High Expression of SOD2 Protein Is a Strong Prognostic Factor for Stage IIIB Squamous Cell Cervical Carcinoma.

High superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression is associated with a poor prognosis at many cancer sites, the presence of metastases, and more advanced cervical cancer. This study aims to determine whether SOD2 protein expression is associated with the prognosis of stage IIIB cervical carcinoma. METHODS: sixty-three patients with stage IIIB squamous cell cervical carcinoma were included. The evaluation of SOD2 expression by immunohistochemistry was based on a positive cell ratio score and the staining intensity score. Taking disease recurrence and death as endpoints, receiver operating characteristic curves were used to discriminate between high and low SOD2 expression. RESULTS: high SOD2 expression was associated with recurrence (p = 0.001), distant recurrence (p = 0.002), and death (p = 0.005). A multivariate analysis showed that patients with high SOD2 expression had a threefold increased risk for recurrence (HR = 3.16; 1.33-7.51) and death (HR = 2.98; 1.20-7.40) compared with patients who had low SOD2 expression. Patients with high SOD2 expression had shorter disease-free survival (p = 0.001) and overall survival (p = 0.003) than patients with low SOD2 expression. CONCLUSION: high SOD2 expression is a strong prognostic factor for stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and could be used as a prognostic marker in women with cervical carcinoma.

Long-term outcomes of concomitant cisplatin plus radiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone in patients with stage IIIB squamous cervical cancer: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present analysis determined the disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at up to 14 years of follow-up in women who participated in our previous phase 3 randomized controlled clinical trial, in which women with stage IIIB squamous cervical cancer received either cisplatin plus RT or RT alone for treatment. The first study showed that the addition of cisplatin to RT offered a significant benefit in DFS, but not in OS. METHODS: The present analysis examined DFS and OS in 146 women from the original cohort (72 patients in the CRT arm and 74 patients in the RT-only arm) with follow-up of up to 14 years. RESULTS: Longer term follow-up showed that treatment with CRT offers a significant benefit in DFS and OS compared with treatment with RT only. Patients who received RT alone had significantly worse OS (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.09-3.24) and DFS (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.07-3.08) compared with patients who received CRT. The multivariate analyses also showed that the patients with baseline Karnofsky performance status (KPS) <90% showed significantly worse OS (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.78-5.43), as did those with hemoglobin <10 mg/dL (HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 2.23-8.36). Patients with baseline KPS < 90% showed significantly worse DFS (HR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.60-5.01), as did those with hemoglobin <10 mg/dL (HR, 4.16; 95% CI, 2.17-7.95). CONCLUSIONS: For stage IIIB cervical cancer, treatment with CRT offers a significant benefit in DFS and OS compared with treatment with RT only.

Use of interstitial brachytherapy in pelvic recurrence of cervical carcinoma: Clinical response, survival, and toxicity.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical response, postrecurrence survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and toxicity related to reirradiation in pelvic recurrence of cervical carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A retrospective cohort study of 45 women undergoing high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy (HDR-IB) was conducted from 1998 to 2014. Clinical information, as well as data on the malignancy, primary treatment, HDR-IB technique, and toxicity, was collected. Statistical analysis used chi-square or Fisher's exact test, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test, and Cox regression, with p < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS: There were 30 cases (67%) of complete clinical response, with a followup period of 9-129 months (20 alive, 10 died). The 5-year postrecurrence survival rate was 52%. Among 15 women without complete clinical response, the survival rate was low (<8 months). In the 30 women with complete clinical response, the 5-year DFS was 42%. All analyzed variables were not associated with survival. Ultrasonography-based needle placement was not associated with disease control or toxicity. Toxicity was reported in 23 women (51%) with 14 fistulas, unrelated to clinical response. However, there was a higher occurrence of fistula when chemotherapy was used. CONCLUSIONS: Reirradiation using HDR-IB for pelvic recurrence of cervical carcinoma yielded a good complete clinical response rate. Postrecurrence survival and DFS rates were higher than expected, equivalent to salvage surgery, but with significant toxicity. Despite toxicity, this technique can be an alternative for selected cases.

Factors associated with changes in vaginal length and diameter during pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This study reports the incidence and factors associated with vaginal stenosis and changes in vaginal dimensions after pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer. METHODS: A descriptive longitudinal study with 139 women with cervical cancer was conducted from January 2013 to November 2015. The outcome variables were vaginal stenosis assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v3.0) and changes in vaginal diameter and length after the end of radiotherapy. Independent variables were the characteristics of the neoplasm, clinical and sociodemographic data. Bivariate analysis was carried out using χ 2, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney's test. Multiple analysis was carried out using Poisson regression and a generalized linear model. RESULTS: Most women (50.4%) had stage IIIB tumors. According to CTCAE v3.0 scale, 30.2% had no stenosis, 69.1% had grade 1 and 0.7% had grade 2 stenosis after radiotherapy. Regarding changes in vaginal measures, the mean variation in diameter was - 0.6 (± 1.7) mm and the mean variation in length was - 0.6 (± 1.3) cm. In the final statistical model, having tumoral invasion of the vaginal walls (coefficient + 0.73, p < 0.01) and diabetes (coefficient + 1.16; p < 0.01) were associated with lower vaginal stenosis and lower reduction of vaginal dimensions. Advanced clinical stage (coefficient + 1.44; p = 0.02) and receiving brachytherapy/teletherapy (coefficient - 1.17, p < 0.01) were associated with higher reduction of vaginal dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: Most women had mild vaginal stenosis with slight reductions in both diameter and length of the vaginal canal. Women with tumoral invasion of the vagina have an increase in vaginal length soon after radiotherapy due to a reduction in tumoral volume.

Propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Avaliação de Desempenho no Trabalho em trabalhadores submetidos à radioterapia / Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire evaluating workers in radiotherapy / Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Evaluación de Desempeño en el Trabajo junto a trabajadores sometidos a radioterapia

Afecções crônicas, incluindo neoplasias, representam sério problema de saúde pública por causarem incapacidade, absenteísmo e afastamento de trabalhadores. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as qualidades psicométricas do Questionário de Avaliação do Desempenho no Trabalho (WRFQ-Br) em trabalhadores com neoplasia submetidos à radioterapia no interior do Estado de São Paulo. Participaram do estudo 51 pacientes admitidos nos anos de 2011 e 2012, e 105 trabalhadores saudáveis. Na avaliação das propriedades psicométricas, observou-se alfa de Cronbach entre 0,77 e 0,93 na avaliação da consistência interna. Na avaliação da validade, houve diferença significativa nos itens que avaliam demandas de produção mental e social (p<0,05) utilizando a técnica dos grupos conhecidos. Também houve correlação do escore total do WRFQ-Br com os índices da Escala de Karnofsky, na abordagem convergente. O WRFQ-Br demonstrou bons resultados na avaliação das suas propriedades psicométricas, sendo considerado confiável para utilização em trabalhadores com diagnóstico de câncer.

Chronic disorders, including cancer, are a public health problem, causing worker incapacity, absenteeism, resignation and dismissal. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire (WRFQ-Br) in workers with neoplasms undergoing radiotherapy in up-state São Paulo. Psychometric properties were evaluated in 51 subjects with cancer diagnoses undergoing radiotherapy between 2011 and 2012, and 105 healthy workers. The results indicated good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.77-0.93). Construct validity displayed significant differences (p<0.05) between groups in output, and mental and social demands. Convergent validity analysis revealed a relation between the WRFQ-Br and the Karnofsky scale. Data showed that WRFQ-Br demonstrated reliable psychometric properties for evaluating workers with cancer diagnoses in Brazil.

Enfermedades crónicas, incluyendo neoplasias, representan serios problemas de salud pública, puesto que causan discapacidad, absentismo y ausencias de los trabajadores. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Evaluación de Desempeño en el Trabajo (WRFQ-BR) en trabajadores portadores de neoplasia, sometidos a radioterapia en el interior del Estado de São Paulo. Participaron en el estudio 51 pacientes admitidos en los años de 2011 y 2012, y 105 trabajadores saludables En la evaluación de las propiedades psicométricas, se observó el alfa de Cronbach entre 0,77 y 0,93 en la evaluación de la consistencia interna. En la evaluación de validad, hubo una diferencia significativa entre los ítems que evalúan demandas de producción, mental y social (p <0,05) utilizando la técnica de los grupos conocidos; y correlación del score total del WRFQ-Br con los índices de la Escala de Karnofsky, en el enfoque convergente. El WRFQ-Br ha mostrado buenos resultados en la evaluación de sus propiedades psicométricas y se considera fiable para utilización en trabajadores con diagnóstico de cáncer.

Concomitant cisplatin plus radiotherapy and high-dose-rate brachytherapy versus radiotherapy alone for stage IIIB epidermoid cervical cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The benefits of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for cervical cancer compared with radiation (RT) alone seem to diminish in later-stage disease. However, these modalities have not been directly compared for disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) of women with stage IIIB cervical cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing DFI and OS of 147 women with stage IIIB squamous cervical cancer who received either cisplatin plus RT (CRT) or RT alone (72 patients in the CRT group and 75 patients in the RT-only group). RESULTS: The CRT group had significantly better DFI (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.93; P = .02). However, patients in the CRT group did not have significantly better OS than those in the RT-only group (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.17; P = .16). Toxicity was graded according to criteria of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. The organs affected (excluding hematologic effects) did not differ significantly between groups. Also, late toxicity events and organs affected were not significantly disproportionate between the study groups. CONCLUSION: For stage IIIB cervical cancer, the addition of cisplatin offers a small but significant benefit in DFI, with acceptable toxicity.

Particularização do adenocarcinoma do colo frente ao conhecimento atual / Particularization of cervix adenocarcinoma according to current knowledge

O adenocarcinoma do colo uterino (AC) está ficando cada vez mais frequente, passando, nas últimas décadas, de 15 para até 25% do total, tendendo a ocorrer mais em jovens, com uma evolução mais rápida. O rastreamento citológico é menos eficiente na detecção de alterações glandulares, devido à sua menor frequência e falta de padronização citopatológicas. A associação de testes de papilomavírus humano (HPV) acrescida de marcadores como p16 e Ki-67, poderá melhorar a sua detecção. Falta especificidade nas imagens colposcópicas e a investigação endocervical não está padronizada. O adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) é de difícil diagnóstico, e é comum o AC ser detectado em estádios mais avançados. Mas uma vez tratado e controlado, este ainda apresenta um maior risco de metástases, quando comparado aos carcinomas escamosos no mesmo estádio. Não existe, até o momento, uma definição de tratamento de acordo com o tipo histológico. Nestes casos, estudos recentes começam a mostrar um potencial benefício da adição de quimioterapia com taxano antes e após o tratamento convencional do AC. Frente às dificuldades no manejo da neoplasia glandular cervical, há uma perspectiva de impacto positivo na diminuição dos AIS e AC decorrente da vacinação contra HPV de meninas e mulheres jovens, que necessitarão de novas estratégias de rastreamento.

The cervix adenocarcinoma (AC) is becoming more frequent, rising in recent decades from 15 to 25% of the total, tending to occur in younger and have a faster evolution. The cytological screening is less efficient in detecting glandular changes due to low frequency and lack of cytopathological standardization. The association of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing plus biomarkers as p16 and Ki-67 may improve the detection. There is a lack of the specificity in colposcopic images and the endocervical samples studies are not standardized. The adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) is difficult to diagnose, and the AC is often detected in advanced stages. Once treated and controlled, the AC has a higher risk of metastases when compared to squamous carcinomas at the same stage. There is not yet a definition of treatment according to the histologic type. Recent studies have begun to show a potential benefit of the addition of taxane based chemotherapy to conventional treatment for AC. Faced with difficulties in the management of cervical glandular neoplasia, there is the perspective of positive impact in the reduction of AIS and AC resulting from HPV vaccination of girls and young women, that with lesser risks, they will require new screening algorithms.

Adjuvant radiotherapy in early stage endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and toxicity in different techniques of postoperative radiotherapy for stage IA endometrioid adenocarcionoma of endometrium, histological grades 1and 2. METHODS: A historical comparison between treatment regimens was performed, and 133 women with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included. Teletherapy (TELE group), with 22 patients treated from 1988 to 1996, with a 10 MV linear accelerator, average dose 46.2 Gy. Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDRB group) was performed between 1992 and 1995, in 19 women, with an insertion of Cesium 137, at a 60 Gy dose. Fourteen women operated between 1990 and 1996 did not receive radiotherapy (NO RT group). High dose rate brachytherapy was performed in 78 patients (HDRB group), from 1996 to 2004, in five weekly 7 Gy insertions, prescribed at 0.5 cm from the vaginal cylinder. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival was 94.6% for the HDRB group, 94.1% for the LDRB group, 100% for the TELE group and NO RT groups (p = 0.681). The 5-year overall survival was 86.6% for the HDRB group, 89.5% for the LDRB group and 90% for the TELE group and NO RT groups (p = 0.962). Grades 3-5 late toxicity was 5.3% in LDRB group and 27.3% for the TELE group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to adjuvant teletherapy showed very high toxicity, which contraindicates that treatment for those patients. There may be a role for adjuvant HDRB, but randomized controlled trials are still needed to evaluate its benefit.

Adjuvant radiotherapy in early stage endometrial cancer / Radioterapia adjuvante para câncer do endométrio estádio inicial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the rates of overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and toxicity in different techniques of postoperative radiotherapy for stage IA endometrioid adenocarcionoma of endometrium, histological grades 1and 2. METHODS: A historical comparison between treatment regimens was performed, and 133 women with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included. Teletherapy (TELE group), with 22 patients treated from 1988 to 1996, with a 10 MV linear accelerator, average dose 46.2 Gy. Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDRB group) was performed between 1992 and 1995, in 19 women, with an insertion of Cesium 137, at a 60 Gy dose. Fourteen women operated between 1990 and 1996 did not receive radiotherapy (NO RT group). High dose rate brachytherapy was performed in 78 patients (HDRB group), from 1996 to 2004, in five weekly 7 Gy insertions, prescribed at 0.5 cm from the vaginal cylinder. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-free survival was 94.6 percent for the HDRB group, 94.1 percent for the LDRB group, 100 percent for the TELE group and NO RT groups (p = 0.681). The 5-year overall survival was 86.6 percent for the HDRB group, 89.5 percent for the LDRB group and 90 percent for the TELE group and NO RT groups (p = 0.962). Grades 3-5 late toxicity was 5.3 percent in LDRB group and 27.3 percent for the TELE group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to adjuvant teletherapy showed very high toxicity, which contraindicates that treatment for those patients. There may be a role for adjuvant HDRB, but randomized controlled trials are still needed to evaluate its benefit.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as taxas de sobrevida global (SG), sobrevida livre de doença (DFS) e de toxicidade em diferentes técnicas de radioterapia pós-operatória para adenocarcionoma endometrioide do endométrio estádio IA, graus histológicos 1 e 2. MéTODOS: Realizou-se uma comparação histórica entre regimes de tratamento, incluindo 133 mulheres com seguimento mínimo de cinco anos. Teleterapia (grupo TELE), com 22 pacientes, de 1988 a 1996, tratadas com acelerador linear 10 MV, dose média de 46,2 Gy. Braquiterapia de baixa taxa de dose (grupo LDRB), realizada entre 1992 e 1995, em 19 mulheres, com uma inserção de Césio 137, dose de 60 Gy. Quatorze mulheres operadas entre 1990 e 1996 não receberam radioterapia (grupo NO RT). Braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose foi realizada em 78 pacientes (grupo BATD), 1996-2004, cinco inserções semanais de 7 Gy, a 0,5 cm do cilindro vaginal. RESULTADOS: A DFS em cinco anos foi de 94,6 por cento para o grupo BATD, 94,1 por cento para o grupo LDRB, 100 por cento para os grupos TELE e RT (p = 0,681). A sobrevida global em cinco anos foi de 86,6 por cento para o grupo BATD, 89,5 por cento para o grupo LDRB e 90 por cento para os grupos TELE e NO RT (p = 0,962). A toxicidade tardia graus 3-5 foi de 5,3 por cento no grupo LDRB e 27,3 por cento para o grupo TELE (p < 0,001). CONCLUSãO: Pacientes submetidos à teleterapia adjuvante apresentaram toxicidade muito elevada, o que contraindica o tratamento para essas pacientes. Pode haver um papel para a BATD adjuvante, mas estudos controlados randomizados são necessários para avaliar seu benefício.

Dental needs in Brazilian patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy.

In spite of its recognized benefits in the treatment of malignant tumors, radiation therapy have several side effects in the head and neck region. The evaluation of oral conditions by a dentist is important to prevent or minimize these problems. The aim of this retrospective review was to analyze the dental needs in 357 patients who received radiotherapy in the head and neck region and were treated at Orocentro/FOP/UNICAMP, between January 1990 and December 2004. Review of patient files showed that dental examination before radiotherapy was not performed in 148 patients (41.5%) and was done in 209 patients (58.5%). From the total of examined patients, 94 (45%) did not require dental procedures at the moment of examination, while 115 (55%) presented some sort of dental need. Following the patients after the radiotherapy, it was observed that the group of patients that was evaluated before radiation presented less need of restorations, root canal filling and dental extractions than those who were not evaluated. The results of this study confirm that the evaluation of oral conditions prior to radiotherapy is essential to minimize the dental needs, emphasizing the importance of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team that treats cancer patients.

Dental needs in brazilian patients subjected to head and neck radiotherapy

In spite of its recognized benefits in the treatment of malignant tumors, radiation therapy have several side effects in the head and neck region. The evaluation of oral conditions by a dentist is important to prevent or minimize these problems. The aim of this retrospective review was to analyze the dental needs in 357 patients who received radiotherapy in the head and neck region and were treated at Orocentro/FOP/UNICAMP, between January 1990 and December 2004. Review of patient files showed that dental examination before radiotherapy was not performed in 148 patients (41.5 percent) and was done in 209 patients (58.5 percent). From the total of examined patients, 94 (45 percent) did not require dental procedures at the moment of examination, while 115 (55 percent) presented some sort of dental need. Following the patients after the radiotherapy, it was observed that the group of patients that was evaluated before radiation presented less need of restorations, root canal filling and dental extractions than those who were not evaluated. The results of this study confirm that the evaluation of oral conditions prior to radiotherapy is essential to minimize the dental needs, emphasizing the importance of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team that treats cancer patients.

Apesar dos benefícios da radioterapia no tratamento de tumores malignos, vários são os seus efeitos colaterais na região de cabeça e pescoço. Sendo assim, a avaliação das condições bucais pelo cirurgião dentista é fundamental para prevenir e/ou minimizar estes danos. Este estudo retrospectivo teve como objetivo verificar as condições dentárias e as necessidades de tratamento odontológico dos 357 pacientes que receberam radioterapia na região de cabeça e pescoço, atendidos pelo Orocentro/ FOP/UNICAMP, no período de janeiro de 1990 a dezembro de 2004. Em 148 (41,5 por cento) do total dos pacientes a avaliação odontológica não foi realizada previamente à radioterapia. A avaliação odontológica pré-radioterápica foi realizada em 209 pacientes (58,5 por cento) dos quais 94 (45 por cento) não tinham necessidades de tratamento odontológico no momento da avaliação, enquanto 115 (55 por cento) apresentavam algum tipo de necessidade odontológica. O grupo de pacientes avaliados antes da radioterapia apresentou menores necessidades de restaurações, endodontias e exodontias que os pacientes não avaliados. Conclui-se que a avaliação das condições bucais previamente à radioterapia é essencial para diminuir as necessidades de tratamento odontológico enfatizando a importância da participação do cirurgião-dentista na equipe multidisciplinar que trata pacientes com câncer.

Radiosurgery with a linear accelerator in cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results achieved with radiosurgery and complications of the procedure when treating arteriovenous malformations with linear accelerator. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted between October 1993 and December 1996. Sixty-one patients with arteriovenous malformations were treated with radiosurgery utilizing a 6MV energy linear accelerator. Ages of the 32 female and 29 male patients ranged from 6 to 54 years (mean: 28.3 years). The most frequent initial symptom was cephalea (45.9%), followed by neurological deficit (36.1%). Cerebral hemorrhage diagnosed by image was observed in 35 patients (57.3%). Most arteriovenous malformations (67.2%) were graded Spetzler III and IV. Venous stenosis (21.3%) and aneurysm (13.1%) were the most frequent angioarchitecture changes. The dose administered varied from 12 to 27.5Gy in the periphery of the lesion. RESULTS: Out of twenty-eight patients that underwent conclusive angiography control, complete obliteration was achieved in 18 (72%) and treatment failed in 7 (absence of occlusion with more than 3 years of follow-up). Four were submitted to a second radiosurgery, and one of these has shown obliteration after 18 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Several factors were analyzed regarding the occlusion rate (gender, age, volume, localization, Spetzler, flow, embolization, total of isocenters, prescribed dose and chosen isodose) and complications (total of isocenters, localization, volume, maximum dose, prescribed dose and chosen isodose). Analyzed variables showed no statistical significance for obliteration of the vessel, as well as for treatment complications. The largest diameter of the arteriovenous malformation, its volume and the dose administered did not influence time of obliteration. CONCLUSION: Radiosurgery is effective in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations and can be an alternative for patients with clinical contraindication or with lesions in eloquent areas. In the studied variables no statistically significant correlation was observed between occlusion and treatment complications.

Radiosurgery with a linear accelerator in cerebral arteriovenous malformations / Radiocirurgia com acelerador linear em malformações arteriovenosas cerebrais

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results achieved with radiosurgery and complications of the procedure when treating arteriovenous malformations with linear accelerator. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted between October 1993 and December 1996. Sixty-one patients with arteriovenous malformations were treated with radiosurgery utilizing a 6MV energy linear accelerator. Ages of the 32 female and 29 male patients ranged from 6 to 54 years (mean: 28.3 years). The most frequent initial symptom was cephalea (45.9 percent), followed by neurological deficit (36.1 percent). Cerebral hemorrhage diagnosed by image was observed in 35 patients (57.3 percent). Most arteriovenous malformations (67.2 percent) were graded Spetzler III and IV. Venous stenosis (21.3 percent) and aneurysm (13.1 percent) were the most frequent angioarchitecture changes. The dose administered varied from 12 to 27.5Gy in the periphery of the lesion. RESULTS: Out of twenty-eight patients that underwent conclusive angiography control, complete obliteration was achieved in 18 (72 percent) and treatment failed in 7 (absence of occlusion with more than 3 years of follow-up). Four were submitted to a second radiosurgery, and one of these has shown obliteration after 18 months of follow-up. DISCUSSION: Several factors were analyzed regarding the occlusion rate (gender, age, volume, localization, Spetzler, flow, embolization, total of isocenters, prescribed dose and chosen isodose) and complications (total of isocenters, localization, volume, maximum dose, prescribed dose and chosen isodose). Analyzed variables showed no statistical significance for obliteration of the vessel, as well as for treatment complications. The largest diameter of the arteriovenous malformation, its volume and the dose administered did not influence time of obliteration. CONCLUSION: Radiosurgery is effective in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations and can be an alternative for patients with clinical...

OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados obtidos com radiocirurgia e as suas complicações do procedimento, no tratamento das malformações arteriovenosas com acelerador linear. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo retrospectivo. Entre Outubro de 93 e Dezembro de 96, sessenta e um pacientes com malformações arteriovenosas foram tratados, utilizando um acelerador linear com 6MV de energia. As idades variaram de 6 a 54 anos (média: 28,3 anos), 32 pacientes mulheres e 29 pacientes homens. O sintoma inicial mais freqüente foi cefaléia (45,9 por cento), seguido de déficit neurológico (36,1 por cento). Hemorragia cerebral diagnostica por exame de imagem foi observada em 35 pacientes (57,3 por cento). A maioria das malformações arteriovenosas (67,2 por cento) eram graus III e IV de Spetzler. Estenose venosa (21,3 por cento) e aneurisma (13,1 por cento) foram as mais freqüentes alterações da arquitetura vascular. A dose administrada variou de 12 a 27,5Gy na periferia da lesão. RESULTADOS: Dos vinte e oito pacientes que se submeteram a controle angiográfico conclusivo, 18 tiveram obliteração completa (72 por cento) e 7 falharam ao tratamento (ausência de oclusão com mais de três anos de seguimento). Quatro pacientes foram submetidos a uma segunda radiocirurgia, e um paciente deste grupo apresentou obliteração em 18 meses de seguimento. DISCUSSÃO: Vários fatores foram analisados em relação ao grau de oclusão (sexo, idade, volume, localização, Spetzler, fluxo, embolização, total de isocentros, dose prescrita e isodose escolhida) e complicações (total de isocentros, localização, volume, dose máxima, dose prescrita e isodose escolhida). As variáveis analisadas não mostraram significância estatística para a obliteração do vaso, bem como para as complicações de tratamento. O maior diâmetro da malformação arteriovenosa, seu volume e a dose administrada não influenciaram no tempo de obliteração. CONCLUSÃO: Radiocirurgia é eficiente no tratamento das malformações arteriovenosas...

Braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose no tratamento do carcinoma da próstata: análise da toxicidade aguda e do comportamento bioquímico / High-dose rate brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer: acute toxicity and biochemical behavior analysis

OBJETIVO: Analisar a resposta bioquímica nas variáveis volume prostático, valor do antígeno prostático específico (PSA), escores de Gleason, estádio, risco da doença e hormonioterapia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: No período de fevereiro de 1998 a julho de 2001, 46 pacientes com câncer de próstata foram tratados com radioterapia, numa combinação de teleterapia e braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose (BATD). A idade variou de 51 a 79 anos (média de 66,4 anos). O estádio T1c foi o mais freqüente: 30 (65 por cento). O escore de Gleason era abaixo de 7 em 78 por cento dos pacientes. O PSA variou de 3,4 a 33,3, estando abaixo de 10 em 39 por cento das vezes. O volume prostático médio foi de 32,3 cc. Um total de 28 por cento dos pacientes recebeu hormonioterapia. A dose de teleterapia variou de 45 a 50,4 Gy, associada a quatro frações de BATD de 4 Gy. RESULTADOS: O seguimento variou de 6 a 43 meses. Quatro pacientes perderam seguimento e quatro morreram (um por doença). Dos 39 pacientes analisados, 76 por cento apresentaram PSA menor que 1,5. Nenhuma das variáveis analisadas foi estatisticamente significante (p > 0,05) com relação ao controle bioquímico. CONCLUSAO: A utilização de BATD foi eficiente no tratamento do câncer de próstata e, neste estudo, as variáveis consideradas como fatores prognósticos não interferiram no controle bioquímico.

Braquiterapia intersticial para recidivas de câncer de colo uterino pós-radioterapia / Interstitial high-dose rate brachytherapy for recurrent cervical cancer after radiation therapy

OBJETIVO: Analisar a resposta e toxicidade da braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose (BATD) intersticial para carcinoma do colo do útero com recidiva pélvica pós-radioterapia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Entre 1998 e 2001, 11 pacientes com carcinoma de colo de útero e que tiveram recidiva pélvica pós-radioterapia receberam BATD intersticial. Idade: 41 a 71 anos (média: 56,5 anos); estádios (FIGO): IIA, IIB, IIIB e IVA. Nove (82 por cento) pacientes tinham carcinoma de células escamosas e duas (18 por cento), adenocarcinoma. Dose total de BATD: 20-30 Gy, em frações de 4-5 Gy. O seguimento variou de dois a 54 meses (média: 22,5 meses), através de exame físico periódico (três meses). Uma paciente faleceu sem avaliação de resposta. RESULTADOS: Dez pacientes (91 por cento) tiveram resposta clínica completa, com duração de três a 46 meses (média: 18,9 meses). Três pacientes estão livres de doença (27 por cento), duas estão vivas com doença (18 por cento), três morreram (27 por cento) e de três se perdeu o seguimento após nova recidiva (27 por cento). A toxicidade para o trato urinário foi de 9 por cento (uma paciente - grau III). CONCLUSAO: A BATD intersticial é uma abordagem alternativa e viável para pacientes selecionadas que tiveram recidiva pós-radioterapia. Foi possível obter altas taxas de resposta com baixa toxicidade, considerando-se o grupo estudado, o tempo de seguimento e a re-irradiação.

Braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose no Brasil / High-dose rate brachytherapy in Brazil

A braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose foi introduzida em nosso meio em janeiro de 1991. Desde então, houve uma mudança significativa na abordagem das neoplasias malignas em relação às vantagens do novo método, e também resolução da demanda reprimida de braquiterapia para as neoplasias ginecológicas. Nos primeiros dez anos de atividade, o Brasil tratou, em 31 serviços, 26.436 pacientes com braquiterapia, sendo mais de 50 por cento das pacientes portadoras de neoplasias do colo uterino. Este estudo mostra o número e o perfil de pacientes tratados com esse método e a sua distribuição no território nacional, deixando explícito o benefício da braquiterapia de alta taxa de dose para o Brasil.

Fatores associados com a resposta à radioterapia de metástases cerebrais por carcinoma de mama / Factors related to the response to radiotherapy of cerebral metastases from breast cancer

Objetivo - Avaliar a sobrevida de pacientes com metástase cerebral por carcinoma ductal invasivo de mama segundo o local, tamanho, número de metástases e tratamento realizado. Sujeitos e métodos - Estudo clínico retrospectivo descritivo, realizado na área de Oncologia do CAISM/DTG da FCM-Unicamp, através da revisäo dos prontuários de 42 mulheres com carcinoma da mama que evoluíram com metástase cerebral, no período de janeiro/l986 a dezembro/l997. Resultatos - O intervalo entre o diagnóstico da doença e a primeira metástase foi significativamente maior para os estádios iniciais I e II (p = 0,0045), sem invasäo linfonodal (p = 0,049). Pacientes com doença em estádios I e II tiveram também maior intervalo entre a primeira metástase e a metástase cerebral (p = 0,0411). O tamanho das metástases (p = 0,1213), o número de metástases cerebrais (p = 0,4341) e o tratamento dessas metástases com radioterapia exclusiva ou associada à quimioterapia (p = 0,1570) näo se relacionaram com a sobrevida das pacientes. Conclusöes - O número de metástases cerebrais e a irradiaçäo exclusiva ou associada com quimioterapia näo interferiram no intervalo entre o diagnóstico da metástase cerebral e o óbito ou último retorno das pacientes

Metástase cerebral única em paciente com carcinoma ductal da mama com sobrevida de dez anos: relato de caso / Single brain in a patient with ductal breast carcinoma and a ten-year survival: case report

Mulher de 29 anos apresentou-se no Centro de Atençäo Integral à saúde da Mulher da Universidade Estadual de Campinas em 28/4/87 com um carcinoma ductal, grau histológico III, grau nuclear II, estádio clínico IIa e estádio patológico T3N2MO. Apresentava receptores de estrógeno e progesterona negativos. Foi submetida à mastectomia radical à Hasted, seguida de seis ciclos de quimioterapia com tiotepa 20 mg nos ciclos 1 ao 6, mitomicina C10 mg nos ciclos 1, 3 e 5 e vimblastina 10 mg nos ciclos 2, 4 e 6 e radioterapia com acelerador linear e 4200 cGy em plasträo e fossa supraclavicular. Em 10/8/88 apresentou um quadro de hipertensäo intracraniana, convulsäo, hemiplegia e hemiparesia de membro inferior esquerdo. Na tomografia computarizada de crânio apresentou um nódulo metástatico de 2 cm no lobo parietal direito. Os resultados de mamografia e ecografia mamária, cintilografia óssea, RX de tórax, ecografia de abdome e exame clínico foram sem anormalidades. Foi, entäo, submetida à craniotomia com exérese do nódulo total com 4000cGy. A paciente está realizando seguimento anual, o último foi em novembro de 1997, mantendo exames normais, sem evidência de metástase cerebral ou outras

Otimizaçäo do planejamento radioterápico no câncer de mama / Optimization of radiotherapy planning in breast cancer

Com o intuito de se avaliar mais precisamente a localizaçäo da cadeia ganglionar mamária interna em pacientes portadoras de câncer de mama, os autores realizaram um estudo imagenológico comparativo de 3 métodos: radiografia simples (RX), ultra-sonografia (US) e tomografia computadorizada (TC). Foi obtida variaçäo de medidas em torno de 0,45 cm quando se comparou o RX com a US e o RX com a TC. Até o momento contamos com apenas 8 pacientes que completaram o estudo. Achamos conveniente prosseguir na investigaçäo, a fim de que se possa obter uma melhor avaliaçäo da priofundidade a ser tratada, no caso da cadeia mamária interna, com um método simples e de fácil acesso ao radioterapeuta