Spatial relationship of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance diffusion imaging metrics in cervical cancer

Background

This study investigated the spatial relationship of 2-deoxy-2-[¹⁸F]-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography ([¹⁸F]FDG-PET) standardized uptake values (SUVs) and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) derived from magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion imaging on a voxel level using simultaneously acquired PET/MR data.

We performed an institutional retrospective analysis of patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer who received a pre-treatment simultaneously acquired [¹⁸F]FDG-PET/MR. Voxel SUV and ADC values, and global tumor metrics including maximum SUV (SUV_max), mean ADC (ADC_mean), and mean tumor-to-muscle ADC ratio (ADC_T/M) were compared. The impacts of histology, grade, and tumor volume on the voxel SUV to ADC relationship were also evaluated. The potential prognostic value of the voxel SUV/ADC relationship was evaluated in an exploratory analysis using Kaplan-Meier/log-rank and univariate Cox analysis.

Results

Seventeen patients with PET/MR scans were identified. There was a significant inverse correlation between SUV_max and ADC_mean, and SUV_max and ADC_T/M. In the voxelwise analysis, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCAs) and poorly differentiated tumors showed a consistent significant inverse correlation between voxel SUV and ADC values; adenocarcinomas (AdenoCAs) and well/moderately differentiated tumors did not. The strength of the voxel SUV/ADC correlation varied with metabolic tumor volume (MTV). On log-rank analysis, the correlation between voxel SUV/ADC values was prognostic of disease-free survival (DFS).

Conclusions

In this hypothesis-generating study, a consistent inverse correlation between voxel SUV and ADC values was seen in SCCAs and poorly differentiated tumors. On univariate statistical analysis, correlation between voxel SUV and ADC values was prognostic for DFS.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13550-018-0403-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effectiveness of adjuvant radiotherapy after radical cystectomy for locally advanced bladder cancer

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Background: Local-regional failure (LF) for locally advanced bladder cancer (LABC) after radical cystectomy (RC) is common even with chemo and is associated with high morbidity/mortality. Adjuvant radiotherapy (adjRT) can reduce LF and may enhance overall survival (OS) but has no defined role. We hypothesized that the addition of adjRT would improve OS in LABC in a large multi-institutional cohort. Methods: We identified ≥pT3 pN0-3, M0 LABC pts in the NCDB diagnosed in 2004 – 2013 who underwent RC +/- adjRT. AdjRT cohort included pts treated to ≥40Gy to the pelvis within 1 yr of diagnosis. Propensity matching was performed to match RC pts who received adjRT vs. those who did not. OS was calculated using Kaplan-Meier. Factors significant on univariate analysis were entered into Cox proportional hazards regression model to identify predictors of OS. Results: 15,246 RC pts were identified, with 450 (3.0%) receiving adjRT. Median OS was 23.0 mo (95% CI, 22.4-23.6) for RC vs. 19.7 mo (95% CI, 17.7-21.7) for adjRT [Log-rank P = 0.002; Wilcoxon P = 0.862]. Propensity score matching on demographic, clinical, & treatment variables yielded 742 pts (371 in each group). In the matched cohort, OS was 17.1 mo [95%CI, 14.5 - 19.6] for RC vs. 20.1 mo [95% CI, 17.8– 22.5] for adjRT [Log-rank P = 0.044]. On MVA in the matched cohort, factors predictive of OS were sex, pT stage, pN+ status, surgical margin status, number of nodes removed, adjRT, & chemo (p < 0.01 for all). On MVA of subgroups, adjRT was associated with significantly improved OS in pts with positive margins [HR 0.55 (95% CI, 0.43 – 0.71), P < 0.001], pN+ disease [HR 0.62 (95% CI, 0.49 – 0.79), P < 0.001], & pT4 disease [HR 0.68 (95% CI, 0.55 – 0.85), P = 0.001]. In MVA of pts with urothelial carcinoma (N = 578), adjRT remained associated with improved OS in pts with positive margins [HR 0.57 (95% CI, 0.43 – 0.76), P < 0.001], pN+ disease [HR 0.65 (95% CI, 0.50 – 0.86), P = 0.002], & pT4 disease [HR 0.68 (95% CI, 0.54 – 0.85), P = 0.001]. Conclusions: In this observational study, adjRT was associated with improved OS in LABC. While the data should be interpreted cautiously, these results lend support to the use of adjRT in selected pts with LABC, regardless of histology. Prospective trials of adjRT are warranted.

Final results of a phase I dose-escalation, dose-expansion study of adding disulfiram with or without copper to adjuvant temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma

Disulfiram has shown promising activity including proteasome inhibitory properties and synergy with temozolomide in preclinical glioblastoma (GBM) models. In a phase I study for newly diagnosed GBM after chemoradiotherapy, we have previously reported our initial dose-escalation results combining disulfiram with adjuvant temozolomide and established the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) as 500 mg per day. Here we report the final results of the phase I study including an additional dose-expansion cohort of disulfiram with concurrent copper. The phase I study consisted of an initial dose-escalation phase of disulfiram 500-1000 mg daily during adjuvant temozolomide, followed by a dose-expansion phase of disulfiram 500 mg daily with copper 2 mg three times daily. Proteasome inhibition was assessed using fluorometric 20S proteasome assay on peripheral blood cell. A total of 18 patients were enrolled: 7 patients received 500 mg disulfiram, 5 patients received 1000 mg disulfiram, and 6 patients received 500 mg disulfiram with copper. Two dose-limiting toxicities occurred with 1000 mg disulfiram. At disulfiram 500 mg with or without copper, only 1 patient (7%) required dose-reduction during the first month of therapy. Addition of copper to disulfiram did not increase toxicity nor proteasome inhibition. The median progression-free survival was 4.5 months (95% CI 0.8-8.2). The median overall survival (OS) was 14.0 months (95% CI 8.3-19.6), and the 2-year OS was 24%. The MTD of disulfiram at 500 mg daily in combination with adjuvant temozolomide was well tolerated by GBM patients, but 1000 mg daily was not. Toxicity and pharmacodynamic effect of disulfiram were similar with or without concurrent copper. The clinical efficacy appeared to be comparable to historical data. Additional clinical trials to combine disulfiram and copper with chemoradiotherapy or to resensitize recurrent GBM to temozolomide are ongoing.

Quantitative FDG-PET/CT predicts local recurrence and survival for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus

Purpose

¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography–(PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging is used for staging and treatment planning of patients with anal cancer. Quantitative pre- and posttreatment metrics that are predictive of recurrence are unknown. We evaluated the association between pre- and posttreatment FDG-PET/CT parameters and outcomes for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA).

Methods and materials

The records of 110 patients treated between 2003 and 2013 with definitive radiation therapy for SCCA were reviewed under an institutional review board–approved protocol. The median radiation therapy dose was 50.4 Gy (range, 35-60 Gy). Concurrent chemotherapy was administered for 109 of 110 patients and generally consisted of 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C (n = 94). All patients underwent pretreatment FDG-PET/CT and 101 of 110 underwent posttreatment FDG-PET/CT 3 months after completion of radiation therapy. The maximum standard uptake value (SUV_max) was analyzed, in addition to multiple patient and treatment factors, by univariate and multivariate Cox regression for correlation with local recurrence (LR) and overall survival (OS).

Results

The median follow-up was 28.6 months. LR occurred in 1 of 15 (6.7%), 5 of 47 (10.6%), and 6 of 48 (12.5%) patients with stage I, II, and III disease, respectively. On univariate analysis, a significant association was observed between reduced LR and posttreatment SUV_max <6.1 (P = .0095) and between increased OS and posttreatment SUV_max <6.1 (P = .0086). On multivariate analysis, a significant association was observed between reduced LR and posttreatment SUV_max <6.1 (P = .0013) and the use of intensity modulated radiation therapy (P < .001). A significant multivariate association was observed between increased OS and posttreatment SUV_max <6.1 (P = .0373) and the use of 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin C chemotherapy (P = .001).

Conclusion

Posttreatment SUV_max <6.1 is associated with reduced LR and increased OS after chemoradiation therapy for SCCA independent of T and N stage on multivariate analysis. Greater follow-up is required to confirm this association with late patterns of failure.

Heart Dose Is an Independent Dosimetric Predictor of Overall Survival in Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

INTRODUCTION

In the randomized trial of standard- versus high-dose chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced (LA) NSCLC (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0617), overall survival (OS) was worse in the high-dose arm. Although heart dose was suggested as a contributing factor, actionable parameters have not been established. We present an analysis of clinical and dosimetric parameters affecting OS in this patient population, focusing on heart dose.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected on 416 patients with LA NSCLC treated at a single institution, with a subset of 333 available treatment plans recontoured using Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0617 normal tissue guidelines. Toxicity and dosimetry data were analyzed for 322 patients; multivariate analysis was performed on 251 patients. Dosimetric parameters of radiation to tumor and organs at risk were analyzed with clinical data pertaining to OS, disease-free survival, and toxicity.

RESULTS

Patients were treated with radiation therapy to prescribed doses of 50.0 to 84.9 Gy (median 66.0 Gy). Median follow-up was 14.5 months. Median OS was 16.8 months. The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 61.4% and 38.8%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with worse OS were increasing heart V₅₀ (volume receiving ≥50 Gy), heart volume, lung V₅ (proportion of the lung structure [excluding the target volume]) receiving at least 5 Gy), bilateral mediastinal lymph node involvement, and lack of concurrent chemotherapy. When stratified by heart V₅₀ less than 25% versus 25% or greater, the 1-year OS rates were 70.2% versus 46.8% and the 2-year OS rates were 45.9% versus 26.7% (p < 0.0001). Median heart V₅₀ was significantly higher (20.8% versus 13.9%, p < 0.0001) for patients with cardiac toxicity with a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade of 1 or higher.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart dose is associated with OS and cardiac toxicity for patients with LA NSCLC treated with chemoradiotherapy.

Valproic acid enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy by protecting normal hippocampal neurons and sensitizing malignant glioblastoma cells

Neurocognitive deficits are serious sequelae that follow cranial irradiation used to treat patients with medulloblastoma and other brain neoplasms. Cranial irradiation causes apoptosis in the subgranular zone of the hippocampus leading to cognitive deficits. Valproic acid (VPA) treatment protected hippocampal neurons from radiation-induced damage in both cell culture and animal models. Radioprotection was observed in VPA-treated neuronal cells compared to cells treated with radiation alone. This protection is specific to normal neuronal cells and did not extend to cancer cells. In fact, VPA acted as a radiosensitizer in brain cancer cells. VPA treatment induced cell cycle arrest in cancer cells but not in normal neuronal cells. The level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax was reduced in VPA treated normal cells. VPA inhibited the activities of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), the latter of which is only inhibited in normal cells. The combination of VPA and radiation was most effective in inhibiting tumor growth in heterotopic brain tumor models. An intracranial orthotopic glioma tumor model was used to evaluate tumor growth by using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE MRI) and mouse survival following treatment with VPA and radiation. VPA, in combination with radiation, significantly delayed tumor growth and improved mouse survival. Overall, VPA protects normal hippocampal neurons and not cancer cells from radiation-induced cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo. VPA treatment has the potential for attenuating neurocognitive deficits associated with cranial irradiation while enhancing the efficiency of glioma radiotherapy.

Prospective phase I study of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine with concurrent MR-guided IMRT in patients with locally advanced or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer

TPS480

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) for locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (LABPC) is controversial as potential local control benefits are often obscured by high rates of distant progression. However, local failure remains a significant cause of morbidity among patients without distant progression after initial chemotherapy, although toxicity concerns may limit delivery of optimal systemic therapy concurrent with RT. Given known systemic efficacy and radiosensitization effects of nab-paclitaxel (A) with gemcitabine (G), we initiated a phase I study of nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine (AG) and concurrent intensity modulated radiation therapy with magnetic resonance guidance (MR-IMRT) for LABPC. Methods: A planned 24 patients with LABPC will be enrolled to a phase I dose escalation trial using the Time-to-Event Continual Reassessment Method (TITE-CRM) design. Following one lead-in cycle of GA, MR-IMRT is administered daily with concurrent weekly GA for a total of 25 fractions in 5 weeks. The initial dose levels for RT and AG, respectively, are: 40 Gy MR-IMRT, 75 mg/m2 A and 600mg/m2 G. The maximum possible dose level is 60 Gy MR-IMRT, 100mg/m2 A and 1000mg/m2 G. To reduce toxicity risk, MR-IMRT volumes include the primary tumor only, with cine-MR used for intra-fraction tumor tracking in place of fiducial markers. The primary endpoint is determination of the maximum tolerated dose level, with secondary endpoints including rate of conversion to resectable disease, progression- free survival, overall survival, and patient reported quality of life. Clinical trial information: NCT02283372.

Outcomes and patient-related reported urinary toxicity of low dose rate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer

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Background: Brachytherapy (BT) is a common treatment modality for localized prostate cancer (LPCa). Here we report our institutional outcomes and patient-reported genitourinary (GU) toxicity following BT for LPCa. Methods: Medical records of patients with LPCa treated with low dose rate (LDR) BT at our institution from 1997-2011 were reviewed. BT prescriptions were 145 Gray (Gy) and 109Gy for mono- and combined iodine 125 (125I) therapy, and 125Gy and 100Gy for mono- and combined palladium 103 (103Pd) therapy. Biochemical failure was defined by the Phoenix definition. Kaplan Meier curves were used to compare biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS). Patient-reported GU toxicity was evaluated by the American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUAS), and results binned into three time intervals, 1, 6, and 12 months post-BT. Repeated measures analysis determined a trend in AUAS score over time. Effect of age as a continuous variable, prostate specific antigen, Gleason score, clinical T stage, combined external beam radiotherapy + BT and use of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (nADT) on AUAS score was determined. Results: Of 459 patients identified, 400 received BT monotherapy and 8% received nADT. Median follow-up was 5.8 years. Nine-year bRFS, MFS, and OS were 92.8%, 97.9%, and 79.7%. Pretreatment AUAS scores were available for 252 patients. For 69 patients with all four values, median baseline AUAS scores rose from 6 to 14 at one month following BT (p < 0.0001). AUAS scores did not change from one-month to 6 months post-BT (p = 0.99), but decreased to a median of 8 (p < 0.0001) by 12 months post-BT. In the 69 patients with all values, no factors were found significant for change in AUAS scores. For 252 patients with pre-treatment AUAS and at least one additional value (assuming values missing at random), analysis revealed older age and use of nADT were associated with higher AUAS scores at all time points. Conclusions: LDRBT for LPCa offers excellent bRFS, MFS, and OS. AUAS scores rose in the first 6 months following BT but returned to pre-treatment baseline by 12 months post-BT. Older age and nADT use may be associated with higher AUAS scores.

Lymphovascular space invasion and lack of downstaging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are strong predictors of adverse outcome in young women with locally advanced breast cancer

Younger age diagnosis of breast cancer is a predictor of adverse outcome. Here, we evaluate prognostic factors in young women with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). We present a retrospective review of 104 patients younger than 40 years with LABC treated with surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy from 2003 to 2014. Patient‐, tumor‐, and treatment‐related factors important for overall survival (OS), local/regional recurrence (LRR), distant metastasis (DM), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were evaluated. Mean age at diagnosis was 34 years (23–39 years) with a median follow‐up of 47 months (8–138 months). Breast‐conserving surgery was performed in 27%. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 85%. Sixty percent of patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 19% achieving pathologic complete response (pCR), and 61% downstaged. Lymph node positivity was present in 91% and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in 35%. Thirty‐two percent of patients had triple negative tumors (TN, ER‐/PR‐/HER2 nonamplified). Four‐year OS and RFS was 84% and 71%, respectively. Factors associated with worse OS on multivariate analysis include TN status, LVSI, and number of positive lymph nodes. LVSI was also associated with DM and LRR, as well as worse RFS. Downstaging was associated with improved 4 year RFS in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (74% vs. 38%, P = 0.002). With high risks of recurrence and inferior OS compared to older women, breast cancer in young women can be difficult to treat. Among additional factors, presence of LVSI and lack of downstaging portends a particularly worse prognosis.

It's never too late: Smoking cessation after stereotactic body radiation therapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma improves overall survival

PURPOSE

As stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as a quick, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), it can be difficult to convince patients to quit smoking in follow-up. We evaluated whether there was a survival benefit to smoking cessation after SBRT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with early-stage NSCLC treated from 2004 to 2013 who were still smoking tobacco at the time of SBRT were identified from a prospective institutional review board-approved registry. Peripheral tumors were treated to 54 Gy in 3 fractions and central tumors to 50 Gy in 5 fractions. Patients were reviewed for overall survival (OS) and disease progression. The log-rank and Cox regression tests were used to identify factors predictive of OS.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (27%) quit smoking after SBRT, and 87 (73%) continued smoking. Median follow-up was 22 months (range, 2-87). On multivariate analysis, smoking status (hazard ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-4.2; P = .045), increasing age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score and larger tumor size were predictive of worse OS. The prior number of cigarette pack-years was not significant (P = .62). In a Kaplan-Meier comparison, smoking cessation after SBRT was associated with improved 2-year OS, 78% versus 69% (P = .014). There was no significant difference in 2-year progression-free survival (75% vs 55%, P = .23) or local control (97% vs 88%, P = .63).

CONCLUSION

OS is significantly improved in patients who stop smoking after SBRT for early-stage NSCLC, no matter their previous smoking history. Encouraging smoking cessation should be an important part of every posttreatment visit.

Pretreatment diffusion weighted imaging for clinical outcome assessment in patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation for pancreatic adenocarcinoma

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Background: Factors predicting patterns of failure for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) are not well-established. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is useful in predicting recurrence for other gastrointestinal malignancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for correlation between tumor DWI parameters and clinical outcomes following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: From 2009 to 2013, 27 patients with locally advanced (n=14), borderline resectable (n=12) or resectable (n=1) PDA underwent CRT. All patients received upfront FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy prior to CRT, and gemcitabine (median weekly dose 800 mg/m2) concurrent with radiotherapy. DWI was obtained during radiotherapy treatment planning, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were generated to allow determination of median tumor ADC. Tumor-directed CRT was administered with respiratory gated intensity modulated radiation therapy, 55Gy in 25 fractions without elective nodal coverage. Patients were followed by imaging every 2-3 months. Log rank test was used to estimate an optimal ADC cut-point of 1.4*10-3mm2/sec based on distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS). Analysis of local recurrence was not performed due to limited events. The log-rank test was used to evaluate differences in outcome between groups based on ADC classification. Results: The median time to last follow-up from completion of CRT was 9.7 months for all patients and 11 months among living patients. 5 patients underwent resection following CRT. The 1-year DMFS for patients with median ADC<1.4*10-3mm2/sec was 79.5 percent, compared to 47.6 percent for those with median ADC >1.4. The 1-year OS for patients with median ADC<1.4 was 100 percent, compared to 46.3 percent for those with median ADC >1.4. Both DMFS (p=.041) and OS (p=.003) were significantly improved on log-rank test for ADC<1.4 compared to ADC>1.4. Conclusions: A correlation was observed between DWI parameters and clinical outcomes for PDA. Further prospective study should be explored to validate DWI as a prognostic imaging biomarker.

Matched pair analysis of sequential short course radiotherapy and FOLFOX chemotherapy as preoperative therapy for rectal cancer compared to neoadjuvant long course chemoradiotherapy

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Background: A recently completed institutional phase II trial evaluated near-total neoadjuvant therapy (nTNT) for locally advanced rectal cancer using short course radiotherapy (SCRT) followed by four cycles of FOLFOX prior to total mesorectal excision (TME). A matched pair analysis is presented to compare clinical outcomes for nTNT with conventional chemoradiotherapy (CRT), TME, and postoperative chemotherapy (CT) for patients treated at our institution. Methods: 80 patients with cT3-4N0-2M0-1 rectal adenocarcinoma planned for resection of all tumor enrolled on a phase II study of preoperative SCRT (25 Gy to the involved mesorectum, 20 Gy to elective nodes, in 5 fractions) followed by four cycles of mFOLFOX6 before TME, with 6-8 cycles of adjuvant FOLFOX suggested. 69 patients with cM0 disease comprised the study cohort for this analysis. Patients treated with conventional CRT, followed by TME and adjuvant CT (63% ≥4 cycles adjuvant FOLFOX) were identified and matched 2:1 for exact cTNM stage. Kaplan-Meier with log-rank analysis was used to compare local control (LC), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), disease free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS), and two-tailed Mann-Whitney and Chi-squared tests used to compare cohort characteristics. Results: Median follow-up was 26 and 49 months for the study and control groups, respectively. Median age (57 vs. 55 years, p = 0.98) and distance from the anorectal ring (6 vs. 5 cm, p = 0.16) were similar for study and control groups, respectively. Pathologic complete response (pCR) and T-downstaging rates were 30% vs. 23% (p = 0.26) and 75% vs 50% (p = 0.001) in the study and match cohort, respectively. Actuarial 2-year LC (97% vs. 98%, p = 0.69) and OS (100% vs. 95% at 2 years, p = 0.57) were similar between the study and control groups, respectively. Two-year DMFS (94% vs. 80%, p = 0.016) and DFS (94% vs. 80%, p = 0.027) were significantly better in the study cohort. Conclusions: Controlling for institutional bias, exact cTNM stage, and tumor location, nTNT resulted in increased T-downstaging, superior DMFS and DFS, and similar LC and OS compared to conventional CRT.

Eliminating radiotherapy to the contralateral retropharyngeal and high level II lymph nodes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is safe and improves quality of life

BACKGROUND

Radiation treatment volumes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are controversial. The authors report the outcomes, patterns of failure, and quality of life (QOL) of patients who received treatment for HNSCC using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) that eliminated the treatment of contralateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RPLNs) in the clinically uninvolved neck.

METHODS

A prospective institutional database was used to identify patients who had primary oral cavity, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and unknown primary HNSCC for which they received IMRT. There were 3 temporal groups (generations 1-3). Generation 1 received comprehensive neck IMRT with parotid sparing, generation 2 eliminated the contralateral high level II (HLII) lymph nodes, and generation 3 further eliminated the contralateral RPLNs in the clinically uninvolved neck. Patterns of failure and survival analyses were completed, and QOL data measured using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory were compared in a subset of patients from generations 1 and 3.

RESULTS

In total, 748 patients were identified. Of the 488 patients who received treatment in generation 2 or 3, 406 had a clinically uninvolved contralateral neck. There were no failures in the spared RPLNs (95% confidence interval, 0%-1.3%) or in the high contralateral neck (95% confidence interval, 0%-0.7%). QOL data were compared between 44 patients in generation 1 and 51 patients in generation 3. QOL improved both globally and in all domains assessed for generation 3, in which reduced radiotherapy volumes were used (P < .007).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with locally advanced HNSCC, eliminating coverage to the contralateral HLII lymph nodes and contralateral RPLNs in the clinically uninvolved side of the neck is associated with minimal risk of failure in these regions and significantly improved patient-reported QOL.

A retrospective analysis of survival and prognostic factors after stereotactic radiosurgery for aggressive meningiomas

BACKGROUND

While most meningiomas are benign, aggressive meningiomas are associated with high levels of recurrence and mortality. A single institution's Gamma Knife radiosurgical experience with atypical and malignant meningiomas is presented, stratified by the most recent WHO classification.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients with atypical and 4 patients with malignant meningiomas treated with Gamma Knife radiosurgery between July 2000 and July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent prior surgical resection. Overall survival was the primary endpoint and rate of disease recurrence in the brain was a secondary endpoint. Patients who had previous radiotherapy or prior surgical resection were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate survival and identify factors predictive of recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

Post-Gamma Knife recurrence was identified in 11 patients (31.4%) with a median overall survival of 36 months and progression-free survival of 25.8 months. Nine patients (25.7%) had died. Three-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 78.0% and 65.0%, respectively. WHO grade II 3-year OS and PFS were 83.4% and 70.1%, while WHO grade III 3-year OS and PFS were 33.3% and 0%. Recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with a prior history of benign meningioma, nuclear atypia, high mitotic rate, spontaneous necrosis, and WHO grade III diagnosis on univariate analysis; only WHO grade III diagnosis was significant on multivariate analysis. Overall survival was adversely affected in patients with WHO grade III diagnosis, prior history of benign meningioma, prior fractionated radiotherapy, larger tumor volume, and higher isocenter number on univariate analysis; WHO grade III diagnosis and larger treated tumor volume were significant on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Atypical and anaplastic meningiomas remain difficult tumors to treat. WHO grade III diagnosis and treated tumor volume were significantly predictive of recurrence and survival on multivariate analysis in aggressive meningioma patients treated with radiosurgery. Larger tumor size predicts poor survival, while nuclear atypia, necrosis, and increased mitotic rate are risk factors for recurrence. Clinical and pathologic predictors may help identify patients that are at higher risk for recurrence.

A prospective longitudinal clinical trial evaluating quality of life after breast-conserving surgery and high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy for early-stage breast cancer

PURPOSE

To prospectively examine quality of life (QOL) of patients with early stage breast cancer treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) using high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between March 2004 and December 2008, 151 patients with early stage breast cancer were enrolled in a phase 2 prospective clinical trial. Eligible patients included those with Tis-T2 tumors measuring ≤3 cm excised with negative surgical margins and with no nodal involvement. Patients received 3.4 Gy twice daily to a total dose of 34 Gy. QOL was measured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, version 3.0, and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were evaluated during pretreatment and then at 6 to 8 weeks, 3 to 4 months, 6 to 8 months, and 1 and 2 years after treatment.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 55 months. Breast symptom scores remained stable in the months after treatment, and they significantly improved 6 to 8 months after treatment. Scores for emotional functioning, social functioning, and future perspective showed significant improvement 2 years after treatment. Symptomatic fat necrosis was associated with several changes in QOL, including increased pain, breast symptoms, systemic treatment side effects, dyspnea, and fatigue, as well as decreased role functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

HDR multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy was well tolerated, with no significant detrimental effect on measured QOL scales/items through 2 years of follow-up. Compared to pretreatment scores, there was improvement in breast symptoms, emotional functioning, social functioning, and future perspective 2 years after treatment.

Survival following gamma knife radiosurgery for brain metastasis from breast cancer

Background

Breast cancer is the second most common cause of brain metastases in the United States. Although breast cancer induced brain metastases represent an incurable condition, some patients experience prolonged survival. In this retrospective study, we examine a cohort of patients with brain metastases from breast cancer treated with Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery to identify factors that predict better outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective database of 100 patients treated for brain metastases due to breast cancer via Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) from July 1998 through March 2009 was reviewed. Patients who received radiosurgery as sole treatment, as a planned boost after whole brain radiotherapy or surgical resection, or as salvage after prior whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) or surgical resection were included. Prognostic factors identified to be significant for survival in previous brain metastasis studies were analyzed for significance by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis.

Results

Overall, the median brain progression-free survival time was 7.1 months and the median survival time was 12.3 months. No prognostic variables were significant for brain progression-free survival. For patients treated with a planned GKS after WBRT, GKS as sole treatment, GKS salvage after WBRT, GKS boost after surgery, or GKS for surgical salvage the median survival times (MSTs) were as follows: 12.2 months, 12.4 months, 9.5 months, 27.6 months and 33.4 months respectively. Differences between the groups were not significant (p = 0.06); however, GKS boost after surgery and GKS for salvage after surgery did have a trend toward better overall survival.

The MST for patients of age <65 years was 14.5 months, compared to age ≥65 which was 7.7 months (p = 0.06) and remained a significant prognostic factor for overall survival on multivariate analysis. The MST for patients with a single lesion was 16.9 months, not significantly different than the MST of 14.5 months for patients with 2–3 lesions. However patients with >3 lesions had a MST of 5.9 months, which was significantly worse. Breast cancer subtype as approximated by biomarkers and KPS were not significant predictors of overall survival and stage at initial diagnosis was inversely associated with survival.

Conclusion

Stereotactic radiosurgery offers good local control and prolonged survival in selected patients. Age and number of lesions are strong predictors of overall survival.

Comparison of accelerated partial breast irradiation via multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy versus whole breast radiation

Background

Brachytherapy as adjuvant treatment for early-stage breast cancer has become widely available and offers patients an expedited treatment schedule. Given this, many women are electing to undergo brachytherapy in lieu of standard fractionation radiotherapy. We compare outcomes between patients treated with accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) via multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy versus patients who were also eligible for and offered APBI but who chose whole breast radiation (WBI).

Methods

Patients treated from December 2002 through May 2007 were reviewed. Selection criteria included patients with pTis-T2N0 disease, ≤ 3 cm unifocal tumors, and negative margins who underwent breast conservation surgery. Local control (LC), cause-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

202 patients were identified in the APBI cohort and 94 patients in the WBI cohort. Median follow-up for both groups exceeded 60 months. LC was 97.0% for the APBI cohort and 96.2% for the WBI cohort at 5 years (ns). Classification by 2010 ASTRO APBI consensus statement categories did not predict worse outcomes.

Conclusion

APBI via multicatheter interstitial brachytherapy provides similar local failure rates compared to WBI at 5 years for properly selected patients. Excellent results were seen despite the high fraction of younger patients (< 60 years old) and patients with DCIS.