Reirradiation with cetuximab in locoregional recurrent and inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: feasibility and first efficacy results

Advancements of radiotherapy for recurrent head and neck cancer in modern era

Head and neck cancer is a kind of cancer which can be eradicated from radical radiation therapy. However, with best efforts, nearly 40% patients will experience locoregional recurrence. Locoregional recurrence is the main cause of cancer-related death in head and neck cancers, so local treatments play a key role in improving progression free survival. In the last decades, radiation techniques have been tremendously developed, highly conformal radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, brachytherapy and proton or heavy ion radiation therapy have their unique radiobiological advances. Although reirradiation is widely used in clinical practice, but little is known when comparing the different techniques. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of reirradiation in recurrent head and neck cancers including radiation techniques, patient selection, overall clinical benefits, and toxicities.

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.

A Prospective Real-World Multi-Center Study to Evaluate Progression-Free and Overall Survival of Radiotherapy with Cetuximab and Platinum-Based Chemotherapy with Cetuximab in Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

Simple Summary

Despite recent developments in immune checkpoint inhibitors, the treatment of locoregionally recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) remains challenging. Prospective data comparing re-irradiation with systemic treatment are not available. The SOCCER trial represents a prospective non-interventional multicenter trial that enrolled patients with locoregionally recurrent HNSCC treated with cetuximab in combination with re-radiotherapy or chemotherapy. A total of 192 patients were analyzed. Radiotherapy combined with cetuximab had superior progression-free and overall survival compared to chemotherapy with cetuximab. This highlights the high efficacy of local re-radiotherapy in combination with cetuximab in patients with locoregionally recurrent HNSCC.

Abstract

Treatment options of locoregional recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) include both local strategies as surgery or re-radiotherapy and systemic therapy. In this prospective, multi-center, non-interventional study, patients were treated either with platinum-based chemotherapy and cetuximab (CT + Cet) or re-radiotherapy and cetuximab (RT + Cet). In the current analysis, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared in patients with locoregional recurrence. Four hundred seventy patients were registered in 97 German centers. After exclusion of patients with distant metastases, a cohort of 192 patients was analyzed (129 CT + Cet, 63 RT + Cet). Radiotherapy was delivered as re-irradiation to 70% of the patients. The mean radiation dose was 51.8 Gy, whereas a radiation dose of ≥60 Gy was delivered in 33% of the patients. Chemotherapy mainly consisted of cisplatin/5-flurouracil (40%) or carboplatin/5-flurouracil (29%). The median PFS was 9.2 months in the RT + Cet group versus 5.1 months in the CT + Cet group (hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.40, 95% CI, 0.27–0.57, p < 0.0001). Median OS was 12.8 months in the RT + Cet group versus 7.9 months in the CT + Cet group (hazard ratio for death, 0.50, 95% CI, 0.33–0.75, p = 0.0008). In conclusion, radiotherapy combined with cetuximab improved survival compared to chemotherapy combined with cetuximab in locally recurrent HNSCC.

Re-irradiation with concurrent and maintenance nivolumab in locally recurrent and inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A single-center cohort study

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Combination of in-field ReRT and nivolumab for locally recurrent HNSCC is feasible.

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No unexpected radiation-related toxicity occurred.

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CRP-, hemoglobin-levels, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were associated with LPFS.

Background

The rate of loco-regional recurrences for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) following standard treatment reaches up to 50%, accompanied by a probability of 20% to develop a second primary tumor in the head and neck region.

Methods

Ten patients with inoperable, in-field recurrence of HNSCC following previous primary or adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in combination with concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy were re-irradiated with 60 Gray in 30 fractions between December 2017 and January 2020 with concurrent and maintenance nivolumab administration. Data were retrospectively collected and compared with patients who underwent re-irradiation (ReRT) with concurrent cisplatin following propensity score matching (PSM). Local progression-free survival (LPFS) and overall survival (OS) were visualized using Kaplan-Meier method (log-rank test).

Results

All patients completed ReRT. Median number of applied courses of nivolumab was 12 (range, 3–38). OS rate was 50% at 12 months and the median OS was 11 (range, 2–23) months. Six and 12 month LPFS rates were 60% and 30%, respectively. Median LPFS was 8 (range, 2–19) months. OS and LPFS rates were not inferior to those of patients treated with concurrent cisplatin. No unexpected radiation-related toxicity occurred. A total of four patients developed any-grade immune-related adverse events of which two presented with grade 3 toxicities. One patient died within 3 weeks after ReRT. Higher blood levels of CRP (p = 0.004), lower levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.029) and higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.004) were associated with impaired LPFS. Higher recursive portioning analysis (RPA) class was associated with impaired LPFS (p = 0.022) and OS (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

The combination of ReRT and nivolumab for locally recurrent HNSCC was feasible without occurrence of unexpected toxicities. Combined radioimmunotherapy might offer an effective treatment option for carefully selected pre-irradiated patients ineligible for salvage surgery.

Efficacy and toxicity of re-irradiation for esophageal cancer patients with locoregional recurrence: a retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

There is no standard treatment for locoregional recurrent (LR) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) previously. This retrospective study aimed to examine the efficacy and toxicity of re-irradiation (re-RT) for ESCC patients with LR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 252 patients were enrolled. Gross tumor volumes for re-RT were defined using contrast enhanced computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Overall survival (OS), after recurrence survival (ARS) and toxicities were assessed.

RESULTS

Through a median follow-up of 38 months, the median OS and ARS were 39.0 and 13.0 months, respectively. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month ARS rates were 81.9%, 50.5%, and 21.8%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that chemotherapy, esophageal stenosis and recurrence-free interval (RFI) may be independent prognostic factors for ARS. The incidence of esophageal fistula/perforation (EP), radiation-induced pneumonitis and esophagorrhagia was 21.4%, 12.8% and 9.1%, respectively. RFI ≤ 12 months, esophageal stenosis and fat space between tumor and adjacent tissue disappeared were independent risk factors for the development of EP after re-RT.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-RT was feasible for LR ESCC patients after RT initially, the complication occurred in re-RT is acceptable. Patients with RFI ≤ 12 months, esophageal stenosis and fat space between tumor and adjacent tissue disappeared should be closely observed during and after re-RT.

The value of moderate dose escalation for re-irradiation of recurrent or second primary head-and-neck cancer

Background

Treatment for local and locoregional recurrence or second head-and-neck (H&N) cancers after previous radiotherapy is challenging, and re-irradiation carries a significantly increased risk for radiotherapy-related normal tissue toxicities and treatment failure due to a radioresistant tumor phenotype. Here, we analyzed re-irradiation management and outcomes in patients with recurrent or second primary H&N carcinoma using state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures and radiotherapy techniques.

Methods

Between 2010 and 2019, 48 patients with recurrent or second primary H&N carcinoma received re-radiotherapy at the University of Freiburg Medical Center and were included in this study. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate Cox-regression analyses were performed to assess the effects of clinico-pathological factors on treatment outcomes. Acute and chronic treatment-related toxicities were quantified using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v4.03).

Results

Thirty-one patients (64.6%) received definitive and 17 (35.4%) adjuvant radiotherapy. Simultaneous chemotherapy was administered in 28 patients (58.3%) with cetuximab as the most commonly used systemic agent (n = 17, 60.7%). After a median time of 17 months (range 4 months to 176 months) between first and second radiotherapy, patients were re-irradiated with a median of 58.4 Gy and a treatment completion rate of 87.5% (n = 42). Median OS was 25 months with a 1-year OS amounting to 62.4%, and median PFS was 9 months with a 1-year PFS of 37.6%. Univariate analyses demonstrated that both a lower rT-status and a radiotherapy boost were associated with improved OS (p < 0.05). There was a trend towards superior OS for patients who received > 50 Gy (p = 0.091) and who completed the prescribed radiotherapy (p = 0.055). Five patients (10.4%) suffered from at least one grade 3 toxicities, while 9 patients (27.3%) experienced chronic higher-grade toxicities (≥ grade 3) with one (3.0%) grade 4 carotid blowout and one (3.0%) grade 4 osteoradionecrosis.

Conclusion

Re-irradiation of recurrent or second primary H&N cancer with modern radiation techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy resulted in promising survival rates with acceptable toxicities compared to historical cohorts. Increased re-irradiation doses, utilization of a radiotherapy boost and completion of the re-irradiation treatment were found to result in improved survival.

Final results of a multi-institutional phase II trial of reirradiation with concurrent weekly cisplatin and cetuximab for recurrent or second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Background

The optimal regimen of chemotherapy and reirradiation (re-XRT) for recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is controversial. We report the final outcomes of a multicenter phase II trial evaluating cetuximab and cisplatin-based chemotherapy concurrent with re-XRT for patients with recurrent HNSCC.

Materials and methods

Patients with unresectable recurrent disease or positive margins after salvage surgery arising within a previously irradiated field with KPS ≥ 70 were eligible for this trial. Cetuximab 400 mg/m2 was delivered as a loading dose in week 1 followed by weekly cetuximab 250 mg/m2 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2 concurrent with 6 weeks of intensity-modulated radiotherapy to a dose of 60-66 Gy in 30 daily fractions. Patients who previously received both concurrent cetuximab and cisplatin with radiation or who received radiotherapy less than 6 months prior were ineligible.

Results

From 2009 to 2013, 48 patients enrolled on this trial, 2 did not receive any protocol treatment. Of the remaining 46 patients, 34 were male and 12 female, with a median age of 62 years (range 36-85). Treatment was feasible and only 1 patient did not complete the treatment course. Common grade 3 or higher acute toxicities were lymphopenia (46%), pain (22%), dysphagia (13%), radiation dermatitis (13%), mucositis (11%) and anorexia (11%). There were no grade 5 acute toxicities. Eight grade 3 late toxicities were observed, four of which were swallowing related. With a median follow-up of 1.38 years, the 1-year overall survival (OS) was 60.4% and 1-year recurrence-free survival was 34.1%. On univariate analysis, OS was significantly improved with young age (P = 0.01). OS was not associated with radiation dose, surgery before re-XRT or interval from prior XRT.

Conclusions

Concurrent cisplatin and cetuximab with re-XRT is feasible and offers good treatment outcomes for patients with high-risk features. Younger patients had significantly improved OS.

ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier

NCT00833261.

Long-term outcome of re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer: A multi-institutional study of AIRO-Head and Neck working group

BACKGROUND

To report the long-term outcome of patients undergoing re-irradiation (re-RT) for a recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer (RSPHNCs) in seven Italian tertiary centers, while testing the Multi-Institution Reirradation (MIRI) recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) recently published.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 159 patients. Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) selected by a random forest model were included in a multivariable Cox analysis. To externally validate MIRI RPA, we estimated the Kaplan-Meier group-stratified OS curves for the whole population.

RESULTS

Five-year OS was 43.5% (median follow-up: 49.9 months). Nasopharyngeal site, no organ dysfunction, and re-RT volume <36 cm³ were independent factors for better OS. By applying the MIRI RPA to our cohort, a Harrell C-Index of 0.526 was found indicating poor discriminative ability.

CONCLUSION

Our data reinforce the survival benefit of Re-RT for selected patients with RSPHNC. MIRI RPA was not validated in our population.

Modern radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Radiation therapy (RT) plays a key role in curative-intent treatments for head and neck cancers. Its use is indicated as a sole therapy in early stage tumors or in combination with surgery or concurrent chemotherapy in advanced stages. Recent technologic advances have resulted in both improved oncologic results and expansion of the indications for RT in clinical practice. Despite this, RT administered to the head and neck region is still burdened by a high rate of acute and late side effects. Moreover, about 50% of patients with high-risk disease experience loco-regional recurrence within 3 years of follow-up. Therefore, in recent decades, efforts have been dedicated to optimize the cost/benefit ratio of RT in this subset of patients. The aim of the present review was to highlight modern concepts of RT for head and neck cancers considering both the technological advances that have been achieved and recent knowledge that has informed the biological interaction between radiation and both tumor and healthy tissues.

Targeted Therapies and Immune-Checkpoint Inhibition in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand Today and Where to Go?

With an increased understanding of the tumor biology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), targeted therapies have found their way into the clinical treatment routines against this entity. Nevertheless, to date platinum-based cytostatic agents remain the first line choice and targeting the epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) with combined cetuximab and radiation therapy remains the only targeted therapy approved in the curative setting. Investigation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, resulted in a change of paradigms in oncology and in the first approval of new drugs for treating SCCHN. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab, two anti-PD-1 antibodies, were the first agents shown to improve overall survival for patients with metastatic/recurrent tumors in recent years. Currently, several clinical trials investigate the role of ICI in different therapeutic settings. A robust set of biomarkers will be an inevitable tool for future individualized treatment approaches including radiation dose de-escalation and escalation strategies. This review aims to summarize achieved goals, the current status and future perspectives regarding targeted therapies and ICI in the management of SCCHN.

A feasibility study on adaptive 18F-FDG-PET-guided radiotherapy for recurrent and second primary head and neck cancer in the previously irradiated territory

PURPOSE

To evaluate feasibility, disease control, survival, and toxicity after adaptive ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emisson tomography (PET) guided radiotherapy in patients with recurrent and second primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

A prospective trial investigated the feasibility of adaptive intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) ± concomitant cetuximab in 10 patients. The primary endpoint was achieving a 2-year survival free of grade >3 toxicity in ≥30% of patients. Three treatment plans based on 3 PET/CT scans were consecutively delivered in 6 weeks. The range of dose painting was 66.0-85.0 Gy in the dose-painted tumoral volumes in 30 fractions.

RESULTS

Two-year locoregional and distant control rates were 38 and 76%, respectively. Overall and disease-free survival at 2 years was 20%. No grade 4 or 5 acute toxicity was observed in any of the patients, except for arterial mucosal hemorrhage in 1 patient. Three months after radiotherapy, grade 4 dysphagia and mucosal wound healing problems were observed in 1/7 and 1/6 of patients, respectively. Grade 5 toxicity (fatal bleeding) was seen in 2 patients, at 3.8 and 4.1 months of follow-up. Data on 2‑year toxicity could only be assessed in 1 of the 2 surviving patients, in whom grade 4 mucosal wound healing problems were observed; no other grade >3 toxicity was observed. In this respect, a 30% 2‑year survival free of grade >3 toxicity will not be achieved.

CONCLUSIONS

Adaptive PET-guided reirradiation is feasible. However, due to slow accrual and treatment results that seemed inconsistent with achieving the primary endpoint, the trial was stopped early.

Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: The Current Role of Cetuximab

We review clinical trials of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to address the current and potential uses of cetuximab (CTX). PubMed was reviewed to identify papers published between 2010 and 2016. The search terms used were "cetuximab" and "head and neck cancer." A total of 634 articles were identified. Phase II or III studies with CTX in patients with advanced SCCHN without treatment or with recurrent/metastatic tumors were selected. Forty-six registries were obtained. Information was critically reviewed and relevant information presented. As definitive treatment of advanced squamous cells carcinomas and as palliative treatment of recurrent/metastatic disease, CTX alone or associated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy is an alternative to chemoradiotherapy because of its distinct and favorable toxicity profile.

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.

A retrospective study of head and neck re-irradiation for patients with recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer: the McGill University experience

Background

We report our experience with patients who received re-irradiation to the head and neck area for locoregional recurrences (LRR) or second primaries (SP) in a previously irradiated field.

Methods

We reviewed 27 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of LRR or SP head and neck carcinoma treated with a second course of radiotherapy between April 2004 and July 2012. The main outcome measures were local control, overall survival, and complications. The results are expressed as actuarial values using the Kaplan–Meier estimates.

Results

The median follow-up time was 24.7 months (range: 11 days–79.3 months). There were 23 males and four females with a median age of 61 years (range: 40–87 years). The actuarial overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 77, 59, and 57 %, respectively. The actuarial local control rate was 80, 52, and 52 % at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Three patients developed systemic metastases. The rate of grade 3 toxicity was 26 %, and that of grade 4 toxicity was 3 %. There were two treatment-related deaths (grade 5 toxicity).

Conclusions

Continuous course re-irradiation in patients with LRR or SP head and neck cancer is feasible with acceptable toxicity. With current encouraging rates of local control and overall survival, this option should be discussed with patients who have few alternative therapeutic options.

Reirradiation in Head and Neck Recurrent or Second Primary Tumor: Efficacy, Safety, and Prognostic Factors

Aims and background

We investigated efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of reirradiation in patients with recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer.

Methods

Records of 75 consecutive patients treated with reirradiation between August 2005 and December 2013 were reviewed.

Results

Median overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were 29.5 and 33.6 months. Median local control (LC) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 21.7 and 16.2 months. Univariate analysis showed that patients younger than 70 years, with a Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) >90 or with 2 or less comorbidities at time of reirradiation, have a better OS; KPS >90 and biological equivalent dose (BED) >72 Gy positively influenced the PFS. At multivariate analysis, KPS at reirradiation was an independent predictive factor for OS, while BED was an independent predictive factor for CSS and OS. At univariate analysis, patients with planning target volume (PTV) >221 mL had worse LC and PFS rates, with results confirmed at multivariate analysis. The rate of fatal treatment-related adverse events was 6.7% (3 carotid blowout, 1 soft tissue necrosis, and 1 thromboembolic event).

Conclusions

This study confirms the role and outcomes of reirradiation. A careful selection of patients could minimize acute and late side effects and influence survival: elderly patients, with significant medical comorbidities or poor KPS, are worse candidate for reirradiation. Total dose delivered with reirradiation and PTV appear to be other potential prognostic factors. Further studies of dose escalation are needed to establish the total dose that could achieve better LC rates with a safer toxicity profile.

Re-irradiation with cetuximab or cisplatin-based chemotherapy for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

PURPOSE

Locoregional recurrence remains the main pattern of failure after primary combined modality treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We compared the efficacy and toxicity of either cisplatin or cetuximab in combination with re-irradiation (ReRT) for recurrent unresectable SCCHN. Various clinicopathological factors were investigated to establish a prognostic score.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2007 and 2014, 66 patients with recurrent SCCHN originating in a previously irradiated area received cetuximab (n = 33) or cisplatin-based chemotherapy (n = 33) concomitant with ReRT. Toxicity was evaluated weekly and at every follow-up visit. Physical examination, endoscopy, CT or MRI scans were used to evaluate response and disease control.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up of 18.3 months, the 1-year overall survival (OS) rates for Re-RT with cetuximab and cisplatin-based chemotherapy were 44.4 and 45.5% (p = 0.352), respectively. At 1 year, local control rates (LCR) were 46.4 and 54.2% (p = 0.625), freedom from metastases (FFM) rates 73.6 and 81% (p = 0.842), respectively. Haematological toxicity ≥ grade 3 occurred more often in the cisplatin group (p < 0.001), pain ≥ grade 3 was increased in the cetuximab group (p = 0.034). A physiological haemoglobin level and a longer interval between primary RT and ReRT, proved to be significant prognostic factors for OS (multivariate: p = 0.003, p = 0.002, respectively). Site of the recurrence and gross target volume (GTV) did not show a significant impact on OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.160, p = 0.167, respectively). A prognostic-score (1-4 points) based on these four variables identified significantly different subgroups: 1-year OS for 0/1/2/3/4 prognostic points: 10, 38, 76, 80 and 100%, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both cetuximab- and cisplatin-based ReRT of SCCHN recurrences are feasible and effective treatment options with comparable results in terms of tumour control and survival. Acute adverse events may differ slightly. Our prognostic score could help to identify appropriate patients for ReRT and stratify patients within future clinical trials.

A prospective phase 2 trial of reirradiation with stereotactic body radiation therapy plus cetuximab in patients with previously irradiated recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

PURPOSE

Salvage options for unresectable locally recurrent, previously irradiated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (rSCCHN) are limited. Although the addition of reirradiation may improve outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone, significant toxicities limit salvage reirradiation strategies, leading to suboptimal outcomes. We therefore designed a phase 2 protocol to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) plus cetuximab for rSCCHN.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From July 2007 to March 2013, 50 patients >18 years of age with inoperable locoregionally confined rSCCHN within a previously irradiated field receiving ≥60 Gy, with a Zubrod performance status of 0 to 2, and normal hepatic and renal function were enrolled. Patients received concurrent cetuximab (400 mg/m(2) on day -7 and then 250 mg/m(2) on days 0 and +8) plus SBRT (40-44 Gy in 5 fractions on alternating days over 1-2 weeks). Primary endpoints were 1-year locoregional progression-free survival and National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0 graded toxicity.

RESULTS

Median follow-up for surviving patients was 18 months (range: 10-70). The 1-year local PFS rate was 60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44%-75%), locoregional PFS was 37% (95% CI: 23%-53%), distant PFS was 71% (95% CI: 54%-85%), and PFS was 33% (95% CI: 20%-49%). The median overall survival was 10 months (95% CI: 7-16), with a 1-year overall survival of 40% (95% CI: 26%-54%). At last follow-up, 69% died of disease, 4% died with disease, 15% died without progression, 10% were alive without progression, and 2% were alive with progression. Acute and late grade 3 toxicity was observed in 6% of patients respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

SBRT with concurrent cetuximab appears to be a safe salvage treatment for rSCCHN of short overall treatment time.

Re-irradiation in head and neck cancers: an Indian tertiary cancer centre experience

Objective:

To explore the treatment outcomes of patients treated with re-irradiation for recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer.

Method:

An analysis was performed of 79 head and neck cancer patients who underwent re-irradiation for second primaries or recurrent disease from January 1999 to December 2011.

Results:

Median time from previous radiation to re-irradiation for second primary or recurrence was 53.6 months (range, 2.7–454.7 months). Median age at diagnosis of first primary was 54 years. Median re-irradiation dose was 45 Gy (range, 45–60 Gy). Acute grade 3 or worse toxicity was seen in 30 per cent of patients. Median progression-free survival for recurrent disease was 15.0 months (95 per cent confidence interval, 8.33–21.66). The following factors had a statistically significant, positive impact on progression-free survival: patient age of less than 50 years (median progression-free survival was 29.43, vs 13.9 months for those aged 50 years or older; p = 0.004) and disease-free interval of 2 years or more (median progression-free survival was 51.66, vs 13.9 months for those with less than 2 years disease-free interval).

Conclusion:

Re-irradiation of second primaries or recurrences of head and neck cancers with moderate radiation doses yields acceptable progression-free survival and morbidity rates.

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.

[Reirradiations of head and neck cancers: state of the concept and ways of development]

The treatment of local recurrence or second primary developed in irradiated area in the field of head and neck carcinoma, should be planned and organized through multidisciplinary discussions. The outcome of such a clinical situations benefits from second line and advanced technology treatments. Only a few patients are amenable to salvage surgery, hence radiation therapy, combined or not with chemotherapy, takes a major role in these indications. This overview of the literature describes recent development in this field, aiming to improve local control while the sparing of organ at risk remains an important goal. Radiation therapy is currently implementing major new technologies set to improve external beam irradiation with new concepts on dose, fractionation, intensity modulated radiation therapy and stereotactic approach - as well as in brachytherapy. Apart from dedicated studies, the great heterogeneity of the treated patients should be underlined and taken into consideration. However, current data confirm the feasibility of reirradiation with acceptable local control and toxicity.

The role of re-irradiation of secondary and recurrent head and neck carcinomas. Is it a potentially curative treatment? A practical approach

Despite aggressive efforts to cure head and neck cancer patients, including altered fractionation and the addition of chemotherapy to radiation, locoregional recurrence remains a serious issue to face in clinical practice. Indeed, recurrent and second primary tumors occurring in previously irradiated area are common clinical challenge. Whenever possible, patients are advised to undergo salvage surgery. Nevertheless, few patients are suitable candidates for curative resection. In such cases, chemotherapy alone has traditionally been considered, with a poor response rate. It has been questioned whether re-irradiation toxicity outweighs the potential benefits, considering that the median survival of re-irradiated patients marginally exceeds the benefits observed with chemotherapy alone. However, full-dose re-irradiation is a viable treatment option, offering long-term survival for selected patients. Moreover, several prognostic factors should be considered for patients undergoing re-irradiation, such as basic patient characteristics, performance status, the location and extension of recurrent disease, patient co-morbidities, current speech and swallowing function, the interval from the initial radiation therapy to recurrence, previously received doses by critical structures and prior treatment toxicity. Nevertheless, several questions remain unanswered. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the major issues in the field of re-irradiation regarding the current evidence. Therefore, the major selection criteria and new treatment strategies are discussed to define the ideal candidates to undergo re-irradiation and describe a practical approach to these patients. Given the limited evidence in this field, the optimal treatment of recurrent and second primary cancers remains to be defined. Future prospective study of this approach is warranted.

Malignant epithelial tumors: Part II. Therapy and prevention

A multitude of surgical and non-surgical therapies are available to treat malignant epithelial tumors of the skin. The article summarizes the current treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma. Moreover, the possibilities of primary and secondary prevention for high-risk patients are reviewed. The decision about the best therapeutic option depends on location, age, and general health of the patient as well as the risk of tumor recurrence.