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Wang YF, Chang CJ, Lin CP, Chang SY, Chu PY, Tai SK, Li WY, Chao KSC, Chen YJ. Expression of hedgehog signaling molecules as a prognostic indicator of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2012; 34:1556-61. [PMID: 22287313 DOI: 10.1002/hed.21958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have indicated hedgehog pathway plays a role in carcinogenesis of certain cancers. We investigated the clinical significance of its signaling components, including Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Patched (Ptch), and Gli-1, in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS By immunohistochemistry, we determined Shh, Ptch, and Gli-1 expression in surgical specimens from 40 patients with OSCC. The relationship between expression of these molecules and clinicopathologic variables were assessed by chi-square analysis. Statistical difference of survival was compared using log-rank test. RESULTS Ptch overexpression was associated with lymphatic metastasis (p = .028). Nuclear Gli-1 overexpression correlated with primary tumor size (p = .001), lymphatic metastasis (p = .011), and tumor recurrence (p = .008). Overexpression of Ptch (p = .020) or Gli-1 (p = .002) in OSCC indicated poor prognosis in the univariate survival analysis. CONCLUSION Our results suggest sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway plays an important role in OSCC progression and should be considered a potential therapeutic target.
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Patel PS, Yan W, Trichter S, Sabbas A, Rosenblatt R, Drotman MB, Swistel A, Clifford Chao KS, Nori D, Hayes MK. Seroma is an Expected Consequence and not a Complication of MammoSite Brachytherapy. Breast J 2011; 17:498-502. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4741.2011.01127.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Parashar B, Wernicke AG, Pavese A, Singh P, Trichter S, Sabbas A, Kutler DI, Kuhel W, Port JL, Lee PC, Nori D, Chao KSC. Cesium-131 permanent seed brachytherapy: dosimetric evaluation and radiation exposure to surgeons, radiation oncologists, and staff. Brachytherapy 2011; 10:508-13. [PMID: 21640663 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cesium-131 ((131)Cs) radioactive seed is Food and Drug Administration approved for permanent seed implant for all cancers, including lung and head and neck (HN) cancers. We describe the first clinical report of (131)Cs dosimetry and exposure rates to treating physicians and staff. METHODS AND MATERIALS Twenty-eight patients received (131)Cs implant for early stage lung and recurrent HN cancers. A nomogram was developed to calculate the number of seeds needed to cover the wedge line with the prescription dose (80 Gy). Final dosimetry was obtained after CT planning a few days following the surgical procedure. Radiation exposure to the treating physicians and staff was measured at the completion of the procedure. RESULTS A nomogram was developed using the variseed software with source data from American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG-43 report. The total volume covered by the prescription isodose line of (131)Cs was measured and compared with (125)I. The prescription volume was smaller for (131)Cs. In addition, the exposure rate with (131)Cs was found to be acceptable. CONCLUSION Our preliminary experience with (131)Cs lung and HN brachytherapy has been very encouraging with excellent dosimetric coverage and acceptable exposure to the treating physicians and staff.
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Chang J, Zhou L, Chao KSC. SU-E-J-10: Panoramic Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Med Phys 2011. [DOI: 10.1118/1.3611778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Wernicke AG, Parashar B, Kulidzhanov F, Riley L, Christos PJ, Fischer A, Nori D, Chao KSC. Prospective study validating inter- and intraobserver variability of tissue compliance meter in breast tissue of healthy volunteers: potential implications for patients with radiation-induced fibrosis of the breast. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2011; 80:39-46. [PMID: 20395064 PMCID: PMC3612398 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Accurate detection of radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is crucial in management of breast cancer survivors. Tissue compliance meter (TCM) has been validated in musculature. We validate TCM in healthy breast tissue with respect to interobserver and intraobserver variability before applying it in RIF. METHODS AND MATERIALS Three medical professionals obtained three consecutive TCM measurements in each of the four quadrants of the right and left breasts of 40 women with no breast disease or surgical intervention. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed interobserver variability. The paired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) were used to assess intraobserver variability within each rater. RESULTS The median age was 45 years (range, 24-68 years). The median bra size was 35C (range, 32A-40DD). Of the participants, 27 were white (67%), 4 black (10%), 5 Asian (13%), and 4 Hispanic (10%). ICCs indicated excellent interrater reliability (low interobserver variability) among the three raters, by breast and quadrant (all ICC ≥ 0.99). The paired t test and Pearson correlation coefficient both indicated low intraobserver variability within each rater (right vs. left breast), stratified by quadrant (all r ≥ 0.94, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The interobserver and intraobserver variability is small using TCM in healthy mammary tissue. We are now embarking on a prospective study using TCM in women with breast cancer at risk of developing RIF that may guide early detection, timely therapeutic intervention, and assessment of success of therapy for RIF.
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Chen YJ, Lin CP, Hsu ML, Shieh HR, Chao NK, Chao KSC. Sonic hedgehog signaling protects human hepatocellular carcinoma cells against ionizing radiation in an autocrine manner. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2011; 80:851-9. [PMID: 21377281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2011.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is critical to embryogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. We aimed to examine the role of Shh signaling in the response to radiation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS Response to ionizing radiation therapy (RT) was evaluated by clonogenic assay. Quantitative RT-polymerase chain reaction for patched-1 (PTCH-1) expression was performed. Cytosolic accumulation of Shh and nuclear translocation of Gli-1 were assessed by immunofluorescence. Gli-1 knockdown was done by RNA interference (RNAi). Immunoprecipitation was performed to detect Shh ligand in conditioned medium. Immunofluorescent stain for γ-H2AX was used as an index of DNA double strand breaks (DSB). Expression of proteins related to DNA damage repair was assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS We found that Shh ligand could protect human HCC HA22T and Sk-Hep1 cells against RT. In HA22T cells, Shh ligand activated the Shh signaling with upregulation of Shh, PTCH-1, and Gli-1 expression. The nuclear translocation of Gli-1 further supports the activation of Gli-1. The radioprotection by Shh ligand was partly blocked by Shh antibody neutralization and was abolished by Gli-1 RNAi, suggesting a critical role of Shh signaling in radiation resistance. Furthermore, we noted that soluble factors secreted into conditioned medium, either constitutively or responding to radiation, by HA22T or Sk-Hep1 cells protected subsequent culturing cells against RT. Immunoprecipitation shows the presence of Shh peptide in conditioned medium. Intriguingly, antibody neutralization of Shh ligand or knockdown of Gli-1 reversed the radioprotective effect of conditioned medium. Furthermore, Shh ligand reduced the RT-induced phosphorylation of checkpoint kinase 1 and impaired the repair of DNA DSB. CONCLUSIONS Activation of Shh signaling protects HCC cells against ionizing radiation in an autocrine manner. Impairment of DNA damage repair might involve mechanism of Shh-induced radioresistance. Targeting Shh signaling pathway may be a novel strategy to enhance the radioresponse of human HCC cells.
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Wernicke AG, Goodman RL, Turner BC, Komarnicky LT, Curran WJ, Christos PJ, Khan I, Vandris K, Parashar B, Nori D, Chao KSC. A 10-year follow-up of treatment outcomes in patients with early stage breast cancer and clinically negative axillary nodes treated with tangential breast irradiation following sentinel lymph node dissection or axillary clearance. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2010; 125:893-902. [PMID: 20853176 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-010-1167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We compare long-term outcomes in patients with node negative early stage breast cancer treated with breast radiotherapy (RT) without the axillary RT field after sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) or axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). We hypothesize that though tangential RT was delivered to the breast tissue, it at least partially sterilized occult axillary nodal metastases thus providing low nodal failure rates. Between 1995 and 2001, 265 patients with AJCC stages I-II breast cancer were treated with lumpectomy and either SLND (cohort SLND) or SLND and ALND (cohort ALND). Median follow-up was 9.9 years (range 8.3-15.3 years). RT was administered to the whole breast to the median dose of 48.2 Gy (range 46.0-50.4 Gy) plus boost without axillary RT. Chi-square tests were employed in comparing outcomes of two groups for axillary and supraclavicular failure rates, ipsilateral in-breast tumor recurrence (IBTR), distant metastases (DM), and chronic complications. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared using log-rank test. There were 136/265 (51%) and 129/265 (49%) patients in the SLND and ALND cohorts, respectively. The median number of axillary lymph nodes assessed was 2 (range 1-5) in cohort SLND and 18 (range 7-36) in cohort ALND (P < 0.0001). Incidence of AFR and SFR in both cohorts was 0%. The rates of IBTR and DM in both cohorts were not significantly different. Median PFS in the SLND cohort is 14.6 years and 10-year PFS is 88.2%. Median PFS in the ALND group is 15.0 years and 10-year PFS is 85.7%. At a 10-year follow-up chronic lymphedema occurred in 5/108 (4.6%) and 40/115 (34.8%) in cohorts SLND and ALND, respectively (P = 0.0001). This study provides mature evidence that patients with negative nodes, treated with tangential breast RT and SLND alone, experience low AFR or SFR. Our findings, while awaiting mature long-term data from NSABP B-32, support that in patients with negative axillary nodal status such treatment provides excellent long-term cure rates while avoiding morbidities associated with ALND or addition of axillary RT field.
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Parashar B, Patel P, Monni S, Singh P, Sood N, Trichter S, Sabbas A, Wernicke AG, Nori D, Chao KSC. Limited resection followed by intraoperative seed implantation is comparable to stereotactic body radiotherapy for solitary lung cancer. Cancer 2010; 116:5047-53. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Frank SJ, Rosenthal DI, Petsuksiri J, Ang KK, Morrison WH, Weber RS, Glisson BS, Chao KSC, Schwartz DL, Chronowski GM, El-Naggar AK, Garden AS. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy for cervical node squamous cell carcinoma metastases from unknown head-and-neck primary site: M. D. Anderson Cancer Center outcomes and patterns of failure. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 78:1005-10. [PMID: 20207504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 08/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Conventional therapy for cervical node squamous cell carcinoma metastases from an unknown primary can cause considerable toxicity owing to the volume of tissues to be irradiated. In the present study, hypothesizing that using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) would provide effective treatment with minimal toxicity, we reviewed the outcomes and patterns of failure for head-and-neck unknown primary cancer at a single tertiary cancer center. METHODS AND MATERIALS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 52 patients who had undergone IMRT for an unknown primary at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center between 1998 and 2005. The patient and treatment characteristics were extracted and the survival rates calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Of the 52 patients, 5 presented with Stage N1, 11 with Stage N2a, 23 with Stage N2b, 6 with Stage N2c, 4 with Stage N3, and 3 with Stage Nx disease. A total of 26 patients had undergone neck dissection, 13 before and 13 after IMRT; 14 patients had undergone excisional biopsy and presented for IMRT without evidence of disease. Finally, 14 patients had received systemic chemotherapy. All patients underwent IMRT to targets on both sides of the neck and pharyngeal axis. The median follow-up time for the surviving patients was 3.7 years. The 5-year actuarial rate of primary mucosal tumor control and regional control was 98% and 94%, respectively. Only 3 patients developed distant metastasis with locoregional control. The 5-year actuarial disease-free and overall survival rate was 88% and 89%, respectively. The most severe toxicity was Grade 3 dysphagia/esophageal stricture, experienced by 2 patients. CONCLUSION The results of our study have shown that IMRT can produce excellent outcomes for patients who present with cervical node squamous cell carcinoma metastases from an unknown head-and-neck primary tumor. Severe late complications were uncommon.
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Moeller BJ, Rana V, Cannon BA, Williams MD, Sturgis EM, Ginsberg LE, Macapinlac HA, Lee JJ, Ang KK, Chao KSC, Chronowski GM, Frank SJ, Morrison WH, Rosenthal DI, Weber RS, Garden AS, Lippman SM, Schwartz DL. Prospective imaging assessment of mortality risk after head-and-neck radiotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 78:667-74. [PMID: 20171802 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.08.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The optimal roles for imaging-based biomarkers in the management of head-and-neck cancer remain undefined. Unresolved questions include whether functional or anatomic imaging might improve mortality risk assessment for this disease. We addressed these issues in a prospective institutional trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS Ninety-eight patients with locally advanced pharyngolaryngeal squamous cell cancer were enrolled. Each underwent pre- and post-chemoradiotherapy contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET)/CT imaging. Imaging parameters were correlated with survival outcomes. RESULTS Low post-radiation primary tumor FDG avidity correlated with improved survival on multivariate analysis; so too did complete primary tumor response by CT alone. Although both imaging modalities lacked sensitivity, each had high specificity and negative predictive value for disease-specific mortality risk assessment. Kaplan-Meier estimates confirmed that both CT and FDG-PET/CT stratify patients into distinct high- and low-probability survivorship groups on the basis of primary tumor response to radiotherapy. Subset analyses demonstrated that the prognostic value for each imaging modality was primarily derived from patients at high risk for local treatment failure (human papillomavirus [HPV]-negative disease, nonoropharyngeal primary disease, or tobacco use). CONCLUSIONS CT alone and FDG-PET/CT are potentially useful tools in head-and-neck cancer-specific mortality risk assessment after radiotherapy, particularly for selective use in cases of high-risk HPV-unrelated disease. Focus should be placed on corroboration and refinement of patient selection for imaging-based biomarkers in future studies.
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Chen YJ, Chao KSC, Yang YC, Hsu ML, Lin CP, Chen YY. Zoledronic acid, an aminobisphosphonate, modulates differentiation and maturation of human dendritic cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2010; 31:499-508. [PMID: 19555208 DOI: 10.1080/08923970902814103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Zoledronic acid (ZOL), an effective nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate against excessive bone loss, has been shown affecting the function of cells of both innate and acquired immunity. In this study, we tested the effect of ZOL on differentiation and maturation of human myeloid dendritic cells (DC). When ZOL (1.1 to 10 microM) was added to the culture of starting monocytes, but not to immature DC, the recovery rate of DC was markedly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner. The mature DC differentiated in the presence of ZOL had fewer and shorter cell projections. ZOL treatment affected DC differentiation and maturation in terms of lower expression of CD1a, CD11c, CD83, CD86, DC-SIGN, HLA-DR, and, in contrast, higher expression of CD80. IL-10 production by DC was inhibited by ZOL treatment whereas IL-12p70 secretion remained unchanged. Interestingly, ZOL augmented the allostimulatory activity of DC on naive CD4(++)CD45(+)RA(++) T cells in terms of their proliferation and interferon-gamma production. Addition of geranylgeraniol abrogated the effect of ZOL on DC differentiation and prenylation of Rap1A. It suggests that ZOL redirects DC differentiation toward a state of atypical maturation with allostimulatory function and this effect may go through prevention of Rap1A prenylation.
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McGovern SL, Williams MD, Weber RS, Sabichi A, Chambers MS, Martin JW, Chao KSC. Three synchronous HPV-associated squamous cell carcinomas of Waldeyer's ring: Case report and comparison with Slaughter's model of field cancerization. Head Neck 2009; 32:1118-24. [DOI: 10.1002/hed.21171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Tai HC, Tai HC, Hsieh CH, Chao KSC, Liu SH, Leu YS, Chang YF, Hsiao HT, Chang YC, Huang DY, Chen YJ. Comparison of radiotherapy strategies for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer after resection and ileocolic flap reconstruction. Acta Otolaryngol 2009; 129:311-7. [PMID: 18607975 DOI: 10.1080/00016480802163366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSION IMRT provided better conformity, less toxicity and better function restoration for advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma after major surgery with ileocolic flap reconstruction. OBJECTIVES To compare the results of adjuvant conventional radiotherapy (2DRT) with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer after resection and ileocolic free flap reconstruction and to design treatment plans for those two modalities plus 3D conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) for dose distribution comparison. METHODS 13 locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer patients were enrolled, 8 treated with 2DRT and 5 with IMRT. Different plans were planned for 3 IMRT-treated patients for comparing dose distribution. RESULTS After major surgery, patients treated with IMRT had less toxicity and better functional restoration than those with 2DRT. IMRT and 3DCRT both showed lower dose to the spinal cord than did 2DRT. Only IMRT showed reduced dose to ileocolic flap.
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Lin CC, Wang TE, Liu CY, Lin CP, Liu TP, Chen MJ, Chang WH, Lin JC, Chang KM, Chu CH, Shih SC, Chao KSC, Chen YJ. Potentiation of the immunotherapeutic effect of autologous dendritic cells by pretreating hepatocellular carcinoma with low-dose radiation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 31:E150-9. [PMID: 18544278 DOI: 10.25011/cim.v31i3.3472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether exposing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to low dose radiation increases the efficacy of dendritic cell-mediated immunotherapy for HCC. METHODS Tumour specimens collected from 20 recruited patients with HCC were cultured in primary culture (half successfully) and then exposed to low-dose radiation (0.5 Gy). Immature DCs derived from peripheral blood monocytes of patients were pulsed with autologous HCC cell lysates and matured with a cytokine cocktail. Autologous tumour lysate-pulsed DCs (TLP-DCs) were used to stimulate mixed lymphocytes, which were then tested for inhibitory effect on the growth of HCC cells. Surface markers of immunogenicity on primary HCC cells, MHC, and Fas were investigated before and after low-dose irradiation. RESULTS Exposing HCC cells to low-dose (0.5 Gy) radiation enhanced the immunotherapeutic effect of TLP-DC-stimulated lymphocytes. Growth inhibition increased from 50.6+/-7.5% without irradiation to 74.3+/-4.3% with radiation. The expression of MHC class ll and Fas was upregulated after irradiating HCC cells. CONCLUSION Exposing tumour cells to a low dose of radiation can enhance the immunotherapeutic effect of the autologous tumor lysate-pulsed DC vaccine.
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Petsuksiri J, Frank SJ, Garden AS, Ang KK, Morrison WH, Chao KSC, Rosenthal DI, Schwartz DL, Ahamad A, Esmaeli B. Outcomes after radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the eyelid. Cancer 2008; 112:111-8. [PMID: 17963262 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the eyelid is a rare malignancy with metastatic potential. In the current study, the outcomes of patients with SCC of the eyelid were evaluated after definitive and postoperative radiation therapy. METHODS The medical records of all patients treated with radiotherapy for SCC of the eyelid at 1 institution between 1950 and 2005 were reviewed. Patient records were analyzed for clinical characteristics, pathologic features, radiation techniques, and outcomes. Survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method; factors affecting survival were assessed using the log-rank test. RESULTS During the study period, 39 patients with 42 eyelid SCCs were treated with radiotherapy. Thirty-two tumors were treated with primary radiotherapy and 10 were treated with postoperative radiotherapy after wide local excision. Surviving patients were followed for a median of 76 months. The 5-year disease-specific and overall survival rates for all patients were 86% and 71%, respectively. At 5 years, local, regional, and distant disease control rates for all tumors were 88%, 95%, and 97%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the 5-year local, regional, and distant control rates between tumors treated with definitive and those treated with postoperative radiotherapy. There were no grade 3 or 4 complications. CONCLUSIONS Primary radiotherapy for SCC of the eyelid provides excellent locoregional control with reasonable complication rates and should be considered an alternative to surgery in selected patients.
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Tung DCY, Chao KSC. Targeting hedgehog in cancer stem cells: how a paradigm shift can improve treatment response. Future Oncol 2008; 3:569-74. [PMID: 17927522 DOI: 10.2217/14796694.3.5.569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of developmental biology and cancer therapeutics has revolutionized the understanding of tumor proliferation. Cell-signaling pathways first recognized for their importance in embryogenesis have begun to inspire the scientific community to investigate new avenues in cancer initiation and growth. Other ground-breaking discoveries provided evidence for a revisit to the theory of cancer stem cells, which has long-term implications for the efficient and lasting elimination of cancer. This paradigm shift involves a change from viewing the malignant tumor as a perpetually mutating mass of clonogenic cells to seeing it as an organ mistakenly created by mutations that disrupt cell-signaling pathways in stem cells. As researchers find more evidence of the essential involvement of these signaling pathways in cancer formation and maintenance, the link between tumorigenesis and aberrant stem cell activation can be more clearly drawn. One such pathway is the hedgehog (Hh)-signaling pathway, which is important in growth and differentiation during embryogenesis and for proper functioning in many adult tissues. Investigation of this pathway and its involvement in cancer has already led to drug development that could eradicate basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of cancer in humans. Future research focused on Hh and related signaling pathways involved in cancer might improve treatment response in malignancies resistant to traditional therapy.
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Wang KL, Yang YC, Chao KSC, Wu MH, Tai HC, Chen TC, Huang MC, Chen JR, Su TH, Chen YJ. Correlation of traditional point a with anatomic location of uterine artery and ureter in cancer of the uterine cervix. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007; 69:498-503. [PMID: 17869664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Point A, used for dose specification for intracavitary brachytherapy for cervical cancer, is the point at which the uterine artery and ureter cross. This study assessed compatibility of commonly used traditional point A (TPA) and actual anatomic point A (APA). METHODS AND MATERIALS We visualized and placed radiopaque clips at the APA during pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy in 11 patients with cervical carcinoma. Orthogonal and oblique radiographs were obtained after insertion of brachytherapy applicators. We measured the distance between the TPA and APA and estimated the brachytherapy dose to each of the two points. RESULTS A total of 64 brachytherapy treatments were performed. The mean distances between the TPA and APA were 5.2 +/- 1.0 cm on the right and 5.4 +/- 1.1 cm on the left. The estimated brachytherapy doses delivered to the APA as a percentage of the presumed 500-cGy fraction size to the TPA were 35.2% (176.6 +/- 59.0 cGy) on the right and 30.0% (150.2 +/- 42.9 cGy) on the left. The marked discrepancy in the position of the two points was not related to individual kinetic variations during brachytherapy treatment, tumor size, or bladder filling. CONCLUSIONS The conventional TPA does not provide an accurate estimate of the APA determined during lymphadenectomy, indicating a need to reevaluate the current practice for determining the brachytherapy prescription for cervical cancer. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier, NCT00319462).
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Chao KSC, Bhide S, Chen H, Asper J, Bush S, Franklin G, Kavadi V, Liengswangwong V, Gordon W, Raben A, Strasser J, Koprowski C, Frank S, Chronowski G, Ahamad A, Malyapa R, Zhang L, Dong L. Reduce in variation and improve efficiency of target volume delineation by a computer-assisted system using a deformable image registration approach. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007; 68:1512-21. [PMID: 17674982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2007] [Revised: 03/15/2007] [Accepted: 04/06/2007] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine whether a computer-assisted target volume delineation (CAT) system using a deformable image registration approach can reduce the variation of target delineation among physicians with different head and neck (HN) IMRT experiences and reduce the time spent on the contouring process. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a deformable image registration method for mapping contours from a template case to a patient case with a similar tumor manifestation but different body configuration. Eight radiation oncologists with varying levels of clinical experience in HN IMRT performed target delineation on two HN cases, one with base-of-tongue (BOT) cancer and another with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), by first contouring from scratch and then by modifying the contours deformed by the CAT system. The gross target volumes were provided. Regions of interest for comparison included the clinical target volumes (CTVs) and normal organs. The volumetric and geometric variation of these regions of interest and the time spent on contouring were analyzed. RESULTS We found that the variation in delineating CTVs from scratch among the physicians was significant, and that using the CAT system reduced volumetric variation and improved geometric consistency in both BOT and NPC cases. The average timesaving when using the CAT system was 26% to 29% for more experienced physicians and 38% to 47% for the less experienced ones. CONCLUSIONS A computer-assisted target volume delineation approach, using a deformable image-registration method with template contours, was able to reduce the variation among physicians with different experiences in HN IMRT while saving contouring time.
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Izzo JG, Malhotra U, Wu TT, Luthra R, Correa AM, Swisher SG, Hofstetter W, Chao KSC, Hung MC, Ajani JA. Clinical biology of esophageal adenocarcinoma after surgery is influenced by nuclear factor-kappaB expression. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007; 16:1200-5. [PMID: 17548685 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-06-1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of transcriptional factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in untreated esophageal cancer specimens from patients who receive preoperative chemoradiation is associated with aggressive clinical biology. We hypothesized that nuclear NF-kappaB would define clinical biology even when surgery is used as primary therapy. METHODS Consecutive patients who did not receive any preoperative therapy were selected. Surgical cancer specimens were examined for nuclear NF-kappaB and correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS One hundred twenty-three patients (stage I, 9%; stage II, 24%; stage III, 53%; stage IV, 15%) with adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery as primary therapy were analyzed. Most patients were men (90%) and the median age was 63 years. For all 123 patients, the median DFS was 21 months and the median OS was 28 months. Nuclear NF-kappaB was associated with shortened DFS (P = 0.001) in 123 patients but also in stage II (P = 0.03) and stage III (P = 0.04). Nuclear NF-kappaB was associated with shortened OS (P = 0.002) in 123 patients and in stage II (P = 0.04) and showed trend in stage III (P = 0.17). Numbers are too small for stages I and IV. In multivariate models, nuclear NF-kappaB was an independent predictor for both DFS and OS (P = 0.005 and P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our data are the first to show that NF-kappaB status significantly correlates with DFS and OS for patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing surgery as primary therapy. NF-kappaB is an independent prognosticator of outcome, even for individual stages (e.g., stages II and III). More comprehensive molecular studies could help the design of strategies to individualize therapy of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
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Izzo JG, Luthra R, Wu TT, Correa AM, Luthra M, Anandasabapathy S, Chao KSC, Hung MC, Aggarwal B, Hittelman WN, Ajani JA. Molecular mechanisms in Barrett's metaplasia and its progression. Semin Oncol 2007; 34:S2-6. [PMID: 17449347 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2007.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The dramatic increase in the incidence and poor overall survival rates of esophageal/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma underscore the necessity to discover molecular markers that can be used for risk assessment, early diagnosis, and targeted therapeutic intervention. Barrett's esophagus (BE) is proposed to represent a precursor of esophageal/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. BE progression to invasive cancer is defined by a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma progression characterized by an increasing accumulation of genetic changes associated with alterations in molecular gatekeepers of cell circuitries and tissue homeostasis. Using a combination of in situ tissue-based and high-throughput analyses, we investigated alterations of cell-cycle regulators and inflammation-associated molecular effectors. Our data suggest a potential synergistic effect of these alterations for the BE progression to cancer, and underscore the potential use of these markers: (1) in molecular panels assessing cancer risk in BE patients; and (2) as potential therapeutic targets for chemopreventive interventions and to enhance response to anti-neoplastic therapies.
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Lee N, Puri DR, Blanco AI, Chao KSC. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy in head and neck cancers: an update. Head Neck 2007; 29:387-400. [PMID: 16358297 DOI: 10.1002/hed.20332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), an advent of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D CRT), has excited the profession of radiation oncology more than any other new invention since the introduction of the linear accelerator. Approximately 1000 articles have been published on this topic to date, more than 200 of which focus on head and neck cancer. IMRT is based on computer-optimized treatment planning and a computer-controlled treatment delivery system. The computer-driven technology generates dose distributions that sharply conform to the tumor target while minimizing the dose delivered to the surrounding normal tissues. The high dose volume that tailors to the 3D configuration of the tumor along with the ability to spare the nearby normal tissues allows the option of tumor dose escalation. The head and neck region is an ideal target for this new technology for several reasons. First, IMRT offers the potential for improved tumor control through delivery of high doses to the target volume. Second, because of sharp dose gradients, IMRT results in the relative sparing of normal structures, such as the parotid glands, in the head and neck region. Third, organ motion is virtually absent in the head and neck region so, with proper immobilization, treatment can be accurately delivered. Although this is a relatively new technology, single-institution retrospective studies show better dosimetric profiles compared with conventional radiation techniques, as well as excellent clinical results. Salivary gland sparing using IMRT has also resulted in reduced incidence and severity of xerostomia, and this has been tested in a randomized trial against conventional radiotherapy for early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer. The results do confirm that IMRT does decrease xerostomia compared with conventional radiotherapy.
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Chen YJ, Sims-Mourtada J, Izzo J, Chao KSC. Targeting the hedgehog pathway to mitigate treatment resistance. Cell Cycle 2007; 6:1826-30. [PMID: 17671418 DOI: 10.4161/cc.6.15.4545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
'Hedgehog' (HH) molecules are secretory signaling proteins that were first discovered in Drosophila. Three HH homologs have been identified in humans including Sonic hedgehog (SHH), Indian hedgehog (IHH) and Desert hedgehog (DHH). During embryonic development, the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is critical, and it regulates both proliferation and differentiation of various types of stem cells.1This article provides a brief overview of HH signaling, summarizes the correlation between HH signaling and treatment resistance of cancer cells, and discusses the recent advances in targeting this signaling cascade to overcome treatment resistance with supporting experimental results.
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Chao KSC. Functional imaging for early prediction of response to chemoradiotherapy: 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography--a clinical application model of esophageal cancer. Semin Oncol 2007; 33:S59-63. [PMID: 17178290 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2006.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy is associated with increased survival in esophageal cancer. Early detection of response or nonresponse to neoadjuvant chemoradiation might allow individualization of treatment strategies and avoidance of unnecessary treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) permits detection of changes in tumor proliferation before any change in tumor size occurs, and FDG-PET findings have been correlated with outcomes in esophageal cancer. However, FDG-PET may fail to distinguish between residual tumor and inflammation and between complete response and partial response with substantial residual tumor burden. PET with the nucleoside analogue 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine (FLT) has been found to be more accurate than FDG-PET in visualizing early changes in tumor proliferation. In a recent study in experimental models of esophageal cancer, FLT-PET was more accurate than FDG-PET in detecting early changes in proliferation following docetaxel and radiation therapy in human SEG-1 cells and mouse SEG-1 xenografts, including having a much stronger correlation with histologic findings. Clinical studies are needed to determine if FLT-PET can distinguish among degrees of response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with esophageal cancer.
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Chang EL, Akyurek S, Avalos T, Rebueno N, Spicer C, Garcia J, Famiglietti R, Allen PK, Chao KSC, Mahajan A, Woo SY, Maor MH. Evaluation of Peritumoral Edema in the Delineation of Radiotherapy Clinical Target Volumes for Glioblastoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007; 68:144-50. [PMID: 17306935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2006] [Revised: 12/01/2006] [Accepted: 12/02/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the spatial relationship between peritumoral edema and recurrence pattern in patients with glioblastoma (GBM). METHODS AND MATERIALS Forty-eight primary GBM patients received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy that did not intentionally include peritumoral edema within the clinical target volume between July 2000 and June 2001. All 48 patients have subsequently recurred, and their original treatment planning parameters were used for this study. New theoretical radiation treatment plans were created for the same 48 patients, based on Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) target delineation guidelines that specify inclusion of peritumoral edema. Target volume and recurrent tumor coverage, as well as percent volume of normal brain irradiated, were assessed for both methods of target delineation using dose-volume histograms. RESULTS A comparison between the location of recurrent tumor and peritumoral edema volumes from all 48 cases failed to show correlation by linear regression modeling (r(2) = 0.0007; p = 0.3). For patients with edema >75 cm(3), the percent volume of brain irradiated to 46 Gy was significantly greater in treatment plans that intentionally included peritumoral edema compared with those that did not (38% vs. 31%; p = 0.003). The pattern of failure was identical between the two sets of plans (40 central, 3 in-field, 3 marginal, and 2 distant recurrence). CONCLUSION Clinical target volume delineation based on a 2-cm margin rather than on peritumoral edema did not seem to alter the central pattern of failure for patients with GBM. For patients with peritumoral edema >75 cm(3), using a constant 2-cm margin resulted in a smaller median percent volume of brain being irradiated to 30 Gy, 46 Gy, and 50 Gy compared with corresponding theoretical RTOG plans that deliberately included peritumoral edema.
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Yuan S, Meng X, Yu J, Mu D, Chao KSC, Zhang J, Zhong W, Yu Y, Wang J, Sun X, Yang G, Wang Y. Determining optimal clinical target volume margins on the basis of microscopic extracapsular extension of metastatic nodes in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007; 67:727-34. [PMID: 17293231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/23/2006] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the optimal clinical target volume (CTV) margins around the nodal gross tumor volume (GTV) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients by assessing microscopic tumor extension beyond regional lymph node capsules. METHODS AND MATERIALS The incidence of nodal extracapsular extension (ECE) and relationship with nodal size were reviewed in 243 patients. Histologic sections of dissected regional lymph nodes up to 30 mm in size were examined to measure the extent of microscopic ECE. We determined the distribution of cases according to extent of ECE and the relationships between ECE extent and lymph node size, regional nodal disease extent, histologic type, and degree of differentiation. RESULTS The nodal ECE was seen in 41.6% of patients (101/243) and 33.4% of lymph nodes (214/640), and the incidence correlated to larger lymph node size positively. The extent of ECE was 0.7 mm in mean (range, 0-12.0 mm) and <or=3 mm in 95% of the nodes. Positive correlations were found between extent of ECE and larger lymph node size (>or=20 mm vs. 10-19 mm or <10 mm, p = 0.005), advanced nodal stage (N2 vs. N1, p = 0.046), and moderate or poor (vs. good or unknown) nodal differentiation (p = 0.002). ECE did not differ significantly by histologic type or nodal station. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of ECE related to lymph node size, and ECE extent related to lymph node size, stage, and differentiation. It may be reasonable to recommend 3-mm CTV margins for pathologic lymph nodes <20 mm and more generous margins for lymph nodes >or=20 mm.
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