Concomitant Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy with Weekly Low-dose Cisplatin for High-risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: a Phase II Prospective Trial

Current status and future perspective of postoperative treatment for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Surgery remains a foundation of treatment for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. For postoperative patients at high risk of recurrence, however, surgery by itself is not enough, and improvement in survival requires postoperative treatment. Unlike the case with most other malignancies, the standard postoperative treatment for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck patients with high-risk factors for recurrence is radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin. However, chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin at a dose of 100 mg/m2 once every 3 weeks has raised discussion over insufficient cisplatin delivery due to high-dose-related toxicity. As a possible solution, a recent randomized trial of the JCOG1008 has proved the non-inferiority of postoperative chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin at a dose of 40 mg/m2 to 3-weekly cisplatin in terms of overall survival. Here, this review article focuses on current evidence and future perspectives of postoperative treatment for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Weekly versus triweekly cisplatin treatment in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer during concurrent chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

For patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer (LA-NPC), concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standardized treatment. However, whether a weekly or triweekly cisplatin regimen should be used during CCRT is controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore differences in the effects and toxicities of the two regimens.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (until June 10, 2022). We evaluated overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), disease-free survival (DFS) and grade ≥ 3 adverse events. The effect indices were hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs), and Review Manager software 5.4 (RevMan 5.4) was used for computations.

RESULTS

We identified 7 studies in our analysis. There was no significant difference in OS (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.73-1.38, P = 0.99), DMFS (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.58-1.22, P = 0.36), LRFS (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.63-1.32, P = 0.62) or DFS (HR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.56-1.56; P = 0.78) between the weekly and triweekly cisplatin regimens. We found that the weekly cisplatin regimen was more likely to cause grade ≥ 3 hematological toxicity events than the triweekly cisplatin regimen. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed that patients undergoing CCRT and CCRT plus adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) had similar OS or DFS.

CONCLUSION

Weekly and triweekly cisplatin regimens had similar efficacy for LA-NPC. The triweekly regimen may replace the weekly regimen for LA-NPC because of lower toxicity. Larger data accumulation and more multicenter clinical trials may be needed to verify these results.

Weekly versus 3-weekly cisplatin along with radiotherapy for locoregionally advanced non-nasopharyngeal head and neck cancers: Is the equipoise in literature addressed yet?

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 3-weekly cisplatin 100 mg/m2 has been the standard of care for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (LA-HNC) with level I evidence. While the outcomes in terms of efficacy have been well established, the toxicity profile, compliance, and real-world applicability has been an area of ongoing concern for this regimen, leading the oncologists to explore weekly cisplatin chemoradiotherapy regimen to potentially address the issue. A review of literature was conducted in Pubmed, Scopus, and Medline to compare and evaluate the present role of weekly cisplatin chemotherapy along with radiotherapy versus 3-weekly cisplatin chemotherapy along with radiotherapy in both adjuvant and definitive settings for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancers. Nasopharyngeal subsites were excluded from the literature review and 50 relevant articles were included in the analysis. Recently published evidences of noninferiority of weekly over 3-weekly cisplatin chemoradiotherapy regimen in definitive as well as adjuvant settings in locoregionally advanced head and neck cancers is highlighted and interpreted. Results supporting and against the above in different publications is elaborated in this article. Trials designed to demonstrate noninferiority of the weekly cisplatin chemoradiotherapy regimen over 3-weekly regimen, especially in definitive setting may conclude the debate in future. A lacunae in the existing literature is noted in the form of lack of superiority trials on the above topic, which may impact future conclusions.

Weekly Cisplatin Plus Radiation for Postoperative Head and Neck Cancer (JCOG1008): A Multicenter, Noninferiority, Phase II/III Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

The standard treatment for postoperative high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN) is chemoradiotherapy with 3-weekly cisplatin (100 mg/m²). However, whether chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m²) yields comparable efficacy with 3-weekly cisplatin in postoperative high-risk LA-SCCHN is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this multi-institutional open-label phase II/III trial, patients with postoperative high-risk LA-SCCHN were randomly assigned to receive either chemoradiotherapy with 3-weekly cisplatin (100 mg/m²) or with weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m²) to confirm the noninferiority of weekly cisplatin. The primary end point of phase II was the proportion of treatment completion, and that of phase III was overall survival. A noninferiority margin of hazard ratio was set at 1.32.

RESULTS

Between October 2012 and December 2018, a total of 261 patients were enrolled (3-weekly cisplatin, 132 patients; weekly cisplatin, 129 patients). At the planned third interim analysis in the phase III part, after a median follow-up of 2.2 (interquartile range 1.19-3.56) years, chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin was noninferior to 3-weekly cisplatin in terms of overall survival, with a hazard ratio of 0.69 (99.1% CI, 0.374 to 1.273 [< 1.32], one-sided P for noninferiority = .0027 < .0043). Grade 3 or more neutropenia and infection were less frequent in the weekly arm (3-weekly v weekly, 49% v 35% and 12% v 7%, respectively), as were renal impairment and hearing impairment. No treatment-related death was reported in the 3-weekly arm, and two (1.6%) in the weekly arm.

CONCLUSION

Chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin is noninferior to 3-weekly cisplatin for patients with postoperative high-risk LA-SCCHN. These findings suggest that chemoradiotherapy with weekly cisplatin can be a possible treatment option for these patients.

Outcomes of Post-Operative Treatment with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in High-Risk Resected Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OCSCC): A Multi-Institutional Collaboration

Adjuvant chemoradiation (CRT), with high-dose cisplatin remains standard treatment for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) with high-risk pathologic features. We evaluated outcomes associated with different cisplatin dosing and schedules, concurrent with radiation (RT), and the effect of cumulative dosing of cisplatin. An IRB-approved collaborative database of patients (pts) with primary OCSCC (Stage I–IVB AJCC 7th edition) treated with primary surgical resection between January 2005 and January 2015, with or without adjuvant therapy, was established from six academic institutions. Patients were categorized by cisplatin dose and schedule, and resultant groups compared for demographic data, pathologic features, and outcomes by statistical analysis to determine disease free survival (DFS) and freedom from metastatic disease (DM). From a total sample size of 1282 pts, 196 pts were identified with high-risk features who were treated with adjuvant CRT. Administration schedule of cisplatin was not significantly associated with DFS. On multivariate (MVA), DFS was significantly better in patients without perineural invasion (PNI) and in those receiving ≥200 mg/m² cisplatin dose (p < 0.001 and 0.007). Median DFS, by cisplatin dose, was 10.5 (<200 mg/m²) vs. 20.8 months (≥200 mg/m²). Our analysis demonstrated cumulative cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m² was associated with improved DFS in high-risk resected OCSCC pts.

Comparison of weekly and triweekly cisplatin regimens during concurrent chemoradiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

We compared the survival outcomes and acute toxicities of weekly and triweekly cisplatin regimens during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

METHODS

Patients were treated with CCRT alone. CCRT was initiated on the first day of RT. Cisplatin 30-40 mg/m² was infused on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43 in the Weekly Group, while cisplatin 80-100 mg/m² was delivered on days 1, 22 and 43 in the Triweekly Group. The survival outcomes were revealed by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression modelling to measure 5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS).

RESULTS

Ninety-three (28.9%) patients received three to 7 cycles of cisplatin weekly (Weekly Group) and 229 (71.1%) patients received two to 3 cycles of cisplatin triweekly (Triweekly Group). Five-year OS (weekly vs. triweekly, 96.7% vs. 88.3%, P = 0.036) and DFS (weekly vs. triweekly, 90.7% vs. 80.5%, P = 0.028) were better in the Weekly Group than in the Triweekly Group. The weekly vs. triweekly 5-year DMFS and LRFS rates were: DMFS, 96.7% vs. 91.4%, χ² = 2.694, P = 0.101; LRFS, 96.3% vs. 93.5%, χ² = 1.317, P = 0.251. Cisplatin delivery regimen was not an independent prognostic factor. The incidence rate of acute toxicities was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with Triweekly cisplatin regimen, Weekly regimen may be a better choice during CCRT.

3-weekly or weekly cisplatin concurrently with radiotherapy for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - a multicentre, retrospective analysis

Background

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin is standard for patients (pts) with loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN) and for patients with resected SCCHN with high-risk features. The standard regimen includes 3-weekly cisplatin, but weekly regimens are often used to lower toxicity. Reaching a cumulative dose of ≥200 mg/m² cisplatin was shown being associated with improved outcome. We herein investigated cumulative dose reached and toxicities between the 3-weekly and weekly cisplatin regimens with concurrent radiotherapy.

Methods

Multicentre, retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing combined RCT with cisplatin treated at 3 centres in Switzerland between 06/2008 and 12/2015.

Results

Three hundred fourteen pts. were included (3-weekly, N = 127; weekly, N = 187). Median cumulative cisplatin dose was 200 mg/m² (IQR 150–300) for pts. treated with a 3-weekly schedule and 160 mg/m² (120–240) for the weekly schedule, consequently more pts. treated with a 3-weekly schedule reached a cumulative dose ≥200 mg/m² (75.6% vs. 47.1%, p < 0.001). This association was also observed in multivariable analysis adjusted for age and sex (OR 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–5.7). The 3-weekly regimen led to a higher rate of acute renal toxicity (33.1% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.022). In the landmark analysis, we could not confirm that a cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m² is associated with better survival (HR 1.3, 95% CI 0.8–1.9).

Conclusions

Significantly more patients receive a cumulative cisplatin dose of ≥200 mg/m², when treated with a 3-weekly schedule compared to weekly dosing. The previously reported association between a cumulative cisplatin dose ≥200 mg/m² and improved outcome could not be shown in our study.

Radiation-Induced Rhinitis: Cytological and Olfactory Changes

BACKGROUND

Oral mucositis is a well-known adverse event of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC). Its nasal counterpart, the radiation-induced rhinitis, is poorly studied and considered in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this observational study was to evaluate acute cytological and olfactory alterations during RT and their correlation with RT doses.

METHODS

Ten patients who underwent RT for HNC, excluding tumors of the nasal cavities, were evaluated with nasal scraping for cytological examination, Sniffin' Sticks test for olfactory assessment, and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale. The examinations were performed before (T0), at mid-course (T1), and at the end (T2) of RT. They were repeated 1 and 3 months after RT (T3 and T4). Mean dose (D_mean) and near maximum dose (D_2%) to nasal cavities and inferior turbinates were used for correlation analyses.

RESULTS

Radiation-induced rhinitis was present in 70% of patients at T2, and it was still observed in 40% of cases after 3 months. Although olfactory function remained within the normal range at the evaluated times, a significant decrease in odor threshold and discrimination was observed during RT, which returned to baseline levels after RT. Nasal cytology showed a radiation-induced rhinitis with neutrophils and sometimes bacteria. Mucous and squamous cell metaplasia appeared in 10% of patients. D_mean and D_2% to inferior turbinates were associated to neutrophilic rhinitis at T2, and D_2% to inferior turbinates was correlated to mucous cell metaplasia at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

RT for HNC induces acute rhinitis that may persist after the completion of treatment and can affect patient's quality of life. Nasal cytology can help to choose the best treatment on an individual basis.

The Cisplatin Total Dose and Concomitant Radiation in Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Any Recent Evidence for Dose Efficacy?

OPINION STATEMENT

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with high-dose (100 mg/m²), single-agent cisplatin is considered the standard of care for locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC). Poor compliance often due to significant treatment-related toxicities observed during CRT regimen has stimulated research efforts to examine for evidence of the optimal cumulative cisplatin dose and schedule. The findings from this systematic literature review demonstrate that there are insufficient prospective, randomized controlled data to determine the optimal total dose (and schedule) of cisplatin to administer concomitantly with radiotherapy in the treatment of LAHNC. Given the clinical challenges associated with administering concurrent CRT with single-agent high-dose cisplatin, as well as the long-term toxicities accompanying this treatment, an examination of the available literature for evidence of dose efficacy is of continued clinical interest. Moving forward, it is critical that researchers include complete descriptions of key disease and treatment variables (i.e. treatment compliance and HPV status) to inform and strengthen clinical decisions. The substantial heterogeneity of LAHNC has led to the focus of recent research efforts to risk-stratify using a combination of clinical and molecular markers (e.g. HPV status). Thus, the optimal total dose (and schedule) of cisplatin may need to be modified to reflect the specific characteristics of the individual patient subpopulations being treated. At present, CRT remains the standard of care for LAHNC, but this field is rapidly evolving. National and international clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate treatment de-intensification in favourable risk patient subsets and treatment intensification in poor-risk patient subsets, these will provide evidence-based guidance to individualize therapy with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes.

Minimizing a Tricky Situation in Breast Irradiation with Helical Tomotherapy

We report on a patient with breast cancer undergoing adjuvant intensity-modulated whole breast and lymph node irradiation with static angle tomotherapy (TomoDirect), who experienced a traumatic ipsilateral humeral fracture and was able to continue radiotherapy with helical tomotherapy and daily dosimetric monitoring by means of the Planned Adaptive module.

The comparison of acute toxicity in 2 treatment courses: Three-weekly and weekly cisplatin treatment administered with radiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The most appropriate cisplatin treatment schedule delivered with radiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the acute toxicity and its impact on the course of the treatment, administered cisplatin and radiation doses, the length of hospitalization and supportive drugs administration in patients with HNSCC receiving 2 different cisplatin treatment schedules administered with radiotherapy.In this retrospective analysis, 104 patients with HNSCC were enrolled. Patients received radiation concurrently with 100 mg/m cisplatin administered 3-weekly (n = 50; group A) or 35 to 40 mg/m cisplatin administered weekly (n = 54; group B). Chemoradiotherapy was performed in locally and/or regionally advanced disease (stage III-IV), in a definitive radical upfront setting (71.1%) or after surgical resection in patients with high-risk factors (28.8%).Both study groups were equally distributed in terms of age, gender, stage of the disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, chronic diseases and primary tumor site. The schedule of cisplatin dosing did not influence the duration of hospitalization, the number of additional supportive drugs (antibiotics, opioids) administered or total doses of received radiotherapy. However, postponement of radiotherapy due to adverse events was significantly more frequent in patients treated with 35/40 mg/m (55.56% vs 32%; P = .015). Furthermore, patients treated with weekly treatment schedule received lower total cisplatin dose (160 mg/m) in comparison to those treated with the 3-weekly schedule (200 mg/m). Grade 3 and 4 mucositis occurred more frequently in patients treated in group A (70% vs 50%; P = .037). Leukopenia was also observed more frequently in group A (88% vs 72.2%; P = .04), however there was no difference in grade 3/4 leukopenia between both study arms. There was no statistically significant difference in any other adverse effects.These results do not demonstrate the advantage of modified weekly schedule over standard 3-weekly cisplatin treatment plan. However, severe mucositis occurred more frequently in patients receiving 3-weekly cisplatin, both chemotherapy schedules seemed to present similar toxicity. Due to conflicting efficacy and toxicity, the results and compliance of weekly and 3-weekly cisplatin schedules should be evaluated in further randomized, controlled trials and retrospective studies.

Weekly Low-Dose Versus Three-Weekly High-Dose Cisplatin for Concurrent Chemoradiation in Locoregionally Advanced Non-Nasopharyngeal Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Aggregate Data

BACKGROUND

Three-weekly high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m²) is considered the standard systemic regimen given concurrently with postoperative or definitive radiotherapy in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN). However, due to unsatisfactory patient tolerance, various weekly low-dose schedules have been increasingly used in clinical practice. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy, safety, and compliance between these two approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched literature for prospective trials of patients with LA-SCCHN who received postoperative or definitive conventionally fractionated concurrent chemoradiation. Radiation doses were usually 60-66 gray (Gy) in the postoperative setting and 66-70 Gy in the definitive setting. Standard, three-weekly high-dose cisplatin (100 mg/m², 3 doses) was compared with the weekly low-dose protocol (≤50 mg/m², ≥6 doses). The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary outcomes comprised response rate, acute and late adverse events, and treatment compliance.

RESULTS

Fifty-two studies with 4,209 patients were included in two separate meta-analyses according to the two clinical settings. There was no difference in treatment efficacy as measured by overall survival or response rate between the chemoradiation settings with low-dose weekly and high-dose three-weekly cisplatin regimens. In the definitive treatment setting, the weekly regimen was more compliant and significantly less toxic with respect to severe (grade 3-4) myelosuppression (leukopenia p = .0083; neutropenia p = .0024), severe nausea and/or vomiting (p < .0001), and severe nephrotoxicity (p = .0099). Although in the postoperative setting the two approaches were more equal in compliance and with clearly less differences in the cisplatin-induced toxicities, the weekly approach induced more grade 3-4 dysphagia (p = .0026) and weight loss (p < .0001).

CONCLUSION

In LA-SCCHN, current evidence is insufficient to demonstrate a meaningful survival difference between the two dosing regimens. Prior to its adoption into routine clinical practice, the low-dose weekly approach needs to be prospectively compared with the standard three-weekly high-dose schedule.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Given concurrently with conventional radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer, high-dose three-weekly cisplatin has often been replaced with weekly low-dose infusions to increase compliance and decrease toxicity. The present meta-analysis suggests that both approaches might be equal in efficacy, both in the definitive and postoperative settings, but differ in toxicity. However, some toxicity data can be influenced by unbalanced representation, and the conclusions are not based on adequately sized prospective randomized studies. Therefore, low-dose weekly cisplatin should not be used outside clinical trials but first prospectively studied in adequately sized phase III trials versus the high-dose three-weekly approach.

Radiotherapy potentiation with weekly cisplatin compared to standard every 3 weeks cisplatin chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Despite its toxicity, cisplatin every 3 weeks (q3w) is the standard potentiation of chemo-radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to determine whether weekly cisplatin (q1w) could be a safe and effective alternative.

Patients and methods

Two hundred and sixty-two patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, irradiated in our institution with cisplatin (q1w or q3w) between January 2004 and December 2008, were retrospectively included. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated. Survival distributions were estimated by Kaplan–Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Prognostic effect of chemo-radiotherapy was explored using Cox model.

Results

A total of 165 and 97 patients received q1w and q3w cisplatin, respectively. Median age, stage at diagnosis, alcohol consumption, intensity-modulated radiation therapy use, median weight, and renal failure before radiotherapy were significantly different, showing lower risk in the q3w group. Q3w cisplatin was found to be more toxic in terms of weight loss, renal failure, worse chemotherapy plan completion, and grade 3/4 mucositis and dermatitis, with more patients requiring analgesics, secondary hospitalization, and radiotherapy interruption (≥3 days), and patients affected by long-term toxicities. With a median follow-up of 73 months (95% confidence interval [CI] [68.9–76.2]), OS was found to be significantly better with q3w (5 years OS: 62.3%; 95% CI [51.6–71.3]) than with q1w cisplatin (5 years OS: 52.6%; 95% CI [44.5–60.0]) (log-rank P=0.0146). More number of patients treated according to the q1w schedule experienced a recurrence: 47.3% vs 30.9% (P=0.009). Thus, the PFS for q3w schedule was found to be globally better (5 years PFS: 55.8%; 95% CI [45.0–65.3]) than for q1w schedule (5 years PFS: 43.6%; 95% CI [35.9–51.0]) (log-rank P=0.0161). However, both multivariate analyses, OS and PFS, produce no significant hazard ratio for chemo-radiotherapy modality once adjusted on unbalanced covariates according to the descriptive analysis.

Conclusion

Though q1w seemed to be safer than q3w according to the descriptive analysis, multivariate analyses failed to conclude about its efficiency. Therefore, we conclude that the q3w schedule should remain the standard and prospective comparisons are needed.

Improved overall survival and mortality in head and neck cancer with adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy in national databases

BACKGROUND

Many studies have demonstrated the advantage of postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) over radiotherapy (RT) alone in locoregional control, but few have examined overall survival with respect to national databases.

METHODS

The literature was searched for eligible randomized controlled trials. The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Database and National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) were searched for 5-year overall survival data.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were examined and demonstrated 44% greater locoregional control (relative risk [RR] = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46-0.68) and 12% overall survival benefit (RR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.81-0.98) with postoperative adjuvant CRT compared to adjuvant RT. Overall SEER survival was 45.0% in 1973, rising to 53.2% in 2005. The NCDB documents a similar increase in overall survival from 45.5% in 1994 to 53.4% in 2005.

CONCLUSION

The literature shows mortality benefit of adjuvant CRT in patients with advanced head and neck cancer, reflected in SEER and NCDB.

Bilateral Breast Radiation Delivered with Static Angle Tomotherapy (TomoDirect): Clinical Feasibility and Dosimetric Results of a Single Patient

We herein report on a case of synchronous bilateral breast cancer patient undergoing adjuvant intensity-modulated whole breast with static angle tomotherapy (TomoDirect). The patient was treated with a hypofractionated schedule employing a simultaneous integrated boost approach. Radiotherapy schedule was 45 Gy/20 fractions (2.25 Gy daily) to the bilateral whole breast and 50 Gy/20 fractions (2.5 Gy daily) to the 2 lumpectomy cavities. Treatment was delivered over 4 weeks. Dosimetric results were robust with consistent target coverage and adequate normal tissue avoidance. Treatment was generally well-tolerated and acute toxicity profile was mild. The present report highlights the promising clinical feasibility of TomoDirect for bilateral breast irradiation.

Hypericum perforatum and neem oil for the management of acute skin toxicity in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemo-radiation: a single-arm prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Radiation dermatitis is common in patients treated with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy for head and neck malignancies. Its timely and adequate management is of uttermost importance for both oncological outcomes and global quality of life. We prospectively evaluated the role of hypericum perforatum and neem oil (Holoil®; RIMOS srl, Mirandola, Italy) in the treatment of acute skin toxicity for patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

METHODS

A consecutive series of 28 head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy (RT) was enrolled onto this mono-institutional single-arm prospective observational study. Patients undergoing both definitive or post-operative radiotherapy were allowed, either as exclusive modality or combined with (concomitant or induction) chemotherapy. We started Holoil treatment whenever bright erythema, moderate oedema or patchy moist desquamation were observed. Holoil® was used during all RT course and during follow up time, until acute skin toxicity recovery.

RESULTS

The maximum detected acute skin toxicity was Grade 1 in 7% of patients, Grade 2 in 68%, Grade 3 in 25%, while at the end of RT was Grade 0 in 3.5%, Grade 1 in 32%, Grade 2 in 61%, Grade 3 in 3.5%. For patients having G2 acute skin toxicity, it mainly started at weeks 4-5; for those having G3, it began during weeks 5-6. Median times spent with G2 or G3 toxicity were 17.5 and 11 days. Patients having G2 acute skin toxicity had a dermatitis worsening in 27% of case (median occurrence time: 7 days). G3 events were reconverted to a G2 profile in all patients (median time: 7 days). Those experiencing a G2 skin event were converted to a G1 score in 23% of cases (median time: 14 days). Time between maximum acute skin toxicity and complete skin recovery after RT was 27 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Holoil® proved to be a safe and active option in the management of acute skin toxicity in head and neck cancer patients submitted to RT or chemo-radiotherapy. A prophylactic effect in the prevention of moist desquamation may be hypothesized for hypericum and neem oil and need to be tested within a prospective controlled study.

Adjuvant treatment for post-operative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

One of the mainstays of treatment for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is surgery. However, for post-operative patients with high-risk factors for recurrence, surgery alone is insufficient and improving survival requires adjuvant treatment after surgery. Unlike with most other malignancies, the standard adjuvant treatment for post-operative head and neck cancer patients with high-risk factors for recurrence is radiotherapy concurrent with chemotherapy. This review article focuses on the history and future perspectives of adjuvant treatment for post-operative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with high-dose versus weekly cisplatin for resected, locally-advanced HPV/p16-positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Standard treatment for patients with poor-risk, resected head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is adjuvant radiation therapy combined with high-dose cisplatin. Many patients are treated with weekly cisplatin; it is not known whether weekly and high-dose cisplatin are equivalent. This study compares the outcomes of patients with locally-advanced HPV-negative HNSCC and HPV/p16-positive oropharynx HNSCC treated with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with either high-dose or weekly cisplatin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of patients with Stage III/IV HNSCC who had surgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiation therapy at Mayo Clinic, Rochester. HPV and/or p16 status was available for all oropharynx patients.

RESULTS

104 Patients (51 high-dose, 53 weekly) were analyzed. The 3-year overall survival was 84% and 75% for patients who received high dose and weekly cisplatin, respectively (p=0.30). The 3-year recurrence free survival was 71% and 74% in the high dose and weekly cisplatin group, respectively (p=0.95). Patients with HPV/p16-positive oropharynx cancer who received adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with high-dose and weekly cisplatin had three-year overall survival rates of 91% and 86% (p=0.56), and 3-year recurrence free survival of 84% and 82% (p=0.93). Extracapsular extension did not affect prognosis in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant survival difference was seen between patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy with high-dose or weekly cisplatin, although there was a trend for improved survival with high-dose cisplatin. Weekly cisplatin in the adjuvant setting may be a better treatment for patients with HPV-positive oropharynx cancer to preserve survival and minimize toxicity.

Radiation therapy is well tolerated and produces excellent control rates in elderly patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers

PURPOSE

Management of locally advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNC) in the elderly is challenging due to multiple co-morbidities, poor organ function and performance status. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) in elderly patients, defined as 65 years and older, with high-risk LAHNC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An IRB approved retrospective chart review of elderly patients was performed, of whom 73 patients were selected for analysis. The stages included were II/III-IV. Sites included were oropharynx, oral cavity, larynx, salivary gland, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinus, hypopharynx and unknown primary.

RESULTS

Median age was 74 years. Thirty nine (53%) patients received concurrent chemotherapy. Median time to completion of RT was 53 days. Median external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) dose was 66 Gy. With a median follow-up of 24 months, overall local control (LC) was 80% and distant metastasis (DM) was 12%. Sixty patients (82%) were alive at the time of study. Two-year overall survival (OS) was 96% (95% CI=87%, 99%). Chemotherapy did not improve LC [80% (chemo) vs 79% (no chemo), p=0.88] or DM [11% (chemo) vs 14% (no chemo), p=0.73]. Interestingly, patients receiving RT using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) had a significantly higher rate of LC vs three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) (94% vs 68%, respectively, p=0.008). Grade 2/3 toxicity was seen in 70/73 (96%) patients while grade 4 toxicity was seen in three patients (4%).

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients with LAHNC have high rates of LC and OS. Prospective studies can reveal more insight into this increasingly important clinical problem in elderly patients.

Phase II feasibility trial of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 3-weekly cisplatin for Japanese patients with post-operative high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

OBJECTIVE

The current standard of care for post-operative high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is concurrent chemoradiotherapy with a 3-weekly cycle of cisplatin (3W-CDDP/RT). In previous pivotal trials, the complete delivery rate of three cycles of cisplatin and radiation therapy was only ~60%. Here, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of 3W-CDDP/RT in a Japanese population.

METHODS

The study enrolled post-operative high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck patients. High-risk factors were a microscopically incomplete resection, extracapsular extension and two or more lymph node metastases. Subjects received three cycles of cisplatin at a dose of 100 mg/m(2) concomitant with radiation therapy (66 Gy/33 Fr).

RESULTS

From August 2006 to May 2009, 25 eligible subjects were accrued, including 13 males, with a median age of 59 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0/1 (18/7), Stage III/IVA/IVB/recurrent (1/18/1/5) and oral cavity/oropharynx/hypopharynx/larynx (17/4/3/1). Protocol completion rate was 80%. The lower limit of the one-sided 90% confidence interval was 66%, which met the predefined statistical criteria. Grade 3/4 acute and late toxicities were almost identical to those in previous pivotal trials. No treatment-related deaths were observed. With a median follow-up of 39 months, 14 have had progression and 10 have died. Estimated 3-year locoregional control rate, relapse-free survival and overall survival were 74, 43 and 60%, respectively. On univariate analysis, oral cavity cancer and a cumulative cisplatin dose below 240 mg/m(2) appeared to be poor prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first Phase II feasibility trial of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with 3-weekly cisplatin for post-operative high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in a Japanese population. This treatment was feasible and the safety profile was identical to those in pivotal Phase III trials.

Current issues in combined modality therapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer

Curative treatment for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) is complex and multidisciplinary. Our understanding of the optimal management of this disease has improved over the years, incorporating refined surgical approaches, better radiotherapy delivery methods, and greater use of systemic therapies. Investigation into shifting epidemiology patterns has uncovered two biologically and clinically distinct diseases: the smoking-related entity and the increasingly common malignancy associated with human papilloma virus (HPV). Prognosis favors the latter, driving newer investigations into dose de-intensification to limit toxicities in patients with HPV-driven disease, and alternatively intensifying treatment to improve tumor control in those with a significant smoking history. In this review, I describe the most recent progress in the multi-modal integration of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy, and the role of targeted agents and personalized therapy, and conclude with a discussion of the relevance of these innovations with respect to HPV tumor status.