Modern Techniques in Re-Irradiation for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) plays an important role in the treatment of patients with previously irradiated locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Over the years, numerous technologies and different types of RT have emerged. The aim of our systematic literature review was to determine whether the new techniques have led to improvements in both outcomes and toxicities. METHODS: A computerized search was performed by MEDLINE and the Cochrane database. The studies reported data from patients treated with carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), intensity-modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT), and stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT). RESULTS: Seven publications of the 126 titles/abstracts that emerged from our search met the inclusion criteria and presented outcomes of 230 patients. OS was reported with rates of 90.0% and 73.0% at 1 and 2 years, respectively; LC was 89.0% and 71.6% at 1 and 2 years after re-RT, respectively. Toxicity data vary widely, with emphasis on acute and chronic gastrointestinal and urogenital toxicity, even with modern techniques. CONCLUSION: data on toxicity and outcomes of re-RT for LRRC with new technologies are promising compared with 3D techniques. Comparative studies are needed to define the best technique, also in relation to the site of recurrence.

Pattern of care for re-irradiation in locally recurrent rectal cancer: a national survey on behalf of the AIRO gastrointestinal tumors study group.

PURPOSE: Radical resection (R0) represents the best curative treatment for local recurrence (LR) rectal cancer. Re-irradiation (re-RT) can increase the rate of R0 resection. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines on Re-RT for LR rectal cancer. The Italian Association of Radiation and clinical oncology for gastrointestinal tumors (AIRO-GI) study group released a national survey to investigate the current clinical practice of external beam radiation therapy in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In February 2021, the survey was designed and distributed to members of the GI working group. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions regarding center characteristics, clinical indications, doses, and treatment techniques of re-RT for LR rectal cancer. RESULTS: A total of 37 questionnaires were collected. Re-RT was reported as an option for neoadjuvant treatment in resectable and unresectable disease by 55% and 75% of respondents, respectively. Long-course treatment with 30-40 Gy (1.8-2 Gy/die, 1.2 Gy bid) and hypofractionated regimen of 30-35 Gy in 5 fractions were used in most centers. A total dose of 90-100 Gy as EqD2 dose (α/ß = 5 Gy) was delivered by 46% of the respondents considering the previous treatment. Modern conformal techniques and daily image-guided radiation therapy protocols were used in 94% of centers. CONCLUSION: Our survey showed that re-RT treatment is performed with advanced technology that allow a good management of LR rectal cancer. Significant variations were observed in terms of dose and fractionation, highlighting the need for a consensus on a common treatment strategy that could be validated in prospective studies.

COVID-19 Pandemic-Adapted Radiotherapy Guidelines: Are They Really Followed?

BACKGROUND: In our department, we provided guidelines to the radiation oncologists (ROs) regarding the omission, delay, or shortening of radiotherapy (RT). The purpose was to reduce the patients' exposure to the hospital environment and to minimize the departmental overcrowding. The aim was to evaluate the ROs' compliance to these guidelines. METHODS: ROs were asked to fill out a data collection form during patients' first visits in May and June 2020. The collected data included the ROs' age and gender, patient age and residence, RT purpose, treated tumor, the dose and fractionation that would have been prescribed, and RT changes. The chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between the treatment prescription and the collected parameters. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six out of 205 prescribed treatments were included in this analysis. Treatment was modified in 61.1% of cases. More specifically, the treatment was omitted, delayed, or shortened in 7.9, 15.9, and 37.3% of patients, respectively. The number of delivered fractions was reduced by 27.9%. A statistically significant correlation (p = 0.028) between younger patients' age and lower treatment modifications rate was recorded. CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed a reasonably high compliance of ROs to the pandemic-adapted guidelines. The adopted strategy was effective in reducing the number of admissions to our department.

Definition of fields margins for the optimized 2D radiotherapy of prostate carcinoma.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men both in western and developing countries. Radiotherapy (RT) is an important therapeutic option. New technologies (including 3D, intensity modulated RT, image-guided RT and, volumetric modulated arc therapy) have been introduced in the last few decades with progressive improvement of clinical outcomes. However, in many developing countries, the only treatment option is the traditional two-dimensional (2D) technique based on standard simulation. The guidelines for 2D field definition are still based on expert's opinions. The aim of the present study was to propose new practical guidelines for 2D fields definition based on 3D simulation in PCa. A total of 20 patients were enrolled. Computed tomography-simulation and pelvic magnetic resonance images were merged to define the prostate volumes. Clinical Target Volume (CTV) was defined using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer guidelines in consideration of the four risk categories: Low, intermediate, and high risk with or without seminal vesicles involvement, respectively. Planning Target Volume (PTV) was defined by adding 10 mm to the CTV. For each category, two treatment plans were calculated using a cobalt source or 10 MV photons. Progressive optimization was achieved by evaluating 3D dose distribution. Finally, the optimal distances between field margins and radiological landmarks (bones and rectum with contrast medium) were defined. The results were reported in tabular form. Both field margins (PTV D98% >95%) needed to adequately irradiate all patients and to achieve a similar result in 95% of the enrolled patients are reported. Using a group of patients with PCa and based on a 3D planning analysis, we propose new practical guidelines for PCa 2D-RT based on current criteria for risk category and CTV, and PTV definition.