Integral dose to the carotid artery in intensity modulated radiotherapy of carcinoma nasopharynx: extended field IMRT versus split-field IMRT

AIM

To evaluate the integral dose to carotid vessels in extended field intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) (including the lower neck nodes in IMRT field) and split field IMRT (using separate single anterior field to treat lower neck nodes) in cancer nasopharynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Dosimetric data from 10 patients of carcinoma nasopharynx, undergoing IMRT, were evaluated in this prospective study. The carotid vessels were contoured from sternoclavicular joints upto the base of skull. IMRT plans were generated for all patients with extended field and split field IMRT techniques using nine coplanar beams with 6 MV photons. A dose of 70 Gy to planning target volume (PTV) 70 Gy, 59.4 Gy to PTV 59.4 Gy and 54 Gy to PTV 54 Gy was delivered in 33 fractions. The dose constraints were similar for both the techniques. The integral dose to the carotid arteries was calculated as the mean dose times the volume (mean dose Χ volume) in units of liter-gray.

RESULTS

The mean dose to the carotid vessels in the extended field IMRT was 63.88 ± 0.97 Gy (mean dose ± SD) and it was 64.43 ± 0.73 Gy for the split field technique. The integral dose in the extended field versus split field technique was 0.29 ± 0.0207 and 0.32 ± 0.0213 liter-gray, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Extended field IMRT delivers a slightly lower integral dose to carotid arteries in treatment of cancer nasopharynx while maintaining good dose homogeneity to the PTV 54 Gy and can be preferred over split field radiotherapy.

Acute onset flaccid quadriparesis in pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma: vincristine induced or Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Immunological involvement of peripheral nervous system in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is very rare and it may be difficult to differentiate it from vincristine-induced neuropathy. We report clinical and electrophysiological findings of an 8-year-old male with NHL who developed acute onset fulminant motor sensory autonomic neuropathy during induction chemotherapy which included vincristine. Characteristic clinical picture and nerve conduction studies favored Guillain-Barré syndrome. The patient improved rapidly with intravenous immunoglobulin and supportive care. It is possible that an immune mechanism damaged the peripheral nervous system in the patient without ruling out the adverse effects of vinca alkaloids.

Congestive heart failure in Indians: how do we improve diagnosis & management?

Heart failure is a common cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and mortality. Unlike western countries where heart failure is predominantly a disease of the elderly, in India it affects younger age group. Important risk factors include coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease and cardiomyopathies. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels are helpful in the diagnosis of heart failure. Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality of choice, through recently cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to play an increasing role. Aim of management is to improve symptoms & enhance survival. Diuretics are important in relieving symptoms. Beta-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and adosterone antagonists improve survival in patients with impaired systolic function. Device therapy including cardiac resynchronization therapy and implantable cardiac defibrillators, though expensive are useful in selected patients. Unlike in patients with systolic heart failure where several therapies have been shown to improve survival, clinical trial results in diastolic heart failure have been disappointing and therapy in these patients is restricted to symptom improvement and risk factor control. Therapies like stem cell therapy are being evaluated in clinical trials and appear promising. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapy helps in reversing the process of remodelling and clinical improvement in most of the patients.

Clear cell meningioma of the fourth ventricle in a child: a case report and literature review

Clear cell meningiomas are rare meningioma variants and are recognized as World Health Organization grade II tumours. They may be difficult to manage given their propensity to recur early especially if present in surgically challenging locations. We describe a rare case of a fourth ventricular clear cell meningioma without dural attachment in a 14-year-old boy with an unusual presentation of failure to thrive. The case is presented in detail and a review of the recent literature is discussed.

Time Dependent Improvement in Survival for Women with Multiple Brain Metastases from HER2 Positive Breast Cancer: The Influence of Systemic Therapy

Background: Women with multiple breast cancer brain metastases (BM) ineligible for neurosurgery or radiosurgery have a poor prognosis and the role of systemic therapy is ill defined.Method: The outcomes for 120 women treated for multiple (≥2) BM between 2002-2008 at this regional cancer centre have been analysed according to time of BM diagnosis (Cohorts (A) 2002-5 & (B) 2006-8) and HER2 status of the primary tumour (+ or -). We have previously shown that A+ patients experienced longer survival than A-, the advantage apparently restricted to a subgroup of A+ who continued trastuzumab after BM diagnosis (Church et al, Am J Clin Oncol 2008, 31(3) 250-4).Results: There was no difference in survival between B- and A- cohorts (B- patients (n=25) survival median 119 days; A- patients (n=53) median survival 118 days; p=0.57). In contrast there was a time dependent improvement in survival favouring B+ patients (n=19, median 520 days,) over A+ patients (n=23, median 148 days, p &lt;0.02). B+ and A+ cohorts differed significantly in the consistency of their exposure to both trastuzumab (T) and chemotherapy (CT) post BM (p&lt;0.02). Subsequently, patients in the B+ cohort was more frequently treated with additional lines of CT and 5 patients in the B+ cohort (versus none in A+) went on to receive second line anti-HER2 therapy (lapatinib).CohortT + CTLines of CT≥ 2LapatinibMedian survival12 month survivalA+ (n=23)39% (9pts)22% (5)0% (o)148 days30%B+ (n=19)79% (15pts)58% (11)26% (5)520 days80% p&lt;0.02p&lt;0.03p&lt;0.02p&lt;0.02 A+ and B+ were not significantly different with regard to presence of systemic metastases (SM) or time from SM to BM (median A+ 304 days; B+ 334, p=0.3)Conclusion: Following our earlier observation on the A+ cohort, the improvement in survival for B+ may reflect increased optimism of patients and physicians regarding the role of systemic therapy. Although no randomised trial has been performed, it is increasingly apparent from these and other data that HER2+ patients with multiple BM benefit from continued incorporation of systemic therapy into clinical management strategies and, at variance with historic experience, survival &gt; 1 year can now be expected. Randomised trials, specifically to identify the best agents to accompany anti-HER2 therapy, will be required to further extend this benefit.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 5092.

Phase II study of BAY 73–4506, a multikinase inhibitor, in previously untreated patients with metastatic or unresectable renal cell cancer

5033

Background: BAY 73–4506 is an orally active, potent multikinase inhibitor targeting both tumor cell proliferation and tumor vasculature through inhibition of receptors of tyrosine kinases (VEGFR, KIT, RET, FGFR, and PDGFR) and serine/threonine kinases (RAF and p38MAPK). In tumor xenograft models, BAY 73–4506 demonstrated a broad spectrum of antitumor activity. The results of a phase I study (3 weeks on/1 week off schedule) indicated good tolerability and antitumor activity, including objective responses. Methods: Previously untreated patients with predominantly clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and measurable disease according to RECIST were enrolled in this multicenter, open-label, phase II study. Eligibility criteria included ECOG performance status 0–1, low or intermediate risk as per Motzer score, and adequate bone marrow and organ function. Treatment consisted of BAY 73–4506 160 mg once daily on a 3 weeks on/1 week off schedule. The primary end point was overall response rate. Results: 49 patients started treatment (accrual completed October 2008): 27 male, 22 female, median age 62 years (range 40–76). All patients were evaluable for safety, 33 patients are currently available for efficacy evaluation. The most common drug-related adverse events (all grades) reported in >20% of patients were hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) (48%), fatigue (48%), hypertension (43%), mucositis (35%), dysphonia (33%), rash (30%), diarrhea (25%), and anorexia (23%). Grade 3–4 drug related toxicities (in >5% of patients) included HFSR (13%), rash (8%), fatigue (8%), and renal failure (8%). Renal failure occurred only in patients who continued taking study medication despite having inadequate fluid intake and/or diarrhea. Preliminary efficacy data of the 33 patients evaluable for response show a 27% partial response (PR) and a 42% stable disease (SD) rate. Further tumor assessments are scheduled for the patients (n = 35) remaining on study. Conclusions: Preliminary data show promising antitumor activity and good tolerability of BAY 73–4506 in patients with RCC. The observed toxicities were typical of the drug class and were manageable. Updated results will be presented at the meeting.

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A case of primary rectal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with chemotherapy

Primary rectal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare disease. Surgery has been proposed as the primary treatment modality for colorectal lymphomas. We report a case of rectal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B cell large cell type, Ann Arbor Stage 1E) who responded completely to systemic chemotherapy.

Concomitant chemoradiation versus radiotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx and nasopharynx using weekly cisplatin: Final result of a phase III trial

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Background: Studies have confirmed the role of concomitant chemoradiation (CTRT) in the treatment of advanced SCCHN, however, there is no large study reported from India. Consensus about type and schedule of the chemotherapy is unclear e.g. single agent Vs combination; daily/weekly/three weekly. This study was undertaken to know effectiveness of weekly Cisplatin (DDP). Methods: prospective randomized phase III study. 153 untreated stage II-IV oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal cancer patients were randomly assigned to one of the two treatment arm; Arm (A) Radical radiotherapy 70 Gy/ 35# over 7 weeks; Arm (B) CTRT; Cisplatin 40mg/m2 weekly for 6 doses beginning day 1 of radiation treatment plus radiotherapy as in arm (A). The objective endpoints were- to know (i) the responses, (ii) toxicity profile and (iii) overall survival in the two treatment groups. Protocol was approved by local ethics committee. Study period was from June 2003 to July 2005. Results: Number of patients were 76 (A) and 77 (B) in two arms respectively. CR was 70.7 Vs 78.9% in arm A and B. Toxicity- grade III and IV toxicities were 16% and 40% respectively in 2 arms (p=<0.05). There were more frequent interruptions (9.3% Vs 28.9%) and hospitalization (20% Vs 40.8%) (p=<0.05) in CTRT arm. Survival- with median follow up of 17 months overall survival was significantly higher in CTRT arm (p=0.024); 27 months (95%CI 15.2–36.8) for RT Vs not reached (NR) for CTRT group. Three year OS was 42% Vs 62% respectively. Conclusion: This trial confirms that CTRT using single agent weekly DDP is safe and superior to RT in advanced SCCHN but treatment interruptions and toxicities are of concern for developing country’s cancer care infrastructures.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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Toxicity of concurrent radiotherapy with CMF chemotherapy in the E-CMF adjuvant breast carcinoma regimen

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Background: In the adjuvant management of breast cancer although delivery of radiotherapy (RT) concurrently with anthracyclines is contraindicated, toxicities are acceptable when the chemotherapy regimen used is CMF. The NEAT trial (NEJM 2006; 355:1851- 1862), presented at ASCO in 2003 demonstrated a significant survival advantage for sequential 4x epirubicin and 4x CMF chemotherapy (E- CMF) compared with 6x CMF and was adopted in the UK as a standard regimen. In order to limit treatment duration, RT may be given concurrently with chemotherapy during the CMF phase of treatment. We have reviewed the toxicity associated with this approach. Methods: Retrospective review of all patients treated with concurrent breast RT and CMF chemotherapy as part of the E-CMF regimen in our institution. Toxicities were graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) toxicity criteria. Confidence intervals were calculated by the binomial method using Stata version 9. Results: 77 patients received concurrent therapy between March 2004 and May 2006. Baseline characteristics; median age: 48, ER positive: 63.5%, HER2 positive: 11.7%, node positive disease: 85.7%. Type of surgery; lumpectomy: 61.0%, mastectomy: 39.0%, nodal dissection: 100%. Chemotherapy delivery; completed without delay: 35.1%, completed therapy with dose reduction/delay: 48.1%, discontinued therapy prematurely due to toxicity 16.8%. Sites of RT; breast: 62.3%, chest wall: 35.1%, axillary nodes: 45.5%, supraclavicular fossa: 36.4%. Schedule of RT; 50Gy/25#: 18.2%, 46/45Gy/20#: 67.6%, 45Gy/15#: 14.3%. Median interval between final dose of epirubicin and start of RT: 55 days. Toxicity; cutaneous grade 3–4 acute radiotherapy toxicity: 31.2% (95%CI 21.1–42.7%); cutaneous infective cellulitis: 14.3% (95%CI 7.4–21.1%); grade 3–4 neutropenia: 54.4% (95%CI 42.8–65.9%); febrile neutropenia requiring hospitalisation: 22.1% (95% CI 13.4–33.0%). The median duration of stay in hospitalised patients was 8 days (range 3–23 days). Conclusions: Toxicities were significantly greater than documented previously for concurrent therapy. RT should not be given concurrently with CMF chemotherapy as part of the E-CMF regimen.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastases: multiple responses to systemic chemotherapy and trastuzumab--a case report

Brain metastases from metastatic breast cancer typically occur in 10-15% of patients and are associated with survival of 3-6 months. Recent series have shown that women with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer receiving the drug trastuzumab develop brain metastases more frequently than this, but also that continuation of trastuzumab after diagnosis of brain metastases in such patients is associated with extended survival. Authors have speculated that this is due to improved systemic control of disease; however, a possibility is that trastuzumab may have a beneficial effect on cerebral metastases themselves. We report the case of a woman with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer who developed multiple brain metastases while on trastuzumab, in whom the addition of systemic chemotherapy to continued trastuzumab has produced multiple treatment responses associated with prolonged survival. This is the first report of its kind.