Ruthenium brachytherapy for iris melanoma.

Purpose: The study aimed to review the long-term outcomes of ruthenium brachytherapy for iris and iridociliary melanoma. Material And Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent ruthenium plaque treatment for iris and iridociliary melanoma at the Department of Ophthalmology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, between 1999 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: We identified 24 patients, including 17 women and 7 men, with a median age of 61.5 years (range, 35-84 years). Median observation time before treatment was 3 months (range, 0-68 months). Nineteen (79%) patients received a treatment with 20 mm CCB plaque, 5 (21%) with 15 mm CCA plaque and 2 (8%) patients received total irradiation to the entire iridocorneal angle. Median follow-up was 67.5 months (range, 24-265 months). We noted one (4%) recurrence managed by irradiating the anterior segment. Twelve (50%) patients developed post-operative cataracts in a median time of 38 months following treatment, 5 (21%) required topical medications to control intraocular pressure, and one (4%) developed chronic macular edema (CME) that was managed with anti-VEGF therapy. Final visual acuity between 1.0 and 0.5 was observed for 16 (67%) patients, between 0.49-0.1 for 5 (21%) patients, and below 0.09 for 3 (12%) patients. Nine (37%) patients maintained final visual acuity stable; in 4 (17%) patients, it dropped more than 3 lines, and improved in 6 (25%) patients. Conclusions: Ruthenium brachytherapy with standard applicators is an effective and safe way of treatment for iris and iridociliary melanoma. We observed no significant post-operative complications in a long-term observation.

Radiation retinopathy following episcleral brachytherapy for intraocular tumors: Current treatment options.

Radiation retinopathy (RR) and radiation maculopathy (RM) can occur as a result of uveal melanoma radiation treatment and after irradiation of other head and neck extraocular tumors, even with precise targeting techniques, such as stereotactic or proton beam radiotherapy. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of potential radiation damage to ocular tissues, and how recent developments in ophthalmic multimodal imaging techniques and treatment modalities have improved managing options. Several treatment strategies have been employed so far for the management of RR, including laser photocoagulation, intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents or glucocorticosteroids and surgery. The use of intravitreal anti-VEGFs or dexamethasone implants have significantly altered the final visual outcome for uveal melanoma patients. As a prophylaxis, a few different strategies were proposed, but still there is a lack of large randomized clinical trials supporting these approaches and clear clinical guidelines for daily practice. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial in preventing or reducing vision loss, and improving patients' quality of life. Close monitoring and timely intervention are essential for successful management.

Advanced non-melanoma skin cancer in elderly patients: When surgery says NO, interventional radiotherapy (brachytherapy) says YES.

Purpose: The prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) increases, especially in older adults with comorbidities, narrowing radical treatment options. About 5% of skin cancer patients are diagnosed with an advanced stage, which impairs daily functioning. The study was to present a retrospective summary of elderly patients unfit for surgery and treated with various brachytherapy (BT) techniques tailored individually for locally advanced NMSCs in a reference BT department. Clinical case presentations supported the findings. Material and methods: Inoperable patients older than 75 years presenting with advanced pathologically confirmed NMSCs were retrospectively identified. All cases were individually assessed, and the best suiting radical treatment option was chosen, including contact, interstitial, or hybrid high-dose-rate (HDR) or pulsed-dose-rate (PDR) BT. Doses ranging from 45 to 60 Gy were administered to clinical target volume (CTV) in different time schedules. All patients were closely followed-up until complete remission. Results: Ten elderly patients (mean age, 84 years) with differently located locally advanced NMSCs (all staged T3) were treated between 2007 and 2022. Six basal and four squamous cell carcinoma cases showed most painful symptoms as well as bleeding and exudation. Six patients underwent HDR-BT and four PDR-BT. Six patients had superficial, and four interstitial or hybrid applications. All patients completed the intended protocols. Median follow-up was 8.5 months (range, 3-35 months). Six out of ten patients died from other reasons before analysis. All case data were presented in the text and respective figures. Conclusions: Advanced NMSCs in elderly patients are challenging in terms of cure. Inoperable cases may be referred for feasible and locally effective interventional radiotherapy (BT). Individually tailored BT leads to an excellent disease control, function sparing, symptoms release, and quality of life improvement. Large treated volumes are related to prolonged healing. BT should be discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board regarding older patients with symptomatic functions affecting advanced NMSCs.

Salvage re-irradiation in non-melanoma skin cancers: A multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We conducted a multicentre real-world study to assess the outcomes of radical salvage re-irradiation for non-melanoma skin cancer (nMSC) recurrences following definitive or postoperative radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on patients treated between 2006 and 2022 with re-irradiation for nMSCs were retrospectively collected from five high-volume brachytherapy centers. The primary endpoint was local control (LC). Secondary endpoints included overall survival, progression-free survival, and adverse events (AEs). The Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox Proportional-Hazards Model were utilised in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients with a median age of 78.4 years with recurrences of previously irradiated nMSC in the head and neck region were included in the analysis. The majority had cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC; 91.4%), and were irradiated with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT; 91.4%). The most common locations included the nasal region (36.2%) and external ear (18.9%). The 1-year LC was 73.1% and decreased to 41.7% at three years. The size of the re-irradiated lesion was the single independent prognostic factor in Cox analysis (per mm; HR 1.07; 95% CI 1.04-1.11; p < 0.001). Grade 3 or worse AEs were reported in 7 cases (12.1%). CONCLUSION: Re-irradiation for nMSCs, predominantly administered with brachytherapy for radiorecurrent BCC, is associated with high recurrence rates, and the risk of failure significantly increases with the size of the treated lesion. Re-irradiation could be an option for selected elderly patients with small, localised, inoperable recurrences after RT to achieve local control or defer systemic treatment; however, prospective trials are necessary to confirm its safety and efficacy.

The potential of low-dose-rate brachytherapy with iodine-125 in the treatment of local recurrences of prostate cancer after primary high-dose-rate monotherapy.

Purpose: The incidence of local prostate cancer recurrences after monotherapy with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is low. However, a cumulated number of local recurrences during follow-up is naturally observed in highly specialized oncological centers. This retrospective study aimed to present the treatment of local recurrences after HDR-BT with low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT). Material and methods: Nine patients with low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer with a median age of 71 years (range, 59-82 years) were diagnosed with local recurrences after previous monotherapy HDR-BT, 3 × 10.5 Gy (from 2010 to 2013). Median time to biochemical recurrence was 59 months (range, 21-80 months). All patients received 145 Gy with salvage LDR-BT (iodine-125). Gastrointestinal and urological toxicities were evaluated based on patients' records following CTCAE v. 4.0 and IPSS scales. Results: The median follow-up after salvage treatment was 30 months (range, 17-63 months). Local recurrences (LR) were detected in two cases, and the actuarial 2-year local control was 88%. Biochemical failure was observed in four cases. Distant metastases (DM) were observed in 2 patients. In one patient, both LR and DM were diagnosed simultaneously. Four patients had no relapse of the disease, and a 2-year disease-free survival (DSF) was 58.3%. Before salvage treatment, median IPSS scores were 6.5 points (range, 1-23 points). At the first follow-up visit, after one month, the mean IPSS score was 20 points, and at the last follow-up visit, it was 8 points (range, 1-26 points). One patient had urinary retention after treatment. There was no significant change in IPSS scores before and after the treatment (p = 0.68). Two patients had grade 1 toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract. Conclusions: Salvage LDR-BT for patients with prostate cancer previously treated with HDR-BT monotherapy is characterized by acceptable toxicity, and may result in local disease control.

Thermally boosted interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy in high-risk early-stage breast cancer conserving therapy - large cohort long-term results.

Background: Early-stage high-risk breast cancer (BC) is standardly treated with breast-conserving therapy (BCT), combined with systemic therapy and radiotherapy (RT) ± tumor bed boost, e.g., with interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). To improve local recurrence rate (LRR), BT radiosensitization (thermal boost, TB) with interstitial microwave hyperthermia (MWHT) may be an option. The paper aims to report a retrospective single-institutional study on 5- and 10-year local control (LC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), cosmetic outcome (CO), and late toxicity (fibrosis, fat necrosis) after thermally enhanced HDR-BT boost to the BC tumor bed. Materials and methods: In 2006-2018, 557 early-stage (I-IIIA) high-risk BC patients were treated with BCT. If indicated, they were administered systemic therapy, then referred for 40.0-50.0 Gy whole breast irradiation (WBI) and 10 Gy interstitial HDR-BT boost (group A). Eligible patients had a single MWHT session preceding BT (group B). Based on present risk factors (RF), medium-risk (1-2 RF) and high-risk subgroups (≥ 3 RF) were formed. Patients were standardly checked, and control mammography (MMG) was performed yearly. Breast cosmesis (Harvard scale) and fibrosis were recorded. LC, DMFS, DFS, and OS were statistically analyzed. Results: Out of 557 patients aged 57 years (26-84), 364 (63.4%) had interstitial HDR-BT boost (group A), and 193 (34.6%) were preheated with MWHT (group B). Patients in group B had a higher clinical stage and had more RFs. The median follow-up was 65.9. Estimated 5-year and 10-year LC resulted in 98.5% and 97.5%, respectively. There was no difference in LC, DMFS, DFS, and OS between groups A and B and between extracted high-risk subgroups A and B. Five- and ten-year OS probability was 95.4% and 88.0%, respectively, with no difference between groups A and B. Harvard criteria-based CO assessment revealed good/excellent cosmesis in 74.9-79.1%. Tumor bed hardening was present in 40.1-42.2%. Asymptomatic fat necrosis-related macrocalcifications were detected in 15.6%, more frequently in group B (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Thermally boosted or not, HDR-BT was locally highly effective as part of combined treatment. Five- and ten-year LC, DMFS, DFS, and OS were high and equally distributed between the groups, although TB was prescribed in more advanced one with more RFs. TB did not influence CO and fibrosis. TB added to late toxicity regarding asymptomatic fat necrosis detected on MMG.

Superficial high-dose-rate brachytherapy for primary tumors and relapses after surgery in patients with basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck region: results of a retrospective comparative cohort study.

Purpose: The recommended treatments for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the head and neck (H&N) region are Mohs surgery, standard surgical excision (SSE), and radiotherapy. According to the literature, local recurrence after surgical treatment in this area is associated with a worse prognosis in case of re-treatment. To our knowledge, there are no reports on high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) for BCC of the H&N region, both in primary lesions and relapses after SSE. This study aimed to fill this gap in the literature. Material and methods: Inclusion criteria were pathologically confirmed BCC, tumor location in the H&N region, treatment performed with superficial HDR-BT, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. An analysis was performed on a group of 90 patients, in whom a total of 102 tumors were treated. Subsequently, tumors were divided into two sub-groups, including those treated initially, and treated due to local recurrence after previous SSE. Primary treatment group (PrG) included 59 tumors, whereas 43 tumors were included in recurrent group (ReG). Results: Statistical analysis did not reveal any significant differences between the groups in terms of age (p = 0.43), treatment duration (p = 0.17), follow-up time (p = 0.96), sex (p = 0.18), local advancement (p = 0.83), and location (p = 0.68). The estimated 5-year relapse-free survival was 96.4% in the PrG and 94.6% in the ReG group, and the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.72). In the PrG, skin toxicity was as follows: early G1 - 20.3%, G2 - 28.8%, G3 - 42.4%, G4 - 8.5%; late G1 - 33.9%, G2 - 50.8%, G3 - 1.7%, G4 - 11.9%. Whereas, in the ReG, toxicity was as follows: early G1 - 16.3%, G2 - 41.9%, G3 - 37.2%, G4 - 4.6%; late G1 - 30.2%, G2 - 62.8%, G3 - 4.6%. There were no statistically significant differences in the early nor late toxicity between the groups (p = 0.54, p = 0.16). Conclusions: Superficial HDR-BT is a highly effective treatment for both primary and recurrent BCC of the H&N region, and is associated with acceptable skin toxicity.

Why is a very easy, useful, old technique underused? An overview of esophageal brachytherapy - interventional radiotherapy.

Endoesophageal brachytherapy (EBT) or endoesofageal interventional radiotherapy (EIRT) is an effective technique that has been used with varying frequency for many years. It is a very good technique in T1-T2 inoperable esophageal cancer and in the palliation of dysphagia. However, only some centers have access to this technique, and consequently, it is underused. Here, we discussed the indications and several technical aspects as well as the literature available. Also, why this technique is underused and how this can be overcome. We consider that EBT is a very effective technique that should be used whenever indicated.

Thermal Boost Combined with Interstitial Brachytherapy in Early Breast Cancer Conserving Therapy-Initial Group Long-Term Clinical Results and Late Toxicity.

(1) In breast-conserving therapy (BCT), adjuvant radiation, including tumor bed boost, is mandatory. Safely delivered thermal boost (TB) based on radio-sensitizing interstitial microwave hyperthermia (MWHT) preceding standard high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) boost has the potential for local control (LC) improvement. The study is to report the long-term results regarding LC, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), toxicity, and cosmetic outcome (CO) of HDR-BT boost ± MWHT for early breast cancer (BC) patients treated with BCT. (2) In the years 2006 and 2007, 57 diverse stages and risk (IA-IIIA) BC patients were treated with BCT ± adjuvant chemotherapy followed by 42.5-50.0 Gy whole breast irradiation (WBI) and 10 Gy HDR-BT boost. Overall, 25 patients (group A; 43.9%) had a BT boost, and 32 (group B; 56.1%) had an additional pre-BT single session of interstitial MWHT on a tumor bed. Long-term LC, DFS, OS, CO, and late toxicity were evaluated. (3) Median follow-up was 94.8 months (range 1.1-185.5). LC was 55/57, or 96.5% (1 LR in each group). DFS was 48/57, or 84.2% (4 failures in group A, 5 in B). OS was 46/57, or 80.7% (6 deaths in group A, 5 in B). CO was excellent in 60%, good in 36%, and satisfactory in 4% (A), and in 53.1%, 34.4%, and 9.4% (B), respectively. One poor outcome was noted (B). Late toxicity as tumor bed hardening occurred in 19/57, or 33.3% of patients (9 in A, 10 in B). In one patient, grade 2 telangiectasia occurred (group A). All differences were statistically insignificant. (4) HDR-BT boost ± TB was feasible, well-tolerated, and highly locally effective. LC, DFS, and OS were equally distributed between the groups. Pre-BT MWHT did not increase rare late toxicity.

3D printing of individual skin brachytherapy applicator: design, manufacturing, and early clinical results.

Purpose: One of the main challenges in facial region brachytherapy is fixation of vendor-delivered standard applicators. Reproducibility can be maintained; however, there are frequent problems with applicator fitting to the skin surface in pleated regions. Manually prepared individual moulds require technological facilities and highly-trained staff. This article presents 3D-printed applicator preparation for a particular patient skin brachytherapy, using low-cost equipment and free software. We described applicator preparation in a step-by-step workflow. Material and methods: This study demonstrated preparation of a skin brachytherapy applicator for a challenging recurrent tumor located in the nose bridge. During first visit of patient, fiducial markers were placed to enclose treated region. Patient was computed tomography (CT)-scanned, and reconstruction of target volume and surrounding organs at risk (OARs) were performed using treatment planning system (TPS). In TPS on patient's surface, a 1-cm thick bolus was added as a body of applicator. Inside the bolus, source paths were designed, and pre-plan was prepared. Using Beben - DICOM to standard triangle language (STL) software, the body of applicator and source-paths from pre-planning was transformed into an STL file, which was used as a solid definition in 3D printing. Results: The printed applicator fitted very well, and its' placement was quickly consistent regarding placing and securing. CTV was slightly broader in treatment plan (0.34 cm3 vs. 0.31 cm3), and doses given to CTV were lower, except for V150, which was higher for the realized plan (1.15% vs. 1.83%). All reported doses to OARs were lower in the realized plan. Conclusions: A low-cost 3D printer and widely available PLA filaments seem feasible to produce individual contact applicators for skin brachytherapy. Beben - DICOM to STL software and presented workflow appear to be convenient and simple tool.

Thermal Boost to Breast Tumor Bed-New Technique Description, Treatment Application and Example Clinical Results.

(1) Current breast-conserving therapy for breast cancer consists of a combination of many consecutive treatment modalities. The most crucial goal of postoperative treatment is to eradicate potentially relapse-forming residual cancerous cells within the tumor bed. To achieve this, the HDR brachytherapy boost standardly added to external beam radiotherapy was enhanced with an initial thermal boost. This study presents an original thermal boost technique developed in the clinic. (2) A detailed point-by-point description of thermal boost application is presented. Data on proper patient selection, microwave thermal boost planning, and interstitial hyperthermia treatment delivery are supported by relevant figures and schemes. (3) Out of 1134 breast cancer patients who were administered HDR brachytherapy boost in the tumor bed, 262 were also pre-heated interstitially without unexpected complications. The results are supported by two example cases of hyperthermia planning and delivery. (4) Additional breast cancer interstitial thermal boost preceding HDR brachytherapy boost as a part of combined treatment in a unique postoperative setting was feasible, well-tolerated, completed in a reasonable amount of time, and reproducible. A commercially available interstitial hyperthermia system fit and worked well with standard interstitial brachytherapy equipment.

High-dose-rate surface brachytherapy as a treatment option for renal cell carcinoma cutaneous metastases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present a case of complete clinical response of renal clear cell carcinoma cutaneous metastases after high-dose-rate surface brachytherapy (HDR sBT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: An 81-year-old female diagnosed with stage IV clear cell renal carcinoma reported to our center with painful relapse of two cutaneous metastases after a previous metastasectomy. The patient was disqualified from systemic therapy due to comorbidities, and qualified to attempt a treatment using HDR sBT. The unit equipped with an iridium-192 source was used to deliver 36 Gy/6 Gy in 6 fractions twice weekly. Overall treatment time was 18 days. RESULTS: Two weeks after HDR sBT, complete response was observed in one irradiated location, while the partial response was observed in the latter. EORTC grade 1 skin toxicity was reported in both irradiated fields. Three and five months after the treatment, the patient presented complete response and pain relief in both locations with no signs of relapse. The patient remained in palliative care and died seven months after the treatment due to sudden cardiac death. CONCLUSIONS: HDR sBT can be a valuable treatment option for cutaneous metastatic renal cell carcinoma, especially for patients with significant comorbidities. The treatment provided was associated with low toxicity and excellent clinical outcome.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma: the first reported case series.

PURPOSE: Cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (CBCLs) are a rare group of diseases. External beam radiation therapy is recommended to treat CBCLs in all subtypes for locally advanced cases. However, there are no reports on high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) exclusively dedicated to CBCLs. The purpose of this paper was to report the first case series of CBCLs treated with HDR-BT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients were treated between 2011 and 2019, with 12 skin lesions histopathologically proven as CBCLs. There were four T1a and eight T2a lesions. HDR-BT was prescribed as the first-line treatment for all cases, as the second-line treatment for recurrences after surgical failure for 4 patients, and as an adjuvant treatment for 1 case. The median total dose was 36 Gy (range, 30-40 Gy) in 10 fractions (range, 6-10 fractions), with a median overall treatment time of 11 days (range, 4-11 days). Treatment toxicity was assessed accordingly to the RTOG scale. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 41 months. Local control was 100%. The rates of early toxicity were as follows: erythema (G1) - 33%, patchy epidermal desquamation (G2) - 25%, confluent epidermal desquamation (G3) - 25%, and minor bleeding (G4) - 17%. The reported rates of late toxicity included slight depigmentation (G1) - 59%, small telangiectasia (G2) - 8%, massive telangiectasia (G3) - 25%, and small ulceration (G4) in one site irradiated interstitially (8%). CONCLUSIONS: HDR-BT allows for achieving high local control of CBCLs with relatively low-late toxicity in the form of skin discoloration in most patients.

Interstitial high-dose-rate brachytherapy as a boost in synchronous prostate and rectal cancer treatment: case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: Prostate and colorectal cancers are the first and the third most popular malignancies in male population, in which some patients may develop these tumors metachronously or synchronously. At present, there are no standard recommendations, and oncologists need to provide an optimal management for two different cancers with an acceptable risk of possible treatment of adverse effects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case report presents the treatment of a 61-year-old patient suffering from synchronous prostate and rectal cancer. Both malignancies were locally advanced, histologically proven, and defined as cT2cN0M0 stage prostate and cT3N2M0 stage rectal adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Multidisciplinary treatment team decided on synchronous radical treatment of both malignancies. The patient was qualified to long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and preoperative chemoradiation, with a total dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions delivered with intensity modulated radiation therapy/image-guided radiation therapy (IMRT/IGRT) to a proper prostatic and rectal gross and nodal clinical target volume (CTV) with concurrent 5-fluorouracil. Additional dose of 15 Gy in a single fraction was delivered to prostate with interstitial HDR brachytherapy within a week after external beam radiotherapy (EBRT). After 8 weeks, the patient underwent sphincter-sparing surgery, with total mesorectal excision. Treatment tolerance was good, and genitourinary toxicity was not observed until now. At present, the patient is 45 months after completion of chemoradiation and surgery. Current prostate specific antigen (PSA) level is < 0.003 ng/ml, with no evidence of locoregional recurrence or distant metastases. Patient completed long-term ADT. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy as a boost seems to be well-tolerated and effective option for delivering proper treatment dose to prostate in case of simultaneous treatment of rectal and prostate cancer.