Present and Future of Immunotherapy in Patients With Glioblastoma: Limitations and Opportunities.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor. Standard therapies, including surgical resection, chemoradiation, and tumor treating fields, have not resulted in major improvements in the survival outcomes of patients with GBM. The lack of effective strategies has led to an increasing interest in immunotherapic approaches, considering the success in other solid tumors. However, GBM is a highly immunosuppressive tumor, as documented by the presence of several mechanisms of immune escape, which may represent a reason why immunotherapy clinical trials failed in this kind of tumor. In this review, we examine the current landscape of immunotherapy strategies in GBM, focusing on the challenge of immunoresistance and potential mechanisms to overcome it. We discussed completed and ongoing clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, vaccines, and CAR T-cell therapies, to provide insights into the efficacy and outcomes of different immunotherapeutic interventions. We also explore the impact of radiotherapy on the immune system within the GBM microenvironment highlighting the complex interactions between radiation treatment and the immune response.

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.

Reirradiation with radiosurgery or stereotactic fractionated radiotherapy in association with regorafenib in recurrent glioblastoma.

PURPOSE: No standard treatment has yet been established for recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). In this context, the aim of the current study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of reirradiation (re-RT) by radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRS/FSRT) in association with regorafenib. METHODS: Patients with a histological or radiological diagnosis of recurrent GBM who received re-RT by SRS/FSRT and regorafenib as second-line systemic therapy were included in the analysis. RESULTS: From January 2020 to December 2022, 21 patients were evaluated. The median time between primary/adjuvant RT and disease recurrence was 8 months (range 5-20). Median re-RT dose was 24 Gy (range 18-36 Gy) for a median number of 5 fractions (range 1-6). Median regorafenib treatment duration was 12 weeks (range 3-26). Re-RT was administered before starting regorafenib or in the week off regorafenib during the course of chemotherapy. The median and the 6­month overall survival (OS) from recurrence were 8.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.9-12.7 months) and 75% (95% CI 50.9-89.1%), respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) from recurrence was 6 months (95% CI 3.7-8.5 months). The most frequent side effects were asthenia that occurred in 10 patients (8 cases of grade 2 and 2 cases of grade 3), and hand-foot skin reaction (2 patients grade 3, 3 patients grade 2). Adverse events led to permanent regorafenib discontinuation in 2 cases, while in 5/21 cases (23.8%), a dose reduction was administered. One patient experienced dehiscence of the surgical wound after reintervention and during regorafenib treatment, while another patient reported intestinal perforation that required hospitalization. CONCLUSION: For recurrent GBM, re-RT with SRT/FSRT plus regorafenib is a safe treatment. Prospective trials are necessary.

Association between thyroid function and regorafenib efficacy in patients with relapsed wild-type IDH glioblastoma: a large multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Regorafenib demonstrated encouraging results in recurrent glioblastoma patients. Some studies showed that changes in circulating thyroid hormones (fT3, fT4, fT3/fT4 ratio) can be considered as prognostic factors in patients with various types of tumors. We designed this study to investigate the relationship between baseline thyroid variables and outcome in IDH-wild type GBM patients who were treated with regorafenib. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective study included recurrent IDH-wild-type glioblastoma patients treated with regorafenib. Only patients with baseline thyroid function values (TSH, fT3, fT4, fT3/fT4 ratio) available were evaluated. RANO criteria were used to analyze neuroradiological response. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The relationships between baseline thyroid variables (TSH, fT3, fT4, fT3/fT4) and survival (PFS, OS) were investigated with Cox regression models. RESULTS: From November 2015 to April 2022, 134 recurrent IDH-wildtype GBM patients were treated with regorafenib and 128 of these had information on baseline thyroid function value. Median follow-up was 8 months (IQR 4.7-14.0). Objective Response Rate was 9% and Disease Control Rate was 40.9%. Median PFS was 2.7 months (95%CI 2.2-3.6) and median OS was 10.0 months (95%CI 7.0-13.0). Lower baseline TSH value in the blood was correlated with a higher rate of disease progression to regorafenib (p = 0.04). Multivariable analyses suggested a non-linear relationship between PFS (p = 0.01) and OS (p = 0.03) with baseline fT3/fT4 ratio. CONCLUSION: In recurrent wild-type IDH glioblastoma patients, baseline fT3/fT4 ratio showed a non-linear relationship with survival, with different impacts across the spectrum of fT3/fT4 ratio. Moreover, baseline TSH may be a predictor of regorafenib activity.

Linear accelerator-based stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in elderly: a prospective phase II trial.

AIMS: Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel therapeutic approach for cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of this trial is to investigate the feasibility of STAR for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in elderly patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Inclusion criteria were age >70 years, symptomatic AF, antiarrhythmic drugs failure, or intolerance. All patients underwent to 4D cardiac computed tomography simulation. The clinical target volume was identified in the area around pulmonary veins (PV). Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation was performed with a total dose of 25 Gy (single fraction) delivered in 3 min. Twenty patients were enrolled and 18 underwent STAR. One patient withdrew informed consent before treatment and one patient was excluded due to unfavourable oesophagus position. With a median follow-up (FU) of 16 months (range 12-23), no acute toxicity more than Grade 3 was reported. Five patients had a Grade 1 oesophagitis 24 h after STAR; eight patients had an asymptomatic Grade 1 pericardial effusion, and one patient had a torsade de pointes treated effectively by electrical cardioversion and subsequent cardiac implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. Most patients had a significant reduction in AF episodes. Five patients, due to arrhythmias recurrences after STAR, performed electrophysiological study documenting successful PV isolation. Finally, a significant improvement of quality of life was documented (48 ± 15 at enrolment vs. 75 ± 15 at 12 months FU; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present phase II trial demonstrated the feasibility of STAR in paroxysmal AF elderly patients and its potential role in increasing the quality of life. Surely, more robust data are needed about safety and efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04575662.

Robot-Assisted Extraperitoneal Radical Prostatectomy for Giant Multilocular Prostatic Cystadenoma: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A 48-year-old man with a medical history of hypertension and no family history of prostate cancer presented with abdominal distension, lower abdominal pain, and lower urinary symptoms. Physical examination revealed a palpable mass in the lower abdomen, and a digital rectal examination detected a firm mass on the anterior side of the rectum. Laboratory tests showed an elevated PSA level (7.9 ng/mL). Imaging studies indicated a solid mass connected to the prostate's posterior and rectum's anterior walls, along with bladder compression. Transperitoneal biopsy and histological analysis led to a diagnosis of a stromal tumor with uncertain potential malignancy. Considering the absence of apparent malignancy signs and the smooth outer wall of the tumor, the patient underwent, for the first time in the literature, a robot-assisted radical extraperitoneal prostatectomy for complete macroscopic resection. The surgery involved excision of the bulky pelvic mass, preservation of the urethra, and anatomical reconstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful, and we discharged the patient with no complications. The pathological examination documented the diagnosis of multilocular prostatic cystadenoma. Post-surgery follow-up examinations, including PSA levels and imaging scans, showed no signs of tumor recurrence. At the 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups, the patient was asymptomatic and had fully recovered, with no urinary or sexual dysfunction reported.

Extreme hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for elderly prostate cancer patients: side effects preliminary analysis of a phase II trial.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of SBRT in elderly patients affected by localized prostate cancer (PC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Men aged 70 years or older were enrolled and analyzed. The SBRT schedule was 35 Gy in 5 fractions administered in 1-2 weeks. According to risk group, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was prescribed. Urinary symptoms were evaluated at baseline using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were assessed at the end of treatment, 2 weeks after SBRT and during follow-up using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). PSA values were recorded before treatment and during follow-up as biochemical response criteria. RESULTS: Between 07/2019 and 09/2021, 111 patients were enrolled. Median age was 77 years. At the end of treatment, no acute GU/GI toxicities ≥ G2 were observed. At 2-3 weeks after treatment, 3 patients reported G2 GU toxicity, while 14 patients referred G2 GI toxicity. During the last follow up, 26 and 2 patients reported, respectively, G1 and G2 GU toxicity, while 22 and 1 cases described, respectively, G1 and G2 GI toxicity. No late toxicities ≥ G3 were recorded. GU toxicity is related to absence of urethra sparing, increasing PTV volume, Dmax PTV and IPSS; GI toxicity is related to RT schedule (each other day is better than consecutive day), Dmax rectum and IPSS, At a median follow-up of 24 months, excellent biochemical disease control was achieved in all cases with median PSA of 0.5 ng/ml. CONCLUSION: SBRT in elderly patients affected by PC is feasible and well tolerated with excellent biochemical disease control. Longer follow-up is needed to assess late toxicity profile and long-term clinical outcome.

Impact on mental health of the COVID-19 pandemic in a radiation oncology department.

AIM: To evaluate the emotional state and organizational well-being of healthcare workers in radiation oncology departments, during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: A survey was carried out with three questionnaires: Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R); Italian ANAC questionnaire; and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Comparisons between groups were done by Student's t test. RESULTS: Seventy-eight questionnaires for 26 workers were analyzed. Thirty-three percent of the sample obtained an IES-R high score, such as post-traumatic syndrome. In terms of organizational well-being, younger age and lower working seniority were statistically significant for higher score of ANAC items (p < 0.5). Regarding MBI, 0, 27 and 50% high scores of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment were reported, respectively. Low working seniority and male sex were correlated with high score of personal accomplishment (p:0.05; p:0.03). CONCLUSION: Intervention to promote mental health well-being should be implemented in radiation oncology department.

The Italian Association for Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) position statements for postoperative breast cancer radiation therapy volume, dose, and fractionation.

Recent advances in non-metastatic breast cancer radiation therapy significantly reshaped our views on modern dose and fractionation schedules. Especially the advent of hypofractionation and partial breast irradiation defined a new concept of treatment optimization, that should strongly include both patient and tumour characteristics in the physician's decision-making process. Unfortunately, hypofractionation for breast cancer radiation therapy needed long time to enter the routine practice during the last decades despite the level-1 evidence published over time. Hereby we present the Italian Association for Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) Breast Cancer Group position statements for postoperative breast cancer radiation therapy volume, dose, and fractionation to harmonically boost routine clinical practice implementation following evidence-based data.

Radiomic analysis to predict local response in locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy.

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to assess the ability of contrast-enhanced CT image-based radiomic analysis to predict local response (LR) in a retrospective cohort of patients affected by pancreatic cancer and treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Secondary aim is to evaluate progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at long-term follow-up. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced-CT images of 37 patients who underwent SBRT were analyzed. Two clinical variables (BED, CTV volume), 27 radiomic features were included. LR was used as the outcome variable to build the predictive model. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate PFS and OS. RESULTS: Three variables were statistically correlated with the LR in the univariate analysis: Intensity Histogram (StdValue feature), Gray Level Cooccurrence Matrix (GLCM25_Correlation feature) and Neighbor Intensity Difference (NID25_Busyness feature). Multivariate model showed GLCM25_Correlation (P = 0.007) and NID25_Busyness (P = 0.03) as 2 independent predictive variables for LR. The odds ratio values of GLCM25_Correlation and NID25_Busyness were 0.07 (95%CI 0.01-0.49) and 8.10 (95%CI 1.20-54.40), respectively. The area under the curve for the multivariate logistic regressive model was 0.851 (95%CI 0.724-0.978). At a median follow-up of 30 months, median PFS was 7 months (95%CI 6-NA); median OS was 11 months (95%CI 10-22 months). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis identified a radiomic signature that correlates with LR. To confirm these results, prospective studies could identify patient sub-groups with different rates of radiation dose-response to define a more personalized SBRT approach.

The Role of Laparoscopic Surgery in Localized Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours.

OPINION STATEMENT: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are a rare and heterogeneous group of tumours with various clinical manifestations and biological behaviours. They represent approximately 2-4% of all pancreatic tumours, with an incidence of 2-3 cases per million people. PNETs are classified clinically as non-functional or functional, and pancreatic resection is recommended for lesions greater than 2 cm. The surgical approach can involve "typical" and "atypical" resections depending on the number, size and location of the tumour. Typical resections include pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy enucleation and, rarely, total pancreatectomy. Atypical resections comprise central pancreatectomies or enucleations. Minimally invasive pancreatic resection has been proven to be technically feasible and safe in high-volume and specialized centres with highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons, with consolidated benefits for patients in the postoperative course. However, open and minimally invasive pancreatic surgery remains to have a high rate of complications; there is no specific technical contraindication to minimally invasive pancreatic surgery, but an appropriate patient selection is crucial to obtain satisfactory clinical and oncological outcomes.

Stereotactic Ablative radiation therapy (SABR) for cardiac arrhythmia: A new therapeutic option?

AIM: Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) is used in non-oncologic indications, recently even for cardiac arrhythmias. Thus, aim of this analysis is to review preclinical, early clinical evidences and future direction of the latter new treatment approach. METHOD: A collection of available data regarding SABR and cardiac arrhythmias was made, by Pubmed research and 2 independent researchers, including preclinical and clinical data. A review of ongoing trials was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS: Preclinical research conducted in animal models showed that a safe and effective noninvasive treatment approach for cardiac arrhythmias could be represented by SABR with a median time of response around 2-3 months. The treatment dose plays a crucial role: the atrioventricular node would seem more radiosensitive than the other cardiac electric zones. Clinical data, such as published case series, case reports and early prospective studies, have already suggested the feasibility, efficacy and safety of SABR (25 Gy in one session) for refractory ventricular arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: Considering the ongoing trials of SABR and new technological improvements in radiotherapy (e.g. hybrid magnetic resonance) and in arrhythmias noninvasive mapping systems, the future analyses will improve the reliability of those preliminary results.

Hypofractionated irradiation in 794 elderly breast cancer patients: An observational study.

To assess the efficacy, and the acute and late toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy (Hypo-RT), and the impact of age and comorbidities on disease progression and death in elderly breast cancer (BC) patients. Women aged ≥65 years who received Hypo-RT (42.4 Gy in 16 fractions, plus a boost for high-risk patients) were considered for the present analysis. Competing risk analysis was used to estimate the 5-year cumulative incidence of BC progression and BC-related death, calculating the adjusted subhazard ratios (SHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) in relation to age, hypertension-augmented Charlson Comorbidity Index (hCCI), tumor characteristics, and chemotherapy. The sample included 794 patients with a median age of 74 years (range 65-91 years). At the baseline, 70% of these patients had at least one comorbidity. With a median follow-up of 48.3 months, the 5-year cumulative incidence of BC progression and BC-related death was 6.7% (95%CI 4.8%-9.2%) and 2.3% (95%CI 1.2%-3.9%), respectively. Old age (≥80 years) and a high burden of comorbidity (hCCI ≥ 2) were independently associated with BC progression. Hypo-RT is safe in elderly BC patients, but age and comorbidities influence BC progression. Further studies are warranted.

PAIDEIA: pacemaker and implanted cardioverter defibrillator management in radiation therapy-a survey by the Young Group of the Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO).

INTRODUCTION: The management of patients bearing a cardiac implantable electronic device and needing a radiotherapy treatment is an important clinical scenario. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the level of awareness within the Italian Radiation Oncologist community on this topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was promoted by the Young Group of Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology (AIRO) with a questionnaire made up of 22 questions allowing for multiple answers, which was administered, both online and on paper version. It was addressed to Radiation Oncologists, AIRO members, participating in the National Congress held in 2015. RESULTS: A total of 113 questionnaires were collected back and analyzed (survey online: 50 respondents; paper version: 63). The answers showed a good level of awareness on the issue, but with a nonhomogeneous adherence to the different published guidelines (GL). There is a general low rate of referral for a preliminary cardiological evaluation in patients bearing PM/ICDs, in line with some published surveys; nevertheless, a focused attention to certain specific treatment factors and patient-centered point of view emerged. CONCLUSIONS: A generally good awareness of this topic was shown but homogeneous application of GL was not observed, possibly due to the multiplicity of available GL. A prospective data collection could help to better clarify the shadows on this topics.

Phase II study of accelerated Linac-based SBRT in five consecutive fractions for localized prostate cancer.

AIM: The goal was to evaluate feasibility, side effects and biochemical no evidence of disease (bNED) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) delivered on 5 consecutive days for localized prostate cancer (PC). METHODS: The study was approved by the ethical committee and started in March 2014. Inclusion criteria were age ≤85 years, WHO performance status ≤2, histologically proven adenocarcinoma, low-intermediate risk, no previous surgery (except transurethral resection of the prostate), and a pre-SBRT International Prostatic Symptoms Score of 0-7. The radiotherapy regimen consisted of 35 Gy for low-risk and 37.5 Gy for intermediate-risk PC in 5 consecutive fractions. RESULTS: At the time of the analysis, 52 patients were recruited to the study (median age 73 years, range 55-83 years; median follow-up 34 months, range 12-49 months; 34 patients low-risk and 18 intermediate risk). The median initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 5.9 ng/ml (range 1.8-15.7). Acute genitourinary (GU) toxicity was G0 (grade 0) 36/52 (69%), G1 11/52 (21%), G2 5/52 (10%), while acute rectal (GI) toxicity was G0 43/52 (83%), G1 8/52 (15%), G2 1/52 (2%). No acute toxicity ≥G3 was recorded. At the time of analysis late GU and GI toxicities were as follows: GU-G0 43/52 (83%), GU-G1 7/52 (13%), GU-G2 2/52 (4%); GI-G0 48/52 (92%), GI-G1 2/52 (4%), GI-G2 2/52 (4%). No late toxicities ≥G3 were recorded. bNED was 98%. One patient with intermediate PC had distant progression. CONCLUSIONS: Accelerated SBRT for low-intermediate PC is feasible and well tolerated with comparable oncological outcome as described for other series with the same RT technique but treatment delivery on every other day. Longer follow-up is needed to the assess late toxicity profile and long-term clinical outcome.

Linac-based radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy with flattening filter-free volumetric modulated arc therapy in elderly patients : A mono-institutional experience on 110 brain metastases.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility and clinical results of linear accelerator (linac-)based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SFRT) with flattening filter-free (FFF) volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in elderly patients affected by brain metastases (BMs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients selected for the present analysis were ≥65 years old with a life expectancy of >3 months, a controlled or synchronous primary tumor, and <10 BMs with a diameter <3 cm. All patients were treated with FFF linac-based SRS/SFRT. The prescribed total dose (15-30 Gy/1-5 fractions) was based on BM size and proximity to organs at risk (OAR). Toxicity was assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. MedCalc v18.2 (MedCalc Software, Ostend, Belgium) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: From April 2014 to December 2017, 40 elderly patients with 110 BMs were treated by FFF linac-based SRS/SFRT. With a median follow-up of 28 months (range 6-50 months), median and 1­year overall survival were 9 months and 39%, respectively; median intracranial progression-free survival was 6 months. At the time of the analysis, local control was reported in 109/110 BMs (99.1%): 12 BMs had a complete response; 51 a partial response; 46 showed stable disease. One BM (0.9%) progressed after 2 months. BM volume (<1 cc) and higher SRS/SFRT dose correlated to treatment response (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0017, respectively). No adverse events higher than grade 2 were observed. CONCLUSION: The present findings highlight the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of FFF linac-based SRS/SFRT in elderly patients with BMs.

Dose variability in different lymph node levels during locoregional breast cancer irradiation: the impact of deep-inspiration breath hold.

PURPOSE: Aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the movement and dose variability of the different lymph node levels of node-positive breast cancer patients during adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) with regional nodal irradiation (RNI) in deep-inspiration breath hold (DIBH). METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive node-positive breast cancer patients treated from October 2016 to February 2018 receiving postoperative RT of the breast or chest wall including RNI of the supra-/infraclavicular lymph node levels (corresponding to levels IV, III, Rotter LN (interpectoral), and some parts of level II) were analyzed. To evaluate the lymph node level movement, a center of volume (COV) was obtained for each lymph node level for free-breathing (FB) and DIBH plans. Geometric shifts and dose differences between FB and DIBH were analyzed. RESULTS: A significant movement of the COV in anterior (y) and cranial (z) dimensions was observed for lymph node levels I-II and Rotter lymph nodes (p < 0.001) due to DIBH. Only minor changes in the lateral dimension (x axis) were observed, without reaching significance for levels III, IV, and internal mammary. There was a significant difference in the mean dose of level I (DIBH vs. FB: 38.2 Gy/41.3 Gy, p < 0.001) and level II (DIBH vs. FB: 45.9 Gy/47.2 Gy, p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in level III (p = 0.298), level IV (p = 0.476), or internal mammary nodes (p = 0.471). CONCLUSION: A significant movement of the axillary lymph node levels was observed during DIBH in anterior and cranial directions for node-positive breast cancer patients in comparison to FB. The movement leads to a significant dose reduction in level I and level II.

Re-irradiation for recurrent glioma: outcome evaluation, toxicity and prognostic factors assessment. A multicenter study of the Radiation Oncology Italian Association (AIRO).

INTRODUCTION: The prognosis of glioma is dismal, and almost all patients relapsed. At recurrence time, several treatment options are considered, but to date there is no a standard of care. The Neurooncology Study Group of the Italian Association of Radiation Oncology (AIRO) collected clinical data regarding a large series of recurrent glioma patients who underwent re-irradiation (re-RT) in Italy. METHODS: Data regarding 300 recurrent glioma patients treated from May 2002 to November 2017, were analyzed. All patients underwent re-RT. Surgical resection, followed by re-RT with concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy was performed. Clinical outcome was evaluated by neurological examination and brain MRI performed, 1 month after radiation therapy and then every 3 months. RESULTS: Re-irradiation was performed at a median interval time (IT) of 16 months from the first RT. Surgical resection before re-RT was performed in 19% of patients, concomitant temozolomide (TMZ) in 16.3%, and maintenance chemotherapy in 29%. Total doses ranged from 9 Gy to 52.5 Gy, with a median biological effective dose of 43 Gy. The median, 1, 2 year OS were 9.7 months, 41% and 17.7%. Low grade glioma histology (p  ≪ 0.01), IT > 12 months (p = 0.001), KPS > 70 (p = 0.004), younger age (p = 0.001), high total doses delivered (p = 0.04), and combined treatment performed (p = 0.0008) were recorded as conditioning survival. CONCLUSION: our data underline re-RT as a safe and feasible treatment with limited rate of toxicity, and a combined ones as a better option for selected patients. The identification of a BED threshold able to obtain a greater benefit on OS, can help in designing future prospective studies.

Evaluation of Italian radiotherapy research from 1985 to 2005: preliminary analysis.

AIM: The difficulty in conducting meaningful clinical research is a multifactorial issue, involving political, financial and cultural problems, which can lead to unexpected negative long-term consequences, in terms of knowledge advancement and impact on patient care. The aims of the present review were to evaluate the publications of Italian radiotherapy (RT) groups during a 20-year period and to verify whether research is still appealing to young radiation oncologists (ROs) in Italy. METHODS: PubMed database was searched for English-language articles published by Italian groups from January 1985 to December 2005. Analyzed variables were: publication/year, kind of study, geographical area and age of the first author. RESULTS: The systematic review identified 3291 articles: 1207 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The number of Italian published papers increased during the examined period. Retrospective analyses, prospective phase I-II trials and literature reviews were 44, 20 and 14.5% of all published manuscripts, respectively. Randomized trials showed a mild increase from 2000 to 2005, but their absolute number remained low respect to other types of studies (4%). Northern Italy produced the very most of Italian research papers (58.7%). The age of the first/second author was evaluated on 716 papers: In more than 50% of cases, the first author was younger than 40. CONCLUSION: Despite a general gradual improvement, RT clinical research suffers in Italy (as elsewhere) from insufficient funding, with a negative impact on evidence production. It is worth noting that clinical research is still appealing and accessible to junior Italian RO.