Extrapulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma - a Case Series of Oropharyngeal and Esophageal Primary Sites Treated with Chemo-Radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The optimal sequence and extent of multimodality therapy remains to be defined for extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma because of its rarity. The purpose of our study was to assess the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation/radiation in patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four consecutively diagnosed patients were included in this study. The primary tumor site was oropharynx in three patients and esophagus in one. The patients with the limited disease were treated with chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation (n=2) or radiotherapy (n=1). The patient with the extensive disease with the primary site in vallecula was treated with chemotherapy and palliative radiotherapy to the metastatic site.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 22.5 months (range, 8-24 months). Three patients with the limited disease (base of tongue, n=2; esophagus, n=1) were in complete remission. The patient with the extensive disease died of loco-regional tumor progression at 8 months from the time of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy is the preferred therapeutic approach for patients with extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma. Induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation or radiation provides a good loco-regional control in patients with limited disease.

Head and neck extra nodal NHL (HNENL)--Treatment Outcome and Pattern of failure--A Single Institution Experience

BACKGROUND

Extra nodal lymphoma (ENL) constitutes about 33 % of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. 18-28% develops in the head and neck region. A multimodality treatment with multi-agent chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT) is considered optimum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrieved the treatment charts of patients of HNENL treated in our institute from 2001-2012. The charts were reviewed and the demographic, treatment details and outcome of HNENL patients were retrieved using predesigned pro-forma.

RESULTS

We retrieved data of 75 consecutive patients HNENL. Median age was 47 years (Range: 8-76 years). Of the 75 patients 51 were male and 24 were female. 55 patients were evaluable. The patient and tumor characteristics are summarized in Table 1. All patients were staged comprehensively with contrast enhanced computed tomography of head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and bone marrow aspiration and biopsy 66 patients received a combination multi-agent CT with CHOP being the commonest regimen. 42 patients received 4 or lesser number of cycles of chemotherapy whereas 24 received more than 4 cycles chemotherapy. Post radiotherapy, 41 out of 42 patients had a complete response at 3 months. Only 21 patients had a complete response after chemotherapy. All patients received radiation (mostly involved field radiation) as a part of the treatment. The median radiation dose was 45 Gray (Range: 36 Gray-50 Gray). The radiation was planned by 2D fluoro simulation based technique in 37 cases and by 3 Dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) in 36 cases. Two patients were planned by the intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. IMRT was planned for one thyroid and one nasal cavity primary. 5 patients experienced relapse after a median follow up of 19 months. The median survival was not reached. The estimated two and three year survival were 92.9% (95%CI-68.6-95.35) and 88% (95%CI-60.82-92.66) respectively. Univariate analysis revealed higher stage and poorer baseline performance status to be significantly associated with worse progression free survival. 5 patients progressed (relapse or primary disease progression) after treatment. Of the 5 patients, two patients were primary orbital NHL, two patients had NHL nasal cavity and one was NHL thyroid.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined modality treatment in HNENL confers excellent disease control with acceptable side effects.

Porocarcinoma scalp with high risk features treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy: A case report and review of literature

Eccrine porocarcinoma is a rare malignant sweat gland tumor arising from the intra dermal part of the gland and accounts for only 0.005% of all epithelial cutaneous tumors. Commonly involved site includes extremities and face. Scalp is a rare site for porocarcinoma with less than 20 reported cases so far. Wide local excision with clear margins remains the treatment of choice. Review of literature revealed a local recurrence rate of 37.5% and a nodal involvement risk of 20%. Porocarcinoma of the scalp is peculiar in that the primary tumor may be large at presentation, making surgery with adequate margins difficult. Adjuvant radiotherapy must be considered in a case to case basis due to the high local recurrence rates compared to other sites of porocarcinoma and should be given to all patients with close margins and extra capsular extension.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of head and neck: A single institutional analysis of 66 patients treated with multi-modality approach

Background:

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) accounts for 1% of all head and neck (HN) cancers.

Materials and Methods:

Demographic, clinical, treatment, and survival details of 66 patients were collected (1995-2011) and analyzed. Disease-free survival (DFS) was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

Primary disease sites were sinonasal (n = 27), salivary gland (n = 30), and others (n = 9). Median follow-up was 23 months (range: 12-211 months). Estimated DFS at 2- and 5-year were 75% and 67.2%, respectively. On univariate analysis, intra-cranial extension (ICE) (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.59, P = 0.0071), lymph node involvement (HR: 4.05, P = 0.0065), treatment modality (others vs. surgery plus adjuvant radiotherapy, HR: 2.39, P = 0.0286) and T stage (T3/4 vs. T1/2, HR: 3.27, P = 0.007) had significant impact on DFS. Lymph node involvement (P = 0.038) and ICE (P = 0.038) continued to have significant impact on DFS on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

Surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy remains the treatment of choice for HN ACC. Lymph node involvement and ICE confer poor prognosis.

Pediatric head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Report of 12 cases and illustrated review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Head and neck carcinoma is a very rare entity in pediatric age group. We here present the demography, treatment and outcome of 12 pediatric patients.

METHODOLOGY

We retrieved the treatment charts of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (PHNSCC). We also retrieved the published literature of pediatric HNSCC to present the treatment modalities being delivered across institutes.

RESULTS

We found 12 patients registered with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Median age of the entire cohort was 17 years (Range: 8-20). Gender predilection was skewed in favor of male (male:female ratio-11:1). Oral tongue 3(25%) was the commonest sub site followed by soft palate 2(17%) gingiva 2 (17%), supra glottis larynx 2(17%) and one each of hard palate, buccal mucosa, floor of mouth (8.25% each). The most commonly employed modality of treatment was surgery in 6(50%). Radiation was used in seven cases: 7(Adjuvant-4, Radical-3). Two patients received radical chemo-radiation. Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy was used in two cases. Median follow up duration was 2 years (Range: 6 months to 8 years). One patient recurred 6 months post completion of radical chemo-radiation. The patient with recurrent disease had soft palate primary and had isolated local recurrence. The patient was salvaged with surgery and was disease free at the last follow up. At the last follow up all patients were surviving without disease.

CONCLUSION

The treatment and survival are not much different in pediatric patients compared to adult counterpart. However, in the absence of molecular profiling it is difficult to assess the cause of development of SCC in pediatric patients. A detailed study of underlying molecular pathway will further guide the future treatment.

Small cell carcinoma of the lung in a treated case of Myoepithelial carcinoma of the tongue--report of a rare case with illustrated review of the literature

Myoepithelial carcinoma has rarely been reported in the oral cavity and oropharynx. We found only 6 cases of myoepithelioma of the tongue reported till date. Two cases had a benign myoepithelioma; four had epithelial-Myoepithelial carcinoma. The present case had malignant myoepithelioma, a distinct entity from other histologies.

Outcome of surgery and post-operative radiotherapy for major salivary gland carcinoma: ten year experience from a single institute

AIMS

To determine the clinical characteristics, pathological features, local and distant failure patterns in patients with carcinoma of major salivary glands treated with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 106 cases of major salivary gland tumor seen at our centre (1998-2008). Sixty five cases of major salivary gland carcinoma were selected for analysis (exclusions: benign, palliative, non-carcinomas). The patient population treated by surgery and PORT was divided into two groups: 1) Patients who underwent surgery and immediate PORT (Primary PORT); 2) Patients with recurrent carcinoma who underwent at least two surgeries and received PORT in the immediate post-operative period of the last performed surgery (Recurrent PORT). Recurrence free survival (RFS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Median age was 35 years with a male: female ratio of 1.3:1. The majority of cancers were located in the parotid gland (86.2%) and the most common histology was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (43%). Thirty nine cases (60%) were primary while 26 (40%) were recurrent. Optimal surgery was performed in 59/65 patients (90.8%). 43 patients (66.2%) underwent neck dissection, of which 14 (32.5%) had nodal metastasis. Overall, 61 (93.8%) patients complied with the prescribed radiotherapy. Median dose of PORT was 60 Gy. Median follow-up was 13.1 months (range 2-70). Relapse free survival was 50.4% at 60 months. Some 12 cases (18.5%) recurred with a median time to recurrence of 16.9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery and PORT is an effective treatment for major salivary gland carcinoma with over 90% compliance and <20% recurrence. Early treatment with postoperative radiotherapy may increase the survival rate in major salivary gland carcinoma patients.

Esthesioneuroblastoma with large intracranial extension treated with Induction chemotherapy, de-bulking surgery and image guided intensity modulated radiotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare tumour of the sino-nasal tract. One-third cases present with intracranial extension. However, treatment options are limited for such cases.

METHODOLOGY

We herein report a case with large intracranial extension treated with Induction chemotherapy, de-bulking surgery, and image guided intensity modulated radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The patient was treated with IGIMRT technique to a dose of 64 Gy in 32 fractions. Cone bean CT verification was done twice a week to eliminate set up error. The patient achieved complete resolution of the disease and was disease free 6 months after completion of treatment.

CONCLUSION

IGIMRT even after a de-bulking surgery may help to achieve long-term disease control for patients with large intracranial extension with minimal morbidity.

Pattern of microbial organisms in radiation induced mucositis and dermatitis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with radiation (RT)/chemo radiation (CTRT)

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Background: Mucositis and dermatitis complicated by bacterial and fungal infections are common in patients undergoing RT/CTRT. We intended to assess spectrum of microbial organisms in skin and oral swabs, rationality of antibiotics/anti-fungal (AB/F), toxicities, hospitalization and treatment delays. Methods: This was a prospective, single arm observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. 25 patients undergoing RT or CTRT from January 2014 to June 2014 were included. Patients were subjected to skin-wound and oral swab gram stain, potassium hydroxide mount, bacterial and fungal culture with sensitivity. Results: Median age was 54 years (30-69). Male: female ratio 1.5:1. Primary site: tongue 5 (20%), palate 5 (20%), tonsil, pyriform-sinus 4 (16%) each, buccal-mucosa, alveolus 2 (8%) each, EAC, nasopharynx, RMT one each (12%). 24 2D (96%) and 1 (4%) 3D planning. Feeding tube required for one (4%). 16 received concurrent cisplatin (40mg/m2 weekly), median 3 cycles. At median dose 48 (16-68 Gy) patients were referred for toxicities. Grade III,IV dermatitis were in 5(20%), 1(4%) respectively.Grade III,IV mucositis was 5(20%), 0(0%) respectively. Median laboratory parameters: hemoglobin 10.5, TLC 6350, albumin3.6 and globulin 2.8. Spectrum of organisms isolated is tabulated below. In GPC, specific isolate was Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus 2, beta hemolytic streptococcus one. Four required i.v antibiotics. 3 received i.v ciprofloxacin 200mg BD and i.v metronidazole 500mg TDS, one required i.v cefoperazone-sulbactam 2 gm BD (7 days); rest 21 had adequate relief with topical antibiotics (metronidazole TDS) or antifungal (clotrimazole mouth paint TDS) alone for 7 days. Median duration of hospital stay was 10 days (2-16). Treatment interruption was in 6 ranging 6-10 days. Conclusions: Topical AB/F with adequate hydration can provide adequate symptom relief and avoid treatment interruption for mucositis and dermatitis. [Table: see text]

Squamous cell carcinoma of larynx in an 8-year-old child: successful management with chemo-radiation

Incidence of laryngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) in childhood is rare, more so in children below 10 years of age. Due to the rarity of the disease and nonspecific symptoms diagnosis often gets delayed. Treatment is challenging and demands expert multi-modality care. We describe the clinico-pathologic findings and management of laryngeal cancer with chemo-radiation in an 8-year-old male. After 18 months of completion of treatment the child is in complete remission clinically and radiologically. This report aims at increasing awareness of head and neck SCC in paediatric population and also underscores the importance of multi-modality care in managing such cases.

Potential opportunities to reduce cervical cancer by addressing risk factors other than HPV

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in developing world and 80% of global burden is reported from these nations. Human papillomavirus along with poverty, illiteracy/lower education level and standards, multi-parity, tobacco, malnutrition and poor genital hygiene may act synergistically to cause cervical cancer. Risk factor of cervical cancer may in itself be the reason for non-viability of cervical cancer vaccine program in this part of the world. Interventions to address these risk factors in addition to vaccination of girls before their sexual debut may hold promises of reducing the morbidity and mortality of female genital cancers.

Of the Relationship between Population and Development: Need to Stop Vilifying the People

The world population recently touched seven billion and as expected, there was an outpouring of concern over how burgeoning population was the biggest stumbling block for our development. There is a well-entrenched notion in the popular perception of the laity and the policy establishment that it is burgeoning population that is the biggest hindrance in the development of the country. This perception has often led to vilification of the people who are the biggest victims of the lack of development. Consequently, there has been an imposition of a population policy that concentrates only on population stabilization through family planning measures. The article builds its argument by tracing the history and ideological roots of the conventional thinking on population policy. It further relies on data regarding historical trends in population growth to establish the close relationship between development phases in human civilization and its population dynamics. Data on the relationship between population growth and availability of resources are also examined. Population policies around much of the world have privileged fertility control measures over the overall socio-economic development. The frustration engendered by such an approach has led to greater adoption of overt and covert coercion to limit population sizes. The article emphasizes the need for a more nuanced population policy. There is a need to broaden the concept of unmet need from that of a narrow techno-centric approach to include the developmental needs of the people.