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Turkheimer LM, Petroni GR, Berger AC, Schroen AT, Brenin DR, Lazar M, Libby B, Janowski EM, Showalter TN, Showalter SL. Novel Form of Breast Intraoperative Radiation Therapy with CT-Guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy: Interim Results of a Prospective Phase-II Clinical Trial. J Am Coll Surg 2024; 238:10-20. [PMID: 37870228 DOI: 10.1097/xcs.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precision breast intraoperative radiation therapy (PB-IORT) is a novel method of IORT that uses customized CT-based treatment plans and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. We conducted a phase-II multi-institution trial to evaluate the efficacy of PB-IORT. STUDY DESIGN Between 2015 and 2022, 3 centers enrolled women aged 45 years and older with invasive or in situ carcinoma measuring 3 cm or smaller and N0 status (n = 358). Breast-conserving surgery was performed, and a multilumen balloon catheter was placed in the lumpectomy bed. CT images were used to create customized HDR brachytherapy plans that delivered 12.5 Gy to the tumor bed. The primary outcome assessed was the 5-year rate of index quadrant tumor recurrence. An interim analysis was conducted after one-third of eligible participants completed 5 years of follow-up. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02400658). RESULTS The cohort comprised 153 participants with a median age of 64 years and median follow-up time of 5.9 years. The estimated 5-year index quadrant tumor recurrence rate and overall survival were 5.08% (95% CI 2.23 to 9.68) and 95.1%, respectively. Locoregional (ipsilateral breast and axilla) and distant recurrence rates were each 1.96%. Seven deaths occurred during the first 5 years of follow-up, with only 1 attributable to breast cancer. Overall, 68.6% of patients experienced any adverse effects, and 4 cases of breast-related severe toxicities were observed. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the results of a planned interim analysis of a phase-II trial investigating PB-IORT and demonstrates the efficacy and safety of single-fraction, CT-based, HDR brachytherapy after breast-conserving surgery. These findings provide valuable insights into the use of PB-IORT as a treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena M Turkheimer
- From the Departments of Surgery (Turkheimer, Schroen, Brenin, SL Showalter), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Gina R Petroni
- Division of Translational Research and Applied Statistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA (Petroni)
| | - Adam C Berger
- Department of Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ (Berger)
| | - Anneke T Schroen
- From the Departments of Surgery (Turkheimer, Schroen, Brenin, SL Showalter), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David R Brenin
- From the Departments of Surgery (Turkheimer, Schroen, Brenin, SL Showalter), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Melissa Lazar
- Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA (Lazar)
| | - Bruce Libby
- Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL (Libby)
| | - Einsley M Janowski
- Radiation Oncology (Janowski, TN Showalter), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Timothy N Showalter
- Radiation Oncology (Janowski, TN Showalter), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- From the Departments of Surgery (Turkheimer, Schroen, Brenin, SL Showalter), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
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Roeder F, Fastner G, Fussl C, Sedlmayer F, Stana M, Berchtold J, Jäger T, Presl J, Schredl P, Emmanuel K, Colleselli D, Kotolacsi G, Scherer P, Steininger P, Gaisberger C. First clinical application of image-guided intraoperative electron radiation therapy with real time intraoperative dose calculation in recurrent rectal cancer: technical procedure. Radiat Oncol 2023; 18:186. [PMID: 37950314 PMCID: PMC10638784 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02374-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a radiation technique applying a single fraction with a high dose during surgery. We report the first abdomino-pelvic application of an image-guided intraoperative electron radiation therapy with intraoperative real time dose calculation based on the individual intraoperative patient anatomy. A patient suffering from locoregionally recurrent rectal cancer after treatment with neoadjuvant re-chemoradiation was chosen for this approach. After surgical removal of the recurrence, an adequate IORT applicator was placed as usual. A novel mobile imaging device (ImagingRing, MedPhoton) was positioned around the patient covering the region to be treated with the IORT-applicator in place. It allowed the acquisition of three-dimensional intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography images suitable for dose calculation using an automated scaling (heuristic object and head scatter as well as hardening corrections) of Hounsfield units. After image acquisition confirmed the correct applicator position, the images were transferred to our treatment planning system for intraoperative dose calculation. Treatment could be accomplished using the calculated dose distribution. We herein describe the details of the procedure including necessary adjustments in the typically used IORT equipment and work flow. We further discuss the pros and cons of this new approach generally overcoming a decade long limitation of IORT procedures as well as future perspectives regarding IORT treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Roeder
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Gerd Fastner
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Fussl
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Felix Sedlmayer
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Research and Development of Advanced Radiation Technologies (radART), Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Markus Stana
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johannes Berchtold
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tarkan Jäger
- Department of Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jaroslav Presl
- Department of Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Schredl
- Department of Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Klaus Emmanuel
- Department of Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniela Colleselli
- Department of Urology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Gabriel Kotolacsi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Scherer
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Philipp Steininger
- Institute of Research and Development of Advanced Radiation Technologies (radART), Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Gaisberger
- Department of Radiation Therapy and Radiation Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Institute of Research and Development of Advanced Radiation Technologies (radART), Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, Salzburg, Austria
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Ayala Alvarez DS, Watson PGF, Popovic M, Heng VJ, Evans MDC, Panet-Raymond V, Seuntjens J. Evaluation of Dosimetry Formalisms in Intraoperative Radiation Therapy of Glioblastoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:763-773. [PMID: 37150259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The intraoperative radiotherapy in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (INTRAGO) clinical trial assesses survival in patients with glioblastoma treated with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) using the INTRABEAM. Treatment planning for INTRABEAM relies on vendor-provided in-water depth dose curves obtained according to the TARGeted Intraoperative radioTherapy (TARGIT) dosimetry protocol. However, recent studies have shown discrepancies between the estimated TARGIT and delivered doses. This work evaluates the effect of the choice of dosimetry formalism on organs at risk (OAR) doses. METHODS AND MATERIALS A treatment planning framework for INTRABEAM was developed to retrospectively calculate the IORT dose in 8 INTRAGO patients. These patients received an IORT prescription dose of 20 to 30 Gy in addition to external beam radiation therapy. The IORT dose was obtained using (1) the TARGIT method; (2) the manufacturer's V4.0 method; (3) the CQ method, which uses an ionization chamber Monte Carlo (MC) calculated factor; (4) MC dose-to-water; and (5) MC dose-to-tissue. The IORT dose was converted to 2 Gy fractions equivalent dose. RESULTS According to the TARGIT method, the OAR dose constraints were respected in all cases. However, the other formalisms estimated a higher mean dose to OARs and revealed 1 case where the constraint for the brain stem was exceeded. The addition of the external beam radiation therapy and TARGIT IORT doses resulted in 10 cases of OARs exceeding the dose constraints. The more accurate MC calculation of dose-to-tissue led to the highest dosimetric differences, with 3, 3, 2, and 2 cases (out of 8) exceeding the dose constraint to the brain stem, optic chiasm, optic nerves, and lenses, respectively. Moreover, the mean cumulative dose to brain stem exceeded its constraint of 66 Gy with the MC dose-to-tissue method, which was not evident with the current INTRAGO clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS The current clinical approach of calculating the IORT dose with the TARGIT method may considerably underestimate doses to nearby OARs. In practice, OAR dose constraints may have been exceeded, as revealed by more accurate methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Veng Jean Heng
- Department of Physics and Medical Physics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Valerie Panet-Raymond
- Department of Radiation Oncology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jan Seuntjens
- Medical Physics Unit and; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Radiation Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Squeo GC, Meneveau MO, Varhegyi NE, Lattimore CM, Janowski E, Showalter TN, Showalter SL. Factors Associated With Cosmetic Outcomes After Treatment With a Novel Form of Breast Intraoperative Radiation Therapy. J Surg Res 2023; 283:514-522. [PMID: 36436288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.10.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Precision breast intraoperative radiation therapy (PB-IORT) incorporates computed tomography-guided treatment planning and high dose rate brachytherapy to deliver a single dose of highly conformal radiational therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine factors associated with poor cosmetic outcomes after treatment with PB-IORT. METHODS The study included all consecutive participants enrolled in an ongoing phase II clinical trial that had completed a minimum of 12 mo of follow-up. A poor cosmetic outcome was defined as scoring "fair" or "poor" on the Harvard Cosmesis evaluation, or "some" or "very much" on any of the three general cosmesis categories. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing R. RESULTS The final cohort included 201 participants, of which 181 (90%) had an overall good/excellent cosmetic outcome. Group 1 consisted of 162 (81%) participants who reported only excellent/good cosmetic outcomes. Group 2 consisted of 39 (19%) participants who reported some aspect of a poor cosmetic outcome. On multivariable analysis, participants with ductal carcinoma in situ were significantly more likely to experience a poor cosmetic outcome (odds ratio 2.45, 95% confidence interval 1.03-5.82, P = 0.04), and those who received subsequent whole breast irradiation were also more likely to have a poor cosmetic outcome (odds ratio 10.20, 95% confidence interval CI 1.04-99.95, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Patients with need for further radiation after PB-IORT are at increased risk for a poor cosmetic outcome. Larger balloon volume and distance between the skin do not have deleterious effects on cosmetic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella C Squeo
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Max O Meneveau
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Nikole E Varhegyi
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Courtney M Lattimore
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Einsley Janowski
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Timothy N Showalter
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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Shah C, Leonardi MC. Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation: An Opportunity for Therapeutic De-escalation. Am J Clin Oncol 2023; 46:2-6. [PMID: 36255336 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Partial breast irradiation (PBI) has been demonstrated to have comparable outcomes to whole breast irradiation based on multiple randomized trials with long-term follow-up. However, despite the strength of the data available, PBI remains underutilized despite being an appropriate option for many women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. This is significant, as PBI offers the potential to reduce toxicities and shorten treatment duration without impacting outcomes; in addition, for low-risk patients, PBI alone is being investigated as an alternative to endocrine therapy alone. Modern PBI can be delivered with multiple techniques, and advances in treatment planning have allowed for improved therapeutic ratios compared with earlier techniques; one such approach is utilizing stereotactic body radiation therapy approaches allowing for smaller target margins and therefore lower breast doses. Moving forward, studies are ongoing evaluating the use of radiation alone including PBI as compared with endocrine therapy alone, with prospective studies evaluating stereotactic body radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Shah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Maria C Leonardi
- Department of Radiotherapy, IEO European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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Is kV Intraoperative Radiation Therapy an Acceptable Method for Partial Breast Irradiation? Pract Radiat Oncol 2022; 12:317-319. [PMID: 35717047 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Multiple large prospectively randomized trials of postoperative partial breast irradiation (PBI) have established it as a viable alternative to whole-breast irradiation for risk-adapted breast conserving management of early stage disease. An area of controversy remains regarding the relative efficacy, safety, and utility of intraoperative radiation therapy as a PBI technique. This is particularly true regarding the use of a 50 kV x-ray device, whereby the inherent dosimetry of the applicator results in a low dose of radiation to an exceedingly small volume of tissue. A critical analysis of the current clinical data would strongly support the view that intraoperative radiation therapy with a 50 kV x-ray device is associated with inferior outcomes compared with the variety of currently available modalities used for postoperative PBI.
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Shah C, Al-Hilli Z, Vicini F. Advances in Breast Cancer Radiotherapy: Implications for Current and Future Practice. JCO Oncol Pract 2021; 17:697-706. [PMID: 34652952 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential component in the management of breast cancer. Following breast-conserving surgery (BCS), adjuvant RT is the standard of care for most patients. Traditionally, RT was delivered with standard whole breast irradiation (WBI) over 5-7 weeks following BCS. However, WBI regimens have evolved; hypofractionated WBI now represents the standard approach, reducing the duration of treatment to 3-4 weeks. Over the past year, five-fraction WBI regimens have also emerged as standard of care for some patients based on data from the FAST and FAST-Forward trials. An alternative to WBI that is also available for patients with early-stage breast cancer following BCS is partial breast irradiation, which can reduce the duration of treatment and the volume of breast tissue irradiated. Outcomes from multiple randomized trials with over a 10-year follow-up have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of partial breast irradiation approaches. Single-fraction intraoperative RT has also been evaluated in two prospective trials although the outcomes available, as well as current guidelines, do not support its utilization outside of prospective studies. For patients requiring RT to the regional lymph nodes, data have demonstrated the safety of hypofractionated approaches for those undergoing BCS or mastectomy without reconstruction. Future directions for early-stage breast cancer radiotherapy include the study of even shorter regimens and studies evaluating the omission of RT versus omission of endocrine therapy for favorable-risk patients. Furthermore, studies are also underway evaluating shorter courses of radiation in patients undergoing breast reconstruction and the use of tumor genomics to identify appropriate patients for omission of radiation with limited nodal involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chirag Shah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Zahraa Al-Hilli
- Department of General Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Unnikrishnan S, Brenin DR, Suralik G, Showalter TN, Shami V, Libby B, Watkins WT, Showalter SL, Zhao F, Govinahallisathyanarayana S, Hossack JA. Use of an ultrasound imaging device within the applicator to evaluate placement and support treatment planning for breast brachytherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy. Brachytherapy 2020; 20:200-206. [PMID: 33041231 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We evaluated the use of ultrasound imaging within a brachytherapy applicator as a method for applicator positioning, evaluation, and treatment planning in a series of in vitro, cadaver, and human studies. METHODS AND MATERIALS We evaluated the performance of a prototype system comprising a small ultrasound imaging catheter inserted within the lumen of a balloon brachytherapy catheter. We tested the device in an ultrasound phantom, in human breast tissue, and in an endoscopic ultrasound catheter in cadaveric breast tissue. We evaluated the visualization of adjacent tissue to consider future development of a similar system for use in brachytherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy. RESULTS Based on the ultrasound images obtained in an ultrasound phantom, cadaveric breast, and human participants, we observed that an ultrasound imaging catheter placed within the lumen of a brachytherapy applicator can effectively image adjacent tissue, ribs, and air voids, with appropriate quality to support clinical use. We observed high correlation in clinically useful information detected on ultrasound and comparative CT, with ultrasound spatial resolution near 1 mm (spatially variant). CONCLUSIONS The findings from our pilot work suggest that real-time ultrasound imaging, operated from within the applicator, is a promising technique for image guidance and treatment planning during brachytherapy and intraoperative radiation therapy. Further expansion of this technology for clinical use will require development of a cohesive system of components to suit specific clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Unnikrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - D R Brenin
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - G Suralik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - T N Showalter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - V Shami
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - B Libby
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - W T Watkins
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - S L Showalter
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - F Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | - J A Hossack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
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Burks AC, Doede A, Showalter SL, Keim-Malpass J. Perceptions of Clinical Trial Participation Among Women of Varying Health Literacy Levels. Oncol Nurs Forum 2020; 47:273-280. [PMID: 32301926 DOI: 10.1188/20.onf.273-280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand the perceptions of risk, benefit, and the informed consent process after enrolling in and completing a phase 2 clinical trial using intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for early-stage breast cancer, and to determine how perceptions varied based on women's health literacy levels. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING 20 participants who had already completed a phase 2 IORT clinical trial for early-stage breast cancer at an academic medical center. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using structured interviews consisting of questions aimed to elicit responses from participants regarding experiences of informed consent and the research process. A validated brief health literacy questionnaire was used to determine health literacy levels of participants. The authors analyzed themes using inductive thematic analysis. FINDINGS Women with lower levels of health literacy reported feeling confident enough in the provider to make the decision to enroll in the clinical trial during the initial consultation, and, in general, women reported relying heavily on provider recommendation for enrolling in the clinical trial. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Tailored approaches for patients with limited health literacy are needed during the clinical trial consent process. Additional longitudinal research with a larger sample size can extend study results and provide insight into the most effective way to modify the informed consent process for patients with limited health literacy.
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Suralik G, Rudra S, Dutta SW, Yu J, Sanders JC, Schad MD, Janowski EM, Su L, Libby B, Showalter SL, Lobo JM, Showalter TN. Time-driven activity-based costing of a novel form of CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy intraoperative radiation therapy compared with conventional breast intraoperative radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer. Brachytherapy 2020; 19:348-354. [PMID: 32229072 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intraoperative radiation therapy is an emerging option for adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer, although it is not currently considered standard of care in the United States. We applied time-driven activity-based costing to compare two alternative methods of breast intraoperative radiation therapy, including treatment similar to the techniques employed in the TARGIT-A clinical trial and a novel version with CT-guidance and high-dose-rate (HRD) brachytherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS Process maps were created to describe the steps required to deliver intraoperative radiation therapy for early stage breast cancer at each institution. The components of intraoperative radiation therapy included personnel, equipment, and consumable supplies. The capacity cost rate was determined for each resource. Based on this, the delivery costs were calculated for each regimen. For comparison across centers, we did not account for indirect facilities costs and interinstitutional differences in personnel salaries. RESULTS The CT-guided, HRD form of intraoperative radiation therapy costs more to deliver ($4,126.21) than the conventional method studied in the TARGIT-A trial ($1,070.45). The cost of the brachytherapy balloon applicator ($2,750) was the primary driver of the estimated differences in costs. Consumable supplies were the largest contributor to the brachytherapy-based approach, whereas personnel costs were the largest contributor to costs of the standard form of intraoperative radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS When compared with the more established method of intraoperative radiation therapy using a portable superficial photon unit, the delivery of treatment with CT guidance and HDR brachytherapy is associated with substantially higher costs. The excess costs are driven primarily by the cost of the disposable brachytherapy balloon applicator and, to a lesser extent, additional personnel costs. Future work should include evaluation of a less expensive brachytherapy applicator to increase the anticipated value of brachytherapy-based intraoperative radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Suralik
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Sonali Rudra
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Sunil W Dutta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jialu Yu
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jason C Sanders
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Michael D Schad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Einsley-Marie Janowski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Lucy Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Bruce Libby
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- Division of Breast and Melanoma Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jennifer M Lobo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Timothy N Showalter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.
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Tom MC, Joshi N, Vicini F, Chang AJ, Hong TS, Showalter TN, Chao ST, Wolden S, Wu AJ, Martin D, Husain Z, Badiyan SN, Kolar M, Sherertz T, Mourtada F, Cohen GN, Shah C. The American Brachytherapy Society consensus statement on intraoperative radiation therapy. Brachytherapy 2019; 18:242-257. [PMID: 31084904 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although radiation therapy has traditionally been delivered with external beam or brachytherapy, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) represents an alternative that may shorten the course of therapy, reduce toxicities, and improve patient satisfaction while potentially lowering the cost of care. At this time, there are limited evidence-based guidelines to assist clinicians with patient selection for IORT. As such, the American Brachytherapy Society presents a consensus statement on the use of IORT. METHODS Physicians and physicists with expertise in intraoperative radiation created a site-directed guideline for appropriate patient selection and utilization of IORT. RESULTS Several IORT techniques exist including radionuclide-based high-dose-rate, low-dose-rate, electron, and low-energy electronic. In breast cancer, IORT as monotherapy should only be used on prospective studies. IORT can be considered in the treatment of sarcomas with close/positive margins or recurrent sarcomas. IORT can be considered in conjunction with external beam radiotherapy for retroperitoneal sarcomas. IORT can be considered for colorectal malignancies with concern for positive margins and in the setting of recurrent gynecologic cancers. For thoracic, head and neck, and central nervous system malignancies, utilization of IORT should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSIONS The present guidelines provide clinicians with a summary of current data regarding IORT by treatment site and guidelines for the appropriate patient selection and safe utilization of the technique. High-dose-rate, low-dose-rate brachytherapy methods are appropriate when IORT is to be delivered as are electron and low-energy based on the clinical scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin C Tom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH
| | - Nikhil Joshi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH
| | - Frank Vicini
- 21st Century Oncology, Michigan Healthcare Professionals, Farmington Hills, MI
| | | | - Theodore S Hong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Timothy N Showalter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Samuel T Chao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH
| | - Suzanne Wolden
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Abraham J Wu
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Douglas Martin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Zain Husain
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Shahed N Badiyan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Matthew Kolar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH
| | - Tracy Sherertz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaiser Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA
| | - Firas Mourtada
- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE
| | - Gilad N Cohen
- Department Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Chirag Shah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH.
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Implementation of an HDR brachytherapy-based breast IORT program: Initial experiences. Brachytherapy 2019; 18:285-291. [PMID: 30846329 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A multidisciplinary team at our institution developed a novel method of intraoperative breast radiation therapy (precision breast intraoperative radiation therapy [PB-IORT]) that uses high-dose-rate brachytherapy with CT on-rails imaging to deliver high-dose, customized radiotherapy to patients with early-stage breast cancer. This report summarizes our program's experience developing and implementing PB-IORT. METHODS AND MATERIALS Literature on PB-IORT was reviewed including published articles and abstracts. To evaluate case volume, all patients with a breast cancer diagnosis who underwent breast surgery or breast radiation (2010-2017) at our academic institution were identified. Patients were stratified into pre-IORT and post-IORT eras with initiation of our PB-IORT program in October 2013. Overall trends in surgical and radiation therapy volume in each era were analyzed by linear regression. Travel distance for all surgical patients was calculated using Google Maps (Alphabet Inc.) and then compared between IORT and non-IORT patients. RESULTS Data from a PB-IORT Phase 1 trial found that the primary endpoints were met and that PB-IORT is feasible and safe. The direct health system's delivery costs for PB-IORT exceed those of 16-fraction whole-breast irradiation when accounting for consumable supplies (multilumen balloon applicator = $2,750 per patient). There was a significant increase in yearly growth of breast cancer surgical volume with PB-IORT. CONCLUSIONS Accrual rates for the ongoing Phase II trial have been quicker than expected in an area where more research is needed. The rapid accrual indicates patient interest and demand for this treatment and that it is very feasible to get more data from randomized trials.
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Dutta SW, Showalter SL, Showalter TN, Libby B, Trifiletti DM. Intraoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer patients: current perspectives. BREAST CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2017; 9:257-263. [PMID: 28458578 PMCID: PMC5402914 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) provides an attractive alternative to whole breast irradiation (WBI) through normal tissue radiation exposure and reduced treatment duration. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a form of APBI with the shortest time interval, as it delivers the entirety of a planned radiation course at the time of breast surgery. However, faster is not always better, and IORT has been met with healthy skepticism. Patients treated with IORT have an increased compliance and overall satisfaction when compared to patients treated with WBI. However, early randomized trial results demonstrated an increased rate of recurrence after IORT, slowing its widespread adoption. Despite these controversies, IORT utilization is increasing nationally and several novel developments are aimed at continuing to minimize the risk of recurrence and treatment-related toxicity while maximizing the patient experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shayna L Showalter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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14
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Showalter SL, Petroni G, Trifiletti DM, Libby B, Schroen AT, Brenin DR, Dalal P, Smolkin M, Reardon KA, Showalter TN. A Novel Form of Breast Intraoperative Radiation Therapy With CT-Guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy: Results of a Prospective Phase 1 Clinical Trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2016; 96:46-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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