Chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy in high risk salivary gland cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential survival benefits associated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as opposed to radiotherapy (RT) in patients with resected high-risk salivary gland cancer (SGC), with a specific focus on determining whether these benefits are influenced by the number of high-risk variables. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical treatment for high-risk SGC were retrospectively enrolled and categorized into either CRT or RT groups. The impact of adjuvant therapy on locoregional control (LRC) and overall survival (OS) was assessed using a multivariable Cox model. RESULTS: A total of 152 patients were included following propensity score-matching. In comparison to RT, CRT did not demonstrate a significant survival advantage in terms of LRC (p = 0.485, HR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.36-4.22) and OS (p = 0.367, HR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.17-3.87) in entire population. But among patients with T3/4 stage, high-grade tumors, and 5 or more positive lymph nodes, the addition of chemotherapy to RT significantly (p = 0.042) correlated with a 15% reduction in the risk of cancer recurrence (95%CI: 4-54%). Conversely, in other subgroups with varying combinations of high-risk variables, CRT did not provide additional survival benefits for LRC and OS compared to RT. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy may be considered in conjunction with RT specifically in cases where there is a presence of T3/4 stage, high-grade tumors, and 5 or more metastatic lymph nodes in high-risk SGC.

T3N0 Rectal Cancer: Radiation for All, None, or Some?

ABSTRACT: The optimal management of T3N0 rectal cancer is an area of active debate that has withstood multiple decades of research. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the many nuances that come with treating T3N0 rectal cancer, particularly examining the role and evolution of radiation therapy. We review both the historical paradigms and latest advances in treatment and highlight the significance of precise preoperative staging. As the field continues to evolve, this review highlights a shift toward more tailored treatments, considering both patient goals and the desire for optimal oncologic outcomes. In the current era, clinical decision-making for T3N0 rectal cancer requires a patient-centric approach that balances effective therapy while minimizing undue side effects.

Long-term Outcome After Helical Tomotherapy Following Breast Conserving Surgery for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.

Background: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the outcomes and adverse events (AEs) associated with adjuvant radiotherapy with helical tomotherapy (hT) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Methods: Twenty-eight patients with DCIS underwent postoperative hT between 2011 and 2020. hT was chosen since it provided optimal target coverage and tolerable organ-at-risk doses to the lungs and heart when tangential 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) was presumed to provide unfavorable dosimetry. The median total (single) dose was 50.4 Gy (1.8 Gy). The median time between BCS and the start of hT was 5 weeks (range, 4-38 weeks). Statistical analysis included local recurrence-free survival, overall survival (OS), and secondary cancer-free survival. AEs were classified according to the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5. Results: The patients' median age was 58 years. The median follow-up period was 61 months (range, 3-123 months). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 100% each. None of the patients developed secondary cancer, local recurrence, or invasive breast cancer during follow-up. The most common acute AEs were dermatitis (n = 27), fatigue (n = 4), hyperpigmentation (n = 3), and thrombocytopenia (n = 4). The late AE primarily included surgical scars (n = 7) and hyperpigmentation (n = 5). None of the patients experienced acute or late AEs > grade 3. The mean conformity and homogeneity indices were 0.9 (range, 0.86-0.96) and 0.056 (range, 0.05-0.06), respectively. Conclusion: hT after BCS for DCIS is a feasible and safe form of adjuvant radiotherapy for patients in whom 3D-CRT is contraindicated due to unfavorable dosimetry. During follow-up, there were no recurrences, invasive breast cancer diagnoses, or secondary cancers, while the adverse effects were mild.

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Impact of Clear Margin Distance on Locoregional Control in Patients Undergoing Postoperative Radiotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative radiotherapy can improve locoregional control (LC) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) patients with positive resection margins. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgical margin size on LC in this patient population. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 162 patients with OCSCC who underwent postoperative radiotherapy between 2000 and 2020 at the Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center. The study aimed to determine the impact of different resection margins on LC, as well as overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and treatment-related toxicity (CTCAE 4.03). RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (47.5%) had involved (<1 mm) margins, 22 patients (13.6%) close (≤5 mm) margins, and 63 patients (38.9%) clear (>5 mm) margins. A surgical margin ≤ 5 mm was a significant predictor for worse LC (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2, 6.1), but not for OS (HR 1.2, CI 0.7, 1.9) or PFS (HR 1.2, 0.7, 2.0). CONCLUSION: Patients who have narrow resection margins (1-5 mm) experience poor local control and should receive postoperative radiotherapy. It is necessary to conduct further prospective studies to determine whether a narrower margin window could be achieved to better determine the appropriate indication for adjuvant radiotherapy.

Ultrahypofractionation in postoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer: A single-institution retrospective cohort series.

BACKGROUND: The 'FAST-forward', study published in April 2020, demonstrated the effectiveness of an extremely hypofractionated radiotherapy schedule, delivering the total radiation dose in five sessions over the course of 1 week. We share our department's experience regarding patients treated with this regimen in real-world clinical settings, detailing outcomes related to short-term toxicity and efficacy. METHODS: A descriptive observational study was conducted on 160 patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Between July 2020 and December 2021, patients underwent conservative surgery followed by a regimen of 26 Gy administered in five daily fractions. RESULTS: The median age was 64 years (range: 43-83), with 82 patients (51.3%) treated for left-sided breast cancer, 77 patients (48.1%) for right-sided breast cancer, and 1 instance (0.6%) of bilateral breast cancer. Of these, 66 patients had pT1c (41.3%), 70.6% were infiltrative ductal carcinomas, and 11.3% were ductal carcinoma in situ. Most tumours exhibited intermediate grade (41.9%), were hormone receptor positive (81.3%), had low Ki-67 (Ki-67 < 20%; 51.9%) and were Her 2 negative (85%). The majority of surgical margins were negative (99.4%). Among the patients, 72.5% received hormonotherapy, and 23.8% received chemotherapy. Additionally, 26 patients (16.3%) received an additional tumour boost following whole breast irradiation (WHBI) of 10 Gy administered in five sessions of 2 Gy over a week. The median planning target volume (PTV) was 899 cm3 (range: 110-2509 cm3). Early toxicity was primarily grade I radiodermatitis, affecting 117 patients (73.1%). During a median follow-up of 15 months (range: 3.9-28.77), only one patient experienced a local relapse, which required mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of this highly hypofractionated regimen in early-stage breast cancer appears feasible and demonstrates minimal early toxicity. However, a more extended follow-up duration would be required to evaluate long-term toxicity and efficacy accurately.

Quality of life in patients treated with breast cancer surgery and adjuvant systemic therapy and/or adjuvant radiotherapy in Uruguay.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment can impair patient quality of life (QoL), and those undergoing more aggressive treatments may be more severely impacted. Objective: Assess the level of perception of the QoL of patients treated for BC at the Hospital de Clínicas and the Departmental Hospital of Soriano. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire for cancer patients (EORTC, QLQ-C30) and one specific for BC (EORTC QLQ-BR23) were used. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients who had completed chemotherapy treatment at least one year prior to the evaluation were enrolled. The average age was 61 years old. QLQC QUESTIONNAIRE: The global QoL score (GQOL) was high: 70.9. Patients undergoing breast-conservation surgery (BCS) had better scores in physical and emotional functioning (p < 0.005) and presented less frequently with: pain, constipation, and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). Those undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) had higher scores for GQOL and for physical, role, and social functioning scales (p < 0.001) and had less fatigue, pain, insomnia, and financial difficulties (p < 0.005). QUESTIONNAIRE QLQBR: Sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment scales were relatively low. Patients undergoing BCS had better scores on the functional scales: body image and future outlook; and fewer breast symptoms (p < 0.005). Those undergoing SLNB also had better scores on the functional scales for body image and future outlook future and presented less frequently with symptoms (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Uruguayan BC patients experience high values on the GQOL scale; those undergoing BCS and SLNB had better scores on most functional and problem/symptom scales. Patients undergoing BCS had better scores in physical and emotional functioning and presented less frequently with pain, constipation, and financial difficulties. With respect to the type of axillary surgery received, patients who underwent SLNB had higher scores on the GQOL scale and on the physical, role, and social functional scales. The implementation of intervention strategies aimed at improving the quality of life, and the physical and emotional care of patients is recommended.

Pulmonary fibrosis prevalence after adjuvant radiotherapy of Iranian patients with breast cancer: A single-center cross-sectional study.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the incidence rate of pulmonary fibrosis as a late radiotherapy complication and identify the associated dosimetric and demographic factors using radiological findings between Iranian patients with breast cancer. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Breast cancer patients treated at the education hospital of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from 2017 to 2021 were considered. Patients have included for whom a secondary chest CT scan was available at least six months after radiotherapy. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) treatment plans were exported. Demographic features and data on underlying lung diseases, diabetes, and smoking history were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 250 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 46.1 ± 7.5 yrs and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.5 ± 4.2 kg/m2. Pulmonary fibrosis was detected for sixty-two cases. A significant relationship was obtained between the ipsilateral lung DVH parameters of patients with pulmonary fibrosis (P value < 0.05). The V5Gy, V10Gy, V13Gy, V20Gy, V30Gy, MLD, and DMax for individuals with pulmonary fibrosis were significantly higher than those without this injury. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary fibrosis was distinguished for 25% of the breast cancer cases at least six months after adjuvant radiotherapy. A significant relationship between the DVH parameters, underlying lung disease, diabetes, radiotherapy fields (i.e., Breast + LN + SC or Breast/Chest-wall only), age, and BMI with the frequency of the ipsilateral pulmonary fibrosis was obtained. V13Gy and V30Gy of the ipsilateral lung may be the most predictor of pulmonary fibrosis incidence.

Patient-Reported Outcomes and Complication Profiles of Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction in Patients With Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and complications of distinct implant-based breast reconstruction modality for patients with postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on breast cancer patients with stage II-III disease who performed implant-based breast reconstruction following with PMRT between September 2016 and April 2022. The patients were categorized into two matched groups: (1) patients receiving prepectoral breast reconstruction (PBR) or (2) subpectoral breast reconstruction (SBR) followed by PMRT. Following reconstruction, the patients were further compared for PMRT with the tissue expander (PMRT-TE) versus PMRT with permanent implant (PMRT-PI). PROs were measured with BREAST-Q questionnaire. Early and late complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 55 eligible patients were recruited. Patients who underwent PBR reported significantly higher satisfaction with breasts scores (P = 0.003) compared with the SBR group. The PMRT-TE group had higher satisfaction with breasts (P = 0.001) but lower physical well-being (P = 0.029) scores compared with PMRT-PI group. Moreover, patients in SBR cohort had a higher risk of capsular contracture (Baker grade III or IV) (20.5% vs 6.3%) and implant dislocation (48.7% vs 12.5%) than patients in PBR cohort. Patients in PMRT-PI group had a slightly higher rate of capsular contracture (Baker grade III or IV) than PMRT-TE group (20.8% vs 12.9%). CONCLUSIONS: PBR was associated with lower rates of late complications, especially for implant dislocation, and higher satisfaction with breasts scores compared to SBR. In addition, compared to PMRT-TE with PMRT-PI, patients in PMRT-TE cohort reported superior PROs of satisfaction with breasts.

Prognostic biomarker tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes failed to serve as a predictive biomarker for postoperative radiotherapy in completely resected pN2 non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that radiotherapy is a potent immunomodulator in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Conversely, it has rarely been demonstrated if immune infiltration can influence radiotherapy efficacy. Herein, we explored the effect of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) on the response to postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in completely resected stage III-pN2 NSCLC. METHODS: This retrospective study included 244 patients with pathologically confirmed stage III-N2 NSCLC who underwent complete resection at our institution between 2014 and 2020. TILs were assessed with permanent full-face hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections and the evaluation of TILs was based on a published guideline. Patients were stratified into the TILlow or TILhigh group with a cutoff value of 50%. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were utilized to assess disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to determine prognostic indicators. RESULTS: Among 244 patients, a total of 121 patients received PORT whereas 123 did not. TILs level in patients with PORT was significantly higher than that in patients without PORT (p < 0.001). High TILs level was significantly associated with an improved DFS and OS in all the entire chort (DFS, p < 0.001; OS, p = 0.001), PORT chort (DFS, p = 0.003; OS, p = 0.011) and non-PORT chort (DFS, p < 0.001; OS, p = 0.034). There were no significant survival differences between different treatment modalities in the low TILs infiltration (DFS, p = 0.244; OS, p = 0.404) and high TILs infiltration (DFS, p = 0.167; OS, p = 0.958) groups. CONCLUSIONS: TILs evaluated with H&E sections could represent a prognostic biomarker in patients with completely resected pN2 NSCLC, and high TILs infiltration was associated with favorable survival outcomes.The predictive value of TILs for PORT still need to be further explored in the future.

Survival and toxicity after breast-conserving surgery and external beam reirradiation for localized ipsilateral breast tumour recurrence: A population-based study.

PURPOSE: Breast-conserving surgery followed by reirradiation for a localized ipsilateral breast tumour relapse may increase the radiation dose delivered to the heart and result in a greater risk of cardiac adverse events. This study aimed to compare the incidence of cardiac mortality in patients treated for a localized ipsilateral breast tumour relapse, either with breast-conserving surgery followed by reirradiation or with total mastectomy between 2000 and 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients treated for a primary non-metastatic breast cancer with breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program database, and those who subsequently experienced a localized ipsilateral breast tumour relapse treated with breast-conserving surgery and reirradiation ("BCS+ReRT" group, n=239) or with total mastectomy ("TM" group, n=3127) were included. The primary objective was to compare the cardiac mortality rate between the patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by reirradiation and total mastectomy. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and cancer specific survival. RESULTS: Cardiac mortality was significantly higher in patients treated with breast-conserving surgery followed by reirradiation (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.19-4.86, P=0.006) in univariate analysis; non-statistically significant differences were observed after adjusting for age, laterality and chemotherapy on multivariate analysis (HR: 1.96, 95% CI: 0.96-3.94, P=0.067), age being the only confounding factor. A non-statistically significant difference towards lower overall survival was observed in patients who had breast-conserving surgery followed by reirradiation compared with those who underwent total mastectomy (HR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.98-1.90, P=0.066), and no differences were observed in terms of cancer specific survival (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.56-1.82, P=0.965). CONCLUSION: In this study, the incidence of cardiac mortality was low, and breast-conserving surgery followed by reirradiation did not independently increased the risk of cardiac mortality for a localized ipsilateral breast tumour relapse.

Breast cancer in a transgender man and hypofractionated radiotherapy: A case report and review of literature.

A 77-year-old transgender man (assigned female sex at birth, gender identity male, i.e. female-to-male) was referred for a palpable mass of the right chest wall. Biopsies revealed invasive lobular breast carcinoma. After discussion by a multidisciplinary tumour board meeting, the patient was treated with total mastectomy, adjuvant hypofractionated radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. At 1.5-year follow-up, there was no sign of recurrence or long-term radiation side effects. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of adjuvant hypofractionated radiation therapy in a transgender patient with breast cancer.

Evaluation of Tumor Control and Normal Tissue Complication Probabilities in Patients Receiving Comprehensive Nodal Irradiation for Left-Sided Breast Cancer.

Women with left-sided breast cancer receiving adjuvant radiotherapy have increased incidence of cardiac mortality due to ischemic heart disease; to date, no threshold dose for late cardiac/pulmonary morbidity or mortality has been established. We investigated the likelihood of cardiac death and radiation pneumonitis in women with left-sided breast cancer who received comprehensive lymph node irradiation. The differences in dosimetric parameters between free-breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) techniques were also addressed. Based on NTCP calculations, the probability of cardiac death was significantly reduced with the DIBH compared to the FB technique (p < 0.001). The risk of radiation pneumonitis was not clinically significant. There was no difference in coverage between FB and DIBH plans. Doses to healthy structures were significantly lower in DIBH plan than in FB plan for V20, V30, and ipsilateral total lung volume. Inspiratory gating reduces the dose absorbed by the heart without compromising the target range, thus reducing the likelihood of cardiac death.

Metastatic malignant struma ovarii to the pituitary presenting as a sellar mass and responding to total thyroidectomy with adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy.

Malignant struma ovarii (MSO) is a rare ovarian teratoma composed primarily of thyroid tissue. Common sites of metastasis include peritoneum, bone, liver, lung, gastrointestinal tract and omentum. We present a woman in her 50s with a history of remote oophorectomy presenting with hypopituitarism and a 2.7 cm sellar mass. Trans-sphenoidal surgery for presumed pituitary macroadenoma achieved near total resection and resultant pathology surprisingly showed ectopic thyroid tissue. The patient acquired her ovarian pathology report from Southeast Asia which showed struma ovarii of the left ovary. The pituitary mass was thus determined to be a metastatic lesion from MSO. She underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine ablation therapy with good initial response and no regrowth of the tissue or emergence of distant metastases after 5 years of annual follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of MSO to the pituitary.

Post-mastectomy radiation therapy after breast reconstruction: from historic dogmas to practical expert agreements based on a large literature review of surgical and radiation therapy considerations.

Breast reconstruction (BR) after mastectomy is important to consider for a woman's body image enhancement and psychological well-being. Although post-mastectomy radiation (PMRT) significantly improves the outcome of patients with high-risk breast cancer (BC), PMRT after BR may affect cosmetic outcomes and may compromise the original goal of improving quality of life (QoL). With the lack of practical guidelines, it seems essential to work on a consensus and provide some "expert agreements" to offer patients the best option for PMRT after BR. We report a global "expert agreement" that results from a critical review of the literature on BR and PMRT during the 6th international multidisciplinary breast conference in March 2023.

Quality assessment of radiotherapy in the prospective randomized SENOMAC trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recommendations for regional radiotherapy (RT) of sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive breast cancer are debated. We here report a RT quality assessment of the SENOMAC trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SENOMAC trial randomized clinically node-negative breast cancer patients with 1-2 SLN macrometastases to completion axillary lymph node dissection (cALND) or SLN biopsy only between 2015-2021. Adjuvant RT followed national guidelines. RT plans for patients included in Sweden and Denmark until June 2019 were collected (N = 1176) and compared to case report forms (CRF). Dose to level I (N = 270) and the humeral head (N = 321) was analyzed in detail. RESULTS: CRF-data and RT plans agreed in 99.3 % (breast/chest wall) and in 96.6 % of patients (regional RT). Congruence for whether level I was an intended RT target was lower (78 %). In accordance with Danish national guidelines, level I was more often an intended target in the SLN biopsy only arm (N = 334/611, 55 %,) than in the cALND arm (N = 174/565, 31 %,). When an intended target, level I received prescribed dose to 100 % (IQR 98-100 %) of the volume. However, even when not an intended target, full dose was delivered to > 80 % of level I (IQR 75-90 %). The intentional inclusion of level I in the target volume more than doubled the dose received by ≥ 50 % of the humeral head. CONCLUSION: Congruence between CRF data and RT plans was excellent. Level I received a high dose coverage even when not intentionally included in the target. Including level I in target significantly increased dose to the humeral head.

A nationwide study of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in patients with breast cancer receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy: comparison of complications according to radiotherapy fractionation and reconstruction procedures.

BACKGROUND: We examined the patterns of breast reconstruction postmastectomy in breast cancer patients undergoing postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) and compared complications based on radiotherapy fractionation and reconstruction procedures. METHODS: Using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data (2015-2020), we analysed 4669 breast cancer patients with PMRT and reconstruction. Using propensity matching, cohorts for hypofractionated fractionation (HF) and conventional fractionation (CF) were created, adjusting for relevant factors and identifying grade ≥3 complications. RESULT: Of 4,669 patients, 30.6% underwent HF and 69.4% CF. The use of HF has increased from 19.4% in 2015 to 41.0% in 2020. Immediate autologous (32.9%) and delayed two-stage implant reconstruction (33.9%) were common. Complication rates for immediate (N = 1286) and delayed two-stage (N = 784) reconstruction were similar between HF and CF groups (5.1% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.803, and 10.5% vs. 10.7%, P = 0.856, respectively) with median follow-ups of 2.5 and 2.6 years. HF showed no increased risk of complications across reconstruction methods. CONCLUSION: A nationwide cohort study revealed no significant difference in complication rates between the HF and CF groups, indicating HF for reconstructed breasts is comparable to CF. However, consultation regarding the fractionation for reconstructed breast cancer patients may still be necessary.

Survival benefits of postoperative radiotherapy in patients with cT1 - 2N1M0 breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy: a SEER-based population study.

BACKGROUND: Whether patients with cT1 - 2N1M0 breast cancer can benefit from postoperative radiotherapy (RT) after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore whether postoperative RT can benefit this group of patients in terms of survival. METHODS: We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to conduct a retrospective review of women with cT1 - 2N1M0 breast cancer diagnosed between 20 and 80 years of age who received NAC between 2010 and 2015. Our study compared the impact of postoperative RT on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in breast cancer patients using propensity score matching (PSM) and performed subgroup analysis. RESULTS: This study finally included 1092 cT1 - 2N1M0 breast cancer patients. Regardless of the patient's PSM status, postoperative RT was significantly associated with OS of cT1-2N1M0 breast cancer patients who received NAC. Specifically, the 10-year OS rate was 78.7% before PSM matching, compared with 71.1% in patients who did not receive postoperative RT, and the difference was more significant after PSM matching, which was 83.1% and 71.1% respectively. However, postoperative RT did not significantly benefit CSS in patients with cT1 - 2N1M0 breast cancer who received NAC. The 10-year CSS rate was 81.4% VS 76.2% (P = 0.085) before PSM matching and 85.8% VS 76.2%(P = 0.076) after matching. Due to the intersection of OS and CSS curves, this restricted mean survival time (RMST) method was chosen as a supplement. After 60 months, the OS difference in RMST between the postoperative RT group and the non-radiotherapy (noRT) group was 7.37 months (95%CI: 0.54-14.21; P = 0.034), and the CSS difference was 5.18 months (95%CI: -1.31-11.68; P = 0.118). Subgroup analysis found that in patients with right-sided breast cancer, postoperative RT improved the patient's OS (HR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.21-0.95, P = 0.037) and CSS (HR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.18-0.98, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that additional postoperative RT improved the OS of cT1 - 2N1M0 breast cancer patients who received NAC, but failed to improve their CSS. It is worth noting that in the subgroup analysis of patients with right-sided breast cancer, we observed significant improvements in OS and CSS. And further prospective studies are still needed to verify the effect of postoperative RT in different subgroups.

Intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma.

A young woman in her early 30s presented with a right thyroid mass and progressive hoarseness due to a right vocal cord palsy. The preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology was classified as Bethesda V and she underwent a total thyroidectomy and neck dissection. Intraoperatively, the thyroid mass was adherent to the oesophagus, trachea and encasing the right recurrent laryngeal nerve which was sacrificed. Final histopathology diagnosed a rare subtype of thyroid cancer known as intrathyroidal thymic carcinoma (ITC). She was then sent for adjuvant radiotherapy after a multidisciplinary tumour board discussion. This case report highlights the difficulty in preoperative diagnosis of ITC and the importance of immunohistochemical staining in clinching the diagnosis. In view of its rarity, there have been no published consensus on the treatment of ITC, hence we would like to share some learning points through a comprehensive literature review.

The effect of treatment package time on locally advanced oral cavity cancer outcomes.

OBJECTIVE(S): To assess the influence of treatment package time (TPT) on overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) in oral cavity cancer (OCC) patients treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) with or without concurrent chemotherapy (CHT). MATERIALS/METHODS: 354 adult OCC patients treated at a single, high-volume center between 2012-2022 with various pathologic risk features were included. TPT was defined as days from surgery to RT completion. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank p-values, univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of TPT on OS and EFS, and the optimal TPT cutoff. RESULTS: The optimal TPT cutoff was 105 days. TPT < 105 days was significantly associated with improved OS and EFS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.027, respectively) compared to TPT ≥ 105 days. On UVA, factors significantly associated with OS were TPT < 105 days, former/current smoker status, pathologic stage IV, positive perineural invasion (PNI), and extranodal extension (ENE) (all p < 0.05). On MVA for OS, TPT < 105 days, former/current smoker status, pathologic stage IV, and positive PNI (all p < 0.05) remained significant. Factors significantly associated with EFS on UVA were TPT < 105 days, former/current smoker status, pathologic stage IV, positive PNI or ENE, and concurrent CHT (all p < 0.05). On MVA, TPT < 105 days, pathologic stage IV, and positive PNI (all p < 0.05) remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: In a large, homogenous cohort of OCCs, optimal TPT was <105 days, with TPT ≥ 105 days significantly associated with worse OS and EFS. Multidisciplinary coordination should analyze factors potentially contributing to treatment delay.

Is Prophylactic Radiotherapy to the Lymphatic Drainage Area Necessary for Patients With Stage III Ovarian Cancer After Chemotherapy Following Surgery?

BACKGROUND: For patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer, there are limited studies on the effects of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (RT). Here we assessed the therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of postoperative radiotherapy to the abdominal and pelvic lymphatic drainage area for stage III epithelial ovarian cancer patients, who had all received surgery and chemotherapy (CT). METHODS: We retrospectively collected patients with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and full-course adjuvant CT. The chemoradiotherapy (CRT) group patients were treated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to the abdominal and pelvic lymphatic drainage area in our hospital between 2010 and 2020. A propensity score matching analysis was conducted to compare the results between the CRT and CT groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local control (LC) rates. The log-rank test determined the significance of prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients with median follow-up of 73.9 months (9.1-137.7 months) were included (44 and 88 for the CRT and RT groups, retrospectively). The baseline characteristics of age, histology, level of CA12-5, surgical staging, residual tumour, courses of adjuvant CT, and courses to reduce CA12-5 to normal were all balanced. The median DFS time, 5-year OS, and local recurrence free survival (LRFS) were 100.0 months vs 25.9 months (P = .020), 69.2% vs 49.9% (P = .002), and 85.9% vs 50.5% (P = .020), respectively. The CRT group mainly presented with acute haematological toxicities, with no statistically significant difference compared with grade III intestinal adverse effects (3/44 vs 6/88, P = .480). CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates that long-term DFS could be achieved in stage III epithelial ovarian cancer patients treated with IMRT preventive radiation to the abdominal and pelvic lymphatic area. Compared with the CT group, DFS and OS were significantly prolonged and adverse effects were acceptable.