EURAMOS-1, an international randomised study for osteosarcoma: results from pre-randomisation treatment.

BACKGROUND: Four international study groups undertook a large study in resectable osteosarcoma, which included two randomised controlled trials, to determine the effect on survival of changing post-operative chemotherapy based on histological response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable osteosarcoma aged ≤40 years were treated with the MAP regimen, comprising pre-operatively of two 5-week cycles of cisplatin 120 mg/m(2), doxorubicin 75 mg/m(2), methotrexate 12 g/m(2) × 2 (MAP) and post-operatively two further cycles of MAP and two cycles of just MA. Patients were randomised after surgery. Those with ≥10% viable tumour in the resected specimen received MAP or MAP with ifosfamide and etoposide. Those with <10% viable tumour were allocated to MAP or MAP followed by pegylated interferon. Longitudinal evaluation of quality of life was undertaken. RESULTS: Recruitment was completed to the largest osteosarcoma study to date in 75 months. Commencing March 2005, 2260 patients were registered from 326 centres across 17 countries. About 1334 of 2260 registered patients (59%) were randomised. Pre-operative chemotherapy was completed according to protocol in 94%. Grade 3-4 neutropenia affected 83% of cycles and 59% were complicated by infection. There were three (0.13%) deaths related to pre-operative chemotherapy. At definitive surgery, 50% of patients had at least 90% necrosis in the resected specimen. CONCLUSIONS: New models of collaboration are required to successfully conduct trials to improve outcomes of patients with rare cancers; EURAMOS-1 demonstrates achievability. Considerable regulatory, financial and operational challenges must be overcome to develop similar studies in the future. The trial is registered as NCT00134030 and ISRCTN 67613327.

Effective chemotherapy for advanced CNS embryonal tumors in adults.

PURPOSE: Embryonal tumors of the CNS include, among others, medulloblastoma, cerebral neuroblastoma, pineoblastoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs). Almost all data on the treatment of embryonal CNS tumors are derived from the pediatric population, since these tumors are uncommon in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine the rate and duration of response to chemotherapy of advanced embryonal CNS tumors in adults. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied all adult (> 18 years of age) patients with advanced embryonal tumors of the CNS who received chemotherapy at our institution between 1976 and 1994. Seventeen consecutive patients were treated with regimens that contained either nitrosourea or cisplatin or both sequentially, with no patients having received the combination of nitrosourea and cisplatin concurrently. RESULTS: In patients who received cisplatin-based chemotherapy, responses were observed in 84.5% (26% complete response [CR] rate), 10.5% remained stable, and 5% progressed. The median time to progression was 18 months for patients who had a CR, 6 months for those with partial response (PR), and 10 months for stable patients. Among patients who received nitrosourea-based chemotherapy, PR was observed in 27%, 36.5% remained stable, and 36.5% progress. The median time to progression was 6 months for patients who had a PR and 6.5 months for stable patients. CONCLUSION: In adults with advanced embryonal CNS tumors, conventional-dose intravenous cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens are able to produce responses in the majority of the patients (84.5%), even as second- or third-line regimens. Nitrosourea-based regimens less frequently produce responses (27%).

Effects of radiation and chemotherapy on cognitive function in patients with high-grade glioma.

PURPOSE: The effect of radiotherapy on the long-term cognitive performance of patients treated for intracranial neoplasm is a major concern to clinicians and patients, particularly as long-term survival or cure is possible for a small minority of patients. To assess the effects of cranial radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the cognitive performance of high-grade glioma patients, we analyzed cognitive performance data collected in a series of prospective clinical trials. METHODS: We studied 701 high-grade brain tumor patients entered onto two consecutive North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) randomized treatment trials designed to compare radiotherapy and carmustine (BCNU) versus radiotherapy and 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3(2,6 dioxo-l-piperidyl)-1-nitrosource a (PCNU) (first trial) and radiotherapy and BCNU and interferon alfa (IFN) versus radiotherapy and BCNU (second trial). Folstein Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) score and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score (PS) recorded at baseline and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months were analyzed to assess cognitive and physical function over time. Patients who did not demonstrate tumor progression within 60 days of the assessment time were considered nonprogressors at that evaluation. A loss of greater than 3 points on the MMSE was considered significant deterioration. RESULTS: The number of patients who experienced a greater than 3-point decrease in MMSE from baseline was 13 of 119 nonprogressors (10.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3% to 18.9%) at 6 months, three of 54 nonprogressors (5.5%; 95% CI, 0.5% to 12.8%) at 12 months, three of 30 nonprogressors (10%; 95% CI, 2.1% to 26.5%) at 18 months, and four of 22 nonprogressors (18.2%; 95% CI, 5.2% to 40.3%) at 24 months. The CIs at all times overlapped, which indicates no statistically significant increase in the percentage of patients who experienced a significant decrease in their MMSE score. Patients who demonstrated a significant decrease in their MMSE score were significantly older than those who did not (P = .0017) at 6 months and remained so throughout follow-up; moreover, they had a significantly shorter time to progression and death. ECOG PS was strongly negatively correlated with MMSE score throughout the study, and MMSE score at all time intervals was correlated with baseline PS. CONCLUSION: In this population of glioma patients who received radiotherapy, there is no clear trend to cognitive worsening. Factors such as older age, poorer PS, and subclinical tumor progression may be more significant factors in those patients who did demonstrate a significant cognitive decline.

Phase II trial of primary chemotherapy followed by reduced-dose radiation for CNS germ cell tumors.

PURPOSE: A prospective phase II study was initiated to assess the response rate, survival, and late effects of treatment in patients with newly diagnosed CNS germ cell tumors (GCT), using etoposide plus cisplatin followed by radiation therapy prescribed by extent of disease, histology, and response to chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients aged 8 to 24 years with histologically proven CNS GCT received etoposide (100 mg/m2/d) plus cisplatin (20 mg/m2/d) daily for 5 days every 3 weeks for four cycles, followed by radiation therapy. Nine patients had germinomas; eight had mixed GCT. Four patients (three with germinomas and one with mixed GCT) presented with leptomeningeal dissemination. RESULTS: Radiographically, 14 of 17 patients were assessable for response; 11 patients experienced complete regression, and three had major partial regression before radiation. Six of seven assessable patients with elevated CSF levels of alpha-fetoprotein or betahuman chorionic gonadotropin had normalization with chemotherapy alone; all normalized with combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy. All 17 patients are alive without evidence of disease (median follow-up, 51 months). One patient developed a relapse in the spinal leptomeninges and was rendered free of disease with spinal radiation more than 5 years ago. One patient developed carotid stenosis requiring surgery. Thus far, only minimal long-term deterioration in neurocognitive function has been detected as a consequence of protocol treatment. CONCLUSION: Conventional-dose intravenous chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin can effect tumor regression in a high proportion of patients with CNS GCT, including those with leptomeningeal metastases. Acute and long-term toxicities are acceptable. Progression-free survival and overall survival are excellent.

Treatment of intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma with alternating cycles of vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and etoposide/ifosfamide.

Over 50% of patients with newly diagnosed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are in the 'intermediate risk' group with a 3-year progression-free survival of approximately 65%. This group consists of stage 1, group III, non-orbit tumours; stage 2, group II and III; and all stage 3 patients utilising the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) staging system. The role of doxorubicin in the treatment of RMS has been controversial. Ifosfamide, both alone and in combination with etoposide, has significant activity in patients with RMS. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the efficacy and toxicity of a chemotherapy regimen of alternating cycles of vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and etoposide/ifosfamide for intermediate risk RMS. 30 patients with intermediate risk RMS or undifferentiated sarcoma (US) were treated with alternating cycles of vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide (VDC) and etoposide/ifosfamide (EI) at planned intervals of 3 weeks. Local treatment of the tumour in most cases was performed after four cycles of chemotherapy, followed by an additional 10 cycles of chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 37.5 months, the Kaplan-Meier estimate of 3-year event-free survival was 85% (95% confidence interval 72-99%). The overall survival at 3 years was 91% (95% confidence interval 80-100%). No patient died from toxicity. The most common toxicity was febrile neutropenia in 35% of VDC and 26% of EI cycles. No nephrotoxicity or cardiac toxicity was seen. No patient progressed prior to week 12 local therapy. Alternating cycles of VDC and EI are an effective treatment for patients with intermediate risk RMS and US. Toxicity is tolerable. Delaying local treatment until week 12 does not compromise outcome.

The rationale and technique of staged-volume arteriovenous malformation radiosurgery.

PURPOSE: Stereotactic radiosurgery is an effective management strategy for properly selected arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients. However, the risk of postradiosurgical radiation-related injury generally limits this procedure to patients with AVMs of an average diameter of 3 cm or less. Radiosurgery of large AVMs in a planned staged fashion was undertaken to limit the radiation exposure to the surrounding normal brain. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between April 1997 and December 1999, 10 patients with a median AVM volume of 17.4 cm(3) (range, 7.4-53.3 cm(3)) underwent staged-volume radiosurgery (23 procedures). At the first radiosurgical procedure, the total volume of the AVM is estimated and a dose plan calculated that covers 10 cm(3)-15 cm(3), or one-half the nidus volume if the AVM is critically located (brainstem, thalamus, or basal ganglia). At 6-month intervals thereafter, radiosurgery was repeated to different portions of the AVM with the previous dose plan(s) being re-created utilizing intracranial landmarks to minimize radiation overlap. Radiosurgical procedures were continued until the entire malformation has been irradiated. RESULTS: The radiation dosimetry of staged-volume AVM radiosurgery was compared to hypothetical single-session procedures for the 10 patients. Staged-volume radiosurgery decreased the 12-Gy volume by an average of 11.1% (range, 4.9-21%) (p < 0.001). The non-AVM 12-Gy volume was reduced by an average of 27.2% (range, 12.5-51.3%) (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Staged-volume radiosurgery of large AVMs results in less radiation exposure to the adjacent brain. Further follow-up is needed to determine whether this technique provides a high rate of AVM obliteration while maintaining an acceptable rate of radiation-related complications.

Radiation therapy for histologically confirmed primary central nervous system germinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate survival and patterns of recurrence in patients with primary central nervous system germinoma treated with radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data regarding 48 patients with histologically confirmed, primary central nervous system germinoma were reviewed. All had been operated on at the Mayo Clinic between the years 1935 and 1993. Thirty-two patients (67%) were treated since 1973. The study group included 39 males and 9 females, with a median age at diagnosis of 17 years (range, 6-42 years). Twelve patients (25%) were treated with craniospinal axis irradiation, 11 (23%) received whole-brain irradiation without spinal axis irradiation, and 24 (50%) underwent partial-brain irradiation. Treatment volumes were unknown in one patient. The median dose to the primary tumor was 44.00 Gy (range, 7.44-59.40 Gy). The median follow-up was 5.5 years (range, 4 months to 37 years). RESULTS: Actuarial 5-year and 10-year survival for the entire study group of patients was 80%. There was a trend toward improved survival in patients treated after 1973 (introduction of computed tomography) with 5-year and 10-year survival of 91% vs. 63% in prior years (p = 0.07). For the group of 31 patients treated since 1973 with known treatment volumes, the spinal axis failure rate at 5 years was 49% for patients treated with partial brain fields (11 patients) vs. 0% for those having undergone whole brain (10 patients) or craniospinal axis (10 patients) irradiation (p = 0.007). The rate of brain failure was also significantly higher in patients receiving less than whole-brain irradiation; at 5 years, 45% of the patients treated with partial-brain fields had intracranial recurrence of disease compared to 6 % of patients treated with craniospinal axis or whole-brain irradiation (p = 0.01). Among the 32 modern era patients, the rate of brain failure was higher in patients who received doses less than 40 Gy (median dose, 48.55 Gy; range, 30.60-59.40 Gy) to the primary tumor (5-year brain failure rate 52% vs. 11%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The long-term survival of patients with histologically proven CNS germinoma treated with radiation is excellent. Whole-brain or craniospinal axis irradiation appears to result in fewer spine and brain failures than does partial-brain irradiation. Furthermore, the administration of doses greater than 40 Gy to the primary tumor is associated with better local control.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for glomus jugulare tumors: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of stereotactic radiosurgery treatment of glomus jugulare tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between March 1990 and January 1995, nine patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery with the Leksell Gamma Knife Unit for glomus jugulare tumors. Previous treatment had failed in four patients. The seven female and two male patients had a median age of 67 years. RESULTS: The median time from stereotactic radiosurgery to the most recent clinical follow-up was 20 months (range 7-65 months). Subjectively, 7 of 9 patients noted a decrease in the intensity of their symptoms. Objectively, 8 of 9 tumors remained stable in size by serial magnetic resonance imaging scans and one was smaller. There was no acute or chronic toxicity. CONCLUSION: This early experience suggests that stereotactic radiosurgery is a promising treatment for glomus jugulare tumors.

The role of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of malignant skull base tumors.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic radiosurgery in the treatment of malignant skull base tumors. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-two patients with 35 newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant skull base tumors < or = 33.5 cm3 were treated using the Leksell Gamma unit. Tumor histologies included: adenoid cystic carcinoma [12], basal cell carcinoma [1], chondrosarcoma [1], chordoma [8], nasopharyngeal carcinoma [3], osteogenic sarcoma [2], and squamous cell carcinoma [8]. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 2.3 years, 83% +/- 15% (+/-95% confidence interval) of patients experienced a symptomatic response to treatment. Local control at the skull base was 95 +/- 9% at 2 years and 78 +/- 23% at 3 years. Local-regional control above the clavicles was 75 +/- 15% at 1 year and 51 +/- 20% at 2 years. Overall and cause specific survival were identical, 82 +/- 13% at 1 year, 76 +/- 14% at 2 years, and 72 +/- 16% at 3 years. One patient developed a radiation-induced optic neuropathy 12 months after radiosurgery. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic radiosurgery using the Leksell Gamma Unit can provide durable tumor control and symptomatic relief with acceptable toxicity in the majority of patients with malignant tumors 4 cm or less in size involving the skull base. Further evaluation of more patients with longer follow-up is warranted.

The results of radiotherapy for ependymomas: the Mayo Clinic experience.

PURPOSE: This analysis was performed to examine the outcome of patients with histologically confirmed ependymomas of the brain or spinal cord who received postoperative radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighty patients with histologically confirmed ependymomas were evaluated retrospectively. All were treated with various combinations of surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy. Follow-up ranged from 5 to 30 years (median 10.4 years). RESULTS: The 5- and 10-year survival rates for the entire study group were 79% and 73%, respectively. Patients with low-grade (1 and 2 of 4) tumors had a 5-year survival rate of 87% as compared to 27% for those with high-grade (3 and 4 of 4) tumors (p < 0.0001). Patients with tumors of the spine had a 5-year survival rate of 97% as compared to 68% for those with infratentorial tumors, and 62% for those with supratentorial tumors (p = 0.03). Patients with myxopapillary ependymomas of the spine had a 5-year survival rate of 100% as compared with 76% for patients with other histological subtypes of ependymoma (p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis revealed that the survival rate was independently associated with tumor grade (p = 0.0007) and histological subtype (p = 0.02). Twenty-eight patients (35%) experienced local failure and 10 patients (13%) developed leptomeningeal seeding. The 5-year leptomeningeal failure rate was 10% in patients with low-grade tumors as compared to 41% for patients with high grade tumors (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with low-grade tumors, especially those with myxopapillary subtypes, have high 5-year survival rates when treated with post-operative radiotherapy. High grade ependymomas are associated with a much poorer outcome. New forms of therapy are required to improve the outcome of patients with high-grade ependymomas.

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of preirradiation chemotherapy with BCNU, cisplatin, etoposide, and accelerated radiation therapy in patients with high-grade glioma.

PURPOSE: We conducted a Phase I study of bischloroethylnitrosourea (BCNU), cisplatin, and oral etoposide administered prior to and during accelerated hyperfractionated radiation therapy in newly diagnosed high-grade glioma. Pharmacokinetic studies of oral etoposide were also done. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients started chemotherapy after surgery but prior to definitive radiation therapy (160 cGy twice daily x 15 days; 4800 cGy total). Initial chemotherapy consisted of BCNU 40 mg/m2 days 1-3, cisplatin 30 mg/m2 days 1-3 and 29-31, and etoposide 50 mg orally days 1-14 and 29-42, repeated in 8 weeks concurrent with radiation therapy. BCNU 200 mg/m2 every 8 weeks x 4 cycles was given after radiation therapy. RESULTS: Sixteen patients, 5 with grade 3 anaplastic astrocytoma and 11 with glioblastoma were studied. Grade 3-4 leukopenia (38%) and thrombocytopenia (31%) were dose-limiting. Other toxicities were anorexia (81%), nausea (94%), emesis (56%), alopecia (88%), and ototoxicity (38%). The maximum tolerated dose was BCNU 40 mg/m2 days 1-3, cisplatin 20 mg/m2 days 1-3 and 29-31, and oral etoposide 50 mg days 1-21 and 29-49 prior to radiation therapy and repeated in 8 weeks with the start of radiation therapy followed by BCNU 200 mg/m2 every 8 weeks for 4 cycles. Median time to progression and survival were 13 and 14 months respectively. Responses occurred in 2 of 9 (22%) patients with evaluable disease. In pharmacokinetic studies, all patients achieved plasma concentrations of >0.1 microg/ml etoposide (the in vitro radiosensitizing threshold), following a 50 mg oral dose. The mean +/- SD 2 hr and 6 hr plasma concentrations were 0.92 +/- 0.43 microg/ml and 0.36 +/- 0.12 microg/ml, respectively. Estimated duration of exposure to >0.1 microg/ml etoposide was 10-17 hr. CONCLUSIONS: Preirradiation chemotherapy with BCNU, cisplatin, and oral etoposide with accelerated hyperfractionated radiation therapy in high-grade gliomas is feasible and merits further investigation. Sustained radiosensitizing concentrations can be achieved with low oral doses of etoposide.

Management of subdiaphragmatic early-stage Hodgkin's disease.

Twenty-six patients with Stage IA-IIB Hodgkin's disease confined below the diaphragm were treated at the Mayo Clinic over a 9-year period (1974-1982). Ten of the twenty-six patients presented with intra-abdominal disease alone, and the remaining 16 patients presented with palpable inguinal-femoral adenopathy. One hundred thirty patients with pathologically staged supradiaphragmatic disease were treated over the same period and serve as a comparison group. The median age of 52 years among patients with subdiaphragmatic disease was significantly higher than the median age of 27 years in supradiaphragmatic group. There was no difference in sex distribution between the two groups. One-fifth of the subdiaphragmatic patients presented with B symptoms compared to one-tenth in the supradiaphragmatic group. No significant histological differences were seen. The majority of patients were treated with radiation therapy alone. The overall failure rate was 42% in the subdiaphragmatic group versus 22% in patients with supradiaphragmatic disease. All of the failures occurred in patients treated with radiotherapy alone. Stage and the presence of B symptoms were the most important prognostic factors. The type of subdiaphragmatic presentation (intra-abdominal versus inguinal-femoral) did not influence the outcome. Despite decreased 5-year recurrence-free survival (57% subdiaphragmatic vs. 79% supradiaphragmatic, p = 0.03), the overall 5-year survival rate of 85% is comparable to that of patients with supradiaphragmatic disease. It appears that inverted Y irradiation alone is sufficient for patients with Stage IA disease, but that patients with B symptoms or Stage II disease require more aggressive initial therapy if recurrence-free survival is to be improved.

Radiotherapeutic considerations in the treatment of hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system.

Twenty-seven hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system were treated at the Mayo Clinic with radiation therapy from January 1963 to August 1983. Six patients had von-Hippel Lindau syndrome, and four presented with polycythemia. The median age among the 15 males and 12 females was 48 years (range 20-68). Two clinical groups were apparent: those that received postoperative radiation therapy for clinically suspect, or microscopically positive margins (6 patients) and those who underwent therapy for gross residual disease (20 patients). One patient did not fall into either group because his initially unresectable tumor was treated with planned pre-operative radiotherapy to 40 Gy and was subsequently successfully cured by surgery. Because the combined modality approach did not allow assessment of local control with radiation alone, he was excluded from the gross residual cohort in terms of time-dose relationship analysis. The cohort with gross residual disease was particularly unfavorable as 12 of these patients had developed 17 local recurrences prior to radiation. Three had multiple lesions, and four had the von-Hippel Lindau syndrome. In-field disease control appeared to be improved when patients were treated more aggressively. Patients treated to a dose of 50 Gy manifested local control in 4/7 (57%) vs 4/12 (33%) in patients treated to less than 50 Gy. In-field local control was also better if patients received a TDF greater than 75 (local control in 66%) vs a TDF of 65-75 (local control in 22%). Actuarial analysis of in-field disease control showed more aggressive treatment improved control whether analyzed by dose level (greater than or equal to 50 Gy vs less than 50 Gy, or TDF greater than 75 vs less than 75). Four of the six patients who received radiation therapy for microscopically positive or clinically suspect margins achieved local control. Both patients manifesting in-field relapse were successfully surgically salvaged. Overall survival for the entire group of 27 patients was 85%, 58%, 58%, and 46% at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, respectively. Recurrence-free survival was 76%, 52%, and 42% at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Half of all in-field recurrences had occurred by 2 years, but the remaining half recurred from 5.6 to 14.4 years. Patients who developed in-field failure usually died from disease with a median survival of only 1.5 years, but surgical salvage was accomplished in 4/12. Hydro-myelia developed in two patients and required operation. Surveillance for systemic tumors also was important and revealed seven benign and four malignant tumors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

External beam irradiation for retinoblastoma: patterns of failure and dose-response analysis.

Eighteen children with retinoblastoma (25 eyes) were treated with external beam radiation at the Mayo Clinic between January 1977 and January 1987; 15 eyes were in groups I to III and 10 were in groups IV and V (Reese-Ellsworth classification). The median number of tumors per eye was 3. Radiation therapy consisted of 4- or 6-MV photons. Doses varied from 39 to 51 Gy in 1.8- to 3.0-Gy fractions. Fourteen eyes were treated through lateral fields by anterior segment-sparing techniques, and 11 eyes were treated by an anterior approach with no attempt at anterior segment sparing. All patients survived (median follow-up, 31.5 months). Cataracts developed in five eyes at a median of 23 months, four in eyes treated with anterior segment-sparing techniques. Of the 15 group I to III eyes, 6 required additional treatment; 4 were salvaged with cryotherapy or photocoagulation and 2 were enucleated. Of the 10 group IV and V eyes, 8 required additional treatment; 4 were salvaged with cryotherapy or photocoagulation, 1 with persistent disease is being followed closely, and 3 were enucleated. Ten (71%) of the 14 eyes treated with anterior segment-sparing techniques required additional treatment (9 of the 10 for tumors anterior to the equator). Four (36%) of the 11 eyes treated with an anterior approach required additional treatment (3 of the 4 for tumors in the posterior pole of group IV or V eyes). Ninety percent of the tumors 10 disc diameters or smaller (1 disc diameter = 1.6 mm) were controlled independently of dose and fractionation used when they were not in the low-dose area of the anterior retina of an eye treated with an anterior segment-sparing technique. We find that use of lateral, anterior segment-sparing techniques has a high risk of anterior retinal tumor development and cataract formation and should be abandoned in favor of techniques that treat the entire retina. A dose of 45 Gy in 1.8-Gy fractions appears to be adequate for local control of tumors smaller than 10 disc diameters. Larger tumors may require additional treatment.

Phase I evaluation of radiation combined with recombinant interferon alpha-2a and BCNU for patients with high-grade glioma.

PURPOSE: A Phase I study to determine the safety, toxicity, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of carmustine (BCNU) and interferon alpha-2a (IFN-a) when combined with radiation as initial therapy in high-grade glioma. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with newly diagnosed Grade 3 or 4 astrocytoma, oligoastrocytoma, or gliosarcoma were enrolled after surgery. All received radiation therapy to the brain (64.8 Gy/36 fractions), combined with a single dose of BCNU (200 mg/m2) at the start of radiation. Chemotherapy after completing radiation consisted of BCNU 150 mg/m2 once every 7 weeks, and IFN-a 12 x 10(6) units/m2 subcutaneously Days 1-3 each week of a 7-week cycle. Subsequent dose modification was based on constitutional symptoms for IFN-a and on myelosuppression for BCNU. RESULTS: Fifteen patients were entered on the study. Four were excluded because they did not receive IFN-a (3 refused treatment and 1 patient left the study due to multiple medical problems). Eleven were evaluable for toxicity and efficacy. Nonhematological toxicity, mainly lethargy and flu-like symptoms, were dose-limiting for IFN-a. After the first 6 patients were treated per the initial protocol, the frequency of IFN-a administration was decreased to Days 1-3 on weeks 1, 3, and 5 of the 7-week cycle for 5 additional patients. Lethargy, fever, chills, myalgias, alopecia, and anorexia occurred in all patients. Other toxicities included nausea and vomiting (91%), central-nervous-system depression or mood changes (64%), headaches (55%), and elevation of liver enzymes (36%). Grade 3-4 leukopenia occurred in 4 (45%) of 11 patients, and Grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia in 3 (27%) of 11 patients. Due to myelosuppressive effects, BCNU dose was not escalated. Median survival of the cohort was 44 months. Objective responses occurred in 5 (56%) of 9 patients and median duration of response was 33 months. The MTD of this combination after radiation therapy is IFN-a 12 x 10(6) units/m2 Days 1-3, on Weeks 1, 3, and 5 of a 7-week cycle and BCNU 150 mg/m2 Day 1, every 7 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with radiation, IFN-a, and BCNU is feasible and effective in patients with high-grade gliomas, although constitutional symptoms from IFN-a are substantial.

Decrease in cranial nerve complications after radiosurgery for acoustic neuromas: a prospective study of dose and volume.

PURPOSE: To determine whether tumor control can be maintained, and cranial nerve complications decreased by reducing the radiosurgical dose to acoustic neuromas. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty-two consecutive patients with acoustic neuromas were treated prospectively using an initial standard-dose protocol in which the tumor-margin dose (50% isodose) was 20, 18, and 16 Gy for tumor diameters < or =2 cm, 2.1-3 cm, and 3.1-4 cm, respectively. After analysis of tumor control and complications, the next 40 patients were treated using a reduced-dose protocol in which the tumor-margin dose was 16, 14, and 12 Gy for tumor volumes < or =4.2 cm3, 4.2-14.1 cm3, and > or =14.1 cm3, respectively. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 2.3 years (range 0.1-6) for 80 of 82 patients. The actuarial incidence (Kaplan-Meier) of facial neuropathy at 2 years was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23-53%) for the standard-dose protocol and 8% (95% CI, 0-17%) for the reduced-dose protocol (p = 0.006). Univariate analysis revealed an association between risk of facial neuropathy and use of CT planning, higher radiosurgical dose, and neurofibromatosis, type 2. Multivariate analysis revealed that the only factor associated with increased risk of post-treatment facial neuropathy was a tumor margin dose > or =18 Gy. The incidence of trigeminal neuropathy at 2 years was 29% (95% CI, 15-43%) for the standard-dose protocol and 15% (95% CI, 3-27%) for the reduced-dose protocol (p = 0.17). Univariate analysis revealed an association between maximal tumor diameter and increased risk of trigeminal neuropathy; multivariate analysis revealed no additional statistically significant associations between tumor and dosimetric and patient characteristics and risk of trigeminal neuropathy. Two tumors in the standard-dose protocol required salvage surgery for progression. To date, no tumor in the reduced-dose protocol has shown progression. CONCLUSION: Our analysis suggests that a tumor margin dose of > or =18 Gy is the most significant risk factor for facial nerve complications after acoustic neuroma radiosurgery. Patients receiving a minimal tumor dose of < or =16 Gy are at significantly lower risk for permanent facial neuropathy after radiosurgery. Longer follow-up is required before definitive conclusions can be made about the ultimate rate of tumor control using reduced radiosurgical doses.

Nongerminomatous germ cell tumors of the brain.

PURPOSE: This analysis was performed to determine the clinical outcome of patients with primary nongerminomatous germ cell tumors of the brain. The efficacy of various treatment options was evaluated. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 57 patients with primary nongerminomatous germ cell tumors of the brain were identified. Patient-related data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up in surviving patients ranged from 3 to 243 months (median follow-up 36). Survival and failure rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between the survival curves were evaluated using either the log rank test or the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The 3-year survival rate was 86% for patients with mature teratomas, 67% for patients with immature teratomas, 44% for patients with mixed germ cell tumors, and 13% for patients with the other histologic types (p = 0.02). The 3-year survival rate was 0% for patients having biopsies alone, 32% for patients having subtotal resections, and 73% for patients having gross total resections (p = 0.0001). Patients with tumors other than mature or immature teratomas were evaluated for possible relationships between the administration of chemotherapy or radiotherapy and survival. Patients who received chemotherapy had a 3-year survival rate of 56% compared to 8% for those patients who did not receive chemotherapy (p = 0.0001) Patients who received radiotherapy had a 3-year survival rate of 46% compared to 11% for those patients who did not receive radiotherapy (p = 0.0015). CONCLUSION: The survival of patients with primary nongerminomatous germ cell tumors of the brain is dependent on tumor histology and the extent of surgical resection. Patients with tumors other than mature or immature teratomas appear to benefit from the administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Phase III double-blind evaluation of an aloe vera gel as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity.

PURPOSE: Considerable pilot data and clinical experience suggested that an aloe vera gel might help to prevent radiation therapy-induced dermatitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Two Phase III randomized trials were conducted. The first one was double blinded, utilized a placebo gel, and involved 194 women receiving breast or chest wall irradiation. The second trial randomized 108 such patients to aloe vera gel vs. no treatment. Skin dermatitis was scored weekly during both trials both by patients and by health care providers. RESULTS: Skin dermatitis scores were virtually identical on both treatment arms during both of the trials. The only toxicity from the gel was rare contact dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS: This dose and schedule of an aloe vera gel does not protect against radiation therapy-induced dermatitis.

A multi-institutional analysis of complication outcomes after arteriovenous malformation radiosurgery.

PURPOSE: To better understand radiation complications of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) radiosurgery and factors affecting their resolution. METHODS AND MATERIALS: AVM patients (102/1255) who developed neurological sequelae after radiosurgery were studied. The median AVM marginal dose (Dmin) was 19 Gy (range: 10-35). The median volume was 5.7 cc (range: 0.26-143). Median follow-up was 34 months (range: 9-140). RESULTS: Complications consisted of 80/102 patients with evidence of radiation injury to the brain parenchyma (7 also with cranial nerve deficits, 12 also with seizures, 5 with cyst formation), 12/102 patients with isolated cranial neuropathies, and 10/102 patients with only new or worsened seizures. Severity was classified as minimal in 39 patients, mild in 40, disabling in 21, and fatal in 2 patients. Symptoms resolved completely in 42 patients for an actuarial resolution rate of 54% +/- 7% at 3 years post-onset. Multivariate analysis identified significantly greater symptom resolution in patients with no prior history of hemorrhage (p = 0.01, 66% vs. 41%), and in patients with symptoms of minimal severity: headache or seizure as the only sequelae of radiosurgery (p < 0.0001, 88% vs. 34%). CONCLUSION: Late sequelae of radiosurgery manifest in varied ways. Further long-term studies of these problems are needed that take into account symptom severity and prior hemorrhage history.

Arteritis and brachial plexus neuropathy as delayed complications of radiation therapy.

Radiation-induced arteritis of large vessels and brachial plexus neuropathy are uncommon delayed complications of local radiation therapy. We describe a 66-year-old woman with right arm discomfort, weakness, and acrocyanosis that developed 21 years after local radiation for breast adenocarcinoma. Arteriography revealed arteritis, with ulcerated plaque formation at the subclavian-axillary artery junction, consistent with radiation-induced disease, and diffuse irregularity of the axillary artery. Electromyography showed a chronic brachial plexopathy. The patient's acrocyanosis, thought to be due to digital embolization from her vascular disease, improved with antiplatelet therapy. The concurrent combination of radiation-induced arteritis and brachial plexopathy is uncommon but should be considered in patients presenting with upper extremity pain or weakness after radiation therapy.