Particle Beam Therapy and Surgery as Radical Treatments for Parotid Malignancies-A Single-Center Preliminary Case Study.

Background/Objectives: Particle beam therapy (PBT) was approved in April 2018 for head and neck malignancies and has since been introduced as a radical therapy for parotid malignancies. However, its prevalence and effectiveness in relation to surgical treatment have not been investigated. Methods: In this study, we evaluated 36 patients with parotid malignancy who underwent surgery (n = 26) or PBT (n = 10) and then analyzed the annual changes in the number of patients, survival rates, and clinical factors affecting prognosis. Results: Of the ten patients who opted for PBT, two and eight patients underwent PBT before and after 2018, respectively. There was a significant difference between these two groups of patients (p = 0.04). Of the ten patients who underwent PBT, five patients were recurrent cases; meanwhile, all twenty-six patients who underwent surgery were receiving initial treatment. Only one patient in each group had local recurrence after the treatment. Conclusions: The use of PBT as a radical therapy for parotid malignancies has been increasing since 2018, and patients with recurrent tumors tended to choose PBT. The outcome of the patients who underwent PBT did not seem to be inferior compared with those of the patients who underwent surgery. The histopathological type was a crucial issue in the outcomes of patients who underwent radical therapy for parotid malignancies.

Proton beam reirradiation for locally recurrent rectal cancer patients with prior pelvic irradiation.

The aim of the present study was to report the feasibility of proton beam reirradiation for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) with prior pelvic irradiation. The study population included patients who were treated with proton beam therapy (PBT) for LRRC between 2008 and December 2019 in our institution. Those who had a history of distant metastases of LRRC, with or without treatment, before reirradiation, were excluded. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and local control (LC) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Ten patients were included in the present study. The median follow-up period was 28.7 months, and the median total dose of prior radiotherapy (RT) was 50 Gy (range, 30 Gy-74.8 Gy). The median time from prior RT to reirradiation was 31.5 months (range, 8.1-96.6 months), and the median reirradiation dose was 72 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) (range, 56-77 Gy). The 1-year/2-year OS, PFS and LC rates were 100%/60.0%, 20.0%/10.0% and 70.0%/58.3%, respectively, with a median survival time of 26.0 months. Seven patients developed a Grade 1 acute radiation dermatitis, and no Grade ≥ 2 acute toxicity was recorded. Grade ≥ 3 late toxicity was recorded in only one patient, who had developed a colostomy due to radiation-related intestinal bleeding. Reirradiation using PBT for LRRC patients who had previously undergone pelvic irradiation was feasible. However, the indications for PBT reirradiation for LRRC patients need to be considered carefully due to the risk of severe late GI toxicity.

[18F]FDG uptake in axillary lymph nodes and deltoid muscle after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination: a cohort study to determine incidence and contributing factors using a multivariate analysis.

PURPOSE: Reactive FDG uptake in the axillary lymph nodes (ALN) and deltoid muscle (DM) after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination has been recognized, although the actual situation in the Japanese population remains unknown. To determine the incidence of reactive FDG uptake and its contributing factors, we retrospectively studied a cohort of subjects who were vaccinated at our hospital. METHODS: Whole-body FDG-PET/CT examinations performed in 237 subjects out of 240 subjects with a definite history of COVID-19 vaccination (BNT162b2; BioNTech-Pfizer) were analyzed. Positivity and SUVmax of FDG uptake in the ALN and DM ipsilateral to vaccination, various subject characteristics, and the grade of the pathological FDG-PET/CT findings were evaluated using a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: FDG uptake in the ALN and DM ipsilateral to vaccination was seen in about 60% of the subjects even soon (0-4 days) after the first vaccination, with percentages reaching 87.5% and 75.0%, respectively, after the second vaccination. DM uptake had almost disappeared at around 2 weeks, while ALN uptake persisted for 3 weeks or longer. A multivariate analysis showed that a short duration since vaccination, a younger age, a female sex, and a low FDG-PET/CT grade (minimal pathological FDG uptake) contributed significantly to positive ALN uptake, while a short duration since vaccination and a female sex were the only significant contributors to positive DM uptake. This study is the first to identify factors contributing to positive FDG uptake in ALN and DM after COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSION: A high incidence of FDG uptake in ALN and DM was observed after vaccination. ALN uptake seemed to be associated with a younger age, a female sex, and minimal pathological FDG uptake. After vaccination, an acute inflammatory reaction in DM followed by immune reaction in ALN linked to humoral immunity may be speculated.

Characteristic Radiological Features of Retrospectively Diagnosed Pancreatic Cancers.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the characteristic radiological features of early-stage pancreatic cancer (PC). METHODS: Between 2009 and 2016, 510 PC patients were selected from our hospital cancer registry database based on International Classification of Diseases for Oncology-3 (C25). Among them, 64 patients (42 males and 22 females; median age, 74 [range, 59-91]) had received repeated abdominal radiological examinations before their diagnosis of PC and were retrospectively investigated for specific radiological findings. The subjects underwent the following imaging examinations: computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and fluoroglucose-positron emission tomography. RESULTS: Characteristic radiological features before diagnosis of PC were classified into the following 9 features: pancreatic duct ectasia (n = 16), focal low-density area (n = 15), change of cyst size (n = 8), localized tissue atrophy (n = 7), distal atrophy (n = 4), mass in pancreatic lipomatosis tissue (n = 2), mass concomitant with the already known cyst (n = 2), protrusion (n = 1), and parenchymal disproportion (n = 1). Fifty-three cases (84%) had more than one characteristic radiological feature before diagnosis of PC, and their median observation period until diagnosis was 24 (range, 1-120) months. CONCLUSIONS: The 9 characteristic radiological features provide an opportunity to diagnose PC at an early stage.

Proton Beam Therapy Combined with Intra-Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Stage IV Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Base of the Tongue.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare epithelial tumor of the salivary glands. Surgical resection is considered to be a standard therapy. However, the optimal treatment strategy for managing advanced cases has not yet been established. This study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of proton beam therapy (PBT) combined with selective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy (IAIC) using weekly cisplatin for locally advanced ACC of the base of the tongue. Between March 2009 and February 2018, 15 patients were treated. The median follow-up duration was 56 (range: 15-116) months. The 5-year local control and overall survival rates were 89% and 76%, respectively. With regard to late toxicities, grade 2 osteoradionecrosis was found in one patient and grade 5 pharyngeal necrosis was observed in one patient. Considering most cases were significantly advanced and inoperable, this therapy was effective in controlling the primary tumor, preserving function and maintaining the quality of life. Although improvements are needed to reduce adverse events, PBT in combination with IAIC can be a treatment option for locally advanced ACC of the base of the tongue.

Effective, same-day preoperative embolization and surgical resection of carotid body tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the procedure by analyzing the blood loss and duration of carotid body tumor (CBT) surgery following same-day preoperative embolization. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of subjects retrospectively. Fifteen patients with 16 CBTs were enrolled in this study. Our same-day procedure comprises preoperative embolization of the feeding arteries in the morning followed by surgery within 3 hours after the embolization is completed. RESULTS: The mean operative time and the mean amount of blood loss were 138 minutes and 29.3 mL, respectively. The tumor volume after embolization was markedly reduced and the mean reduction rate was 50%. We found that 13 CBTs had more than three feeding arteries. Almost all the postoperative complications, mainly cranial nerve paralyzes, resolved within months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Our same-day procedure is a safer and superior alternative to traditional CBT surgery, having good outcomes.

Radiological assessment of the skeletal remains from Hiraizumi, Japan: review of results from the 1950 investigation.

Scientific investigations on the skeletal remains of four generations of the Fujiwara clan enshrined at the Chusonji World Heritage Site were carried out in March 1950. Although an official report on this investigation was published at the time, it did not merit much public attention. Thus, the purpose of this review is to describe the radiological aspects of the investigation, which may be of interest in the context of eleventh and twelfth century Japanese history.

Selection of peripheral intravenous catheters with 24-gauge side-holes versus those with 22-gauge end-hole for MDCT: A prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the 24-gauge side-holes catheter and conventional 22-gauge end-hole catheter in terms of safety, injection pressure, and contrast enhancement on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS & METHODS: In a randomized single-center study, 180 patients were randomized to either the 24-gauge side-holes catheter or the 22-gauge end-hole catheter groups. The primary endpoint was safety during intravenous administration of contrast material for MDCT, using a non-inferiority analysis (lower limit 95% CI greater than -10% non-inferiority margin for the group difference). The secondary endpoints were injection pressure and contrast enhancement. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were analyzed for safety during intravenous contrast material administration for MDCT. The overall extravasation rate was 1.1% (2/174 patients); 1 (1.2%) minor episode occurred in the 24-gauge side-holes catheter group and 1 (1.1%) in the 22-gauge end-hole catheter group (difference: 0.1%, 95% CI: -3.17% to 3.28%, non-inferiority P=1). The mean maximum pressure was higher with the 24-gauge side-holes catheter than with the 22-gauge end-hole catheter (8.16±0.95kg/cm2 vs. 4.79±0.63kg/cm2, P<0.001). The mean contrast enhancement of the abdominal aorta, celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and pancreatic parenchyma in the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study showed that the 24-gauge side-holes catheter is safe and suitable for delivering iodine with a concentration of 300mg/mL at a flow-rate of 3mL/s, and it may contribute to the care of some patients, such as patients who have fragile and small veins. (Trial registration: UMIN000023727).

CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomy for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Retrospective Evaluation in 177 Patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the technical success rate and adverse events (AEs) associated with computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous gastrostomy for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with HNC who had undergone CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy between February 2007 and December 2013. Information regarding the patients' backgrounds, CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy techniques, technical success rate, and AEs were obtained from the medical records. In all patients, the stomach was punctured under CT fluoroscopy with a Funada gastropexy device. RESULTS: During the study period, 177 patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy. The most common tumor location was the oral cavity, followed by the pharynx and maxilla. The indication for CT-guided percutaneous gastrostomy were tumor obstruction in 78 patients, postoperative dysphagia in 55 patients, radiation edema in 43 patients, and cerebral infarction in 1 patient. The technical success rate was 97.7 %. The overall mean procedure time was 25.3 min. Major AEs occurred in seven patients (4.0 %), including bleeding (n = 4), colonic injury (n = 1), gastric tear (n = 1), and aspiration pneumonia (n = 1). Minor AEs occurred in 15 patients (8.5 %), which included peristomal leakage (n = 6), irritation (n = 4), inadvertent removal (n = 2), peristomal hemorrhage (n = 1), peristomal infection (n = 1), and wound granulation (n = 1). The mean follow-up period was 111 days (range 1-1106 days). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that CT-guided gastrostomy may be suitable in patients with HNC.

[Failure to Remove Long-Term Indwelling Central Venous Catheters in Two Patients].

The use ofa central venous(CV)port system has become common for the treatment of patients with tumors. We report on the failure to remove CV catheters in 2 patients. The first patient was a 50 years woman with acute myeloid leukemia. She underwent CV port implantation via the left brachial approach 11 years previously. The second patient was an 80 years man with a lower gingival carcinoma. He underwent CV port implantation via the left brachial approach 6 years previously. CV catheter removal was attempted in both patients, but was unsuccessful because of strong adhesion to the vessel wall. Based on our experience, if catheter removal is impossible, its retention is more suitable.

Minor ossicular anomalies in the middle ear: role of submillimeter multislice computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to elucidate clinical effectiveness of submillimeter multislice 2- and 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) for diagnosis of congenital middle ear anomaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative CT and operative findings were retrospectively analyzed in 36 ears of 33 patients. The distance between the malleal handle (MH) and the incus long process (ILP) was measured in 28 normal ears. RESULTS: Mean ± SD MH-ILP distance in normal ears was 1.8 ± 0.3 mm. In patients with middle ear anomaly, overall specificity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values were 99.7%, 98.7%, 91.7%, and 99.1%, respectively. Overall sensitivity was 82.1%, with relatively low sensitivities for detecting fused incudomalleolar joint, lenticular process defect, stapedial footplate defect, and oval window atresia and high sensitivities (80%-100%) for stapedial crural anomaly and certain fibrous connections. CONCLUSIONS: Submillimeter CT improved detectability of anomalies of the stapedial superstructure; however, it is still difficult to identify abnormalities of the footplate.

Is ultrasound-guided central venous port placement effective to avoid pinch-off syndrome?

PURPOSE: Ultrasound (US)-guided internal jugular vein access has been the standard practice of central venous port (CVP) placement. The subclavian vein (SCV) access has also been preferred, but has potential risk of pinch-off syndrome (POS). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of US-guided SCV access to avoid POS in patients with CVP. METHODS: Included in this study were patients who had undergone CVP placement via the SCV. We mainly assessed the computed tomography (CT) findings from two different placement techniques of a CVP via the SCV: (i) venipuncture point described by the ratio between the distance from the venipuncture point to the sternoclavicular joint and the clavicular length; and (ii) presence of direct attachment of the catheter to the clavicle. Secondary outcome was POS rate associated with two different placement techniques of CVP via the SCV. RESULTS: A total of 237 patients were included in this study between August 2007 and January 2011. A total of 100 patients (42.2%) underwent CVP placement using the landmark technique while 137 patients (57.8%) underwent CVP placement by US guidance. CT revealed that the US-guided technique tended to be lateral SCV approach compared with the landmark technique (p<0.001). A total of four patients (1.7%) experienced POS, all of them in the landmark group. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the US-guided technique determines a more lateral SCV approach, with a reduced POS risk than the landmark venipuncture technique.

Spontaneous temporomandibular joint herniation into the external auditory canal through a persistent foramen tympanicum (Huschke): radiographic features.

Persistent foramen tympanicum (Huschke) is an anatomical variation located in the anteroinferior portion of the external auditory canal. We present a case of symptomatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) herniation into the external auditory canal though an enlarged osseous defect. The herniated retrodiscal TMJ tissue moved backward when the patient's mouth was closed, and forward, when opened. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were useful for differentiating TMJ herniation from salivary fistula caused by an ectopic salivary gland.

Combined intra-arterial infusion and systemic chemoradiotherapy for stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to show the effectiveness of combining intra-arterial infusion and systemic chemotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy for treatment of stage IV mandibular gingival cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 23 patients with mandibular gingival cancer were treated with either docetaxel by intra-arterial infusion followed by systemic chemoradiotherapy with cisplatinum and 5-fluorouracil as a monthly regimen, or with docetaxel and cisplatinum by intra-arterial infusion followed by systemic chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil as a weekly or biweekly regimen. Tumor responses, locoregional control, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients enrolled in the study, 22 completed the treatment. With regard to clinical stages, 82 % were diagnosed as IVA and 18 % IVB. Complete and partial response was observed in 82 and 18 %, respectively. Five-year overall survival, disease-specific survival, and locoregional control were 51, 70, and 72 %, respectively. No statistically significant difference was seen between the monthly regimen and the weekly plus biweekly regimen, although the latter resulted in longer survival and 88 % control. CONCLUSION: Combined intra-arterial infusion and systemic chemoradiotherapy may be an effective treatment for patients with stage IV mandibular gingival cancer.

Subclavian vein versus arm vein for totally implantable central venous port for patients with head and neck cancer: a retrospective comparative analysis.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare central venous ports (CVP) from two different routes of venous access-the subclavian vein and arm vein-in terms of safety for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Patients with HNC who underwent image-guided implantations of CVPs were retrospectively evaluated. All CVPs were implanted under local anesthesia. Primary outcome measurements were rates and types of adverse events (AEs). Secondary outcomes included technical success and rate and reason of CVP removal. RESULTS: A total of 162 patients (subclavian port group, 47; arm port group, 115) were included in this study. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median follow-up period was 94 (range, 1-891) days. Two patients in the subclavian port group experienced periprocedural complications. Postprocedural AEs were observed in 8.5 and 22.6% of the subclavian port and arm port group patients, respectively (P = 0.044). Phlebitis and system occlusions were observed only in the arm port group. The rate of infection was not significantly different between the two groups. The CVP was removed in 34 and 39.1% of the subclavian port and arm port patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both subclavian and arm CVPs are feasible in patients with HNC. AEs were more frequent in the arm port group; thus, the arm port is not recommended as the first choice for patients with HNC. However, further experience is needed to improve the placement technique and the maintenance of CVPs and a prospective analysis is warranted.

Risk factors concerning sternal bone marrow aspiration and patient safety in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Several reports have described adverse events resulting from sternal bone marrow aspiration procedures. We hypothesized about inevitable lacerations to the ascending aorta that occur from structural abnormalities in the needle passage. METHODS: We evaluated dimensions in the thorax related to the sternal bone marrow aspiration, using a chest CT scan on a display terminal. Patients Among the 3,848 patients who visited our institution and underwent a chest CT scan between September 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008, a total of 153 subjects showing no particular chest CT findings were enrolled. RESULTS: Significant variation was observed in the distance from the sternum to the ascending aorta, from a minimum of 4.2 to a maximum of 47.6 mm (median 23.6) in men and a minimum of 5.2 to a maximum of 38.4 mm (median 21.3) in women. There were three men (3.6%) and women (4.3%) each having a distance within 10 mm. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed for the first time that an anterior chest approach to sternal bone marrow aspiration involves an inevitable risk of laceration of the ascending aorta, when the needle tip penetrates the sternum. Our analysis of dimension also suggested that the sternal marrow aspiration procedure involved a greater risk among older subjects of short stature.

Radiotherapy and concomitant intra-arterial docetaxel combined with systemic 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin for oropharyngeal cancer: a preliminary report--improvement of locoregional control of oropharyngeal cancer.

PURPOSE: To confirm the advantage of chemoradiotherapy using intra-arterial docetaxel with intravenous cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 26 oropharyngeal cancer patients (1, 2, 2, and 21 patients had Stage I, II, III, and IVa-IVc, respectively) were treated with two sessions of this chemoradiotherapy regimen. External beam radiotherapy was delivered using large portals that included the primary site and the regional lymph nodes initially (range, 40-41.4 Gy) and the metastatic lymph nodes later (60 or 72 Gy). All tumor-supplying branches of the carotid arteries were cannulated, and 40 mg/m(2) docetaxel was individually infused on Day 1. The other systemic chemotherapy agents included 60 mg/m(2) cisplatin on Day 2 and 500 mg/m(2) 5-fluorouracil on Days 2-6. RESULTS: The primary response of the tumor was complete in 21 (81%), partial in 4 (15%), and progressive in 1 patient. Grade 4 mucositis, leukopenia, and dermatitis was observed in 3, 2, and 1 patients, respectively. During a median follow-up of 10 months, the disease recurred at the primary site and at a distant organ in 2 (8%) and 3 (12%) patients, respectively. Three patients died because of cancer progression. Two patients (8%) with a partial response were compromised by lethal bleeding from the tumor bed or chemotherapeutic toxicity. The 3-year locoregional control rate and the 3-year overall survival rate was 73% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This method resulted in an excellent primary tumor response rate (96%) and moderate acute toxicity. Additional follow-up is required to ascertain the usefulness of this modality.

[Arterial infusion chemotherapy for advanced gallbladder cancer and liver metastasis].

Ten patients with advanced gallbladder cancer were treated by arterial infusion chemotherapy. Seven patients had unresected tumors, and three had liver metastasis after resection of primary tumor. The infusion catheter-port system was implanted via the femoral artery. 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C and epirubicin were administered using implantable port. The response rate was 50% and the median survival time was 192 days. In one patient with good PR, a primary tumor was resected, and he survived for 2 years 7 months without recurrence. No severe side effect was found. Systemic chemotherapy using gemcitabine is well accepted, however arterial infusion chemotherapy will be one of the options when systemic chemotherapy is fails.

Impact of multislice CT angiography on planning of radiological catheter placement for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy.

The objective of this study was to assess prospectively the role of multislice CT angiography (MSCTA) on planning of radiological catheter placement for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). Forty-six patients with malignant liver tumors planned for HAIC were included. In each patient, both MSCTA and intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were performed, except one patient who did not undergo DSA. Comparison of MSCTA and DSA images was performed for the remaining 45 patients. Detectability of anatomical variants of the hepatic artery, course of the celiac trunk, visualization scores of arterial branches and interobserver agreement, presence of arterial stenosis, and technical outcome were evaluated. Anatomical variations of the hepatic artery were detected in 19 of 45 patients (42%) on both modalities. The course of the celiac trunk was different in 12 patients. The visualization scores of celiac arterial branches on MSCTA/DSA were 3.0 +/- 0/2.9 +/- 0.2 in the celiac trunk, 3.0 +/- 0/2.9 +/- 0.3 in the common hepatic artery, 2.9 +/- 0.2/2.9 +/- 0.3 in the proper hepatic artery, 2.9 +/- 0.3/2.9 +/- 0.4 in the right hepatic artery, 2.8 +/- 0.4/2.9 +/- 0.4 in the left hepatic artery, 2.9 +/- 0.2/2.9 +/- 0.3 in the gastroduodenal artery, 2.1 +/- 0.8/2.2 +/- 0.9 in the right gastric artery, and 2.7 +/- 0.8/2.6 +/- 0.8 in the left gastric artery. No statistically significant differences exist between the two modalities. Interobserver agreement for MSCTA was equivalent to that for DSA. Two patients showed stenosis of the celiac trunk on both modalities. Based on these imaging findings, technical success was accomplished in all patients. In conclusion, MSCTA is accurate in assessing arterial anatomy and abnormalities. MSCTA can provide adequate information for planning of radiological catheter placement for HAIC.