Recommendations for Post-Operative RadioTherapy After Complete Resection of Thymoma-a French DELPHI Consensus Initiative.

INTRODUCTION: Thymomas are rare intrathoracic malignancies that can relapse after surgery. Whether or not Post-Operative RadioTherapy (PORT) should be delivered after surgery remains a major issue. RADIORYTHMIC is an ongoing, multicenter, randomized phase 3 trial addressing this question in patients with completely R0 resected Masaoka-Koga stage IIb/III thymoma. Experts in the field met to develop recommendations for PORT. METHODS: A scientific committee from the RYTHMIC network identified key issues regarding the modalities of PORT in completely resected thymoma. A DELPHI method was used to question 24 national experts, with 115 questions regarding the following: (1) imaging techniques, (2) clinical target volume (CTV) and margins, (3) dose constraints to organs at risk, (4) dose and fractionation, and (5) follow-up and records. Consensus was defined when opinions reached more than or equal to 80% agreement. RESULTS: We established the following recommendations: preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan is recommended (94% agreement); optimization of radiation delivery includes either a four-dimensional CT-based planning (82% agreement), a breath-holding inspiration breath-hold-based planning, or daily control CT imaging (81% agreement); imaging fusion based on cardiovascular structures of preoperative and planning CT scan is recommended (82% agreement); right coronary and left anterior descending coronary arteries should be delineated as cardiac substructures (88% agreement); rotational RCMI/volumetric modulated arc therapy is recommended (88% agreement); total dose is 50 Gy (81% agreement) with 1.8 to 2 Gy per fraction (94% agreement); cardiac evaluation and follow-up for patients with history of cardiovascular disease are recommended (88% agreement) with electrocardiogram and evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction at 5 years and 10 years. CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus for PORT in thymoma. Implementation will help to harmonize practices.

CyberKnife® stereotactic radiation therapy for stage I lung cancer and pulmonary oligometastases: is fiducial implantation still relevant?-a cohort study.

Background: Few studies have investigated whether there is a difference in local control or overall survival rates following treatment with robotic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with or without prior fiducial marker implantation. Our study aimed to investigate this in patients with primary or secondary lung tumors. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at the Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine of patients treated for primary lung cancer or pulmonary oligometastases with SBRT from January 2013 to July 2016. We included patients at least 18 years old who had stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or lung metastases and a follow-up of at least 1 month. Results: A total of 294 patients were included. Tumors included 122 lung metastases, 89 stage I NSCLC, and 83 non-histologically confirmed lung lesions. The tracking methods were Synchrony® in 191 cases (119 gold seeds and 72 coils) and Xsight® Spine with 4D computed tomography in 103 cases. Median follow-up was 31.6 months [interquartile range (IQR), 18.1-50.2 months]. The two- and five-year probability of local control were respectively 92.22% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-0.95] and 85.35% (95% CI: 0.79-0.99). The two- and five-year probability of overall survival were respectively 87.46% and 72.77% (P=0.586). Local control rates did not significantly differ between techniques at 2 and 5 years (P=0.685) (gold seeds, coils or Xsight® Spine) within tumors grouped by location, gross tumor volume (GTV) (respectively P=0.9, P=0.7, and P=0.4), planning target volume (PTV) (respectively P=0.4, P=0.9, and P=0.7), or PTV/GTV ratio (respectively P=0.6, P=0.6, and P=0.5). Metastasis-free survival and Overall survival rates did not significantly differ between techniques at 2 and 5 years (P=0.664 and P=0.586, respectively). There were no grade 4 or 5 toxicities and only one grade 3 pneumonitis and one grade 3 pneumothorax. Conclusions: Fiducial-less SBRT using Xsight® Spine is a safe alternative to Synchrony® using gold seeds or coils, with comparable local control and overall survival rates and a similar toxicity profile.

Prognostic factors of local control and progression-free survival in AJCC stages T1 and T2 cervical cancer patients treated with adjuvant brachytherapy after chemoradiotherapy.

Purpose: We assessed prognostic factors of local control and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients treated for AJCC stages T1 and T2 cervical cancer using utero-vaginal brachytherapy after chemoradiotherapy. Material and methods: This retrospective single-institution analysis included patients who underwent brachytherapy after radiochemotherapy between 2005 and 2015 at the Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine. Adjuvant hysterectomy was optional. A multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was carried out. Results: Of 218 patients, 81 (37.2%) were AJCC stage T1, and 137 (62.8%) were AJCC stage T2. 167 (76.6%) patients had squamous cell carcinoma, 97 (44.5%) patients had pelvic nodal disease, and 30 (13.8%) patients had para-aortic nodal disease. One hundred eighty-four patients (84.4%) underwent concomitant chemotherapy, while adjuvant surgery was performed in 91 patients (41.9%) and 42 (46.2%) patients had pathological complete response. Median follow-up was 4.2 years, and local control was reported in 87.8% (95% CI: 83.0-91.8) and 87.2% (95% CI: 82.3-91.3) of patients at 2 and 5 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, T stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.65, 95% CI: 1.27-10.46, p = 0.016) was associated with local control. PFS was reported in 67.6% (95% CI: 60.9-73.4) and 57.4% (95% CI: 49.3-64.2) of patients at 2 and 5 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, para-aortic nodal disease (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.16-3.54, p = 0.012), pathological complete response (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.73, p = 0.006), and intermediate-risk clinical tumor volume of > 60 cc (HR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.22-2.98, p = 0.005) were associated with PFS. Conclusions: Lower dose brachytherapy may benefit AJCC stages T1 and T2 tumors, whereas higher doses are required for larger tumors and para-aortic nodal disease involvement, respectively. Pathological complete response should be associated with better local control and not surgery.

Acute skin toxicity of conventional fractionated versus hypofractionated radiotherapy in breast cancer patients receiving regional node irradiation: the real-life prospective multicenter HYPOBREAST cohort.

BACKGROUND: Large-scale trials have shown that hypofractionated adjuvant breast radiotherapy was as effective in terms of survival and local control as conventional fractionated radiotherapy, and acute toxicity was reduced with hypofractionated radiotherapy. However, there is a lack of data about the toxicity of breast with regional nodal irradiation (RNI). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of fractionation on radiation-related acute skin toxicity in patients receiving RNI in addition to whole-breast or chest wall irradiation, using real-life data. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter cohort study with systematic computerized data collection integrated into Mosaiq®. Three comprehensive cancer centers used a standardized form to prospectively collect patient characteristics, treatment characteristics and toxicity. RESULTS: Between November 2016 and January 2022, 1727 patients were assessed; 1419 (82.2%) and 308 (17.8%) patients respectively received conventional fractionated and hypofractionated radiation therapy. Overall, the incidence of acute grade 2 or higher dermatitis was 28.4% (490 patients). Incidence was lower with hypofractionated than with conventional fractioned radiation therapy (odds ratio (OR) 0.34 [0.29;0.41]). Two prognostic factors were found to increase the risk of acute dermatitis, namely 3D (vs IMRT) and breast irradiation (vs chest wall). CONCLUSION: Using real-life data from unselected patients with regional nodal irradiation, our findings confirm the decreased risk of dermatitis previously reported with hypofractionated radiation therapy in clinical trials. Expansion of systematic data collection systems to include additional centers as well as dosimetric data is warranted to further evaluate the short- and long-term effects of fractionation in real life.

Impact of Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Unknown Primary.

PURPOSE: Management of head and neck cancers of unknown primary (HNCUP) combines neck dissection (ND) and radiotherapy, with or without chemotherapy. The prognostic value of ND has hardly been studied in HNCUP. METHODS: A retrospective multicentric study assessed the impact of ND extent (adenectomy, selective ND, radical/radical-modified ND) on nodal relapse, progression-free survival (PFS) or survival, taking into account nodal stage. RESULTS: 53 patients (16.5%) had no ND, 33 (10.2%) had lymphadenectomy, 116 (36.0%) underwent selective ND and 120 underwent radical/radical-modified ND (37.3%), 15 of which received radical ND (4.7%). With a 34-month median follow-up, the 3-year incidence of nodal relapse was 12.5% and progression-free survival (PFS) 69.1%. In multivariate analysis after adjusting for nodal stage, the risk of nodal relapse or progression was reduced with lymphadenectomy, selective or radical/modified ND, but survival rates were similar. Patients undergoing lymphadenectomy or ND had a better PFS and lowered nodal relapse incidence in the N1 + N2a group, but the improvement was not significant for the N2b or N2 + N3c patients. Severe toxicity rates exceeded 40% with radical ND. CONCLUSION: In HNCUP, ND improves PFS, regardless of nodal stage. The magnitude of the benefit of ND does not appear to depend on ND extent and decreases with a more advanced nodal stage.

Efficacy of extracranial stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) added to standard treatment in patients with solid tumors (breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancer) with up to 3 bone-only metastases: study protocol for a randomised phase III trial (STEREO-OS).

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is an innovative modality based on high precision planning and delivery. Cancer with bone metastases and oligometastases are associated with an intermediate or good prognosis. We assume that prolonged survival rates would be achieved if both the primary tumor and metastases are controlled by local treatment. Our purpose is to demonstrate, via a multicenter randomized phase III trial, that local treatment of metastatic sites with curative intent with SBRT associated of systemic standard of care treatment would improve the progression-free survival in patients with solid tumor (breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancer) with up to 3 bone-only metastases compared to patients who received systemic standard of care treatment alone. METHODS: This is an open-labeled randomized superiority multicenter phase III trial. Patients with up to 3 bone-only metastases will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio.between Arm A (Experimental group): Standard care of treatment & SBRT to all bone metastases, and Arm B (Control group): standard care of treatment. For patients receiving SBRT, radiotherapy dose and fractionation depends on the site of the bone metastasis and the proximity to critical normal structures. This study aims to accrue a total of 196 patients within 4 years. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival at 1 year, and secondary endpoints include Bone progression-free survival; Local control; Cancer-specific survival; Overall survival; Toxicity; Quality of life; Pain score analysis, Cost-utility analysis; Cost-effectiveness analysis and Budget impact analysis. DISCUSSION: The expected benefit for the patient in the experimental arm is a longer expectancy of life without skeletal recurrence and the discomfort, pain and drastic reduction of mobility and handicap that the lack of local control of bone metastases eventually inflicts. TRIALS REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03143322 Registered on May 8th 2017. Ongoing study.

Expression of immune response biomarkers (PD­L1, p16, CD3+ and CD8+ TILs) in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma within previously irradiated areas.

The immune landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in pretreated areas remains poorly documented. We aimed to assess the tumor microenvironment for biomarkers of antitumor immune responses in tumors in previously irradiated areas compared with de novo tumors. This retrospective monocentric study analyzed 100 paraffin­embedded surgical samples of invasive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx) from patients who underwent surgery between January 2010 and November 2017. We compared the immune microenvironment in 50 de novo tumors and 50 tumors recurring within irradiated areas. We used immunohistochemistry to assess p16 status, CD3+/CD8+ tumor­infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and programmed death­ligand 1 (PD­L1) expression on tumor and immune cells in stromal and intratumoral components. CD3+ TIL counts were significantly lower in intratumoral and stromal components (P=0.003 and P=0.020, respectively) in the irradiated area cohort; there was no significant difference between CD8+ TIL counts in the two cohorts. The percentage of tumors with PD­L1+ tumor cells (tumor proportion score ≥1%) was significantly lower within the irradiated area cohort than the de novo cohort (56.0% vs. 86.0%, P<0.001). There were also significantly fewer tumors with PD­L1+ immune cells in the irradiated area cohort. Predominantly, tumors from the irradiated area cohort had microenvironments classified as 'adaptive immune resistance'. There was persistence of cytotoxic cells in tumors in the irradiated areas but lower PD­L1 expression and CD3+ TIL counts than in the de novo tumors. This offers an initial hypothesis to explain why these lesions are less responsive to immunotherapy, even though they may still have antitumor capacities. Assessment of immune response biomarkers in patients treated with immunotherapy in randomized trials is required.

Adapting palliative radiation therapy for bone metastases during the Covid-19 pandemic: GEMO position paper.

The current health crisis caused by COVID-19 is a challenge for oncology treatment, especially when it comes to radiotherapy. Cancer patients are already known to be very fragile and COVID-19 brings about the risk of severe respiratory complications. In order to treat patients safely while protecting medical teams, the entire health care system must optimize the way it approaches prevention and treatment at a time when social distancing is key to stemming this pandemic. All indications and treatment modalities must be re-discussed. This is particularly the case for radiotherapy of bone metastases for which it is possible to reduce the number of sessions, the frequency of transport and the complexity of treatments. These changes will have to be discussed according to the organization of each radiotherapy department and the health situation, while medical teams must remain vigilant about the risks of complications of bone metastases, particularly spinal metastases. In this short piece, the members of the GEMO (the European Study Group of Bone Metastases) offer a number of recommendations to achieve the above objectives, both in general and in relation to five of the most common situations on radiation therapy for bone metastases.

Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy and systemic treatments for extracerebral oligometastases, oligorecurrence, oligopersistence and oligoprogression from lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Stereotactic irradiation (SBRT) is a standard of care for inoperable stage I lung cancer and brain oligometastases from lung cancer but is controversial for extracranial oligometastases. We assessed outcomes of lung cancer patients with extracranial metastases in oligometastatic, oligorecurrent, oligopersistent and oligoprogressive settings ("oligometastatic spectrum") under strategies using SBRT +/- systemic treatments. METHODS: A retrospective multicentric study of consecutive lung cancer adult patients with 1-5 extracranial metastases treated with SBRT was conducted. RESULTS: Of 91 patients (99 metastases, median age 63, 64.8% adenocarcinomas, 19.8% molecular alterations), 11% had oligometastases, 49.5% oligorecurrence, 19.8% oligopersistence and 19.8% oligoprogression. Of 36% of patients under systemic treatments at initiation of SBRT, systemic treatment interruption was performed in 58% of them. With median follow up of 15.3 months, crude local control at irradiated metastases was 91%, while median distant progression-free survival (dPFS) and overall survival were 6.3 and 28.4 months (2-year survival 54%). Initial nodal stage and oligometastatic spectrum were prognostic factors for dPFS; age, initial primary stage and oligometastatic spectrum were prognostic factors for survival on multivariate analysis. Patients with oncogene-addicted tumors more frequently had oligoprogressive disease. Repeat ablative irradiations were preformed in 80% of patients who had oligorelapses. Worst acute toxicities consisted of 5.5% and one late toxic death occurred. CONCLUSION: The oligometastatic spectrum is a strong prognosticator in patients undergoing SBRT for extracranial metastases. Median survival was over two years but dPFS was about 6 months. Continuation of systemic therapy in oligoprogressive patients should be investigated.

10-Year Locoregional Control with Postoperative External Beam Radiotherapy in Patients with Locally Advanced High-Risk Non-Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma De Novo or at Relapse, a Propensity Score Analysis.

(1) Background: To assess the role of postoperative external beam radiotherapy (pEBRT) on locoregional failure (LRF) for patients with locally advanced high-risk non-anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (naTC) at primary event or relapse. (2) Methods: Between 1995 and 2015, postoperative naTC patients with a theoretical indication for EBRT were included based on criteria that were common to American-British-French current guidelines, i.e., pT3-4, pN+, gross or microscopic residual disease. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) after multiple imputation was used to reduce selection biases. (3) Results: Of 254 naTC patients, 216 patients underwent pEBRT (106 de novo, 110 at relapse, median dose 60 Gy) and 38 underwent surgery only. pEBRT patients had more gross residual disease, a major prognostic factor (p = 0.027) but less perineural invasion (p = 0.008) or lymphovascular emboli (p = 0.009). pEBRT patients more frequently underwent radioiodine therapy (p = 0.026). The 10-year cumulative incidence of LRF was 56% (95% CI, 32-74%) in operated patients, and 23% (95% CI, 17-30%) in pEBRT patients. After IPTW method, pEBRT reduced the risk of LRF (hazard ratio 0.30; 95% CI [0.18-0.49], p < 0.001), but had no impact on OS. In the pEBRT group, non-Intensity Modulated RadioTherapy (IMRT) plans and interruption of the radiotherapy were associated with poorer survival, while extended versus limited field strategy and dose were not. (4) Conclusions: In naTC patients who have pT3-4, pN+ disease or R1-2 resection, pEBRT improved LRF. Limited-field IMRT is preferred.

Unilateral or bilateral irradiation in cervical lymph node metastases of unknown primary? A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with cervical lymphadenopathy of unknown primary carcinoma (CUP) usually undergo neck dissection and irradiation. There is an ongoing controversy regarding the extent of nodal and mucosal volumes to be irradiated. We assessed outcomes after bilateral or unilateral nodal irradiation. METHODS: This retrospective multicentre study included patients with CUP and squamous cellular carcinoma who underwent radiotherapy (RT) between 2000 and 2015. RESULTS: Of 350 patients, 74.5% had unilateral disease and 25.5% had bilateral disease. Of 297 patients with available data on disease and irradiation sides, 61 (20.5%) patients had unilateral disease and unilateral irradiation, 155 (52.2%), unilateral disease and bilateral irradiation and 81 (27.3%), bilateral disease and bilateral irradiation. Thirty-four (9.7%) and 217 (62.0%) patients received neoadjuvant and/or concomitant chemotherapy, respectively. Median follow-up was 37 months. Three-year local, regional, locoregional failure rates and CUP-specific survival were 5.6%, 11.7%, 15.0% and 84.7%, respectively. In patients with unilateral disease, the 3-year cumulative incidence of regional/local relapse was 7.7%/4.3% after bilateral irradiation versus 16.9%/11.1% after unilateral irradiation (hazard ratio = 0.56/0.61, p = 0.17/0.32). The cumulative incidence of CUP-specific deaths was 9.2% after bilateral irradiation and 15.5% after unilateral irradiation (p = 0.92). In multivariate analysis, mucosal irradiation was associated with better local control, whereas no neck dissection, ≥N2b and interruption of RT for more than 4 days were associated with poorer regional control. Toxicity was higher after bilateral irradiation (p < 0.05). No positron-emission tomography-computed tomography, largest node diameter, ≥N2b, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interruption of RT were associated with poorer cause-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Bilateral nodal irradiation yielded non-significant better nodal and mucosal control rates but was associated with higher rates of severe toxicity.

Practical contouring guidelines with an MR-based atlas of brainstem structures involved in radiation-induced nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The objective of this project was to define consensus guidelines for delineating brainstem substructures (dorsal vagal complex, including the area postrema) involved in radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV). The three parts of the brainstem are rarely delineated, so this study was also an opportunity to find a consensus on this subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dorsal vagal complex (DVC) was identified on autopsy sections and endoscopic descriptions. Anatomic landmarks and boundaries were used to establish radio-anatomic correlations on CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Additionally, delineation of RINV structures was performed on MRI images and reported on CT scans. Next, guidelines were provided to eight radiation oncologists for delineation guidance of these RINV-related structures on DICOM-RT images of two patients being treated for a nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Interobserver variability was computed. RESULTS: The DVC and the three parts of the brainstem were defined with a concise description of their main anatomic boundaries. The interobserver analysis showed that the DVC, the midbrain, the pons, and the medulla oblongata delineations were reproducible with KI = 0.72, 0.84, 0.94 and 0.89, respectively. The Supplemental Material section provides an atlas of the consensus guidelines projected on 1-mm MR axial slices. CONCLUSIONS: This RINV-atlas was feasible and reproducible for the delineation of RINV structures on planning CT using fused MRI. It may be used to prospectively assess dose-volume relationship for RINV structures and occurrence of nausea vomiting during intracranial or head and neck irradiation.

Prognostic factors of colostomy free survival in patients presenting with locally advanced anal canal carcinoma: A pooled analysis of two prospective trials (KANAL 2 and ACCORD 03).

BACKGROUND: To carry out a prognosis study of the prospective studies KANAL 2 and ACCORD 03 in order to highlight new prognostic factors of colostomy-free survival in patients with locally advanced anal canal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: KANAL 2 and ACCORD 03 were phase 2 and phase 3 multicenter trials with same inclusion criteria: anal canal squamous cell carcinoma of ≥4 cm or pelvic node involvement treated with conformal radiotherapy (45 Gy/25 fractions plus a boost) and concomitant fluorouracyl and cisplatin at weeks 1 and 5. A multivariate analysis of potential factors (patients, tumors, and treatments) was carried out through Cox proportional hazard model. Results were presented as hazard ratio (HR). RESULTS: 387 patients were included. In multivariate analysis, age over 55 years (HR = 0.62, p = 0.013), the increase of circumferential tumor spread (between 1/3 and 2/3 and more than 2/3 compared to less than 1/3) (respectively 1.97, p = 0.015 and 2.94, p < 0.001), the skin ulceration (1.57, p = 0.03), the inguinal node involvement (1,98, p < 0.001) and the total radiotherapy dose above 60 Gy (between 60 and 65 Gy (HR = 0.37, p < 0.001) and >65 Gy (HR = 0.61, p = 0.028)) were associated with colostomy-free survival. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights new favorable prognostic factors such as circumferential tumor damage of less than two thirds, age over 55 years, dose escalation boost irradiation and possibly a total radiation dose between 60 and 65 Gy (but the BED dose depends on the overall treatment time). These results could be considered for better selection or stratification of the target population in future trials.

[Refusal of treatments by an adult cancer patient]. / Le refus de soins chez un patient adulte atteint de cancer : recommandations de prise en charge de l'AFSOS et de la SFPO.

INTRODUCTION: Refusal of treatment questions the treatment's adequacy as well as the quality of the care relationship. A rigorous analysis of these situations is necessary in order to respect the patient's fundamental right to decide for him/herself while preventing a potential loss of chance. This paper proposes practical guidelines for assessment and management of the refusal of treatment by adult cancer patients. METHODS: The French Association for Supportive Care in Cancer and the French Society for Psycho-Oncology formed a task force that applied a consensus methodology to draft guidelines. RESULTS: We propose five guidelines: (1) be informed of the conditions most often associated with refusal of treatment so as to reinforce adequate support measures; (2) understand the complexity of the process of refusal and accurately identify what is precisely refused; (3) apply an approach of systematic analysis to refusal, to try and increase the possibilities of finding an agreement while reinforcing the respect of the patient's position; (4) establish a legal procedure to address refusal of treatment that safeguards the stakeholders when no accord can be found; and (5) know the indications for ethical collective decision-making. CONCLUSION: A systematic assessment procedure of treatment refusal is necessary in order to ensure that all the physical, psychological and contextual aspects of it are taken into account, and to provide patients with the best treatment possible. The setting of good care relationship, the improvement of communication skills training and of comprehensive multidisciplinary care are all crucial elements in the prevention of these situations.

Evaluation of the Theoretical Teaching of Postgraduate Radiation Oncology Medical Residents in France: a Cross-Sectional Study.

This study's purpose was to have residents evaluate Radiation Oncology (RO) theoretical teaching practices in France. An anonymous electronically cross-functional survey on theoretical teaching practices in the RO residents was conducted by (i) collecting data from residents in the medical faculties in France, (ii) comparing the data across practices when possible and (iii) suggesting means of improvement. A total of 103 out of 140 RO residents responded to the survey (73.5% response rate). National, inter-university, university and internships courses do not exist in 0% (0), 16.5% (17), 53.4% (55) and 40.8% (42) of residents, respectively. Residents need additional training due to the shortage of specialised postgraduate degree training (49.5% (51)), CV enhancement to obtain a post-internship position (49.5% (51)) or as part of a career plan (47.6% (49)). The topics covered in teaching to be improved were the following: basic concept 61.2% (63), advanced concept 61.2 (63) and discussion of frequent clinical cases 50.5% (52). The topics not covered in teaching to be improved were the following: the development of career (66.0% (68)), medical English (56.3% (58)), the organisation of RO speciality (49.5% (51)) and the hospital management of RO department (38.8% (40)). This is the first national assessment of theoretical teaching of RO residents in France.

Temozolomide and Bevacizumab Induction before Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Bulky Glioblastoma and/or with Severe Neurological Impairment.

Background. New approaches are needed for patients newly diagnosed with bulky glioblastoma (GB) and/or with severe neurological impairment that cannot benefit from first line temozolomide (TMZ)-based chemoradiotherapy. Bevacizumab (BEV), an antiangiogenic anti-VEGF-R monoclonal antibody, has a rapid impact on tumor-related brain edema in recurrent GB. The present study reports the feasibility and efficacy of an induction treatment with TMZ and BEV to alleviate the initial neurological impairment and/or to reduce the tumor volume before a delayed chemoradiotherapy. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed tumor and target volumes and clinical neurological status in 39 patients with bulky GB and/or with severe neurological impairment after an induction treatment combining TMZ and BEV. Neurological and radiological responses were assessed according to RANO criteria. Calculating gross tumor and clinical target volumes (GTV and CTV) was done at diagnosis and before radiotherapy. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined by Kaplan Meier methods. Safety was reported according to NCTCAE. Results. A cohort of 39 patients was analyzed between December 2010 and April 2014. Upfront standard TMZ-based chemoradiotherapy was recused due either to tumor volume or impairment of neurological status and/or performance status. After TMZ/BEV induction (median time of 3 months), 6 (15%) patients achieved a partial response (PR), and 17 (44%) had a stable disease. 24 patients (62%) received a radical-intent chemoradiotherapy. TMZ-BEV induced median reduction of the clinical target volume (CTV) was 25.9% [-84.4%; - 4.8%]. The median PFS and OS were 8.4 months [95% CI: (6.6 - 9.9)] and 11.0 months [95% CI: (9.3 - 13.7)], respectively in the whole cohort and 10.8 [95% CI: (9.3 - 12.9)] and 15.0 [95% CI: (13.2 - 17.8)] for irradiated patients. Induction treatment led to corticosteroid dose reduction or cessation in 21 patients (54%). KPS improvement was observed in 38% of patients. Toxicity was mild with only 7/39 (18%) grade III-IV toxicity, including 1 digestive bleeding and 1 epistaxis. Conclusion. TMZ-BEV induction led to CTV reduction allowing for optimal chemoradiotherapy in a majority (62%) of patients for which radiotherapy was initially recused. A clinical benefit was obtained with improved KPS and a decrease in steroid dose.

Mobile technology and social media in the clinical practice of young radiation oncologists: results of a comprehensive nationwide cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Social media and mobile technology are transforming the way in which young physicians are learning and practicing medicine. The true impact of such technologies has yet to be evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a nationwide cross-sectional survey to better assess how young radiation oncologists used these technologies. An online survey was sent out between April 24, 2013, and June 1, 2013. All residents attending the 2013 radiation oncology French summer course were invited to complete the survey. Logistic regressions were performed to assess predictors of use of these tools in the hospital on various clinical endpoints. RESULTS: In all, 131 of 140 (93.6%) French young radiation oncologists answered the survey. Of these individuals, 93% owned a smartphone and 32.8% owned a tablet. The majority (78.6%) of the residents owning a smartphone used it to work in their department. A total of 33.5% had more than 5 medical applications installed. Only 60.3% of the residents verified the validity of the apps that they used. In all, 82.9% of the residents had a social network account. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the residents in radiation oncology use their smartphone to work in their department for a wide variety of tasks. However, the residents do not consistently check the validity of the apps that they use. Residents also use social networks, with only a limited impact on their relationship with their patients. Overall, this study highlights the irruption and the risks of new technologies in the clinical practice and raises the question of a possible regulation of their use in the hospital.

The French Society of Young Radiation Oncologists: History, goals and perspective.

The SFjRO was created ten years ago to promote radiation oncology teaching in France. Our society has now more than 120 members from all around the country. Each year, two national courses are organized where all members are invited.