Quantitative assessments of late radiation-induced skin and soft tissue toxicity and correlation with RTOG scales and biological equivalent dose in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced toxicity (RIT) is usually assessed by inspection and palpation. Due to their subjective and unquantitative nature, objective methods are required. This study aimed to determine whether a quantitative tool is able to assess RIT and establish an underlying BED-response relationship in breast cancer. METHODS: Patients following seven different breast radiation protocols were recruited to this study for RIT assessment with qualitative and quantitative examination. The biologically equivalent dose (BED) was used to directly compare different radiation regimens. RIT was subjectively evaluated by physicians using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) late toxicity scores. Simultaneously an objective multiprobe device was also used to quantitatively assess late RIT in terms of erythema, hyperpigmentation, elasticity and skin hydration. RESULTS: In 194 patients, in terms of the objective measurements, treated breasts showed higher erythema and hyperpigmentation and lower elasticity and hydration than untreated breasts (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively). As the BED increased, Δerythema and Δpigmentation gradually increased as well (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). Regarding the clinical assessment, the increase in BED resulted in a higher RTOG toxicity grade (p < 0.001). Quantitative assessments were consistent with RTOG scores. As the RTOG toxicity grade increased, the erythema and pigmentation values increased, and the elasticity index decreased (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The multiprobe device can be a sensitive and simple tool for research purpose and quantitatively assessing RIT in patients undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer. Physician-assessed toxicity scores and objective measurements revealed that the BED was positively associated with the severity of RIT.

Long-term results of a randomized partial irradiation trial compared to whole breast irradiation in the early stage and low-risk breast cancer patients after conservative surgery

Purpose To report long-term results of a randomized trial comparing accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) to whole-breast irradiation (WBI) in terms of efficacy, toxicity, and cosmesis. Methods and materials WBI group was treated with 3D conformal external irradiation, 2 Gy daily/fraction, 5 fractions/week, to a total dose of 50 Gy. APBI group was treated with 3D conformal external irradiation 3.75 Gy/fraction, twice a day, 5 fractions/week, to a total dose of 37.5 Gy in the APBI group. Patients were followed up every 6 months up to 5 years and yearly thereafter. During follow-up visits, the clinician evaluated chronic toxicity and scored cosmetic results with a four-scale system. Results After a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 43 patients in each group (84%) are alive without disease. One patient died after disease progression in the APBI arm, and there was no death in the WBI arm. The rest of the patients died from another disease different than breast cancer, similarly between groups. There was greater fibrosis in the APBI group (9 patients grade 1 and one grade 2) compared to WBI (3 patients grade 1 and one grade 2); p = 0.18. Regarding cosmesis, in APBI group, 19 and 21 (43.2 and 47%) patients had excellent or good results, similar to the WBI group with 18 patients (40.9%) in each cosmesis outcome. The WBI group did not have any patient with poor cosmesis but the APBI had 3 (6.8%; p = 0.24). Conclusion After a follow-up of 10 years, there were no differences in efficacy between the 2 treatment arms. Despite slight greater toxicity in the APBI group, the cosmesis was similar and satisfactory in both groups (AU)

Effects of radiation on toxicity, complications, revision surgery and aesthetic outcomes in breast reconstruction: An argument about timing and techniques.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) combined with breast reconstruction can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increase the survival rate. However, this approach seems to worsen aesthetic outcomes and increase complication rates. The impact of breast reconstruction timing and techniques on clinical outcomes, however, remains unclear. For this reason, we aimed to perform a more comprehensive analysis of a series of patients undergoing RT and breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the timing of reconstruction (before RT and after RT) and surgical technique (heterologous reconstruction and autologous reconstruction (AR)). The median time between RT and reconstruction, number of revision surgeries, incidence of complications, toxicity, aesthetics and associated clinical risk factors were used to assess the clinical outcomes. An objective system of skin toxicity evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included in this study. No significant differences in the median time between RT and reconstruction, incidence of complications, toxicity or aesthetics were noted between different timings or techniques of reconstruction. Patients undergoing AR needed more revision surgeries to complete reconstruction. However, the total number of surgical procedures was similar between the groups. In a comparison between the treated and untreated breasts by an objective system, RT produced an increase in erythema and pigmentation and a decrease in elasticity in the treated breast (p<0.05 for all parameters). On multivariate analysis, smoking was a significant predictor associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Combined breast reconstruction and RT seem to be successful regardless of the order of treatment or the type of reconstruction.

Long-term results of a randomized partial irradiation trial compared to whole breast irradiation in the early stage and low-risk breast cancer patients after conservative surgery.

PURPOSE: To report long-term results of a randomized trial comparing accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) to whole-breast irradiation (WBI) in terms of efficacy, toxicity, and cosmesis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: WBI group was treated with 3D conformal external irradiation, 2 Gy daily/fraction, 5 fractions/week, to a total dose of 50 Gy. APBI group was treated with 3D conformal external irradiation 3.75 Gy/fraction, twice a day, 5 fractions/week, to a total dose of 37.5 Gy in the APBI group. Patients were followed up every 6 months up to 5 years and yearly thereafter. During follow-up visits, the clinician evaluated chronic toxicity and scored cosmetic results with a four-scale system. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 43 patients in each group (84%) are alive without disease. One patient died after disease progression in the APBI arm, and there was no death in the WBI arm. The rest of the patients died from another disease different than breast cancer, similarly between groups. There was greater fibrosis in the APBI group (9 patients grade 1 and one grade 2) compared to WBI (3 patients grade 1 and one grade 2); p = 0.18. Regarding cosmesis, in APBI group, 19 and 21 (43.2 and 47%) patients had excellent or good results, similar to the WBI group with 18 patients (40.9%) in each cosmesis outcome. The WBI group did not have any patient with poor cosmesis but the APBI had 3 (6.8%; p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: After a follow-up of 10 years, there were no differences in efficacy between the 2 treatment arms. Despite slight greater toxicity in the APBI group, the cosmesis was similar and satisfactory in both groups.

Weekly radiotherapy in elderly breast cancer patients: a comparison between two hypofractionation schedules

Purpose Weekly irradiation in breast cancer in elderly patients is a treatment option, whose tolerance may be influenced by the fractionation used. The objective of this study is to compare the tolerance and long-term side effects of two different fractionations. Materials and methods 47 elderly patients were recruited after conservative or radical treatment that also received irradiation with a dose per fraction of 6.25 Gy or 5 Gy for one session per week, 6 sessions in total. The long-term tolerance results are compared by assessing toxicity using CTCAE version 5.0 scales for dermatitis, telangectasia, fibrosis and pain of the irradiated breast. In addition, objective parameters of skin status (erythema, hyperpigmentation, elasticity and hydration) by a multi-probe MultiSkin Test-Center system were obtained and compared between groups. Results After an average follow-up of 5 years, all patients were free of disease and with complete local control. A total of 20 patients with 6.25 Gy fractionation and 27 patients with 5 Gy fractionation have been included. Patients treated with lower fractionation had a lower incidence of dermatitis, telangectasia, fibrosis, or local pain. The decrease in elasticity measured by the multi-probe system was smaller with the fractionation of 5 Gy. No differences were observed in the other objective parameters. Conclusion Weekly irradiation with 5 Gy fractionation is better tolerated than with higher fractionation (AU)

Weekly radiotherapy in elderly breast cancer patients: a comparison between two hypofractionation schedules.

PURPOSE: Weekly irradiation in breast cancer in elderly patients is a treatment option, whose tolerance may be influenced by the fractionation used. The objective of this study is to compare the tolerance and long-term side effects of two different fractionations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 47 elderly patients were recruited after conservative or radical treatment that also received irradiation with a dose per fraction of 6.25 Gy or 5 Gy for one session per week, 6 sessions in total. The long-term tolerance results are compared by assessing toxicity using CTCAE version 5.0 scales for dermatitis, telangectasia, fibrosis and pain of the irradiated breast. In addition, objective parameters of skin status (erythema, hyperpigmentation, elasticity and hydration) by a multi-probe MultiSkin Test-Center system were obtained and compared between groups. RESULTS: After an average follow-up of 5 years, all patients were free of disease and with complete local control. A total of 20 patients with 6.25 Gy fractionation and 27 patients with 5 Gy fractionation have been included. Patients treated with lower fractionation had a lower incidence of dermatitis, telangectasia, fibrosis, or local pain. The decrease in elasticity measured by the multi-probe system was smaller with the fractionation of 5 Gy. No differences were observed in the other objective parameters. CONCLUSION: Weekly irradiation with 5 Gy fractionation is better tolerated than with higher fractionation.

Quality Standards for Allergen Immunotherapy Clinics in Spain: Consensus Document.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Allergen immunotherapy clinics (AITCs) in Spain differ widely in terms of structure, organization, resources, and portfolio of services. Therefore, it is essential to unify treatment criteria and define quality standards for the most complex AITCs. Objective: To establish a series of recommendations that make it possible to guarantee quality and safety in the administration of immunotherapy and define quality standards for the most complex AITCs. METHODS: This project began with an online survey of 65 allergy departments/units throughout Spain in 2013. Next, a 2-phase consensus process was carried out. In the first phase, 10 experts defined and agreed on the standards using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness method; in the second, the agreements were validated by means of a 2-round Delphi consultation with 84 experts. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on minimum safety and quality criteria in the administration of allergen immunotherapy, and 2 levels of highly complex AITCs were defined: accredited AITCs and accredited AITCs with excellence. Consensus was also reached on quality standards and accreditation criteria for both levels. CONCLUSIONS: This project is pioneering in terms of its purpose (the definition of quality standards for AITCs) and of the use of structured participation techniques (combination of the RAND/UCLA and Delphi methods). It enabled the design of minimum standards for quality and safety in administering AIT, as well as quality criteria for accreditation of AITCs supported by a broad panel of experts from the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology.

Quality standards for allergen immunotherapy clinics in Spain: consensus document

BACKGROUND: Allergen immunotherapy clinics (AITCs) in Spain differ widely in terms of structure, organization, resources, and portfolio of services. Therefore, it is essential to unify treatment criteria and define quality standards for the most complex AITCs. OBJECTIVE: To establish a series of recommendations that make it possible to guarantee quality and safety in the administration of immunotherapy and define quality standards for the most complex AITCs. METHODS: This project began with an online survey of 65 allergy departments/units throughout Spain in 2013. Next, a 2-phase consensus process was carried out. In the first phase, 10 experts defined and agreed on the standards using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness method; in the second, the agreements were validated by means of a 2-round Delphi consultation with 84 experts. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on minimum safety and quality criteria in the administration of allergen immunotherapy, and 2 levels of highly complex AITCs were defined: accredited AITCs and accredited AITCs with excellence. Consensus was also reached on quality standards and accreditation criteria for both levels. CONCLUSIONS: This project is pioneering in terms of its purpose (the definition of quality standards for AITCs) and of the use of structured participation techniques (combination of the RAND/UCLA and Delphi methods). It enabled the design of minimum standards for quality and safety in administering AIT, as well as quality criteria for accreditation of AITCs supported by a broad panel of experts from the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology

ANTECEDENTES: Las unidades de inmunoterapia (UIT) en España son muy diferentes en cuanto a estructura, organización, recursos y cartera de servicios. Por ello, resulta esencial homogeneizar criterios de actuación y definir estándares de calidad para las UIT de mayor complejidad. OBJETIVO: Establecer recomendaciones que permitan garantizar la calidad y seguridad en la administración de la inmunoterapia y definir estándares de calidad para las UIT de mayor complejidad. MÉTODOS: Proyecto iniciado (año 2013) con una encuesta on-line a 65 servicios o unidades de alergología de toda España. Posteriormente, se desarrolló un proceso de consenso en dos fases. En la primera, diez expertos definieron y consensuaron los estándares mediante el método RAND/UCLA; en la segunda, los acuerdos se validaron mediante una consulta Delphi a dos rondas con 84 expertos. RESULTADOS: Se consensuaron criterios mínimos de seguridad y calidad en la administración de inmunoterapia con alérgenos (ITA) y se definieron dos niveles de UIT de mayor complejidad: las UIT acreditadas (UITA) y las UIT acreditadas con excelencia (UITAE), consensuándose también los estándares de calidad y criterios de acreditación para ambos niveles. CONCLUSIONES: Proyecto pionero en su objetivo - definición de estándares de calidad de UIT- y en el empleo de técnicas de participación estructuradas -combinación de los métodos RAND/UCLA y Delphi-. El resultado es la definición de unos mínimos de calidad y seguridad para administrar ITA, y un conjunto de criterios de calidad para la acreditación de las UIT que cuenta con el respaldo de un amplio panel de expertos de la SEAIC

Influence of incidental radiation dose in the subventricular zone on survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide

Purpose. To determine if there is an association between the incidental radiation dose to the subventricular zone and survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide. Methods and materials. Sixty-five patients, treated between 2006 and 2015, were included in this retrospective study. The doses (75th percentile; p75) administered to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventricular zone were compared to overall survival and progression-free survival using Cox proportional hazards models. Covariates included: age, sex, surgery, tumor location, and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. Results. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 11.5 ± 9.96 and 18.8 ± 18.5 months, respectively. The p75 doses to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventrivular zone were, respectively, 57.30, 48.8, and 52.7 Gy. Patients who received a dose ≥48.8 Gy in the contralateral subventricular zone had better progression-free survival than those who received lower doses (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.91 P = 0.028). This association was not found for overall survival (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.30-1.22 P = 0.16). Administration of adjuvant temozolomide was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.41 P < 0.0001) and overall survival (HR 0.11; 95% CI 0.05-0.24 P = 0.001). In the subgroup of 46 patients whose O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter status was known, the methylation had no effect on either progression-free survival (P = 0.491) or overall survival (P = 0.203). Conclusion. High-dose radiation in the contralateral subventricular zone was associated with a significant improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme (AU)

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Perceived efficacy and satisfaction of patients with subcutaneous hypoallergenic high-dose house dust mite extract.

SUMMARY: The efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy with modified, high-dose, major allergen house dust mite extract is widely supported by double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. However, little is known regarding patient-perceived efficacy and satisfaction. An observational, retrospective, multicentre study in patients treated with Acaroid® was conducted to assess the efficacy and degree of satisfaction of the patients after the first six months of treatment with it. All the clinical study procedures were performed according to the routine clinical practice. This study demonstrates that Acaroid® is effective and well tolerated. The patients' condition demonstrated a clear and marked improvement in the first 6 months after treatment initiation. Patients treated with Acaroid® were very satisfied, with a correlation to improvement in patient-perceived symptoms and the administration of treatment by a healthcare professional.

Influence of incidental radiation dose in the subventricular zone on survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and temozolomide.

PURPOSE: To determine if there is an association between the incidental radiation dose to the subventricular zone and survival in patients with glioblastoma multiforme treated with surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty-five patients, treated between 2006 and 2015, were included in this retrospective study. The doses (75th percentile; p75) administered to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventricular zone were compared to overall survival and progression-free survival using Cox proportional hazards models. Covariates included: age, sex, surgery, tumor location, and concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide. RESULTS: Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 11.5 ± 9.96 and 18.8 ± 18.5 months, respectively. The p75 doses to the ipsilateral, contralateral and bilateral subventrivular zone were, respectively, 57.30, 48.8, and 52.7 Gy. Patients who received a dose ≥48.8 Gy in the contralateral subventricular zone had better progression-free survival than those who received lower doses (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.91 P = 0.028). This association was not found for overall survival (HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.30-1.22 P = 0.16). Administration of adjuvant temozolomide was significantly associated with improved progression-free survival (HR 0.19; 95% CI 0.09-0.41 P < 0.0001) and overall survival (HR 0.11; 95% CI 0.05-0.24 P = 0.001). In the subgroup of 46 patients whose O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene promoter status was known, the methylation had no effect on either progression-free survival (P = 0.491) or overall survival (P = 0.203). CONCLUSION: High-dose radiation in the contralateral subventricular zone was associated with a significant improvement in progression-free survival but not overall survival in patients treated for glioblastoma multiforme.

Accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy (AHRT) for non-small-cell lung cancer: can we leave standard fractionation?

Purpose. To report interim results from a single-institution study conducted to assess accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (AHRT) delivered with 3D conformal radiotherapy in two groups of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: (1) patients with early stage disease unable to tolerate surgery and ineligible for stereotactic body radiation therapy, and (2) patients with locally advanced disease unsuitable for concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Methods/patients. A total of 83 patients (51 stage I-II, 32 stage III) were included. Radiotherapy targets included the primary tumor and positive mediastinal areas identified on the pre-treatment PET-CT. Mean age was 77.8 ± 7.8 years. ECOG performance status (PS) was ≥2 in 50.6 % of cases. Radiotherapy was delivered in daily fractions of 2.75 Gy to a total dose of 66 Gy (BED10 84 Gy). Acute and late toxicities were evaluated according to NCI CTC criteria. Results. At a median follow-up of 42 months, median overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were 23 and 36 months, respectively. On the multivariate analysis, PS [HR 4.14, p = 0.0001)], stage [HR 2.51, p = 0.005)], and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) [HR 1.04, p = 0.04)] were independent risk factors for OS. PS [HR 5.2, p = 0.0001)] and stage [HR 6.3, p = 0.0001)] were also associated with CSS. No cases of severe acute or late treatment-related toxicities were observed. Conclusions. OS and CSS rates in patients treated with AHRT for stage I-II and stage III NSCLC were good. Treatment was well tolerated with no grade three or higher treatment-related toxicity. PS, stage, and SUV max were predictive for OS and CSS (AU)

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Hypofractionated boost after whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma: chronic toxicity results and cosmesis

Purpose. To evaluate the impact of hypofractionated boost after hypofractionated whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma. Methods and materials. Patients after breast conservative surgery were treated all time with hypofractionation of 2.67 Gy/day. Whole breast dose was 40.05 Gy followed in case of risk of local relapse by a boost of 16.02 Gy or 8.01 Gy. Acute and chronic toxicity results were evaluated including cosmetic software-assisted assessment and objective evaluation of fibrosis parameters (elasticity and hydration) by means of a skin tester. Results. A total of 362 patients were evaluated. Acute toxicities comprised grade 1 dermatitis in 48.1 %, grade 2 in 44.5 % and grade 3 in 17 patients 4.7 %, respectively. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, in 308 cases (86.6 %) there was no chronic skin or subcutaneous changes. In the first consecutive 50 patients, measures with skin tester showed no statistical differences in parameters for skin and subcutaneous fibrosis. Cosmetic results were considered excellent and good in 26 and 62 %, respectively. Conclusions. Boost to tumour bed with hypofractionated doses is well tolerated and acute and chronic toxicities are mild with good cosmetic results. Objective systems are encouraging methods to assess skin quality and cosmesis (AU)

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Hypofractionated boost after whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma: chronic toxicity results and cosmesis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of hypofractionated boost after hypofractionated whole breast irradiation in breast carcinoma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients after breast conservative surgery were treated all time with hypofractionation of 2.67 Gy/day. Whole breast dose was 40.05 Gy followed in case of risk of local relapse by a boost of 16.02 Gy or 8.01 Gy. Acute and chronic toxicity results were evaluated including cosmetic software-assisted assessment and objective evaluation of fibrosis parameters (elasticity and hydration) by means of a skin tester. RESULTS: A total of 362 patients were evaluated. Acute toxicities comprised grade 1 dermatitis in 48.1 %, grade 2 in 44.5 % and grade 3 in 17 patients 4.7 %, respectively. After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, in 308 cases (86.6 %) there was no chronic skin or subcutaneous changes. In the first consecutive 50 patients, measures with skin tester showed no statistical differences in parameters for skin and subcutaneous fibrosis. Cosmetic results were considered excellent and good in 26 and 62 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Boost to tumour bed with hypofractionated doses is well tolerated and acute and chronic toxicities are mild with good cosmetic results. Objective systems are encouraging methods to assess skin quality and cosmesis.

Accelerated hypofractionated radiation therapy (AHRT) for non-small-cell lung cancer: can we leave standard fractionation?

PURPOSE: To report interim results from a single-institution study conducted to assess accelerated hypofractionated radiotherapy (AHRT) delivered with 3D conformal radiotherapy in two groups of patients with non-small cell lung cancer: (1) patients with early stage disease unable to tolerate surgery and ineligible for stereotactic body radiation therapy, and (2) patients with locally advanced disease unsuitable for concurrent chemoradiotherapy. METHODS/PATIENTS: A total of 83 patients (51 stage I-II, 32 stage III) were included. Radiotherapy targets included the primary tumor and positive mediastinal areas identified on the pre-treatment PET-CT. Mean age was 77.8 ± 7.8 years. ECOG performance status (PS) was ≥2 in 50.6 % of cases. Radiotherapy was delivered in daily fractions of 2.75 Gy to a total dose of 66 Gy (BED10 84 Gy). Acute and late toxicities were evaluated according to NCI CTC criteria. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 42 months, median overall survival (OS) and cause-specific survival (CSS) were 23 and 36 months, respectively. On the multivariate analysis, PS [HR 4.14, p = 0.0001)], stage [HR 2.51, p = 0.005)], and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) [HR 1.04, p = 0.04)] were independent risk factors for OS. PS [HR 5.2, p = 0.0001)] and stage [HR 6.3, p = 0.0001)] were also associated with CSS. No cases of severe acute or late treatment-related toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS: OS and CSS rates in patients treated with AHRT for stage I-II and stage III NSCLC were good. Treatment was well tolerated with no grade three or higher treatment-related toxicity. PS, stage, and SUV max were predictive for OS and CSS.

Prevalence of sensitization to pollen from trees planted in Barcelona city

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Phase II trial of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and 5-FU in locally advanced esophageal and gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Based on a phase I study showing the feasibility of combining of oxaliplatin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (OCF) with radiation therapy (RT) in esophageal cancer, the efficacy of this regimen in esophageal, gastroesophageal (GE), and gastric (G) cancer was assessed in this phase II multicenter study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable tumors were eligible. Treatment included two cycles of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m(2), cisplatin 55 mg/m(2), and continuously infused 5-FU 3 g/m(2) in 96 h and concurrent RT (45 Gy), followed by surgery after 6-8 weeks. Primary end point was complete pathologic response (pCR). RESULTS: Forty-one patients were enrolled. Tumor location was esophagus 39% (squamous 10/adenocarcinoma 6), GE junction 32%, and stomach 29%. G3-G4 adverse events included asthenia (27%) and neutropenia (14%). One toxic death occurred. Thirty-one patients (75.6%) underwent surgery (R0 in 94%). Pathologic response was achieved in 58% of patients, with pCR in 50% and 16% of esophageal and GE/G cancer, respectively. pCR was achieved in 67% of squamous cell carcinoma. Survival: median follow-up, 50.4 months; median progression-free survival and overall survival were 23.2 and 28.4 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative OCF plus RT showed an acceptable toxicity and promising activity especially in squamous cell esophageal cancer.