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Maddah Safaei A, Esmati E, Gomar M, Akhavan S, Sheikh Hasani S, Malekzadeh Moghani M, Zamani N, Moshtaghi M, Malek M, Jafari F, Sharifian A, Kolahdouzan K. Hypofractionated versus standard chemoradiotherapy in the definitive treatment of uterine cervix cancer: interim results of a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:20. [PMID: 38244105 PMCID: PMC10799776 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Concurrent chemoradiation has been the mainstay of treatment for cervix cancer. We aimed to evaluate the non-inferiority of hypofractionated chemoradiation. METHODS This study was designed as a phase 2, 1:1 randomized, investigator-blinded, controlled, non-inferiority trial and we report the interim results after 50% accrual. Cervical cancer patients with FIGO stages IIA-IIIC were recruited from April 2021 to September 2022. The intervention consisted of 40 Gy of 3D-conformal radiation therapy (RT) in 15 fractions over 3 weeks. In the control group, patients received standard chemoradiation of 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Both groups received concurrent weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2). Intravaginal brachytherapy of 28 Gy in 4 weekly fractions was delivered starting 1 week after the end of chemoradiation. The primary outcome was complete clinical response(CCR) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included acute gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary(GU), skin, and hematologic toxicities. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant for analyses. RESULTS 59 patients were randomized; 30 in the control group and 29 in the intervention group. 20/30 (66.7%) of the patients in the control group and 19/29 (65.5%) in the intervention group achieved a CCR (absolute difference of 0.011, 95% CI - 0.23 to 0.25, p value: 0.13). There was a significantly higher rate of acute grade ≥ 3 GI toxicity in the intervention group (27.6%) compared with the control group (6.7%) (p value 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Despite an absolute difference of 1.1% in the 3-month CCR, our interim analysis failed to show the non-inferiority of the hypofractionated chemoradiation. Due to the higher GI toxicities, we will continue this trial using intensity-modulated radiation therapy. REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04831437, 2021.4.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsane Maddah Safaei
- Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC), Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Esmati
- Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC), Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Gomar
- Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC), Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Akhavan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vali-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrzad Sheikh Hasani
- Department of Oncologic Gynecology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Malekzadeh Moghani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Zamani
- Department of Oncologic Gynecology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahrooz Malek
- Advanced Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Research Center (ADIR), Radiology Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex (IKHC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Jafari
- Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC), Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Sharifian
- Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC), Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kasra Kolahdouzan
- Radiation Oncology Research Center (RORC), Cancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Amjad R, Moldovan N, Raziee H, Leung E, D’Souza D, Mendez LC. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Gynecologic Malignancies-A Peek into the Upcoming Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:362. [PMID: 38254851 PMCID: PMC10814353 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) has a fundamental role in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, including cervical and uterine cancers. Hypofractionated RT has gained popularity in many cancer sites, boosted by technological advances in treatment delivery and image verification. Hypofractionated RT uptake was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and has the potential to improve universal access to radiotherapy worldwide, especially in low-resource settings. This review summarizes the rationale, the current challenges and investigation efforts, together with the recent developments associated with hypofractionated RT in gynecologic malignancies. A comprehensive search was undertaken using multiple databases and ongoing trial registries. In the definitive radiotherapy setting for cervical cancers, there are several ongoing clinical trials from Canada, Mexico, Iran, the Philippines and Thailand investigating the role of a moderate hypofractionated external beam RT regimen in the low-risk locally advanced population. Likewise, there are ongoing ultra and moderate hypofractionated RT trials in the uterine cancer setting. One Canadian prospective trial of stereotactic hypofractionated adjuvant RT for uterine cancer patients suggested a good tolerance to this treatment strategy in the acute setting, with a follow-up trial currently randomizing patients between conventional fractionation and the hypofractionated dose regimen delivered in the former trial. Although not yet ready for prime-time use, hypofractionated RT could be a potential solution to several challenges that limit access to and the utilization of radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Amjad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh 25732, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Nataliya Moldovan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3, Canada
| | - Hamid Raziee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3, Canada
| | - Eric Leung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - David D’Souza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Lucas C. Mendez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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Lee SW, Kim A, Lee SJ, Kim SH, Lee JH. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Uterine Cervical Cancer to Reduce Toxicity and Enhance Efficacy - an Option or a Must?: A Narrative Review. Cancer Res Treat 2024; 56:1-17. [PMID: 37654111 PMCID: PMC10789959 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2023.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a fundamental modality in treatment of cervical cancer. With advancement of technology, conventional RT used for external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for over half a century has been rapidly replaced with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) especially during the last decade. This newer technique is able to differentiate the intensity of radiation within the same field, thus reduces the inevitable exposure of radiation to normal organs and enables better dose delivery to tumors. Recently, the American Society for Radiation Oncology has released a guideline for RT in cervical cancer. Although a section of the guideline recommends IMRT for the purpose of toxicity reduction, a thorough review of the literature is necessary to understand the current status of IMRT in cervical cancer. This narrative review updates the recent high-level evidences regarding the efficacy and toxicity of IMRT and provides a better understanding of the most innovative techniques currently available for EBRT enabled by IMRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sea-Won Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Aeran Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Jong Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
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Kraus RD, Weil CR, Abdel-Wahab M. Benefits of Adopting Hypofractionated Radiotherapy as a Standard of Care in Low-and Middle-Income Countries. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2200215. [PMID: 36525619 PMCID: PMC10166538 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D Kraus
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Christopher R Weil
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - May Abdel-Wahab
- Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
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Bacorro W, Baldivia K, Dumago M, Bojador M, Milo A, Trinidad CM, Mariano J, Gonzalez G, Sy Ortin T. Phase 1/2 trial evaluating the effectiveness and safety of dose-adapted Hypofractionated pelvic radiotherapy for Advanced Cervical cancers INeligible for ChemoTherapy (HYACINCT). Acta Oncol 2022; 61:688-697. [PMID: 35285405 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2022.2048070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) followed by brachytherapy (BRT). The addition of chemotherapy (ChT) to radiotherapy (RT) is associated with a 7.5% improvement in overall survival but with more grade 3-4 acute toxicities (16.4% vs 4.9%, CRT vs RT alone). The risk-benefit ratio could be less favorable in advanced disease with renal dysfunction secondary to tumor-related hydronephrosis; borderline cardiac function; and frail patients. RT alone followed by BRT achieves long-term locoregional control <62%. Hypofractionated RT (HF-RT) using older techniques result in comparable disease control and low late toxicity rates (4-8%). Dose-adapted HF-RT using intensity-modulated RT with nodal simultaneous integrated boost (nSIB) could improve tumor control and toxicity, when ChT is contraindicated. METHODS The HYACINCT study is a two-phase study to determine the effectiveness and safety of HF-RT with nSIB in LACC when ChT is contraindicated. Phase 1 is a dose-escalation study using standard 3 + 3 design, to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for nSIB in combination with pelvic HF-RT (2.67 Gy x 15 fractions). Phase 2 is a single-arm clinical trial using Simon's two-stage design, to assess the efficacy of HF-RT with nSIB in terms of tumor response. Adult women with biopsy-proven, untreated LACC, with contraindication to ChT will be included in this trial. DISCUSSION For the phase 1, the primary endpoint is dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), or any grade ?3 acute or sub-acute toxicity. The dose level at which incidence of DLT is ?33% is defined as the maximum tolerance dose (MTD). For the phase 2, the primary endpoint is complete response at 3 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes are progression-free and overall survival, acute and late toxicity, and patient-reported outcomes (EPIC, EORTCQLQ C30 + CX24, PGIC, PCIS). Trial registration: NCT05210270.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Bacorro
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kathleen Baldivia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
| | - Mark Dumago
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maureen Bojador
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
| | - Abigail Milo
- Department of Radiology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Jocelyn Mariano
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gil Gonzalez
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
| | - Teresa Sy Ortin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Santo Tomas Hospital – Benavides Cancer Institute, Manila, Philippines
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Mendez LC, Raziee H, Davidson M, Velker V, D'Souza D, Barnes E, Leung E. Should we embrace hypofractionated radiotherapy for cervical cancer? A technical note on management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Radiother Oncol 2020; 148:270-273. [PMID: 32474128 PMCID: PMC7255703 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a deadly disease and the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to further impact its lethality. Hypofractionated radiotherapy could mitigate this impact, however robust data in cervical cancer setting still is lacking. Information provided here could help institutions in reducing radiotherapy fractions for cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas C Mendez
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada.
| | - Hamid Raziee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Surrey, Canada
| | | | - Vikram Velker
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - David D'Souza
- Division of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Barnes
- University of Toronto, Department of Radiation Oncology, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Leung
- University of Toronto, Department of Radiation Oncology, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
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Kitchener HC, Hoskins W, Small W, Thomas GM, Trimble EL. The development of priority cervical cancer trials: a Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup report. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2010; 20:1092-100. [PMID: 20683424 DOI: 10.1111/igc.0b013e3181e730aa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the late 1990s, when a spate of US studies reported the benefit of chemoradiation for cervical cancer, there has been a dearth of clinical trials in cervical cancer. This requires to be addressed with urgency because this disease is responsible for a quarter of a million deaths globally each year, mostly in developing countries, but therapeutic advances are required in all health care settings. The Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) is a worldwide collaborative of leading national groups that develops and promotes multinational trials in gynecologic cancer. In recognition of the pressing need for action, the GCIG convened an international meeting with expert representations from most of the GCIG groups and selected large centers in low- and middle-income countries. The focus was to identify consensus on several concepts for clinical trials, which would be developed and promoted by the GCIG and launched with major international participation. The first half of the meeting was devoted to a resume of the current state of the knowledge and identifying the gaps most needing new evidence. The second half of the meeting was concerned with achieving consensus on the way forward. There were 2 principal outcomes. The first was a proposal to establish, under the umbrella of GCIG, a cervical cancer trials network of centers from countries currently outside GCIG (Eastern Europe, India, Thailand, Southern Africa, and South and Central America), which could increase international participation in trials, conducted within the principles of good clinical practice. The second was to identify the priorities for clinical trials. These included additional systemic therapy before or after chemoradiation; less radical surgery for small, early-stage tumors; the use of fewer fractions to improve cost-effectiveness of treatment in centers with limited resources; and chemotherapy to improve resectability of bulky tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Charles Kitchener
- University of Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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