Radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases using volumetric modulated arc therapy: a single institutional series.

Background: Patients with brain metastases (BM) live longer due to improved diagnosis and oncologic treatments. The association of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) with brain radiosurgery (SRS) allows complex dose distributions and faster treatment delivery to multiple lesions. Materials and methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of SRS for brain metastasis using VMAT. The primary endpoints were local disease-free survival (LDFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were intracranial disease-free survival (IDFS) and meningeal disease-free survival (MDFS). Results: The average number of treated lesions was 5.79 (range: 2-20) per treatment in a total of 113 patients. The mean prescribed dose was 18 Gy (range: 12-24 Gy). The median LDFS was 46 months. The LDFS in 6, 12, and 24 months was for 86%, 79%, and 63%, respectively. Moreover, brain progression occurred in 50 patients. The median overall survival was 47 months. The OS in 75%, 69%, and 61% patients was 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. IDFS was 6 and 24 months in 35% and 14% patients, respectively. The mean MDFS was 62 months; it was 6 and 24 months for 87% and 83% of patients. Acute severe toxicity was relatively rare. During follow-up, the rates of radionecrosis and neurocognitive impairment were low (10%). Conclusion: The use of VMAT-SRS for multiple BM was feasible, effective, and associated with low treatment-related toxicity rates. Thus, treatment with VMAT is a safe technique to plan to achieve local control without toxicity.

Prostate brachytherapy with iodine-125 seeds: analysis of a single institutional cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Brachytherapy (BT) with iodine-125 seeds placement is a consolidated treatment for prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer who underwent low-dose-rate (LDR) -BT alone in a single Brazilian institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with iodine-125 BT were retrospectively assessed after at least 5 years of follow-up. Patients who received combination therapy (External beam radiation therapy-EBRT and BT) and salvage BT were not included. RESULTS: 406 men were included in the study (65.5% low-risk, 30% intermediate-risk, and 4.5% high-risk patients). After a median follow-up of 87.5 months, 61 (15.0%) patients developed biochemical recurrence. The actuarial biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS) at 5 and 10 years were 90.6% and 82.2%, respectively. A PSA nadir ≥ 1 ng / mL was associated with a higher risk of biochemical failure (HR = 5.81; 95% CI: 3.39 to 9.94; p ≤ 0.001). The actuarial metastasis-free survival (MFS) at 5 and 10 years were 98.3% and 94%, respectively. The actuarial overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years were 96.2% and 85.1%, respectively. Acute and late grade 2 and 3 gastrointestinal toxicities were observed in 5.6%, 0.5%, 4.6% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. For genitourinary the observed acute and late grade 2 and 3 toxicities rates were 57.3%, 3.6%, 28% and 3.1%, respectively. No grade 4 and 5 were observed. CONCLUSIONS: BT was effective as a definitive treatment modality for prostate cancer, and its endpoints and toxicities were comparable to those of the main series in the literature.

Effects of Different Radiation Doses on the Bond Strengths of Two Different Adhesive Systems to Enamel and Dentin.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of three different radiation doses on the bond strengths of two different adhesive systems to enamel and dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty human third molars were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) according to the radiation dose (control/no radiation, 20 Gy, 40 Gy, and 70 Gy). The teeth were sagittally sectioned into three slices: one mesial and one distal section containing enamel and one middle section containing dentin. The sections were then placed in the enamel and dentin groups, which were further divided into two subgroups (n = 10) according to the adhesive used. Three restorations were performed in each tooth (one per section) using Adper Single Bond 2 (3M ESPE) or Universal Single Bond (3M ESPE) adhesive system and Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) resin composite and subjected to the microshear bond test. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Failure modes were examined under a stereoscopic loupe. RESULTS: Radiotherapy did not affect the bond strengths of the adhesives to either enamel or dentin. In dentin, the Universal Single Bond adhesive system showed higher bond strength values when compared with the Adper Single Bond adhesive system. More adhesive failures were observed in the enamel for all radiation doses and adhesives. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy did not influence the bond strength to enamel or dentin, irrespective of the adhesive or radiation dose used.

Change in the risk stratification of prostate cancer after Slide Review by a uropathologist: the experience of a reference center for the treatment of prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Brachytherapy is an option for treating low-risk prostate cancer (PC). Biochemical control of low-risk disease can reach 95 %. The practice advocated is that a review of prostate biopsies should be mandatory before choosing the best treatment for patients with PC. Our objective was to evaluate the change in PC risk after review of a prostate biopsy by an experienced uropathologist at a reference hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2003 and August 2012, 182 men were referred to our institution for brachytherapy to treat PC. Their slides were reviewed by the same uropathologist. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Classification risk disagreement occurred in 71 (39 %) cases, including one in which no tumor was observed. The main cause of risk change was related to the Gleason score (GS), with 57 (81.4 %) cases upgraded to GS 7 or 8. Tumor volume was also compared, although only the number of fragments was reported in most original reports. The concordance of the number of cores affected by tumor was 43.9 %, and in 49 % of the cases, the number was decreased by the uropathologist. Perineural invasion (PNI) was reported in one quarter of original reports, and the agrement was 58 %. CONCLUSION: Slide review by an uropathologist remains essential at reference radiotherapy centers for the treatment of PC. The change in PC risk evaluation is mainly due to the GS, but tumor volume and PNI, which are important for the characterization of tumor aggressiveness, are also misinterpreted and could drive a change in the therapy choice.

Literature review of clinical results of total skin electron irradiation (TSEBT) of mycosis fungoides in adults.

BACKGROUND: Mycosis fungoides (MF) is an extranodal, indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma of T cell origin. Even with the establishment of MF staging, the initial treatment strategy often remains unclear. AIM: The aim of this study was to review the clinical results of total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT) for MF in adults published in English language scientific journals searched in Pubmed/Medline database until December 2012. RESULTS: MF is very sensitive to radiation therapy (RT) delivered either by photons or by electrons. In limited patches and/or plaques local electron beam irradiation results in good outcomes besides the fact of not being superior to other modalities. For extensive patches and/or plaques data suggest that TSEBT shows superior response rates. The cutaneous disease presentation is favorably managed with radiotherapy due to its ability to treat the full thickness of deeply infiltrated skin. For generalized erythroderma presentation, TSEBT seems to be an appropriate initial therapy. For advanced disease, palliation, or recurrence after the first radiotherapy treatment course, TSEBT may still be beneficial, with acceptable toxicity. Recommended dose is 30-36 Gy delivered in 6-10 weeks. CONCLUSION: TSEBT can be used to treat any stage of MF. It also presents good tumor response with symptoms of relief and a palliative effect on MF, either after previous irradiation or failure of other treatment strategies.

Long-Term Results of Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Early Breast Cancer Using a Nondedicated Linear Accelerator.

Purpose: To present the long-term results of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early breast cancer using a nondedicated linear accelerator. Methods and Materials: The eligibility criteria were biopsy-proven invasive carcinoma, age ≥40 years, tumor size ≤3 cm, and N0M0. We excluded multifocal lesions and sentinel lymph node involvement. All patients had previously undergone breast magnetic resonance imaging. Breast-conserving surgery with margins and sentinel lymph node evaluation using frozen sections were performed in all cases. If there were no margins or involved sentinel lymph nodes, the patient was transferred from the operative suite to the linear accelerator room, where IORT was delivered (21 Gy). Results: A total of 209 patients who were followed up for ≥1.5 years from 2004 to 2019 were included. The median age was 60.3 years (range, 40-88.6), and the mean pT was 1.3 cm (range, 0.2-4). There were 90.5% pN0 cases (7.2% of micrometastases and 1.9% of macrometastases). Ninety-seven percent of the cases were margin free. The rate of lymphovascular invasion was 10.6%. Twelve patients were negative for hormonal receptors, and 28 patients were HER2 positive. The median Ki-67 index was 29% (range, 0.1-85). Intrinsic subtype stratification was as follows: luminal A, 62.7% (n = 131); luminal B, 19.1% (n = 40); HER2 enriched 13.4% (n = 28); and triple negative, 4.8% (n = 10). Within the median follow-up of 145 months (range, 12.8-187.1), the 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year overall survival rates were 98%, 94.7%, and 88%, respectively. The 5-year, 10-year, and 15-year disease-free rates were 96.3%, 90%, and 75.6%, respectively. The 15-year local recurrence-free rate was 76%. Fifteen local recurrences (7.2%) occurred throughout the follow-up period. The mean time to local recurrence was 145 months (range, 12.8-187.1). As a first event, 3 cases of lymph node recurrence, 3 cases of distant metastasis, and 2 cancer-related deaths were recorded. Tumor size >1 cm, grade III, and lymphovascular invasion were identified as risk factors. Conclusions: Despite approximately 7% of recurrences, we may infer that IORT may still be a reasonable option for selected cases. However, these patients require a longer follow-up as recurrences may occur after 10 years.

The role of radiotherapy in urinary bladder cancer: current status.

The role of radiotherapy (RT) in the treatment of urinary bladder cancer has undergone several modifications along the last decades. In the beginning, definitive RT was used as treatment in an attempt to preserve the urinary bladder; however, the results were poor compared to those of radical surgery. Recently, many protocols have been developed supporting the use of multi-modality therapy, and the concept of organ preservation began to be reconsidered. Although phase III randomized clinical studies comparing radical cystectomy with bladder preservation therapies do not exist, the conservative treatment may present low toxicity and high indexes of complete response for selected patients. The aim of this study was to review the literature on the subject in order to situate RT in the current treatment of urinary bladder cancer.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members. RESULTS: The recommendations are described in this article. CONCLUSION: This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Involvement of the central nervous system in neuroblastomas: A potential direct pathway.

Although frequently disseminated to other anatomical sites, neuroblastoma (NB) is rarely reported as involving the central nervous system (CNS), which may reflect insufficient research in poorly controlled systemic disease. Here we demonstrate the involvement of the CNS in patients with NB over 18 months of age at diagnosis of extensive systemic disease. Meningeal metastases were observed even in the presence of complete systemic control. Although no improvement in patient's survival was observed, radiotherapy was effective in preventing CNS recurrence after observation of actual or previous dural disease. In conclusion, this study uncovered the uncommon pathologic involvement of the CNS in children with advanced NB and underscores the meningeal surface as a potential pathway for this to occur.

Self-reported Conflicts of Interest and Trial Sponsorship of Clinical Trials in Prostate Cancer Involving Radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between trial sponsorship and conflicts of interest (COI) with clinical trial conclusions for prostate cancer trials related to radiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE database was searched for all prostate cancer clinical trials published between 2004 and 2013 and identified 1396 studies. Two investigators independently identified trials published in the English language of ≥30 patients, and extracted relevant data. Clinical trials were classified according to trial characteristics, sponsorship source and type, COI, and study conclusion, and analyzed by univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 240 eligible trials, 160 (67.5%) evaluated drugs without radiotherapy, 60 (25%) involved radiotherapy, and 18 (7.5%) involved procedures without radiotherapy. Of the 60 radiotherapy trials eligible for analysis, positive sponsorship and potential COI were present in 58.3% and 20% of trials, respectively. Study conclusions were positive, negative, or neutral in 78.3%, 5%, and 16.7% of trials, respectively. No association was found between positive conclusions and either industry support of potential COI. Positive conclusions were reported in 86.7% and 83.3% of trials with sponsorship and COI, respectively, as compared with 75.6% and 77.1% of those without sponsorship (P=0.37) and COI (P=0.64). Sponsorship was significantly associated with radiotherapy trials combined with drugs (odds ratio 5.5, P=0.01) and higher-risk disease (odds ratio 4.71, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of sponsorship was associated with radiotherapy trials involving drugs or studying higher-risk prostate cancer. However, there were no identified associations between study conclusion and sponsorship type or COI.

Radiation dose distribution in the teeth, maxilla, and mandible of patients with oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal tumors who were treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) dose delivered to the teeth, maxilla, and mandible. METHODS: The mean dose (Dmean) and maximum dose (Dmax) of radiation for the maxilla, mandible, and teeth of 63 patients with oropharyngeal (n = 44) or nasopharyngeal (n = 19) tumors were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The posterior regions of the mandible received the highest doses, and the teeth received lower doses than the bones (maximum dose, p < .001; average dose, p < .001). The Dmax (p < .001) and Dmean (p < .001) depended on primary tumor location. The superior bones and teeth of patients with nasopharyngeal tumors received more radiation than those of patients with oropharyngeal tumors. CONCLUSION: A dose distribution map was generated based on the estimated doses received, which could allow prediction of the areas most affected by radiation and facilitate further correlations with dental complications after radiotherapy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

Incidental irradiation of internal mammary lymph nodes in breast cancer: conventional two-dimensional radiotherapy versus conformal three-dimensional radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate incidental irradiation of the internal mammary lymph nodes (IMLNs) through opposed tangential fields with conventional two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) radiotherapy techniques and to compare the results between the two techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 80 breast cancer patients in whom radiotherapy of the IMLNs was not indicated: 40 underwent 2D radiotherapy with computed tomography for dosimetric control, and 40 underwent 3D radiotherapy. The total prescribed dose was 50.0 Gy or 50.4 Gy (2.0 or 1.8 Gy/day, respectively). We reviewed all plans and defined the IMLNs following the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group recommendations. For the IMLNs, we analyzed the proportion of the volume that received 45 Gy, the proportion of the volume that received 25 Gy, the dose to 95% of the volume, the dose to 50% of the volume, the mean dose, the minimum dose (Dmin), and the maximum dose (Dmax). RESULTS: Left-sided treatments predominated in the 3D cohort. There were no differences between the 2D and 3D cohorts regarding tumor stage, type of surgery (mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, or mastectomy with immediate reconstruction), or mean delineated IMLN volume (6.8 vs. 5.9 mL; p = 0.411). Except for the Dmin, all dosimetric parameters presented higher mean values in the 3D cohort (p < 0.05). The median Dmax in the 3D cohort was 50.34 Gy. However, the mean dose to the IMLNs was 7.93 Gy in the 2D cohort, compared with 20.64 Gy in the 3D cohort. CONCLUSION: Neither technique delivered enough doses to the IMLNs to achieve subclinical disease control. However, all of the dosimetric parameters were significantly higher for the 3D technique.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a irradiação incidental dos linfonodos da cadeia mamária interna (LCMIs) com campos tangenciais opostos por meio de radioterapia bidimensional (2D) convencional ou tridimensional (3D) e comparar as duas técnicas quanto aos resultados obtidos. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo com 80 pacientes com câncer de mama sem indicação de radioterapia dos LCMIs: 40 foram submetidos a radioterapia 2D com tomografia computadorizada para controle dosimétrico e 40 foram submetidos a radioterapia 3D. A dose total prescrita foi 50,0 Gy ou 50,4 Gy (2,0 ou 1,8 Gy/dia, respectivamente). Os planos de tratamento foram analisados e os LCMIs foram definidos conforme as recomendações do Radiation Therapy Oncology Group. No tocante aos LCMIs, foram analisadas a proporção do volume que recebeu 45 Gy, a proporção do volume que recebeu 25 Gy, a dose para 95% do volume, a dose para 50% do volume, a dose média, a dose mínima (Dmín) e a dose máxima (Dmáx). RESULTADOS: Tratamentos do lado esquerdo predominaram na coorte 3D. Não houve diferenças entre as coortes 2D e 3D quanto ao estágio do tumor, ao tipo de cirurgia (mastectomia, cirurgia conservadora ou mastectomia com reconstrução imediata) ou à média do volume delineado dos LCMIs (6,8 vs. 5,9 mL; p = 0,411). À exceção da Dmín, todos os parâmetros dosimétricos apresentaram médias maiores na coorte 3D (p < 0,05). A mediana da Dmáx na coorte 3D foi 50,34 Gy. No entanto, a dose média nos LCMIs foi 7,93 Gy na coorte 2D e 20,64 Gy na coorte 3D. CONCLUSÃO: Nenhuma das duas técnicas emitiu doses suficientes aos LCMIs para que se alcançasse o controle subclínico da doença. No entanto, todos os parâmetros dosimétricos foram significativamente maiores com a técnica 3D.

Emerging radiotherapy technology in a developing country: A single Brazilian institution assessment of stereotactic body radiotherapy application.

OBJECTIVE:: To provide a quantitative profile of the indications and use of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in a developing country oncology-based institution. In addition, to describe the patients' and treatment characteristics, and to provide a temporal analysis. METHOD:: SBRT patients treated from 2007 to 2015 were retrospectively evaluated by two independently investigators. Data were stratified and compared in two periods: first experience (FE) (May 2007 to April 2011), and following experience (FollowE) (May 2011 to April 2015). The following parameters were compared between the groups: total number of treated patients and lesions, treatment site, additional image fusion used, formal protocol adoption, and SBRT planning technique. RESULTS:: One hundred and seventy-six (176) patients with 191 lesions were treated: 34 (18%) lesions in the FE and 157 (82%) lesions in FollowE. The majority of lesions were metastases (60.3%), and lung (60.2%) was the most common treatment site, followed by spine (31%), and others (8.8%). An average of 1.4 (±0.6) additional imaging exams for delineation was performed. Conformal 3D radiotherapy planning technique was used in 64.4%, and intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) or volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in the remaining 35.6% (p=0.0001). Higher rates of curative treatments were observed in FE, as well as more lung lesions, patients ≥ 70 years, 3D conformal, number of additional images and ECOG 0, and all presented p<0.05. The global rate of protocol statement was 79%, lung treatment being the most stated. CONCLUSION:: SBRT application is rapidly increasing in our setting. Treatment sites and planning techniques are becoming more diversified and complex.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy recommendations for localized prostate cancer in Brasil

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Several prospective randomized trials have shown that hypofractionation has the same efficacy and safety as the conventional fractionation in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. There are many benefits of hypofractionation, including a more convenient schedule for the patients and better use of resources, which is especially important in low- and middle-income countries like Brasil. Based on these data, the Brazilian Society of Radiotherapy (Sociedade Brasileira de Radioterapia) organized this consensus to guide and support the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer in Brasil. METHODS: The relevant literature regarding moderate hypofractionation (mHypo) and ultra-hypofractionation (uHypo) was reviewed and discussed by a group of experts from public and private centers of different parts of Brasil. Several key questions concerning clinical indications, outcomes and technological requirements for hypofractionation were discussed and voted. For each question, consensus was reached if there was an agreement of at least 75% of the panel members. RESULTS: The recommendations are described in this article. CONCLUSION: This initiative will assist Brazilian radiation oncologists and medical physicists to safely treat localized prostate cancer patients with hypofractionation.

Hierarchy of evidence referring to the central nervous system in a high-impact radiation oncology journal: a 10-year assessment. Descriptive critical appraisal study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: To the best of our knowledge, there has been no systematic assessment of the classification of scientific production within the scope of radiation oncology relating to central nervous system tumors. The aim of this study was to systematically assess the status of evidence relating to the central nervous system and to evaluate the geographic origins and major content of these published data. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive critical appraisal study conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: We evaluated all of the central nervous system studies published in the journal Radiotherapy & Oncology between 2003 and 2012. The studies identified were classified according to their methodological design and level of evidence. Information regarding the geographical location of the study, the institutions and authors involved in the publication, main condition or disease investigated and time of publication was also obtained. RESULTS: We identified 3,004 studies published over the 10-year period. Of these, 125 (4.2%) were considered eligible, and 66% of them were case series. Systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials accounted for approximately 10% of all the published papers. We observed an increase in high-quality evidence and a decrease in low-quality published papers over this period (P = 0.036). The inter-rater reliability demonstrated significant agreement between observers in terms of the level of evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Increases in high-level evidence and in the total number of central nervous system papers were clearly demonstrated, although the overall number of such studies remained relatively small.

Accelerated partial irradiation for breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of 8653 women in eight randomized trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is the strategy that allows adjuvant treatment delivery in a shorter period of time in smaller volumes. This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of APBI in breast cancer compared with whole-breast irradiation (WBI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of WBI versus APBI. Two authors independently selected and assessed the studies regarding eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Eight studies were selected. A total of 8653 patients were randomly assigned for WBI versus APBI. Six studies reported local recurrence outcomes. Two studies were matched in 5 years and only one study for different time of follow-up. Meta-analysis of two trials assessing 1407 participants showed significant difference in the WBI versus APBI group regarding the 5-year local recurrence rate (HR=4.54, 95% CI: 1.78-11.61, p=0.002). Significant difference in favor of WBI for different follow-up times was also found. No differences in nodal recurrence, systemic recurrence, overall survival and mortality rates were observed. CONCLUSIONS: APBI is associated with higher local recurrence compared to WBI without compromising other clinical outcomes.

Hypofractioned radiotherapy in prostate cancer: is it the next step?

There are many available options for prostate cancer treatment, including active surveillance, surgery, brachytherapy and external beam radiotherapy. Based on a radiobiological rationale, which considers the prostate tumor as a low α/ß tumor, the use of higher and fewer fractions to prostate cancer external beam radiotherapy treatment has been proposed. Instead of the traditional fractions of 1.8-2.0 Gy per day, fractions higher than 2 Gy per day were the subject of a number of studies. In addition, new technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, volumetric-modulated arch therapy and others have emerged as background for changing paradigms. Meanwhile, moderate and ultra-hypofractionation have been the subject of studies in recent years. Some moderate hypofractionation data from randomized controlled trials are ready to use, though other non-inferiority data are still lacking. The data on ultra-hypofractionation are still very new and require further evaluation to determine its long-term safety and efficacy.

Treatment priorities in oncology: do we want to live longer or better?

OBJECTIVES: Despite the progress achieved in the fight against cancer over the past several years, assessing the needs, goals and preferences of patients with cancer is of the utmost importance for the delivery of health care. We sought to assess priorities regarding quantity versus quality of life among Brazilian patients, comparing them with individuals without cancer. METHODS: Using a questionnaire presenting four hypothetical cancer cases, we interviewed cancer patients, oncology health-care professionals and laypersons, most of whom had administrative functions in our hospital. RESULTS: A total of 214 individuals participated: 101 patients, 44 health-care professionals and 69 laypersons. The mean ages in the three groups were 56, 34 and 31 years old, respectively (p<0.001). The patients had gastrointestinal (25%), breast (22%), hematologic (10%), lung (8%) or other tumors (36%) and the tumor-node- metastasis (TNM) stage was I, II, III or IV in 22%, 13%, 34% and 31% of cases, respectively. Treatment priorities differed significantly among the three groups (p = 0.005), with survival time being a higher priority for patients than for the other two groups and with opposite trends regarding quality of life. In multivariate analysis, the age and sex distributions were not associated with the choice to maximize quality of life. In this limited sample of cancer patients, there were no associations between treatment priorities and disease stages. CONCLUSIONS: Both survival time and quality of life appeared to be important to cancer patients, oncology health-care professionals and laypersons, but survival time seemed to have higher priority for people diagnosed with cancer than for healthy people. Additionally, survival seemed to be more important than quality of life for all three groups assessed.

Prostate brachytherapy with iodine-125 seeds: analysis of a single institutional cohort

ABSTRACT Objectives: Brachytherapy (BT) with iodine-125 seeds placement is a consolidated treatment for prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes in patients with prostate cancer who underwent low-dose-rate (LDR) -BT alone in a single Brazilian institution. Materials and Methods: Patients treated with iodine-125 BT were retrospectively assessed after at least 5 years of follow-up. Patients who received combination therapy (External beam radiation therapy-EBRT and BT) and salvage BT were not included. Results: 406 men were included in the study (65.5% low-risk, 30% intermediate-risk, and 4.5% high-risk patients). After a median follow-up of 87.5 months, 61 (15.0%) patients developed biochemical recurrence. The actuarial biochemical failure-free survival (BFFS) at 5 and 10 years were 90.6% and 82.2%, respectively. A PSA nadir ≥ 1 ng / mL was associated with a higher risk of biochemical failure (HR = 5.81; 95% CI: 3.39 to 9.94; p ≤ 0.001). The actuarial metastasis-free survival (MFS) at 5 and 10 years were 98.3% and 94%, respectively. The actuarial overall survival (OS) at 5 and 10 years were 96.2% and 85.1%, respectively. Acute and late grade 2 and 3 gastrointestinal toxicities were observed in 5.6%, 0.5%, 4.6% and 0.5% of cases, respectively. For genitourinary the observed acute and late grade 2 and 3 toxicities rates were 57.3%, 3.6%, 28% and 3.1%, respectively. No grade 4 and 5 were observed. Conclusions: BT was effective as a definitive treatment modality for prostate cancer, and its endpoints and toxicities were comparable to those of the main series in the literature.