Proton radiation therapy for primary sphenoid sinus malignancies: treatment outcome and prognostic factors

Primary Intraosseous Granular Cell Tumor of the Sphenoid and Central Skull Base in a Pediatric Patient

BACKGROUND

Granular cell tumors occur in all ages and many anatomic sites. In the craniofacial region, they typically arise in soft tissue, not bone. We present a primary intra-osseous granular cell tumor of the sphenoid and central skull base arising in a 12- year- old girl.

CASE REPORT

A 12-year-old female with sickle cell disease and Jeavons syndrome presented with seizures. Imaging and partial resection revealed an expansile benign granular cell tumor (GCT) involving the sphenoid body, pterygoid process, and central skull base. The disease has remained stable after 36-month follow up.

DISCUSSION

GCT primarily involving the osseous sphenoid/skull base has not been previously reported in a child. Although mostly benign, some are aggressive, with malignant transformation in 1-2%. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, but in the skull base this may be limited by adjacent critical structures. Decision-making is guided by anatomic extent, histology, and clinical behavior.

High-Density Glass Scintillators for Proton Radiography-Relative Luminosity, Proton Response, and Spatial Resolution

Proton radiography is a promising development in proton therapy, and researchers are currently exploring optimal detector materials to construct proton radiography detector arrays. High-density glass scintillators may improve integrating-mode proton radiography detectors by increasing spatial resolution and decreasing detector thickness. We evaluated several new scintillators, activated with europium or terbium, with proton response measurements and Monte Carlo simulations, characterizing relative luminosity, ionization quenching, and proton radiograph spatial resolution. We applied a correction based on Birks's analytical model for ionization quenching. The data demonstrate increased relative luminosity with increased activation element concentration, and higher relative luminosity for samples activated with europium. An increased glass density enables more compact detector geometries and higher spatial resolution. These findings suggest that a tungsten and gadolinium oxide-based glass activated with 4% europium is an ideal scintillator for testing in a full-size proton radiography detector.

International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal neoplasms, whether benign and malignant, pose a significant challenge to clinicians and represent a model area for multidisciplinary collaboration in order to optimize patient care. The International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Sinonasal Tumors (ICSNT) aims to summarize the best available evidence and presents 48 thematic and histopathology-based topics spanning the field.

METHODS

In accordance with prior International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology documents, ICSNT assigned each topic as an Evidence-Based Review with Recommendations, Evidence-Based Review, and Literature Review based on the level of evidence. An international group of multidisciplinary author teams were assembled for the topic reviews using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses format, and completed sections underwent a thorough and iterative consensus-building process. The final document underwent rigorous synthesis and review prior to publication.

RESULTS

The ICSNT document consists of four major sections: general principles, benign neoplasms and lesions, malignant neoplasms, and quality of life and surveillance. It covers 48 conceptual and/or histopathology-based topics relevant to sinonasal neoplasms and masses. Topics with a high level of evidence provided specific recommendations, while other areas summarized the current state of evidence. A final section highlights research opportunities and future directions, contributing to advancing knowledge and community intervention.

CONCLUSION

As an embodiment of the multidisciplinary and collaborative model of care in sinonasal neoplasms and masses, ICSNT was designed as a comprehensive, international, and multidisciplinary collaborative endeavor. Its primary objective is to summarize the existing evidence in the field of sinonasal neoplasms and masses.

A long-term survival case with proton beam therapy for advanced sphenoid sinus cancer with hypopituitarism

Sphenoid sinus malignancies are rare diseases. Secondary hypopituitarism associated with sphenoid sinus malignancy is not well known. A 41-year-old male complained of right ptosis. Neurological findings revealed right oculomotor, trochlear and glossopharyngeal nerve palsy. Imaging diagnosis suggested a tumor that had spread bilaterally from the sphenoid sinus to the ethmoid sinus, nasopharynx and posterior pharyngeal space. Biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Based on these findings, a clinical diagnosis of SCC of the sphenoid sinus was made. Removal of the tumor without damaging nearby organs would have been difficult because the tumor extended to the bilateral optic nerves, optic chiasma and internal carotid artery, and surgeons, therefore, recommended proton beam therapy (PBT). Before PBT, the hypopituitarism occurred in the patient and we administered hydrocortisone and levothyroxine. During treating for hypopituitarism, we performed PBT with nedaplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The daily PBT fractions were 2.2 relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for the tumor received total dose of 81.4 Gy RBE. The acute side effect of grade 2 dermatitis according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Occurred after PBT. The patient needs to take hydrocortisone and levothyroxine, but he remains in complete remission 8 years after treatment without surgery or chemotherapy. Visual function is gradually declining, but there is no evidence of severe radiation-induced optic neuropathy.

The Role of Particle Therapy in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck

Particle irradiation is suitable for resistant histologies owing to a combination of improved dose delivery with potential radiobiologic advantages in high linear energy transfer radiation. Within the head and neck, adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucosal melanoma are two such histologies, being radioresistant and lying closely proximal to critical structures. Here, we review the use of particle irradiation for adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucosal melanoma of the head and neck.

Spot Scanning Proton Therapy for Sinonasal Malignant Tumors

Purpose

Treatment of sinonasal malignant tumors is challenging, and evidence to establish a standard treatment is limited. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of spot scanning proton therapy (SSPT) for sinonasal malignant tumors.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients with sinonasal malignant tumors (T1-4bN0-2M0) who underwent SSPT between May 2014 and September 2019. The prescription dose was typically either 60 GyRBE in 15 fractions or 60.8 GyRBE in 16 fractions for mucosal melanoma and 70.2 GyRBE in 26 fractions for other histologic subtypes. Endpoints included local control (LC), progression-free survival, overall survival (OS), and incidence of toxicity. Prognostic factors were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

Results

Of 62 enrolled patients, the common histologic subtypes were mucosal melanoma (35%), squamous cell carcinoma (27%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (16%), and olfactory neuroblastoma (10%). Locally advanced stages were common (T3 in 42% and T4 in 53%). Treatment-naïve tumors and postsurgical recurrent tumors accounted for 73% and 27%, respectively. No patient had previous radiotherapy. The median follow-up was 17 months (range, 6-66) for all patients and 21.5 months (range, 6-66) for survivors. The 2-year LC, progression-free survival, and OS rates of all patients were 92%, 50%, and 76%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed histology as a prognostic factor for OS, being higher in adenoid cystic carcinoma and olfactory neuroblastoma than in other tumors. Sixteen grade ≥3 late toxicities were observed in 12 patients (19%), including 11 events resulting in visual impairment; the most common was cataract. There was 1 grade 4 toxicity, and there were no grade 5 toxicities.

Conclusion

SSPT was well tolerated and yielded good LC for sinonasal malignant tumors. Although we consider SSPT to be a leading treatment modality, further studies are required to establish its status as a standard treatment.

Using patient-specific bolus for pencil beam scanning proton treatment of periorbital disease

Purpose

A unique mantle cell lymphoma case with bilateral periorbital disease unresponsive to chemotherapy and with dosimetry not conducive to electron therapy was treated with pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy. This patient presented treatment planning challenges due to the thin target, immediately adjacent organs at risk (OAR), and nonconformal orbital surface anatomy. Therefore, we developed a patient‐specific bolus and hypothesized that it would provide superior setup robustness, dose uniformity and dose conformity.

Materials/Methods

A blue‐wax patient‐specific bolus was generated from the patient's face contour to conform to his face and eliminate air gaps. A relative stopping power ratio (RSP) of 0.972 was measured for the blue‐wax, and the HUs were overridden accordingly in the treatment planning system (TPS). Orthogonal kV images were used for bony alignment and then to ensure positioning of the bolus through fiducial markers attached to the bolus and their contours in TPS. Daily CBCT was used to confirm the position of the bolus in relation to the patient's surface. Dosimetric characteristics were compared between (a) nonbolus, (b) conventional gel bolus and (c) patient‐specific bolus plans. An in‐house developed workflow for assessment of daily treatment dose based on CBCT images was used to evaluate inter‐fraction dose accumulation.

Results

The patient was treated to 24 cobalt gray equivalent (CGE) in 2 CGE daily fractions to the bilateral periorbital skin, constraining at least 50% of each lacrimal gland to under 20 Gy. The bolus increased proton beam range by adding 2–3 energy layers of different fields to help achieve better dose uniformity and adequate dose coverage. In contrast to the plan with conventional gel bolus, dose uniformity was significantly improved with patient‐specific bolus. The global maximum dose was reduced by 7% (from 116% to 109%). The max and mean doses were reduced by 6.0% and 7.7%, respectively, for bilateral retinas, and 3.0% and 13.9% for bilateral lacrimal glands. The max dose of the lens was reduced by 2.1%. The rigid shape, along with lightweight, and smooth fit to the patient face was well tolerated and reported as “very comfortable” by the patient. The daily position accuracy of the bolus was within 1 mm based on IGRT marker alignment. The daily dose accumulation indicates that the target coverage and OAR doses were highly consistent with the planning intention.

Conclusion

Our patient‐specific blue‐wax bolus significantly increased dose uniformity, reduced OAR doses, and maintained consistent setup accuracy compared to conventional bolus. Quality PBS proton treatment for periorbital tumors and similar challenging thin and shallow targets can be achieved using such patient‐specific bolus with robustness on both setup and dosimetry.

Past, present and future of proton therapy for head and neck cancer

Proton therapy has recently gained substantial momentum worldwide due to improved accessibility to the technology and sustained interests in its advantage of better tissue sparing compared to traditional photon radiation. Proton therapy in head and neck cancer has a unique advantage given the complex anatomy and proximity of targets to vital organs. As head and neck cancer patients are living longer due to epidemiological shifts and advances in treatment options, long-term toxicity from radiation treatment has become a major concern that may be better mitigated by proton therapy. With increased utilization of proton therapy, new proton centers breaking ground, and as excitement about the technology continue to increase, we aim to comprehensively review the evidence of proton therapy in major subsites within the head and neck, hoping to facilitate a greater understanding of the full risks and benefits of proton therapy for head and neck cancer.

Carbon ion radiation therapy for sinonasal malignancies: Promising results from 2282 cases from the real world

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of carbon ion radiation therapy (CIRT), proton radiation therapy (PRT), and photon‐based intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in the treatment of sinonasal malignancies. We identified studies through systematic review and divided them into three cohorts (CIRT group/PRT group/IMRT group). Primary outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and local control (LC). We pooled the outcomes with meta‐analysis and compared the survival difference among groups using Chi² (χ²) test. A representative sample of 2282 patients with sinonasal malignancies (911 in the CIRT group, 599 in the PRT group, and 772 in the IMRT group) from 44 observation studies (7 CIRT, 16 PRT, and 21 IMRT) was included. The pooled 3‐year OS, LC, distant metastasis–free survival, and progression‐free survival rates were 67.0%, 72.8%, 69.4%, and 52.8%, respectively. Through cross‐group analysis, the OS was significantly higher after CIRT (75.1%, 95% CI: 67.1%‐83.2%) than PRT (66.2%, 95% CI: 57.7%‐74.6%; χ² = 13.374, P < .0001) or IMRT (63.8%, 95% CI: 55.3%‐72.3%; χ² = 23.814, P < .0001). LC was significantly higher after CIRT (80.2%, 95% CI: 73.9%‐86.5%) than PRT (72.9%, 95% CI: 63.7%‐82.0%; χ² = 8.955, P = .003) or IMRT (67.8%, 95% CI: 59.4%‐76.2%; χ² = 30.955, P < .0001). However, no significant difference between PRT and IMRT for OS and LC was observed. CIRT appeared to provide better OS and LC for patients with malignancies of nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. A prospective randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm the superiority of CIRT in the treatment of sinonasal tumors.

Outcomes and toxicities of definitive radiotherapy and reirradiation using 3-dimensional conformal or intensity-modulated (pencil beam) proton therapy for patients with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus malignancies

BACKGROUND

Proton therapy (PT) improves outcomes in patients with nasal cavity (NC) and paranasal sinus (PNS) cancers. Herein, the authors have reported to their knowledge the largest series to date using intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) in the treatment of these patients.

METHODS

Between 2013 and 2018, a total of 86 consecutive patients (68 of whom were radiation-naive and 18 of whom were reirradiated) received PT to median doses of 70 grays and 67 grays relative biological effectiveness, respectively. Approximately 53% received IMPT.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 23.4 months (range, 1.7-69.3 months) for all patients and 28.1 months (range, 2.3-69.3 months) for surviving patients. The 2-year local control (LC), distant control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were 83%, 84%, 74%, and 81%, respectively, for radiation-naive patients and 77%, 80%, 54%, and 66%, respectively for reirradiated patients. Among radiation-naive patients, when compared with 3-dimensional conformal proton technique, IMPT significantly improved LC (91% vs 72%; P < .01) and independently predicted LC (hazard ratio, 0.14; P = .01). Sixteen radiation-naive patients (24%) experienced acute grade 3 toxicities; 4 (6%) experienced late grade 3 toxicities (osteoradionecrosis, vision loss, soft-tissue necrosis, and soft tissue fibrosis) (grading was performed according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 5.0]). Slightly inferior LC was noted for patients undergoing reirradiation with higher complications: 11% experienced late grade 3 toxicities (facial pain and brain necrosis). Patients treated with reirradiation had more grade 1 to 2 radionecrosis than radiation-naive patients (brain: 33% vs 7% and osteoradionecrosis: 17% vs 3%).

CONCLUSIONS

PT achieved remarkable LC for patients with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers with lower grade 3 toxicities relative to historical reports. IMPT has the potential to improve the therapeutic ratio in these malignancies and is worthy of further investigation.

Long-term outcomes and toxicities of carbon-ion radiotherapy in malignant tumors of the sphenoid sinus

BACKGROUND

Most of the primary sphenoid sinus tumors present with locally advanced stages with involvement of adjacent critical structures and are not amenable to radical resection. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of carbon-ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT) for sphenoid sinus malignancies.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 22 patients of primary sphenoid carcinomas treated with definitive C-ion RT.

RESULTS

Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common histology (15 patients, 68.2%). The median follow-up of this cohort was 48.5 months. The actuarial local control and overall survival at 5 years were 51.0% and 62.7%, respectively. Grade 4 visual impairment and grade 4 brain necrosis were seen in six and one patient, respectively.

CONCLUSION

C-ion RT can provide a reasonably good clinical outcome in locally advanced sphenoid sinus malignancies with a marginally higher late toxicity profile because of extremely close proximity of the target volume to critical structures.

Radiation induced optic neuropathy: Does treatment modality influence the risk?

Radiation induced optic neuropathy (RION) is a rare but disastrous complication of radiation therapy in treatment of periorbital tumors. The objective of this study is to investigate the incidence of RION in series of patients treated from peri orbital tumors by recent photon and proton irradiation modalities. We searched the Pub Med database for studies in periorbital tumors including base of skull, sinonasal, pituitary, nasopharyngeal tumors and craniopharyngioma treated with Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and with proton beam therapy (PBT) between 1992 and 2017 excluding metastatic tumors, lymphomas, pediatric series, those treated mainly with chemotherapy, target therapy and those written in languages other than English and French. The result retrieved 421 articles that were revised by the panel. Fourteen articles with IMRT and 27 with PBT reported usable data for the review from which 31studies that had pointed to the doses to the optic nerve (ON) and/or optic chiasm (OC) and incidence of RION have been analyzed. We have found that the incidence of RION had been reported fairly in both modalities and many other factors related to the patient, tumor, and irradiation process interplay in its development. We have concluded that proper treatment planning, good selection of treatment modality, adherence to dose constraints applied to critical structures all along with regular oncological and ophthalmological follow up, control of co-morbidities and early intervention, could help reducing its magnitude.

Dosimetric parameters predictive of nasolacrimal duct obstruction after carbon-ion radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Little information is available on the risk factors for nasolacrimal duct obstruction after radiotherapy for head and neck tumors. We investigated the incidence and predictive dosimetric parameters for nasolacrimal duct obstruction following carbon-ion radiotherapy for head and neck tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with head and neck non-squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed in this single-institution prospective study. More than half of the tumors were located in the nasal cavity and maxillary sinus. Carbon-ion radiotherapy consisting of 57.6 or 64.0 Gy(relative biological effectiveness; RBE) in 16 fractions was administered. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction was recorded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. Cutoff values were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. VX indicates the volume irradiated with X Gy(RBE).

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 60.3 months. Incidences of Grade 1 and 2 nasolacrimal duct obstructions were 46% (13/28) and 7% (2/28), respectively; no Grade 3 or greater toxicities were recorded. Throughout the dose range, the volumes of the irradiated nasolacrimal ducts were significantly higher in the obstruction-positive patients than in the obstruction-negative patients (p < 0.001 for V10, V20, V30, V40, V50, and V60). Cutoff values determined by the ROC curve analysis classified the obstruction-positive patients with an accuracy of >96% over the entire range of V10-V60.

CONCLUSION

The incidence and predictive dosimetric parameters for nasolacrimal duct obstruction after carbon-ion radiotherapy were demonstrated in a prospective cohort. These data should help optimize carbon-ion radiotherapy treatments for patients with head and neck tumors.

A Multi-Institutional Experience of Proton Beam Therapy for Sinonasal Tumors

Purpose

To report the outcomes of sinonasal tumors treated with proton beam therapy (PBT) on the Proton Collaborative Group registry study.

Methods and Materials

Sixty-nine patients with sinonasal tumors underwent curative intent PBT between 2010 and 2016. Patients who received de novo irradiation (42 patients) were analyzed separately from those who received reirradiation (27 patients) (re-RT). Median age was 53.1 years (range, 15.7-82.1; de novo) and 57.4 years (range, 31.3-88.0; re-RT). The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma in both groups. Median PBT dose was 58.5 Gy (RBE) (range, 12-78.3; de novo) and 60.0 Gy (RBE) (range 18.2-72.3; re-RT), and median dose per fraction was 2.0 Gy (RBE) for both cohorts. Survival estimates for patients who received de novo irradiation and those who received re-RT were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results

Median follow-up for surviving patients was 26.4 months (range, 3.5-220.5). The 3-year overall survival (OS), freedom from distant metastasis, freedom from disease progression, and freedom from locoregional recurrence (FFLR) for de novo irradiation were 100%, 84.0%, 77.3%, and 92.9%, respectively. With re-RT, the 3-year OS, freedom from distant metastasis, FFDP, and FFLR were 76.2%, 47.4%, 32.1%, and 33.8%, respectively. In addition, 12 patients (17.4%) experienced recurrent disease. Re-RT was associated with inferior FFLR (P = .04). On univariate analysis, squamous cell carcinoma was associated with inferior OS (P < .01) for patients receiving re-RT. There were 11 patients with acute grade 3 toxicities. Late toxicities occurred in 15% of patients, with no grade ≥3 toxicities. No patients developed vision loss or symptomatic brain necrosis.

Conclusions

As one of the largest studies of sinonasal tumors treated with PBT, our findings suggest that PBT may be a safe and efficacious treatment option for patients with sinonasal tumors.

Bimodal Radiotherapy with Active Raster-Scanning Carbon Ion Radiotherapy and Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy in High-Risk Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Results in Excellent Local Control

Background: In this analysis, we aimed to present the first results of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT), which is known for its conformal dose distribution and increased biological effectiveness in the treatment of high-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed twenty-six consecutive patients who had been treated at our center with CIRT for high-risk NPC between 2009 and 2018. Carbon ion (C12) boost was applied in a bimodal setting combined with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) base plan. The median cumulative total dose was 74 Gy (RBE), and patients with inoperable (n = 17, 65%) or incompletely resected (n = 7, 27%) tumors were included in the analysis. Overall, 81% received concomitant chemotherapy (n = 21). Results: The median follow-up time was 40 months (range 10–97 months) for all patients. At the last follow-up, 92% of the patients were still alive. We could identify excellent tumor response with complete tumor remission (CR) in 60% (n = 15/25), partial tumor remission (PR) in 20% (n = 5/25), and stable disease (SD) in 12% (n = 3/25) of the patients according to the RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria. Despite unfavorable tumor characteristics, only one patient showed a locally in-field recurrence after 56 months (4%) and another patient a locoregional recurrence in the unilateral cervical lymph nodes after 21 months (4%). The 2-year local control (LC), distant progression-free survival (DPFS), and overall survival (OS) were 95%, 93%, and 100% and the estimated 5-year LC, DPFS, and OS were 90%, 86%, and 86%, respectively. Overall, treatment was tolerated well with 20% acute and 16% chronic grade 3 side effects. No toxicity greater than grade 3 occurred. Conclusion: Bimodal radiotherapy including IMRT and active raster-scanning CIRT for high-risk nasopharyngeal cancer is a safe treatment method resulting in moderate toxicity and excellent local control. A larger patient number and longer follow-up time would be necessary to strengthen the current findings.

Results of a combination treatment with intensity modulated radiotherapy and active raster-scanning carbon ion boost for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the minor salivary glands of the nasopharynx

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to present the first clinical results for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the nasopharynx after primary radiotherapy (RT) with the focus on local control (LC) and patterns of recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 59 patients with ACC of the nasopharynx, who were treated with bimodal radiotherapy (RT) consisting of intensity modulated radiotherapy and carbon ion boost at the Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center between 2009 and 2018. The patients had predominantly inoperable (n = 42, 72%) or incompletely resected (n = 17, 29%) tumors. Kaplan-Meier estimates and the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test were used for univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 32 months. At last follow-up, 67% of the patients were still alive (n = 39/58), of whom 74% were free of progression (n = 29/39). The 2-year LC, distant progression-free survival (DPFS) and overall survival (OS) were 83%, 81%, 87% and the estimated 5-year LC, DPFS and OS were 49%, 54%, 69%, respectively. LC was significantly inferior in patients with large tumor volumes (gross tumor volume, GTV > 100 cc, p = 0.020) and T4 tumors (p = 0.021). The majority of the recurrences occurred at the margin, where critical structures were spared (n = 11/19, 58%). Overall, grade 3 toxicity was moderate with 12% acute and 8% late side effects.

CONCLUSION

Bimodal RT including active raster-scanning carbon ion boost for nasopharyngeal ACC resulted in adequate LC and OS rates with moderate toxicity. T4 stage, large tumor volume and the necessary dose sparing in critical structures, i.e. optic nerves, brain stem and orbit, negatively affected LC.

Impact of aeration change and beam arrangement on the robustness of proton plans

This study determines the impact of change in aeration in sinonasal cavities on the robustness of passive‐scattering proton therapy plans in patients with sinonasal and nasopharyngeal malignancies. Fourteen patients, each with one planning CT and one CT acquired during radiotherapy were studied. Repeat and planning CTs were rigidly aligned and contours were transferred using deformable registration. The amount of air, tumor, and fluid within the cavity containing the tumor were measured on both CTs. The original plans were recalculated on the repeat CT. Dosimetric changes were measured for the targets and critical structures. Median decrease in gross tumor volume (GTV) was 19.8% and correlated with the time of rescan. The median change in air content was 7.1% and correlated with the tumor shrinkage. The median of the mean dose D_mean change was +0.4% for GTV and +0.3% for clinical target volume. Median change in the maximum dose D_max of the critical structures were as follows: optic chiasm +0.66%, left optic nerve +0.12%, right optic nerve +0.38%, brainstem +0.6%. The dose to the GTV decreased by more than 5% in 1 case, and the dose to critical structure(s) increased by more than 5% in three cases. These four patients had sinonasal cancers and were treated with anterior proton fields that directly transversed through the involved sinus cavities. The change in dose in the replanning was strongly correlated with the change in aeration (P = 0.02). We found that the change in aeration in the vicinity of the target and the arrangement of proton beams affected the robustness of proton plan.

The evolution of proton beam therapy: Current and future status

Proton beam therapy (PBT) has been increasingly used in a variety of cancers due to its excellent physical properties and superior dosimetric parameters. PBT may improve patient survival by improving the local tumor treatment rate while reducing injury to normal organs, which may result in fewer radiation-induced adverse effects. However, the significant cost of establishing and maintaining proton facilities cannot be overlooked. In addition, there has been significant controversy regarding routine application of this treatment in certain types of cancer. The challenges of PBT in the future mainly include the lack of basic clinical trials, unclear biological effects, immature imaging technology and miniaturization of imaging guidance. Overcoming these limitations may promote the rapid development of PBT. We herein provide an overview of the existing literature on the efficacy and toxicity of common oncological applications of proton beam therapy.

ACR appropriateness criteria® nasal cavity and paranasal sinus cancers

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment. Here, we present the Appropriateness Criteria for cancers arising in the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (maxillary, sphenoid, and ethmoid sinuses). This includes clinical presentation, prognostic factors, principles of management, and treatment outcomes. Controversies regarding management of cervical lymph nodes are discussed. Rare and unusual nasal cavity cancers, such as esthesioneuroblastoma and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas, are included. © 2016 American College of Radiology. Head Neck, 2016 © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 407-418, 2017.

Sphenoid sinus malignancies: a population-based comprehensive analysis

BACKGROUND

Sinonasal malignancies are rare, representing less than 1% of all cancers, with the sphenoid sinus accounting for 1% to 2% of these cases. Sphenoid sinus malignancies exhibit very poor outcomes. There is a paucity of literature describing their histopathological features, incidence trends, treatment, and survival. We seek to elucidate these factors using a national population-based resource.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to identify malignant sphenoid sinus tumors. The results were analyzed for demographics, incidence, and clinicopathologic trends. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

The search identified 472 cases. The mean and median age at diagnosis was 60.0 years. Males represented 54.9% of cases. By race/ethnicity, 82.4% were white and 8.5% were black. The four most common histopathologies were squamous cell neoplasms (29.4%), adenocarcinomas (14.4%), non-Hodgkin's mature B-cell lymphomas (13.1%), and unspecified epithelial neoplasms (11.0%). The overall incidence from 2000 to 2012 was 0.030 per 100,000. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an overall 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) of 48.1%. Of the most common histopathological subtypes, 5-year DSS was best for mature B-cell NHL (64.0%) and worst for unspecified epithelial neoplasms (25.6%).

CONCLUSION

Sphenoid sinus malignancies are rare, with high prevalence in white males. The most common histopathology is squamous cell neoplasms. They exhibit significant locoregional extension. Of the common sphenoid sinus malignant subtypes, 5-year DSS is best for mature B-cell NHL and worst for unspecified epithelial neoplasms.

Long-Term Outcomes After Proton Beam Therapy for Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common sinonasal cancer and is associated with one of the poor outcomes. Proton therapy allows excellent target coverage with maximal sparing of adjacent normal tissues. We evaluated the long-term outcomes in patients with sinonasal SCC treated with proton therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1991 and 2008, 54 patients with Stage III and IV SCC of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus received proton beam therapy at our institution to a median dose of 72.8 Gy(RBE). Sixty-nine percent underwent prior surgical resection, and 74% received elective nodal radiation. Locoregional control and survival probabilities were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Treatment toxicity was scored using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up time of 82 months in surviving patients, there were 10 local, 7 regional, and 11 distant failures. The 2-year and 5-year actuarial local control rate was 80%. The 2-year and 5-year rates of overall survival were 67% and 47%, respectively. Only smoking status was predictive for worse locoregional control, with current smokers having a 5-year rate of 23% compared with 83% for noncurrent smokers (P=.004). Karnofsky performance status ≤80 was the most significant factor predictive for worse overall survival in multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6-12.5, P=.004). There were nine grade 3 and six grade 4 toxicities, and no grade 5 toxicity. Wound adverse events constituted the most common grade 3-4 toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our long-term results show that proton radiation therapy is well tolerated and yields good locoregional control for SCC of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus. Current smokers and patients with poor performance status had inferior outcomes. Prospective study is necessary to compare IMRT with proton therapy in the treatment of sinonasal malignancy.

Advantage of Extended Craniofacial Resection for Advanced Malignant Tumors of the Nasal Cavity and Paranasal Sinuses: Long-Term Outcome and Surgical Management

OBJECTIVE

Craniofacial resection (CFR) for advanced sinonasal malignant tumors (SNMTs) is mandatory for radical resection. Surgeons must be aware of perioperative complications and long-term outcome because this procedure is extremely invasive, especially when the tumor involves the anterior skull base.

METHODS

Thirty-eight consecutive surgical patients with advanced SNMT of T4 stage or Kadish stage C (31 men and 7 women; mean age, 55 years; range: 19-76 years) treated with CFR in the past 28 years were followed up for 59.4 months. In cases of unilateral orbital extension, en-bloc resection was achieved using several neurosurgical techniques (extended CFR) from 2005 onwards. Herein, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of surgery by comparing survival data between 2 time periods (first stage: 1984-2004, second stage: 2005-2012).

RESULTS

Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histological type observed (65.8%), followed by esthesioneuroblastoma (15.8%). Using a combination of adjuvant radiation therapy, the 5-year overall survival and the 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 55.5% and 59.4%, respectively. Sarcomatous histology was a poor prognostic factor. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 48.9% in the first stage and improved to 82.1% in the second stage (P = 0.057); this was related to improvements in local control rate.

CONCLUSIONS

CFR and postoperative radiotherapy are safe and effective for treating advanced SNMTs. Extended CFR, including radical orbital exenteration, may contribute to good long-term outcomes. A diverse surgical team may help perform radical resection and reconstruction in patients with advanced tumors.

The use of proton therapy in the treatment of head and neck cancers

External beam radiation therapy is a commonly utilized treatment modality in the management of head and neck cancer. Given the close proximity of disease to critical normal tissues and structures, the delivery of external beam radiation therapy can result in severe acute and late toxicities, even when delivered with advanced photon-based techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The unique physical characteristics of protons make it a promising option in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer, with the potential to improve sparing of normal tissues and/or safely escalate radiation doses. Clinical implementation will require the continued development of advanced techniques such as intensity-modulated proton therapy, using pencil beam scanning, as well as rigorous methods of quality assurance and adaptive techniques to accurately adjust to changes in anatomy due to disease response. Ultimately, the widespread adaptation and implementation of proton therapy for head and neck cancer will require direct, prospective comparisons to standard techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy, with a focus on measures such as toxicity, disease control, and quality of life.

Technique for comprehensive head and neck irradiation using 3-dimensional conformal proton therapy

Owing to the technical and logistical complexities of matching photon and proton treatment modalities, we developed and implemented a technique of comprehensive head and neck radiation using 3-dimensional (3D) conformal proton therapy. A monoisocentric technique was used with a 30-cm snout. Cervical lymphatics were treated with 3 fields: a posterior-anterior field with a midline block and a right and a left posterior oblique field. The matchline of the 3 cervical nodal fields with the primary tumor site fields was staggered by 0.5cm. Comparative intensity-modulated photon plans were later developed for 12 previously treated patients to provide equivalent target coverage, while matching or improving on the proton plans׳ sparing of organs at risk (OARs). Dosimetry to OARs was evaluated and compared by treatment modality. Comprehensive head and neck irradiation using proton therapy yielded treatment plans with significant dose avoidance of the oral cavity and midline neck structures. When compared with the generated intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans, the proton treatment plans yielded statistically significant reductions in the mean and integral radiation dose to the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, and the maximally spared parotid gland. There was no significant difference in mean dose to the lesser-spared parotid gland by treatment modality or in mean or integral dose to the spared submandibular glands. A technique for cervical nodal irradiation using 3D conformal proton therapy with uniform scanning was developed and clinically implemented. Use of proton therapy for cervical nodal irradiation resulted in large volume of dose avoidance to the oral cavity and low dose exposure to midline structures of the larynx and the esophagus, with lower mean and integral dose to assessed OARs when compared with competing IMRT plans.

Proton beam therapy for locally advanced and unresectable (T4bN0M0) squamous cell carcinoma of the ethmoid sinus: A report of seven cases and a literature review

The present study reports treatment outcomes of locally advanced and unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the ethmoid sinus (SCC-ES) following proton beam therapy (PBT). Between January 1997 and December 2012, 7 patients (median age, 63 years) with SCC-ES underwent definitive PBT. All tumors were categorized as T4bN0M0 (2009 UICC tumor-node-metastasis classification) and were treated using conventional fractionation at a median total dose of 72 Gy equivalents (GyE; range, 70.4-76 GyE). Imaging diagnosis for the initial treatment effect within 3 months of PBT revealed that a complete response (CR) was achieved in 2 patients and a partial response (PR) in 5 patients. The overall median survival time of the patients was 43 months (range, 12-62 months), and 4 patients survived for ≥3 years. No recurrence was observed in the 2 patients who exhibited an initial CR treatment effect; however, locoregional recurrences occurred in 4/5 patients who exhibited a PR. No grade 3 or severe acute toxicities were observed, but the late toxicities of grade 3 contralateral optic nerve damage and cataracts developed in 1 and 2 patients, respectively. Based on the findings of the present study, intensification of the local treatment effect may be important for yielding favorable treatment outcomes, since no distant metastasis was observed. PBT is therefore a potentially useful treatment tool for unresectable SCC-ES.

Recommendations for the referral of patients for proton-beam therapy, an Alberta Health Services report: a model for Canada?

BACKGROUND

Compared with photon therapy, proton-beam therapy (pbt) offers compelling advantages in physical dose distribution. Worldwide, gantry-based proton facilities are increasing in number, but no such facilities exist in Canada. To access pbt, Canadian patients must travel abroad for treatment at high cost. In the face of limited access, this report seeks to provide recommendations for the selection of patients most likely to benefit from pbt and suggests an out-of-country referral process.

METHODS

The medline, embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched for studies published between January 1990 and May 2014 that evaluated clinical outcomes after pbt. A draft report developed through a review of evidence was externally reviewed and then approved by the Alberta Health Services Cancer Care Proton Therapy Guidelines steering committee.

RESULTS

Proton therapy is often used to treat tumours close to radiosensitive tissues and to treat children at risk of developing significant late effects of radiation therapy (rt). In uncontrolled and retrospective studies, local control rates with pbt appear similar to, or in some cases higher than, photon rt. Randomized trials comparing equivalent doses of pbt and photon rt are not available.

SUMMARY

Referral for pbt is recommended for patients who are being treated with curative intent and with an expectation for long-term survival, and who are able and willing to travel abroad to a proton facility. Commonly accepted indications for referral include chordoma and chondrosarcoma, intraocular melanoma, and solid tumours in children and adolescents who have the greatest risk for long-term sequelae. Current data do not provide sufficient evidence to recommend routine referral of patients with most head-and-neck, breast, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and pelvic cancers, including prostate cancer. It is recommended that all referrals be considered by a multidisciplinary team to select appropriate cases.

Promise and pitfalls of heavy-particle therapy

Proton beam therapy, the most common form of heavy-particle radiation therapy, is not a new invention, but it has gained considerable public attention because of the high cost of installing and operating the rapidly increasing number of treatment centers. This article reviews the physical properties of proton beam therapy and focuses on the up-to-date clinical evidence comparing proton beam therapy with the more standard and widely available radiation therapy treatment alternatives. In a cost-conscious era of health care, the hypothetical benefits of proton beam therapy will have to be supported by demonstrable clinical gains. Proton beam therapy represents, through its scale and its cost, a battleground for the policy debate around managing expensive technology in modern medicine.

Charged particle therapy versus photon therapy for paranasal sinus and nasal cavity malignant diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Malignant tumours arising within the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are rare and composed of several histological types, rendering controlled clinical trials to establish the best treatment impractical. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with charged particle therapy with those of individuals receiving photon therapy.

METHODS

We identified studies of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus tumours through searches of databases including Embase, Medline, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration. We included treatment-naive cohorts (both primary and adjuvant radiation therapy) and those with recurrent disease. Primary outcomes of interest were overall survival, disease-free survival, and locoregional control, at 5 years and at longest follow-up. We used random-effect models to pool outcomes across studies and compared event rates of combined outcomes for charged particle therapy and photon therapy using an interaction test.

FINDINGS

43 cohorts from 41 non-comparative observational studies were included. Median follow-up for the charged particle therapy group was 38 months (range 5-73) and for the photon therapy group was 40 months (14-97). Pooled overall survival was significantly higher at 5 years for charged particle therapy than for photon therapy (relative risk 1·51, 95% CI 1·14-1·99; p=0·0038) and at longest follow-up (1·27, 1·01-1·59; p=0·037). At 5 years, disease-free survival was significantly higher for charged particle therapy than for photon therapy (1·93, 1·36-2·75, p=0·0003) but, at longest follow-up, this event rate did not differ between groups (1·51, 1·00-2·30; p=0·052). Locoregional control did not differ between treatment groups at 5 years (1·06, 0·68-1·67; p=0·79) but it was higher for charged particle therapy than for photon therapy at longest follow-up (1·18, 1·01-1·37; p=0·031). A subgroup analysis comparing proton beam therapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy showed significantly higher disease-free survival at 5 years (relative risk 1·44, 95% CI 1·01-2·05; p=0·045) and locoregional control at longest follow-up (1·26, 1·05-1·51; p=0·011).

INTERPRETATION

Compared with photon therapy, charged particle therapy could be associated with better outcomes for patients with malignant diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Prospective studies emphasising collection of patient-reported and functional outcomes are strongly encouraged.

FUNDING

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Proton radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: a review of the clinical experience to date

Proton beam radiation has been used for cancer treatment since the 1950s, but recent increasing interest in this form of therapy and the construction of hospital-based and clinic-based facilities for its delivery have greatly increased both the number of patients and the variety of tumors being treated with proton therapy. The mass of proton particles and their unique physical properties (ie, the Bragg peak) allow proton therapy to spare normal tissues distal to the tumor target from incidental irradiation. Initial observations show that proton therapy is particularly useful for treating tumors in challenging locations close to nontarget critical structures. Specifically, improvements in local control outcomes for patients with chordoma, chonodrosarcoma, and tumors in the sinonasal regions have been reported in series using proton. Improved local control and survival outcomes for patients with cancer of the head and neck region have also been seen with the advent of improvements in better imaging and multimodality therapy comprising surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, aggressive local therapy in the proximity of critical normal structures to tumors in the head and neck region may produce debilitating early and late toxic effects. Great interest has been expressed in evaluating whether proton therapy can improve outcomes, especially early and late toxicity, when used in the treatment of head and neck malignancies. This review summarizes the progress made to date in addressing this question.

The clinical case for proton beam therapy

Over the past 20 years, several proton beam treatment programs have been implemented throughout the United States. Increasingly, the number of new programs under development is growing. Proton beam therapy has the potential for improving tumor control and survival through dose escalation. It also has potential for reducing harm to normal organs through dose reduction. However, proton beam therapy is more costly than conventional x-ray therapy. This increased cost may be offset by improved function, improved quality of life, and reduced costs related to treating the late effects of therapy. Clinical research opportunities are abundant to determine which patients will gain the most benefit from proton beam therapy. We review the clinical case for proton beam therapy. SUMMARY SENTENCE: Proton beam therapy is a technically advanced and promising form of radiation therapy.

Impact of early radiological response evaluation on radiotherapeutic outcomes in the patients with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus malignancies

We analyzed the correlation between primary tumor response within 6 months after radiation therapy (RT) including proton beam therapy (PBT) and progression free survival rate (PFS) in patients with nasal cavity and paranasal sinus malignancies to clarify the impact of early radiological evaluation of treatment response on prognosis. Sixty-five patients treated between January 1998 and December 2008, and whose follow-up duration was more than 2 years were included. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (version 1.1) was used for the evaluation of treatment. Median age was 59 years (range 21-83 years). Olfactory neuroblastoma (n = 20, 30%) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 15, 23%) were the major pathological tumor types. The median follow-up duration was 51.6 months. Radiological response evaluation within 6 months after treatment demonstrated that 15% of the patients achieved complete response (CR), and 3-year progression free survival rates of all patients was 49.2%. The 3-year PFS rates according to response for the treatment were 55.6% in the patients with CR and 46.4% in those with non-CR, respectively (P = 0.643). However, the 3-year PFS rates were 80.% in the patients with CR and 10.% in those with non-CR (P = 0.051) in the patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology. Radiological response evaluation within 6 months did not have a significant impact on prognosis when analysis included all histology, although early radiological response within 6 months after RT had a borderline significant impact on treatment outcomes for the patients with nasal and paranasal SCC.

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 followed by proton beam therapy concurrent with cisplatin in patients with T4b nasal and sinonasal malignancies

OBJECTIVE

For the treatment of patients with T4b nasal and sinonasal malignancies, definitive chemoradiotherapy was contraindicated due to the risk of brain damage and blindness. However, combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 is well tolerated and effective. We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of induction chemotherapy using docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 followed by proton beam therapy concurrent with cisplatin.

METHODS

Thirteen patients treated with docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 were analyzed. Docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 consisted of 60-70 mg/m(2)/day docetaxel on day 1, 70 mg/m(2)/day cisplatin on day 1 and 60-80 mg/m(2)/day S-1 on days 1-14. Treatment was repeated every 3-4 weeks with a maximum number of three treatment cycles. According to the response to docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1, patients received either proton beam therapy concurrent with 20 mg/m(2)/day cisplatin on days 1-4 every 3 weeks or proton beam therapy alone.

RESULTS

Neutropenia represented the most common Grade 3/4 hematological toxicity (76.9%), while the most frequently observed non-hematological toxicity was nausea (23.0%). After the completion of docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1, the overall response rate was 38.4% (5 of 13), with 1 patient achieving complete response and 4 patients achieving partial response. Subsequently, 10 patients received proton beam therapy concurrent with cisplatin, 2 received proton beam therapy alone and 1 received palliative radiation. No severe toxicity was observed during proton beam therapy. After the completion of proton beam therapy, 11 patients (84.6%) achieved complete response and no brain damage or blindness occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin and S-1 followed by proton beam therapy concurrent with cisplatin is well tolerated and displays promising antitumor activity that warrants further investigation.

Particle beam therapy for cancer of the skull base, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinus

Particle beam therapy has been rapidly developed in these several decades. Proton and carbon ion beams are most frequently used in particle beam therapy. Proton and carbon ion beam radiotherapy have physical and biological advantage to the conventional photon radiotherapy. Cancers of the skull base, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinus are rare; however these diseases can receive the benefits of particle beam radiotherapy. This paper describes the clinical review of the cancer of the skull base, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinus treated with proton and carbon ion beams, adding some information of feature and future direction of proton and carbon ion beam radiotherapy.

Inverted papilloma with associated carcinoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: treatment outcomes

CONCLUSIONS

Degenerated inverted papilloma is a rare, aggressive, and lethal disease. To avoid missing the target, it is absolutely necessary to consider the microscopic extension even in cases of complete exeresis and to irradiate the whole of the adjacent sinuses. A dose increase may lead to better locoregional control.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate overall survival and progression-free survival of external radiotherapy in the management of nasal cavity and paranasal sinus inverted papilloma with associated carcinoma.

METHODS

Clinical data from 11 patients treated by surgery followed by external radiotherapy (three-dimensional conformational radiotherapy until 2007 then intensity-modulated radiation therapy) for degenerated inverted papilloma in the Léon Bérard Cancer Centre between 1985 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Five patients (45%) had a local recurrence and died from their recurrence. Three had a premature recurrence, just before or during radiotherapy. We could not determine the prognostic factors for overall survival and progression-free survival.

Outcome of T4 (International Union Against Cancer Staging System, 7th edition) or recurrent nasal cavity and paranasal sinus carcinoma treated with proton beam

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical features, prognostic factors, and toxicity of treatment for unresectable carcinomas of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus (NCPS) treated with proton beam therapy (PBT).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Seventeen patients (13 men, 4 women) with unresectable carcinomas of the NCPS who underwent PBT at the University of Tsukuba between 2001 and 2007 were analyzed. The patients' median age was 62 years (range, 30-83 years). The tumors were located in the nasal cavity in 3 patients, the frontal sinus in 1, the ethmoid sinus in 9, and the maxillary sinus in 4. The clinical stage was Stage IVA in 5 cases, IVB in 10, and recurrent in 2. The tumors were deemed unresectable for medical reasons in 16 patients and because of refusal at a previous hospital 4 months earlier in 1 patient. All the patients received PBT irradiation dose of 22-82.5 GyE and a total of 72.4-89.6 GyE over 30-64 fractions (median 78 GyE over 36 fractions) with X-ray, with attention not exceeding the delivery of 50 GyE to the optic chiasm and brainstem.

RESULTS

The overall survival rate was 47.1% at 2 years and 15.7% at 5 years, and the local control rate was 35.0% at 2 years and 17.5% at 5 years. Invasion of the frontal or sphenoid sinus was a prognostic factor for overall survival or local control. Late toxicity of more than Grade 3 was found in 2 patients (brain necrosis in 1 and ipsilateral blindness in 1); however, no mortal adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Proton beam therapy enabled a reduced irradiation dose to the optic chiasm and brainstem, enabling the safe treatment of unresectable carcinomas in the NCPS. Superior or posterior extension of the tumor influenced patient outcome.

Treatment of malignant sinonasal tumours with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and carbon ion boost (C12)

BACKGROUND

Most patients with cancers of the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses are candidates of radiation therapy either due incomplete resection or technical inoperability. Local control in this disease is dose dependent but technically challenging due to close proximity of critical organs and accompanying toxicity. Modern techniques such as IMRT improve toxicity rates while local control remains unchanged. Raster-scanned carbon ion therapy with highly conformal dose distributions may allow higher doses at comparable or reduced side-effects.

METHODS/DESIGN

The IMRT-HIT-SNT trial is a prospective, mono-centric, phase II trial evaluating toxicity (primary endpoint: mucositis ≥ CTCAE°III) and efficacy (secondary endpoint: local control, disease-free and overall survival) in the combined treatment with IMRT and carbon ion boost in 30 patients with histologically proven (≥R1-resected or inoperable) adeno-/or squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity or paransal sinuses. Patients receive 24 GyE carbon ions (8 fractions) and IMRT (50 Gy at 2.0 Gy/fraction).

DISCUSSION

The primary objective of IMRT-HIT-SNT is to evaluate toxicity and feasibility of the proposed treatment in sinonasal malignancies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial identifier NCT 01220752.

Carbon ion therapy for advanced sinonasal malignancies: feasibility and acute toxicity

PURPOSE

To evaluate feasibility and toxicity of carbon ion therapy for treatment of sinonasal malignancies. First site of treatment failure in malignant tumours of the paranasal sinuses and nasal cavity is mostly in-field, local control hence calls for dose escalation which has so far been hampered by accompanying acute and late toxicity. Raster-scanned carbon ion therapy offers the advantage of sharp dose gradients promising increased dose application without increase of side-effects.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with various sinonasal malignancies were treated from 11/2009 to 08/2010. Accompanying toxicity was evaluated according to CTCAE v.4.0. Tumor response was assessed according to RECIST.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients received treatment as definitive RT, 9 for local relapse, 2 for re-irradiation. All patients had T4 tumours (median CTV1 129.5 cc, CTV2 395.8 cc), mostly originating from the maxillary sinus. Median dose was 73 GyE mostly in mixed beam technique as IMRT plus carbon ion boost. Median follow-up was 5.1 months [range: 2.4-10.1 months]. There were 7 cases with grade 3 toxicity (mucositis, dysphagia) but no other higher grade acute reactions; 6 patients developed grade 2 conjunctivits, no case of early visual impairment. Apart from alterations of taste, all symptoms had resolved at 8 weeks post RT. Overall radiological response rate was 50% (CR and PR).

CONCLUSION

Carbon ion therapy is feasible; despite high doses, acute reactions were not increased and generally resolved within 8 weeks post radiotherapy. Treatment response is encouraging though follow-up is too short to estimate control rates or evaluate potential late effects. Controlled trials are warranted.

Proton Therapy: Ever Shifting Sands and the Opportunities and Obligations within

Proton therapy is associated with significant benefit in terms of normal tissue sparing and potential radiation dose escalation for many patients with malignant diseases. Due to recognition of these qualities, the availability of this technology is increasing rapidly, both through increased availability of large centers, and with the possibility of smaller, lower cost proton therapy centers. Such expansion is associated with increased opportunity to provide this beneficial technology to larger numbers of patients; however, the importance of careful treatment planning and delivery, deliberate patient selection, rigorous scientific investigation including comparison to other technologies when possible, and mindfulness of ethical issues and cost effectiveness must not be forgotten. The obligation to move forward responsibly rests on the shoulders of radiation oncologists around the world. In this article, we discuss current use of proton therapy worldwide, as well as many of the factors that must be taken into account during rapid expansion of this exciting technology.