Long-term toxicity after definitive chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus

Treatment results of two-stage operation for the patients with esophageal cancer concomitant with liver dysfunction

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to clarify the usefulness of two-stage operation for the patients with esophageal cancer who have liver dysfunction.

METHODS

Eight patients with esophageal cancer concomitant with liver dysfunction who underwent two-stage operation were analyzed. The patients initially underwent an esophagectomy, a cervical esophagostomy and a tube jejunostomy, and reconstruction with gastric tube was performed after the recovery of patients' condition.

RESULTS

The average time of the 1(st) and 2(nd) stage operation was 410.0 min and 438.9 min, respectively. The average amount of blood loss in the 1(st) and 2(nd) stage operation was 433.5 ml and 1556.8 ml, respectively. The average duration between the operations was 29.8 days. The antesternal route was selected for 5 patients (62.5%) and the retrosternal route was for 3 patients (37.5%). In the 1(st) stage operation, no postoperative complications were observed, while, complications developed in 5 (62.5%) patients, including 4 anastomotic leakages, after the 2(nd) stage operation. Pneumonia was not observed through two-stage operation. No in-hospital death was experienced.

CONCLUSION

A two-stage operation might prevent the occurrence of critical postoperative complications for the patients with esophageal cancer concomitant with liver dysfunction.

Long-term complications of definitive chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer using the classical method

Chemoradiation therapy is widely used to treat both inoperable and operable patients, and is less invasive than surgery. Although the number of long-term survivors who have received chemoradiation therapy is increasing, the long-term toxicity pattern and cumulative incidence of toxicity regarding this modality are poorly understood. Classically, chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer consists of an anterior-posterior field and a subsequent oblique boost field. We retrospectively analyzed patients who were treated with definitive chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer using this classical method from 1999 to 2008. For the assessment of toxicity, the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Version 3.0 was adopted. A total of 101 patients were analyzed. The median follow-up time was 16 months for all patients and 62 months for the surviving patients. Eleven patients experienced late toxicities of ≥Grade 3. Two patients died of late toxicities. The 3- and 5-year cumulative incidences for the first late cardiopulmonary toxicities of ≥Grade 3 were 17.4% and 20.8%, respectively. Cardiopulmonary effusions were observed within the first 3 years of completion of the initial treatment in seven out of eight patients. Sudden death and cardiac ischemia were observed over a 10-year period. Older age was found to be a risk factor for late toxicity after definitive chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer. Substantial toxicities were observed in patients who had received chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer using the classical method. To minimize the incidence of late toxicity, more sophisticated radiation techniques may be useful.

Esophageal motion characteristics in thoracic esophageal cancer: Impact of clinical stage T4 versus stages T1-T3

PURPOSE

The main purpose was to investigate the differences of the esophageal motion (EM) and the internal target volume (ITV) margins for the esophagus between clinical T1-T3 (cT1-T3) and cT4 cases, using 4-dimensional computed tomography. A secondary purpose was to assess the metastatic lymph nodal motion (NM) and the ITV margins for lymph nodes (LNs) using the datasets of patients with nodal involvement pathologically defined.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We analyzed patients with thoracic esophageal cancer consecutively treated with definitive chemoradiation, measuring the EM and the ITV margins in the left-right, anteroposterior, and superoinferior directions. All esophageal contours were divided at the carina. The EM and NM were measured from the displacement of the centroid point between 0% images (at the end of inhalation) and 50% images (at the end of exhalation). The ITV margins were defined as the maximum distance in each direction from the clinical target volume at the 4-dimensional computed tomography average images to the intersection of the clinical target volume at the 0% and 50% images of complete coverage in each patient.

RESULTS

The EM below the carina in cT4 was significantly smaller than that in cT1-T2 in all directions (P < .01) and than that in cT3 in all directions (left-right: P = .03, anteroposterior and superoinferior: P < .01). The EM in the case of a cT4 tumor located below the carina was smaller than that in the case of cT4 tumor located above the carina. The NM of abdominal-LNs was much larger than that of cervicothoracic-LNs and the EM below the carina. These tendencies were similar in the ITV measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

The EM and the ITV margins in cT4 were significantly smaller than those in cT1-T3. The NM and the ITV margins of abdominal LNs were much larger than those of cervicothoracic LNs and the esophagus. In clinical radiation therapy planning for esophageal cancer, we should take cT stage into consideration.

Bayesian regression analyses of radiation modality effects on pericardial and pleural effusion and survival in esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To evaluate radiation modality effects on pericardial effusion (PCE), pleural effusion (PE) and survival in esophageal cancer (EC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed data from 470 EC patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Bayesian semi-competing risks (SCR) regression models were fit to assess effects of radiation modality and prognostic covariates on the risks of PCE and PE, and death either with or without these preceding events. Bayesian piecewise exponential regression models were fit for overall survival, the time to PCE or death, and the time to PE or death. All models included propensity score as a covariate to correct for potential selection bias.

RESULTS

Median times to onset of PCE and PE after RT were 7.1 and 6.1months for IMRT, and 6.5 and 5.4months for 3DCRT, respectively. Compared to 3DCRT, the IMRT group had significantly lower risks of PE, PCE, and death. The respective probabilities of a patient being alive without either PCE or PE at 3-years and 5-years were 0.29 and 0.21 for IMRT compared to 0.13 and 0.08 for 3DCRT. In the SCR regression analyses, IMRT was associated with significantly lower risks of PCE (HR=0.26) and PE (HR=0.49), and greater overall survival (probability of beneficial effect (pbe)>0.99), after controlling for known clinical prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

IMRT reduces the incidence and postpones the onset of PCE and PE, and increases survival probability, compared to 3DCRT.

Proton beam therapy in Japan: current and future status

The number of patients treated by proton beam therapy in Japan since 2000 has increased; in 2016, 11 proton facilities were available to treat patients. Notably, proton beam therapy is very useful for pediatric cancer; since the pediatric radiation dose to normal tissues should be reduced as much as possible because of the effect of radiation on growth, intellectual development, endocrine organ function and secondary cancer development. Hepatocellular carcinoma is common in Asia, and most of the studies of proton beam therapy for liver cancer have been reported by Japanese investigators. Proton beam therapy is also a standard treatment for nasal and paranasal lesions and lesions at the base of the skull, because the radiation dose to critical organs such as the eyes, optic nerves and central nervous system can be reduced with proton beam therapy. For prostate cancer, comparative studies that address adverse effects, safety, patient quality of life and socioeconomic issues should be performed to determine the appropriate use of proton beam therapy for prostate cancer. Regarding new proton beam therapy applications, experience with proton beam therapy combined with chemotherapy is limited, although favorable outcomes have been recently reported for locally advanced lung cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, 'chemoproton' therapy appears to be a very attractive field for further clinical investigations. In conclusion, there are cost issues and considerations regarding national insurance for the use of proton beam therapy in Japan. Further studies and discussions are needed to address the use of proton beam therapy for several types of cancers, and for maintaining the quality of life of patients while retaining a high cure rate.

Dosimetric comparison between proton beam therapy and photon radiation therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of proton beam therapy for the patients with locally advanced non-small lung cancer.

METHODS

The dosimetry was analyzed retrospectively to calculate the doses to organs at risk, such as the lung, heart, esophagus and spinal cord. A dosimetric comparison between proton beam therapy and dummy photon radiotherapy (three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy) plans was performed. Dummy intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans were also generated for the patients for whom curative three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy plans could not be generated.

RESULTS

Overall, 33 patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer were treated with proton beam therapy between December 2011 and August 2014. The median age of the eligible patients was 67 years (range: 44-87 years). All the patients were treated with chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin/vinorelbine or carboplatin. The median prescribed dose was 60 GyE (range: 60-66 GyE). The mean normal lung V20 GyE was 23.6% (range: 14.9-32%), and the mean normal lung dose was 11.9 GyE (range: 6.0-19 GyE). The mean esophageal V50 GyE was 25.5% (range: 0.01-63.6%), the mean heart V40 GyE was 13.4% (range: 1.4-29.3%) and the mean maximum spinal cord dose was 40.7 GyE (range: 22.9-48 GyE). Based on dummy three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy planning, 12 patients were regarded as not being suitable for radical thoracic three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. All the dose parameters of proton beam therapy, except for the esophageal dose, were lower than those for the dummy three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy plans. In comparison to the intensity-modulated radiotherapy plan, proton beam therapy also achieved dose reduction in the normal lung. None of the patients experienced grade 4 or worse non-hematological toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

Proton beam therapy for patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer was feasible and was superior to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for several dosimetric parameters.

Stage-directed individualized therapy in esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, and the incidence of esophageal carcinoma is rapidly increasing. With the advent of new staging and treatment techniques, esophageal cancer can now be managed through various strategies. A good understanding of the advances and limitations of new staging techniques and how these can guide in individualizing treatment is important to improve outcomes for esophageal cancer patients. This paper outlines the recent progress in staging and treatment of esophageal cancer, with particularly attention to endoscopic techniques for early-stage esophageal cancer, multimodality treatment for locally advanced esophageal cancer, assessment of response to neoadjuvant treatment, and the role of cervical lymph node dissection. Furthermore, advances in robot-assisted surgical techniques and postoperative recovery protocols that may further improve outcomes after esophagectomy are discussed.

Enhancing radiosensitivity of TE1, TE8, and TE 11 esophageal squamous carcinoma cell lines by Hdm2-siRNA targeted gene therapy in vitro

Introduction: Human double minute2 (hdm2) level increases in most human malignancies. Therefore, inhibition of tumor growth and also induction of radiosensitivity may be provided by hdm2 inhibitors. The effects of hdm2-siRNA on hdm2 protein expression, cell apoptosis rate, and radiosensitivity of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) were studied.

Methods: The hdm2 gene was silenced in TE1, TE8, and TE11 ESCC cell lines using 200nM siRNA by liposomal transfection method followed by irradiation with 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 Gy γ-rays in vitro. The gene expression levels were evaluated by real time PCR and Western Blotting methods. MTT, TUNEL, and also colony forming assays were used to compare the radiosensitivity of the cell lines before and after the treatments.

Results: Hdm2-siRNA reduced the hdm2 protein as compared to the vehicle control and scrambled groups, and also increased the radiation-induced apoptosis especially in TE11 cells. The related dose reduction factors (DRFs) for the silenced TE1, TE8, and TE11 cells calculated to be 1.20, 1.30, and 2.75, respectively.

Conclusion: Increasing radiosensitivity of tumor cells may be provided by silencing the oncogenes.

Details of out-field regional recurrence after involved-field irradiation with concurrent chemotherapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of out-field regional recurrence after involved-field irradiation (IFI) in definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-ESCC) and identify the possible risk factors.

Patients and methods

Eighty patients with LA-ESCC who received CCRT with IFI between January 2003 and January 2009 at the Shandong Cancer Hospital were recruited and analyzed. Imaging scans demonstrating first sites of failure were compared with original computed tomography-based radiation treatment plans, and failure patterns were defined as in-field, outfield regional (failures in initially uninvolved regional nodes), and distant failures.

Results

After a median follow-up time of 52.6 months, 24 patients had evidence of out-field regional failure, 43 patients had evidence of in-field failure, and 33 patients had the evidence of distant failure. Multivariate analysis revealed that out-field regional failure was associated with clinical tumor status (T4 vs T1–3, odds ratio [OR] =6.547, P=0.002), tumor length (>8 cm vs ≤8 cm, OR =4.130, P=0.036), response to CCRT (complete response vs no complete response, OR =2.646, P=0.035), and in-field failure (no in-field failure vs in-field failure, OR =1.32, P=0.016). Survival analyses indicated that, compared to in-field failure or distant failure alone group, out-field regional failure alone group tended to have longer overall (P=0.006) and progression-free survival (P=0.164).

Conclusion

Our data suggested that the predominant failure pattern after IFI was not out-field regional failure, which also did not influence survival significantly, and that out-field regional failure did not shorten the time to disease recurrence, which also did not influence survival significantly. In addition, out-field regional failure was likely to appear later than in-field and distant failures. The relatively advanced local disease followed by poor local control and distant metastases contributed more to the poor outcome of LA-ESCC. Further prospective studies are needed to verify the findings of this study.

Involved-field irradiation in definitive chemoradiotherapy for T4 squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

OBJECTIVES

Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (ccrt) is currently a therapeutic option for locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, clinical practice differs with respect to the target volume for irradiation. The purpose of the present study was to analyze failure patterns and survival, and to determine the feasibility of using involved-field irradiation (ifi) with concurrent chemotherapy for T4 squamous cell carcinoma (scc) of the esophagus.

METHODS

Between January 2003 and January 2013, 56 patients with clinical T4M0 scc of the esophagus received ccrt using ifi. The radiation field included the primary tumour and clinically involved lymph nodes. Target volumes and sites of failure were analyzed, as were treatment-related toxicity and survival time.

RESULTS

In this 56-patient cohort, 13 patients (23.2%) achieved a complete response, and 21 (37.5%) achieved a partial response, for a total response rate of 60.7%. The major toxicities experienced were leucocytopenia and esophagitis, with 14 patients (25.0%) experiencing grade 3 toxicities. At a median follow-up of 34 months, 48 patients (85.7%) had experienced failure: 39 (69.6%) in-field, 7 (12.5%) elective nodal, and 19 (33.9%) distant. Only 1 patient (1.8%) experienced isolated elective nodal failure. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates were 39.3%, 21.4%, and 12.5% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with T4M0 scc of the esophagus, definitive ccrt using ifi resulted in an acceptable rate of isolated elective nodal failure and an overall survival comparable to that achieved with elective nodal irradiation. A limited radiation therapy target volume, including only clinically involved lesions, would therefore be a feasible choice for this patient subgroup.

Comparison between surgery and definitive chemoradiotherapy for patients with resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity score analysis

PURPOSE

Our intent was to compare survival following neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery versus chemoradiotherapy (CRT) among patients with potentially resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Information about 406 consecutive esophageal cancer patients with resectable disease who underwent surgery with neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil or who underwent definitive CRT was reviewed. The survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Relevant variables were included in the propensity score model.

RESULTS

Overall, 206 patients planned to undergo surgery (S group) and 200 patients planned to undergo CRT (CRT group). In the unadjusted situation, progression-free survival and overall survival did not differ statistically between the groups. After matching, both survival outcomes were better in the S group compared to the CRT group. Subanalysis showed both survival outcomes were better in the S group for patients with only stage III disease. However, survival outcomes for stages I, II, and IV were not significantly different between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with resectable disease, survival outcomes in the S group were favored over those of the CRT group. These results indicate that different therapeutic strategies should be used for stage III esophageal cancer than for other stages.

Symptomatic radiation-induced cardiac disease in long-term survivors of esophageal cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate clinical and dosimetric factors retrospectively affecting the risk of symptomatic cardiac disease (SCD) in esophageal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 343 patients with newly diagnosed esophageal cancer were managed with concurrent chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. Of these, 58 patients were followed at our hospital for at least 4 years. Median clinical follow-up was 79 months. Cardiac toxicity was determined by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v. 4.0. The maximum and mean doses to the heart and percentage of the volume were calculated from the dose-volume histograms.

RESULTS

SCD manifested in 11 patients. The heart diseases included three pericardial effusions, one pericardial effusion with valvular disease and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, three atrial fibrillations, one sinus tachycardia, one coronary artery disease, one chest pain with strongly suspected coronary artery disease, and one congestive heart failure. The actual incidence of SCD was 13.8 % at 5 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses of continuous variables revealed that the risk of developing an SCD depended on the volume of the heart receiving a dose greater than 45 Gy (V45), 50 Gy (V50), and 55 Gy (V55). No other clinical factors were found to influence the risk of SCD. For V45, V50, and V55, the lowest significant cutoff values were 15, 10, and 5 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

High-dose and large-volume irradiation of the heart increased the risk of SCD in long-term survivors. Using modern radiotherapy techniques, it is important to minimize the heart dose-volume parameters without reducing the tumor dose.

Association between radiation dose to the heart and myocardial fatty acid metabolic impairment due to chemoradiation-therapy: Prospective study using I-123 BMIPP SPECT/CT

PURPOSE

To investigate long term changes in myocardial fatty acid metabolic impairment caused by chemoradiation-therapy (CRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated 12 esophageal cancer patients who underwent SPECT/CT using I-123-labeled fatty acid analog (BMIPP) at pre-CRT, pre-boost irradiation, 3-month post-CRT, and 1-year post-CRT. The myocardial uptake was measured using the defect score and the total percentage of uptake (%uptake), which were defined as the sum of the visual scores and that of %uptake in each of 17 segments in the left ventricle (LV), respectively. The correlations between radiation dose to the heart (mean dose, V20, V40, and V60 of the LV and the whole heart (WH)) and the change of myocardial BMIPP uptake from pre-CRT (Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake) were assessed.

RESULTS

At pre-boost, Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake was significantly correlated with LV-V40 and WH-V60. At 3-month post-CRT, Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake was significantly correlated with LV-V40, WH-V40, and WH-V60. However, there were no statistically significant correlations at 1-year post-CRT. Neither mean dose nor V20 of the LV/WH was significantly correlated with Δmyocardial BMIPP uptake at any time.

CONCLUSIONS

In the long term after CRT, myocardial metabolism might be affected by factors other than the radiation dose to the heart.

Involved-field radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: theory and practice

Esophageal carcinoma (EC) is characterized by a high rate of lymph node metastasis and its spread pattern is not always predictable. Chemoradiotherapy has an important role in the treatment of EC in both the inoperable and the pre-operative settings. However, regarding the target volume for radiation, different clinical practices exist. Theoretically, in addition to the clinical target volume administered to the gross lesion, it might seem logical to deliver a certain dose to the uninvolved regional lymph node area at risk for microscopic disease. However, in practice, it is difficult because of the intolerance of normal tissue to radiotherapy (RT), particularly if all regions containing the cervical, mediastinal, and upper abdominal nodes are covered. To date, the use of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) is still controversial in the field of radiotherapy. Some investigators use involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) in order to reduce treatment-related toxicities. It is thought that micrometastases can be controlled, to some extent, by chemotherapy and the abscopal effects of radiation. It is the presence of overtly involved lymph nodes rather than the micrometastatic nodes negatively affects survival in patients with EC. In another hand, lymph nodes stationed near primary tumors also receive considerable incidental irradiation doses that may contribute to the elimination of subclinical lesions. These data indicate that an irradiation volume covering only the gross tumor is appropriate. When using ENI or IFRT, very few patients experience solitary regional node failure and out-of-field lymph node failure is not common. Primary tumor recurrence and distant metastases, rather than regional lymph node failure, affect the overall survival in patients with EC. The available evidence indicates that the use of ENI seems to prevent or delay regional nodal relapse rather than improve survival. In a word, these data suggest that IFRT is feasible in EC patients.

Preliminary treatment results of proton beam therapy with chemoradiotherapy for stage I-III esophageal cancer

The effect of proton beam therapy (PBT) on various cancers is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PBT with alternating chemoradiotherapy (ACRT) for patients with stage I–III esophageal cancer. Two cycles of systemic chemotherapy with a continuous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) on days 1–5 and a 5h infusion of nedaplatin (NDP) on day 6 were accompanied by thoracic irradiation using X‐ray therapy and PBT. During the first half of the treatment, X‐rays were delivered to the prophylactic area. During the second half of the treatment, proton beams were used to irradiate the involved field. To reduce the dose of cardiac irradiation, proton beams were delivered with posterior and posterior oblique angles. Between January 2009 and December 2012, 47 patients were enrolled in this study. The median follow‐up duration was 29 months for all patients and 40 months for survivors. The 3 year overall survival rate, progression‐free survival rate, and local control rate were 59.2%, 56.3%, and 69.8%, respectively. With respect to grade 3–4 late toxicities, there were no pleural or pericardial effusions, but two patients (4.3%) had esophageal stenosis, one patient (2.1%) had fistula, and two patients (4.3%) developed radiation pneumonitis. PBT with ACRT might have the potential to reduce the risk of cardiac damage and might become one of the primary methods of esophageal cancer treatment.

Efficacy and feasibility of ambulatory treatment-based monthly nedaplatin plus S-1 in definitive or salvage concurrent chemoradiotherapy for early, advanced, and relapsed esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

Standard chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using cisplatin (CDDP) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an optional treatment for patients with stage II-III esophageal cancer. However, there are some demerits in this regimen because CDDP administration requires a large transfusion volume and 5-FU must be continuously infused over 24 h. Therefore, hospitalization is unavoidable. We collected retrospectively the data of definitive CRT with nedaplatin and S-1 as carried out in our institution.

METHODS

Patients with early and advanced esophageal cancer and relapsed esophageal cancer after radical surgery were included. Nedaplatin 80 mg/m(2) was given on days 1 and 29, and S-1 80 mg/m(2) on days 1-14 and 29-42. No prophylactic treatment with granulocyte colony stimulating factor was administered. Patients received two courses of concurrent radiotherapy of more than 50 Gy with or without two additional courses as adjuvant therapy every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Between August 2011 and June 2015, 89 patients (age range, 44-86 years; K-PS 90-100, 81 %; squamous cell carcinoma histology, 97 %; definitive/salvage CRT, 75/25 %) were collected. Twenty-one (24 %) patients completed four cycles, and 94 % received two or more cycles. Grade 4 leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia occurred in 12, 7, and 10 % of the patients, respectively. Five patients developed febrile neutropenia. Grade 3 non-hematological toxicity included infection in 12 %, mucositis/esophagitis in 3 %, kidney in 3 %, and fatigue in 3 %. Sixty-four patients (72 %) received the prescribed full dose and full cycles of chemotherapy. A complete response was achieved in 76 patients (85 %). The 3-year overall survival rate was 54.4 % in definitive CRT and 39.8 % in salvage CRT, respectively. Sixty-two subjects (70 %) received treatment as outpatients.

CONCLUSIONS

Nedaplatin and S-1 in combination with radiotherapy is feasible, and toxicity is tolerable. This treatment method has the potential to shorten hospitalization without impairing the efficacy of CRT.

Discovery of a Good Responder Subtype of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Signatures Activated by Chemoradiotherapy

Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a less invasive therapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Five-year survival rate of locally advanced ESCC patients by definitive CRT were 37%. We previously reported that tumor-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activation signatures were preferentially found in long-term survivors. However, it is unknown whether the CTL activation is actually driven by CRT. We compared gene expression profiles among pre- and post-treatment biopsy specimens of 30 ESCC patients and 121 pre-treatment ESCC biopsy specimens. In the complete response (CR) cases, 999 overexpressed genes including at least 234 tumor-specific CTL-activation associated genes such as IFNG, PRF1, and GZMB, were found in post-treatment biopsy specimens. Clustering analysis using expression profiles of these 234 genes allowed us to distinguish the immune-activated cases, designating them as I-type, from other cases. However, despite the better CR rate in the I-type, overall survival was not significantly better in both these 30 cases and another 121 cases. Further comparative study identified a series of epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related genes overexpressed in the early relapse cases. Importantly, the clinical outcome of CDH2-negative cases in the I-type was significantly better than that of the CDH2-positive cases in the I-type. Furthermore, NK cells, which were activated by neutrophils-producing S100A8/S100A9, and CTLs were suggested to cooperatively enhance the effect of CRT in the CDH2-negative I-type. These results suggested that CTL gene activation may provide a prognostic advantage in ESCCs with epithelial characteristics.

Clinical results of proton beam therapy for twenty older patients with esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND

In an aging society, increasing number of older patients are diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of proton beam therapy for older patients with esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Older patients (age: ≥ 65 years) newly diagnosed with esophageal cancer between January 2009 and June 2013 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent either proton beam therapy alone or proton beam therapy with initial X-ray irradiation. Toxicities were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were eligible for this study and all completed the treatment. The median age was 78 years (range: 65-89 years) and the median follow-up time was 26.5 months (range: 6-62 months). Seven patients had lymph node metastases and 10 had stage II/III cancer. The median dose of proton beam therapy was 72.6 Gy relative biological dose effectiveness (RBE) (range: 66-74.8 Gy [RBE]) for proton beam therapy alone and 33 Gy (RBE) (range: 30.8-39.6 Gy [RBE]; total dose range: 66.8-75.6 Gy [RBE]) for proton beam therapy with initial X-ray irradiation. The 2-year overall survival rate was 81.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62.4%-100%), and the 2-year local control rate was 89.4% (95% CI: 75.5%-100%). Grade 2 or 3 toxicities occurred in some cases; however, no grade 4 or 5 toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose (66-75.6 Gy [RBE]) proton beam therapy without chemotherapy was an efficacious and safe treatment for older patients with esophageal cancer.

Recent Advances From Basic and Clinical Studies of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive squamous cell carcinomas and is highly prevalent in Asia. Alcohol and its metabolite, acetaldehyde, are considered definite carcinogens for the esophagus. Polymorphisms in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, which encodes an enzyme that eliminates acetaldehyde, have been associated with esophageal carcinogenesis. Studies of the mutagenic and carcinogenic effects of acetaldehyde support this observation. Several recent large-scale comprehensive analyses of the genomic alterations in ESCC have shown a high frequency of mutations in genes such as TP53 and others that regulate the cell cycle or cell differentiation. Moreover, whole genome and whole exome sequencing studies have frequently detected somatic mutations, such as G:C→A:T transitions or G:C→C:G transversions, in ESCC tissues. Genomic instability, caused by abnormalities in the Fanconi anemia DNA repair pathway, is also considered a pathogenic mechanism of ESCC. Advances in diagnostic techniques such as magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging or positron emission tomography have increased the accuracy of diagnosis of ESCC. Updated guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network standardize the practice for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer. Patients with ESCC are treated endoscopically or with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, based on tumor stage. Minimally invasive treatments help improve the quality of life of patients who undergo such treatments. We review recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC and advances gained from basic and clinical research.

A comparative dosimetric study of left sided breast cancer after breast-conserving surgery treated with VMAT and IMRT

Background and purposes

This study compared VMAT and IMRT plans for intact breast radiotherapy for left sided breast cancer and evaluated the irradiated dose of planning target volume and OARs, especially focusing on heart and coronary artery.

Materials and methods

Eleven patients with left sided breast cancer whose breast was relatively smaller (the mean volumes is 296 cc) treated with breast-conserving surgery were prescribed radiotherapy of 50 Gy in 25 fractions using two or four-field step and shoot IMRT (2 or 4-F IMRT), and one or two-arc VMAT (1 or 2-arc VMAT). The 10 Gy electron boost to the tumor bed after delivery of 50 Gy was not included in the analysis. Multiple planning parameters for the PTV and the PRV-OARs were measured and analyzed.

Results

Treatment plans generated using VMAT had better PTV homogeneity than the IMRT plans. For the PRV-OARs, the 1-arc VMAT had significantly higher D_mean and V5 for left lung and heart, and showed worse D_mean for liver, esophagus, spinal cord, contralateral lung and breast. In contrast, the 2-arc VMAT and the 2-F or 4-F IMRT plans showed better results for the PRV-OARs than the 1-arc VMAT. However, for the heart and coronary artery, the 1-arc VMAT showed better V20 and V40 compared with the other plans. Moreover, the 2 F-IMRT had specially advantage on V5 and V20 for heart and V5 for coronary arteries, the 2-F IMRT also showed a greater MU and treatment times. Using the table of quality score to evaluate the plans, we found that 2-F IMRT had the highest scores of 13, followed by the 2-arc VMAT plan (10 points) and 1-arc VMAT plan (8 points), and finally the 4-F IMRT plan (6 points). Moreover, when a dose comparison for heart minus coronary artery was calculated, the V20 and V40 for the rest of heart in all plans were very small and closed, indicating the dose to the coronary artery contributed dramatically to the high dose volumes for the entire heart.

Conclusions

Compared to other plans, the 2-F IMRT plan with fewer monitor units and shorter delivery time is an appropriate technique for left sided breast cancer, which achieved good PTV coverage and sparing of organs at risk besides for the heart and coronary artery.

Delayed onset of benign pleural effusion following concurrent chemoradiotherapy for inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer

Chronic benign pleural effusion (BPE) is a rare complication of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for inoperable stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This report presents three cases of BPE, the workup to differentiate this benign condition from recurrence of cancer and recommends a pleural biopsy as part of the diagnostic process. These inflammatory exudates often remain indolent, and may not require drainage or surgical intervention. In the absence of clinical, radiological and pathological evidence of recurrent disease, we recommend clinicians manage these patients expectantly, using regular clinical assessment and imaging.

Long-term results of chemoradiotherapy for stage II-III thoracic esophageal cancer in a single institution after 2000 -with a focus on comparison of three protocols

Background

To evaluate the long-term results of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage II-III thoracic esophageal cancer mainly by comparing results of three protocols retrospectively.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2012, 298 patients with stage II-III thoracic esophageal cancer underwent CRT. Patients in Group A received two cycles of cisplatin (CDDP) at 70 mg/m² (day 1 and 29) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) at 700 mg/m²/24 h (day 1–4 and 29–32) with radiotherapy (RT) of 60 Gy without a break. Patients in Group B received two cycles of CDDP at 40 mg/m² (day 1, 8, 36 and 43) and 5-FU at 400 mg/m²/24 h (day 1–5, 8–12, 36–40 and 43–47) with RT of 60 Gy with a 2-week break. Patients in Group C received two cycles of nedaplatin at 70 mg/m² (day 1 and 29) and 5-FU at 500 mg/m²/24 h (day 1–4 and 29–32) with RT of 60–70 Gy without a break. Differences in prognostic factors between the groups were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The 5-year overall survival rates for patients in Group A, Group B and Group C were 52.4, 45.2 and 37.2 %, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates for patients in Stage II, Stage III (non-T4) and Stage III (T4) were 64.0, 40.1 and 22.5 %, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates for patients who received 1 cycle and 2 cycles of concomitant chemotherapy were 27.9 and 46.0 %, respectively. In univariate analysis, stage, performance status and number of concomitant chemotherapy cycles were significant prognostic factors (p < 0.001, p = 0.008 and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, stage, protocol and number of concomitant chemotherapy cycles were significant factors (p < 0.001, p = 0.043 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The protocol used in Group A may be an effective protocol of CRT for esophageal cancer. It may be important to complete the scheduled concomitant chemotherapy with the appropriate intensity of CRT.

Acute effects of chemoradiation on cardiac function in oesophageal cancer: a MUGA scan and echo-based study

OBJECTIVE

To study the acute effects of concurrent chemoradiation on global and regional cardiac contractility and correlate with radiation dose.

METHODS

16 patients of locally advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were serially followed up with multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scans and echocardiograms during the course of concurrent chemoradiation to evaluate the ejection fractions (EFs) and pericardial status, respectively. Changes in cardiac contractility were correlated with the doses received by the heart.

RESULTS

Concurrent chemoradiation resulted in a significant reduction in the contractility of both left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV), with a mean reduction of LVEF by 5.6% and RVEF by 6.5% over the course of treatment, which had a significant correlation with the radiation doses received by the ventricles (p=0.001). On further analysis, correlation between radiation dose and decrease in contractility was more significant in the boost phase (16 Gy in 8 fractions over one and a half weeks; p=0.001 for LV and p=0.008 for RV) compared with the initial phase (40 Gy in 20 fractions over 4 weeks; p=0.184 for LV and p=0.269 for RV). One out of 16 patients developed mild acute pericarditis.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent chemoradiation resulted in acute decrease in EF of both ventricles in a dose-dependent manner. Correlation between cardiac doses and decrease in EF was more marked in the boost phase, suggesting a possible threshold of 40 Gy for this impairment. Nevertheless, conclusions regarding this possible threshold need to be interpreted with caution given the small sample size.

Phase I/II trial of chemoradiotherapy with concurrent S-1 and cisplatin for clinical stage II/III esophageal carcinoma (JCOG 0604)

We carried out a phase I/II trial of chemoradiotherapy concurrent with S-1 and cisplatin to determine the maximum tolerated dose and recommended dose and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Thoracic esophageal cancer patients with clinical stage II/III disease, excluding T4, were eligible. Chemotherapy consisted of S-1 at a dose of 60–80 mg/m²/day on days 1–14, and cisplatin at 75 mg/m² on day 1, repeated twice every 4 weeks. Single daily radiation of 50.4 Gy was given in 28 fractions concurrently starting on day 1. Patients achieving an objective response after chemoradiotherapy underwent two additional cycles of chemotherapy. Patient accrual was terminated early due to slow enrolment after 44 patients were accrued. In the phase I part, two of six patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities at each level of S-1 (S-1 60 or 80 mg/m²/day). Considering treatment compliance, the recommended dose was determined to be S-1 60 mg/m²/day. The complete response rate, the primary endpoint of phase II, was 59.5% (22/37; 90% confidence interval, 44.6–73.1%; weighted threshold, 57.2%; P = 0.46 by the exact binomial test) on central review. In the phase II part, 3-year progression-free survival was 48.4%, with a 3-year overall survival of 61.9%. Grade 3 or 4 toxicity in phase II included leukopenia (57.9%), neutropenia (50%), hyponatremia (28.9%), anorexia (21.1%), anemia (18.4%), thrombocytopenia (18.4%), and febrile neutropenia (2.6%). No treatment-related deaths were observed. Although this combination showed acceptable toxicity and favorable 3-year survival, the study did not meet its primary endpoint. This trial was registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000000710.

Inhibitory effects of valproic acid in DNA double-strand break repair after irradiation in esophageal squamous carcinoma cells

Radiation therapy is one of the most promising therapeutic strategies in unresectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor has been shown to enhance radiosensitivity. Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-known drug used to treat seizure disorders and epilepsy, and has been shown to inhibit HDACs. We recently reported that a clinically safe dose of VPA enhances radiation‑induced cytotoxicity in human ESCC cells. However, the mechanism of radiosensitizing effect of VPA has not yet been confirmed. The present study examined the effect of VPA on DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair after radiation in the human ESCC cell lines KES, TE9 and TE11 by examining H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) levels as a marker of radiation‑induced DSBs. The present study also examined whether VPA inhibited radiation-induced DNA DSB repair by suppressing non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), focusing particularly on the acetylation of Ku70. VPA was shown to prolong γH2AX levels after irradiation in all three ESCC cell lines. Moreover, prolonged γH2AX foci formation after irradiation was also observed by immunocytochemistry following VPA pretreatment in KES and TE9 cells. VPA was shown to induce Ku70 acetylation after irradiation in all three ESCC cell lines. Our results suggest that VPA prolonged radiation‑induced DSBs by inhibiting NHEJ in DSB repair pathways in ESCC. VPA could therefore be used as an effective radiosensitizer in ESCC radiotherapy.

Involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) versus elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in combination with concurrent chemotherapy for 239 esophageal cancers: a single institutional retrospective study

Background

This retrospective study on early and locally advanced esophageal cancer was conducted to evaluate locoregional failure and its impact on survival by comparing involved field radiotherapy (IFRT) with elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in combination with concurrent chemotherapy.

Methods

We assessed all patients with esophageal cancer of stages I-IV treated with definitive radiotherapy from June 2000 to March 2014. Between 2000 and 2011, ENI was used for all cases excluding high age cases. After Feb 2011, a prospective study about IFRT was started, and therefore IFRT was used since then for all cases. Concurrent chemotherapy regimen was nedaplatin (80 mg/m² at D1 and D29) and 5-fluorouracil (800 mg/m² at D1-4 and D29-32).

Results

Of the 239 consecutive patients assessed (120 ENI vs. 119 IFRT), 59 patients (24.7 %) had stage IV disease and all patients received at least one cycle of chemotherapy. The median follow-up time for survivors was 34.0 months. There were differences in 3-year local control (44.8 % vs. 55.5 %, p = 0.039), distant control (53.8 % vs. 69.9 %, p = 0.021) and overall survival (34.8 % vs. 51.6 %, p = 0.087) rates between ENI vs. IFRT, respectively. Patients treated with IFRT (8 %) demonstrated a significantly lower risk (p = 0.047) of high grade late toxicities than with ENI (16 %). IFRT did not increase the risk of initially uninvolved or isolated nodal failures (27.5 % in ENI and 13.4 % in IFRT).

Conclusions

Nodal failure rates in clinically uninvolved nodal stations were not increased with IFRT when compared to ENI. IFRT also resulted in significantly decreased esophageal toxicity, suggesting that IFRT may allow for integration of concurrent systemic chemotherapy in a greater proportion of patients. Both tendencies of improved loco-regional progression-free survival and a significant increased overall survival rate favored the IFRT arm over the ENI arm in this study.

High-dose versus conventional-dose irradiation in cisplatin-based definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer: a systematic review and pooled analysis

We investigate whether high-dose (HD, ≥60 Gy) radiotherapy in definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) based on cisplatin could yield benefits compared to conventional-dose (CD) CCRT. PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar were searched and data were pooled and analyzed for response rate, survival, failure patterns and toxicity. Results showed advantages in response rate, 5-year overall survival rate, local regional recurrence and distant failure rate compared to the CD arm with no difference in Grade ≥3 acute and late esophagitis, other toxicities were rare with moderate tolerance, subgroup analysis of squamous cell carcinoma also showed advantages for HD arm. We concluded that ≥60 Gy CCRT improved clinical outcomes compared to the CD arm, especially for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Our findings may provide a basis for future trials.

Clinical outcomes of radiotherapy for esophageal cancer between 2004 and 2008: the second survey of the Japanese Radiation Oncology Study Group (JROSG)

BACKGROUND

This second questionnaire-based survey was performed to determine the clinical results of definitive esophageal cancer treatment with radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between 2004 and 2008.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Clinical results of definitive RT for patients were collected from major Japanese institutions. Patients were classified into three groups: (A) stage I, (B) resectable stages II-III, (C) unresectable stages III-IVA. For group A, all patients treated with RT alone or CRT were included. For groups B and C, only those treated with CRT were included.

RESULTS

In total, 990 patients (group A 259, group B 333, group C 398 patients) were included from 11 institutions. In group A, 199 patients (78 %) were treated with CRT, and 60 patients (23 %) received RT alone. In groups B and C, 420 patients (57 %) were treated with full-dose cisplatin/5-FU, and 181 patients (25 %) with low-dose protracted-infusion cisplatin/5-FU. The median and range of the 5-year overall survival rate were 73 % (40-94 %) for group A, 40 % (0-57 %) for group B, and 18 % (6-26 %) for group C, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates were consistently good for five high-volume centers where more than 20 patients/year with esophageal cancer were treated definitively as compared with the remaining six medium-volume centers (5-15 patients/year). The median and range of the incidence of grade ≥3 late toxicities were 10 % and 6-22 %, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide disparity in 5-year overall survival rates among the institutions was still apparent in the second survey for groups A and B.

Salvage chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal carcinomas

'Salvage chemoradiotherapy (CRT)' was introduced in 2005 to treat thoracic esophageal carcinomas deemed unresectable based on the intraoperative findings. The therapeutic concept is as follows: the surgical plan is changed to an operation that aims to achieve curability by the subsequent definitive CRT. For this purpose, the invading tumor is resected as much as possible, and systematic lymph node dissection is performed except for in the area around the bilateral recurrent nerves. The definitive CRT should be started as soon as possible and should be performed as planned. We hypothesized that this treatment would be feasible and provide good clinical effects. We herein verified this hypothesis. Twenty-seven patients who received salvage CRT were enrolled in the study, and their clinical course, therapeutic response, and prognosis were evaluated. The patients who had poor oral intake because of esophageal stenosis were able to eat solid food soon after the operation. The radiation field could be narrowed after surgery, and this might have contributed to the high rate of finishing the definitive CRT as planned. As a result, the overall response rate was 74.1%, and 48.1% of the patients had a complete response. No patient experienced fistula formation. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 66.5%, 35.2%, and 35.2%, respectively. Salvage CRT had clinical benefits, such as the fact that patients became able to have oral intake, that fistula formation could be prevented, that the adverse events associated with the definitive CRT could be reduced, and that prognosis of the patients was satisfactory. Although the rate of recurrent nerve paralysis was relatively high even after the suspension of aggressive bilateral recurrent nerve lymph node dissection, and the rate of the progressive disease after the definitive CRT was high, salvage CRT appears to provide some advantages for the patients who would otherwise not have other treatment options following a non-curative and residual operation.

Complications associated with postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy for advanced rectal cancer

Preoperative management of advanced rectal cancer often includes chemoradiotherapy, but little is known about the late complications of radiotherapy. However, these are usually serious, making determination of the characteristics of late complications after radiation therapy critical. Accordingly, we investigated the complications occurring after adjuvant pelvic radiation therapy in patients with advanced rectal cancer. We enrolled 34 consecutive patients with TNM stage III rectal cancer who had undergone curative surgery with adjuvant pelvic radiation therapy. Data on the type of complication/organ involved, the number of complications, the phase of onset, and the treatments used were reviewed. Patients who experienced gut complications or edema were less likely to have their complications resolved than those with complications due to infection. Similarly, patients with multiple complications and late-onset complications were also less likely to have their complications resolved than those with single complications and those with early-onset complications, respectively. Adjuvant radiation therapy in patients with resected advanced rectal cancer was associated with various complications, characterized by late onset and impaired resolution. Therefore, patients indicated for radiation therapy should be selected with great caution.

The impact of human papillomavirus infection on the survival and treatment response of patients with esophageal cancers

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection on the prognosis and treatment response of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

METHODS

We examined the presence and subtypes of HPV in the tumors by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing in 150 ESCC patients. Their clinicopathological characteristics, treatment response and survival were further analyzed according to the presence of HPV infection.

RESULTS

Of 150 ESCC tumor samples, 27 (18.0%) were HPV-positive, of which 22 (81.5%) had HPV-16 infection. The risk of developing multifocal ESCC was not significantly different in the HPV-positive and HPV-negative groups (29.6% vs 28.5%, P = 0.90). In subgroup analysis, patients with HPV-16-positive advanced ESCC had a significantly better survival than those with HPV-negative ESCC (3-year survival: 55% vs 21%, log-rank P = 0.03). Cox proportional hazards model showed that the presence of HPV-16 was associated with a significant reduction in the mortality rate (hazard ratio 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.96). Patients with HPV-16 infection had better response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) than those without HPV-16 infection (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with advanced ESCC, HPV-16-positive patients had a significantly favorable survival, especially those who received CRT. Larger scale studies are needed to determine the causal relationship.

Comparison of adverse effects of proton and X-ray chemoradiotherapy for esophageal cancer using an adaptive dose-volume histogram analysis

Cardiopulmonary late toxicity is of concern in concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the benefit of proton beam therapy (PBT) using clinical data and adaptive dose-volume histogram (DVH) analysis. The subjects were 44 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent definitive CCRT using X-rays (n = 19) or protons (n = 25). Experimental recalculation using protons was performed for the patient actually treated with X-rays, and vice versa. Target coverage and dose constraints of normal tissues were conserved. Lung V5-V20, mean lung dose (MLD), and heart V30-V50 were compared for risk organ doses between experimental plans and actual treatment plans. Potential toxicity was estimated using protons in patients actually treated with X-rays, and vice versa. Pulmonary events of Grade ≥2 occurred in 8/44 cases (18%), and cardiac events were seen in 11 cases (25%). Risk organ doses in patients with events of Grade ≥2 were significantly higher than for those with events of Grade ≤1. Risk organ doses were lower in proton plans compared with X-ray plans. All patients suffering toxicity who were treated with X-rays (n = 13) had reduced predicted doses in lung and heart using protons, while doses in all patients treated with protons (n = 24) with toxicity of Grade ≤1 had worsened predicted toxicity with X-rays. Analysis of normal tissue complication probability showed a potential reduction in toxicity by using proton beams. Irradiation dose, volume and adverse effects on the heart and lung can be reduced using protons. Thus, PBT is a promising treatment modality for the management of esophageal cancer.

Assessment of myocardial metabolic disorder associated with mediastinal radiotherapy for esophageal cancer -a pilot study

Background

To evaluate the dose-effect relations for myocardial metabolic disorders after mediastinal radiotherapy (RT) by performing iodine-123 β-methyl-iodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (I-123 BMIPP) scintigraphy.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2012, we performed I-123 BMIPP scintigraphy for patients with esophageal cancer before and six months after curative mediastinal RT. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of pre-RT and post-RT were registered into RT dose distributions. The myocardium was contoured, and the regional RT dose was calculated. Normalization is required to compare pre- and post-RT SPECT images because the uptake pattern is changed due to the breathing level. Normalization was applied on the mean of SPECT counts in regions of the myocardium receiving less than 5 Gy. Relative values in each dose region (interval of 5 Gy) were calculated on the basis of this normalization for each patient. The reduction in the percent of relative values was calculated.

Results

Five patients were enrolled in this study. None of the patients had a past history of cardiac disease. The left ventricle was partially involved in RT fields in all patients. The patients received RT with median total doses of 60-66 Gy for the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes. Concomitant chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin or nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil with RT was performed in 4 patients. All patients had reduced uptake corresponding to RT fields. Dose-effect relations for reduced uptake tended to be observed at 6 months after RT with mean decreases of 8.96% in regions at 10-15 Gy, 12.6% in regions at 20-25 Gy, 15.6% in regions at 30-35 Gy, 19.0% in regions at 40-45 Gy and 16.0% in regions at 50-55 Gy.

Conclusions

Dose-effect relations for myocardial metabolic disorders tended to be observed. We may need to make an effort to reduce high-dose mediastinal RT to the myocardium in RT planning.

The physiological uptake pattern of (18)F-FDG in the left ventricular myocardium of patients without heart disease

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological uptake pattern of (18)F-FDG in the left ventricular myocardium of patients under preparation for tumor FDG-PET.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We enrolled 188 patients without cardiac disease. The accumulation patterns were classified as either 'none', 'diffuse', 'focal' or 'focal on diffuse'. When a focal uptake was only observed on the basal wall, then the patterns were classified as having either a 'ring', 'over half' or 'spot' uptake.

RESULTS

The frequencies of the myocardial FDG uptake patterns were as follows: none, n=52 (27.7%); diffuse, n=63 (33.5%); focal on diffuse, n=40 (21.3%) and focal, n=33 (17.6%). The age, blood glucose level, weight and dose of FDG did not differ significantly for each pattern. The focal and focal on diffuse patterns were seen in 73 patients, and 65 patients had a focal uptake only on the basal wall; ring uptake in 29 patients, over half in 20 and spot uptake in 16 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The physiological myocardial uptake showed several patterns. Focal uptake was often seen in patients with cardiac disease, but it did not always indicate an abnormal finding when the accumulation was only on the basal wall.

Surgical treatments for esophageal cancers

The following, from the 12th OESO World Conference: Cancers of the Esophagus, includes commentaries on the role of the nurse in preparation of esophageal resection (ER); the management of patients who develop high-grade dysplasia after having undergone Nissen fundoplication; the trajectory of care for the patient with esophageal cancer; the influence of the site of tumor in the choice of treatment; the best location for esophagogastrostomy; management of chylous leak after esophagectomy; the optimal approach to manage thoracic esophageal leak after esophagectomy; the choice for operational approach in surgery of cardioesophageal crossing; the advantages of robot esophagectomy; the place of open esophagectomy; the advantages of esophagectomy compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy; the pathologist report in the resected specimen; the best way to manage patients with unsuspected positive microscopic margin after ER; enhanced recovery after surgery for ER: expedited care protocols; and long-term quality of life in patients following esophagectomy.

Long-term Clinical Outcome of Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Purpose

This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

Between August 2009 and December 2011, 112 patients with pathologically confirmed ESCC treated with IMRT at Jiangsu Province People's Hospital and Nantong Tumor Hospital were included in a retrospective analysis. Patients received either IMRT alone (group A) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) (group B). A radiation dose of 60–66 Gy administered in 30–33 fractions was delivered to the tumor. The patients in group B simultaneously received 2 cycles of cisplatin-based doublets with either 5-fluorouracil or taxotere. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compute the survival time. Early and late toxicities were scored according to CTCAE v.3.0.

Results

The response rate of group B (91.07%) was not significantly greater than that of group A (89.29%) (X2 = 0.10, p = 0.75). The 1- and 3-year survival rates of group B (87.5% and 57.14%, respectively) were greater than those of group A (69.64% and 37.50%, respectively). The difference in overall survival was statistically significant between groups A and B (x2 = 5.30, p = 0.02; x2 = 4.33, p = 0.04). Hematological toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, and treatment-related esophagitis were significantly higher in group B than group A (16.07% vs. 33.93%, p = 0.04; 10.71% vs. 26.79%, p = 0.03; 19.64% vs. 44.64%, p = 0.01). However, intergroup differences in terms of late toxicity were not significant.

Conclusions

IMRT was a practical and feasible technique to treat ESCC. Concurrent CRT could increase local tumor control and long-term survival. The CRT regimen was associated with a higher incidence of acute gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity.

REG Iα activates c-Jun through MAPK pathways to enhance the radiosensitivity of squamous esophageal cancer cells

Identification of the key molecules that mediate susceptibility to anticancer treatments would be highly desirable. Based on clinical and cell biological studies, we recently proposed that regenerating gene (REG) Iα may be such a molecule. In the present study, we hypothesized that REG Iα increases radiosensitivity through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. To test that idea, we transfected TE-5 and TE-9 squamous esophageal cancer cells with REG Iα and examined its involvement in MAPK signaling and its effect on susceptibility to radiotherapy. We found that REG Iα-expressing cells showed increased expression of c-Jun messenger RNA (mRNA) and phospho-c-Jun protein mediated via the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, as well as increased radiosensitivity. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the activation of c-Jun in tumors expressing REG Iα. Collectively, these findings suggest that REG Iα activates c-Jun via the JNK and ERK pathway, thereby enhancing radiosensitivity.

Is dose escalation achievable for esophageal carcinoma?

AIM

To investigate the feasibility of dose escalation using rapid arc (RA) and Helical Tomotherapy (HT) for patients with upper, middle and distal esophageal carcinomas, even for large tumor volumes.

BACKGROUND

In esophageal cancer, for patients with exclusive radio-chemotherapy, local disease control remains poor. Planning study with dose escalation was done for two sophisticated modulated radiotherapy techniques: Rapid arc against Tomotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six patients treated with a RA simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) of 60 Gy were re-planned for RA and HT techniques with a SIB dose escalated to 70 Gy. Dose volume histogram statistics, conformity indices and homogeneity indices were analyzed. For a given set of normal tissue constraints, the capability of each treatment modality to increase the GTV dose to 70 Gy was investigated.

RESULTS

Either HT or VMAT may be used to escalate the dose delivered in esophageal tumors while maintaining the spinal cord, lung and heart doses within tolerance. Adequate target coverage was achieved by both techniques. Typically, HT achieved better lung sparing and PTV coverage than did RA.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose escalation for esophageal cancer becomes clinically feasible with the use of RA and HT. This promising result could be explored in a carefully controlled clinical study which considered normal tissue complications and tumor control as endpoints.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) with Additional Therapy for Superficial Esophageal Cancer with Submucosal Invasion

OBJECTIVE

The standard treatment for submucosal esophageal cancer is esophagectomy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). However, these treatment modalities could deteriorate the general condition and quality of life of the patients who are intolerant to invasive therapy. It is therefore important and beneficial to develop less invasive treatment protocols for these patients.

METHODS

The study included 43 patients who were clinically suspected of mucosa or submucosal esophageal cancer but underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as a primary treatment, due to the patients' poor performance statuses and/or preferences for less invasive therapy. According to the pathological findings and patient's general condition, whether the patient underwent additional treatments or remained hospitalized without additional treatments was thereafter decided for each patient. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of these patients.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients underwent additional surgery, 11 patients underwent CRT/radiation therapy (RT) and 17 patients were followed without additional treatments. During the 3-year follow-up period, the relapse-free survival rates in the patients who received or did not receive additional treatments were 88% and 64%, respectively (95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.76, p=0.04). The relapse-free and overall survival rates in the patients with additional treatments were equivalent or superior to those described in previous reports of the standard treatments. Preceding ESD contributed to reduce the local relapse significantly to approximately 3.5% and additional CRT-related toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Preceding ESD is very effective for the local control of cancer, and useful for histologically confirming the high-risk factors of relapse, such as ≥submucosal layer 2 (SM2) invasion and lymphovascular involvements. ESD with additional therapy may be a promising strategy for optimizing the selection of therapy depending on the patient's general condition.

Is cardiac toxicity a relevant issue in the radiation treatment of esophageal cancer?

PURPOSE

In recent years several papers have been published on radiation-induced cardiac toxicity, especially in breast cancer patients. However, in esophageal cancer patients the radiation dose to the heart is usually markedly higher. To determine whether radiation-induced cardiac toxicity is also a relevant issue for this group, we conducted a review of the current literature.

METHODS

A literature search was performed in Medline for papers concerning cardiac toxicity in esophageal cancer patients treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.

RESULTS

The overall crude incidence of symptomatic cardiac toxicity was as high as 10.8%. Toxicities corresponded with several dose-volume parameters of the heart. The most frequently reported complications were pericardial effusion, ischemic heart disease and heart failure.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac toxicity is a relevant issue in the treatment of esophageal cancer. However, valid Normal Tissue Complication Probability models for esophageal cancer are not available at present.

Analysis of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Proton and 3D Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for Reducing Perioperative Cardiopulmonary Complications in Esophageal Cancer Patients

Background. While neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy has improved outcomes for esophageal cancer patients, surgical complication rates remain high. The most frequent perioperative complications after trimodality therapy were cardiopulmonary in nature. The radiation modality utilized can be a strong mitigating factor of perioperative complications given the location of the esophagus and its proximity to the heart and lungs. The purpose of this study is to make a dosimetric comparison of Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), proton and 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) with regard to reducing perioperative cardiopulmonary complications in esophageal cancer patients. Materials. Ten patients with esophageal cancer treated between 2010 and 2013 were evaluated in this study. All patients were simulated with contrast-enhanced CT imaging. Separate treatment plans using proton radiotherapy, IMRT, and 3D-CRT modalities were created for each patient. Dose-volume histograms were calculated and analyzed to compare plans between the three modalities. The organs at risk (OAR) being evaluated in this study are the heart, lungs, and spinal cord. To determine statistical significance, ANOVA and two-tailed paired t-tests were performed for all data parameters. Results. The proton plans showed decreased dose to various volumes of the heart and lungs in comparison to both the IMRT and 3D-CRT plans. There was no difference between the IMRT and 3D-CRT plans in dose delivered to the lung or heart. This finding was seen consistently across the parameters analyzed in this study. Conclusions. In patients receiving radiation therapy for esophageal cancer, proton plans are technically feasible while achieving adequate coverage with lower doses delivered to the lungs and cardiac structures. This may result in decreased cardiopulmonary toxicity and less morbidity to esophageal cancer patients.

Predictive factors for pericardial effusion identified by heart dose-volume histogram analysis in oesophageal cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictive factors for the development of pericardial effusion (PCE) in patients with oesophageal cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy (RT).

METHODS

From March 2006 to November 2012, patients with oesophageal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using the following criteria were evaluated: radiation dose >50 Gy; heart included in the radiation field; dose-volume histogram (DVH) data available for analysis; no previous thoracic surgery; and no PCE before treatment. The diagnosis of PCE was independently determined by two radiologists. Clinical factors, the percentage of heart volume receiving >5-60 Gy in increments of 5 Gy (V5-60, respectively), maximum heart dose and mean heart dose were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 143 patients with oesophageal cancer were reviewed retrospectively. The median follow-up by CT was 15 months (range, 2.1-72.6 months) after RT. PCE developed in 55 patients (38.5%) after RT, and the median time to develop PCE was 3.5 months (range, 0.2-9.9 months). On univariate analysis, DVH parameters except for V60 were significantly associated with the development of PCE (p < 0.001). No clinical factor was significantly related to the development of PCE. Recursive partitioning analysis including all DVH parameters as variables showed a V10 cut-off value of 72.8% to be the most influential factor.

CONCLUSION

The present results showed that DVH parameters are strong independent predictive factors for the development of PCE in patients with oesophageal cancer treated with CRT.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

A heart dosage was associated with the development of PCE with radiation and without prophylactic nodal irradiation.

Involved-field irradiation concurrently combined with nedaplatin/5-fluorouracil for inoperable esophageal cancer on basis of (18)FDG-PET scans: a phase II study

PURPOSE

A prospective study was performed on chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for esophageal cancer using involved-field radiation therapy (IFRT) based on 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography. The goal of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy of the IFRT procedure in newly diagnosed esophageal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients were adults with newly diagnosed untreated, inoperable esophageal cancer in stages I-IV with lymph node metastases. Patients received nedaplatin 80mg/m(2) per day on day 1, 5-fluorouracil 800mg/m(2) on days 1-4 intravenously repeated every 28days for 2-4 cycles, and combined IFRT. Elective nodal irradiation was not performed. Irradiation was applied only to the primary tumor and positive lymph nodes.

RESULTS

From September 2009 to July 2012, of the 63 patients enrolled, 58 were evaluable for response. The primary end point of isolated out-of-field loco-regional nodal recurrence was seen in only two patients. The expectant rate was assumed to be less than 5%. The threshold value was set as 10% to calculate the number of registrations. Progression-free and overall survival rates at 36months were 47.7% and 51.1%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 34.6months, and overall survival was 38.4months. Salvage surgery was tried for 11 patients (17.5%) due to residual or recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

The primary end point of the trial was demonstrated, indicating the efficacy of IFRT in the treatment of inoperable esophageal cancer mostly of squamous cell carcinoma.

MRI findings of radiation-induced myocardial damage in patients with oesophageal cancer

AIM

To evaluate radiation-induced myocardial damage after mediastinal radiotherapy using MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between May 2010 and April 2011, delayed contrast-enhanced MRI was performed for patients who had maintained a complete response to curative radiotherapy for oesophageal cancer for more than 6 months. The patients received radiotherapy with a median total dose of 66 Gy (60-70 Gy) for the primary tumour and metastatic lymph nodes. Images of MRI were analysed by a 17-segment method recommended by the American Heart Association. A segment included mainly in the 40 Gy dose line was defined as Segment 40 Gy, a segment included mainly in the 60 Gy dose line as Segment 60 Gy, and a segment out of the radiation fields as Segment OUT. The percentage of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was examined in those categories. The layer in which LGE was predominantly distributed was evaluated for each patient.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eight segments in 24 patients were analysed. The median interval from completion of radiotherapy to MRI was 23.5 months (range 6-88 months). LGE was detected in 12 of the 24 patients. LGE was detected in 15.38% of Segment 40 Gy cases, 21.21% of Segment 60 Gy cases, and 0% of Segment OUT cases. LGE in mid-myocardial and subendocardial layers was detected in 11 patients and one patient, respectively.

CONCLUSION

LGE suggesting radiation induced myocardial fibrosis was observed by performing delayed contrast-enhanced MRI. Care should be taken when planning radiotherapy to avoid late cardiac damage.

Efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl for the treatment of oral mucositis pain caused by chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Oral mucositis is one of the most painful side effects found in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with chemoradiotherapy. The transdermal route of administration is worthy of investigation for patients who suffer from dysphagia due to severe oral mucositis. In this phase 2 study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl (TDF) for mucositis pain caused by chemoradiotherapy in ESCC patients.

METHODS

Forty-six ESCC patients who experienced moderate to severe oral mucosal pain during chemoradiotherapy received TDF for pain relief. The assessment of pain was made according to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Efficacy and safety of TDF was collected and conducted in an open-label fashion. The analgesic effect, quality of life, and side effects were evaluated after the administration of transdermal fentanyl using the paired sample Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

The mucositis-induced pain disappeared in 31 (67.4 %) patients during the treatment with transdermal fentanyl with the median time of onset at day 6.6 (range 3-14). The median Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) score was reduced from 6 (range 3-9) before treatment to 4.5 (range 2-9), 3 (range 2-8), 2.5 (range 1-8), 2 (range 0-6), and 0 (range 0-4) on days 3, 6, 9, 11, and 15, respectively, after treatment (P < 0.001). The patients' quality of life also improved significantly (P < 0.01). The side effects of treatment were mild and disappeared within several days.

CONCLUSION

Transdermal fentanyl is an effective, convenient, and well-tolerated treatment for mucositis pain caused by chemoradiotherapy, which can improve ESCC patients' quality of life.