of 272 patients in the very accelerated radiotherapy group were intubated with feeding tubes during treatment (p=0·045). INTERPRETATION: Chemotherapy has a substantial treatment effect given concomitantly with radiotherapy and acceleration of radiotherapy cannot compensate for the absence of chemotherapy. We noted the most favourable outcomes for conventional chemoradiotherapy, suggesting that acceleration of radiotherapy is probably not beneficial in concomitant chemoradiotherapy schedules. FUNDING: French Ministry of Health.

Randomized phase III trial (GORTEC 98-03) comparing re-irradiation plus chemotherapy versus methotrexate in patients with recurrent or a second primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, treated with a palliative intent.

PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial investigated the potential benefit of concurrent re-irradiation, fluorouracil and hydroxyurea versus methotrexate for patients treated with palliative intent for recurrent or second primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in previously irradiated area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with recurrent HNSCC or a second primary not amenable to curative-intent treatment were randomized to the R-RT arm (concurrent re-irradiation, fluorouracil and hydroxyurea) or to the Ch-T arm (methotrexate). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Due to a very slow accrual, the trial was closed after inclusion of 57 patients. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were included. All patients died in the two arms with a maximal follow-up of 5years. Although four complete responses were achieved in R-RT arm, (none in Ch-T arm) re-irradiation did not improve OS compared with methotrexate (23% versus 22% at 1year, NS). Sixteen patients experienced clinical grade ⩾3 late toxicities (>6months), 11 in R-RT arm and five in Ch-T arm. CONCLUSIONS: Premature discontinuation of the trial did not allow us to draw firm conclusions. However, there was no suggestion that concurrent re-irradiation, fluorouracil and hydroxyurea improved OS compared to methotrexate alone in patients treated with palliative intent for a recurrent or second primary HNSCC.

A phase I trial combining oral cisplatin (CP Ethypharm) with radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of oral cisplatin (CP Ethypharm®) in combination with radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the recommended dose for phase II trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Phase I, multicenter, open-labelled, non-comparative and dose escalating trial. CP Ethypharm® was administered on five consecutive days every other week for 7 weeks (4 treatment cycles) in combination with radiotherapy. Eighteen patients with locally advanced HNSCC were allocated to four cisplatin dose levels: 10 mg/m(2)/day: 4 patients; 15 mg/m(2)/day: 4, 20 mg/m(2)/day: 5 and 25 mg/m(2)/day: 5. The inclusion of patients was dictated by occurrence of dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) at each dosing level. RESULTS: The most frequently experienced AEs were gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Five DLTs were observed, including three at 25 mg/m(2) level (two grade 2 renal toxicities, one grade 3 GI and renal toxicities), one at 20 mg/m(2) level (grade 3 GI disorders), one at 10 mg/m(2) level (grade 4 mucositis). PK analysis showed no significant difference of C(max) values between day 1 and day 5 of treatment at each dose level (total & ultrafilterable platinum). CONCLUSION: Due to 3 DLTs experienced at 25 mg/m(2)/day, MTD was reached and the recommended dose for phase II studies was determined as 20 mg/m(2)/day.

Advances in radiotherapy of head and neck cancers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radiation therapy plays a key role in the management of head and neck cancers (HNCs). We reviewed the recent advances in radiotherapy of HNCs and the role of imaging in treatment planning. RECENT FINDINGS: As shown in a recent update of meta-analysis of chemotherapy in head and neck cancer (MACH-NC), concurrent chemoradiotherapy was confirmed to be a standard of care in the management of locally advanced HNCs. Two recent large-scale randomized trials [Groupe d'Oncologie Radiothérapie Tête et Cou (GORTEC) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)] failed to show additional benefit when combining accelerated radiotherapy with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Updated 5-year results of a phase III pivotal trial confirmed the benefit of targeting epidermal growth factor receptor with cetuximab when combined with radiotherapy. Taxane-platinum-fluorouracil-based induction chemotherapy has been established as a reference induction regimen and has been explored as a possible part of the treatment of locally advanced HNCs, which was particularly successful in larynx preservation. The superiority of intensity-modulated radiation therapy compared with conventional radiotherapy for parotid protection has been shown in a prospective phase III trial. PET-based treatment planning is still to be validated in the HNCs. SUMMARY: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy could still be considered as a standard of care; several new treatment combinations and new radiation technologies have been recently successfully evaluated in clinical trials.

Low-dose intraoperative brachytherapy in soft tissue sarcomas involving neurovascular structure.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate intraoperative brachytherapy in the management of soft tissue sarcomas involving neurovascular structures, its impact on local control and complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 01/1989 and 12/2002, 98 patients received an intraoperative implant in conjunction with conservative surgery. Brachytherapy was part of the initial treatment (79 cases) or performed in recurrent disease (19 cases). We studied primary sarcomas involving neurovascular structures treated with conservative surgery and intraoperative brachytherapy (n = 6) or intraoperative brachytherapy and external irradiation (n = 73). Conservative surgery was performed as first treatment (51 cases), after chemotherapy (21 cases) and after primary external radiation (seven cases). Brachytherapy was performed according to Paris system rules. Patients were loaded with Iridium 192 (64 cases) or connected to a Microselectron PDR (15 cases). Mean dose given by brachytherapy was 20 Gy. Mean dose given of external radiotherapy was 46 Gy. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 58 months, 5-year actuarial survival was 69% and local free disease at 5 years was 90%. Acute side-effects occurred in 22/79 requiring surgical repair in 10 patients. Late side-effects occurred in 35/79. No patient required amputation for complications. Prognostic factors were studied for the occurrence of acute and late side-effects and local control. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative brachytherapy is efficient with excellent local control rates in soft tissue sarcomas presenting with neurovascular involvement and offers an acceptable conservative option.

Malignant breast tumors after radiotherapy for a first cancer during childhood.

PURPOSE: To assess the specific role of treatment and type of first cancer (FC) in the risk of long-term subsequent breast cancer (BC) among childhood cancer survivors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a cohort of 1,814 3-year female survivors treated between 1946 and 1986 in eight French and English centers, data on chemotherapy and radiotherapy were collected. Individual estimation of radiation dose to each breast was performed for the 1,258 patients treated by external radiotherapy; mean dose to breast was 5.06 Gy (range, 0.0 to 88.0 Gy) delivered in 20 fractions (mean). RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 16 years; 16 patients developed a clinical BC, 13 after radiotherapy. The cumulative incidence of BC was 2.8% (95% CI, 1.0% to 4.5%) 30 years after the FC and 5.1% (95% CI, 2.1% to 8.2%) at the age of 40 years. The annual excess incidence increased as age increased, whereas the standardized incidence ratio decreased. On average, each Gray unit received by any breast increased the excess relative risk of BC by 0.13 (< 0.0 to 0.75). After stratification on castration and attained age, and adjusting for radiation dose, FC type, and chemotherapy, a higher risk of a subsequent BC was associated with Hodgkin's disease (relative risk, 7.0; 95% CI, 1.4 to 30.9). CONCLUSION: The reported high risk of BC after childhood Hodgkin's disease treatment seems to be due not only to a higher radiation dose to the breasts, but also to a specific susceptibility.

Radiation dose, chemotherapy and risk of soft tissue sarcoma after solid tumours during childhood.

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is one of the most frequent second primary cancer that occurs during the first 20 years following treatment for a solid cancer in childhood. Our aim was to quantify the risk of STS as a second malignant neoplasm and to investigate its relationship with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A cohort study of 4,400 3-year survivors of a first solid cancer diagnosed during childhood in France or the United Kingdom, between 1942 and 1985, was followed 15 years on average. In a partially nested case-control study, we matched 25 cases of STS and 121 controls for sex, type of first cancer, age at first cancer and duration of follow-up. Sixteen STS occurred in the cohort, as compared to 0.3 expected from the general population (Standardized Incidence Radio, SIR = 54 (95%CI: 34-89)). The SIR was 113 (95% CI: 62-185) after chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (13 STS), whereas it was 28 (95%CI: 2-125) after chemotherapy alone (1 STS) and 19 (95%CI: 3-60) after radiotherapy alone (2 STS). After adjustment for treatment, there was no evidence of variation in the annual excess of incidence or in the SIR with either age at first cancer or time since 1st cancer. In the case-control study, the risk of a STS was increased with the square of the dose of radiation to the site of STS development and with the administration of Procarbazine. The increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma that occurred after childhood cancer is independently related to exposure to radiotherapy and Procarbazine. A closer surveillance of children treated with this treatment combination is strongly recommended.