Effective local control of vertebral metastases by simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The primary endpoint was to improve local tumour control of patients with metastatic spinal tumours by stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and dose escalation by simultaneous, integrated boost (PTV-boost). We used a whole vertebral body (PTV-elective) contouring approach. Secondary endpoints were severity of acute and chronic adverse effects and overall survival. METHODS: In all, 33 patients with metastases of the vertebral column were treated at Erlangen University Hospital. SBRT was given in 12 or 10 fractions. The metastatic lesion (PTV-boost) received 3.6 Gy (range 3.0-4.51 Gy) per fraction for a total of 42.0 Gy (24.36-48.0 Gy) and the whole vertebra (PTV-elective) received 2.85 Gy (range 1.8-3.6 Gy) per fraction for a total of 32.39 Gy (range 21.60-38.0 Gy). Patients were followed up every 3 months. RESULTS: Local control rate of all patients was 93% at 12 and 24 months. The overall survival rate was 54% at 12 months, 38% at 24 months and 18% at 36 months. No radiation myelopathy occurred. The most frequently observed adverse events in 3 cases was oesophagitis grade 2. CONCLUSION: SBRT with simultaneous, integrated boost was associated with excellent local control of 93% after 24 months. This result shows the possibility of delivering escalated doses to the target while still keeping the incidence of side effects low. This study forms the basis for a future randomised controlled trial comparing conventional radiotherapy (10 fractions of 3 Gy) with hypofractionated dose intensified SBRT (12 fractions of 3 Gy + integrated boost 12 fractions of 4 Gy) for improvement of local tumour control and pain.

[Generalist palliative care in hospitals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic]. / Allgemeine Palliativversorgung im Krankenhaus während der ersten Welle der COVID-19-Pandemie.

BACKGROUND: In the research network of German university palliative care centers (PallPan), as part of Network University Medicine (NUM), recommendations for action were developed in regard to the care provided for seriously ill and dying patients during a pandemic. For this purpose, the experiences and needs of hospital staff working closely with patients outside of specialized palliative care units during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic were also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nationwide online survey of 8,882 physicians, nurses and therapists working in acute inpatient care in the period from December 2020 to January 2021 by means of a newly developed and piloted questionnaire on changes, burdens and cooperation with specialized palliative care. Grouping based on the changes in the number of seriously ill and dying people in the first wave of the pandemic. Due to the exploratory character of the survey, the data were analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: 505/8882 completed questionnaires were evaluated (5.7 %). 167/505 (33.1 %) of the respondents reported a lower quality of care for the critically ill and dying. 464/505 (91.8 %) reported exemptions in place for visiting the dying. The most frequently mentioned stress factor was the perceived loneliness of the seriously ill and dying 437/505 (86.5 %), followed by stricter hygiene rules 409/505 (81 %), increased workload 372/505 (73.3 %) and perceived psychological stress on relatives and survivors 395/505 (78.2 %). 141/505 (27.9 %) of respondents used Tablet PCs to support patient-family communication. 310/505 (61.4 %) involved palliative care professionals in patient care, and 356/505 (70.5 %) of respondents found other palliative care services helpful. CONCLUSION: Experiences and suggestions for improving palliative care in pandemic times are integrated into the PallPan recommendations for action. Family visits should be allowed and supplemented by digital offers. Palliative Care should also be integrated into both pandemic and contingency plans.