Impact of compliance to chemoradiation on long-term outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma of the anus: results of a post hoc analysis from the randomised phase III ACT II trial

Association of Radiotherapy Duration With Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Esophageal Cancer Treated in NRG Oncology Trials: A Secondary Analysis of NRG Oncology Randomized Clinical Trials

Importance

For many types of epithelial malignant neoplasms that are treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT), treatment prolongation and interruptions have an adverse effect on outcomes.

Objective

To analyze the association between RT duration and outcomes in patients with esophageal cancer who were treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study was an unplanned, post hoc secondary analysis of 3 prospective, multi-institutional phase 3 randomized clinical trials (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group [RTOG] 8501, RTOG 9405, and RTOG 0436) of the National Cancer Institute-sponsored NRG Oncology (formerly the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, RTOG, and Gynecologic Oncology Group). Enrolled patients with nonmetastatic esophageal cancer underwent definitive CRT in the trials between 1986 and 2013, with follow-up occurring through 2014. Data analyses were conducted between March 2022 to February 2023.

Exposures

Treatment groups in the trials used standard-dose RT (50 Gy) and concurrent chemotherapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcomes were local-regional failure (LRF), distant failure, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Multivariable models were used to examine the associations between these outcomes and both RT duration and interruptions. Radiotherapy duration was analyzed as a dichotomized variable using an X-Tile software to choose a cut point and its median value as a cut point, as well as a continuous variable.

Results

The analysis included 509 patients (median [IQR] age, 64 [57-70] years; 418 males [82%]; and 376 White individuals [74%]). The median (IQR) follow-up was 4.01 (2.93-4.92) years for surviving patients. The median cut point of RT duration was 39 days or less in 271 patients (53%) vs more than 39 days in 238 patients (47%), and the X-Tile software cut point was 45 days or less in 446 patients (88%) vs more than 45 days in 63 patients (12%). Radiotherapy interruptions occurred in 207 patients (41%). Female (vs male) sex and other (vs White) race and ethnicity were associated with longer RT duration and RT interruptions. In the multivariable models, RT duration longer than 45 days was associated with inferior DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% CI, 1.01-1.77; P = .04). The HR for OS was 1.33, but the results were not statistically significant (95% CI, 0.99-1.77; P = .05). Radiotherapy duration longer than 39 days (vs ≤39 days) was associated with a higher risk of LRF (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.06-1.65; P = .01). As a continuous variable, RT duration (per 1 week increase) was associated with DFS failure (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.28; P = .03). The HR for LRF 1.13, but the result was not statistically significant (95% CI, 0.99-1.28; P = .07).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this study indicated that in patients with esophageal cancer receiving definitive CRT, prolonged RT duration was associated with inferior outcomes; female patients and those with other (vs White) race and ethnicity were more likely to have longer RT duration and experience RT interruptions. Radiotherapy interruptions should be minimized to optimize outcomes.

Anal Cancer: The Past, Present and Future

Anal cancer is a rare cancer that accounts for about 2% of all gastrointestinal tract malignancies. Among anal cancer, squamous cell cancer is the most common malignancy. The incidence of all stages of anal squamous cell cancer has been increasing. Human papillomavirus infection and immunosuppression are major risk factors for anal cancer. The management of anal cancer has evolved over the past several decades and continues to do so. Chemoradiation therapy remains the mainstay for treatment for most patients with early-stage disease, whereas systemic therapy is the primary treatment for patients with metastatic disease. Patients with persistent disease or recurrence following chemoradiation therapy are treated with salvage surgery. Access to novel cytotoxic combinations and immunotherapy has improved the outcomes of patients with advanced disease. This review provides an overview of advances in the management of anal cancer over the past two decades. This paper reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, pathology, diagnosis, and management of localized and advanced anal squamous cell cancer, highlights current knowledge gaps in the management of anal cancer, and discusses future directions.

A phase II study of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-C for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (the JROSG 10-2 trial)

This study assessed the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCAC). Patients with T1-4N0-3M0 SCCAC received chemoradiotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 800 mg/m2/day, 96-h infusion) and mitomycin-C (MMC, 10 mg/m2 bolus). Patients treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were administered 36.0 Gy in 20 fractions or 49.5 Gy in 33 fractions for elective nodal irradiation and 59.4 Gy in 33 fractions for primary tumor and metastatic nodal irradiation. The sample size was considered sufficient to estimate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the true 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) within a width of +15% when the expected true 2-year DFS was 70%. The primary endpoint was 2-year DFS. The secondary endpoints were 2-year overall survival (OS), locoregional control (LC), colostomy-free survival (CFS) and adverse events. Thirty-one patients were enrolled between January 2014 and July 2019. The median follow-up was 33.3 months (range, 16.2-65.8 months). Among the 31 patients, 13%, 32%, 16% and 39% had stage I, II, IIIA and IIIB disease, respectively. Thirty patients were treated with IMRT. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 27 patients. The 2-year DFS, OS, LC and CFS rates were 77.4% (95% CI, 58.4-88.5%), 93.5% (95% CI, 76.6-98.3%), 83.9% (95% CI, 65.5-92.9%) and 80.6% (95% CI, 61.9-90.8%), respectively. One patient experienced grade 3 late adverse events; however, no grade ≥ 4 late adverse events occurred. Good DFS with a low rate of late adverse events was observed. Chemoradiotherapy with 5-FU and MMC was effective for SCCAC.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Toxicity of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer in the CAO/ARO/AIO-04 Phase III Trial

Background: There is a lack of predictive models to identify patients at risk of high neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT)-related acute toxicity in rectal cancer. Patient and Methods: The CAO/ARO/AIO-04 trial was divided into a development (n = 831) and a validation (n = 405) cohort. Using a best subset selection approach, predictive models for grade 3−4 acute toxicity were calculated including clinicopathologic characteristics, pretreatment blood parameters, and baseline results of quality-of-life questionnaires and evaluated using the area under the ROC curve. The final model was internally and externally validated. Results: In the development cohort, 155 patients developed grade 3−4 toxicities due to CRT. In the final evaluation, 15 parameters were included in the logistic regression models using best-subset selection. BMI, gender, and emotional functioning remained significant for predicting toxicity, with a discrimination ability adjusted for overfitting of AUC 0.687. The odds of experiencing high-grade toxicity were 3.8 times higher in the intermediate and 6.4 times higher in the high-risk group (p < 0.001). Rates of toxicity (p = 0.001) and low treatment adherence (p = 0.007) remained significantly different in the validation cohort, whereas discrimination ability was not significantly worse (DeLong test 0.09). Conclusion: We developed and validated a predictive model for toxicity using gender, BMI, and emotional functioning. Such a model could help identify patients at risk for treatment-related high-grade toxicity to assist in treatment guidance and patient participation in shared decision making.

Practice changing data and emerging concepts from recent radiation therapy randomised clinical trials

INTRODUCTION

Oncology treatments are constantly and rapidly evolving. We aimed at highlighting the latest radiation therapy practice changing trials and emerging concepts, through an overview of recent randomised clinical trials (RCTs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Requests were performed in the Medline database to identify all publications reporting radiation therapy RCTs from 2018 to 2021.

RESULTS

Recent RCTs sustained the role of newer combinatorial strategies through radioimmunotherapy for early stage or metastatic lung cancer, newer pro-apoptotic agents (e.g. debio 1143 in locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) or nanoparticles (e.g. NBTXR3 in locally advanced soft-tissue sarcoma). High-tech radiotherapy allows intensifying treatments and gaining ground in some indications through the development of stereotactic body radiotherapy for example. First randomised evidence on personalised radiation therapy through imaging-based (¹⁸FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography for lung cancer or early stage unfavourable Hodgkin lymphoma, PMSA positron emission tomography-computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for high-risk prostate cancer) or biological biomarkers (PSA for prostate cancer, HPV for head and neck cancer, etc) were conducted to more tailored treatments, with more favourable outcomes. Patients' quality of life and satisfaction appeared to be increasing aims. RCTs have validated (ultra)hypofractionated schemes in many indications as for breast, prostate or rectal cancer, resulting in equivalent outcomes and toxicities, more convenient for patients and favouring shared decision making.

CONCLUSION

Radiation therapy is a dynamic field of research, and many RCTs have greatly impacted therapeutic standards over the last years. Investments in radiotherapy research should facilitate the transfer of innovation to clinic.

Anal Cancer: Emerging Standards in a Rare Rare Disease

The social stigma surrounding an anal cancer diagnosis has traditionally prevented open discussions about this disease. However, as recent treatment options and an increasing rate of diagnoses are made worldwide, awareness is growing. In the United States alone, 9,090 individuals were expected to be diagnosed with anal cancer in 2021. The US annual incidence of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus continues to increase by 2.7% yearly, whereas the mortality rate increases by 3.1%. The main risk factor for anal cancer is a human papillomavirus infection; those with chronic immunosuppression are also at risk. Patients with HIV are 19 times more likely to develop anal cancer compared with the general population. In this review, we have provided an overview of the carcinoma of the anal canal, the role of screening, advancements in radiation therapy, and current trials investigating acute and chronic treatment-related toxicities. This article is a comprehensive approach to presenting the existing data in an effort to encourage continuous international interest in anal cancer.

Pretreatment colostomy in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma: Risk factors for a permanent stoma

BACKGROUND

The current standard of care for anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is concurrent chemoradiation (CRT), which enables tumor eradication while preserving the anal sphincter. Patients with locally advanced tumors, however, may experience complications that preclude treatment before stoma creation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reversal rate of pretreatment stomas and the risk factors associated with nonreversal.

METHODS

This single-institution retrospective cohort study using a prospective database included patients diagnosed with anal SCC from January 2008 to December 2020 who required a stoma before curative CRT.

RESULTS

In total, 651 patients were identified; 65 required a stoma before chemoradiation due to obstruction (43.1%), rectovaginal fistula (20%), and perianal sepsis (36.9%). The stoma was reversed in nine patients after a mean follow-up of 35.8 months. Risk factors associated with a permanent stoma were perianal sepsis (p = 0.010), interruptions during radiotherapy for more than 7 days (p = 0.010), male sex (p = 0.013), poor performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] ≥ 2) (p = 0.023), large tumors (p = 0.045), and cisplatin-based chemotherapy (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment stomas are unlikely to be reversed, and risk factors for a permanent stoma are perianal sepsis, interruptions during radiotherapy for more than 7 days, male sex, poor performance status (ECOG ≥ 2), large tumors, and cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Current treatment and future directions in the management of anal cancer

Although rare, the rate of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is rising globally. Most patients present with nonmetastatic disease and are curable with appropriate treatment, which has evolved significantly over the last several decades. Before the 1970s, SCCA was managed with radical surgery, resulting in a permanent colostomy. Researchers found that preoperative treatment with chemotherapy and concurrent radiation could achieve a pathologic complete response. After this observation, definitive therapy shifted from radical surgery to sphincter-preserving chemoradiation. Investigations into the necessity of chemotherapy and the optimal regimen found that chemotherapy with mitomycin-C and 5-fluorouracil is required for cure. Further studies evaluating the addition of induction or maintenance chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy, or higher radiation doses have demonstrated no significant benefit to disease control. Advanced radiation delivery with intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques is now considered the standard of care because of its prospectively determined, favorable acute toxicity profile compared with 3-dimensional conformal radiation. It is important to note that chemoradiation treatment response may be slow (up to 26 weeks) and should be assessed through serial clinical examinations. Today, surgical management of SCCA is reserved only for the lowest risk, early stage tumors or for recurrent/persistent disease. Current studies are evaluating radiation dose de-escalation in early stage disease and radiation dose escalation and the addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors in locally advanced cancers. In reviewing how and why modern-day treatment of SCCA was established, the objective of this report is to reenforce adherence to current treatment paradigms to assure the best possible outcomes for patients.

American Society of Clinical Oncology 2021 Annual Meeting Highlights for Radiation Oncologists

The annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology is the largest multidisciplinary oncology-focused conference in the world. With more than 4900 total abstracts in 2021 alone, it is difficult for individuals to evaluate all the results. This article presents a review of 32 selected abstracts across all disease sites, focusing on those of greatest relevance to radiation oncologists.

Sarcopenia and dosimetric parameters in relation to treatment-related leukopenia and survival in anal cancer

Background

Treatment-related white blood cell (WBC) toxicity has been associated with an inferior prognosis in different malignancies, including anal cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate predictors of WBC grade ≥ 3 (G3+) toxicity during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) of anal cancer.

Methods

Consecutive patients with locally advanced (T2 ≥ 4 cm—T4 or N+) anal cancer scheduled for two cycles of concomitant 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C chemotherapy were selected from an institutional database (n = 106). All received intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT; mean dose primary tumor 59.5 Gy; mean dose elective lymph nodes 45.1 Gy). Clinical data were extracted from medical records. The highest-grade WBC toxicity was recorded according to CTCAE version 5.0. Pelvic bone marrow (PBM) was retrospectively contoured and dose-volume histograms were generated. The planning CT was used to measure sarcopenia. Dosimetric, anthropometric, and clinical variables were tested for associations with WBC G3+ toxicity using the Mann–Whitney test and logistic regression. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess predictors for overall survival (OS) and anal cancer specific survival (ACSS).

Results

WBC G3+ was seen in 50.9% of the patients, and 38.7% were sarcopenic. None of the dosimetric parameters showed an association with WBC G3+ toxicity. The most significant predictor of WBC G3+ toxicity was sarcopenia (adjusted OR 4.0; P = 0.002). Sarcopenia was also associated with an inferior OS (adjusted HR 3.9; P = 0.01), but not ACSS (P = 0.07). Sensitivity analysis did not suggest that the inferior prognosis for sarcopenic patients was a consequence of reduced doses of chemotherapy or a prolonged radiation treatment time. Patients who experienced WBC G3+ toxicity had an inferior OS and ACSS, even after adjustment for sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia was associated with increased risks of both WBC G3+ toxicity and death following CRT for locally advanced anal cancer. In this study, radiation dose to PBM was not associated with WBC G3+ toxicity. However, PBM was not used as an organ at risk for radiotherapy planning purposes and doses to PBM were high, which may have obscured any dose–response relationships.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13014-021-01876-5.

Alternative chemoradiotherapy in anal carcinoma patients with mutations in thymidylate synthase and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase genes

BACKGROUND

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and mitomycin-C (MMC) with radiotherapy (RT) remain an established treatment for patients with anal cancer (AC). Genetic mutations in two major metabolizing enzymes for 5-FU; dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD and thymidylate synthetase (TYMS), have been associated with clinical response and toxicity. However, their place in the treatment of AC remains undetermined.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients with AC, including T2-4, N0-1, M0 or T1-4, N2-3, and M0 treated between 2012 and 2018. All patients were treated with 5-FU 1,000 mg/m²/day via continuous intravenous (IV) infusion 1-4 and 29-32, MMC 10 mg/m² IV bolus days 1 and 29 plus RT. Patients who developed ⩾3 grade toxicities were tested for the DPYD and TYMS genes. Treatment was either modified with reduced doses or changed to MMC 10 mg/m² day 1 and 29 with cisplatin 25 mg/m²/week plus RT. Toxicities and responses were collected.

RESULTS

Six out of 21 patients who developed ⩾3 grade toxicities including pancytopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, nausea, rash, and nephritis were found to have genetic mutations: TYMS 2RG/3RC (n = 2), 3RG/3RC (n = 1), 2R/2R (n = 2), TYMS 3'UTR del/Ins (n = 2), and DPYD c.2864A > T heterozygous (n = 1). Two patients received 5-FU at a 50% reduced dose on days 29-32; one patient refused to receive 5-FU (continued with MMC and RT); one patient received only radiation therapy due to persistent pancytopenia despite the use of growth factors; two patients received an alternative regimen consisting of MMC 10 mg/m² on day 29 with cisplatin (CDDP) 25 mg/m²/week plus RT; and two patients received cisplatin/MMC with RT from the beginning as they were prospectively detected to have TYMS abnormalities prior to dosing the chemotherapy. These patients tolerated treatment very well with only grade 2 toxicities. All the patients (4/4) on cisplatin/MMC achieved clinical complete response (cCR), while four patients (4/15) on 5-FU/MMC reached cCR at the first assessment. Radiological response showed complete response at the end of 24 weeks assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecular testing for DPYD and TYMS genes can allow us to identify patients who are most likely to respond or face severe toxicity to 5-FU in a potentially curable cancer. Combining radiation with CDDP with MMC in patients with AC is feasible. A prospective study based on pharmacogenetic testing comparing MMC/cisplatin with MMC/5-FU is indicated in patients with AC.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma: standards of care, new data and ongoing clinical trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize current standards of care, discuss results of recent studies and present ongoing clinical trials for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the last year, no practice changing studies have been reported in the setting of localised ASCC. A number of retrospective analyses, however, have provided practice-informing data, such as those confirming the negative impact of low compliance to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) on patient outcomes. In contrast, and for the first time, randomized evidence has become available to inform the management of advanced tumours. The InterAACT trial represents a key milestone in the evidence-building process for this disease, establishing carboplatin plus paclitaxel as a new standard of care for treatment-naïve advanced ASCC patients. Furthermore, more data have accumulated about the value of triplet chemotherapy in the first-line setting and of immune checkpoint inhibitors (either as single agents or in combination with other agents) in the refractory setting.

SUMMARY

Recent findings have the potential to improve the treatment quality standards and overall outcome of patients with either localised or advanced ASCC. Results from ongoing clinical trials will hopefully provide useful insights into the management of this disease and further shape current treatment paradigms.

Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy Improves Outcomes in Definitive Radiochemotherapy for Anal Cancer Whilst Reducing Acute Toxicities and Increasing Treatment Compliance

Simple Summary

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is the standard of care in definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for anal cancer. Only a limited number of studies have analyzed the clinical results with VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy, the advanced form of IMRT). We conducted a retrospective study on patients treated at our institution. We compared the outcomes of VMAT-treated and 3DCRT (3D conformal radiotherapy)-treated patients. VMAT reduced acute toxicities (i.e., primarily dermatitis and enteritis) to a great extent. Additionally, VMAT relevantly improved treatment compliance (i.e., less CRT interruptions/delays, shorter overall treatment time, and higher absolute 5-fluorouracil dose applied). Finally, we found improved cancer-specific survival and distant control in VMAT-treated patients. The present study underlines the great progress that has been achieved with IMRT/VMAT in the CRT of anal cancer. Our study is the first to demonstrate an improvement in treatment compliance and outcomes with VMAT. Future studies could address whether VMAT is advantageous when compared to conventional IMRT.

Abstract

Background: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is the standard of care in chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for anal cancer. Until now, only a limited number of studies have analyzed the results with VMAT (volumetric modulated arc therapy). We conducted a retrospective study on patients treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: We included patients who received curative CRT for anal cancer. We compared VMAT-treated and 3DCRT (3D conformal radiotherapy)-treated patients. We analyzed toxicities (acute: CTCAE criteria; late: LENT/SOMA criteria), treatment compliance, overall survival, cancer-specific survival (CSS), distant control (DC), and locoregional control. Results: A total of 149 patients (3DCRT: n = 87, VMAT: n = 62) were included. The median follow-up was longer in 3DCRT-treated patients (3DCRT: 61.3 months; VMAT: 39.1 months; p < 0.05). VMAT-treated patients had more G3 tumors (3DCRT: 12/87 (13.8%); VMAT: 18/62 (29.0%), p < 0.001). VMAT reduced acute toxicities ≥grade 3 (3DCRT: n = 48/87 (55.2%); VMAT: n = 11/62 (17.7%), p < 0.001). VMAT improved treatment compliance (less interruptions/delays) (3DCRT: 37/87, 42.5%; VMAT: 4/62, 6.5%; p < 0.001), provided a shorter median overall treatment time (3DCRT: 41 days; VMAT: 38 days; p = 0.02), and gave a higher median absolute 5-fluorouracil dose (3DCRT: 13,700 mg; VMAT: 14,400 mg; p = 0.001). Finally, we found improved CSS (p = 0.02; 3DCRT: 81.9% at 3 years; VMAT: 94.1% at 3 years) and DC (p = 0.01; 3DCRT: 89.4% at 3 years; VMAT: 100.0% at 3 years) with VMAT. Summary: Our study is the first to demonstrate improved treatment compliance and outcomes with VMAT for anal cancer. Previous studies have indicated that organs at risk sparing might be more improved with the use of VMAT vs. with conventional IMRT. Future studies should address whether these advantages lead to a further reduction in CRT-associated morbidity.

Preoperative Radiochemotherapy in Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer with 5-Fluorouracil/Cisplatin or Carboplatin/Paclitaxel: Treatment Practice over a 20-Year Period and Implications for the Individual Treatment Modalities

Simple Summary

We retrospectively studied outcomes in patients treated with preoperative radiochemotherapy and surgery for esophageal squamous cell cancer. We put a special focus on the comparison of patients treated with 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin (‘Walsh’) or carboplatin/paclitaxel (‘CROSS’). First, the higher age and more comorbidities of ‘CROSS’ patients, along with a shorter intensive care/intermediate care unit stay, might reflect an improvement in supportive and surgical/perioperative procedures in the periods. Second, the ‘CROSS’ patients experienced more hematologic toxicity and were less likely to complete chemotherapy as per protocol. This indicates that efforts should be taken to guide patients through a toxic treatment regimen. Third, the negative prognostic impact of radiochemotherapy-related toxicities and the duration of the intensive care/intermediate care unit stay underlines that further optimization of treatment procedures remains an important goal. Toxicity profiles could be improved by tailoring the regimen to individual patients (e. g., careful use of the taxane-based regimen in elderly patients).

Abstract

We retrospectively studied outcomes in patients treated with preoperative radiochemotherapy and surgery for esophageal squamous cell cancer. We put special focus on the comparison of patients treated with 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin (‘Walsh’) or carboplatin/paclitaxel (‘CROSS’). We compared characteristics between patients treated according to ‘Walsh’ vs. ‘CROSS’. Cox regression was performed to test for an association of parameters with outcomes. Study eligibility was met by 90 patients. First, the higher age and more comorbidities of the ‘CROSS’ patients, along with a shorter intensive care/intermediate care stay, might reflect an improvement in supportive and surgical/perioperative procedures over the periods. Second, the ‘CROSS’ patients experienced more hematologic toxicity and were less likely to complete chemotherapy as per protocol. This indicates that efforts should be taken to guide patients through a toxic treatment regimen by supportive measures. Third, the negative prognostic impact of radiochemotherapy-related toxicities (i.e., dysphagia and hematologic toxicities) and the duration of the intensive care/intermediate care unit stay underlines that further optimization of treatment procedures remains an important goal. We found no differences in tumor downstaging and survival between treatment regimen. Toxicity profiles could be improved by tailoring the regimen to individual patients (e.g., careful use of the taxane-based regimen in elderly patients).

Intensity modulated radiotherapy for anal canal squamous cell carcinoma: A 16-year single institution experience

Introduction

To report long-term efficacy and adverse events (AEs) associated with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for patients with anal canal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective review of patients with ASCC who received curative-intent IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy (98%) between 2003 and 2019. Overall survival (OS), colostomy-free survival (CFS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The cumulative incidence of local recurrence (LR), locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM) were reported. Acute and late AEs were recorded per National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for AEs.

Results

127 patients were included. The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 55-69) and 79% of patients were female. 33% of patients had T3-4 disease and 68% had clinically involved pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes (LNs).The median patient follow-up was 47 months (IQR: 28-89 months). The estimated 4-year OS, CFS, and PFS were 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 73%-89%), 77% (95% CI: 68%-86%), and 78% (95% CI: 70%-86%), respectively. The 4-year cumulative incidences of LR, LRR, and DM were 3% (95% CI: 1%-9%), 9% (95% CI: 5%-17%), and 10% (95% CI: 6%-18%), respectively. Overall treatment duration greater than 39 days was associated with an increased risk of LRR (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 5.2, 95% CI: 1.4-19.5, p = 0.015). The most common grade 3+ acute AEs included hematologic (31%), gastrointestinal (GI) (17%), dermatologic (16%), and pain (15%). Grade 3+ late AEs included: GI (3%), genitourinary (GU) (2%), and pain (1%). Current smokers were more likely to experience grade 3+ acute dermatologic toxicity compared to former or never smokers (34% vs. 7%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

IMRT was associated with favorable toxicity rates and long-term efficacy. These data support the continued utilization of IMRT as the preferred treatment technique for patients with ASCC.

Hellenic society of medical oncology (HESMO) guidelines for the management of anal cancer

Despite considerable improvement in the management of anal cancer, there is a great deal of variation in the outcomes among European countries, and in particular among different hospital centres in Greece and Cyprus. The aim was to elaborate a consensus on the multidisciplinary management of anal cancer, based on European guidelines (European Society of Medical Oncologists-ESMO), considering local special characteristics of our healthcare system. Following discussion and online communication among members of an executive team, a consensus was developed. Guidelines are proposed along with algorithms of diagnosis and treatment. The importance of centralisation, care by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and adherence to guidelines are emphasised.