Feasibility of fast, four-dimensional computed tomography-based O-ring LINAC plans for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy in patients with poor performance status.

Purpose: We aimed to retrospectively analyzed the feasibility of fast four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT)-based O-ring LINAC treatment for patients with an average respiratory amplitude was< 0.5 cm and who cannot endure long treatment times due to poor performance status in lung 4D-stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). Methods: This study included data of 38 patients who received lung 4D-SBRT and had average respiratory amplitude< 0.5 cm in the full phase. C-arm LINAC plans were based on 4DCT data obtained at phase values ranging from 20-70% using a C-arm LINAC. O-ring LINAC plans were retrospectively established based on 4DCT data obtained at phase values of 0-90% using an O-ring LINAC. The conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), and gradient measurement of the planning target volumes (PTV) were analyzed to compare dosimetric data between C-arm LINAC and O-ring LINAC plans. Organs at risk were analyzed in accordance with the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0915 protocol. Treatment delivery time and total monitor units were analyzed to compare the efficiency of treatment delivery. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P< 0.05). Results: For the PTV, there was no significant difference in the CI or HI between C-arm LINAC and O-ring LINAC plans. For organs-at-risk, all plans met the criteria for dose constraint. There was a significant difference between C-arm LINAC and O-ring LINAC plans except in the spinal cord. Treatment delivery time was 92% longer for C-arm LINAC plans than for O-ring LINAC plans. The total MU value for C-arm LINAC plans was 9.6% higher than that for O-ring LINAC plans. Conclusion: We verified the feasibility of fast 4DCT-based O-ring LINAC treatment for patients with average respiratory amplitude< 0.5 cm and who cannot endure long treatment times due to poor performance status in lung 4D-SBRT.

Combined Therapy with microRNA-Expressing Salmonella and Irradiation in Melanoma.

Anticancer treatment strategies using bacteria as a vector are currently expanding with the development of anticancer drugs. Here, we present a research strategy to develop anticancer drugs using bacteria that contain miRNAs. We also present a strategy for the development of novel bacterial anticancer drugs in combination with radiation. Salmonella strains expressing miRNA were produced by modifying the miRNA expression vector encoding INHA, a radiation-resistant gene developed previously. The anticancer effect of INHA was confirmed using skin cancer cell lines. We also tested a combination strategy comprising bacteria and radiation for its anticancer efficacy against radiation-resistant mouse melanoma to increase the efficacy of radiation therapy as a novel strategy. The recombinant strain was confirmed to promote effective cell death even when combined with radiation therapy, which exerts its cytotoxicity by enhancing reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, a combination of bacterial and radiation therapy enhanced radiotherapy efficacy. When combined with radiation therapy, bacterial therapy exhibited effective anti-cancer properties even when administered to animals harboring radiation-resistant tumors. This strategy may promote the secretion of cytokines in cells and more effectively reduce the number of bacteria remaining in the animal. Thus, this study may lead to the development of a strategy to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy using Salmonella expressing cancer-specific miRNA for intractable cancers such as those resistant to radiation.

Dosimetric comparison of VitalBeam® and HalcyonTM 2.0 for hypofractionated VMAT with simultaneous integrated boost treatment of early-stage left-sided breast cancer.

PURPOSE: This study compared the quality of treatment plans for early-stage, left-sided breast cancer, as planned for and delivered by the HalcyonTM and VitalBeam® . MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with early-stage left-sided breast cancer, who had received VMAT with hypofractionated SIB, were recruited. All cases were planned using HalcyonTM comprising a dual-layer MLC (DL-MLC) and VitalBeam® with a Millennium 120 MLC (VB-MLC). For the PTVs, the quality of coverage (QC), conformity index (CI), and homogeneity index (HI) were calculated for each plan. The dosimetric differences between the two treatment plans were statistically compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). To evaluate delivery efficiency, the average delivery time for each patient's treatment plan was recorded and compared. RESULTS: For the PTVs, the two plans (DL-MLC and VB-MLC) were comparable in terms of the QC, CI, and HI. However, V30Gy and Dmean for the heart in the DL-MLC plan were significantly reduced by 0.49% and 14.6%, respectively, compared with those in the VB-MLC plan (p < 0.05). The Dmean value for the ipsilateral lung in the DL-MLC plan significantly decreased by 5.5%, compared with that in the VB-MLC plan (p < 0.05). In addition, the delivery times for the DL-MLC and VB-MLC plans were 79 ± 10 and 101 ± 11 s, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: DL-MLC plans were found to improve OAR sparing. In particular, when treating left-sided breast cancer via DL-MLC plans, the risk of heart toxicity is expected to be reduced.

Synchrotron Radiation-Based Refraction-Contrast Tomographic Images Using X-ray Dark-Field Imaging Optics in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma and Histologic Correlations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implication of synchrotron radiation imaging techniques for human lung adenocarcinoma in comparison with pathologic examination. A refraction-based tomographic imaging technique called the X-ray dark-field imaging (XDFI) method was used to obtain computed tomographic images of human lung adenocarcinoma at the beam line at Photon Factory BL 14B at the High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) in Tsukuba, Japan. Images of normal lung tissue were also obtained using the same methods and reconstructed as 3D images. Both reconstructed images were compared with pathologic examinations from histologic slides which were made with identical samples. Pulmonary alveolar structure including terminal bronchioles, alveolar sacs, and vasculatures could be identified in synchrotron radiation images of normal lung. Hyperplasia of interstitial tissue and dysplasia of alveolar structures were noticed in images of lung adenocarcinoma. Both synchrotron radiation images were considerably correlated with images from histologic slides. Lepidic patterns of cancer tissue were distinguished from the invasive area in synchrotron radiation images of lung adenocarcinoma. Refraction-contrast tomographic techniques using synchrotron radiation could provide high-resolution images of lung adenocarcinoma which are compatible with those from pathologic examinations.

Practical effectiveness of re-irradiation with or without surgery for locoregional recurrence of rectal cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Re-irradiation might yield local control (LC) or palliation for locoregionally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), but iatrogenic complications are a possible hindrance. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of re-irradiation to determine optimal treatment of LRRC. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Embase. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies involving 744 patients with LRRC were included; median OS ranging from 10 to 45 months (median: 24.5 months). Pooled 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates for all patients were 76.1%, 49.1%, and 38.3%, respectively. For patients who underwent re-irradiation and surgery (OP group), these pooled rates were 85.9%, 71.8%, and 51.7%, respectively. For patients who underwent re-irradiation but not surgery (non-OP group), pooled 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates were 63.5%, 34.2%, and 23.8%, respectively. The OS difference between both groups was significant for all 3 years (P < 0.05). Pooled 1-, 2-, and 3-year LC rates for the OP group were 84.4%, 63.8%, and 46.9%, and for the non-OP group were 72.0%, 54.8%, and 44.6%, respectively, without significant differences. Pooled grade ≥3 acute and late complication rates were 11.7% and 25.5% in the OP and non-OP groups, respectively. Patients who underwent surgery had a higher risk of grade ≥3 late complications (odds ratio: 6.39). Pooled symptomatic palliation rate was 75.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Re-irradiation with or without surgery for LRRC showed oncologic and palliative efficacy. Salvage treatment including re-irradiation and surgery showed higher survival, but the late complication was significantly increased with concomitant surgery.

Sequential simulation computed tomography allows assessment of internal rectal movements during preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.

PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to assess the internal rectal movement and to determine the factors related to extensive internal rectal movement using sequential simulation computed tomography (CT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2015, 96 patients receiving long-course preoperative chemoradiotherapy were included in our retrospective study. The initial simulation CT (Isim-CT) and follow-up simulation CT (Fsim-CT) for a boost were registered according to the isocenters and bony structure. The rectums on Isim-CT and Fsim-CT were compared on four different axial planes as follows: (1) lower pubis symphysis (AXVERYLOW), (2) upper pubis symphysis (AXLOW), (3) superior rectum (AXHIGH), and (4) middle of AXLOW and AXHIGH (AXMID). The involved rectum in the planning target volume was evaluated. The maximal radial distances (MRD), the necessary radius from the end of Isim-CT rectum to cover entire Fsim-CT rectum, and the common area rate (CAR) of the rectum (CAR, (Isim-CT∩Fsim-CT)/(Isim-CT)) were measured. Linear regression tests for the MRDs and logistic regression tests for the CARs were conducted. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation (mm) of MRDs and CAR <80% for AXVERYLOW, AXLOW, AXMID, and AXHIGH were 2.3 ± 2.5 and 8.9%, 3.0 ± 3.7 and 17.4%, 4.0 ± 5.2 and 27.1%, and 4.1 ± 5.2 and 25%, respectively. For MRDs and CARs, a higher axial level (AXVERYLOW/AXMID-HIGH, P = 0.018 and P = 0.034, respectively), larger bladder volume (P = 0.054 and P = 0.017, respectively), smaller bowel gas extent (small/marked, P = 0.014 and P = 0.001, respectively), and increased bowel gas change (decrease/increase, both P < 0.001) in rectum were associated with extensive internal rectal movement in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of following internal rectal movement through sequential simulation CT, the rectum above the pubis symphysis needs a larger margin, and bladder volume and bowel gas should be closely observed.

Radioprotective effects of mistletoe extract in zebrafish embryos in vivo.

Introduction: Radioprotectors can enhance the efficacy of cancer radiotherapy, but their clinical use remains uncommon. The present study aimed to assess the radioprotective potential of mistletoe extract (commercial name: Abnoba Viscum), a well-known complementary cancer medicine, in zebrafish larvae. Materials and methods: Wild-type AB zebrafish embryos at 4 h-post-fertilization were exposed to 5 Gy 9-MeV electron beam irradiation after being treated for 1 h with 4 mMl/L amifostine or 0.2 mg/ml Abnoba Viscum A, F, M, or Q. Primary endpoints were abnormality-free survival and abnormality-free rates among survivors at 5 days-post-fertilization. Results: The crude abnormality-free survival rates were 33.7%, 49.0%, 38.8%, 43.9%, 38.1%, and 52.6%, whereas abnormality-free rates among survivors were 36.4%, 49.6%, 37.8%, 45.6%, 52.0%, and 62.8% for the control (with no pharmacologic treatment), amifostine, Abnoba Viscum A, F, M, and Q groups, respectively. Abnormality-free survival rates in the amifostine and Abnoba Viscum Q groups were significantly different from those in the control (p = .040 and .012, respectively), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-3.51] and 2.20 (95% CI: 1.19-4.08), respectively. Abnormality-free rates among survivors in the amifostine and Abnoba Viscum M and Q groups were significantly different from those in the control group (p = .048, .042, and <.001, respectively), with an OR of 1.79 (95% CI: 1.00-3.20), 1.82 (95% CI: 1.02-3.26), and 2.98 (1.67-5.33), respectively. Conclusion: Abnoba Viscum Q has at least a similar radioprotective effect to that of amifostine. Mistletoe extracts have been clinically applied for a long time and their effectiveness and feasibility have been verified. Abnoba Viscum Q might be a new candidate radioprotectant to enhance cancer radiotherapy efficacy.

Clinical Significance of Gender and Body Mass Index in Asian Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

Objective: Colorectal cancer is a disease closely associated with anthropometric values. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of gender and body mass index (BMI) with colorectal cancer using a Korean nationwide cohort. Methods: Data of colorectal cancer cohorts between 2012 and 2013 were acquired from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. All patients underwent surgery due to colorectal cancers. Stage IV patients were excluded due to possible clinical heterogeneity. BMI was classified with the World Health Organization criteria. Results: A total of 31,756 patients were analyzed. The underweight group had 33% higher risk of stage III disease (p<0.001). The overweight and obese groups had 20% and 19% lower risk of stage III (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). The underweight and obese groups had higher risk of longest hospitalization period quartile (≥19 days), with odds ratio of 2.26 (p<0.001) and 1.33 (p<0.001), respectively. The overweight group had a 22% lower risk of the longest hospitalization period quartile (p=0.002). Females had 12% lower risk of distal cancer than males (p<0.001). There was no significant relationship between cancer stage and gender. The proportions of patients who were <50 years and ≥70 years old were higher in the females, and the proportions of patients in their 50s and 60s were higher in the males. Conclusions: Cancer stages and hospitalization period varied depending on BMI. Disease location and the age distribution were affected by gender.

Is stereotactic body radiotherapy for ultra-central lung tumor a feasible option? A systemic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Ultra-central (UC) tumors, which are generally defined as tumors directly abutting the proximal bronchial tree, are difficult to treat with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) owing to possible serious complications. This systemic review and meta-analysis analyzed the early experiences and evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of SBRT for UC tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The present study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Systemic searches of the EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane library electronic databases were performed. The primary endpoints were two-year local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and grade ≥3 complication rates. A random-effects model was used to determine the pooled rates of the primary endpoints. Grade 5 complications were descriptively assessed. RESULTS: Nine studies involving 291 patients with UC tumors who underwent SBRT were included. The pooled two-year LC, two-year OS, and grade ≥3 complication rates were 96.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.0-98.9), 57.7% (95% CI: 32.0-79.8), and 23.2% (95% CI: 11.8-40.5), respectively. The incidence of grade 5 complication was 0-22% and was 0% in three of eight available studies. Hemorrhage (68.2%) was the commonest fatal complication. The risk factors for fatal hemoptysis included anticoagulant use, excessive maximum irradiation dose, endobronchial involvement, squamous histology, and bevacizumab exposure. CONCLUSIONS: SBRT for UC tumors confers efficient LC, although the risk of complications was not negligible. Control of possible risk factors of hemorrhage and dose optimization through further studies are warranted.

The role of external beam radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients with lymph node metastasis: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

PURPOSE: Lymph node metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma is categorized as advanced in Barcelona Clinic of Liver Cancer staging, and sorafenib is a sole treatment recommended. However, appliance of local treatment including external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) has not been uncommon. We performed a meta-analysis and systemically reviewed current literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EBRT. METHODS: PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library, and Embase were systemically searched until December 17, 2017. The primary endpoint of analyses was response rate (RR), and 1-year overall survival and complication rates of grade ≥3 were secondary endpoints. Complications were primarily assessed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies comprising 521 patients were included. The pooled RR was 73.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.6-80.9), and high-dose EBRT groups had better RR than the low-dose group (82.2% [95% CI: 74.4-88.1] vs 51.1% [95% CI: 40.3-61.7]; P=0.001]. The pooled 1-year overall survival rate was 41.0% (95% CI: 32.9-49.6). Six studies assessed the survival benefit according to RR, and 5 (83.3%) of these 6 studies reported statistically significant survival benefit. The most common grade ≥3 toxicities were thrombocytopenia and gastrointestinal complication, with pooled rates of 3.4% (95% CI: 1.2-9.5) and 3.5% (95% CI:1.7-7.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: EBRT showed a pooled RR of 73.1% and was safely performed. EBRT might palliate symptoms through tumor reductions and improve survival. Use of sorafenib combined or sequentially with EBRT can be recommended rather than monotherapy.

Factors predicting intolerance to definitive conventional radiotherapy in geriatric patients.

PURPOSE: Although radiotherapy can be administered with a relatively low therapeutic burden, many elderly patients do not complete radiotherapy. In order to predict intolerance during radiotherapy, this study retrospectively analyzed the frequency of and risk factors for radiotherapy interruption among geriatric patients. METHODS: From September 2009 to December 2016, 353 patients aged ≥70 years received definitive radiotherapy with a conventionally fractionated schedule. "Total interruption" included completion of ≤90% of a planned radiotherapy, temporary discontinuation, and treatment-related mortality within 2 months. "Early-phase incompletion" and "mid-phase incompletion" represented completion of ≤50 and ≤80% of a planned radiotherapy, respectively. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 74 years. Early- and mid-phase incompletions and total interruption occurred in 4.2, 9.3, and 19.3% of patients, respectively. Total interruption occurred frequently in cancers involving the thorax (27.4%), head and neck (23.1%), abdomen (20.0%), pelvis (17.4%), and breast/extremity (8.1%). The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (P = 0.004 and 0.002), serum albumin level (P = 0.016 and 0.002), and the expected 5­year survival (P = 0.033 and 0.034) were significant factors for mid-phase incompletion and total interruption. Age ≥ 75 years (P = 0.008), concurrent chemotherapy (P = 0.017), and the extent of radiation field (P = 0.027) were factors associated with total interruption. CONCLUSION: Overall, 19.3% of the elderly patients showed treatment intolerance during conventional radiotherapy. Serum albumin level and ECOG performance score should be considered as surrogate markers for radiotherapy interruption prior to the decision regarding definite conventional radiotherapy.

Incidence and risk factors for congestive heart failure in patients with early breast cancer who received anthracycline and/or trastuzumab: a big data analysis of the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment service database.

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the incidence, time to occurrence, and congestive heart failure (CHF) risk factors for early breast cancer patients treated with anthracycline (AC)-based chemotherapy and/or trastuzumab (T) therapy in Korea. METHODS: We included female patients > 19 years old from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database who had no prior CHF history and had been diagnosed with early breast cancer between January 2007 and October 2016. RESULTS: We included 83,544 patients in our analysis. In terms of crude incidence for CHF, AC followed by T showed the highest incidence (6.3%). However, 3.1 and 4.2% of the patients had CHF due to AC-based chemotherapy and non-AC followed by T, respectively. The median times to occurrence of CHF were different according to adjuvant treatments, approximately 2 years (701.0 days) in the AC-based chemotherapy group vs 1 year (377.5 days) AC followed by T group. T therapy was associated with earlier development of CHF irrespective of previous chemotherapy, but late risk of CHF 1.2 years after T therapy rapidly decreased in both chemotherapy groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the adjusted hazard ratio for CHF was increased in the group of older patients (≥ 65 years old) who underwent AC followed by T therapy, with Charlson comorbidity index scores of ≥ 2. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that neo-/adjuvant chemotherapy using T irrespective of previous chemotherapy (AC or non-AC) was associated with significantly increased risk of CHF compared with AC-based chemotherapy in Korean patients with early breast cancer.

External beam radiation therapy to hepatocellular carcinoma involving inferior vena cava and/or right atrium: A meta-analysis and systemic review.

PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) involving inferior vena cava (IVC) and/or right atrium (RA) is a very rare but serious disease. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess efficacy and safety of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for HCC involving IVC and/or RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic search of Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library published was performed. Primary endpoints were 1-year overall survival (OS) rate and 2-year OS rates. Secondary endpoints were response rate, local control (LC) rate, and grade ≥3 toxicities. According to heterogeneity evaluated with Cochran Q test and I2 statistics, meta-analysis was performed using either random or fixed model. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies and 9 cohorts were included, encompassing 164 patients. Pooled 1- and 2-year OS rates were 53.6% (95% CI: 45.7-61.3%) and 36.9% (95% CI: 27.2-42.4%), respectively. Pooled response rate and LC rate were 59.2% (95% CI: 39.0-76.7%) and 83.8% (95% CI: 78.8-97.1%), respectively. Only one study reported 2 grade ≥3 toxicities, an esophageal rupture and a pulmonary embolism cases. The overall rate of possible grade ≥3 complications was 1.2% (2 of 164). CONCLUSIONS: EBRT is a feasible and safe option to palliate HCC with IVC and/or RA invasion.

A Survey of Radiation Therapy Utilization in Korea from 2010 to 2016: Focusing on Use of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the recent changes of radiation therapy (RT) modalities in Korea. In particular, we focused on intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) utilization as the main index, presenting the application status of advanced RT. METHODS: We collected information from the Korean Health and Insurance Review and Assessment Service data based on the National Health Insurance Service claims and reimbursements records by using treatment codes from 2010 to 2016. We classified locating region of each institution as capital vs. non-capital areas and metropolitan vs. non-metropolitan areas to assess the regional difference in IMRT utilization in Korea. RESULTS: IMRT use has been steadily increased in Korea, with an annual increase estimate (AIE) of 37.9% from 2011 to 2016 (P < 0.001) resulting in IMRT being the second most common RT modality following three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. In general, an increasing trend of IMRT utilization was observed, regardless of the region. The rate of AIE in the capital areas or metropolitan areas was higher than that in non-capital areas or non-metropolitan areas (40.7% vs. 31.9%; P < 0.001 and 39.7% vs. 29.4%; P < 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION: The result of our survey showed that IMRT has become one of the most common RT modalities. IMRT is becoming popular in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, while metropolitan area has faster AIE possibly due to concentration of medical resources and movement of advanced patients.

Comparison of radiation therapy modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

PURPOSE: We performed a meta-analysis and systematic review to compare the radiotherapy (RT) modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane library databases. The primary endpoint was the 1-year overall survival (OS), and response rate (RR), local control (LC), 2-year OS, and grade ≥3 toxicity incidence were evaluated as secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies comprising 2513 patients were included. The pooled 1-year OS rates for the 3-dimensional conformal RT (3DCRT), selective internal RT (SIRT), and stereotactic body RT (SBRT) groups were 43.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 37.6-50.2], 46.5% (95% CI: 37.7-55.6), and 48.5% (95% CI: 39.4-57.8). These inter-group differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.635). The pooled response rates were 51.3% (95% CI: 45.7-57.0), 33.3% (95% CI: 18.0-53.2), and 70.7 (95% CI: 63.7-76.8) for 3DCRT, SIRT, and SBRT groups, respectively; p = 0.001 and 0.031 for 3DCRT vs. SBRT and SIRT, respectively. The most common grade ≥ 3 complications were lymphocytopenia and bilirubin abnormalities in the 3DCRT and SIRT groups, respectively. Grade ≥ 3 complication was rare in SBRT group. CONCLUSIONS: OS did not differ among the modalities, although the response rates vary among modalities.

Validation of Nomograms for Survival and Metastases after Hysterectomy and Adjuvant Therapy in Uterine Cervical Cancer with Risk Factors.

Background. Three nomogram models for early stage uterine cervical cancer have been developed (KROG 13-03 for overall survival [OS], SNUH/AMC for disease-free survival [DFS], and KROG 12-08 for distant metastases-free survival [DMFS]) after radical hysterectomy (RH) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). This study aimed to validate these models using our cohort with adjuvant radiotherapy. Methods. According to the eligibility criteria of nomogram studies, patients were enrolled in Group A (N = 109) for the two KROG models (RH with PLND and whole pelvic irradiation) and Group B (N = 101) for the SNUH/AMC model (RH with PLND and squamous histology). Using Cox-regression hazard models, the prognostic factors of our cohorts were evaluated. The risk probabilities induced from published nomogram scores were calculated and the concordance indices were evaluated. Results. Group A had 88.1% 5-year OS and 86.0% 5-year DMFS. Group B had 83.0% 5-year DFS. In multivariate analyses, large tumor size for OS (HR 8.62, P < 0.001) and DMFS (HR 5.13, P = 0.003), young age (≤40 versus 41-64 years) for OS (HR 4.63, P = 0.097) and DFS (HR 3.44, P = 0.051), and multiple lymph node metastases (0 versus ≥3) for DMFS (HR 4.03, P = 0.031) and DFS (HR 3.90, P = 0.038) were significantly correlated. The concordance indices for OS, DMFS, and DFS were 0.612 (P = 0.002), 0.597 (P = 0.014), and 0.587 (P = 0.020), respectively. Conclusion. The developed nomogram models after RH and PLND are clinically useful in predicting various types of survival with significance.

Treatment interruption during radiation therapy: Experience at a single institution in the Republic of Korea.

AIM: Our study analyzed the frequency and causes of treatment interruption among patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). METHODS: A total of 1637 RT courses in 1500 patients were reviewed from September 2009 to October 2013. A continuous break over 7 days or a discontinuous break over 14 days was regarded as a temporary break and RT under 80% of planned treatment was regarded as incomplete. RESULTS: Two-hundred and twenty courses (13.4%) with treatment interruption were identified. Half of the patients received RT with a definitive aim, and the other half for palliative care. Completion after temporary break, near completion and incompletion were noticed in 12.3%, 21.3%, and 66.4% of cases, respectively. Among patients with a definite aim, thorax (19.2%) and abdomen (16.3%) had a higher interruption rate. For brain and bone with a palliative aim, the frequency of interruption was about 16%. Old age and worse performance negatively affected interruption. The most common cause of treatment interruption was cancer progression including death (30%) and the next was treatment-related side effects (23.1%). CONCLUSION: About 13% of RT cases were interrupted. Two third of patients received less than 80% of the planned RT. To improve RT completion rate, multidirectional efforts are needed.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Personal, Clinical, and Radiation Dosimetric Parameters for Acute Skin Reaction during Whole Breast Radiotherapy.

Skin reaction is major problem during whole breast radiotherapy. To identify factors related to skin reactions during whole breast radiotherapy, various personal, clinical, and radiation dosimetric parameters were evaluated. From January 2012 to December 2013, a total of 125 patients who underwent breast conserving surgery and adjuvant whole breast irradiation were retrospectively reviewed. All patients had both whole breast irradiation and boost to the tumour bed. Skin reaction was measured on the first day of boost therapy based on photography of the radiation field and medical records. For each area of axilla and inferior fold, the intensity score of erythema (score 1 to 5) and extent (score 0 to 1) were summed. The relationship of various parameters to skin reaction was evaluated using chi-square and linear regression tests. The V 100 (volume receiving 100% of prescribed radiation dose, p < 0.001, both axilla and inferior fold) and age (p = 0.039 for axilla and 0.026 for inferior fold) were significant parameters in multivariate analyses. The calculated axilla dose (p = 0.003) and breast separation (p = 0.036) were also risk factors for axilla and inferior fold, respectively. Young age and large V 100 are significant factors for acute skin reaction that can be simply and cost-effectively measured.

The Role of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy for Locoregionally Advanced Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of adjuvant radiation therapy in locoregional control in patients with locoregionally advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma (pT4 or pN1b) based on a comparison of a group that received radiation therapy and a group that did not receive radiation therapy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 165 patients with locoregionally advanced papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent treatment between 2002 and 2011. Of these, 32 patients received adjuvant radiation therapy, and 133 patients did not receive radiation therapy. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 7.2 years (range, 3.4-13.6) for the overall study population. The 10-year locoregional recurrence-free survival rates for patients in the radiation therapy and no radiation therapy groups were 83.9 and 60.8%, respectively (p = 0.037). The overall survival rate and distant recurrence-free survival rate were not different between the two groups (p = 0.076 and p = 0.813, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that adjuvant radiation therapy was an independent prognostic factor for locoregional recurrence-free survival (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with either pT4 or pN1b disease improved locoregional recurrence-free survival and might be of benefit for patients with these high-risk features by reducing the need for additional salvage treatment after locoregional recurrence.

Radiotherapy for Adrenal Metastasis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study (KROG 13-05).

Although the adrenal glands are not common sites of metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this metastasis can be met in patients with advanced HCC in some clinical settings. However, the effectiveness of radiotherapy against such metastases is unclear. Therefore, we performed the present multi-institutional study to investigate tumor response, overall survival (OS), treatment-related toxicity, and prognostic factors after radiotherapy. We retrospectively reviewed 134 patients who completed a planned radiotherapy for their adrenal metastases. Complete response was noted in 6 (4.3%), partial response in 48 (34.0%), and stable disease in 78 patients (55.3%). The median OS was 12.8 months, and the 1-, 2-, and 5-year OS rates were 53.1%, 23.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. Grade 3 anorexia occurred in 2 patients, grade 3 diarrhea in 1, and grade 3 fatigue in 1. Multivariate analyses revealed that the following factors had significant effects on OS: controlled intrahepatic tumor; controlled extrahepatic metastasis; and Child-Pugh class A. Although patients with adrenal metastasis from HCC had poor OS, radiotherapy provided an objective response rate of 38.3% and disease stability of 93.6%, with minimal adverse events. Therefore, radiotherapy for these patients could represent a good treatment modality, especially for patients with controlled intrahepatic tumors, controlled extrahepatic metastasis, and good hepatic function.