Coping with modesty during radiotherapy for breast cancer: a multicentric study.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed tumour, representing nearly 30% of all new cases in women. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a crucial role in the management of breast cancer. The objective of this study is to assess modesty in patients undergoing RT for breast cancer and take their suggestions and ideas into consideration to enhance the quality of treatment in this regard. METHODS: The study enrolled 555 breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant RT in three Italian centres. Patients completed a self-test questionnaire assessing their comfort level concerning modesty during therapy and their relationship with strangers and healthcare professionals. The impact of religious views and potential changes in sexuality were also examined. RESULTS: Results showed that modesty was a common concern across the overall cohort of patients, with discomfort in being undressed during RT correlating with discomfort experienced in other daily life situations. Most patients felt more at ease with same sex healthcare workers. Age was also a major factor with younger patients generally feeling more comfortable with healthcare workers of the same age group. Interestingly, the surgical technique used (mastectomy vs. quadrantectomy) did not significantly influence modesty perceptions. Patients provided valuable suggestions to improve privacy and modesty during RT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that modesty is an important issue for women undergoing RT, which can be influenced by personal characteristics and hospital-related factors. A reflection about the need to address modesty concerns and to incorporate dedicated interventions for protecting patients' physical and emotional well-being is warranted. Initiatives to improve communication, involvement, and body image support should also be integrated into the care path of patients to better their overall therapeutic experience. This study paves the way for broader research and interventions in daily cancer care.

Allies not enemies-creating a more empathetic and uplifting patient experience through technology and art.

OBJECTIVE: To understand whether art and technology (mainly conversational agents) may help oncology patients to experience a more humanized journey. METHODS: This narrative review encompasses a comprehensive examination of the existing literature in this field by a multicenter, multidisciplinary, and multiprofessional team aiming to analyze the current developments and potential future directions of using art and technology for patient engagement. RESULTS: We identified three major themes of patient engagement with art and three major themes of patient engagement with technologies. Two real-case scenarios are reported from our experience to practically envision how findings from the literature can be implemented in different contexts. CONCLUSION: Art therapy and technologies can be ancillary supports for healthcare professionals but are not substitutive of their expertise and responsibilities. Such tools may help to convey a more empathetic and uplifting patient journey if properly integrated within clinical practice, whereby the humanistic touch of medicine remains pivotal.

The role of stereotactic radiotherapy in addition to immunotherapy in the management of melanoma brain metastases: results of a systematic review.

Aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in combination with immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The literature was searched using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Studies comparing SRT plus immunotherapy versus SRT or immunotherapy alone were deemed eligible for inclusion. Two studies showed improved overall survival after SRT plus immunotherapy in melanoma cancer patients with brain metastases. Three studies reported data on LC and DFS showing as SRT plus immunotherapy did not improve local control and DFS rates. G3-G4 toxicity was reported in only one study (20% in the SRT plus immunotherapy group versus 23% in the immunotherapy group). Despite SRT plus concurrent immunotherapy seems associated with possible survival advantage and low ≥ G3 late toxicity rates, the quality of evidence is very low. Therefore, in patients with brain metastases from melanoma, SRT plus immunotherapy should be evaluated on an individual basis after discussion by a multidisciplinary team.

Adult Onset Still's Disease and Radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer: Case report about management of this rare association and literature review.

AIM: This manuscript focuses on the first experience in literature of a patient with a complicated Adult Onset Still's Disease-related heart failure who thereafter underwent adjuvant radiotherapy for left breast cancer. BACKGROUND: AOSD is a rare autoimmune inflammation-related disease, in which life-threatening pulmonary and cardiac complications can occur. In literature, AOSD is often associated with cancer, as paraneoplastic syndrome, but there are few data about primary AOSD and management of oncological therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient who needed adjuvant breast cancer radiotherapy underwent tumour board evaluation to define feasibility of an RT in a patient with of a history of a heart life-threatening complication 2 years before AOSD. Results of the review were discussed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts that chose the type of surgery, radiotherapy and monitoring of patient. RESULTS: Literature review confirmed association of AOSD with BC in some pts and uniqueness of this treatment management experience. Patient underwent RT according to schedule of 40.05/2.67 Gy/fx on residual left breast and 10/2 Gy/fx on tumour bed with the gating technique. The panel chose to keep immunosuppressive therapy with anakinra. No complications were observed at clinical, ECG and laboratory examinations. Maximum toxicity was G2 skin. At first follow up AOSD signs of flare were negative. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, when oncological treatments, especially radiotherapy, are mandatory for AOSD pts, multidisciplinary management and tailored monitoring are necessary to avoid acute adverse effects and allow pts to complete therapies.

Outcomes of Radiotherapy in Oligoprogressive Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Radiotherapy (RT) shows potential for improving local control in cases of oligoprogressive metastatic breast cancer (mBC). This retrospective analysis aims to evaluate the advantages of RT in such a clinical scenario. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis including patients with mBC who received radiation therapy (RT) for up to three sites of oligoprogression while continuing systemic therapy. The study took place between January 2014 and December 2021. Our endpoints were progression-free survival after radiotherapy (PFS-AR), the rate of discontinuation of systemic therapy (RDT) at three months post-RT, and overall survival (OS). We used Cox regression analysis to perform multivariate analysis for PFS-AR. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The PFS-AR was 13 months (95% CI 8.5-18.8 months). At three months, the RDT was 3% (two patients). A significant difference in median PFS-AR was observed between patients in the first + second-line group and those in the subsequent line group (p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis conducted for PFS-AR, the biologically effective dose (BED) with α/ß = 4 > 100 Gy emerged as the sole significant variable (p = 0.0017). The median overall survival (OS) was 24.4 months (95% CI 17-24.4 months). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first report on the outcomes of radiotherapy in a cohort of over 50 patients with oligoprogressive metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Our findings emphasize the significant relationship between PFS-AR, the number of ongoing lines of systemic therapy, and the BED of radiotherapy.

Long-Term Safety of Level II Oncoplastic Surgery after Neoadjuvant Treatment for Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: A 20-Year Experience.

Background: Oncoplastic surgery (OPS) reliability in the post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) setting is still debated due to weak scientific evidences in such scenarios. Methods: Our analysis aims to report results obtained in a retrospective series of 111 patients consecutively treated with level II OPS after NACT at the Multidisciplinary Breast Center of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS between 1998 and 2018. The surgical endpoints were the mean specimen volume, rates of positive margins (PMR), re-excision (RR), conversion to mastectomy (CMR), and complications (CR). The oncological endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local recurrence (LR). To evaluate the impact of NACT on surgical and oncological outcomes at 302 months, we conducted a propensity score matching, pairing patients in post-NACT and upfront surgery groups. Results: The mean sample volume was 390,796 mm3. We registered a 3.6% of PMR, 1.8% RR, 0.9% CMR, 5% CR. The 10-year OS and 10-year DFS with a median follow-up of 88 months (6-302) were 79% and 76%, respectively, with an LR recurrence rate of 5%. The post-NACT group received significantly larger excised volumes and lower PMR. NACT did not affect surgical and oncological outcomes. Conclusions: Level II OPS can be considered a reliable alternative to mastectomy even in the post-NACT setting.

Multigenic panels in breast cancer: Clinical utility and management of patients with pathogenic variants other than BRCA1/2.

Multigene panels can analyze high and moderate/intermediate penetrance genes that predispose to breast cancer (BC), providing an opportunity to identify at-risk individuals within affected families. However, considering the complexity of different pathogenic variants and correlated clinical manifestations, a multidisciplinary team is needed to effectively manage BC. A classification of pathogenic variants included in multigene panels was presented in this narrative review to evaluate their clinical utility in BC. Clinical management was discussed for each category and focused on BC, including available evidence regarding the multidisciplinary and integrated management of patients with BC. The integration of both genetic testing and counseling is required for customized decisions in therapeutic strategies and preventative initiatives, as well as for a defined multidisciplinary approach, considering the continuous evolution of guidelines and research in the field.

Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer in Neoadjuvant and Exclusive Settings: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common tumors; better screening policies and multidisciplinary approach allow personalized treatment. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a central role in the multimodal approach in BC, and recent evidence has shown the non-inferiority of hypofractionated treatments. The aim of this study was to describe the feasibility and validity of stereotactic RT (SBRT) in BC in a neoadjuvant and exclusive setting. METHODS: A PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase systematic review was conducted to assess the role of radiomics in BC. The search strategy was "breast [All Fields] AND "stereotactic" [All Fields] AND "radiotherapy" [All Fields]" and only original articles referred to BC in humans in the English language were considered. RESULTS: A total of 2,149 studies were obtained using the mentioned search strategy on PubMed and Embase. After the complete selection process, a total of 12 papers were considered eligible for the analysis of the results. SBRT in BC was described in 8 studies regarding neoadjuvant approach and 4 papers regarding exclusive approach. CONCLUSIONS: Relative low toxicity rates, the reduced treatment volumes in the neoadjuvant setting, and the possibility to replace surgery when not feasible in exclusive setting resulted to be main advantages for SBRT in BC. Current evidence shows that both the neoadjuvant and the definitive settings seem to be promising clinical scenarios for SBRT, especially for EBC.

Conservative Surgery in cT4 Breast Cancer: Single-Center Experience in the Neoadjuvant Setting.

BACKGROUND: The diffusion of screening programs has resulted in a decrease of cT4 breast cancer diagnosis. The standard care for cT4 was neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA), surgery, and locoregional or adjuvant systemic therapies. NA allows two outcomes: 1. improve survival rates, and 2. de-escalation of surgery. This de-escalation has allowed the introduction of conservative breast surgery (CBS). We evaluate the possibility of submitting cT4 patients to CBS instead of radical breast surgery (RBS) by assessing the risk of locoregional disease-free survival, (LR-DFS) distant disease-free survival (DDFS), and overall survival (OS). METHODS: This monocentric, retrospective study evaluated cT4 patients submitted to NA and surgery between January 2014 and July 2021. The study population included patients undergoing CBS or RBS without immediate reconstruction. Survival curves were obtained using the Kaplan-Meyer method and compared using a Log Rank test. RESULTS: At a follow-up of 43.7 months, LR-DFS was 70% and 75.9%, respectively, in CBS and RBS (p = 0.420). DDFS was 67.8% and 29.7%, respectively, (p = 0.122). OS was 69.8% and 59.8%, respectively, (p = 0.311). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with major or complete response to NA, CBS can be considered a safe alternative to RBS in the treatment of cT4a-d stage. In patients with poor response to NA, RBS remained the best surgical choice.

An Innovative Scoring System to Select the Optimal Surgery in Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: The selection of surgery post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is difficult and based on surgeons' expertise. The aim of this study was to create a post-NEoadjuvant Score System (pNESSy) to choose surgery, optimizing oncological and aesthetical outcomes. METHODS: Patients (stage I-III) underwent surgery post-NACT (breast-conserving surgery (BCS), oncoplastic surgery (OPS), and conservative mastectomy (CMR) were included. Data selected were BRCA mutation, ptosis, breast volume, radiological response, MRI, and mammography pre- and post-NACT prediction of excised breast area. pNESSy was created using the association between these data and surgery. Area under the curve (AUC) was assessed. Patients were divided into groups according to correspondence (G1) or discrepancy (G2) between score and surgery; oncological and aesthetic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were included (118 BCS, 49 OPS, 88 CMR). pNESSy between 6.896-8.724 was predictive for BCS, 8.725-9.375 for OPS, and 9.376-14.245 for CMR; AUC was, respectively, 0.835, 0.766, and 0.825. G1 presented a lower incidence of involved margins (5-14.7%; p = 0.010), a better locoregional disease-free survival (98.8-88.9%; p < 0.001) and a better overall survival (96.1-86.5%; p = 0.017), and a better satisfaction with breasts (39.8-27.5%; p = 0.017) and physical wellbeing (93.5-73.6%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: A score system based on clinical and radiological features was created to select the optimal surgery post-NACT and improve oncological and aesthetic outcomes.

Rapidly Progressive Malignant Pelvic Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm (PEComa) Associated with Eggerthella lenta Bloodstream Infection.

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComa) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms composed of cells that express melanocytic and myogenic markers and grow around small blood vessels. PEComa often show benign behaviors but can also be highly aggressive. In frail and more complex patients, many conditions can overlap, compounding the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties inherent in rare diseases. Moreover, the complexity of modern patients introduces new and significant players in host-microbe interactions, and emerging pathogens represent a relevant challenge to modern healthcare. Among these pathogens is Eggerthella lenta, an anaerobic gram-positive bacterium of the normal gut microbiota associated with life-threatening infections. Here, we present a case of malignant pelvic PEComa with rapid metastatic progression in a 73-year-old man who presented with an E. lenta bloodstream infection. Approaching differential diagnosis with open-mindedness may assist in better imaging interpretation, surgery scheduling, and proper treatment planning. The non-specific clinical presentation might delay timely diagnosis, while the absence of well-consolidated guidelines undermines the accurate management of the disease, for which strict follow-up can favor better outcomes. Progress in diagnostic techniques, such as the implementation of MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight) mass spectrometry for micro-organism identification, helps with a more accurate pathogen diagnosis and characterization. This allows the implementation of the most appropriate therapy, as well as better surveillance of antibiotic resistance, infection prevention, and control measures. Nevertheless, a good dose of wisdom is vital to avoid overlooking potentially harmful pathogens, particularly in frail individuals.

Association between contralateral background parenchymal enhancement on MRI and outcome in patients with unilateral invasive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate whether background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) of the contralateral breast on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with unilateral invasive breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 228 women (47.6 years ± 10 [SD]; range: 24-74 years) with invasive breast cancer who underwent NAC between 2005 and 2013 were included. All included patients underwent breast MRI before and after NAC. Quantitative semiautomated analysis of BPE of the contralateral healthy breast was performed. The enhancement level on baseline MRI (baseline BPE) and on MRI after chemotherapy (final BPE) and the change in enhancement rate between baseline MRI and final MRI were recorded. Cox regression was used to test associations between BPE variables, patient and tumor characteristics, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Subgroup analyses based on menopausal status and immunohistochemical subtypes were performed. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 92 months. Multivariable analysis revealed that Ki-67 level (P = 0.026) and receipt of mastectomy (P = 0.015) were independent variables associated with OS while Ki-67 level (P = 0.010) and post-NAC pathological node categorization (P = 0.027) were independent variables associated with DFS. BPE was not associated with OS (P = 0.500, 0.546 and 0.712 for baseline BPE, final BPE and BPE change, respectively) or with DFS (P = 0.568, 0.412 and 0.327, respectively). CONCLUSION: BPE of the contralateral breast on MRI may have limited prognostic value in patients with breast cancer treated with NAC.

New fractionations in breast cancer: a dosimetric study of 3D-CRT versus VMAT.

INTRODUCTION: Adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) following primary surgery in women affected by early breast cancer (EBC) plays a central role in reducing local recurrences and overall mortality. The FAST-FORWARD trial recently demonstrated that 1-week hypofractionated adjuvant RT is not inferior to the standard schedule in terms of local relapse, cosmetic outcomes and toxicity. The aim of this in silico study was to evaluate the dosimetric aspects of a 1-week RT course, administered through volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), compared with traditional three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) with tangential fields. METHODS: Patients affected by left-side EBC undergoing adjuvant RT were selected. ESTRO guidelines for the clinical target volume (CTV) delineation and FAST-FORWARD protocol for CTV to planning target volume (PTV) margin definition were followed. Total prescribed dose was 26 Gy in five fractions. The homogeneity index (HI) and the global conformity index (GCI) were taken into account for planning and dose distribution optimisation purposes. Both 3D-CRT tangential fields and VMAT plans were generated for each patient. RESULTS: The analysis included 21 patients. PTV coverage comparison between 3D-CRT and VMAT plans showed significant increases for GCI (P < 0.05) in VMAT technique; no statistically significant differences were observed regarding HI. For organs at risks (OAR), statistically significant increases were observed in terms of skin V103% (P < 0.002) and ipsilateral lung V30% (P < 0.05) with 3D-CRT and of heart V5% (P < 0.05) with VMAT technique. CONCLUSIONS: This in silico study showed that both 3D-CRT and VMAT are dosimetrically feasible techniques in the framework of 1-week hypofractionated treatments for left EBC.

SUPeRO: A Multidimensional Approach to Prevent and Manage Oncological Frailty in a Radiation Oncology Unit.

Currently, the management of older cancer patients is directed by a personalized approach and, where possible, a tailor-made treatment. Based on our previous experiences and considering the opportunity of combining a geriatric department and a radiation-oncology department, we have developed a path that follows the patient from the beginning of the treatment, taking into account the complications/late toxicities and the survivors. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of remodeling and restructuring some oncology, radiotherapy, and geriatrics services based on the primary evidence for managing older cancer patients. In 2020, Gemelli ART underwent 60,319 radiation-oncology treatments, admitted 943 patients in the radiation-oncology and supportive care ward, and treated and followed 15,268 patients in clinics. The average length of stay of the admitted patients was reduced from 20.6 days to 13.2 days. In 2021, 1196 patients were assessed for frailty, 847 were admitted for toxicity, and 349 patients were evaluated within the geriatric oncology and supportive care outpatient clinic, and it was found that 59.2% were fit, 31.6% were vulnerable, and 9.2% were frail. This experience has shown a reduction in hospitalizations and the average hospital stay of patients in the case of side effects, a high toxicity to treatments, and the possibility of treating patients with a high level of complexity. This approach should represent the future target of geriatric oncology with the global management of older or complex patients with cancer.

Immunosuppressive treatment and radiotherapy in kidney transplant patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppression (IS) therapy may contribute to cancer development. Some authors have proposed to reduce immunosuppression drugs dose in case of viral infections, in immunosuppression-related diseases, and in patients undergoing radiotherapy. The present analysis reports the results of a systematic review on kidney transplant recipients undergoing immunosuppression and radiotherapy. AIM: To define if it is necessary reduce immunosuppression drugs during radiotherapy. METHODS: The literature search was based on three electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science) using selected keywords linked through the "AND" and "OR" Boolean operators to build specific strings for each electronic search engine. Two researchers independently screened the citations, and disagreement was resolved by discussion or through the intervention of a third author. The review was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA statement. Extracted data were narratively synthesized, and, where possible, frequencies, percentages, and ranges were calculated. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in 147 citations. After abstracts screening, 21 records were selected for full-text evaluation. Fifteen of these were excluded, leaving six papers considered suitable for analysis. There is still no clear evidence that withdrawing antimetabolites and/or calcineurin inhibitors and/or mammalian target of rapamycin-inhibitors, as opposed to continuing maintenance IS, improves patient survival in kidney transplant recipients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Only few retrospective studies on small cancer patient cohorts are available in this setting, but without comparison of different immunosuppression treatments. Even where immunosuppression therapy was described, patient survival seemed to be correlated only with cancer stage and type. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review do not support the reduction of immunosuppression dose in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Art and digital technologies to support resilience during the oncological journey: The Art4ART project.

Introduction: New digital technologies can become a tool for welcoming the patient through the artistic dimension. Cancer patients, in particular, need support that accompanies and supports them throughout their treatment. Materials and methods: The Art4ART project consist in the structural proposal to cancer patients of a web-based digital platform containing several forms of art as video-entertainments; a multimedia immersive room; an art-based welcoming of the patients with several original paintings; an environment with a peacefulness vertical garden; a reconceptualization of the chemotherapy-infusion seats. Data regarding patients' preference and choices will be stored and analysed also using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to measure and predict impact indicators regarding clinical outcomes (survival and toxicity), psychological indicators. Moreover, the same digital platform will contribute to a better organization of the activities. Discussion: Through the systematic acquisition of patient preferences and through integration with other clinical parameters, it will be possible to measure the clinical, psychological, organisational, and social impact of the newly implemented Art4ART project. The use of digital technology leads us to apply the reversal of viewpoint from therapeutic acts to patient-centred care.

Immunotherapy and radiotherapy in melanoma: a multidisciplinary comprehensive review.

Melanoma is an extremely aggressive tumor and is considered to be an extremely immunogenic tumor because compared to other cancers it usually presents a well-expressed lymphoid infiltration. The aim of this paper is to perform a multidisciplinary comprehensive review of the evidence available about the combination of radiotherapy and immunotherapy for melanoma. Radiation, in fact, can increase tumor antigens visibility and promote priming of T cells but can also exert immunosuppressive action on tumor microenvironment. Combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy provides an opportunity to increase immunostimulatory potential of radiation. We therefore provide the latest clinical evidence about radiobiological rationale, radiotherapy techniques, timing, and role both in advanced and systemic disease (with a special focus on ocular melanoma and brain, liver, and bone metastases) with a particular attention also in geriatric patients. The combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy seems to be a safe therapeutic option, supported by a clear biological rationale, even though the available data confirm that radiotherapy is employed more for metastatic than for non-metastatic disease. Such a combination shows promising results in terms of survival outcomes; however, further studies, hopefully prospective, are needed to confirm such evidence.

Level II Oncoplastic Surgery as an Alternative Option to Mastectomy with Immediate Breast Reconstruction in the Neoadjuvant Setting: A Multidisciplinary Single Center Experience.

Oncoplastic surgery level II techniques (OPSII) are used in patients with operable breast cancer. There is no evidence regarding their safety and efficacy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The aim of this study was to compare the oncological and aesthetic outcomes of this technique compared with those observed in mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction (MIBR), in post-NAC patients undergoing surgery between January 2016 and March 2021. Local disease-free survival (L-DFS), regional disease-free survival (R-DFS), distant disease-free survival (D-DFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared; the aesthetic results and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated using BREAST-Q. A total of 297 patients were included, 87 of whom underwent OPSII and 210 of whom underwent MIBR. After a median follow-up of 39.5 months, local recurrence had occurred in 3 patients in the OPSII group (3.4%), and in 13 patients in the MIBR group (6.1%) (p = 0.408). The three-year L-DFS rates were 95.1% for OPSII and 96.2% for MIBR (p = 0.286). The three-year R-DFS rates were 100% and 96.4%, respectively (p = 0.559). The three-year D-DFS rate were 90.7% and 89.7% (p = 0.849). The three-year OS rates were 95.7% and 95% (p = 0.394). BREAST-Q highlighted significant advantages in physical well-being for OPSII. No difference was shown for satisfaction with breasts (p = 0.656) or psychosocial well-being (p = 0.444). OPSII is safe and effective after NAC. It allows oncological and aesthetic outcomes with a high QoL, and is a safe alternative for locally advanced tumors which are partial responders to NAC.

Ways to improve breast cancer patients' management and clinical outcome: The 2020 Assisi Think Tank Meeting.

We report on the third Assisi Think Tank Meeting (ATTM) on breast cancer, a brainstorming project which involved European radiation and clinical oncologists who were dedicated to breast cancer research and treatment. Held on February 2020, the ATTM aimed at identifying key clinical questions in current clinical practice and "grey" areas requiring research to improve management and outcomes. Before the meeting, three key topics were selected: 1) managing patients with frailty due to either age and/or multi-morbidity; 2) stereotactic radiation therapy and systemic therapy in the management of oligometastatic disease; 3) contralateral breast tumour prevention in BCRA-mutated patients. Clinical practice in these areas was investigated by means of an online questionnaire. In the lapse period between the survey and the meeting, the working groups reviewed data, on-going studies and the clinical challenges which were then discussed in-depth and subjected to intense brainstorming during the meeting; research protocols were also proposed. Methodology, outcome of discussions, conclusions and study proposals are summarized in the present paper. In conclusion, this report presents an in-depth analysis of the state of the art, grey areas and controversies in breast cancer radiation therapy and discusses how to confront them in the absence of evidence-based data to guide clinical decision-making.

AIRO Breast Cancer Group Best Clinical Practice 2022 Update.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most common tumor in women and represents the leading cause of cancer death. Radiation therapy plays a key-role in the treatment of all breast cancer stages. Therefore, the adoption of evidence-based treatments is warranted, to ensure equity of access and standardization of care in clinical practice. METHOD: This national document on the highest evidence-based available data was developed and endorsed by the Italian Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) Breast Cancer Group.We analyzed literature data regarding breast radiation therapy, using the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) methodology (www.sign.ac.uk). Updated findings from the literature were examined, including the highest levels of evidence (meta-analyses, randomized trials, and international guidelines) with a significant impact on clinical practice. The document deals with the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of primary breast cancer, local relapse, and metastatic disease, with focus on diagnosis, staging, local and systemic therapies, and follow up. Information is given on indications, techniques, total doses, and fractionations. RESULTS: An extensive literature review from 2013 to 2021 was performed. The work was organized according to a general index of different topics and most chapters included individual questions and, when possible, synoptic and summary tables. Indications for radiation therapy in breast cancer were examined and integrated with other oncological treatments. A total of 50 questions were analyzed and answered.Four large areas of interest were investigated: (1) general strategy (multidisciplinary approach, contraindications, preliminary assessments, staging and management of patients with electronic devices); (2) systemic therapy (primary, adjuvant, in metastatic setting); (3) clinical aspects (invasive, non-invasive and micro-invasive carcinoma; particular situations such as young and elderly patients, breast cancer in males and cancer during pregnancy; follow up with possible acute and late toxicities; loco-regional relapse and metastatic disease); (4) technical aspects (radiation after conservative surgery or mastectomy, indications for boost, lymph node radiotherapy and partial breast irradiation).Appendixes about tumor bed boost and breast and lymph nodes contouring were implemented, including a dedicated web application. The scientific work was reviewed and validated by an expert group of breast cancer key-opinion leaders. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal breast cancer management requires a multidisciplinary approach sharing therapeutic strategies with the other involved specialists and the patient, within a coordinated and dedicated clinical path. In recent years, the high-level quality radiation therapy has shown a significant impact on local control and survival of breast cancer patients. Therefore, it is necessary to offer and guarantee accurate treatments according to the best standards of evidence-based medicine.