Patterns of care and outcomes of multi-agent versus single-agent chemotherapy as part of multimodal management of low grade glioma

Effectiveness and Safety of Different Postoperative Adjuvant Regimens in Patients with Low-Grade Gliomas: A Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of various adjuvant regimens in patients with low-grade gliomas and to further explore the optimal adjuvant treatment for patients with low-grade gliomas and the differences in the efficacy of each treatment regimens in different tumor types.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted to screen randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials related to adjuvant therapy in patients with low-grade gliomas. The Cochrane quality assessment method and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale were used to assess the quality of the included randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, respectively. The data from previous studies were extracted using Excel and GetData Graph Digitizer 2.26 software, and network meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 16.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

The specific ranking of 5-year progression-free survival (5-year PFS) for each treatment regimen from the best to the worst in patients with low-grade gliomas was surgery (S) combined with procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (S + PCV); surgery combined with standard radiotherapy and PCV multidrug chemotherapy (S + RT + PCV); surgery combined with standard radiotherapy and temozolomide monotherapy (S + RT + TMZ); surgery combined with enhanced radiotherapy (S + H-RT); surgery combined with standard radiotherapy (S + RT); surgery combined with TMZ (S + TMZ); and S. The 5-year overall survival (OS) ranking was S + RT + TMZ, S + RT + PCV, surgery combined with enhanced radiotherapy and TMZ monotherapy (S + H-RT + TMZ), S + H-RT, S + RT, and S. The 2-year progression-free survival ranking was S + RT + TMZ, S + PCV, S + RT, S + RT + PCV, S + TMZ, S + H-RT, and S. The 2-year overall survival ranking was S + RT + TMZ, S + H-RT + TMZ, S + RT, S + RT + PCV, S + H-RT, and S. The incidence of adverse events (≥3) was ranked from highest to lowest as follows: S + RT + PCV, S + RT + TMZ, S + PCV, S + H-RT, S + TMZ, and S + RT. In the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 mutation nonchromosome 1p and 19q chromosome whole arm codeletion (IDHmt/noncoder) group, the S + RT + PCV and S + H-RT regimens had better 5-year PFS and 5-year OS. In the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 mutation and chromosome 1p and 19q chromosome whole arm codeletion (IDHmt/coder) group, the 5-year PFS of each treatment regimen ranked from the best to the worst was S + RT + TMZ, S + RT + PCV, S + H-RT, S + RT, S + TMZ, and S. The order of 5-year OS from the best to the worst was S + H-RT, S + RT + TMZ, S + RT + PCV, S + RT, and S. In the isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2 wild-type (IDHwt) group, the S + H-RT and S + TMZ regimens had better 5-year PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that both the S + RT + TMZ and S + RT + PCV regimens might be effective therapies for treating patients with low-grade gliomas. Among these, the S + RT + TMZ regimen seemed to be safer but might lead to tumor deterioration. In the IDHmt/coder type, the S + RT + TMZ scheme might have a significant advantage. In the IDHmt/noncoder type, the S + RT + PCV scheme might be more dominant, while in the IDHwt type, the S + H-RT and S + TMZ schemes also might be good treatment options.

Radiation Therapy for IDH-Mutant Grade 2 and Grade 3 Diffuse Glioma: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline

PURPOSE

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for adults with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant grade 2 and grade 3 diffuse glioma, as classified in the 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours. It includes indications for radiation therapy (RT), advanced RT techniques, and clinical management of adverse effects.

METHODS

The American Society for Radiation Oncology convened a multidisciplinary task force to address 4 key questions focused on the RT management of patients with IDH-mutant grade 2 and grade 3 diffuse glioma. Recommendations were based on a systematic literature review and created using a predefined consensus-building methodology and system for grading evidence quality and recommendation strength.

RESULTS

A strong recommendation for close surveillance alone was made for patients with oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant, 1p/19q codeleted, WHO grade 2 after gross total resection without high-risk features. For oligodendroglioma, WHO grade 2 with any high-risk features, adjuvant RT was conditionally recommended. However, adjuvant RT was strongly recommended for oligodendroglioma, WHO grade 3. A conditional recommendation for close surveillance alone was made for astrocytoma, IDH-mutant, WHO grade 2 after gross total resection without high-risk features. Adjuvant RT was conditionally recommended for astrocytoma, WHO grade 2, with any high-risk features and strongly recommended for astrocytoma, WHO grade 3. Dose recommendations varied based on histology and grade. Given known adverse long-term effects of RT, consideration for advanced techniques such as intensity modulated radiation therapy/volumetric modulated arc therapy or proton therapy were given as strong and conditional recommendations, respectively. Finally, based on expert opinion, the guideline recommends assessment, surveillance, and management for toxicity management.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on published data, the American Society for Radiation Oncology task force has proposed recommendations to inform the management of adults with IDH-mutant grade 2 and grade 3 diffuse glioma as defined by WHO 2021 classification, based on the highest quality published data, and best translated by our task force of subject matter experts.

Utility of Administrative Databases and Big Data on Understanding Glioma Treatment—A Systematic Review

Background Gliomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors where large multicenter clinical and genetic studies have become increasingly popular in their understanding. We reviewed and analyzed the findings from large databases in gliomas, seeking to understand clinically relevant information.

Methods A systematic review was performed for gliomas studied using large administrative databases up to January 2020 (e.g., National Inpatient Sample [NIS], National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [NSQIP], and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program [SEER], National Cancer Database [NCDB], and others).

Results Out of 390 screened studies, 122 were analyzed. Studies included a wide range of gliomas including low- and high-grade gliomas. The SEER database (n = 83) was the most used database followed by NCDB (n = 28). The most common pathologies included glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (n = 67), with the next category including mixes of grades II to IV glioma (n = 31). Common study themes involved evaluation of descriptive epidemiological trends, prognostic factors, comparison of different pathologies, and evaluation of outcome trends over time. Persistent health care disparities in patient outcomes were frequently seen depending on race, marital status, insurance status, hospital volume, and location, which did not change over time. Most studies showed improvement in survival because of advances in surgical and adjuvant treatments.

Conclusions This study helps summarize the use of clinical administrative databases in gliomas research, informing on socioeconomic issues, surgical outcomes, and adjuvant treatments over time on a national level. Large databases allow for some study questions that would not be possible with single institution data; however, limitations remain in data curation, analysis, and reporting methods.

The Association Between Radiation Therapy Dose and Overall Survival in Patients With Intracranial Infiltrative Low-Grade Glioma Treated With Concurrent and/or Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Purpose

Previous trials have shown no benefit for radiation therapy (RT) dose escalation when RT is given as adjuvant monotherapy for infiltrative low-grade glioma (LGG). However, the current standard of care for high-risk LGG is RT with concurrent and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. The effect of RT dose escalation on overall survival (OS) in the setting of concurrent and/or adjuvant chemotherapy is not well established.

Methods and Materials

We used the National Cancer Database to select records for adult patients with intracranial grade 2 LGG diagnosed between 2004 and 2015. Patients must have received adjuvant external beam RT with concurrent and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. RT dose level was categorized as standard (45-54 Gy) or high (>54-65 Gy). Multivariable and propensity score matched analyses were used.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 1043 patients, of whom 644 (62%) received standard dose (median, 54 Gy) and 399 (38%) received high-dose RT (median, 60 Gy). RT dose level was not associated with OS (hazard ratio, 1.2; P = .1) in multivariable analysis. Propensity score matching yielded 380 matched pairs (n = 760). There was no difference in OS for high-dose versus standard-dose RT in the matched cohort (5-year OS 64% vs 69%; P = .14) or in the 2 prespecified subgroups of astrocytoma histology and 1p/19q noncodeleted.

Conclusions

Adjuvant RT dose escalation above 54 Gy in the setting of concurrent and/or adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved OS for patients with infiltrative LGG in this National Cancer Database retrospective study. This was also true for the subgroups with less chemotherapy-sensitive disease, including astrocytoma histology and 1p/19q noncodeleted, although these analyses were limited by small size. Methods to improve OS other than RT dose escalation in the setting of concurrent and/or adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for patients with poor-prognosis LGG.

Prognostic and predictive impact of MGMT promoter methylation in grade 3 gliomas

BACKGROUND

Grade 3 gliomas are aggressive primary brain tumors. Promoter methylation of methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) has been associated with a favorable prognosis in patients with glioblastoma, but the impact of MGMT promoter methylation in patients with grade 3 gliomas is less clear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the utilization of MGMT testing in patients with Grade 3 glioma, as well its prognostic and predictive value.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried (2004-2016) for patients with newly diagnosed grade 3 glioma without 1p19q codeletion. Statistics included Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) analysis, along with Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

Of 20,488 total patients, 1,209 (5.0%) had MGMT testing. Of these patients, 561 (46.4%) were MGMT methylated (mMGMT), and 648 (53.6%) were MGMT unmethylated (uMGMT). mMGMT patients experienced greater median overall survival (OS) than both uMGMT patients as well as patients with no MGMT status reported (p < 0.05 for both). mMGMT was associated with improved OS for patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiation or adjuvant radiation, but not for patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or no adjuvant treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest study to date describing the utilization of and outcomes for mMGMT patients with grade 3 glioma. The present results demonstrate that mMGMT is a prognostic factor and possibly a predictive biomarker, and is currently under-utilized within the US. MGMT methylation status could be used to risk-stratify and select patients for treatment intensification.

IMPORTANCE OF STUDY

The present study is the largest of its kind to examine the prognostic and predictive impact of MGMT methylation (mMGMT) amongst patients with Grade 3 Glioma. The results suggest that mMGMT is prognostic, as amongst all patients, mMGMT was associated with improved overall survival. These results also suggest that mMGMT is predictive, as patients treated with adjuvant chemoradiation or adjuvant radiation therapy did have improved overall survival with mMGMT, though there was no difference in overall survival observes amongst patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy or those patients receiving no adjuvant treatment. The study also found that only 5% of patients nationwide with Grade 3 Glioma are tested for MGMT.

The effect of adjuvant radiotherapy on overall survival in adults with intracranial ependymoma

BACKGROUND

Adult intracranial ependymoma is rare, and the role for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is not well defined.

METHODS

We used the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to select adults (age ≥ 22 years) with grade 2 to 3 intracranial ependymoma status postresection between 2004 and 2015 and treated with adjuvant RT vs observation. Four cohorts were generated: (1) all patients, (2) grade 2 only, (3) grade 2 status post-subtotal resection only, (4) and grade 3 only. The association between adjuvant RT use and overall survival (OS) was assessed using multivariate Cox and propensity score matched analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1787 patients were included in cohort 1, of which 856 patients (48%) received adjuvant RT and 931 (52%) were observed. Approximately two-thirds of tumors were supratentorial and 80% were grade 2. Cohorts 2, 3, and 4 included 1471, 345, and 316 patients, respectively. There was no significant association between adjuvant RT use and OS in multivariate or propensity score matched analysis in any of the cohorts. Older age, male sex, urban location, higher comorbidity score, earlier year of diagnosis, and grade 3 were associated with increased risk of death.

CONCLUSIONS

This large NCDB study did not demonstrate a significant association between adjuvant RT use and OS for adults with intracranial ependymoma, including for patients with grade 2 ependymoma status post-subtotal resection. The conflicting results regarding the efficacy of adjuvant RT in this patient population highlight the need for high-quality studies to guide therapy recommendations in adult ependymoma.

Patterns of Care and Outcomes of Elderly Esophageal Cancer Patients Not Meeting Age-based Criteria of the CROSS Trial

OBJECTIVES

The CROSS trial established neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgery (nCRT-S) as superior to surgery alone (S) for locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC). However, because patients above 75 years of age were excluded, this comparison cannot be extrapolated to older patients. This study of a large, contemporary national database evaluated practice patterns in elderly patients ineligible for CROSS, and analyzed overall survival (OS) between nCRT+S, S, and definitive CRT (dCRT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for EC patients with cT1N1M0/T2-3N0-1M0 EC (per the CROSS trial) but 76 years and above of age. Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with nCRT+S (vs. S). Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated OS; Cox multivariate analysis determined variables associated with OS. Propensity matching aimed to address group imbalances and indication biases.

RESULTS

Of 4099 total patients, 594 (14%) underwent nCRT+S, 494 (12%) underwent S, and 3011 (73%) underwent dCRT. Since 2010, trimodality management has risen, corresponding to declines in S and dCRT. Median OS in the respective groups were 26.7, 20.3, and 17.8 months (P<0.05). Following propensity matching, there was a trend towards higher OS with nCRT-S over S (P=0.077); dCRT showed poorer OS than nCRT-S (P<0.001) but was equivalent to S (P=0.669). Before and following matching, nCRT-S experienced equivalent 30- and 90-day mortality as S (P>0.05), with lower 30-day readmission and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although most older patients not meeting CROSS criteria undergo dCRT, utilization of trimodality therapy is rising. Despite the trend towards higher OS with trimodality therapy without poorer postoperative outcomes, careful patient selection continues to be essential in this population.

Management of Unresectable T4b Esophageal Cancer: Practice Patterns and Outcomes From the National Cancer Data Base

PURPOSE

Patients with unresectable cT4b esophageal cancer (EC) are rare and largely excluded from prospective trials. As a result, current treatment recommendations are based on limited evidence. This study sought to evaluate national practice patterns and outcomes for this population and evaluated 3 primary cohorts: patients receiving chemotherapy (CT) with or without subtherapeutic radiotherapy (RT), definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT), or CT with or without RT followed by definitive surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for cT4b Nany M0 EC. Exclusion criteria were patients with unspecified staging, palliative treatment, improper, or no histologic confirmation, or lack of CT. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors predictive of receiving surgical therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS.

RESULTS

Altogether, 519 patients met inclusion criteria; 195 (38%) underwent CT, 291 (56%) underwent definitive CRT, and 33 (6%) underwent surgical-based therapy. Surgery was more likely performed in patients residing in rural areas, living farther from the treating facility, and N1 status (P<0.05 for all). Median OS in the respective cohorts were 6.0, 12.7, and 43.9 months (P<0.001). On multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling, among others, nonsurgical treatment was associated with poorer OS (P<0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study to date evaluating patterns of care for cT4b EC, as compared with CT alone, addition of definitive RT was associated with higher OS. Although causation is clearly not implied, well-selected responders to CT and/or RT may be able to undergo resection and numerically prolonged survival, but patient selection remains paramount.

Radiation and chemotherapy for high-risk lower grade gliomas: Choosing between temozolomide and PCV

Purpose

The majority of patients with high‐risk lower grade gliomas (LGG) are treated with single‐agent temozolomide (TMZ) and radiotherapy despite three randomized trials showing a striking overall survival benefit with adjuvant procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV) chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This article aims to evaluate the evidence and rationale for the widespread use of TMZ instead of PCV for high‐risk LGG.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a literature search utilizing PubMed for articles investigating the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for high‐risk LGG and analyzed the results of these studies.

Results

For patients with IDH mutant 1p/19q codeleted LGG tumors, there is limited evidence to support the use of TMZ. In medically fit patients with codeleted disease, existing data demonstrate a large survival benefit for PCV as compared to adjuvant radiation therapy alone. For patients with non‐1p/19q codeleted LGG, early data from the CATNON study supports inclusion of adjuvant TMZ for 12 months. Subset analyses of the RTOG 9402 and EORTC 26951 do not demonstrate a survival benefit for adjuvant PCV for non‐1p/19q codeleted gliomas, however secondary analyses of RTOG 9802 and RTOG 9402 demonstrated survival benefit in any IDH mutant lower grade gliomas, regardless of 1p/19q codeletion status.

Conclusions

At present, we conclude that current evidence does not support the widespread use of TMZ over PCV for all patients with high‐risk LGG, and we instead recommend tailoring chemotherapy recommendation based on IDH status, favoring adjuvant PCV for patients with any IDH mutant tumors, both those that harbor 1p/19q codeletion and those non‐1p/19q codeleted. Given the critical role radiation plays in the treatment of LGG, radiation oncologists should be actively involved in discussions regarding chemotherapy choice in order to optimize treatment for their patients.

Comparison of outcomes between metaplastic and triple-negative breast cancer patients

Purpose

Metaplastic breast cancer (MBC) is a rare, aggressive variant of breast cancer that has been associated with poor clinical outcomes, as has triple-negative breast (TNBC) cancer. Limited studies compare the clinical characteristics and prognosis of MBC to TNBC. This study uses a large, contemporary US cancer database to compare clinical characteristics and survival outcomes for patients with MBC to those with TNBC.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was queried for women with cT1-4N1-3M0 MBC or TNBC diagnosed between 2004 and 2013 and treated with definitive surgery. Chi-squared analysis was performed to determine differences between the cohorts. Kaplan-Meier curves compared overall survival (OS), and Cox regression determined patient factors associated with OS.

Results

Altogether, 55,847 patients met the inclusion criteria; 50,705 (90.8%) had TNBC and 5,142 (9.2%) had MBC. Most patients had no comorbid conditions (82%), N0 disease (71%), poorly differentiated histology (77%), received chemotherapy (87%), and received radiation therapy (60%). Amongst all patients, patients with TNBC disease were observed to have greater OS than those with MBC (5-year OS 72.0% vs 55.8%, p < 0.001). The greater observed OS for patients with TNBC persisted when controlling for stage and when comparing propensity score matched cohorts. On Cox regression, lower age, T1 status, N0 status, chemotherapy, TNBC disease, and radiation therapy (RT) were associated with improved OS.

Conclusions

MBC had an association with poorer OS compared to TNBC, while RT and chemotherapy receipt were associated with improved OS for patients regardless of stage. Further studies are needed to corroborate the conclusions herein.

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Metaplastic breast cancer is associated with poor clinical outcomes.

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Metaplastic breast cancer associated with worse survival than patients with triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma.

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Radiation therapy and chemotherapy associated with improved survival for patients with metaplastic breast cancer.

Trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer at high volume facilities is associated with improved postoperative outcomes and overall survival

Trimodality therapy is the standard of care for locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer (EC) but carries morbidity and mortality risks; thus, therapy at high-volume facilities (HVFs) may offer advantages. This investigation studied postoperative outcomes and overall survival (OS) in EC patients receiving trimodality therapy at HVFs versus lower-volume facilities (LVFs). The National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients with locally advanced EC receiving trimodality therapy. HVFs referred to the 90th percentile of case volume. Multivariate logistic regression determined factors associated with treatment at HVFs, the Kaplan-Meier analysis compared OS between the HVF and LVF groups, and the Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS. Sensitivity analysis evaluated the impact of varying the HVF definition cutoff on OS. A total of 3,229 patients met study criteria, including 330 (10%) treated at HVFs and 2,899 (90%) at LVFs. Treatment at HVFs was associated with decreased 30-day mortality (1.2% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.044) and trends toward lower 90-day mortality (4.8% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.055) and the length of postoperative hospitalization (11.2 vs. 12.3d, P = 0.059). HVF patients experienced higher median OS (55 vs. 36 months, P = 0.004), which also independently correlated on the Cox multivariate analysis (P = 0.001). Sensitivity analysis showed similar results as the HVF/LVF cutoff was decreased until the 80th percentile. This is the first study demonstrating that the trimodality management of EC at HVFs is associated with improved postoperative outcomes and survival. These data have implications for multidisciplinary oncologic providers, in addition to patient counseling by both referring and treating clinicians.

The Role of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma

BACKGROUND

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer. Local recurrence represents the majority of treatment failures and overall survival (OS) outcomes remain dismal. Adding locoregional treatment with radiotherapy after surgical resection has been considered but its role remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried (2004-2013) for patients with malignant mesothelioma. Patients were divided into three groups: observation, surgery alone, and surgery followed by adjuvant RT. Statistics included Fisher's exact or Chi square tests to analyze categorical proportions between groups, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate OS, and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS. Propensity matching was performed to make comparisons between homogenous groups.

RESULTS

Overall, the surgery plus radiotherapy group had a higher median survival (21.4 months) compared with surgery alone (16.59 months) [p < 0.001]. RT was more likely to be delivered after extrapleural pneumonectomy than with lung-sparing surgical approaches. On multivariable analysis, receipt of surgery plus radiotherapy, chemotherapy administration, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with improved OS (p < 0.0001). After propensity matching, receipt of surgery plus radiotherapy and chemotherapy administration were still associated with improved OS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, adjuvant radiotherapy after surgical intervention was associated with improved OS. This study is the largest study of adjuvant radiotherapy to date, and our findings highlight the need for additional prospective data.

Sequencing of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma and Oligoastrocytoma

INTRODUCTION

Adjuvant management of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AOs) and anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (AOAs) is guided by 2 seminal phase III trials, one of which utilized radiotherapy (RT) followed by chemotherapy (CT) (RT-CT), and the other in which CT was followed by RT (CT-RT). Both paradigms are endorsed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network because no direct comparison in the first-line (nonprogressive) setting has been performed to date. This study of a contemporary national database sought to evaluate practice patterns and outcomes between both approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for newly diagnosed AO/AOA treated with postoperative sequential CT-RT or RT-CT. Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors independently associated with delivery of a particular paradigm. Overall survival (OS) between cohorts was compared using Kaplan-Meier methodology. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling evaluated factors associated with OS.

RESULTS

Of 225 patients, 19 (8.4%) received CT-RT and 206 (91.6%) underwent RT-CT. Groups were well-balanced, although CT-RT was more often administered to men (P=0.009) and AOs (P=0.037). Median follow-up was 58 months. Median OS in the CT-RT cohort was 93 months (95% confidence interval, 37-150 mo), and 107 months (95% confidence interval, 72-142 mo) in the RT-CT group (P=0.709). Therapy sequence was not associated with OS on univariate (P=0.709) or multivariate (P=0.257) assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, most AO/AOA patients receiving sequential therapy undergo RT followed by CT. No differences in survival were observed with either approach; this addresses a knowledge gap and confirms that both paradigms are appropriate in the first-line setting.

Postmastectomy radiation therapy for triple negative, node-negative breast cancer

PURPOSE

The use of post-mastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) for patients with node-negative, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is controversial. This study of a large, contemporary US database described national practice patterns and addressed the impact of PMRT on survival for patients with node-negative TNBC.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried (2004-2014) for women with non-metastatic TNBC with pT1-4N0M0 disease undergoing mastectomy. Use of PMRT was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with PMRT use. The Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) between patients managed with either PMRT or observation following mastectomy when stratifying by pT stage. Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS.

RESULTS

A total of 14,464 patients met the selection criteria; of these, 1,569 (10.8%) received PMRT, whereas 12,895 (89.2%) did not receive PMRT. Use of PMRT varied significantly with pT stage, with only 5.7% of T1 patients undergoing PMRT, while 51.6% of patients with T3 disease underwent PMRT. Use of PMRT was associated with superior OS for patients with pT3 disease but not for patients with other T stages. Greater age was associated with decreased likelihood of PMRT use, while increased T stage and positive surgical margins were associated with use of PMRT. On multivariate analysis, increased age, T stage, and positive surgical margins were associated with worse OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study to date evaluating the use of PMRT in patients with node-negative TNBC, the use of PMRT was low in patients with T1 and T2 disease. Additionally, while an OS benefit was observed with the use of PMRT in patients with T3 disease, there was no benefit with the use of PMRT in other T stage groups. Further prospective studies are recommended to further elucidate the benefit on PMRT in patients with node-negative TNBC.

Outcomes of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma versus invasive lobular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) is a rare histologic variant of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) that has been associated with worse clinical outcomes than classic ILC. Owing to its rarity, high-volume studies of its clinical characteristics and prognosis are lacking. The purpose of this study was to use a large, contemporary cancer database to investigate the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes for patients with PLC.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for women with cT1-4N1-3M0 breast cancer with either ILC or PLC histology having received definitive surgical therapy. Chi-squared analysis was performed to determine differences between the cohorts. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) between all patients and between patients when stratifying by age and subtype. Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS.

RESULTS

A total of 115,260 patients met the study criteria; of these, 114,859 (99.6%) had ILC, while 401 (0.4%) had PLC. A greater proportion of patients with PLC had T3-4 and node-positive disease, and were more likely to have ER- and HER2+ disease. PLC histology was associated with worse OS on both univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). PLC was associated with poorer OS in subgroups that were T3-4/N+ (but not T1-2N0) disease and ER+ (but not ER-) cancers, but not by HER2 status.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PLC, who were more likely to have ER- and HER2+ disease, experienced worse OS than patients with ILC, which may be limited to patients with more advanced clinical stage and ER + disease. Further work is needed to determine the optimal treatment for this more aggressive form of breast cancer.

National Cancer Database report of nonmetastatic esophageal small cell carcinoma

Background

Esophageal small cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a rare malignancy for which there is no consensus management approach. This is the largest known analysis of nonmetastatic ESCC patients to date, evaluating national practice patterns and outcomes of surgical‐based therapy vs chemoradiotherapy (CRT) vs chemotherapy alone.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for esophageal cancer patients with histologically confirmed nonmetastatic ESCC. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with receipt of surgical‐based management. Kaplan‐Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) and the log‐rank test is used to compare OS between groups; Cox univariate and multivariate analyses determined variables associated with OS.

Results

Altogether, 323 patients were analyzed; 64 (20%) patients underwent surgical‐based therapy, 211 (65%) CRT, and 48 (15%) chemotherapy alone. On multivariable analysis, no single factor significantly predicted for administration of surgery. Despite no OS differences between the surgery‐based (median OS 21 months) and CRT arms (18 months), both were superior to CT alone (10 months) (P < 0.001). Among other factors, receiving any local therapy independently predicted for higher OS over chemotherapy alone on Cox multivariate analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study of a large, contemporary national database demonstrates that most ESCC is treated with CRT in the United States; adding local therapy to systemic therapy may be beneficial to these patients, although individualized multidisciplinary management is still recommended.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Screening for Asymptomatic Brain Tumors: A Review

Brain tumors comprise 2% of all cancers but are disproportionately responsible for cancer-related deaths. The 5-year survival rate of glioblastoma, the most common form of malignant brain tumor, is only 4.7%, and the overall 5-year survival rate for any brain tumor is 34.4%. In light of the generally poor clinical outcomes associated with these malignancies, there has been interest in the concept of brain tumor screening through magnetic resonance imaging. Here, we will provide a general overview of the screening principles and brain tumor epidemiology, then highlight the major studies examining brain tumor prevalence in asymptomatic populations in order to assess the potential benefits and drawbacks of screening for brain tumors. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) screening in healthy asymptomatic adults can detect both early gliomas and other benign central nervous system abnormalities. Further research is needed to determine whether MRI will improve overall morbidity and mortality for the screened populations and make screening a worthwhile endeavor.

A trend towards a more intense adjuvant treatment of low-grade-gliomas in tertiary centers in Germany after RTOG 9802 - results from a multi-center survey

BACKGROUND

The treatment recommendations for Low-grade Gliomas (LGG) underwent profound changes due to results from RTOG 9802 published in April 2016. This work aims to investigate whether the results from the trial were already incorporated into the treatment recommendations at German oncology centers before an update of the official guidelines.

METHODS

An online based questionnaire with questions covering all aspects of adjuvant treatments of LGGs was generated, including three cases with distinct clinical situations. We contacted all members of the neuro-oncologic working group (NOA) of the German Cancer Society (DKG) as well as all German-speaking members of the European Low-Grade Glioma Network via E-mail.

RESULTS

We collected 38 responses. All responders were at least specialists; they predominantly worked at tertiary hospitals with a high volume of LGGs treated annually (75% with more than 10 cases per year). All responders stated to consent treatment recommendation for LGGs within interdisciplinary oncologic boards. The treatment recommendations for LGGs changed profoundly between 2015 and 12/2016. There is a trend towards PCV-based multimodal treatments, especially for oligodendroglial LGGs, as well as a trend away from watchful-waiting-policies for astrocytic LGGs.

CONCLUSION

Neurooncologists do adapt results from clinical trials quickly. None the less, there is still an immense heterogeneity within the treatment recommendations, predominantly for astrocytic LGGs. Well planned clinical trials and concise treatment recommendations are warranted; additionally, individual counseling of patients is essential.

Impact of adjuvant treatments on survival in Korean patients with WHO grade II gliomas: KNOG 15-02 and KROG 16-04 intergroup study

INTRODUCTION

Optimal treatment strategies for low-grade glioma (LGG) remain controversial. We analyzed treatment outcomes and evaluated prognostic factors of adult LGG patients in Korea.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 555 patients diagnosed with WHO grade II LGG (astrocytoma 37.8%, oligoastrocytoma 15.3%, and oligodendroglioma 46.8%) at 14 institutions between 2000 and 2010. Primary and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Propensity-score matching (PSM) analyses were performed to correct imbalances in patient/tumor characteristics among adjuvant treatment groups.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 83.4 months, and the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 52.2% and 83.0%, respectively. Male, older age, poorer performance status, multiple lobe involvement, and astrocytoma histology were associated with poorer survival. Among the treatment factors, gross total resection (GTR) was associated with better PFS and OS, and adjuvant chemotherapy with improved PFS. Interestingly, adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) did not improve PFS; rather, it was related with poorer OS. Regarding patient/tumor characteristics, the RT group had poorer characteristics than the non-RT group. After PSM, we detected a tendency for improved PFS in the matched RT group, and no significant difference in OS compared with the matched non-RT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The achievement of GTR is important to improve survival in LGG patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy may enhance PFS, but adjuvant RT did not improve survival outcomes. After PSM, we observed potential impacts of adjuvant RT on PFS. Our results may reflect real-world practice and consequently may help to optimize treatment strategies for LGG.

Trends and disparities in the utilization of hypofractionated neoadjuvant radiation therapy for rectal cancer in the United States

Background

Neoadjuvant conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (CFRT) versus hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) for rectal cancer (RC) is among the most controversial and debatable areas of radiotherapeutic management. This is the only known study evaluating the utilization of neoadjuvant HFRT for RC in the United States, and focuses on trends and health disparities.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base was queried [2004-2015] for newly-diagnosed cT3-T4 N_any or cT_any N1-2 M0 rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing neoadjuvant RT, with or without chemotherapy, followed by resection. Following analysis based on temporal trends, multivariate logistic regression determined factors associated with receipt of HFRT.

Results

Altogether, 29,994 patients met study criteria: 29,724 (99%) were treated with CFRT, and 270 (1%) with HFRT. Temporally, utilization of HFRT rose significantly, from 0.2% in 2004 to 2.0% in 2015, with the steepest slope at most recent time periods. HFRT was more likely administered to older patients, those with more comorbidities, and node-positive disease (P<0.05 for all). There were racial differences, as African-Americans were independently less likely to receive HFRT (P=0.043). The two strongest predictors of HFRT administration (by odds ratio) were time period and therapy at academic centers (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Although HFRT is underutilized in the US, its use is rising and has increased nearly tenfold over the last decade. Disparities in HFRT delivery are emphasized, especially concerning disease-/patient-specific factors, socioeconomic status, and race. These data may serve as a benchmark for future investigation as well as for health disparities in the radiotherapeutic treatment of RC.

Utilization of intensity modulated radiation therapy for anal cancer in the United States

Background

Chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer (AC) can incur substantial treatment-related toxicities. Whereas radiotherapy (RT) for AC has historically been delivered with two- or three-dimensional conformal RT (2D/3DCRT) techniques, intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) is associated with improved target conformality and lower doses to organs-at-risk (OARs). This is the first investigation to date evaluating trends of IMRT utilization in the United States.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried [2004-2015] for AC patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy with a defined RT technique (3DCRT versus IMRT). Following analysis based on temporal trends, multivariate logistic regression determined factors associated with receipt of IMRT. Secondarily, Kaplan-Meier analysis compared OS between the 3DCRT and IMRT groups, and Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS.

Results

Altogether, 11,396 patients met study criteria; 1,288 (11%) were treated with 3DCRT and 10,108 (89%) with IMRT. Temporally, utilization of IMRT rose significantly, from 28% in 2004 to 96% in 2015, corresponding with a progressive decrease in 3DCRT usage. IMRT was more likely delivered in node-positive disease, at academic centers, and in southern/western regions (P<0.05 for all). T3-4 disease was less likely to receive IMRT (P<0.05). As expected, there were no OS differences based on RT technique (P=0.402). Predictors of worse OS included advancing age, male gender, increasing comorbidities, advanced T-stage, and nodal positivity (P<0.05 for all). In addition to racial- and insurance-related factors, receipt of therapy at academic centers independently predicted for improved OS (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Based on findings from this large, contemporary dataset, IMRT is now the most widely utilized RT technique for AC, and 3DCRT is used in a very small minority of patients. IMRT utilization is impacted by multiple characteristics, such as disease- and regional-related factors. These observations have implications for payers and insurance coverage; improved survival at academic centers has ramifications for patient counseling.

Chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for unresected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: practice patterns and outcomes from the national cancer data base

Background

Current guidelines recommend chemotherapy (CT) with or without radiotherapy (RT) for unresected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IC). Although there is currently lack of consensus, previous smaller studies have illustrated the efficacy of local therapy for this population. This investigation evaluated outcomes of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) versus CT alone in unresected IC using a large, contemporary national database.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for primary IC cases (2004-2013) receiving CT alone or CRT. Patients undergoing resection or not receiving CT were excluded, as were those with M1 disease or unknown M classification. Logistic regression analysis ascertained factors associated with CRT administration. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) between both groups. Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed variables associated with OS.

Results

In total, 2,842 patients were analyzed [n=666 (23%) CRT, n=2,176 (77%) CT]. CRT was less likely delivered at community centers, in more recent time periods (2009-2013), to older patients, and in certain geographic locations. Median OS in the CRT and CT groups were 13.6 vs. 10.5 months, respectively (P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, poorer OS was associated with age, male gender, increased comorbidities, treatment at a community center, and treatment at earlier time periods (2004-2008) (P<0.05 for all). Notably, receipt of CRT independently predicted for improved OS (P<0.001).

Conclusions

As compared to CT alone, CRT was independently associated with improved survival in unresected IC. These findings support a randomized trial evaluating this question that is currently accruing.

Management of pathologic node-positive disease following initial surgery for clinical T1-2 N0 esophageal cancer: patterns of care and outcomes from the national cancer data base

PURPOSE

Although clinical T1-2N0 esophageal cancer (EC) is often initially surgically resected (without neoadjuvant therapy), several studies have illustrated substantial rates of discovering pathologically node-positive disease. This study evaluated national practice patterns of adjuvant therapy for this population.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried (2004-2013) for patients with cT1-2N0M0 EC that received up-front surgery (esophagectomy/local techniques) with subsequent discovery of nodal metastasis. Patients receiving any neoadjuvant therapy were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors predictive of receiving adjuvant therapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS. Propensity score matching assessed groups in a balanced manner while reducing indication biases.

RESULTS

Altogether, 715 patients met inclusion criteria; 114 (16%) underwent adjuvant chemotherapy, 183 (26%) chemoradiation, 16 (2%) radiotherapy alone, and 402 (56%) observation. Observation was more likely performed with advanced age (p = .002) and at nonacademic centers (p = .001). Median OS in the respective cohorts were 42.6, 35.1, 22.2, and 27.0 months. Both chemotherapy and chemoradiation were statistically similar (p = .462) but superior to observation (p < .05 for both). There was a survival benefit to any adjuvant treatment (median OS 38.5 vs. 27.0 months, p < .001), which persisted after propensity matching (median OS 35.1 vs. 24.3 months, p < .001). On multivariable analysis, any adjuvant treatment was independently associated with improved OS, along with treatment at an academic center (p < .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study to date evaluating patterns of care for pN + disease following resection of cT1-2N0 EC, a strikingly high proportion of patients were observed. Adjuvant treatment, ideally chemotherapy or chemoradiation, independently correlated with higher survival, and should be considered in able patients. Treatment at academic facilities also associated with higher survival, which has implications for patient counseling.

The Role of Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Bladder Cancer

Background:

The standard of care for locally advanced bladder cancer (LABC) is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy. However, the role of adjuvant therapy for locally advanced bladder cancer is unclear.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for patients with LABC, and to determine which risk factors best predict for patients who may best benefit from adjuvant RT.

Methods:

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried (2004– 2013) for patients with newly-diagnosed pT3-4N0-3M0 urothelial carcinoma of the bladder that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy. Patients were divided into two groups based on the adjuvant therapy they received: RT or observation. Statistics included multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of receiving adjuvant RT, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS.

Results:

Altogether, 1,646 patients met inclusion criteria; 59 (3.6%) patients received adjuvant RT, while 1,587 (96.4%) were observed. Patients treated with adjuvant RT were more likely to be female, have positive surgical margins, and receive treatment at a non-academic facility. There was no difference in median overall survival (OS) between patients treated with RT when compared to patients observed (17.7 months vs. 23.5 months; p = 0.085). However, an improvement in median OS with the use of adjuvant RT was observed among patients with positive surgical margins (20.3 months vs. 13.1 months; p = 0.032). On multivariate analysis, advancing age, pT4 stage, positive N stage, positive margins, and lower socioeconomic status were associated with worse OS.

Conclusions:

In the largest study to date evaluating efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer, use of RT was not associated with OS in all patients, while RT was associated with improvemed OS among patients with positive surgical margins. Prospective studies are recommended to confirm these findings.

Response rates and pathologic complete response by breast cancer molecular subtype following neoadjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE

This is the largest study to date evaluating response rates and pathologic complete response (pCR) and predictors thereof, based on molecular subtype, in women with breast cancer having undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC).

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for women with cT1-4N1-3M0 breast cancer having received NC. Patients were divided into four subtypes: luminal A, luminal B, Her2, or triple negative (TN). Multivariable logistic regression ascertained factors associated with developing pCR. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) between patients by degree of response to NC when stratifying patients by subtype.

RESULTS

Of a total of 13,939 women, 322 (2%) were luminal A, 5941 (43%) luminal B, 2274 (16%) Her2, and 5402 (39%) TN. Overall, 19% of all patients achieved pCR, the lowest in luminal A (0.3%) and the highest in Her2 (38.7%). Molecular subtype was an independent predictor of both pCR and OS in this population. Clinical downstaging was associated with improved survival, mostly in women with luminal B, Her2, and TN subtypes. Subgroup analysis of the pCR population demonstrated 5-year OS in the luminal B, Her2, and TN cohorts of 93.0, 94.2, and 90.6%, respectively (Her2 vs. TN, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Assessing nearly 14,000 women from a contemporary United States database, this is the largest known study examining the relationship between response to NC and molecular subtype. Women with luminal A disease are the least likely to undergo pCR, with the highest rates in Her2 disease. Degree of response is associated with OS, especially in luminal B, Her2, and TN patients. Despite the comparatively higher likelihood of achieving pCR in TN cases, this subgroup may still experience a survival detriment, which has implications for an ongoing national randomized trial.

Adjuvant Management of Pathologic Node-Positive Disease After Definitive Surgery for Clinical T1-2 N0 Rectal Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Patients with cT1-2N0M0 rectal cancer are often treated with up-front surgical resection, with adjuvant treatment reserved for patients upstaged with pathologic node-positive (pN+) disease at surgery. This study evaluates practice patterns and clinical outcomes when comparing different forms of adjuvant treatment for this patient population.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for cT1-2N0M0 rectal cancer patients between 2004 and 2015 with postoperative pN+ disease treated without neoadjuvant treatment. Patients were divided into groups receiving observation, chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with receipt of adjuvant treatment. Kaplan-Meier curves compared overall survival (OS), and Cox regression determined patient factors associated with OS.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1466 patients met the inclusion criteria; 536 patients (36.6%) received adjuvant chemotherapy, 413 (28.2%) received adjuvant CRT, and 517 (35.3%) were observed postoperatively. Use of adjuvant treatment was associated with superior median OS (124.1 vs. 51.1 months, P < .001), persisting after propensity score matching (124.0 vs. 61.9 months, P < .001), but not between adjuvant CRT versus chemotherapy on subset analysis. Patients with positive surgical margins receiving adjuvant CRT showed a trend toward OS improvement compared to patients managed with chemotherapy (54.9 vs. 47.4 months, P = .10). Increased age, pN2 status, positive margin status, and observation were associated with poorer OS.

CONCLUSION

Most patients found to have pN+ disease after up-front surgery for cT1-2N0 rectal cancer receive adjuvant treatment, which is associated with improved OS. Chemotherapy or CRT are appropriate options, although there was a trend toward higher OS for patients with positive surgical margins receiving CRT.

The role of adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced bladder cancer

PURPOSE

The standard of care for locally advanced bladder cancer (LABC) is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by cystectomy. However, the role of adjuvant therapy is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with LABC following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy, and to determine whether select patients may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried (2004-2013) for patients with newly diagnosed pT3-4N0-3M0 bladder cancer that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy. Patients were divided into two groups based on the adjuvant therapy they received: chemotherapy alone or observation. Statistics included multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS) and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS.

RESULTS

Altogether, 2592 patients met inclusion criteria; 901 (34.8%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, while 1691 (65.2%) were observed. Patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy were more likely to have positive margins were younger and more likely to receive treatment at a nonacademic facility. There was no difference in median OS between patients treated with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (22.6 vs. 21.1 months; p = .267). However, a longer median OS was observed with the use of adjuvant chemotherapy was observed among patients with N2-3 disease (17.5 vs. 14.4 months; p = .005) and positive surgical margins (16.7 vs. 12.2 months; p = .025). On multivariate analysis, advancing age, pT4 stage, positive N stage, positive margins and lower socioeconomic status were associated with worse OS.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study to date evaluating efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy, while no difference in OS was observed for adjuvant chemotherapy in all patients, a longer OS was observed among patients with N2-3 disease or with positive surgical margins. Prospective studies are recommended to further evaluate these findings.

Utilization of neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiation therapy and proton beam therapy for esophageal cancer in the United States

Background

Randomized esophageal cancer (EC) trials have utilized two- or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT). Advanced radiotherapy (RT) techniques [(ARTs): intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and proton beam therapy (PBT)] may have benefits, but are relatively unproven. This is the first study to date evaluating utilization of ARTs versus 3DCRT in the trimodality setting in the United States.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried (2004-2013) for newly-diagnosed cT1b-T4bN0/N+M0 EC receiving neoadjuvant CRT followed by esophagectomy. The primary objective was to assess temporal trends, with multivariable logistic regression analysis assessing factors predictive of receiving ARTs. Secondarily, Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS), Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS, and postoperative complications were compared between cohorts.

Results

Altogether, 3,138 patients met criteria; 1,398 (45%) received 3DCRT, and 1,740 (55%) received ARTs (99% IMRT, 1% PBT). Temporally, utilization of ARTs is steadily rising in the United States, from 20% in 2004 to 69% in 2013, corresponding with a progressive decrease in utilization of 3DCRT. ARTs were more often delivered with advancing age, squamous cell histology, N2+ disease, and at academic centers (P<0.05 for all). Centers in the Southwest were more likely to use ARTs, and those in the Midwest least likely (P<0.05 for both). As expected, there were no OS differences (P=0.8477); there were also no differences in postoperative events (P>0.05 for all). Treatment at an academic center independently correlated with improved OS (P<0.001).

Conclusions

Utilization of ARTs (IMRT in the vast majority) is steadily rising in the United States; 3DCRT is now used in a minority of patients. This has implications for payers and insurance coverage. ART use is impacted by not only age and disease factors, but also regional and facility differences. Treatment at an academic facility independently correlated with higher survival, which has implications for patient counseling.

Practice patterns and outcomes of chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy alone for older patients with nasopharyngeal cancer

Older patients are at increased risk of toxicities from aggressive oncologic therapy and of nononcologic death. A meta‐analysis of non‐nasopharyngeal head and neck cancers showed no statistical benefit in adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy (RT) in older patients; another meta‐analysis of RT versus chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in NPC found advantages to CRT, but vastly under‐represented patients ≥70 years old. This is the largest study to date evaluating outcomes of CRT versus RT alone in this population. The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for primary nasopharyngeal cancer cases (2004–2013) in patients ≥70 years old receiving RT alone or CRT. Patients with unknown RT/chemotherapy and T1N0 or M1 disease were excluded. Logistic regression analysis ascertained factors associated with CRT delivery. Kaplan–Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS) between both cohorts. Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS. In total, 930 patients were analyzed (n = 713 (77%) CRT, n = 217 (23%) RT). Groups were relatively balanced; CRT was less frequently delivered in patients with advancing age, lower nodal burden, and females (P < 0.05 for all). Median OS in the CRT and RT groups were 35.3 versus 20.0 months, respectively (P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of OS included age, comorbidities, income and insurance status, tumor grade, and stage (P < 0.05 for all). Notably, receipt of chemotherapy independently predicted for improved OS (P = 0.036). CRT, compared to RT alone, was independently associated with improved survival in NPC patients ≥70 years old. CRT appears to be a promising approach in this population, but treatment‐related toxicity risks should continue to be weighed against potential oncologic benefits.

Multi-institutional study of treatment patterns in Korean patients with WHO grade II gliomas: KNOG 15-02 and KROG 16-04 intergroup study

INTRODUCTION

We performed this study to identify the treatment patterns of patients with low-grade gliomas (LGG) in Korea.

METHODS

A total of 555 patients diagnosed as WHO grade II gliomas between 2000 and 2010 at 14 Korean institutions were included. The patients were divided into four adjuvant treatment groups: adjuvant fractionated radiotherapy (RT, N = 204), adjuvant chemotherapy (N = 20), adjuvant fractionated RT and chemotherapy (N = 65), and non-adjuvant treatment (N = 266) groups. We examined differences among the groups and validated patient/tumor characteristics associated with the adjuvant treatments.

RESULTS

Astrocytoma was diagnosed in 210 patients (38%), oligoastrocytoma in 85 patients (15%), and oligodendroglioma in 260 patients (47%). Gross total resection was performed in 200 patients (36%), subtotal resection in 153 (28%), partial resection in 71 patients (13%), and biopsy in 131 patients (24%). RT was most commonly applied as an adjuvant treatment. The use of chemotherapy with or without RT decreased after 2008 (from 38 to 4%). The major chemotherapeutic regimen was procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine (PCV); however, the proportion of temozolomide increased since 2005 (up to 69%). Patient/tumor characteristics related with RT were male gender, non-seizure, multiple lobes involvement, and non-gross total resection. Chemotherapy was associated with non-gross total resection and non-astrocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS

A preference for RT and increased use of temozolomide was evident in the treatment pattern of LGG. The extent of resection was associated with a decision to perform RT and chemotherapy. To establish a robust guideline for LGG, further studies including molecular information are needed.

Patterns of care and outcomes with the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy for stage I nasopharyngeal cancer

PURPOSE

The standard of care for stage I (T1N0) nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is definitive radiotherapy (RT). Given the phase III evidence supporting combined chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage II NPC, we investigated practice patterns and outcomes associated with administration of chemotherapy to RT alone for stage I NPC.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for clinical T1N0 primary NPC cases (2004-2013) receiving curative-intent RT. Patients with unknown RT/chemotherapy status were excluded, as were benign/sarcomatous histologies and receipt of pharyngectomy. Patient, tumor, and treatment parameters were extracted. Logistic regression analysis ascertained factors associated with receipt of additional chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) between patients receiving RT versus CRT. Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with receipt of OS.

RESULTS

In total, 396 patients were analyzed. Chemotherapy was delivered in 147 patients (37%). On multivariate analysis, patients treated at academic/integrated centers were less likely to receive chemotherapy (p = .008); a racial predilection was noted, as non-black/non-white patients were also less likely to receive chemotherapy (p = .006). Respective 5-year OS in patients receiving RT alone versus CRT were 77% and 75% (p = .428). Receipt of chemotherapy did not independently predict for greater OS (p = .447).

CONCLUSIONS

These data do not support the routine addition of chemotherapy to definitive RT for T1N0 NPC.

Radiation dose in neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer: patterns of care and outcomes from the National Cancer Data Base

Background

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced esophageal cancer (EC) may utilize a wide variety of RT doses, without clear consensus to date. This study evaluated national practice patterns between lower dose (LD) (40-41.4 Gy) or higher dose (HD) (50-50.4 Gy) therapy, in addition to differences in survival and postoperative events.

Methods

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried [2004-2013] for patients with newly-diagnosed cT1a-T4aN0/N+M0 EC that received neoadjuvant CRT followed by esophagectomy. Multivariable logistic regression determined factors predictive of receiving LD RT. Kaplan-Meier analysis evaluated overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling determined variables associated with OS. Propensity score matching assessed groups in a balanced manner while reducing indication biases.

Results

Altogether, 5,025 patients met inclusion criteria; 257 (5%) received LD RT, while 4,768 (95%) received HD RT. LD RT was more likely delivered at academic centers (P=0.038), in more recent years (2009-2013, P=0.011), and to squamous cell carcinomas (P=0.001). HD RT tended to be administered with higher T stage as well as node-positive disease (P<0.05). The median OS in the LD and HD cohorts was 39.0 vs. 35.6 months (P=0.072), and 39.0 vs. 42.7 months after propensity matching (P=0.812). Dose did not independently correlate with OS on multivariate analysis (P=0.069), but treatment at academic centers correlated with improved OS (P=0.028). There were no differences between groups in the rates of 30-day readmission (P=0.182), 30-day mortality (P=0.314), or length of postoperative hospital stay (P=0.665), but the LD group experienced lower 90-day mortality (P=0.007).

Conclusions

Although neoadjuvant LD CRT has been underutilized for EC in the United States, it is rising in more recent years. Dose did not significantly impact survival before or after propensity matching, nor did it independently predict for survival. Treatment at academic facilities independently correlated with higher survival, which has implications for patient counseling.

Human papillomavirus and nasopharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

There are no existing high-volume studies characterizing human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC).

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried for NPC with known HPV (2004-2013). Logistic regression ascertained factors associated with HPV-positivity. Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) was evaluated between HPV-positive and HPV-negative cohorts; Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed factors associated with OS. Patients with nonmetastatic disease receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy underwent propensity-matched OS analysis.

RESULTS

Altogether, 956 patients were analyzed (32% HPV-positive and 68% HPV-negative). Median follow-up was 23 months (range 0-67 months). The patients with HPV-positive disease were younger, less likely to be uninsured, lived in more educated areas, and presented with more advanced T (but not N/overall) classification. Median OS for HPV-positive and HPV-negative groups were 50 and 43 months, respectively (P = .171). The HPV status did not independently predict for OS (P = .183). No OS differences were observed after propensity matching (P = .734).

CONCLUSION

In what we believe as the only large study of HPV-associated NPC, HPV neither correlates with nor predicts survival in NPC. Owing to the difficulty of addressing causality in database studies, further work must corroborate the findings herein.

Addition of chemotherapy to hypofractionated radiotherapy for glioblastoma: practice patterns, outcomes, and predictors of survival

This study evaluated practice patterns, outcomes, and predictors of survival with respect to the addition of chemotherapy to definitive hypofractionated radiation therapy (HFRT) for glioblastoma in a general patient population. The National Cancer Data Base was queried for patients diagnosed with glioblastoma between 2005 and 2012 that received definitive HFRT with or without chemotherapy. Patient, tumor, and treatment parameters were extracted. Statistics included Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS) as well as Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with receipt of chemotherapy and OS. Propensity score matching was performed in order to assess groups in a balanced manner while reducing indication biases. 693 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 297 (42.9%) received HFRT alone, while 396 (57.1%) received chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Median follow-up was 5.2 months. Factors independently associated with chemotherapy delivery included age ≤ 65, methylated MGMT, and Asian race. Chemotherapy use was associated with improved median OS (6.8 vs. 4.3 months, p < 0.001). This persisted in both age groups of age ≤ 65 (8 vs. 4.4 months, p < 0.001) and > 65 years (6.1 vs. 4.3 months, p = 0.002) as well as on propensity-matched analysis (6.0 vs. 4.3 months, p < 0.001). In this patient population, novel independent predictors of OS were identified, which included the addition of chemotherapy (p < 0.001), receipt of surgery other than biopsy (both p < 0.05), and treatment at an academic institution (p = 0.002). Addition of chemotherapy to definitive HFRT was associated with improved OS in patients ≤ 65 and > 65 years of age. Chemotherapy was an independent predictor of OS, along with receipt of surgery and treatment at an academic institution.

Chemotherapy Versus Chemoradiation for Node-Positive Bladder Cancer: Practice Patterns and Outcomes from the National Cancer Data Base

Background:

Management of clinically node-positive bladder cancer (cN+ BC) is poorly defined; national guidelines recommend chemotherapy (CT) alone or chemoradiation (CRT).

Objective:

Using a large, contemporary dataset, we evaluated national practice patterns and outcomes of CT versus CRT to elucidate the optimal therapy for this patient population.

Methods:

The National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) was queried (2004–2013) for patients diagnosed with cT_anyN1-3M0 BC. Patients were divided into two groups: CT alone or CRT. Statistics included multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of receiving additional radiotherapy, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS. Propensity score matching was performed to assess groups in a balanced manner while reducing indication biases.

Results:

Of 1,783 total patients, 1,388 (77.8%) underwent CT alone, and 395 (22.2%) CRT. Although patients receiving CRT tended to be of higher socioeconomic status, they were more likely older (p = 0.053), higher T stage, N1 (versus N2) disease, squamous histology, and treated at a non-academic center (p < 0.05). Median overall survival (OS) was 19.0 months and 13.8 months (p < 0.001) for patients receiving CRT or CT, respectively. On Cox multivariate analysis, receipt of CRT was independently associated with improved survival (p < 0.001). Outcome improvements with CRT persisted on evaluation of propensity-matched populations (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

CRT is underutilized in the United States for cN+ BC but is independently associated with improved survival despite being preferentially administered to a somewhat higher-risk population.

National Practice Patterns and Outcomes for T4b Urothelial Cancer of the Bladder

PURPOSE

Management of cT4b bladder cancer is poorly defined; national guidelines recommend chemotherapy (CT) alone or chemoradiation (CRT). Using a large, contemporary dataset, we evaluated national practice patterns as well as associated outcomes, especially with respect to radical cystectomy (RC) and CRT versus CT alone.

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried (2004-2013) for patients diagnosed with cT4bN0-3M0 bladder cancer. Patients were divided into 5 treatment groups: CT alone, CRT, RC (with/without CT/radiotherapy [RT]), other treatment (subtherapeutic RT with/without CT), or no treatment. Statistics included multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of observation, Kaplan-Meier analysis to evaluate overall survival (OS), and Cox proportional hazards modeling to determine variables associated with OS.

RESULTS

Of 896 total patients, 185 (20.6%) underwent CT alone, 80 (8.9%) CRT, 161 (18.9%) RC, 221 (24.7%) other treatments, and 249 (27.8%) observation. Differences in treatment paradigms were appreciated based on age, gender, nodal status, insurance, and facility-related parameters. Observation yielded a median OS of 3.7 months, lower than CT alone (P < .001). As compared with the latter, CRT was associated with higher OS (10.5 vs. 12.1 months, P = .004). RC-based treatment displayed the numerically highest OS (14.2 months) and was statistically similar to CRT (P = .676). Treatment with any modality independently predicted for superior OS over observation.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest study of its kind, a surprisingly high proportion of patients underwent observation. CRT is associated with higher survival over CT alone, and carefully selected patients undergoing RC may experience prolonged survival.

Radiation Treatment Time and Overall Survival in Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Prolonged radiation treatment (RT) time (RTT) has been associated with worse survival in several malignancies. The present study investigated whether delays during RT are associated with overall survival (OS) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with stage III NSCLC who had received definitive concurrent chemotherapy and fractionated RT to standard doses (59.4-70.0 Gy) and fractionation from 2004 to 2013. The RTT was classified as standard or prolonged for each treatment regimen according to the radiation dose and number of fractions. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between the following factors and OS: RTT, RT fractionation, demographic and pathologic factors, and chemotherapeutic agents.

RESULTS

Of 14,154 patients, the RTT was prolonged in 6262 (44.2%). Factors associated with prolonged RTT included female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.21, P<.0001), black race (OR 1.20, P=.001), nonprivate health insurance (OR 1.30, P<.0001), and lower income (<$63,000 annually, OR 1.20, P<.0001). The median OS was significantly worse for patients with prolonged RTT than that for those with standard RTT (18.6 vs 22.7 months, P<.0001). Furthermore, the OS worsened with each cumulative interval of delay (standard RTT vs prolonged 1-2 days, 20.5 months, P=.009; prolonged 3-5 days, 17.9 months, P<.0001; prolonged 6-9 days, 17.7 months, P<.0001; prolonged >9 days, 17.1 months, P<.0001). On multivariable analysis, prolonged RTT was independently associated with inferior OS (hazard ratio 1.21, P<.0001). Prolonged RTT as a continuous variable was also significantly associated with worse OS (hazard ratio 1.001, P=.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

Delays during RT appear to negatively affect survival for patients with locally advanced NSCLC. We have detailed the demographic and socioeconomic barriers influencing prolonged RTT as a method to address the health disparities in this regard. Cumulative interruptions of RT should be minimized.