Image-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy as the method of choice in medically inoperable early-stage endometrial cancer patients.

PURPOSE: About 3-9% of patients with endometrial cancer are unable to undergo surgery due to medical comorbidities, including morbid obesity, or age-related frailty syndrome. An alternative curative option is irradiation. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) treatment in such patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with FIGO stage I-II endometrial cancer disqualified from surgery were treated with HDR-ICBT with 45-52,5 Gy prescribed to high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) in 5-9 fractions given once a week. All fractions were planned using computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 67 months. Median age was 79 years (range: 42-93 years). Median body mass index (BMI) was 39,1 kg/m2 (range: 24,2-68 kg/m2). We observed no statistically significant impact of BMI ≥ 40 on overall survival (OS) or prgression free survival (PFS). The 3- and 5-year OS for the whole population were 69% and 55%, respectively. The impact of high risk features (FIGO II, grade 3 or type 2 cancer) on OS was significant (p = 0,049). The 5-year cumulative incidence of local failure, distant metastases and non-cancer death were 12,9% [95% CI: 5,4%-20,5%], 6,4% [95% CI: 0,9%-11,9%], 33,1% [95% CI: 22,3%-43,9%], respectively. The 5-year risk of cancer and non-cancer death were 9% (95% CI: 3%-16%) and 36% (95% CI: 25%-47%), respectively. We observed G1 vaginal apex stenosis only. CONCLUSIONS: CT-guided HDR-ICBT is a feasible and safe management of FIGO stage I endometrial cancer in obese and elderly patients. The survival outcome of the treated group is influenced more by associated comorbidities than by the progression of endometrial cancer.

Simple yet (more?) effective. Venous thromboembolism risk assessment model for germ cell tumour patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Germ cell tumours (GCT) are highly curable malignancies. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication, needing better risk assessment models (RAM). AIM: Identification of VTE incidence and risk factors in metastatic GCT patients starting first-line chemotherapy. Developing a RAM and comparing it to Khorana risk score (KRS) and Padua Prediction Score (PPS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed GCT patients staged IS-IIIC. VTE risk factors were identified with logistic regression. Area under curve of receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC), Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria (AIC, BIC) were calculated for the developed RAM, KRS and PPS. RESULTS: Among 495 eligible patients, VTE occurred in 69 (13.9%), including 40 prior to chemotherapy. Vein compression (OR: 8.96; 95% CI: 2.85-28.13; p < 0.001), clinical stage IIIB-IIIC (OR: 5.68; 95% CI: 1.82-17.70; p = 0.003) and haemoglobin concentration (OR for 1 g/dL decrease: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03-1.67; p = 0.026) were significant in our RAM. KRS ≥ 3 (OR: 3.31; 95% CI: 1.77-6.20; p < 0.001), PPS 4-5 (OR: 3.06; 95% CI: 1.49-6.29; p = 0.002) and PPS > 5 (OR 8.05; 95% CI 3.79-17.13; p < 0.001) correlated with VTE risk. Diagnostic criteria (AUC-ROC, AIC, BIC) for the developed RAM, KRS and PPS were (0.885; 0.567; -1641), (0.588; 0.839; -1576) and (0.700; 0.799; -1585), respectively. In the numerical score, the optimal cut-off point for high-risk was ≥9, with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of 0.78, 0.77, 0.35 and 0.96, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our RAM, based on vein compression, clinical stage and haemoglobin concentration proved superior to both KRS and PPS. VTE is frequent in GCT patients.

Post-mortem detection of neuronal and astroglial biochemical markers in serum and urine for diagnostics of traumatic brain injury.

Currently available epidemiological data shows that traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents one of the leading causes of death that is associated with medico-legal practice, including forensic autopsy, criminological investigation, and neuropathological examination. Attention focused on TBI research is needed to advance its diagnostics in ante- and post-mortem cases with regard to identification and validation of novel biomarkers. Recently, several markers of neuronal, astroglial, and axonal injury have been explored in various biofluids to assess the clinical origin, progression, severity, and prognosis of TBI. Despite clinical usefulness, understanding their diagnostic accuracy could also potentially help translate them either into forensic or medico-legal practice, or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate post-mortem pro-BDNF, NSE, UCHL1, GFAP, S100B, SPTAN1, NFL, MAPT, and MBP levels in serum and urine in TBI cases. The study was performed using cases (n = 40) of fatal head injury and control cases (n = 20) of sudden death. Serum and urine were collected within ∼ 24 h after death and compared using ELISA test. In our study, we observed the elevated concentration levels of GFAP and MAPT in both serum and urine, elevated concentration levels of S100B and SPTAN1 in serum, and decreased concentration levels of pro-BDNF in serum compared to the control group. The obtained results anticipate the possible implementation of performed assays as an interesting tool for forensic and medico-legal investigations regarding TBI diagnosis where the head injury was not supposed to be the direct cause of death.

The Polish Society of Gynecological Oncology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometrial Carcinoma (2023).

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing amount of published data suggesting that endometrial carcinoma is a heterogenic entity with possible different treatment sequences and post-treatment follow-up, the Polish Society of Gynecological Oncology (PSGO) has developed new guidelines. AIM: to summarize the current evidence for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of endometrial carcinoma and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. METHODS: The guidelines have been developed according to standards set by the guideline evaluation tool AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation). The strength of scientific evidence has been defined in agreement with The Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System (AOTMiT) guidelines for scientific evidence classification. The grades of recommendation have been based on the strength of evidence and the level of consensus of the PSGO development group. CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, both the implementation of the molecular classification of endometrial cancer patients at the beginning of the treatment sequence and the extension of the final postoperative pathological report of additional biomarkers are needed to optimize and improve treatment results as well as to pave the route for future clinical trials on targeted therapies.

Elevated serum and urine levels of progranulin (PGRN) as a predictor of microglia activation in the early phase of traumatic brain injury: a further link with the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a frequent finding during forensic autopsies and neuropathological examinations in medico-legal practices. Despite the unprecedented attention currently focused on TBI pathogenesis, there is a need to improve its diagnostics through the use of novel biomarkers to facilitate detection, treatment, and prognosis. Recently, growth factor progranulin (PGRN) has attracted significant attention because of its neurotrophic and anti-inflammatory activities. The role of PGRN in TBI has not been widely discussed, although PGRN-related neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative phenomena have been described. The aim of this study was to identify PGRN concentration levels in biofluids and examine PGRN and CD68 protein expression in brain tissue using immunohistochemical staining in individuals with fatal TBI in its early phase. The study was performed using cases (n = 30) of fatal head injury and control cases (n = 30) of sudden death. The serum and urine were collected within ~24 h after death and compared using the ELISA test, where brain specimens were stained with anti-PGRN and anti-CD68 antibodies. In our study, we observed elevated concentration levels of PGRN in the serum and urine of TBI individuals in the early phase of TBI. These changes were accompanied by increased expression of PGRN in the frontal cortex (1st-3rd layers), in which anti-CD68 immunostaining revealed disseminated cortical microglia activation. The possible implementation of performing such assays offers a novel and interesting tool for investigation and research regarding TBI diagnosis and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the above-mentioned surrogate biofluid assays may be useful in clinical prognosis and risk calculation of non-fatal cases of TBI, considering the development of neurodegenerative conditions of TBI individuals.

Dosimetric evaluation of vaginal cuff brachytherapy planning in cervical and endometrial cancer patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to perform a prospective analysis of dosimetric consequences of rectal enema administration before vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCB), the dose distribution in organs at risk (OARs), and the presence of air gaps (AGs) in patients with cervical or endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 75 patients treated in 2019 were randomly divided into two groups including 38 patients with and 37 without an enema before VCB. All patients received post-operative high-dose-rate (HDR). Single-channel vaginal cylinders with active length of 2.75 cm were used. Prescription dose was 7 Gy at 5 mm depth from the applicator surface in all directions. Treatment plans were based on computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Enema performed before cylinder insertion had no effect on rectosigmoid Dmax or D2cm3. Rectosigmoid median V100 was 0.5 cm3 (range, 0-2.7 cm3). V100 ≥ 1 cm3 in 22 and ≥ 2 cm3 in 6 patients, with Dmax up to 19.7 Gy (282%) were observed. No effect of bladder volume in the range of 27-256 cm3 on Dmax or D2cm3 was found. The median bladder V100 was 0.1 cm3 (range, 0-1.4 cm3). There were 62 (83%) patients with AGs, with 24% at the top of the vagina and 75% on the remaining length of the vagina. Most of the AGs were small (≤ 3 mm), but in 5 (8%) cases, they were bigger than 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: VCB planning with the use of CT is essential. CT can facilitate the selection of optimal cylinder size to reduce the occurrence of large AGs. A few percent of plans require correction of dose distribution because of hot spots in OARs and the presence of AGs. Enema before cylinder insertion does not influence rectosigmoid Dmax and D2cm3. The analysis revealed no bladder volume effect on bladder doses Dmax and D2cm3.

Image-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer patients with previous rectal resection and pelvic irradiation: feasibility study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe treatment procedure and early clinical outcomes of high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy (BT) in clinically localized prostate cancer patients previously treated for rectal cancer with abdominoperineal rectal resection and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between February and July 2015, two patients with clinically localized prostate cancer without rectal access were treated in our brachytherapy department. HDR interstitial brachytherapy was conducted with the guidance of fluoroscopy and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Brachytherapy was combined with hormonal therapy. RESULTS: Follow-up lasted for 34 and 39 months for patient 1 and 2, respectively. Both patients remained free from biochemical recurrence according to the Phoenix definition. No severe G3/G4 late toxicity was observed, and neither patient experienced any gastrointestinal morbidity. Acute and late urinary toxicities were at an acceptance level, and were scored G1 and G2 for patient 1, and G3 and G1 for patient 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroscopy and 3D CT image-guided interstitial brachytherapy is feasible and appears to be a suitable treatment technique for patients with clinically localized prostate cancer after previous rectal resection and external beam radiation therapy.

Adenocarcinoma histology is a poor prognostic factor in locally advanced cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to compare prognostic factors and survival between adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in locally advanced cervical cancer treated at a single center. METHODS: All medical records of cervical cancer patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB or IIIA,B, treated between 2004 and 2012, were reviewed. We treated patients with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by brachytherapy (BT). Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze clinicopathological characteristics, patterns of care and outcomes. RESULTS: We included in the analysis 161 patients (52 AC; 109 SCC). Patients with AC were younger (age 50 vs. 55 years), more likely to die from the disease (HR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.26-2.58; p = .001) and to have disease recurrence (HR: 1.69; 95% C.I: 1.21-2.12; p = .004) than those with SCC. The other significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in AC were FIGO stage (p = .001; p = .002), WHO status (0 vs. 1-3; p = .003; p = .04), and hemoglobin level (<12 g/dl>; p = .04; p = .02). The 5 year overall survival for stage II of AC and SCC was 63% and 82% (p = .03), and for IIIA,B it was 33.6% and 73% (p = .0005). The 5 year RFS for AC and SCC stage FIGO IIIA,B was 24% and 57% (p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Adenocarcinoma histology negatively impacts OS and RFS for advanced cervical cancer. Histology-specific therapy may be an opportunity for survival improvement in these women.

Pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios as predictive factors for the survival of cervical adenocarcinoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: Our study assessed the clinical utility and prognostic value of pretreatment hematological parameters and calculated coefficients including the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in patients with cervical adenocarcinoma (CA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 738 cervical cancer patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages IA-IV treated at our institution, 96 (13%) presented with CA histology. The blood samples, collected within 10 days before treatment, were analyzed using a Sysmex XN-2000 system. The statistical tests included Mann-Whitney U-tests, log-rank tests, and Cox regression models. The cutoff points for the calculated hematological coefficients (NLR, PLR, and MLR) were determined using the MedCalc statistical program. RESULTS: The prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in CA was clinical stage according to FIGO classification (FIGO IIB-IV vs I-IIA) (P=0.0001; P=0.002). Among patients with FIGO stage IIB-IV treated with radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy, an elevated PLR was a negative prognostic factor for OS (P=0.017; HR: 2.96; 95% CI: 2.069-3.853). Among all patients, an elevated pretreatment NLR was a poor prognostic factor for OS (P=0.014; HR: 2.85; 95% CI: 2.011-3.685) and RFS (P=0.049; HR: 4.0; 95% CI: 2.612-5.392). The white blood cell count (WBC) before treatment was significantly higher in patients who died during follow-up (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: Elevated NLR values before treatment may be associated with a shorter time of RFS and OS, while PLR index may have prognostic significance for OS in patients with advanced disease (FIGO IIB-IV). Both indexes and WBC may be a cost-effective biomarker that can be used conveniently for stratification of recurrence risk and death.

Comparison of computed tomography with magnetic resonance imaging for imaging-based clinical target volume contours in cervical cancer brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: To compare CT- and MRI-based brachytherapy (BT) target volumes for patients with advanced cervical cancer so as to identify those who benefit most from MRI-based planning. We also studied how the natural mobility of the organ at risks (OARs) affects the given doses. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Subjects were 60 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IB-IVA cervical cancer. The CT high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) was first delineated, then the MRI HR-CTV, with volume discrepancies calculated by subtraction. The DICE coefficient (DC) of similarity was calculated from a superimposition of the volumes. Maximum doses delivered to D2cc of OARs in CT and MRI plans were compared; the effect of time on the natural mobility was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean HR-CTVs and the maximum doses given to OARs in CT- and MRI-based planes were similar. Multivariate analysis showed that deep infiltration affecting the uterine corpus and bowel loops adjacent to the cervix were the factors significantly impacting on the volume discrepancy between CT and MRI HR-CTV (p = 0.001, p = 0.045) and on the DC (p = 0.005, p = 0.028). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the FIGO stage had a significant impact on DC (p = 0.022). Patients with bowel loops adjacent to the cervix had lower body mass indices (p = 0.003). The median difference between the doses given in CT- and MRI-based plans, caused by mobility, were 0.5 Gy, 0.3 Gy, and 0.45 Gy per fraction for the rectum, bladder and sigmoid, respectively. No correlation of observed uncertainties and time between image acquisitions was detected. CONCLUSIONS: CT- or MRI-based scans at BT are adequate for OAR dose-volume histograms analysis. Cervical cancer patients with deep infiltration affecting the uterine corpus, a low body mass index with bowel loops adjacent to the cervix and an FIGO Stage III-IVA benefit most from MRI-based planning of BT.

Serous Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix, an Extremely Rare Aggressive Entity: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serous carcinoma of the uterine cervix (USCC) is an extremely rare subtype. To establish the treatment strategy in patients with USCC is an important issue. METHODS: MEDLINE (PubMed) was searched for all articles published after the first publication by Lurie et al. [Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991; 40: 79-81], reporting woman diagnosed with USCC. Because of limited numbers of studies on the topic of the study, we could not keep a restriction of eliminating smaller sample sizes. RESULTS: A search of PubMed demonstrated that 113 cases of USCC have been reported in the literature since the first publication. The current treatment modality adopted for early cervical cancer is hysterectomy with bilateral iliac-obturator lymphadenectomy and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or radiochemotherapy (RT-CT) if risk factors for cervical carcinoma appear. The treatment strategy for locally advanced USCC is preoperative RT-CT or chemotherapy (CHTH) with the intention to treat the patient surgically. The treatment option for disseminated disease is CHTH with paclitaxel and carboplatin. CONCLUSION: Risk factors and a more advanced clinical stage of USCC have an impact on poor outcomes despite the use of standard treatment methods, adapted for cervical cancer. The outside-pelvic failures tend to seek effective systemic treatment.

Radiotherapy in testicular germ cell tumours - a literature review.

Testicular germ cell tumours (GCT) represent about 1-2% of malignant in men. The essential therapeutic option for early-stage GCT is radical orchiectomy (RO), except in situations that require immediate chemotherapy in patients with a massive dissemination and unequivocally elevated levels of tumour markers. Postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with testicular seminoma in Clinical Stage I (CS I) is one of the treatment options next to active surveillance (AS) and chemotherapy (CHTH). Regardless of the procedure, five-year survival in this group of patients ranges between 97% and 100%. In the article, we present the literature review pertinent to therapeutic options, with a focus on radiotherapy. We have searched MEDLINE (PubMed) for all studies on patients with GCT treated with radiation therapy during the last 20 years, and the current therapeutic recommendations. We used the following keywords: germ cell tumours, testis, seminoma, non-seminoma, radiotherapy, outcome.

Computed Tomography-Planned High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Treating Uterine Cervical Cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of computed tomography (CT)-planned high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) for treating cervical cancer patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: CT-planned HDR BT was performed according to the adapted Group European de Curietherapie-European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (GEC-ESTRO) recommendations in 216 consecutive patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB to IVA, who were treated with conformal external beam radiation therapy and concomitant chemotherapy. We analyzed outcomes and late side effects evaluated according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and Subjective, Objective, Management, Analysis evaluation scoring system and compared them with the results from a historical group. RESULTS: The median age was 56 years (range, 32-83 years). The median follow-up time for living patients was 52 months (range 37-63 months). The 5-year cumulative incidence function for the local recurrence rate for patients with FIGO II and III was 5.5% and 20%, respectively (P=.001). The 5-year rates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 66.4% and 58.5%, respectively. The relative risk of failure for OS and DFS for FIGO III in relation to FIGO II was 2.24 (P=.003) and 2.6 (P=.000) and for lymph node enlargement was 2.3 (P=.002) and 2 (P=.006), respectively. In 2 patients, rectovaginal fistula occurred, and in 1 patient, vesicovaginal fistula occurred without local progression. Comparison of late adverse effects in patients treated according to the GEC-ESTRO recommendations and in the historical group revealed a reduction in fistula formation of 59% and also a reduction in rectal grade 3 to 4 late toxicity of >59%. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest report with mature data of CT-planned BT HDR for the treatment of cervical cancer with good local control and acceptable toxicity. In comparison with the historical series, there is a substantial benefit in terms of severe late effects. FIGO III and enlarged lymph nodes in positron emission tomography-CT/CT are negative prognostic factors, both with a relative risk of failure of approximately 2.

Brachytherapy for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of high-dose-rate brachytherapy of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia with a special focus on analysis of toxicity. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty consecutive patients were irradiated with brachytherapy of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia with component ca in situ (N=3). Late complications of the vagina graded using the CTCAE v.3.0. General assessment three-step scale was introduced for simplicity of analysis. RESULTS: The median age was 57 years (range: 28-80 years). The median follow-up time was 39 months (range: 14-115 months). Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia recurrence was observed in 1 patient. The 3-year disease free survival rate was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71-100%). Observed late side effects: libido grades 1-2 in 15 (75%), vaginal discharge grade 2 (pad use indicated) in 2 (10%), dryness grade 2 (dyspareunia) in 7 (35%), mucositis grades 2-3 in 6 (30%), stenosis grades 2-3 in 7 (35%) and vaginitis grades 2-3 in 4 (20%) cases. General assessment was good in 9 (45%), average in 2 (10%), and bad in 9 (45%) patients. Treatment dose affected the toxicity (p=0.05). In groups of patients irradiated with biologically equivalent dose (assuming α/ß=3Gy) of 47.3-63Gy and ≥70Gy, the risk of poor or moderate toxicity amounted to 16.7% (95% CI: 0-47%) and 71.4% (95% CI: 48-95%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Brachytherapy revealed to be effective method of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia treatment, but applying EQD2≥70Gy into vagina generates unacceptable toxicity.

[Therapeutic value of lymphadenectomy in ovarian cancer patients]. / Terapeutyczna wartosc wyciecia wezlów chlonnych u chorych leczonych z powodu raka jajnika.

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among the female genital malignancies. Its incidence is steadily increasing worldwide, especially in highly industrialized countries. Scarce and non-specific clinical symptoms in the early stages, and lack of effective screening methods, are the reasons why in the majority of cases the disease is diagnosed in advanced stage. Early diagnosis and optimal therapeutic method have significant impact on the prognosis. Surgery remains the basic treatment method in all stages of ovarian cancer. The general principle is the removal of the entire tumor or maximal cytoreduction. Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is an integral part of the operating protocol. Evaluation of the regional lymph nodes is an important element of the diagnosis in patients with ovarian cancer, as the disease stage and the decision about the method of adjuvant therapy both depend on it. The diagnostic value of lymphadenectomy is unquestionable and is the basis of proper classification, while its therapeutic value remains the subject of controversy. The aim of the paper is to review the results of the most important research concerning lymphadenectomy in ovarian cancer, based on the available literature.

HDR brachytherapy for the reirradiation of cervical and vaginal cancer: analysis of efficacy and dosage delivered to organs at risk.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of HDR brachytherapy (BT) for the reirradiation of cervical or vaginal cancer arising within a previously irradiated area with a special focus on dosage delivery to organs at risk. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with cervical (N = 19) or vaginal (N = 1) cancer were reirradiated with curative intent using BT with or without external beam irradiation and hyperthermia. The median biologically equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2), assuming α/ß = 10, for reirradiation was 48.8 Gy (range: 16.0-91.0 Gy), and the median cumulative EQD2 (for primary treatment and reirradiation) was 133.5 Gy (range: 96.8-164.2 Gy). The median follow-up after retreatment was 31 months (range: 6-86 months). RESULTS: The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 68% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44%-91%). The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 42% (95% CI: 19%-65%). The 3-year local control (LC) rate was 45% (95% CI: 22%-69%). For nine patients who received 3D treatment planning, the median cumulative EQD2 to 2 cm(3) of rectum was 94.4 Gy (range: 67.1-118.8 Gy) and to 2 cm(3) of bladder was 99.3 Gy (range: 70.4-122.3 Gy). Grade 3 late toxicity was observed in 3 patients (15%). An interval between primary RT and reirradiation of ≤ 12 months and a tumor diameter >3 cm were significant prognostic factors adversely affecting OS, DFS and LC. CONCLUSIONS: HDR BT is a valuable method for the reirradiation of cervical cancer. A cumulative EQD2 of approximately 100 Gy was safely delivered to 2 cm(3) of the bladder and the rectum.

[Merkel cell carcinoma of the vulva - case report and the literature review]. / Rak sromu z komórek Merkla - opis przypadku i przeglad pismiennictwa.

UNLABELLED: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare malignant neoplasm, mostly affecting the skin (97% of cases). It is usually found in elderly people, in the sun-exposed areas of the skin. About 50-60% of MCC cases are located on the head and the neck, less often on the extremities and the torso, and extremely rarely in the genital area. Ultraviolet radiation may be the main factor responsible for the development of the tumors but viral etiology is also debated. Due to extremely rare incidence of MCC in the area of the vulva, proper management remains a challenging task. AIM: To present a case of an aggressive MCC of the vulva and a review of the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A previously healthy 72-year-old patient presented at the Oncology Center of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute, Warsaw, in June 2010. Four months previously the patient noticed a painless lump in the vestibular region of the vagina. She received anti-inflammatory treatment at her local gynecological clinic, with no success. In February the patient underwent removal of the vulvar tumor Histopathological examination confirmed anaplastic carcinoma. Microscopic evaluation revealed the tumor diameter to be 15mm. Surgical margins were free of neoplastic infiltration. The patient did not receive adjuvant therapy due to the results from the histopathological protocol. The disease recurred after three months. Radical vulvectomy and bilateral inguinal femoral lymphadenectomy were performed in May 2010. Histopathological examination confirmed microcellular carcinoma with no metastases to the lymph nodes and complete resection of the tumor (RO). The disease recurred in the next two months: a 50-mm tumor was found in the right inguinal lymph nodes. The decision to verify all histopathological material obtained during all procedures performed so far was made. Immunohistochemical evaluation confirmed MCC. Adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended. The area of the vulva, pelvic and inguinal lymph nodes were irradiated. One month after therapy completion the patient complained of pain in the lumbar area. An ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed a tumor (9 cm in diameter) in the para-aortic region but it was not histopathologically verified due to extremely poor overall condition of the patient. As the condition of the woman deteriorated systematically the patient was referred to a hospice facility where she died 9 months since the primary diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: MCC of the vulva is a rare neoplasm with an aggressive course. Clinical and histopathological diagnostic difficulties and consequently lack of standardized management, result in low survival rates.

HDR brachytherapy combined with interstitial hyperthermia in locally advanced cervical cancer patients initially treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy--a phase III study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this randomised trial was to investigate whether hyperthermia (HT) combined with interstitial brachytherapy (ISBT) has any influence on local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), or acute and late side effects in patients with advanced cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After radiochemotherapy, consecutive patients with cervical cancer (FIGO stage II-III) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, either ISBT alone or ISBT combined with interstitial hyperthermia (ISHT). A total of 205 patients were included in the statistical analysis. Once a week, HT, at a temperature above 42.5°C, was administered for 45min before and during the HDR BT. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 45months (range 3-72months). An effect of hyperthermia was not detected for disease-free survival (DFS) (log-rank test: p=0.178) or for local control (LC) (p=0.991). According to Cox's analysis, HT did not significantly influence failure or interactions with potential prognostic factors for LC or DFS. Statistical differences were not observed for the distribution of early and late complications between the HT and non HT groups. CONCLUSIONS: ISHT is well-tolerated and does not affect treatment-related early or late complications. Improvements in DFS and LC were not observed following the addition of ISHT to ISBT.