Pilot study of postoperative reirradiation, chemotherapy, and amifostine after surgical salvage for recurrent head-and-neck cancer

Vascular events in patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence of vascular events in patients with head and neck cancer.

REVIEW METHODS

Primary studies identified through April 2023. Meta-analysis was performed.

RESULTS

There were 146 studies included in the systematic review. Rates of events were collected in the overall group, those with chemoprophylaxis, and those that underwent surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Of 1 184 160 patients, 4.3% had a vascular event. Radiation therapy had highest risk of overall events and stroke when compared to surgery and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy had a higher risk of stroke and overall events when compared to surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular events occur in 4%-5% of patients with head and neck cancer. Our data does not support the use of routine anticoagulation. Patients undergoing radiation therapy had the highest frequency of events.

Retreatment of Recurrent or Second Primary Head and Neck Cancer After Prior Radiation: Executive Summary of the American Radium Society® (ARS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC): Expert Panel on Radiation Oncology - Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND

Re-treatment of recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers occurring in a previously irradiated field is complex. Few guidelines exist to support practice.

METHODS

We performed an updated literature search of peer-reviewed journals in a systematic fashion. Search terms, key questions, and associated clinical case variants were formed by panel consensus. The literature search informed the committee during a blinded vote on the appropriateness of treatment options via the modified Delphi method.

RESULTS

The final number of citations retained for review was 274. These informed five key questions, which focused on patient selection, adjuvant re-irradiation, definitive re-irradiation, stereotactic body radiation (SBRT), and re-irradiation to treat non-squamous cancer. Results of the consensus voting are presented along with discussion of the most current evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

This provides updated evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for the re-treatment of recurrent or second primary cancer of the head and neck.

Managing Recurrent Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment is often associated with high morbidity especially in the recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) setting, limiting effective treatment options. Local disease control is important. Therefore, local therapies including reirradiation and salvage surgery, either alone or in combination with systemic treatment, may be used for selected patients with R/M HNSCC. Although chemotherapy and targeted agents have modest efficacy in HNSCC, the advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment paradigm of R/M HNSCC. Multiple trials have resulted in the past 5 years advocating for its use alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

AHNS series: Do you know your guidelines? Guideline recommendations for recurrent and persistent head and neck cancer after primary treatment

Locoregional recurrent/persistent head and neck cancer following primary treatment is a significant challenge as it is usually difficult to treat and has worse outcomes compared to the primary setting. Surgical resection of a local or regional recurrence offers the best chance of cure when feasible. Local recurrence outcomes vary by subsite with laryngeal recurrences having the best prognoses and hypopharynx having the worst. Instances of persistent neck masses following primary nonsurgical treatment can be evaluated with positron emission tomography (PET) with CT (PET-CT) when there is no definitive diagnosis of a recurrence/persistence. Reirradiation with or without chemotherapy can be considered for primary treatment when surgery is not an option, for adjuvant treatment following salvage surgery, or for palliation. Immunotherapy represents a newer class of chemotherapeutic agents. Current guidelines recommend enrollment in clinical trials especially when surgery is not an option as outcomes remain universally poor in the recurrent/persistent setting.

What is the role of postoperative re-irradiation in recurrent and second primary squamous cell cancer of head and neck? A literature review according to PICO criteria

Re-irradiation has been increasingly offered as a potential effective treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) loco-regional recurrence as well as second primary tumor in previously irradiated area. This review focused on the role of postoperative re-irradiation (POreRT) in terms of feasibility, toxicity and long-term outcomes in HNSCC patients. The key issue for the research was formulated in two questions according to the PICO (population, intervention, control, and outcomes) criteria. A total of 16 publications met the inclusion criteria for a total of 919 patients; in 522 patients POreRT was performed. POreRT in recurrent and second primary HNSCC seems to be feasible in highly selected patients with the intent to guarantee an acceptable LC compared to surgery alone. The optimal RT schedule remains unclear due to the heterogeneity of literature data.

Commentary: The Pharmacological Antioxidant Amifostine—Implications of Recent Research for Integrative Cancer Care

Amifostine is a pharmacological antioxidant used as a cytoprotectant in cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is thought to protect normal tissues relative to tumor tissue against oxidative damage inflicted by cancer therapies by becoming concentrated at higher levels in normal tissues. The degree to which amifostine nevertheless accumulates in tumors and protects them against cancer therapies has been debated. Guidelines have been published that direct its use in chemotherapy and radiation, taking into consideration the concerns of tumor protection. In this article, clinical studies of amifostine appearing since the publication of the most recent set of guidelines are reviewed. Randomized and nonrandomized trials of regimens involving chemo-therapeutic agents (chemotherapy, chemoradiation, conditioning regimens for bone marrow transplant) are discussed. Nineteen studies showed positive effects for amifostine reducing the level of side effects of these regimens, while 9 showed no effect and 1 had a questionable result. Clinically relevant levels of amifostine toxicity were observed in several studies, but subcutaneous administration may reduce such toxicity. Amifostine showed protection against mucositis, esophagitis, neuropathy, and other side effects, although protection against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity was not observed. No evidence of tumor protection was observed. Amifostine may enable populations unable to tolerate conventional cancer therapy to receive treatment of their cancers, even if some degree of tumor protection is eventually discovered. The authors discuss the implications of this research for patient populations seen in integrative cancer care centers and for research on phytochemical antioxidants such as vitamins and carotenoids.

Outcomes of patients with loco-regionally recurrent or new primary squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck treated with curative intent reirradiation at Mayo Clinic

BACKGROUND

We reviewed outcomes of patients with loco-regionally recurrent (LRR) or new primary (NP) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) treated at our institution with reirradiation (RRT).

METHODS

Patients received definitive RRT (DRRT) or post-operative RRT following salvage surgery (PRRT) from 2003 to 2011. Measured survival outcomes included loco-regional relapse free survival (LRFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Among 81 patients (PRRT, 42; DRRT, 39), median PRRT and DRRT doses were 60 Gy (12-70 Gy) and 69.6 Gy (48-76.8 Gy). The majority of patients received IMRT-based RRT (n = 77, 95 %). With median follow-up of 78.1 months (95 % CI, 56-96.8 months), 2-year OS was 53 % with PRRT and 48 % with DRRT (p = 0.12); 23 % of patients were alive at last follow-up. LRFS at 2 years was 60 %, and did not differ significantly between PRRT and DRRT groups. A trend toward inferior LRFS was noted among patients receiving chemotherapy with RRT versus RRT alone (p = 0.06). Late serious toxicities were uncommon, including osteoradionecrosis (2 patients) and carotid artery bleeding (1 patient, non-fatal).

CONCLUSIONS

OS of PRRT- and DRRT-treated patients in this series appears superior to the published literature. We used IMRT for the majority of patients, in contrast to several series and trials previously reported, which may account in part for this difference. Future studies should seek to improve outcomes among patients with LRR/NP SCCHN via alternative therapeutic modalities such as proton radiotherapy and by incorporating novel systemic agents.

Cesium-131 brachytherapy in high risk and recurrent head and neck cancers: first report of long-term outcomes

Purpose

The feasibility and efficacy of re-irradiation using contemporary radiation techniques to treat recurrent head and neck cancer has been demonstrated but the role of brachytherapy is unclear. Here we describe the use of ¹³¹Cs brachytherapy with concurrent salvage surgery in 18 patients.

Material and methods

Eligible patients underwent maximal gross resection of the tumor with implantation of brachytherapy seeds delivering a minimum dose of 80 Gy to the tumor bed. Rates of overall survival, locoregional progression free survival, disease-free survival, and radiation-induced toxicity were analyzed.

Results

Retrospective Kaplan-Meier analysis shows median overall survival was 15 months and disease free survival was 12 months. Two patients developed grade 3 toxicity; all other complications were grade 1-2 with no grade 4 or 5 complications.

Conclusions

Compared to prior literature, our study shows comparable rates of survival with a decreased rate of radiation-induced toxicity.

Retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes following reirradiation in locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer patients: A single institutional study

AIM

To present a retrospective analysis of treatment outcomes following reirradiation in locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer patients at our institute.

METHODS

Thirty-one patients of head and neck cancer who presented with a locoregional recurrence from April 2007 to April 2012 underwent salvage reirradiation. Median dose of first-time radiation was 70 Gy. Median duration of gap between the first and second course of radiation was 45.6 months. The median dose of reirradiation was 60 Gy. Conformal radiotherapy technique in the form of intensity modulated radiotherapy was used in 60% (17) of patients. Fourteen patients received concurrent chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 20.6 months, 12 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. The 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 28.7 and 48.5%, respectively. Acute and late toxicities were reported in 29 and 61% of patients, respectively. Severe grade 3 and 4 late complications were observed in nine patients but none of them led to mortality.

CONCLUSION

Reirradiation appears to be both feasible and well tolerated in patients treated with previous radiotherapy for recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer. Careful case selection for reirradiation based on patient's performance status and tumor characteristics is essential.

Effect of amifostine in head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

Background

Amifostine is the most clinical used chemical radioprotector, but its effect in patients treated with radiation is not consistent.

Methods

By searching Medline, CENTRAL, EMBASE, ASCO, ESMO, and CNKI databases, the published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the efficacy of amifostine in HNSCC patients treated with radiotherapy were collected. The pooled efficacy and side effects of this drug were calculated by RevMan software.

Results

Seventeen trials including a total of 1167 patients (604 and 563 each arm) were analyzed in the meta-analysis. The pooled data showed that the use of amifostine significantly reduce the risk of developing Grade3–4 mucositis (relative risk [RR],0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI],0.54–0.95; p<0.00001), Grade 2–4 acute xerostomia (RR,0.70; 95%CI,0.52–0.96; p = 0.02), or late xerostomia (RR,0.60; 95%CI,0.49–0.74; p<0.00001) and Grade 3–4 dysphagia (RR,0.39; 95%CI,0.17–0.92; p = 0.03). However, subgroup analysis demonstrated that no statistically significant reduction of Grade3–4 mucositis (RR,0.97; 95% CI,0.74–1.26; p = 0.80), Grade 2–4 acute xerostomia (RR,0.35; 95%CI,0.02–5.44; p = 0.45), or late xerostomia (RR,0.40; 95%CI,0.13–1.24; p = 0.11) and Grade 3–4 dysphagia (RR,0.23; 95%CI,0.01–4.78; p = 0.35) was observed in patients treated with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Compared with placebo or observation, amifostine does not show tumor protective effect in complete response (RR,1.02; 95%CI,0.89–1.17; p = 0.76) and partial response (RR,0.90; 95%CI, 0.56–1.44; p = 0.66). For the hematologic side effect, no statistical difference of Grade 3–4 leucopenia (RR,0.60; 95%CI,0.35–1.05; p = 0.07), anemia (RR,0.80; 95%CI, 0.42–1.53; p = 0.50) and thrombocytopenia (RR,0.43; 95%CI,0.16–1.15; p = 0.09) were found between amifostine and control groups. The most common amifostine related side effects were nausea, emesis, hypotension and allergic with an average incidence rate (Grade 3–4) of 5%, 6%, 4% and 4% respectively.

Conclusion

This systematic review showed that amifostine significantly reduce the serious mucositis, acute/late xerastomia and dysphagia without protection of the tumor in HNSCC patients treated with radiotherapy. And the toxicities of amifostine were generally acceptable.

Metastatic carcinoma to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube sites. A report of five cases

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinicopathologic features of metastatic carcinomas at percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube sites.

METHODS

We reviewed the metastatic malignancies at PEG tube sites (2002-2011).

RESULTS

Five patients were identified, each with primary head and neck keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The metastases had a mean size of 6.08 cm (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.75-8.41). The time from PEG tube placement to metastasis diagnosis was 9.8 months (95% CI, 6.59-13.01). The survival times from PEG tube placement and from metastasis diagnosis were 23.5 (95% CI, 7.65-39.35) and 13.7 (95% CI, 0-31.08) months, respectively. Compared with a meta-analysis of the largest case series, our male patients were significantly older (mean, 73 years; 95% CI, 62.2-83.9 vs mean 59 years, 95% CI, 56.0-62.0) but had similar survival times.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite their older ages, our male patients had similar survival times to those reported previously. Larger series are needed to confirm our findings and explore the causes.

Recurrent and second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: when and how to reirradiate

BACKGROUND

Local and/or regional recurrence and metachronous primary tumor arising in a previously irradiated area are rather frequent events in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Re-treatment is associated with an increased risk of serious toxicity and impaired quality of life (QOL) with an uncertain survival advantage.

METHODS

We analyzed the literature on the efficacy and toxicity of photon/electron-based external beam reirradiation for previously irradiated patients with HNSCC of non-nasopharyngeal origin. Studies were grouped according to the radiotherapy technique used for reirradiation. Patient selection criteria, target volume identification method, tumor dose, fractionation schedule, systemic therapy administration, and toxicities were reviewed.

RESULTS

In addition to disease-related factors, current comorbidities and preexisting organ dysfunction must be considered when selecting patients for reirradiation. As morbidity from re-treatment may be considerable and differ depending on which mode of re-treatment is used, it is important to give patients information on potential morbidity outcomes so that an informed choice can be made within a shared decision-making context. With improved dose distribution and adequate imaging support, including positron emission tomography-CT, modern radiotherapy techniques may improve local control and reduce toxicity of reirradiation. A reirradiation dose of ≥60 Gy and a volume encompassing the gross tumor with up to a 5-mm margin are recommended. Concomitant administration of systemic therapeutics and reirradiation is likely to be of similar benefit as observed in large randomized studies of upfront therapy.

CONCLUSION

Reirradiation, administered either with or without concurrent systemic therapy, is feasible and tolerable in properly selected patients with recurrent or a new primary tumor in a previously irradiated area of the head and neck, offering a meaningful survival (in the range of 10% to 30% at 2 years). Whenever feasible, salvage surgery is the method of choice for curative intent; patients at high-risk for local recurrence should be advised that postoperative reirradiation is expected to increase locoregional control at the expense of higher toxicity and without survival advantage compared to salvage surgery without reirradiation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 134-150, 2015.

[Reirradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers]

Recurrences or second primary head and neck cancers meant, for a long time, therapeutic dead ends. Surgery was the standard treatment, but could only be achieved in 25% of the patients. The GETTEC-GORTEC (99-01) randomized trial showed that radiochemotherapy improved disease-free survival for a highly selected population. For inoperable patients, three options can be discussed: supportive care only, chemotherapy or radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. The EXTREME protocol showed that combining platinum, 5FU and cetuximab improved overall survival for recurrent or metastatic forms. This is certainly the best option for advanced forms, which are not accessible to radiotherapy. Concerning radiotherapy, only one randomized trial compared chemoradiotherapy to chemotherapy alone using methotrexate. The overall survival, the main objective in this study, was not improved, however, the enrollment was incomplete and included many advanced stage tumors. Other articles are based on Vokes' initial work of radiochemotherapy delivered in split-course over a period of 11 weeks. All conventional and conformational radiotherapy series showed improved local control and disease-free survival rates, but at the expense of acute and late toxicities demanding a drastic patients selection. New radiotherapy techniques such as intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) have reduced toxicities with a likely oncological results improvement, offering treatments which are spread over six to seven weeks for IMRT and two weeks for SBRT. The better treatment tolerance allows an increasing number of eligible patients. The main future objective will be to define the specific IMRT and SBRT indications.

Reirradiation in head and neck cancers

Salvage surgery is the mainstay of treatment for recurrences or secondary primary tumors in areas that were irradiated earlier. However, locoregional recurrence remains the main cause of death after surgery. Adjuvant reirradiation dramatically reduces locoregional recurrences but the risk-benefit ratio seems to be advantageous mostly for residual microscopic disease. In contrast, the rate of distant metastasis among reirradiated patients indicates that the local treatment alone is not sufficient. Full-dose exclusive chemo-reirradiation (over 60 Gy) can cure a subset of patients when surgery is not feasible. However, reirradiation is associated with a significant rate of severe toxicity and should, therefore, be compared with chemotherapy in randomized trials. Accrual may be difficult because of selection biases such as tumor volume, small volumes (largest axis less than 3-4 cm) being more likely to be irradiated. In addition, patients in poor general condition with severe comorbidities, organ dysfunction, or incomplete healing after salvage surgery, are unlikely to benefit from reirradiation. Noteworthy volumes to be reirradiated must be established between the head and neck surgeon and the radiation oncologist: the definition of the clinical target volume should be taken into account, the natural history of recurrent tumors, especially with regard to extension modalities, and the absence of strict correlation between imaging and histological real extension. This is even more critical with the advent of new irradiation techniques. Chemotherapy associations and new radiosensitizing agents are also under investigation. Comparison between reirradiation modalities is difficult because most trials are phase 2 mono-institutional trials. As selection of patients is a key issue, only phase 3 multiinstitutional trials can provide definitive results.

Second course of radiation for new primary head-and-neck cancer: population-based study of survival

OBJECTIVES

To analyze patient and tumor characteristics, and survival of patients who received 2 courses of radiotherapy for different primary head and neck cancers (HNCs).

METHODS

A total of 234 patients who underwent 2 courses of radiotherapy for different primary, localized, or regional HNCs registered in the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were identified.

RESULTS

The latency between first and second irradiated HNCs ranged from 0.3 to 28.8 years (median, 6.3 years). Only 22% of first irradiated HNCs were node positive, and only 22% of second irradiated HNCs were node positive. After the diagnosis of the second irradiated HNC, the 1-, 2-, and 5-year overall survivals were 68%, 40%, and 17%, respectively. The variables of gender, race, latency, and stage of second cancer did not significantly impact survival. At the time of diagnosis of second irradiated HNC, younger age (P = 0.026), later year of diagnosis (P = 0.005), and cancer-directed surgery (P = 0.032) were favorable predictors of improved survival. With Cox regression analyses, younger age (P = 0.060) and cancer-directed surgery for the second irradiated HNC (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.55-1.01, P = 0.062) were borderline significantly favorable risk factors, whereas year of diagnosis (P = 0.13) was not.

CONCLUSIONS

From a population-based analysis, patients undergoing a second course of radiation for HNC appear to benefit from cancer-directed surgery, although this did not reach statistical significance with Cox regression analyses. The improved outcome after resection is perhaps attributable to a therapeutic benefit from surgery and/or more indolent disease among those amenable to resection.

Risk of carotid blowout after reirradiation of the head and neck: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Carotid blowout (CB) is a rare but frequently fatal complication of head-and-neck (H&N) cancer or its treatment. We sought to determine the reported rate of CB in patients receiving salvage reirradiation for H&N cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A literature search identified 27 published articles on H&N reirradiation involving 1554 patients, and a pooled analysis was performed to determine the rate of CB. Treatment parameters, including prior radiation dose, interval from prior radiation, dose and fractionation of reirradiation, use of salvage surgery, and chemotherapy, were abstracted and summarized. The cumulative risk of CB was compared between groups using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Among 1554 patients receiving salvage H&N reirradiation, there were 41 reported CBs, for a rate of 2.6%; 76% were fatal. In patients treated in a continuous course with 1.8-2-Gy daily fractions or 1.2-Gy twice-daily fractions, 36% of whom received concurrent chemotherapy, the rate of CB was 1.3%, compared with 4.5% in patients treated with 1.5 Gy twice daily in alternating weeks or with delayed accelerated hyperfractionation, all of whom received concurrent chemotherapy (p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of CB between patients treated with or without concurrent chemotherapy, or between patients treated with or without salvage surgery before reirradiation.

CONCLUSION

Carotid blowout is an infrequent but serious complication of salvage reirradiation for H&N cancer. The rate of CB was lower among patients treated with conventional or hyperfractionated schedules compared with regimens of accelerated hyperfractionation, though heterogeneous patient populations and treatment parameters preclude definite conclusions. Given the high mortality rate of CB, discussion of the risk of CB is an important component of informed consent for salvage reirradiation.

IMRT reirradiation with concurrent cetuximab immunotherapy in recurrent head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

In this retrospective investigation, the outcome and toxicity after reirradiation with concurrent cetuximab immunotherapy of recurrent head and neck cancer (HNC) in patients who had contraindications to platinum-based chemotherapy were analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients with locally advanced recurrent HNC were retrospectively evaluated. In 9 cases, histology was squamous cell carcinoma, in one case adenoid cystic carcinoma. External beam radiotherapy was part of the initial treatment in all cases. Reirradiation was carried out using step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with a median dose of 50.4 Gy. Cetuximab was applied as loading dose (400 mg/m(2)) 1 week prior to reirradiation and then weekly concurrently with radiotherapy (250 mg/m(2)).

RESULTS

The median overall survival time after initiation of reirradiation was 7 months; the 1-year overall survival (OS) rate was 40%. Local failure was found in 3 patients, resulting in a 1-year local control (LC) rate of 61%. The 1-year locoregional control (LRC) rate was 44%, while the 1-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) was 75%. Acute hematological toxicity was not observed in the group. Severe acute toxicity included one fatal infield arterial bleeding and one flap necrosis. Severe late toxicities were noted in 2 patients: fibrosis of the temporomandibular joint in 1 patient and stenosis of the cervical esophagus in another.

CONCLUSIONS

IMRT reirradiation with concurrent cetuximab immunotherapy in recurrent HNC is feasible with acceptable acute toxicity. Further investigations are necessary to determine the clinical role of this therapy concept.

Outcome after re-irradiation of head and neck cancer patients

PURPOSE

To retrospectively report the outcome of head and neck cancer patients following re-irradiation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 51 patients with recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer received re-irradiation at Leuven University Hospital. Survival and locoregional control were calculated. Doses to organs at risk were retrieved from dose-volume histograms. Radiation-related toxicities were reported.

RESULTS

The 2-year actuarial overall survival rate was 30%. On univariate analysis, surgery before re-irradiation and high radiation dose were associated with superior survival. Grade 3 acute and grade 3 or more late toxicity occurred in respectively 29.4% and 35.3% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Re-irradiation in head and neck cancer patients is feasible with acceptable late toxicity, although the survival remains poor.

Long-term outcome analysis after surgical salvage for recurrent tonsil carcinoma following radical radiotherapy

The objective of this study is to report the longterm outcomes of salvage surgery following local and/or regional failure of tonsillar carcinoma treated with standard fractionation radiotherapy. All cases of carcinoma of the tonsil treated by radical radiotherapy at the Princess Margaret Hospital between January 1970 and December 1990 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who underwent salvage surgery for local and/or regional recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil following radiation therapy were included for analysis. 239 out of 640 patients with tonsillar carcinoma recurred post radiotherapy. 175 patients were deemed candidates for surgical salvage. At the time of the last follow-up, only 13 patients were alive and 162 patients had died. The majority of patients (n = 96, 59%)died with disease. The median time to death was approximately 1.3 years following salvage surgery. The 5-year overall survival rate was 23%. The 5-year cause-specific survival was 40%. The probability of death due to disease was higher than the probability of death due to other causes. Both N-classification and T-classification were found to be significant predictors of time to death. In conclusion,in spite of the fact that the patients in this study had been treated prior to the widespread introduction of altered fractionation and concurrent chemoradiation for advanced tonsil carcinoma, it demonstrates the poor prognosis of recurrent disease. Despite the poor prognosis, 20% of patients will be alive at 5 years and therefore salvage surgery should be considered when possible.

Randomized trial of postoperative reirradiation combined with chemotherapy after salvage surgery compared with salvage surgery alone in head and neck carcinoma

PURPOSE

Full-dose reirradiation combined with chemotherapy has been shown to be feasible after salvage surgery with acceptable toxicity. The Groupe d'Etude des Tumeurs de la Tête et du Cou and Groupe d'Oncologie Radiothérapie Tête Et Cou groups performed a randomized study to assess its efficacy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1999 and 2005, 130 patients with head and neck cancer were treated with salvage surgery and randomly assigned to full-dose reirradiation combined with chemotherapy (RT arm) or to observation (a "wait and see" approach; WS arm). Eligibility criteria were recurrence or a second primary tumor in a previously irradiated area, no major sequelae resulting from the first radiotherapy, good general condition, no distant metastasis, and salvage surgery with macroscopic complete resection. Patients in the RT arm received 60 Gy over 11 weeks combined with concomitant fluorouracil and hydroxyurea.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were randomly assigned to each arm. There was no imbalance in the distribution of the main tumor and patients characteristics. The most serious acute toxicity in the RT arm was mucositis, attaining grade 3 or 4 in 28% of patients. At 2 years, 39% of patients in the RT arm and 10% in the WS arm experienced grade 3 or 4 late toxicity according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group criteria (P = .06). Disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly improved in the RT arm, with a hazard ratio of 1.68 (95% CI, 1.13 to 2.50; P = .01), but overall survival (OS) was not statistically different.

CONCLUSION

Full-dose reirradiation combined with chemotherapy after salvage surgery significantly improved DFS, but had no significant impact on OS. An increase in both acute and late toxicity was observed.

Concurrent chemotherapy and re-irradiation for locoregionally recurrent head and neck cancer

Recurrent and second primary tumors arising within a previously radiated head and neck volume represent a difficult clinical scenario to manage. For patients who have resectable disease, surgery is the standard treatment. Chemotherapy is the standard for patients with unresectable or metastatic disease but offers no chance for cure. Re-irradiation (RRT) with concurrent chemotherapy is a potentially curative treatment option. In this article, we will review the basis for current chemoradiotherapy (CRT) regimens used in previously radiated patients, focusing on outcome and toxicity. Additionally, we will review radiotherapy techniques used in this setting and highlight the differences between definitive radiotherapy and RRT. Controversies, such as the utility of chemotherapy and RRT following surgical salvage, will be addressed. Finally, we will review investigations seeking to improve the therapeutic outcomes of patients treated with chemotherapy and RRT.

Final report of RTOG 9610, a multi-institutional trial of reirradiation and chemotherapy for unresectable recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND

Our objectives were to determine the incidence of acute and late toxicities and to estimate the 2-year overall survival for patients treated with reirradiation and chemotherapy for unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

METHODS

Patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma or a second primary arising in a previously irradiated field were eligible. Four weekly cycles of 5-fluorouracil 300 mg/m2 IV bolus and hydroxyurea 1.5 g by mouth were used with 60 Gy at 1.5 Gy twice-daily fractions. Toxicity was scored according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) criteria.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine of the 86 patients enrolled were analyzable. The worst acute toxicity was grade 4 in 17.7% and grade 5 in 7.6%. Grade 3 and 4 late toxicities were found in 19.4% and 3.0%, respectively. The estimated cumulative incidence of grade 3 to 4 late effects occurring at >1 year was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0, 19.7) at 2 and 5 years. The 2- and 5-year cumulative incidence for grade 4 toxicity was 3.1% (95% CI: 0, 9.3). The estimated 2- and 5-year survival rates were 15.2% (95% CI: 7.3, 23.1) and 3.8% (95% CI: 0.8, 8.0), respectively. Patients who entered the study at >1 year from initial radiotherapy (RT) had better survival than did those who were <1 year from prior RT (median survival, 9.8 months vs 5.8 months; p = .036). No correlation was detected between dose received and overall survival. Three patients were alive at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

This is the first prospective multi-institutional trial testing reirradiation plus chemotherapy for recurrent or second SCCHN. The approach is feasible with acceptable acute and late effects. The results serve as a benchmark for ongoing RTOG trials.

IMRT reirradiation of head and neck cancer-disease control and morbidity outcomes

PURPOSE

Institutional and cooperative group experience has demonstrated the feasibility of reirradiation for head and neck cancer. Limited data are available regarding the use of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for this indication. We reviewed our initial experience using IMRT for previously irradiated head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Records of 78 consecutive patients reirradiated with IMRT for head and neck cancer between 1999 and 2004 were reviewed; 74 cases were analyzed. Reirradiation was defined as any overlap between original and new radiation treatment volumes regardless of the time interval between initial and subsequent treatment. Severe reirradiation-related toxicity was defined as toxic events resulting in hospitalization, corrective surgery, or patient death. Longitudinal estimates of survival were calculated by Kaplan-Meier technique.

RESULTS

Twenty (27%) patients underwent salvage surgical resection and 36 (49%) patients received chemotherapy. Median follow-up from reirradiation was 25 months. Median time interval between initial radiation and reirradiation was 46 months. Median reirradiation dose was 60 Gy. Median lifetime radiation dose was 116.1 Gy. The 2-year overall survival and locoregional control rates were 58% and 64%, respectively. Severe reirradiation related toxicity occurred in 15 patients (20%); one treatment-related death was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IMRT for reirradiation of recurrent or second primary head and neck cancers resulted in encouraging local control and survival. Reirradiation-related morbidity was significant, but may be less severe than previously published reports using conventional techniques.

Recurrent salivary gland carcinomas treated by surgery with or without intraoperative radiation therapy

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment for patients with locally recurrent carcinomas of the salivary glands is unclear.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients underwent salvage surgery for locally recurrent salivary gland carcinomas. Eighty-one (82%) had previously received radiation. Thirty-seven patients (37%) received intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) to a median dose of 15 Gy (range, 12-18 Gy) at the time of salvage.

RESULTS

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimates of local control after salvage surgery were 88%, 75%, and 69%, respectively. A Cox proportional hazard model identified positive margins (0.01) and the omission of IORT (p = .001) as independent predictors of local failure. The 5-year overall survival was 34%. Distant metastasis was the most common site of subsequent failure, occurring in 42% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IORT significantly improves disease control for patients with locally recurrent carcinomas of the salivary glands. The high rate of distant metastasis emphasizes the need for effective systemic therapies.

Preliminary results of pre-radiation neck dissection in head and neck cancer patients undergoing organ preservation treatment

CONCLUSION

Pre-RT ND in patients with HNSCC undergoing organ preservation treatment is safe, advantageous, poses no additional morbidity owing to the elective neck dissection, and may possibly improve survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

Establish the role of pre-radiation neck dissection (pre-RT ND) in patients with head & neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) undergoing organ preservation treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients with histologically confirmed HNSCC in stages III approximately IV with proven regional metastasis were enrolled in the organ preservation approach incorporating pre-RT ND at a tertiary referral center between May 1998 and August 2004. Site matched patients treated with organ preservation intent in the conventional fashion were used as controls. Data were collected for their diagnosis, management, treatment outcome, and follow up.

RESULTS

Disease free survival was significantly better for the pre-RT ND group. There was no significant difference in overall survival, pattern of recurrence, and primary organ preservation rate between the two groups. No significant morbidity owing to neck dissection was noted in patients who underwent neck dissection. Although the delivery of radiation to the primary site was delayed for patients in the pre-RT ND group, it did not influence the major outcomes.

Cytoprotective Agents Used in the Treatment of Patients With Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To provide a review of the literature of commonly prescribed cytoprotective agents used in the treatment of patients with cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Journal articles, research reports, review articles, and web sites.

CONCLUSION

Multiple agents have been theorized to have cytoprotective properties. Significant evidence exists supporting the use of some cytoprotective agents approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More research is needed to determine the efficacy of new cytoprotective agents and expanded indications for those agents currently used.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Knowledge of the indications for and side effect profiles of cytoprotective agents is a necessary component of oncology nursing care. Familiarity with evidence-based research that supports or refutes the use of FDA-approved cytoprotective agents or alternative agents is helpful when suggesting, prescribing, or administering such agents.

Reirradiation in squamous cell head and neck cancer: recent developments and future directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to highlight the most important developments in the management of recurrent or second primary head and neck carcinoma in previously irradiated areas by reirradiation that have been published in the medical literature in the past year.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research indicates that long-term survival can be achieved in a proportion of patients using more advanced chemo-reirradiation protocols in the primary as well as in postoperative reirradiation setting. Despite the promising results with regard to locoregional tumour control and survival, treatment-related acute and late morbidity remains of major concern.

SUMMARY

As an increasing number of patients currently receive more effective initial treatment regimens, recurrent and second primary tumours in previously irradiated areas nowadays may represent a more radio-resistant population than reported in previous studies. Therefore, full-dose chemo-reirradiation should only be applied in well selected cases.

Potential for dose-escalation and reduction of risk in pancreatic cancer using IMRT optimization with lexicographic ordering and gEUD-based cost functions

Radiotherapy for pancreatic cancer is limited by the tolerance of local organs at risk (OARs) and frequent overlap of the planning target volume (PTV) and OAR volumes. Using lexicographic ordering (LO), a hierarchical optimization technique, with generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) cost functions, we studied the potential of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) to increase the dose to pancreatic tumors and to areas of vascular involvement that preclude surgical resection [surgical boost volume (SBV)]. We compared 15 forward planned three-dimensional conformal (3DCRT) and IMRT treatment plans for locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer. We created IMRT plans optimized using LO with gEUD-based cost functions that account for the contribution of each part of the resulting inhomogeneous dose distribution. LO-IMRT plans allowed substantial PTV dose escalation compared with 3DCRT; median increase from 52 Gy to 66 Gy (a=-5,p<0.005) and median increase from 50 Gy to 59 Gy (a=-15,p<0.005). LO-IMRT also allowed increases to 85 Gy in the SBV, regardless of a value, along with significant dose reductions in OARs. We conclude that LO-IMRT with gEUD cost functions could allow dose escalation in pancreas tumors with concomitant reduction in doses to organs at risk as compared with traditional 3DCRT.

Salvage re-irradiation for recurrent head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

To present a retrospective review of treatment outcomes for recurrent head and neck (HN) cancer patients treated with re-irradiation (re-RT) at a single medical center.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From July 1996-September 2005, 105 patients with recurrent HN cancer underwent re-RT at our institution. Sites included were: the neck (n = 21), nasopharynx (n = 21), paranasal sinus (n = 18), oropharynx (n = 16), oral cavity (n = 9), larynx (n = 10), parotid (n = 6), and hypopharynx (n = 4). The median prior RT dose was 62 Gy. Seventy-five patients received chemotherapy with their re-RT (platinum-based in the majority of cases). The median re-RT dose was 59.4 Gy. In 74 (70%), re-RT utilized intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 35 months, 18 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. The 2-year loco-regional progression-free survival (LRPFS) and overall survival rates were 42% and 37%, respectively. Patients who underwent IMRT, compared to those who did not, had a better 2-year LRPF (52% vs. 20%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, non-nasopharynx and non-IMRT were associated with an increased risk of loco-regional (LR) failure. Patients with LR progression-free disease had better 2-year overall survival vs. those with LR failure (56% vs. 21%, p < 0.001). Acute and late Grade 3-4 toxicities were reported in 23% and 15% of patients. Severe Grade 3-4 late complications were observed in 12 patients, with a median time to development of 6 months after re-RT.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our data, achieving LR control is crucial for improved overall survival in this patient population. The use of IMRT predicted better LR tumor control. Future aggressive efforts in maximizing tumor control in the recurrent setting, including dose escalation with IMRT and improved chemotherapy, are warranted.

Phase I trial of tirapazamine, cisplatin, and concurrent accelerated boost reirradiation in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer

PURPOSE

Reirradiation (re-RT) with concurrent chemotherapy offers a therapeutic option in patients who have locoregional recurrence of head and neck cancer (HNC). The hypoxic cell sensitizer, tirapazamine (TPZ), has demonstrated promising results in first-line therapy for HNC. This phase I trial was designed to test the feasibility of giving TPZ in the re-RT setting.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients with recurrent HNC who received prior radiotherapy (RT) were enrolled and received TPZ (260 mg/m2) and cisplatin (50 mg/m2) Weeks 1, 3, and 5 concurrently with RT (72 Gy, 42 fractions over 6 weeks). TPZ (160 mg/m2) alone was added on Days 1, 3, and 5 of Week 2 (cohort 1) or Weeks 2 and 4 (cohort 2).

RESULTS

Twenty-five subjects were enrolled, 7 and 18 on cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. Significant toxicities included Grade 3 dermatitis (20%) and Grade 3 mucositis (40%). Dose-limiting toxicity was observed on cohort 2 (1 patient with aspiration pneumonia). Four deaths occurred during treatment. Two fatalities occurred after completing therapy as a result of carotid artery rupture. With a minimum and median follow-up of 14 and 24 months, respectively, median overall survival was 14 months with actuarial 1-year and 2-year survival of 56% and 27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Reirradiation with concomitant chemotherapy including TPZ in patients with unresectable recurrent HNC is feasible and results in long-term survival in a significant proportion of patients.

Current surgical treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Historically treatment of head and neck cancers involved surgical resection followed by radiation therapy for advanced tumors. Concurrent chemoradiation therapies have shown equal survival to surgical resection with better preservation of function. However, concurrent therapy does entail significant morbidity, and recent advances have been used to minimize that morbidity. Newer tumor specific medical therapies are anticipated to be less toxic while maintaining a high degree of efficacy. For resectable cancer, transoral laser microsurgery is a new trend in surgery for complete resection of tumors with preservation of function. Advanced reconstructive techniques that allow free transfer of soft tissue and bone from all over the body improve the functional and aesthetic outcomes following major ablative surgery. With successful surgical reconstruction, dental and prosthetic rehabilitation choices are enhanced. Advances in rehabilitation of speech following removal of the larynx have improved the quality of life post-laryngectomy patients. With these newer therapies and methods of reconstruction, each patient needs to be carefully evaluated to maximize the possibility of cure and level of function, and minimize the morbidity associated with treatment. Combined chemotherapy and radiation protocols are associated with increased acute and chronic toxicities that may affect the quality of life due to the impact upon oral disease and oral function. Oral care providers must be aware of advances in cancer management and implications for patient care to effectively care for these patients.

Intraoperative radiation therapy for recurrent head-and-neck cancer: the UCSF experience

PURPOSE

To review a single-institutional experience with the use of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for recurrent head-and-neck cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1991 and 2004, 137 patients were treated with gross total resection and IORT for recurrence or persistence of locoregional cancer of the head and neck. One hundred and thirteen patients (83%) had previously received external beam radiation as a component of definitive therapy. Ninety-four patients (69%) had squamous cell histology. Final surgical margins were microscopically positive in 56 patients (41%). IORT was delivered using either a modified linear accelerator or a mobile electron unit and was administered as a single fraction to a median dose of 15 Gy (range, 10-18 Gy). Median follow-up among surviving patients was 41 months (range, 3-122 months).

RESULTS

The 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year estimates of in-field control after salvage surgery and IORT were 70%, 64%, and 61%, respectively. Positive margins at the time of IORT predicted for in-field failure (p = 0.001). The 3-year rates of locoregional control, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival were 51%, 46%, and 36%, respectively. There were no perioperative fatalities. Complications included wound infection (4 patients), orocutaneous fistula (2 patients), flap necrosis (1 patient), trismus (1 patient), and neuropathy (1 patient).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative RT results in effective disease control with acceptable toxicity and should be considered for selected patients with recurrent or persistent cancers of the head and neck.

Re-irradiation in the management of isolated neck recurrences: Current status and recommendations

Recent times have witnessed significant improvements in outcome for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Nevertheless, the major pattern of failure continues to remain loco-regional. Isolated neck recurrence, although uncommon, occurs in 5-7% of patients after radical treatment. The options for this subgroup are somewhat limited and are often guided by empiricism rather than evidence. This review attempts to systematically analyze the therapeutic options for patients with isolated neck recurrence following radical treatment for the primary and draining cervical lymph nodes, with a special emphasis on re-irradiation. Salvage neck dissection offers the best chance of cure to patients with resectable neck recurrences. The perceived increased risk of complications of re-irradiation following previous curative dose irradiation has precluded optimal evaluation of its potential in this setting. Post-operative adjuvant re-irradiation should be based on histo-pathological findings of the salvage surgery. Re-irradiation with or without chemotherapy may be considered for unresectable neck recurrences. The role of chemotherapy continues to evolve and is presently not optimally defined. There is lack of high-quality evidence pertinent to salvage therapy leading to vast variations in practice. More patients with recurrent disease should be enrolled onto prospective clinical trials with relevant and meaningful endpoints.

Locally Recurrent, Previously Irradiated Head and Neck Cancer: Concurrent Re-Irradiation and Chemotherapy, or Chemotherapy Alone?

Patients with locally recurrent head and neck cancer previously treated with radiation have a poor prognosis. Administration of a second course of radiation to tissues within a previous radiation portal, has been traditionally considered unsafe. Survival rates of highly selected patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and re-irradiation may be as high as 25% at 2 years—exceeding the outcome of matched historical controls treated with chemotherapy alone (10%). However, many questions exist regarding the use of re-irradiation. Uncertainty exists over the criteria for selecting patients who are most appropriate for treatment with re-irradiation. Even greater concern exists regarding toxicity and functional sequelae associated with the use of re-irradiation. Whether the benefits of re-irradiation on locoregional disease control and survival outweigh its potentially severe and life-threatening adverse effects is not clear. In this review, we will discuss re-irradiation and other treatment options for squamous cell carcinoma patients with previously irradiated, locoregional recurrent or second primary tumors in the head and neck, and describe a recently initiated randomized trial comparing chemotherapy plus re-irradiation with chemotherapy.

Perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (PHDRB) in previously irradiated head and neck cancer: Initial results of a Phase I/II reirradiation study

BACKGROUND

This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of salvage surgery and perioperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (PHDRB) at the dose/fractionation schedule proposed in patients with previously irradiated, recurrent head and neck cancer or second primary tumors arising in a previously irradiated field.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty-five patients were treated with surgical resection and PHDRB. The PHDRB dose was 4 Gy b.i.d. x 8 (32 Gy) for R0 resections and 4 Gy b.i.d. x 10 (40 Gy) for R1 resections. Further external beam radiotherapy or chemotherapy was not given.

RESULTS

Resections were categorized as R0 (negative margins of at least 10 mm) in 3 patients (12.0%) and R1 (negative margins of less than 10 mm or microscopically positive margins) in 22 (88.0%). Twelve patients with R1 resections had microscopically positive margins (48%), and 10 patients had close margins (40%), with a median of 2.0 mm. Ten patients (40.0%) developed Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Grade 3 or greater toxicity. Seven patients (28%) presented complications requiring a major surgical procedure. Four of these complications appeared in the immediate postoperative period and were surgical in nature (flap failure, n = 2; fistula, n = 2), and the other three were mainly related to the brachytherapy procedure (n = 2) or the radiation dose delivered (n = 1). One patient died on postoperative day 11 due to bleeding. After a median followup of 14 months, the 4-year local control rate and overall survival were 85.6% and 46.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical salvage and PHDRB at the dose/fractionation proposed are feasible in this high-risk population. Toxicity is high, but not substantially different from other reirradiation series. Four-year local control results are encouraging taking into account that 22 of 25 patients (88%) had either close or microscopically positive margins.

Long-term outcome of concurrent chemotherapy and reirradiation for recurrent and second primary head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

To define favorable pretreatment characteristics for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control, and freedom from distant metastasis for patients with recurrent and second primary head-and-neck cancer treated with concomitant chemotherapy and reirradiation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Our study population comprised a subset of 115 previously irradiated patients without overt metastases from 304 poor-prognosis head-and-neck cancer patients treated in seven consecutive phase I-II protocols. Of the 115 patients, 49, who had undergone surgical resection, were treated with a median of four cycles of concurrent chemotherapy and reirradiation and 66, who had not undergone surgical resection, were treated with a median of five cycles. The following regimens were used: 5-fluorouracil and hydroxyurea concurrent with reirradiation (FHX) (n=14), cisplatin plus FHX (n=23), paclitaxel plus FHX (n=42), gemcitabine plus paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil concurrent with reirradiation (n=26), and irinotecan plus FHX (n=10).

RESULTS

The median lifetime radiation dose was 131 Gy. The median follow-up for surviving patients was 67.4 months (range, 18.5-158.7). The median OS and PFS was 11 and 7 months (range, 0.2-158.7), respectively. The 3-year OS, PFS, locoregional control, and freedom from distant metastasis rate was 22%, 33%, 51%, and 61%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified reirradiation dose, triple agent (cisplatin-, paclitaxel-, or gemcitabine-containing chemotherapy), and surgery before protocol treatment as independently prognostic for OS, PFS, and locoregional control. Triple-agent chemotherapy was prognostic for freedom from distant metastasis. Nineteen patients died of treatment-related toxicity, five of these of carotid hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

For recurrent and second primary head-and-neck cancer, trimodality therapy with surgery, concurrent chemotherapy, and reirradiation for a full second dose offers potential for long-term survival. Owing to the substantial toxicity and lack of an optimal regimen, reirradiation of recurrent head-and-neck cancer should be limited to clinical trials.

Twice-daily reirradiation for recurrent and second primary head-and-neck cancer with gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy

PURPOSE

We previously demonstrated the efficacy of concurrent gemcitabine, paclitaxel, and 5-fluorouracil in conjunction with twice-daily (1.5-Gy) radiotherapy delivered on alternating weeks (TFGX(2)) in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer. Here, we report the clinical outcome and late toxicity of TFGX(2) in a subset of patients previously irradiated to the head and neck.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty-nine previously irradiated patients, presenting with recurrent or second primary head-and-neck cancer, underwent TFGX(2). Twelve patients underwent attempted surgical resection before chemoradiotherapy, 10 of whom were left with no measurable disease. Patients with measurable disease received a median radiation dose of 72 Gy; those with no measurable disease received a median dose of 61 Gy. The cumulative dose ranged from 74.4 to 156.4 Gy (mean, 125.7 Gy; median, 131.0 Gy).

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 19.1 months (50.9 months for living patients). The 5-year overall survival rate was 34.5%, and the locoregional control rate was 54.5%. In patients with measurable disease at treatment, the 5-year overall survival and locoregional control rate was 26.3% and 45.1%, respectively, compared with 50.0% (p = 0.14) and 70% (p = 0.31), respectively, for those with no measurable disease. Measurable disease and radiation dose were highly statistically significant for overall survival and locoregional control on multivariate analysis. Of 14 patients assessable for late toxicity, 3 developed Grade 4-5, 8 Grade 2-3, and 3 Grade 0-1 toxicity.

CONCLUSION

Aggressive reirradiation with chemotherapy in locally advanced head-and-neck cancer provides a chance for long-term cure at the expense of toxicity. Attempted surgical resection before chemoradiotherapy improved disease control and survival.

Expression of bone morphogenic protein 2/4, transforming growth factor-β1, and bone matrix protein expression in healing area between vascular tibia grafts and irradiated bone—experimental model of osteonecrosis

PURPOSE

For the surgical treatment of osteoradionecrosis after multimodal therapy of head-and-neck cancers, free vascular bone grafts are used to reconstruct osseous structures in the previously irradiated graft bed. Reduced, or even absent osseous healing in the transition area between the vascular graft and the irradiated graft bed represents a clinical problem. Inflammatory changes and fibrosis lead to delayed healing, triggered by bone morphogentic protein 2/4 (BMP2/4) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1). Given the well-known fibrosis-inducing activity of TGF-beta(1), an osteoinductive effect has been reported for BMP2/4. However, the influence of irradiation (RT) on this cytokine expression remains elusive. Therefore, the aim of the present in vivo study was to analyze the expression of BMP2/4, TGF-beta(1), collagen I, and osteocalcin in the transition area between the bone graft and the graft bed after RT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Twenty Wistar rats (male, weight 300-500 g) were used in this study. A free vascular tibia graft was removed in all rats and maintained pedicled in the groin region. Ten rats underwent RT with 5 x 10 Gy to the right tibia, the remainder served as controls. After 4 weeks, the previously removed tibia grafts were regrafted into the irradiated (Group 1) and nonirradiated (Group 2) graft beds. The interval between RT and grafting was 4 weeks. After a 4-week osseous healing period, the bone grafts were removed, and the transition area between the nonirradiated graft and the irradiated osseous graft bed was examined histomorphometrically (National Institutes of Health imaging program) and immunohistochemically (avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex) for the expression of BMP2/4, TGF-beta(1), collagen I, and osteocalcin.

RESULTS

Absent or incomplete osseous healing of the graft was found in 9 of 10 rats after RT with 50 Gy and in 1 of 10 of the rats with nonirradiated osseous grafts. Histomorphometrically, the proportion of osseous healing in the transition area was 17% in Group 1 and 48% in Group 2 (p = 0.001). Compared with the nonirradiated rats, reduced enchondral and perichondral ossification was found in the healing area after RT, with a reduction of BMP2/4 and osteocalcin expression. TGF-beta(1) and collagen I expression in the transition area to the irradiated osseous graft bed was significantly increased compared with that in the nonirradiated osseous graft bed.

CONCLUSION

After RT, osseous healing of vascular bone grafts is significantly reduced and may be a result of radiation-induced inhibition of BMP2/4 and osteocalcin expression. In addition, induction of TGF-beta(1) and collagen I expression occurs. Because the effects of the TGF-beta superfamily are manifold and partially unknown, additional research directions could be in the exogenous application of BMP2/4 and inhibition of TGF-beta(1) by antibody treatment to search for appropriate therapeutic approaches for improving osseous healing in the irradiated graft bed.