Outcomes after photoselective vaporization of the prostate and transurethral resection of the prostate in patients who develop prostatic obstruction after radiation therapy

OBJECTIVE

To compare the need for repeat treatment or urinary diversion in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) compared with photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) after brachytherapy or external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

METHODS

The prostate cancer database of Cleveland Clinic includes 3600 patients who have undergone prostate brachytherapy and 2500 patients who have undergone EBRT. We cross-referenced these patients with the electronic medical record to identify patients who required PVP or TURP after radiation. The primary outcome was the need for any further intervention after PVP or TURP, including bladder neck incision, repeat TURP, or permanent supravesicular diversion.

RESULTS

Sixty of the 3600 patients (1.7%) required prostate reduction surgery after brachytherapy. Of these 60 patients, 19 of 40 (47.5%) who underwent TURP required further intervention, and 10 of 20 patients (50%) who underwent PVP required subsequent intervention. Twenty-eight of the 2500 patients (1.1%) required prostate reduction surgery after EBRT. Of these 28 patients, 5 of 18 patients (27.8%) who underwent TURP required further intervention, and 5 of 10 patients (50%) who underwent PVP required subsequent intervention. Following either type of radiation there was not a significant difference in the need for further treatment based on the type of surgery (P >.999 for brachytherapy; P = .412 for EBRT). The median time between radiation and prostate reduction surgery is 20.2 months (range, 14.6-27.6) after brachytherapy and 53.3 months (range, 27.5-53.3) after EBRT (P = .0005).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that PVP and TURP are comparable in treating prostatic obstruction after brachytherapy or EBRT. However, obstruction after brachytherapy occurs earlier compared with after EBRT.

Development of a nomogram to predict for all-cause and cancer-specific mortality in high-risk prostate cancer treated by external beam radiotherapy and androgen deprivation

e16004

Background: Men receiving high dose external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for high risk prostate cancer (HRPC) have other competing causes of mortality, however predictive schema do not account for patient-related co-morbidities. We aim to create nomograms estimating all-cause mortality (ACM) and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) in this population. Methods: 660 patients with HRPC defined by NCCN guidelines were treated with EBRT ≥74 Gy and ADT from 1996-2009. The probabilities of death from prostate cancer and other causes were estimated by cumulative incidence function. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risks regression analyses were used for modeling ACM and PCSM respectively. Deaths from other causes were treated as competing risks for PCSM. Missing values in the predictors were multiply imputed before conducting multivariable regression analysis. Variables investigated were age, clinical T stage, prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, race, family history, duration of ADT, body mass index (BMI), Charlson co-morbidity index score, coronary artery disease, and smoking pack-years. The stepdown method was used to make parsimonious models based on the rank of the predictive ability of each variable with respect to each endpoint. The final nomograms were internally validated by assessing the discrimination and calibration with bootstrap resamples. Results: At last follow up, there were 199 deaths. The 10-year cumulative incidence of death from prostate cancer was 14% and from other causes was 26%. The variables that predicted for 10-year ACM included age, PSA, BMI, Charlson score, and smoking pack-years. The ACM nomogram achieved a concordance index of 0.672. The variables that predicted for PCSM included Gleason score, PSA, race, and duration of ADT. The nomogram concordance index for PCSM was 0.673. The calibrations for both ACM and PCSM appear reasonable. Conclusions: We have developed nomograms that predict for ACM and PCSM in men with aggressive prostate cancer and competing risks of death. External validation may be useful.

Mortality after prostate cancer treatment with radical prostatectomy, external-beam radiation therapy, or brachytherapy in men without comorbidity

BACKGROUND

Medical comorbidity is a confounding factor in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment selection and mortality. Large-scale comparative evaluation of PCa mortality (PCM) and overall mortality (OM) restricted to men without comorbidity at the time of treatment has not been performed.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate PCM and OM in men with no recorded comorbidity treated with radical prostatectomy (RP), external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), or brachytherapy (BT).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 10 361 men with localized PCa treated from 1995 to 2007 at two academic centers in the United States were prospectively obtained at diagnosis and retrospectively reviewed. We identified 6692 men with no recorded comorbidity on a validated comorbidity index. Median follow-up after treatment was 7.2 yr.

INTERVENTION

Treatment with RP in 4459 men, EBRT in 1261 men, or BT in 972 men.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, including propensity score adjustment, compared PCM and OM for EBRT and BT relative to RP as reference treatment category. PCM was also evaluated by competing risks analysis.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Using Cox analysis, EBRT was associated with an increase in PCM compared with RP (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.63), while there was no statistically significant increase with BT (HR: 1.83; 95% CI, 0.88-3.82). Using competing risks analysis, the benefit of RP remained but was no longer statistically significant for EBRT (HR: 1.55; 95% CI, 0.92-2.60) or BT (HR: 1.66; 95% CI, 0.79-3.46). In comparison with RP, both EBRT (HR: 1.71; 95% CI, 1.40-2.08) and BT (HR: 1.78; 95% CI, 1.37-2.31) were associated with increased OM.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large multicenter series of men without recorded comorbidity, both forms of radiation therapy were associated with an increase in OM compared with surgery, but there were no differences in PCM when evaluated by competing risks analysis. These findings may result from an imbalance of confounders or differences in mortality related to primary or salvage therapy.

Salvage brachytherapy for prostate bed recurrence following radical prostatectomy

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Background: Approximately 10% of patients who undergo a radical prostatectomy (RP) for localized prostate cancer subsequently experience a local recurrence. A small percentage of these patients present with prostate bed nodules (PBN). We present here, a case series of 12 patients treated with low dose rate brachytherapy (BT) for a PBN post RP. Methods: All 12 patients had biopsy confirmed cases of recurrent adenocarcinoma in the prostatic bed. At the time of PBN diagnosis, 2 patients had received EBRT, 2 patients had received ADT, and 1 patient had undergone HIFU. Patients were confirmed to have a negative CT and bone scan prior to salvage BT. All patients received salvage BT with I-125 prescribed to 144 Gray. Results: The median interval between RP and BT was 8 years (range 0.5- 17.9), median PSA prior to BT was 4.53 ng/ml (range 0.55-15.2), and the median age was 69 (range 59-86). Forty-two percent of patients had a PBN Gleason score of 8, 33% had a score of 7, and a score was not reported for 25% of patients due to prior EBRT or ADT use. The median follow up for this series is 26.5 months (range 1-69). At the time of this analysis, 10 patients were evaluable for biochemical failure (bF) (nadir+2) and distant metastases (DM). The one and two year rates of bF were 0% and 52%. There was no association between pre-BT PSA and bF, nor between pre-BT Gleason score and bF. Two patients subsequently developed DM at 17 months and 55 months after BT. The pelvic lymph nodes were the site of DM for both patients. The median PSA velocity post BT was -0.120 ng/ml/yr (range -1.404- 9.096). Five patients had a negative PSA velocity at last follow-up, while 4 had an increasing PSA velocity. Velocity could not be defined for 3 patients (insufficient PSA n=2, ADT n=1). To date, no gastrointestinal or urinary toxicities have been noted. Conclusions: Brachytherapy as a salvage treatment for a PBN appears to be well tolerated. The rates of bF and DM following salvage BT are comparable to those of salvage EBRT for this patient population. Intermediate-term biochemical control was attained in a sub-set of patients with declining PSA at last follow-up.

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate compared to transurethral resection of the prostate in patients who develop prostatic obstruction following brachytherapy

187

Background: Patients who undergo brachytherapy are at risk of developing prostatic obstruction, and a subset of these patients requires prostate reduction surgery. These patients pose a challenge to urologists who seek to determine the appropriate form of intervention given the reduced healing capacity of irradiated tissue. Given our observation that certain patients suffer recalcitrant prostatic obstruction following photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), we evaluated outcomes after TURP compared to PVP for patients who experienced bladder outlet obstruction after brachytherapy. Methods: Cleveland Clinic’s prostate cancer database includes 3,600 patients who have undergone prostate brachytherapy since 1996. We cross-referenced these patients with the EMR to identify patients who required prostate reduction surgery following brachytherapy. We reviewed operative notes for these patients to identify the type of intervention completed, and we used the EMR to identify post-PVP/TURP complications requiring intervention. Clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained from the prospective database. Results: Sixty of the 3,600 patients developed urinary retention requiring prostate reduction surgery. The average age of these patients was 69 and the average prostate size was 52 grams. Forty patients underwent TURP and 20 patients were treated with PVP. Of the TURP patients, 19/40 (47.5%) required subsequent TURP, dilation, incision or permanent diversion, including 9 patients (22.5%) who required at least 2 further procedures. Of the PVP-treated patients, 10/20 (50%) required subsequent instrumentation including 4 (20%) who underwent at least 2 procedures. Conclusions: Half of the patients who require prostate reduction surgery for urinary retention following brachytherapy may require further procedures regardless of whether TURP or PVP is performed. Neither procedure confers less morbidity. [Table: see text]

Adjuvant versus neoadjuvant androgen deprivation with radiation therapy for prostate cancer: Does sequencing matter?

37

Background: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is typically given neoadjuvantly and concurrently with radiation therapy (RT) rather than adjuvantly in the management of intermediate and high risk prostate cancer. Our objective is to compare outcomes between patients who receive adjuvant ADT (ADJ), i.e. immediately after the completion of RT, with those who receive a neoadjuvant and concurrent regimen (NEO). Methods: From 1995-2002, 515 patients with CaP were definitively treated with RT and ADT. ADT was given for a duration of 6 months in all cases. NEO was given 2-3 months prior to the start of RT. ADJ was initiated immediately following the completion of RT. ADT sequencing was NEO in 311 (60%) and ADJ in 204 (40%). The distribution by NCCN risk classification for NEO was high in 67%, intermediate in 26%, and low in 7%. The risk group distribution for ADJ was high in 69%, and intermediate in 31%. RT dose was either 78 Gy at 2 Gy/fx (n=168) or 70 Gy at 2.5 Gy/fx (n=347). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate biochemical relapse free survival (bRFS, Phoenix definition), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and overall survival (OS). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the impact of ADT timing on outcomes. Results: The median follow up for all patients was 8 years. For the entire cohort, the 10-yr bRFS, DMFS and OS rates were 61%, 80% and 66%, respectively. The 10-yr bRFS rates for ADJ vs. NEO were 63% vs. 60% (p=0.98). The 10-yr DMFS rates for ADJ vs. NEO were both 80% (p=0.60). The 10-yr OS rates for ADJ vs. NEO were 65% vs. 67% (p=0.98). There were no statistically significant differences in bRFS, DMFS or OS between the two groups after accounting for patient, tumor and treatment characteristics on both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions: There is no difference between neoadjuvant vs. adjuvant ADT in the setting of dose-escalated RT for localized prostate cancer. This suggests that the synergy between radiation therapy and androgen deprivation is independent of the sequencing of both modalities and that the initiation of RT does not need to be delayed for a course of neoadjuvant ADT.

Variations in treatment modality use for the definitive management of prostate cancer in the United States

174

Background: No prospective, randomized comparative efficacy trial exists to guide treatment of definitively managed prostate cancer patients. Despite this, treatment selection varies nationally and we attempt to assess these patterns of use. Methods: The SEER database was queried to identify cases of prostate cancer diagnosed between 1998-2008. The modalities identified were brachytherapy (brachy), combination of brachytherapy and external beam radiation (CombRT), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), radical prostatectomy and external beam radiotherapy (RP+RT), and radical prostatectomy (RP). The number of cases by year, patient age and SEER region was computed. Results: There were 361,135 men in this analysis: 12.4% brachy, 6.8% CombRT, 27.5% EBRT, 3.1% RP+RT, and 50.3% RP. As expected, treatment modality varied by age with younger men more likely to receive RP and older man more likely to receive EBRT or brachy. There was some variation in choice of treatment modality over time: 6.6% for brachy; 4.2% for CombRT; 1.9% for EBRT; 2.0% for RP+RT; and 7.8% for RP. The variation in treatment modality by region was surprisingly wide (table): 14.4% for brachy; 25.5% for CombRT; 28.5% for EBRT; 3.8% for RP+RT; and 26.8% for RP. Conclusions: Choice of prostate cancer treatment modality varies by age, year of treatment, and most notably geographical region. Surprisingly the changes in reimbursement rates over the study period seem to have had minimal impact on choice of treatment modality. The regional variation implies that affiliations among healthcare providers significantly impact treatment. [Table: see text]

Single-fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy for spinal metastases from renal cell carcinoma

Object

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as an important treatment option for spinal metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) as a means to overcome RCC's inherent radioresistance. The authors reviewed the outcomes of SBRT for the treatment of RCC metastases to the spine at their institution, and they identified factors associated with treatment failure.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients (88 treatment sites) with RCC metastases to the spine received single-fraction SBRT. Pain relief was based on the Brief Pain Inventory and was adjusted for narcotic use according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group protocol 0631. Toxicity was scored according to Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Radiographic failure was defined as infield or adjacent (within 1 vertebral body [VB]) failure on follow-up MRI. Multivariate analyses were performed to correlate outcomes with the following variables: epidural, paraspinal, single-level, or multilevel disease (2–5 sites); neural foramen involvement; and VB fracture prior to SBRT. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards modeling were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The median follow-up and survival periods were 5.4 months (range 0.3–38 months) and 8.3 months (range 1.5–38 months), respectively. The median time to radiographic failure and unadjusted pain progression were 26.5 and 26.0 months, respectively. The median time to pain relief (from date of simulation) and duration of pain relief (from date of treatment) were 0.9 months (range 0.1–4.4 months) and 5.4 months (range 0.1–37.4 months), respectively. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that multilevel disease (hazard ratio [HR] 3.5, p = 0.02) and neural foramen involvement (HR 3.4, p = 0.02) were correlated with radiographic failure; multilevel disease (HR 2.3, p = 0.056) and VB fracture (HR 2.4, p = 0.046) were correlated with unadjusted pain progression. One patient experienced Grade 3 nausea and vomiting; no other Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. Twelve treatment sites (14%) were complicated by subsequent vertebral fractures.

Conclusions

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for RCC metastases to the spine offers fast and durable pain relief with minimal toxicity. Stereotactic body radiotherapy seems optimal for patients who have solitary or few spinal metastases. Patients with neural foramen involvement are at an increased risk for failure.

Definitive radiotherapy for early (T1-T2) glottic squamous cell carcinoma: a 20 year Cleveland Clinic experience

Purpose

To report our 20 yr experience of definitive radiotherapy for early glottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods and materials

Radiation records of 141 patients were retrospectively evaluated for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Cox proportional hazard models were used to perform univariate (UVA) and multivariate analyses (MVA). Cause specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were plotted using cumulative incidence and Kaplan-Meir curves, respectively.

Results

Of the 91% patients that presented with impaired voice, 73% noted significant improvement. Chronic laryngeal edema and dysphagia were noted in 18% and 7%, respectively. The five year LC was 94% (T1a), 83% (T1b), 87% (T2a), 65% (T2b); the ten year LC was 89% (T1a), 83% (T1b), 87% (T2a), and 53% (T2b). The cumulative incidence of death due to larynx cancer at 10 yrs was 5.5%, respectively. On MVA, T-stage, heavy alcohol consumption during treatment, and used of weighted fields were predictive for poor outcome (p < 0.05). The five year CSS and OS was 95.9% and 76.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

Definitive radiotherapy provides excellent LC and CSS for early glottis carcinoma, with excellent voice preservation and minimal long term toxicity. Alternative management strategies should be pursued for T2b glottis carcinomas.

Intraoperative radiation therapy with the photon radiosurgery system in locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer: retrospective review of the Cleveland clinic experience

Background

Patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer often require multimodality treatment. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a focal approach which aims to improve local control.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients treated with IORT following definitive resection of a locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer from 2000–2009. All patients were treated with the Intrabeam® Photon Radiosurgery System (PRS). A dose of 5 Gy was prescribed to a depth of 1 cm (surface dose range: 13.4-23.1, median: 14.4 Gy). Median survival times were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

Of 42 patients, 32 had recurrent disease (76%) while 10 had locally advanced disease (24%). Eighteen patients (43%) had tumors fixed to the sidewall. Margins were positive in 19 patients (45%). Median follow-up after IORT was 22 months (range 0.2-101). Median survival time after IORT was 34 months. The 3-year overall survival rate was 49% (43% for recurrent and 65% for locally advanced patients). Local recurrence was evaluable in 34 patients, of whom 32% failed. The 1-year local recurrence rate was 16%. Distant metastasis was evaluable in 30 patients, of whom 60% failed. The 1-year distant metastasis rate was 32%. No intraoperative complications were attributed to IORT. Median duration of IORT was 35 minutes (range: 14–39). Median discharge time after surgery was 7 days (range: 2–59). Hydronephrosis after IORT occurred in 10 patients (24%), 7 of whom had documented concomitant disease recurrence.

Conclusions

The Intrabeam® PRS appears to be a safe technique for delivering IORT in rectal cancer patients. IORT with PRS marginally increased operative time, and did not appear to prolong hospitalization. Our rates of long-term toxicity, local recurrence, and survival rates compare favorably with published reports of IORT delivery with other methods.

Conventional MRI does not reliably distinguish radiation necrosis from tumor recurrence after stereotactic radiosurgery

Distinguishing radiation necrosis (RN) from tumor recurrence after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases is challenging. This study assesses the sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) of an MRI-based parameter, the "lesion quotient" (LQ), in characterizing tumor progression from RN. Records of patients treated with SRS for brain metastases between 01/01/1999 and 12/31/2009 and with histopathologic analysis of a subsequent contrast enhancing enlarging lesion at the treated site at a single institution were examined. The LQ, the ratio of maximal nodular cross sectional area on T2-weighted imaging to the corresponding maximal cross sectional area of T1-contrast enhancement, was calculated by a neuroradiologist blinded to the histopathological outcome. Cutoffs of <0.3, 0.3-0.6, and >0.6 have been previously suggested to have correlated with RN, mixed findings and tumor recurrence, respectively. These cutoff values were evaluated for SN, SP, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Logistic regression analysis evaluated for associated clinical factors. For the 51 patients evaluated, the SN, SP, PPV and NPV for identifying RN (LQ < 0.3) were 8, 91, 25 and 73 %, respectively. For the combination of recurrent tumor and RN (LQ 0.3-0.6) the SN, SP, PPV and NPV were 0, 64, 0 and 83 %. The SN, SP, PPV and NPV of the LQ for recurrent tumor (LQ > 0.6) were 59, 41, 62 and 39 %, respectively. Standard MRI techniques do not reliably discriminate between tumor progression and RN after treatment with SRS for brain metastases. Additional imaging modalities are warranted to aid in distinguishing between these diagnoses.

Impact of postmastectomy radiation on locoregional recurrence in breast cancer patients with 1-3 positive lymph nodes treated with modern systemic therapy

PURPOSE

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) remains controversial for patients with 1-3 positive lymph nodes (LN+).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a retrospective review of all 369 breast cancer patients with 1-3 LN+ who underwent mastectomy without neoadjuvant systemic therapy between 2000 and 2007 at Cleveland Clinic.

RESULTS

We identified 271 patients with 1-3 LN+ who did not receive PMRT and 98 who did receive PMRT. The median follow-up time was 5.2 years, and the median number of LN dissected was 11. Of those not treated with PMRT, 79% received adjuvant chemotherapy (of whom 70% received a taxane), 79% received hormonal therapy, and 5% had no systemic therapy. Of the Her2/neu amplified tumors, 42% received trastuzumab. The 5-year rate of locoregional recurrence (LRR) was 8.9% without PMRT vs 0% with PMRT (P=.004). For patients who did not receive PMRT, univariate analysis showed 6 risk factors significantly (P<.05) correlated with LRR: estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor negative (hazard ratio [HR] 2.6), lymphovascular invasion (HR 2.4), 2-3 LN+ (HR 2.6), nodal ratio >25% (HR 2.7), extracapsular extension (ECE) (HR 3.7), and Bloom-Richardson grade III (HR 3.1). The 5-year LRR rate was 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1%-6.8%] for patients with 0-1 risk factor vs 14.6% [95% CI, 8.4%-20.9%] for patients with ≥2 risk factors (P=.0006), respectively. On multivariate analysis, ECE (HR 4.3, P=.0006) and grade III (HR 3.6, P=.004) remained significant risk factors for LRR. The 5-year LRR was 4.1% in patients with neither grade III nor ECE, 8.1% with either grade III or ECE, and 50.4% in patients with both grade III and ECE (P<.0001); the corresponding 5-year distant metastasis-free survival rates were 91.8%, 85.4%, and 59.1% (P=.0004), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PMRT offers excellent control for patients with 1-3 LN+, with no locoregional failures to date. Patients with 1-3 LN+ who have grade III disease and/or ECE should be strongly considered for PMRT.

Modern outcomes of inflammatory breast cancer

PURPOSE

To report contemporary outcomes for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) patients treated in the modern era of trastuzumab and taxane-based chemotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 104 patients with nonmetastatic IBC treated between January 2000 and December 2009. Patients who received chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy were considered to have completed the intended therapy. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated locoregional control (LRC), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 34 months; 57 (55%) patients were estrogen receptor progesterone receptor (ER/PR) negative, 34 (33%) patients were human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (her2)/neu amplified, and 78 (75%) received definitive postoperative radiation. Seventy-five (72%) patients completed all of the intended therapy, of whom 67 (89%) received a taxane and 18/28 (64%) of her2/neu-amplified patients received trastuzumab. For the entire cohort, the 5-year rates of overall survival, LRC, and DMFS were 46%, 83%, and 44%, respectively. The ER/PR-negative patients had a 5-year DMFS of 39% vs. 52% for ER/PR-positive patients (p = 0.03). The 5-year DMFS for patients who achieved a pathologic complete response compared with those who did not was 83% vs. 44% (p < 0.01). Those patients who received >60.4 Gy (n = 15) to the chest wall had a 5-year LRC rate of 100% vs. 83% for those who received 45 to 60.4 Gy (n = 49; p = 0.048). On univariate analysis, significant predictors of DMFS included achieving a complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-24.4; p = 0.02) and pathologically negative lymph nodes (HR = 4.1; 95% CI = 1.4-11.9; p < 0.01), but no factor was significant on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

For IBC patients, the rate of distant metastases is still high despite excellent local control, particularly for patients who received >60.4 Gy to the chest wall. Despite the use of taxanes and trastuzumab, outcomes remain modest, particularly for those with ER/PR-negative disease and those without a pathologic complete response.

High-risk prostate cancer treated with I-125 brachytherapy

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Background: High-risk prostate cancer (HRPC) is commonly defined as Gleason score (GS) ≥ 8, PSA ≥ 20 ng/ml, and/or T3-T4 disease, or having a combination of two intermediate risk factors. Multimodality therapy is commonly utilized for HRPC due to concerns of extra-prostatic extension or seminal vesicle invasion. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes of HRPC patients treated with wide brachytherapy implant alone.

Methods: From our IRB-approved registry, we performed a retrospective review of all patients with HRPC and no radiographic evidence of metastatic disease who were treated with I-125 prostate brachytherapy at Cleveland Clinic. Patients who received supplemental external beam radiation were excluded. Characteristics analyzed on univariate analysis included initial PSA, GS, clinical stage, use of androgen deprivation (AD), dose to 90% of the prostate (D90), and volume of the gland receiving 100% of the prescribed dose (V100) of 144 Gy. Endpoints included biochemical relapse free survival (bRFS) defined by nadir PSA + 2 ng/ml, and distant metastases.

Results: From 7/1997- 6/2011, 389 patients with HRPC were treated with I-125 prostate brachytherapy. Median age was 70 years. Patients with GS 8-10 accounted for 40% of cases, 72% were clinical stage T1c, and the median initial PSA was 11.3 ng/ml. Concurrent AD was utilized in 67% of patients and the median D90 was 144.8 Gy (range 75.7 – 248.33 Gy). At a median follow-up of 27 months, the 5-year bRFS was 75.7% and the 5-year distant metastases-free survival was 93.1%. Nine patients died of prostate cancer (crude rate 2.3%). No clinical or treatment factors were identified that correlated with the development of biochemical failure, including the use of AD (p = 0.19, HR 0.612).

Conclusions: Brachytherapy for patients with HRPC yields favorable outcomes at early follow up time. Longer follow-up and prospective studies are needed for further analysis.

Long-term toxicity and associated cost of initial treatment and subsequent toxicity-related intervention for patients treated with prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or brachytherapy: A SEER/Medicare database study

4

Background: Treatment-related toxicity for prostate cancer (CaP) is rarely reported more than 5 years after therapy. We examined the SEER-Medicare linked database with the potential of having 16 years of follow-up data on toxicity requiring procedural intervention.

Methods: The SEER-Medicare database was queried for CaP patients treated with prostatectomy (RP), external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), or brachytherapy (PI) between 1991-2007. We identified procedural billing codes associated with toxicity-related treatments. We obtained information on the Medicare reimbursement rates for the initial treatment and any toxicity-related interventions. We then computed the cost per patient-year within each treatment modality over time.

Results: A total of 137,427 patients who were 65 years or older at the time of CaP diagnosis and who had CaP as their only cancer diagnosis were retrieved from the SEER/Medicare database: 59,559 (43.3%) treated with RP, 60,806 (44.2%) treated with EBRT, and 17,062 (12.4%) treated with PI. No patient received combined therapy. The median follow-up is 71 months. Overall, 10,585 (7.3%) patients experienced a toxicity requiring intervention. Within treatment modalities, the percentages receiving toxicity-related intervention were: RP 6.9%, EBRT 8.8%, and PI 3.7%. The gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity comparisons are listed in the table. Dilation of a urethral stricture was the most common GU toxicity (3.6% of all patients) while cauterization of rectal bleeding was the most common GI toxicity (0.8% of all patients).

Conclusions: The long-term toxicity and cost per patient-year of the major prostate cancer treatment modalities differ. EBRT is the most toxic and most costly.

[Table: see text]

Identifying patients with node-positive prostate cancer who may benefit from adjuvant pelvic radiation following prostatectomy

195

Background: Three PRTs address the role adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) following radical prostatectomy (RP) in men with locally advanced and/or margin positive prostate cancer (PCa), one of which demonstrated an improvement in overall survival by the addition of early RT. Not addressed in these studies is the role of adjuvant RT in lymph node positive (LN+) PCa.

Methods: We reviewed an IRB-approved prospective database at the Cleveland Clinic and identified 84 men with non-metastatic, LN+ PCa treated with RP from 1987-2010. Men receiving neoadjuvant therapy or adjuvant RT were excluded from this analysis. Pelvic failure (PF) was defined as recurrence in the prostate bed or pelvic LN up to the common iliacs. Distant failures (DF) were defined as any LN recurrence beyond the common iliacs, bone, or other solid organ metastases. Kaplan-Meier estimates of pelvic failure (PF), distant failure (DF) and overall survival (OS) were conducted.

Results: Median follow-up was 6 years. The median initial PSA was 10.1 ng/mL, 50% had Gleason 7, 12% had Gleason 8, 31% had Gleason 9 disease. The median number of LNs dissected was 11 (range 1-49) and 36% had >1 LN+. Extracapsular extension was present in 90%, seminal vesicle invasion in 66%, and surgical margins positive in 55%. The 6 week post-operative PSA was undetectable (<0.2 ng/ml) in 58%. Overall, 41% received immediate androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and 45% received delayed ADT after biochemical or clinical failure, while 23% received salvage RT and 22% received chemotherapy. The 10-year OS was 61%. Clinically documented PF and DF occurred in 14% and 24%, respectively. Gleason score was the factor most predictive of PF, DF, and OS. Comparing Gleason score of ≤7 vs. ≥8, the 5-year PF rate was 3% vs. 24% (p=0.006), the 5-year DF rate was 2% vs. 37% (p<0.0001), and 5-year OS was 97% vs. 74% (p<0.0001), respectively. The number of LN+ was not prognostic.

Conclusions: Men with Gleason score ≥8 LN+ PCa have a high rate of pelvic recurrence, and pelvic radiation may be worthy of prospective investigation.

Comparing long-term toxicity between external beam radiotherapy modalities: A SEER/Medicare database study

118

Background: The use of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for the treatment of prostate cancer (CaP) has been widely promoted due to the hypothesized benefit of low late toxicity.

Methods: The SEER-Medicare database was queried for CaP patients treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), 1991-2007. CPT billing codes were used to identify patients treated with IMRT or standard EBRT (sEBRT), which was comprised of conformal radiotherapy or a four-field technique. Patients without a treatment billing code were excluded from the analysis. Information on dose is unavailable. CPT codes were also used to identify procedures associated with gastrointestinal (GI) or genitourinary (GU) toxicity related treatments. Cumulative incidence rates for GI and GU toxicity were calculated with death treated as a competing event.

Results: A total of 137,427 patients who were 65 years or older at the time of CaP diagnosis and who had CaP as their only cancer diagnosis were retrieved from the SEER-Medicare database: 60,806 were treated with EBRT and a treatment billing code was identified for 35,388 patients. No patient received combined therapy. Seventeen percent of patients received IMRT. The median follow-up for patients receiving IMRT is 40 months (mo) (range 2-157) vs 77 mo (range 0-203) for patients receiving sEBRT. Overall, 3,699 (10%) patients experienced a toxicity requiring an intervention. The five year rate of GI The gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicity comparisons are listed in the table. For both endpoints, rate of toxicity at five years was higher for the IMRT group. The most common GU toxicity for both groups was dilation of a urethral stricture (3.8% of all sEBRT patients vs 3.4 of all IMRT patients). Cauterization of rectal bleeding was the most common GI toxicity (2.4% of all sEBRT patients vs 1.6 of all IMRT patients).

Conclusions: While the rates of GI toxicity between IMRT and sEBRT are comparable, of concern is the higher rate of GU toxicity for the IMRT patients despite this group having a shorter follow up than the sEBRT group.

[Table: see text]

Quality of life after gamma knife radiosurgery for benign lesions: a prospective study

This study was initiated to evaluate the impact of intracranial radiosurgery for non-malignant indications on a patient's quality of life (QOL).The study sample includes a total of 31 patients treated with single-fraction Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for a non-malignant indication. Patients were treated at the Cleveland Clinic from 2005 through 2007 and all underwent pretreatment evaluation including screening for depression and anxiety, serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, albumin and thyroid stimulating hormone. Each patient was followed prospectively for eight weeks after treatment using a validated tool to assess fatigue and a separate questionnaire assessing quality of life. Dose and volume of GKRS were based on institutional practice and indication. The 13 question Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F) was used to assess fatigue. Six additional questions assessing QOL outcomes not measured by the FACIT-F were added. Patients completed the questionnaire prior to GKRS and weekly for eight weeks. Questionnaires were scored using the FACIT scoring guidelines with a maximum score of 52. The additional questions were scored similarly with higher scores correlating with better QOL. The indications for treatment were arteriovenous malformation (5), schwannoma (12), trigeminal neuralgia (7), meningioma (4), pituitary adenoma (2), and glomus tumor (1). Median radiosurgery dose was 15 Gy (range 12-82 Gy). Doses for trigeminal neuralgia were prescribed to the 100% isodose line (IDL) while other lesions were treated to approximately the 50% IDL. Median volume of tissue treated was 2.5 cc (range 0.132-15.4 cc). Analysis of the 31 patients and 227 person-weeks of follow-up shows that GKRS does not adversely impact fatigue and QOL during the first 8 weeks after treatment. Mean FACIT-F score was 43 at baseline and 41, 43, 45, 43, 46, 44, 45, 47 at weeks 1-8 respectively after GKRS. In addition, questions assessing patients' quality of life, and ability to work and exercise showed no decline after GKRS. Mean baseline score for these questions was 13 and 18, 19, 19, 19, 20, 19, 19 and 21 at weeks 1-8 after GK. This analysis of a prospective data set indicates that Gamma Knife radiosurgery does not adversely impact levels of fatigue or quality of life during the first 8 weeks after treatment for benign indications.