Comparison of two different respiratory monitoring systems with 4D-CT images for target volume definition in patients undergoing para-aortic nodal irradiation.

OBJECTIVE: Today, respiratory movement can be monitored and recorded with different methods during a simulation on a four-dimensional (4D) computed tomography (CT) device to be used in radiotherapy planning. A synchronized respiratory monitoring system (RPM) with an externally equipped device is one of these methods. Another method is to create 4D images of the patient's breathing phases without the need for extra equipment, with an anatomy-based software program integrated into the CT device. Our aim is to compare the RPM system and the software system (Deviceless) which are two different respiratory monitoring methods used in tracking moving targets during 4D-CT imaging and to assess their clinical usability. METHODS: Ten patients who underwent paraaortic nodal irradiation were enrolled. The simulation was performed using intravenous contrast material on a 4D-CT device with both respiratory monitoring methods. The right/left kidneys and renal arteries were chosen as references to evaluate abdominal organ movement. It was then manually contoured one by one on both sets of images. The images were compared volumetrically and geometrically after rigid reconstruction. The similarity between the contours was determined by the Dice index. Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparisons. RESULTS: The motion of the kidneys in all three directions was found to be 0.0 cm in both methods. The shifts in the right/left renal arteries were submillimetric. The Dice index showed a high similarity in both kidney and renal artery contours. CONCLUSION: In our study, no difference was found between RPM and Deviceless systems used for tracking and detection of moving targets during simulation in 4D-CT. Both methods can be used safely for radiotherapy planning according to the available possibilities in the clinic.

Increased skin reactions with hydroxychloroquine during breast radiotherapy.

With the advances in radiation technology, skin reaction due to postoperative radiotherapy (RT) in breast cancer patients is generally mild and tolerable. However, certain drugs may increase the radiation effect. In literature, only few cases of adverse reactions in the radiation field have been reported with the use of Chloroquine. This report describes the case of a 30-year-old young female who had enhanced skin reactions with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment during breast RT. HCQ should be used with caution in patients undergoing RT due to its potential radiosensitizer effect.

Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety, and Sexual Function in Rectal Cancer Patients Before and After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The association of treatment-related side effects and tumor characteristics with sexual function, depression, and anxiety were investigated in patients with locally advanced rectum cancer (LARC) receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients who received neoadjuvant CRT with LARC were included. The Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX) Scale was used to determine the sexual function status whereas the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the depression and anxiety status of the patient, respectively. The patients were asked to fill these scales before and at least 4 weeks after the neoadjuvant CRT. T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for the comparison of values. RESULTS: Median age was 52.5 years (range: 33-76). Twenty-six patients were male, and 6 patients were female. At presentation, the tumor was located mostly in lower third rectum (72%), and 69% of the patients had T3 tumors. There was a statistically significant deterioration in the sexual functions of the patients (p < 0.001), a statistically significant decrease in their anxiety level after CRT (p: 0.037). Depression level was changed from mild to minimal during this process (p: 0.17). A significant deterioration in the ASEX scale was observed especially in patients with grade 2 and above gastrointestinal side effects (p: 0.01). CONCLUSION: This prospective study showed that the patient's anxiety and depression levels had decreased during the treatment process probably due to the decrease in the patient's symptoms. However, deterioration of the sexual function status which might be correlated to increased gastrointestinal side effects during CRT has been observed. So, clinical and psychiatric support including therapies for sexual dysfunctions is needed for LARC patients during and after the neoadjuvant CRT.

Revisiting the Radical Radiotherapy-Radiochemotherapy Results in Anal Canal Cancers: (TROD Gastrointestinal Group Study 02-005).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to determine treatment outcomes and factors affecting prognosis in patients diagnosed with anal canal cancer who received radical radiotherapy (RT) or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy (CT-RT) in radiation oncology centers in Turkey and compare the results with literature. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included 193 patients with anal canal cancer reported between 1995 and 2019, of which 162 had complete data. The study was conducted in 11 radiation oncology centers, and a joint database was shared among them. Patients received radiotherapy doses of 45 Gy to 60 Gy. Data analysis was done using SPSS for Windows version 20. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 48.51 months (2-214). All patients received radiotherapy, and 140 (86.4%) received concurrent chemotherapy. Radiotherapy doses of 50.4 Gy to 60 Gy were administered to 74 patients (45.7%) using 2-dimensional-3-dimensional (2D-3D) conformal therapy and 70 patients (43.2%) using intensity modulated radiotherapy technique (IMRT). Acute phase hematologic toxicity was observed in 62 patients (38.3%), and nonhematologic toxicity in 123 patients (75.9%). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 75.1% and disease-specific survival (DSS) rate was 76.4%. OS without colostomy was achieved in 79,8 % at 5 years, and complete response in 112 patients (69.1%). OS rate was significantly higher in 142 patients with positive response (P < .000) and 112 with complete response (P < .000). Anemia (P < .002), local progression, and systemic progression (P < .000) resulted in lower OS (P < .002). In univariate analysis, factors affecting OS rate were: gender, age, stage, lymph node status, T stage, RT treatment duration, and treatment planning with PET fusion, which were found to be statistically significant. Completing radiotherapy in less than 45 days, concurrent chemotherapy, and continued administration of mitomycin and 5 FU as chemotherapy had a significant positive effect on overall survival. OS rate was higher in patients receiving RT dose of 58 Gy or less and undergoing IMRT planning in radiotherapy. IMRT was associated with lower acute and late side effects. CONCLUSION: Radiochemotherapy is the primary treatment for anal canal cancer and advanced radiotherapy techniques may increase survival by reducing side effects and improving treatment continuation. Higher treatment doses require further investigation. The efficacy of treatment can be improved by including patients treated with modern radiotherapy techniques in multicenter prospective studies using new and more effective chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents.

Multi-institutional analysis of cervical esophageal carcinoma patients treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy: TROD 01-005 study.

The aim of this study was to examine the prognostic factors and treatment outcomes of cervical esophageal carcinoma (CEC) patients who underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT). The clinical data of 175 biopsy-confirmed CEC patients treated with definitive CRT between April 2005 and September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic factors predicting overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were assessed in uni- and multivariable analyses. The median age of the entire cohort was 56 years (range: 26-87 years). All patients received definitive radiotherapy with a median total dose of 60 Gy, and 52% of the patients received cisplatin-based concurrent chemotherapy. The 2-year OS, PFS, and LRFS rates were 58.8%, 46.9%, and 52.4%, respectively, with a median follow-up duration of 41.6 months. Patients' performance status, clinical nodal stage, tumor size, and treatment response were significant prognostic factors for OS, PFS, and LRFS in univariate analysis. Non-complete treatment response was an independent predictor for poor OS (HR = 4.41, 95% CI, 2.78-7.00, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR = 4.28, 95% CI, 2.79-6.58, p < 0.001), whereas poor performance score was a predictor for worse LRFS (HR = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.12-2.98, p = 0.02) in multivariable analysis. Fifty-two patients (29.7%) experienced grade II or higher toxicity. In this multicenter study, we demonstrated that definitive CRT is a safe and effective treatment for patients with CEC. Higher radiation doses were found to have no effect on treatment outcomes, but a better response to treatment and a better patient performance status did.

Evaluation of interfractional organ motion during neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate interfractional motion of the mesorectum and bladder and to assess dosimetric changes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) during neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. METHODS: Twenty-one patients who underwent volumetric arc therapy with CBCT imaging protocol were retrieved. The mesorectum and bladder were delineated on every CBCT image, and treatment plans were recalculated for all CBCTs. The organ motion was analyzed as a mean shift on the X-Y-Z axes. The volume changes were evaluated using the DICE index. Mann-Whitney U test was used in pairwise comparison analysis and ANOVA was used to compare shifts in each direction. RESULTS: A total of 105 CBCTs were evaluated retrospectively. The movement of the total mesorectum was found to be 1.5 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm on the X-Y-Z-axes, respectively. In the subgroup analysis, the movement of the 1/3 upper mesorectum on the Y-axis was significantly higher (mean movement 8 mm, p = 0.005). Mean bladder displacements were 2 mm, 4 mm, and 8 mm on the X-Y-Z-axes, respectively. In the D2, D95, and D98 doses, there was no statistically significant change depending on the motion. CONCLUSION: During radiotherapy planning, the mesorectal movement should not be forgotten and PTV margins should be determined accordingly (Tab. 6, Ref. 22). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: cone-beam computed tomography, rectal cancer, mesorectum, interfractional organ motion, neoadjuvant radiotherapy.

Oncological outcomes for encapsulated papillary carcinoma of the breast: Multicentric study of Turkish Society for Radiation Oncology breast cancer study group (TROD 06-014 study).

BACKGROUND: Encapsulated papillary carcinoma (EPC) is a rare malignant papillary breast cancer accounting for approximately .5%-2% of all breast tumors. The aim of this multicenter study was to evaluate clinicopathologic features of EPC in addition to oncological outcomes and radiotherapy (RT) details. METHODS: From 10 different academic hospitals in Turkey, we obtained pathology reports of 80 patients with histologically confirmed EPC between 2005 and 2022. Demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data were collected from medical records, retrospectively. Local failure, distant progression, toxicity-adverse effects, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival were evaluated, and survival analyzes were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Eighty patients with the diagnosis of misspelled sorry (ECP) were retrospectively evaluated. The median age of the patients was 63 (range, 35-85). After a median follow-up of 48 (range; 6-206) months, local recurrence was observed in three patients (4%). Local recurrence was less common in the patients who received whole breast RT with a tumour bed boost (p = .025). There were not any distant metastasis or disease-related death. RT was applied to 61% of the cases, and no treatment-related grade 3 or higher toxicity was reported in any of the patients. Five year OS, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and  were observed as 85%, 100%, and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ECP is a rare, slow-progressing breast carcinoma associated with good prognosis, it is a disease of elderly patient, and usually occurs in postmenopausal women. It responds extremely well to optimal local treatments and appropriate adjuvant treatments on a patient basis, and has excellent OS and CSS ratios.

Recurrence patterns of pancreatic cancer treated with adjuvant intensity modulated radiotherapy.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the recurrence patterns in pancreatic cancer patients treated with adjuvant intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and to correlate the sites of locoregional recurrence with radiotherapy target volumes. Materials and methods: Thirty-eight patients who had undergone resection and adjuvant chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer were evaluated. Radiotherapy (RT) was started after 1-3 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (CHT). Clinical target volume (CTV) was contoured according to the RTOG guideline. All patients were treated with IMRT with a dose of 45-50.4 Gy. Computerized tomography (CT) images at the time of recurrence were correlated with radiotherapy plans. Locoregional recurrences were classified as in-field, out-field and marginal. Results: Median overall survival (OS) was 19 months. One- and 2-year OS rates were 73.6% and 37.1%, respectively. Locoregional recurrence and distant metastases were observed in 11 (28.9%) and 23 (60.5%) patients, respectively. For the 11 locoregional recurrences, 7 were in-field, 1 was marginal, and 3 were out-of-field. One patient had isolated local, 2 patients had isolated regional and 15 (57.6%) patients had only distant failures. The first presentations of failures were mostly distant (58%). On multivariate analysis, tumor size ≥ 3 cm (p = 0.011) and positive vascular invasion (p = 0.014) predicted for worse OS rate. Conclusions: The majority of locoregional recurrences were in the radiation field among pancreatic cancer patients treated with postoperative IMRT. However, failures were predominantly distant, and improvement of systemic control may be of particular interest.

Prognostic Role of Peripheral Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) in Patients with Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the predictive and prognostic role of pretreatment hematological parameters for tumor response and outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients undergoing surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS: From 2010 to 2016, 53 patients with LARC who underwent surgery following nCRT were analyzed. All hematological parameters were obtained from the initial blood tests performed before nCRT. The optimal cutoff values of significant hematological parameters for pathological tumor response (pTR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Patients have categorized into "good" and "poor" response groups according to their pathological results, and clinical-pathologic variables compared between the two groups. All survival analysis was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Uni-multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: In the ROC analysis, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for OS and absolute platelet count and PLR for DFS were found as significant prognostic factors. In multivariate analysis, surgical margin, ypN stage, and elevated PLR were significantly associated with OS, and likewise, high PLR was found as an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were worse in patients with high PLR group (82.3 vs. 47.3% for OS, p = 0.018 and 88.2 vs. 51.3% for DFS, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment high PLR is associated with worse OS and DFS in patients with rectal cancer. To use in daily practice, further studies are needed on its validation.

Management of IMRT in a gastric cancer patient with pacemaker: A case report and review of the literature.

Due to the prolongation of a lifetime, more cancer patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices are treated by radiotherapy. However, radiation may cause permanent or temporary malfunctions on these devices, and new-generation devices are more sensitive to radiation. Besides, radiotherapy techniques and image guidance methods that may cause different interactions with the functions of the devices have been changed significantly recently. Here, we reported our clinical experience in a patient with a pacemaker who underwent radiotherapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) due to gastric cancer and reviewed the literature.

LONG-TERM RESULTS OF EXTREMITY SOFT TISSUE SARCOMAS LIMB-SPARING SURGERY AND RADIOTHERAPY.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic factors and results of limb sparing surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremities. METHODS: Between 1980-2007, 114 extremity-located STS treated with PORT were analyzed retrospectively. Tumors were mostly localized in the lower extremities (71,9%). The median radiotherapy (RT) dose was 60.9 Gy. Chemotherapy was administered to 37.7% of the patients. Tumor sizes were between 3-26 cm (median 7 cm). The three most frequent histological types included undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (26.3%), liposarcoma (25.4%), and synovial sarcoma (13.2%). The median follow-up for all patients was 60 months, and 81 months for survivors. RESULTS: The 5- and 10-year local control (LC) rates were 77% and 70.4%, respectively; actuarial survival rates for 5 and 10 years were 71.8% and 69.1%, respectively. Increasing the dose above 60 Gy for all patients and the patients with positive margins demonstrated a clear benefit on 5-year LC (p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively). Based on multivariate analysis, the addition of chemotherapy and RT dose were independent prognostic factors for LC. A recurrent presentation significantly affects the disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: PORT for STS of the extremities provides good long-term disease control with acceptable toxicity in a multidisciplinary approach. Level of evidence III, Retrospective study .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores prognósticos e os resultados da cirurgia poupadora de membro e radioterapia pós-operatória em pacientes com sarcomas de partes moles das extremidades. MÉTODOS: Entre 1980 e 2007, 114 sarcomas de partes moles localizados em extremidades tratados com cirurgia poupadora de membro e radioterapia pós-operatória foram analisados restrospectivamente. Os tumores localizavam-se principalmente na região mais baixa (71,9%). A dose média da radioterapia foi de 60,9 Gy. A quimioterapia foi usada em 37,7% dos pacientes. Os tamanhos do tumores estiveram entre 3 e 26 cm (mediana de 7 cm). Os três tipos histológicos mais frequentes foram, respectivamente, sarcoma pleomórfico indiferenciado (26,3%), lipossarcoma (25,4%) e sarcoma sinovial (13,2%). O tempo médio de acompanhamento para todos os pacientes foi de 60 meses e 81 meses para sobrevivente. RESULTADOS: As taxas de controle local para 5 e 10 anos foram de 77% e 70,4%, respectivamente, e as taxas de sobrevida foram de 71,8% e 69,1%. Aumentar a dose acima de 60 Gy para todos os pacientes e para aqueles com margens positivas demonstrou claro benefício no controle local de 5 anos (p = 0,03 e p = 0,04, respectivamente). Considerando a análise multivariada, a adição de quimioterapia e a dose de radioterapia foram fatores prognósticos independentes para controle local. Apresentação recorrente afetou significativamente a sobrevida livre da doença. CONCLUSÕES: A cirurgia poupadora de membro e radioterapia pós-operatória para sarcomas de partes moles das extremidades fornece bom controle da doença a longo prazo, com toxicidade aceitável na abordagem multidisciplinar. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo.

Long-term results of extremity soft tissue sarcomas limb-sparing surgery and radiotherapy / Resultados de longo prazo de sarcomas de extremidade: cirurgia e radioterapia com espuma

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prognostic factors and results of limb sparing surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremities. Methods: Between 1980-2007, 114 extremity-located STS treated with PORT were analyzed retrospectively. Tumors were mostly localized in the lower extremities (71,9%). The median radiotherapy (RT) dose was 60.9 Gy. Chemotherapy was administered to 37.7% of the patients. Tumor sizes were between 3-26 cm (median 7 cm). The three most frequent histological types included undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (26.3%), liposarcoma (25.4%), and synovial sarcoma (13.2%). The median follow-up for all patients was 60 months, and 81 months for survivors. Results: The 5- and 10-year local control (LC) rates were 77% and 70.4%, respectively; actuarial survival rates for 5 and 10 years were 71.8% and 69.1%, respectively. Increasing the dose above 60 Gy for all patients and the patients with positive margins demonstrated a clear benefit on 5-year LC (p=0.03 and p=0.04, respectively). Based on multivariate analysis, the addition of chemotherapy and RT dose were independent prognostic factors for LC. A recurrent presentation significantly affects the disease-free survival. Conclusions: PORT for STS of the extremities provides good long-term disease control with acceptable toxicity in a multidisciplinary approach. Level of evidence III, Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os fatores prognósticos e os resultados da cirurgia poupadora de membro e radioterapia pós-operatória em pacientes com sarcomas de partes moles das extremidades. Métodos: Entre 1980 e 2007, 114 sarcomas de partes moles localizados em extremidades tratados com cirurgia poupadora de membro e radioterapia pós-operatória foram analisados restrospectivamente. Os tumores localizavam-se principalmente na região mais baixa (71,9%). A dose média da radioterapia foi de 60,9 Gy. A quimioterapia foi usada em 37,7% dos pacientes. Os tamanhos do tumores estiveram entre 3 e 26 cm (mediana de 7 cm). Os três tipos histológicos mais frequentes foram, respectivamente, sarcoma pleomórfico indiferenciado (26,3%), lipossarcoma (25,4%) e sarcoma sinovial (13,2%). O tempo médio de acompanhamento para todos os pacientes foi de 60 meses e 81 meses para sobrevivente. Resultados: As taxas de controle local para 5 e 10 anos foram de 77% e 70,4%, respectivamente, e as taxas de sobrevida foram de 71,8% e 69,1%. Aumentar a dose acima de 60 Gy para todos os pacientes e para aqueles com margens positivas demonstrou claro benefício no controle local de 5 anos (p = 0,03 e p = 0,04, respectivamente). Considerando a análise multivariada, a adição de quimioterapia e a dose de radioterapia foram fatores prognósticos independentes para controle local. Apresentação recorrente afetou significativamente a sobrevida livre da doença. Conclusões: A cirurgia poupadora de membro e radioterapia pós-operatória para sarcomas de partes moles das extremidades fornece bom controle da doença a longo prazo, com toxicidade aceitável na abordagem multidisciplinar. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo.

Comparison of changes in renal function with dosimetric parameters in gastric cancer patients treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to analyze kidney damage using glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and dynamic renal scintigraphy (DRS) compared with dose volume histogram (DVH) parameters in gastric cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two gastric cancer patients treated with postoperative chemoradiotherapy were retrospectively evaluated. Student's t test was used to compare pre- and posttreatment GFR and creatinine values. The relative contribution of the left and right kidney in DRS results was expressed as left-to-right ratio (L/R), and the percentage of initial and control participation ratio difference was calculated. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to compare the percentage difference of L/R ratio with DVH parameters of each kidney. RESULTS: In DRS analysis, decrease in left kidney cortical function was observed in one patient. V5-V10 of the left and bilateral kidneys were significantly associated with GFR decline. None of the DVH parameter was significantly associated with L/R ratio. However, the V15 and Dmean of the bilateral kidney were significantly correlated with greater decrease in L/R ratio in seven patients whose posttreatment DRS period was > 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Decline in renal function, even with current renal constraints, was observed. Minimization of V5, V10, and V15 and mean dose (Dmean) to the kidney should be considered.

The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Primary or Recurrent Desmoid Tumors and Long-Term Results.

BACKGROUND: Desmoid tumors are uncommon and benign mesenchymal neoplasms. The optimal treatment of patients with desmoid tumors is still controversial. Surgery is the primary treatment for locally invasive or recurrent desmoid tumors. Also, radiotherapy is a treatment option for patients at high risk for local failure such as those with positive margins or recurrent and unresectable tumors. AIMS: To report our institutional experience and long-term results of patients with desmoid tumors who received radiotherapy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Between 1980 and 2009, 20 patients who received radiotherapy (RT) in our institution were analyzed. The majority of patients (80%) were referred with a recurrent tumor after previous surgery. Thirteen patients underwent marginal resection, 4 had wide local excision and 3 patients had only biopsy. Resection margin was positive in 15 (75%) patients. All patients received radiation therapy. The median prescribed dose was 60 Gy. Five patients received less than 54 Gy. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 77.5 months (28-283 months). Nine patients developed local recurrence after RT. Seven local failures (78%) were in field. Time to local recurrence ranged from 3-165 months (median 33 months). The 2-5 year local control (LC) rates were 80% and 69%, respectively. On univariate analysis, the 5 year local control rate was significantly better in the patients treated with ≥54 Gy than in patients who received <54 Gy (p=0.023). The most common acute side effect was grade 1-2 skin toxicity. As a late side effect of radiotherapy, soft tissue fibrosis was detected in 10 patients and lymphangitis was seen in 1 patient. One patient developed radiation-induced sarcoma. CONCLUSION: According to our results, radiotherapy is especially effective in recurrent disease and provides a high local control rate in the patients received more than 54 Gy.

Long-term treatment results in soft tissue sarcomas of the thoracic wall treated with pre-or-postoperative radiotherapy--a single institution experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long term results among patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the thoracic wall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients who were treated with pre-or postoperative radiotherapy between December 1980-December 2007, with a diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma of the thoracic wall were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The median age was 44 years (14-85 years) and 15 of them were male. A total of 50% of patients were grade 3. The most common histologic type of tumor was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (26.9%). Tumor size varied between 2-25 cm (median 6.5 cm). Seventeen of the cases had marginal and 9 had wide local resection. Four cases received preoperative radiotherapy and 22 postoperative radiotherapy. Six of the patients with large and high grade tumors received chemotherapy. Median follow-up time was 82 months (9-309 months). Local recurrence and metastasis was detected in 34.6% and 42.3% of patients, respectively. Five- year local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were 62%, 38%, 69%, and 76% respectively. On univariate analysis, the patients with positive surgical margins had a markedly lower 5-year LC rate than patients with negative surgical margin, but the difference was not significant (43% vs 78%, p=0.1). Five-year DFS (66% vs 17%) and DSS (92% vs 60%) rates were significantly worse for the patients who had high grade tumors (p=0.01, p=0.008 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor grade and surgical margin are essential parameters for determining the prognosis of thoracic wall soft tissue sarcoma both in our series and the literature.

Non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors of bone in adolescents and adults: prognostic factors and clinical outcome-single institution results.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: There is limited data regarding outcomes of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors in adolescents and adults compared with the same tumors in childhood. The aim of the study was to analyze prognostic factors and treatment results in a cohort of adolescents and adults with non-metastatic skeletal Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: From 1992-2008, 90 adolescents and adults with Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors of the bone were referred to our institution. Sixty-five (72%) non-metastatic patients with analyzable data and treated in our institution were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were treated with alternated chemotherapy regimens administered every 3 weeks. The local treatment modality was selected according to tumor and patient characteristics. RESULTS: The median age was 21 years (range, 13-50). Most patients (74%) were >17 years of age. Forty-six percent of the tumors were located in the extremities. Local therapy was surgery in 45 patients and radiotherapy alone in 19 patients. Twenty-one patients received preoperative and 13 patients postoperative radiotherapy. Median follow-up was 43 months (range, 7-167). The 5-year event-free and overall survival rates for all patients were 44% and 49%, respectively. On univariate survival analysis, event-free and overall survival were worse for patients >17 years of age, tumor size >8 cm in diameter, an axial location, positive surgical margins, and poor histopathological response (<90% necrosis). Age, tumor site and tumor size on event-free and overall survival remained significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified age, tumor size, and tumor site as independent prognostic factors, in accord with the Western literature. These patients require novel treatment modalities.

Does rectum and bladder dose vary during the course of image-guided radiotherapy in the postprostatectomy setting?

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: To assess the variations in actual doses delivered to the rectum and bladder in the course of postprostatectomy radiotherapy using kilovoltage-cone-beam computed tomography datasets acquired during image-guided radiotherapy. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Twenty consecutive patients treated with intensity-modulated or intensity-modulated arc therapy to the prostate bed were retrospectively evaluated. Both the planning tomography and kilovoltage-cone-beam computed tomography were acquired with an empty rectum and a half-full bladder. Target localization was performed on the basis of soft tissue matching using cone-beam computed tomography scans before each treatment fraction. A total of 16 cone-beam computed tomography scans per patient (acquired at the first 5 fractions and twice weekly thereafter) were used for the assessments. The bladder and rectum were re-contoured offline on each cone-beam computed tomography scan by a single physician, and the delivered doses were recalculated. The variations in certain dose-volume parameters for the rectum and bladder (BD2cc, RD 2cc, V40%, V50%, V60%, V65%) were analyzed using the paired t test. RESULTS: Most of the dose volume variations for rectum and bladder were significantly higher than predicted (P <0.05) for the 320 kilovoltage-cone-beam computed tomography sets, except for the doses received by 2 cc of the bladder and V50 and V60 of the rectum. The dose-volume parameters of the bladder did not meet our criteria of V65 ≤25% and V40 ≤50% in 10% and 20% of the patients, respectively. None of the dose-volume histograms showed rectal V65 ≥17%; however, the rectal V40 ≤35% dose constraint was not met in 11 patients. For all patients, the ANOVA test revealed no significant difference between the variations. CONCLUSION: Actual doses delivered during treatment were found to be higher than predicted, but the majority of calculated bladder and rectal doses remained in the limits of our plan acceptance criteria. Interfraction variability of the rectum and bladder is a major concern in the postprostatectomy radiotherapy setting, even when patients are instructed about rectal and bladder preparation before the radiotherapy course. Image guidance with cone-beam computed tomography at each treatment fraction may offer a viable tool to account for interfraction variations of the rectum and bladder throughout the treatment course.

Neoadjuvant treatment with preoperative radiotherapy for extremity soft tissue sarcomas: long-term results from a single institution in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: To assess the long term clinical outcome of preoperative radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy followed by limb sparing surgery in patients with non-metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS) of the extremities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with locally advanced STS were retrospectively analyzed. The median tumor diameter was 12 cm. All patients were treated with preoperative radiotherapy delivered with two different fractionation schedules (35Gy/10fr or 46-50Gy/23-25fr). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was added to 44 patients with large and/or high grade tumors. Surgery was performed 2-6 weeks after radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was completed up to 6 courses after surgery in patients who had good responses. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 67 months (8-268 months). All of the patients had limb sparing surgery. The 5-year local control (LC), disease free (DFS) and overall survival (OSS) rates for all of the patients were 81%, 48.1% and 68.3% respectively. 5-year LC, DFS and cause specific survival (CSS) were 81.7%, 47%, 69.8%, and 80%, 60%, 60% in the chemoradiotherapy and radiotherapy groups, respectively. On univariate analysis, patients who were treated with hypofractionation experienced significantly superior LC, DFS and CSS rates with similar rates of late toxicity when compared with patients who were treated with conventional fractionation and statistical significance was retained on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment results are consistent with the literature. As neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy provides effective LC and CSS with acceptable morbidity, it should be preferred for patients with large and borderline resectable STS.

Outcomes following chemoradiotherapy for N3 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma without a planned neck dissection.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal management of the N3 neck in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains controversial. We report the outcomes of patients with N3 disease treated with a strategy of concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CRT)±induction chemotherapy (ICT) without a planned neck dissection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with HNSCC N3 disease treated between January 2004 and December 2010 were retrospectively identified. Inclusion criteria for the study were: non-nasopharyngeal HNSCC, N3 nodal disease, intention to treat with CRT±ICT. RESULTS: Median age was 60 (range 39-74). Median follow up was 32 months (range 8-88). 34 (85%) of patients received ICT. 35 patients received cisplatin-CRT, 4 carboplatin-CRT and 1 patient was treated with radiotherapy alone due to ICT toxicity. 27 (67.5%) patients had a complete response (CR) to CRT. 5 (12.5%) patients had an incomplete response in both the primary and nodal sites. 8 (20%) patients had a CR in the primary site but incomplete in the nodal regions. The crude rate of regional failure following a CR was 3/27 (11.2%). Isolated regional failure occurred in 1/27 (3.7%) patients who had achieved a CR post-CRT. 3 year overall survival, disease free survival, locoregional control, local control and regional control in the whole cohort were 51.4%, 49.6%, 65.7%, 77.3%, 69.3%, and in patients with a CR were 73.3%, 70.0%, 86.6%, 90.5% and 91.7% respectively. CONCLUSION: Isolated regional nodal failure is rare following a complete response to CRT for N3 HNSCC managed without a planned neck dissection.

Low-grade osteosarcoma, review of 15 cases in a series of 156 osteosarcoma cases.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcoma of the bone accounts for approximately 20% of all primary malignant bone tumors. Most cases (75-85%) are high-grade osteosarcomas. We aimed to introduce low-grade osteosarcomas that we found by retrospectively scanning our archives because of the diagnostic difficulties, rarity and different therapeutic approach required. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We found 156 osteosarcoma cases in the archives of the Department of Pathology of Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine covering the period 2000 to 2010. These cases included 141 high-grade and 15 low-grade osteosarcomas. RESULTS: Low-grade osteosarcomas made up 10.4% of all osteosarcomas. Age and sex distribution were 19 to 54 (median 33.6) with 9 females and 6 males. Most cases were located in the distal femur while others were in the proximal tibia, the left wrist, the distal tibia and the right knee. The tumors were generally made up of relatively well-formed trabeculae of woven bone surrounded by a moderately cellular spindle cell proliferation entangled in collagen fibers. Thirteen cases were reported as parosteal osteosarcoma, one as intramedullary well-differentiated osteosarcoma, and one as low-grade osteosarcoma metastasis in the lung. CONCLUSION: Low-grade osteosarcomas account for approximately 3-5% of all osteosarcomas. They are more commonly seen in women and 9 cases out of 6 were female in our series. The average age was 33.6 (19-54). The distal femur was the most common localization as is typical in osteosarcomas. In contrast to high-grade lesions, surgery will be sufficient in low-grade osteosarcomas. The survival rate ranges from 90% to 100%. Differentiating low-grade osteosarcomas from high-grade osteosarcomas and benign lesions and using a multidisiplinary approach for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up periods are of vital importance.