Sparing Swallowing-Related Structures Reduces Post-Radiotherapy Dysphagia in Oropharyngeal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To identify swallowing-related structures (SRSs) predicting post-radiotherapy dysphagia in oropharyngeal carcinoma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between September 2020 and October 2022, oropharyngeal cancer patients who had completed radiotherapy at least one year before without recurrence or residuals were selected. They underwent flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) assessments and dysphagia grading. The mean radiation doses delivered to their SRSs were recalculated. The correlation between radiation doses to each SRS and FEES scores was analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants, aged 51-73 years, were enrolled. Six patients had received two-dimensional radiotherapy, eight had undergone three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, and fifteen had received intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Radiation doses to the inferior pharyngeal constrictor, cricopharyngeus and glottic larynx significantly predicted dysphagia for both semisolids (p = 0.023, 0.030 and 0.001) and liquid diets (p = 0.021, 0.013 and 0.002). The esophageal inlet significantly predicted swallowing outcomes for only the liquid diet (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that SRS-sparing during radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancers improves swallowing outcomes.

Development and Internal Validation of a Prediction Model for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Using BMI and Inflammatory Response for Deciding Sequence of Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (CRT-AC) and induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (IC-CRT) are among the best treatments in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to develop a model for deciding the sequence of chemotherapy in NPC. METHODS: Data were separated into two cohorts. The CRT-AC cohort had 295 patients, while the IC-CRT cohort had 112. The predictors were standard factors with BMI and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict overall survival (OS). A flexible parametric survival model was used. RESULTS: A total of 132 (44.7%) and 72 patients (64.3%) died in the CRT-AC and IC-CRT cohorts, respectively. The predictors in the final models were age, sex, T, N, NLR, and BMI. The models of OS for CRT-AC and IC-CRT had concordance indices of 0.689 and 0.712, respectively, with good calibration curves. When changing the burden of disease along with NLR and BMI, we found that CRT-AC was not significantly different OS from IC-CRT when low NLR (<3) and high burden of disease (T3N3). By contrast, CRT-AC was remarkably more effective when there were high levels of NLR (≥3) and BMI (≥25) with any burden of disease (anyT anyN). CONCLUSION: With additional BMI and NLR in model, it could be easier to decide between CRT-AC and IC-CRT in countries with limited health care resources.

Treatment outcomes of early-stage endometrial cancer patients: A propensity score matching of vaginal brachytherapy versus pelvic radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to report the treatment outcomes of radiation therapy for early-stage endometrial cancer patients. In addition, this study intended to identify high-risk factors that require pelvic radiotherapy (PRT) in addition to vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) for intermediate-risk endometrial cancer patients. METHODS: Patients with early-stage endometrial cancer receiving postoperative VBT alone or with PRT were included. Propensity score matching was used to balance the two study groups. The primary endpoint was locoregional recurrence (LRR). Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index and substantial lymphovascular space invasion were selected for subgroup analyses to identify the benefits of PRT over VBT alone. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2017, a total of 288 patients underwent analysis following propensity score matching. Of these, 144 received VBT and 144 received PRT. There was no significant difference in 5-year LRR between VBT and PRT for both intermediate (0% vs. 0%) and high-intermediate risk patients (3.5% VBT vs. 5.4% PRT; HR 0.54: 0.05-6.00; p = 0.616). The subgroup analyses revealed no significant factors favoring PRT over VBT. Patients with high comorbidities may have higher risks of non-cancer death after receiving PRT. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative VBT alone is sufficient for early-stage intermediate-risk endometrial cancer patients.

CD8+ T Cells and PD-L1 Expression as Prognostic Indicators in a Low Prevalence of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection detected in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with a better survival outcome from previous literature. However, Thailand and several Asian countries have a low prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC and, therefore, have a low positive rate of immunostaining with p16. Tumor microenvironments (TME), including tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes (CD8+ TIL) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), are proposed as significant prognostic indicators in addition to p16. OBJECTIVES: Explore the expression p16, CD8+ TIL, and PD-L1 and its value as prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS) in patients with OPSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients with OPSCC diagnosed from 2012 to 2018 were recovered from medical records and national registry. All available glass slides and slides of immunohistochemistry (IHC) of p16, CD8, and PD-L1 were reviewed. The TME was classified into four types according to the expression pattern of PD-L1 and CD8+TIL. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model analysis. RESULTS: In 160 OPSCC patients, p16 was positive in 27 (16.88%). The density of CD8+ TIL was higher in the p16+ and PD-L1+ groups (p = 0.005, 0.039); however, there was no association between p16 and the status of PD-L1. P16 and CD8+ TIL were significant prognostic factors for better OS (p = 0.007, 0.001), but not PD-L1 status (p = 0.317). Among the four types of TME, carcinoma showed mainly type IV TME (PD-L1-/TIL+), while OPSCCs with type I TME (PD-L1+/TIL+) had the best survival outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The positivity of p16 and the density of CD8+ TIL were associated with better OS in OPSCC, while the status of PD-L1 was not significantly related to OS. OPSCC with type I TME (PD-L1+/TIL+) showed the best prognosis of all types of TME.

Vaginal 11-point and volumetric dose related to late vaginal complications in patients with cervical cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vaginal 11-point and volumetric dose-toxicity relationships in definitive cervical cancer radiotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients with cervical cancer with a complete response of at least 12 months was performed. Additional per vaginal examinations and patient-scoring questionnaires on the date of patient enrolment were assessed for vaginal strictures. Retrospective dosimetric analysis of vaginal 11-point and volumetric doses was performed with descriptive and probit analyses to investigate dose-toxicity relationships. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were included in the study, with a 20-month median follow-up. The incidence rate of grade 3 vaginal strictures was 22.7%. A comparison between patients with grade 1-3 vaginal strictures revealed significant differences in age, stage, initial tumour size, and vaginal involvement. PIBS + 2, PIBS, PIBS-2, D + 5, and D2cc were all significantly different among grade 1-3 vaginal strictures and showed significant probit coefficients. The lateral dose points were significantly higher in grade 2 strictures, but negative probit coefficients failed to establish causal inferences. Post-estimation analyses yielded effective doses (ED) for 15% and 20% probability of grade 3 vaginal strictures (ED15 and ED20) for PIBS + 2 at 57.4 and 111 Gy3, respectively. PIBS-2 yielded an ED20 of 7 Gy3. D + 5 yielded positive ED10, ED15, and ED20 values of 52.2, 66.6, and 78 Gy3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a significant relationship between age, tumour size, and lower-third vaginal involvement with the incidence of vaginal toxicity. The goal of a cumulative radiotherapy dose of ≤ 55 Gy3 to PIBS + 2, ≤5 Gy3 to PIBS-2, and ≤ 65 Gy3 to D + 5 points may reduce the risk of grade 3 vaginal stenosis to less than 15-20%.

Predictive significance of cancer related-inflammatory markers in locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Locally advanced rectal cancer is treated using neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT), followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Tumor regression and pathological post-treatment stage are prognostic for oncological outcomes. There is a significant correlation between markers representing cancer-related inflammation, including high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and unfavorable oncological outcomes. However, the predictive role of these markers on the effect of chemoradiation is unknown. AIM: To evaluate the predictive roles of NLR, MLR, and PLR in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. METHODS: Patients (n = 111) with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent nCRT followed by TME at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit, Siriraj Hospital between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The associations between post-treatment pathological stages, neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score and the pretreatment ratios of markers of inflammation (NLR, MLR, and PLR) were analyzed. RESULTS: Clinical stages determined using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or both were T4 (n = 16), T3 (n = 94), and T2 (n = 1). The NAR scores were categorized as high (score > 16) in 23.4%, intermediate (score 8-16) in 41.4%, and low (score < 8) in 35.2%. The mean values of the NLR, PLR, and MLR correlated with pathological tumor staging (ypT) and the NAR score. The values of NLR, PLR and MLR were higher in patients with advanced pathological stage and high NAR scores, but not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, pretreatment NLR, MLR and PLR are higher in those with advanced pathological stage but the differences are not significantly different.

Post-Operative Concurrent Chemoradiation for Patients with Non-Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck: A Retrospective Cohort of the Uncommon Cancers.

Background: Non-squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNnSCCA) is a rare tumor. Surgery is the standard treatment for resectable non-metastatic patients. Post-operative radiation (RT) is indicated for high-risk patients. No data from the randomized controlled trial utilizing post-operative concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) is available. This study was aimed to determine the benefit of post-operative CCRT in the patients with resectable non-metastatic HNnSCCA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of 139 patients with HNnSCCA (excluding nasopharyngeal, neuroendocrine, and skin cancers) who underwent surgery and post-operative radiation (RT) at Siriraj Hospital from 2009­2015. Results: Ninety-nine of the 139 patients had RT alone and 40 had CCRT. More patients receiving CCRT had ≥ one high-risk feature (80% CCRT vs. 57.6% RT; p=0.018). Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) did not differ between the groups (58.6% CCRT vs. 68.2% RT; p=0.35 and 81.7% CCRT vs. 81.0% RT; p=0.35, respectively). Interestingly, post-operative CCRT was independently associated with significantly superior DFS (hazard ratio, HR 0.29; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.10 to 0.86; p=0.02) and OS (HR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.43; p=0.003) according to multivariable analyses. Conclusion: Post-operative CCRT was associated with better survival in high-risk patients with resectable non-metastatic HNnSCCA comparing with post-operative RT alone. Post-operative CCRT might be considered as a treatment option for these patients.

Randomized control trial of benzydamine HCl versus sodium bicarbonate for prophylaxis of concurrent chemoradiation-induced oral mucositis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare the efficacy of benzydamine HCl with sodium bicarbonate in the prevention of concurrent chemoradiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Sixty locally advanced head and neck cancer patients treated with high-dose radiotherapy concurrently with platinum-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive either benzydamine HCl or sodium bicarbonate from the first day of treatment to 2 weeks after the completion of treatment. The total score for mucositis, based on the Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), was used for the assessment, conducted weekly during the treatment period and at the fourth week of the follow-up. Pain score, all prescribed medications, and tube feeding needs were also recorded and compared. RESULTS: The median of total OMAS score was statistically significant lower in patients who received benzydamine HCl during concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) than in those who received sodium bicarbonate, (p value < 0.001). There was no difference in median pain score, (p value = 0.52). Nineteen percent of patients in sodium bicarbonate arm needed oral antifungal agents whereas none in the benzydamine HCl arm required such medications, (p value = 0.06). Tube feeding needs and the compliance of CCRT were not different between the two study arms. CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing high-dose radiotherapy concurrently with platinum-based chemotherapy, using benzydamine HCl mouthwash as a preventive approach was superior to basic oral care using sodium bicarbonate mouthwash in terms of reducing the severity of oral mucositis and encouraging trend for the less need of oral antifungal drugs.

Dosimetric analysis and preliminary clinical result of image-guided brachytherapy with or without hybrid technique for cervical cancer using VariSource titanium ring applicator with "Siriraj Ring Cap".

PURPOSE: Titanium ring cap applicator (VariSource) was applied in treating cervical cancer patients by using image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT). However, its sizes appeared to be relatively large for most of our patients. Thus, we have developed a specific applicator "Siriraj Ring Cap," which is slightly smaller and more suitable for our patients. This study was to evaluate effectiveness of this equipment. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Locally advanced cervical cancer patients were treated with external beam radiation therapy with or without concomitant chemotherapy. Siriraj Ring Cap was applied in all of the patients for at least one fraction. Dosimetric analysis was performed in each fraction of IGBT. Clinical outcomes of these patients were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with 117 dosimetric planning were evaluated between January and December of 2014. Siriraj Ring Cap was fit to all patients in this study. By using this applicator, radiation doses to the targets (D90 high-risk clinical target volume and D90 intermediate-risk clinical target volume) were higher in each fraction. There were no statistically differences of radiation doses to the bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon, and small bowel. Within 2-year followup, 3 patients (10.3%) developed locoregional recurrence. Two-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 75.9% and 89.7%, respectively. According to RTOG/EORTC complication criteria, Grade 1, 2, and 3 gastrointestinal complications were developed in 2 (6.9%), 4 (13.8%), and 1 (3.4%) patients, respectively. For genitourinary complications, 3 patients (10.3%) and 1 patient (3.4%) had Grades 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Siriraj Ring Cap is feasible for IGBT in cervical cancer patients with narrow vagina. Dosimetry and clinical outcomes were satisfactory by using our specific applicator.

Does Extending the Waiting Time of Low-Rectal Cancer Surgery after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Increase the Perioperative Complications?

Background. Traditionally, rectal cancer surgery is recommended 6 to 8 weeks after completing neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Extending the waiting time may increase the tumor response rate. However, the perioperative complication rate may increase. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between extending the waiting time of surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and perioperative outcomes. Methods. Sixty patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by radical resection at Siriraj hospital between June 2012 and January 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data and perioperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results. The two groups were comparable in term of demographic parameters. The mean time interval from neoadjuvant chemoradiation to surgery was 6.4 weeks in Group A and 11.7 weeks in Group B. The perioperative outcomes were not significantly different between Groups A and B. Pathologic examination showed a significantly higher rate of circumferential margin positivity in Group A than in Group B (30% versus 9.3%, resp.; P = 0.04). Conclusions. Extending the waiting to >8 weeks from neoadjuvant chemoradiation to surgery did not increase perioperative complications, whereas the rate of circumferential margin positivity decreased.

Clinical outcomes of stage I endometrial carcinoma patients treated with surgery alone: Siriraj Hospital experiences.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the recurrence rates and patterns of failure in patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma after surgical staging without adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Medical records of 229 patients with stage I endometrial carcinoma, treated with surgery alone between 2002 and 2010 at Siriraj Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The primary objective of this study was recurrence rates. The secondary objectives were patterns of failure, disease-free survival, overall survival, and prognostic factors related to outcomes. RESULTS: During median follow-up time of 53.3 months, 11 recurrences (4.8%) occurred with a median time to recurrence of 21.2 months (range, 7.7 to 77.8 months). Vaginal recurrence was the most common pattern of failure (8/11 patients, 72.7%). Other recurrences were pelvic, abdominal and multiple metastases. Factors that appeared to be prognostic factors on univariate analyses were age and having high intermediate risk (HIR) (Gynecologic Oncology Group [GOG] 99 criteria), none of which showed significance in multivariate analysis. The recurrence rates were higher in the patients with HIR criteria (22.2% vs. 4.1%, p=0.013) or patients with stage IB, grade 2 endometrioid carcinoma (9.4% vs. 4.3%, p=0.199). Five-year disease-free survival and 5-year overall survival were 93.9% (95% CI, 89.9 to 5.86) and 99.5% (95% CI, 97.0 to 99.9), respectively. CONCLUSION: The patients with low risk stage I endometrial carcinoma had excellent outcomes with surgery alone. Our study showed that no single factor was demonstrated to be an independent predictor for recurrence.

Incidence and clinical outcomes of non-endometrioid carcinoma of endometrium: Siriraj Hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: To study the incidence of non-endometrioid carcinoma of endometrium and compare the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes with endometrioid carcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 236 patients with endometrial carcinoma at Siriraj Hospital whom were diagnosed and treated from 2003 through 2006. The clinical characteristics, pathological features, treatment and clinical outcomes were collected from the medical records. The 5-year survival was calculated according to 2009 FIGO staging. RESULTS: Non-endometrioid carcinoma of endometrium accounted for 10.2% of all endometrial carcinomas (24/236 patients). The 5 -year survival rate was significantly lower in the non-endometrioid group compared to the endometrioid group (77.3% vs 96%, p<0.001) and clinical data pointed to greater malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: Non-endometrioid carcinoma of endometrium is relative rare but is more aggressive, has more distant metastasis at diagnosis with a worse survival rate than endometrioid carcinoma. Only patients in stage IA with no residual disease on a hysterectomy specimen may not need adjuvant treatment.

Long term outcomes of patients with endometrial carcinoma treated with radiation - Siriraj Hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate treatment outcomes of patients with stage I-III endometrial cancer treated with postoperative radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 166 endometrial cancer patients, undergoing surgery and postoperative radiotherapy at Siriraj Hospital from 2005-2008 was performed. Pathology was reviewed. Results of treatment were reported with 5-year loco-regional recurrence free survival (LRRFS), 5-year overall survival (OS), patterns of failure and toxicity, and according to stage and risk groups. RESULTS: Median follow up time was 62.8 months. Pathological changes were found in 36.3% of the patients after central reviews, leading to 19% changes in risk groups. Most of the patients (83.7%) received pelvic radiation (PRT) and vaginal brachytherapy (VBT). Five-year LRRFS and OS of all patients were 94.9% and 85.5%, respectively. There was no recurrence or death in low and low-intermediate risk groups. For the high-intermediate risk group, 5-year LRRFS and OS were 96.2% and 90.8%, respectively, and for the high risk group 90.5% and 71%. Late grade 3 and 5 gastrointestinal toxicity was found in 3% and 1.2% of patients, respectively. All of them received PRT 5,000 cGy in 25 fractions. CONCLUSIONS: Low and intermediate risk patients had good results with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy. For high risk patients, postoperative radiation therapy alone appeared to be inadequate as the most common pattern of failure was distant metastasis.

Breast reconstruction and post-mastectomy radiation practice.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to explore the perspectives and practice of radiation oncologists who treat breast cancer patients who have had breast reconstruction. METHODS: In 2010, an original electronic survey was sent to all physician members of the American Society of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Research Institute-Breast Cancer Studies Group in the United Kingdom, Thai Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Swiss Society of Radiation Oncology, and Turkish Radiation Oncology Society. We identified factors associated with radiation oncologists who treat breast cancer patients with reconstruction performed prior to radiation and obtained information regarding radiation management of the breast reconstruction. RESULTS: 358 radiation oncologists responded, and 60% of the physicians were from the United States. While 64% of participants agree or strongly agree that breast image affects a woman's quality of life during radiation, 57% feel that reconstruction challenges their ability to deliver effective breast radiation. Compared with other countries, treatment within the United States was associated with a high reconstruction rate (>/= 50% of mastectomy patients) prior to radiation (p < 0.05). Delayed-immediate reconstruction with a temporary tissue expander was more common in the United States than in other countries (52% vs. 23%, p = 0.01). Among physicians who treat patients with tissue expanders, the majority (60%) prefer a moderately inflated implant with 150-250 cc of fluid rather than a completely deflated (13%) or inflated expander (28%) during radiation. Among radiation oncologists who treat reconstructions, 49% never use bolus and 40% never boost a breast reconstruction. United States physicians were more likely than physicians from other countries to boost or bolus the reconstruction irrespective of the type of reconstruction seen in their clinic patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Great variation in practice is evident from our study of radiation treatment for breast cancer patients with reconstruction. Further research on the impact and delivery of radiation to a reconstructed breast may validate some of the observed practices, highlight the variability in treatment practice, and help create a treatment consensus.

Advanced imaging applications for locally advanced cervical cancer.

Advanced imaging approaches (computed tomography, CT; magnetic resonance imaging, MRI; 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, FDG PET) have increased roles in cervical cancer staging and management. The recent FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) recommendations encouraged applications to assess the clinical extension of tumors rather than relying on clinical examinations and traditional non-cross sectional investigations. MRI appears to be better than CT for primary tumors and adjacent soft tissue involvement in the pelvis. FDG-PET/CT has increased in usage with a particular benefit for whole body evaluation of tumor metabolic activity. The potential benefits of advanced imaging are assisting selection of treatment based upon actual disease extent, to adequately treat a tumor with minimal normal tissue complications, and to predict the treatment outcomes. Furthermore, sophisticated external radiation treatment and brachytherapy absolutely require advanced imaging for target localization and radiation dose calculation.

Sensorineural hearing loss after concurrent chemoradiotherapy in nasopharyngeal cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the major long term side effects from radiation therapy (RT) in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients. This study aims to review the incidences of SNHL when treating with different radiation techniques. The additional objective is to determine the relationship of the SNHL with the radiation doses delivered to the inner ear. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of 134 individual ears from 68 NPC patients, treated with conventional RT and IMRT in combination with chemotherapy from 2004-2008 was performed. Dosimetric data of the cochlea were analyzed. Significant SNHL was defined as >15 dB increase in bone conduction threshold at 4 kHz and PTA (pure tone average of 0.5, 1, 2 kHz). Relative risk (RR) was used to determine the associated factors with the hearing threshold changes at 4 kHz and PTA. RESULTS: Median audiological follow up time was 14 months. The incidence of high frequency (4 kHz) SNHL was 44% for the whole group (48.75% in the conventional RT, 37% with IMRT). Internal auditory canal mean dose of >50 Gy had shown a trend to increase the risk of high frequency SNHL (RR 2.02 with 95% CI 1.01-4.03, p=0.047). CONCLUSION: IMRT and radiation dose limitation to the inner ear appeared to decrease SNHL.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for cervical node squamous cell carcinoma metastases from unknown head-and-neck primary site: M. D. Anderson Cancer Center outcomes and patterns of failure.

PURPOSE: Conventional therapy for cervical node squamous cell carcinoma metastases from an unknown primary can cause considerable toxicity owing to the volume of tissues to be irradiated. In the present study, hypothesizing that using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) would provide effective treatment with minimal toxicity, we reviewed the outcomes and patterns of failure for head-and-neck unknown primary cancer at a single tertiary cancer center. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 52 patients who had undergone IMRT for an unknown primary at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1998 and 2005. The patient and treatment characteristics were extracted and the survival rates calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients, 5 presented with Stage N1, 11 with Stage N2a, 23 with Stage N2b, 6 with Stage N2c, 4 with Stage N3, and 3 with Stage Nx disease. A total of 26 patients had undergone neck dissection, 13 before and 13 after IMRT; 14 patients had undergone excisional biopsy and presented for IMRT without evidence of disease. Finally, 14 patients had received systemic chemotherapy. All patients underwent IMRT to targets on both sides of the neck and pharyngeal axis. The median follow-up time for the surviving patients was 3.7 years. The 5-year actuarial rate of primary mucosal tumor control and regional control was 98% and 94%, respectively. Only 3 patients developed distant metastasis with locoregional control. The 5-year actuarial disease-free and overall survival rate was 88% and 89%, respectively. The most severe toxicity was Grade 3 dysphagia/esophageal stricture, experienced by 2 patients. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that IMRT can produce excellent outcomes for patients who present with cervical node squamous cell carcinoma metastases from an unknown head-and-neck primary tumor. Severe late complications were uncommon.

Outcomes after radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the eyelid is a rare malignancy with metastatic potential. In the current study, the outcomes of patients with SCC of the eyelid were evaluated after definitive and postoperative radiation therapy. METHODS: The medical records of all patients treated with radiotherapy for SCC of the eyelid at 1 institution between 1950 and 2005 were reviewed. Patient records were analyzed for clinical characteristics, pathologic features, radiation techniques, and outcomes. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method; factors affecting survival were assessed using the log-rank test. RESULTS: During the study period, 39 patients with 42 eyelid SCCs were treated with radiotherapy. Thirty-two tumors were treated with primary radiotherapy and 10 were treated with postoperative radiotherapy after wide local excision. Surviving patients were followed for a median of 76 months. The 5-year disease-specific and overall survival rates for all patients were 86% and 71%, respectively. At 5 years, local, regional, and distant disease control rates for all tumors were 88%, 95%, and 97%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the 5-year local, regional, and distant control rates between tumors treated with definitive and those treated with postoperative radiotherapy. There were no grade 3 or 4 complications. CONCLUSIONS: Primary radiotherapy for SCC of the eyelid provides excellent locoregional control with reasonable complication rates and should be considered an alternative to surgery in selected patients.

Angiogenesis in stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma of uterine cervix: reproducibility of measurement and preliminary outcome as a prognostic factor.

This study was performed to determine the reliability and replicability of IMD analysis using the Factor VIII immunohistochemical method. The following purpose was determining the relationship between IMD and clinical outcome in individual cervical cancer patient treated with radical radiotherapy. Twenty nine patients with stage IIIB cervical cancer were enrolled. Phase one was performed by using two pieces of tissue biopsy from different locations in the tumor from each patient. The IMD value was counted by the two pathologists after counterstaining by Factor VIII immunohistochemical method. No interobserver disagreement between the two pathologists was found (correlation coefficient = 0.92, 95% CI 0.82-0.96 for the first piece of tissue and 0.85, 95% CI 0.67-0.93 for the second piece). There was no variability in the IMD between the 2 pieces of tissue specimens from different locations of the tumor Phase two followed to evaluate the relationship between IMD and clinical outcome in individual cervical cancer patients. Because of the small sample size, different patients' characteristics, different treatment protocol and short term follow up, there is no statistically significant conclusion.