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Dohopolski M, Visak J, Choi B, Meng B, Parsons D, Zhong X, Inam E, Avkshtol V, Moon D, Sher D, Lin MH. In silico evaluation and feasibility of near margin-less head and neck daily adaptive radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2024; 197:110178. [PMID: 38453056 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110178] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explore the potential dosimetric benefits of reducing treatment volumes through daily adaptive radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients using the Ethos system/Intelligent Optimizer Engine (IOE). We hypothesize reducing treatment volumes afforded by daily adaption will significantly reduce the dose to adjacent organs at risk. We also explore the capability of the Ethos IOE to accommodate this highly conformal approach in HNC radiation therapy. METHODS Ten HNC patients from a phase II trial were chosen, and their cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans were uploaded to the adaptive RT (ART) emulator. A new initial reference plan was generated using both a 1 mm and 5 mm planning target volume (PTV) expansion. Daily adaptive ART plans (1 mm) were simulated from the clinical CBCT taken every fifth fraction. Additionally, using physician-modified ART contours the larger 5 mm plan was recalculated on this recontoured on daily anatomy. Changes in target and OAR contours were measured using Dice coefficients as a surrogate of clinician effort. PTV coverage and organ-at-risk (OAR) doses were statistically compared, and the robustness of each ART plan was evaluated at fractions 5 and 35 to observe if OAR doses were within 3 Gy of pre-plan. RESULTS This study involved six patients with oropharynx and four with larynx cancer, totaling 70 adaptive fractions. The primary and nodal gross tumor volumes (GTV) required the most adjustments, with median Dice scores of 0.88 (range: 0.80-0.93) and 0.83 (range: 0.66-0.91), respectively. For the 5th and 35th fraction plans, 80 % of structures met robustness criteria (quartile 1-3: 67-100 % and 70-90 %). Adaptive planning improved median PTV V100% coverage for doses of 70 Gy (96 % vs. 95.6 %), 66.5 Gy (98.5 % vs. 76.5 %), and 63 Gy (98.9 % vs. 74.9 %) (p < 0.03). Implementing ART with total volume reduction yielded median dose reductions of 7-12 Gy to key organs-at-risk (OARs) like submandibular glands, parotids, oral cavity, and constrictors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The IOE enables feasible daily ART treatments with reduced margins while enhancing target coverage and reducing OAR doses for HNC patients. A phase II trial recently finished accrual and forthcoming analysis will determine if these dosimetric improvements correlate with improved patient-reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dohopolski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Justin Visak
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Byongsu Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Lab, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boyu Meng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Parsons
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xinran Zhong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Enobong Inam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Vladimir Avkshtol
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Dominic Moon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David Sher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Mu-Han Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Zukauskaite R, Kristensen MH, Eriksen JG, Johansen J, Samsøe E, Johnsen L, Lønkvist CK, Grau C, Hansen CR. Comparison of 3-year local control using DAHANCA radiotherapy guidelines before and after implementation of five millimetres geometrical GTV to high-dose CTV margin. Radiother Oncol 2024; 196:110284. [PMID: 38636711 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2024.110284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment planning using a five-millimetre geometrical margin from GTV to high-dose CTV (CTV1) has been used in DAHANCA treatment centres since 2013. We aimed to evaluate changes in CTV1 volumes, local control (LC), and recurrence pattern after the implementation of five-millimetre geometrical margins nationally. MATERIALS AND METHODS 1,948 patients with pharyngeal, and laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas completed definitive IMRT-based treatment in 2010-2012 and 2013-2015 in three centres. The patient-specific margin was calculated as median surface distance from primary tumour GTV (GTV-T) to CTV1. Radiologically verified local recurrences were analysed using a centre of mass (COM) of the delineated recurrence volume, measuring the shortest distance between COM to GTV-T and CTV1 boundaries. RESULTS Median GTV-CTV1 was 0.9 (0.0-0.97) and 0.47 cm (0.4-0.5) for 2010-2012 and 2013-2015, respectively. Median CTV1 changed in three centres from 76, 28, 42 cm3 to 61, 53, 62 cm3 for 2010-2012 and 2013-2015, respectively. Local failures occurred at 247 patients during first three years after radiotherapy. The 3-year LC rate for 2010-2012 and 2013-2015 was 0.84 and 0.87 (p = 0.06). Out of 146 radiology-verified analysable local recurrences, 102 (69.9%) were inside the CTV1. In 74.6% and 91% of cases, the LRs were covered by 95% isodose in 2010-2012 and 2013-2015, respectively. CONCLUSION DAHANCA radiotherapy guidelines based on a geometrically generated isotropic CTV1 margin led to less variation in treatment volumes and between centres than previous guidelines. The transition towards consensus GTV-CTV1 margins did not influence local tumour control. The majority of local recurrences were inside CTV1 and covered by the prescription dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Zukauskaite
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | - Jesper Grau Eriksen
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Johansen
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Eva Samsøe
- Department of Oncology, Zealand University Hospital, Næstved, Denmark
| | - Lars Johnsen
- Laboratory of Radiation Physics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Camilla Kjær Lønkvist
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cai Grau
- Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Rønn Hansen
- Laboratory of Radiation Physics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Danish Centre for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Margalit DN, Anker CJ, Aristophanous M, Awan M, Bajaj GK, Bradfield L, Califano J, Caudell JJ, Chapman CH, Garden AS, Harari PM, Helms A, Lin A, Maghami E, Mehra R, Parker L, Shnayder Y, Spencer S, Swiecicki PL, Tsai JC, Sher DJ. Radiation Therapy for HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline. Pract Radiat Oncol 2024:S1879-8500(24)00139-5. [PMID: 39078350 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a distinct disease from other head and neck tumors. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on the critical decisions in its curative treatment, including both definitive and postoperative radiation therapy (RT) management. METHODS ASTRO convened a task force to address 5 key questions on the use of RT for management of HPV-associated OPSCC. These questions included indications for definitive and postoperative RT and chemoradiation; dose-fractionation regimens and treatment volumes; preferred RT techniques and normal tissue considerations; and posttreatment management decisions. The task force did not address indications for primary surgery versus RT. Recommendations were based on a systematic literature review and created using a predefined consensus-building methodology and system for grading evidence quality and recommendation strength. RESULTS Concurrent cisplatin is recommended for patients receiving definitive RT with T3-4 disease and/or 1 node >3 cm, or multiple nodes. For similar patients who are ineligible for cisplatin, concurrent cetuximab, carboplatin/5-fluorouracil, or taxane-based systemic therapy are conditionally recommended. In the postoperative setting, RT with concurrent cisplatin (either schedule) is recommended for positive surgical margins or extranodal extension. Postoperative RT alone is recommended for pT3-4 disease, >2 nodes, or a single node >3 cm. Observation is conditionally recommended for pT1-2 disease and a single node ≤3 cm without other risk factors. For patients treated with definitive RT with concurrent systemic therapy, 7000 cGy in 33 to 35 fractions is recommended, and for patients receiving postoperative RT without positive surgical margins and extranodal extension, 5600 to 6000 cGy is recommended. For all patients receiving RT, intensity modulated RT over 3-dimensional techniques with reduction in dose to critical organs at risk (including salivary and swallowing structures) is recommended. Reassessment with positron emission tomography-computed tomography is recommended approximately 3 months after definitive RT/chemoradiation, and neck dissection is recommended for convincing evidence of residual disease; for equivocal positron emission tomography-computed tomography findings, either neck dissection or repeat imaging is recommended. CONCLUSIONS The role and practice of RT continues to evolve for HPV-associated OPSCC, and these guidelines inform best clinical practice based on the available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N Margalit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham & Women's/Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Christopher J Anker
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Michalis Aristophanous
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Musaddiq Awan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Gopal K Bajaj
- Department of Advanced Radiation Oncology and Proton Therapy, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Lisa Bradfield
- American Society for Radiation Oncology, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Joseph Califano
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego Health, San Diego, California
| | - Jimmy J Caudell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Christina H Chapman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Adam S Garden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Amanda Helms
- American Society for Radiation Oncology, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Alexander Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ellie Maghami
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Maryland Medical School and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Yelizaveta Shnayder
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Sharon Spencer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Paul L Swiecicki
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - David J Sher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Rühle A, Nicolay NH. [Hypoxia-based de-escalation of radiochemotherapy in patients with human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal carcinoma]. Strahlenther Onkol 2024; 200:453-456. [PMID: 38396139 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-024-02215-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rühle
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Stephanstraße 9a, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
- Arbeitsgruppe junge DEGRO der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Radioonkologie e. V. (DEGRO), Berlin, Deutschland.
- Mitteldeutsches Krebszentrum (CCCG), Partnerstandort Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - Nils H Nicolay
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Stephanstraße 9a, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
- Mitteldeutsches Krebszentrum (CCCG), Partnerstandort Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
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De Bruycker A, De Neve W, Daisne JF, Vercauteren T, De Gersem W, Olteanu L, Berwouts D, Deheneffe S, Madani I, Goethals I, Duprez F. Disease Control and Late Toxicity in Adaptive Dose Painting by Numbers Versus Nonadaptive Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Phase 2 Trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00025-7. [PMID: 38387811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Local recurrence remains the main cause of death in stage III-IV nonmetastatic head and neck cancer (HNC), with relapse-prone regions within high 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET)-signal gross tumor volume. We investigated if dose escalation within this subvolume combined with a 3-phase treatment adaptation could increase local (LC) and regional (RC) control at equal or minimized radiation-induced toxicity, by comparing adaptive 18F-FDG-PET voxel intensity-based dose painting by numbers (A-DPBN) with nonadaptive standard intensity modulated radiation therapy (S-IMRT). METHODS AND MATERIALS This 2-center randomized controlled phase 2 trial assigned (1:1) patients to receive A-DPBN or S-IMRT (+/-chemotherapy). Eligibility: nonmetastatic HNC of oral cavity, oro-/hypopharynx, or larynx, needing radio(chemo)therapy; T1-4N0-3 (exception: T1-2N0 glottic); KPS ≥ 70; ≥18 years; and informed consent. PRIMARY OUTCOMES 1-year LC and RC. The dose prescription for A-DPBN was intercurrently adapted in 2 steps to an absolute dose-volume limit (≤1.75 cm3 can receive >84 Gy and normalized isoeffective dose >96 Gy) as a safety measure during the study course after 4/7 A-DPBN patients developed ≥G3 mucosal ulcers. RESULTS Ninety-five patients were randomized (A-DPBN, 47; S-IMRT, 48). Median follow-up was 31 months (IQR, 14-48 months); 29 patients died (17 of cancer progression). A-DPBN resulted in superior LC compared with S-IMRT, with 1- and 2-year LC of 91% and 88% versus 78% and 75%, respectively (hazard ratio, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.13-8.71; P = .021). RC and overall survival were comparable between arms, as was overall grade (G) ≥3 late toxicity (36% vs 20%; P = .1). More ≥G3 late mucosal ulcers were observed in active smokers (29% vs 3%; P = .005) and alcohol users (33% vs 13%; P = .02), independent of treatment arm. Similarly, in the A-DPBN arm, significantly more patients who smoked at diagnosis developed ≥G3 (46% vs 12%; P = .005) and ≥G4 (29% vs 8%; P = .048) mucosal ulcers. One arterial blowout occurred after a G5 mucosal toxicity. CONCLUSIONS A-DPBN resulted in superior 1- and 2-year LC for HNC compared with S-IMRT. This supports further exploration in multicenter phase 3 trials. It will, however, be challenging to recruit a substantial patient sample for such trials, as concerns have arisen regarding the association of late mucosal ulcers when escalating the dose in continuing smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie De Bruycker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Wilfried De Neve
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Daisne
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU-UCL-Namur, Namur, Belgium; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Werner De Gersem
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luiza Olteanu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Berwouts
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, AZ Maria-Middelares, AZ Jan Palfijn, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Deheneffe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Université Catholique de Louvain, CHU-UCL-Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Indira Madani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ingeborg Goethals
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fréderic Duprez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Mao W, Zhang T, Li L, Peng S, Gong H, Li M. Role of primary tumor volume and metastatic lymph node volume in response to curative effect of definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:98. [PMID: 38311769 PMCID: PMC10840279 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01691-0] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown mixed results concerning the role of primary tumor volume (TV) and metastatic lymph node (NV) volume in response to the curative effect of definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC). OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the impact of TV and NV on the efficacy of radical radiotherapy in LAHNSCC patients, with the goal of guiding individualized therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with LAHNSCC who received radical radiation therapy and were reexamined within 6 months post-therapy from January 2012 to December 2021 were selected. The volumes of the primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes were calculated by software and then were divided into a large TV group vs small TV group and a large NV group vs small NV group according to the relationship with the median. Additionally, patients who received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) or not were divided into the CCRT group and the radiotherapy (RT) group. Patients with lymph node metastasis were divided into node concurrent chemotherapy (N-CCRT) group and a node metastatic chemotherapy (N-RT) group according to whether they received concurrent chemotherapy or not. The volume shrinkage rate (VSR), objective response rate (ORR), local control rate (LCR) and overall survival (OS) were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS 96 patients were included in the primary tumor volume group, and 73 patients were included in the metastatic lymph node group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for objective remission (OR) endpoints, and a volume threshold was defined for TV and NV patients. The threshold primary tumor volume was 32.45 cm3, and the threshold metastatic lymph node volume was 6.05 cm3.The primary TV shrinkage rates of the small TV and the large TV groups were basically the same, P = 0.801. Similarly, the ORR and LCR were not significantly different between the small TV group and the large TV group (PORR = 0.118, PLCR = 0.315). Additionally, the TV shrinkage rate did not significantly differ between the CCRT group and the RT group, P = 0.133. Additionally, there was no significant difference in ORR or LCR in CCRT group (PORR = 0.057, PLCR = 0.088). However, the metastatic lymph node volume shrinkage rate in the small NV group was significantly greater than that in the large NV group (P = 0.001). The ORR and LCR of the small NV subgroup were significantly greater than those of the large NV subgroup (PORR = 0.002, PLCR = 0.037). Moreover, compared with that of the N-RT group, the NV shrinkage rate of the N-CCRT group was 84.10 ± s3.11%, and the shrinkage rate was 70.76 ± s5.77% (P = 0.047). For the ORR and LCR, the N-CCRT group and N-RT group were significantly different (PORR = 0.030, PLCR = 0.037). The median OS of the whole group was 26 months. However, neither TV/NV nor concurrent chemotherapy seemed to influence OS. CONCLUSION Primary tumor volume is not a prognostic factor for the response to curative effect radiotherapy in LAHNSCC patients. Nevertheless, metastatic lymph nodes are a prognostic factor for the response to curative effect radiotherapy in LAHNSCC patients. Patients with smaller lymph nodes have better local control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Mao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Longhao Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Siyun Peng
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Huiying Gong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Minmin Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Tomita N, Hayashi N, Mizuno T, Kitagawa Y, Yasui K, Saito Y, Sudo S, Takano S, Kita N, Torii A, Niwa M, Okazaki D, Takaoka T, Kawakita D, Iwasaki S, Hiwatashi A. Dosimetric and radiobiological analyses of a de-escalation strategy for elective nodal regions in human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2023; 28:100221. [PMID: 37886016 PMCID: PMC10598397 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2023.100221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In this simulation study, we examined the effects of a de-escalation strategy with a reduced dose to subclinical nodal regions in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC). Methods We created two patterns of intensity-modulated radiotherapy for 16 patients with HPV-associated OPC. In the standard and de-escalation plans, the initial field including elective nodal regions received 46 and 30 Gy, followed by 20 and 36 Gy to the cutdown field, respectively. Comparison metrics were set for each organ at risk (OAR). We compared these metric values and the probability of adverse effects based on the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model between the two plans. Results Both plans generally met the dose constraints for the targets and all OAR. Among the comparison metrics, the mean doses to the brain, pharyngeal constrictor muscle, thyroid, and skin and the dose to a 1 % volume of the skin were higher in the standard plan than in the de-escalation plan (P = 0.031, 0.007, < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.006, respectively). NTCP analyses revealed that the probability of adverse effects in the ipsilateral parotid gland and thyroid was higher in the standard plan than in the de-escalation plan (standard vs. de-escalation plans: ipsilateral parotid gland, 6.4 % vs. 5.0 %, P = 0.016; thyroid, 3.3 % vs. 0.5 %, P < 0.001). Conclusions A de-escalation strategy with elective nodal regions is a promising treatment to prevent a decline in the quality of life in patients with HPV-associated OPC, particularly xerostomia, dysphagia, and hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuo Tomita
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Naoki Hayashi
- Division of Medical Physics, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Tomoki Mizuno
- Department of Radiology, Toyokawa City Hospital, 23 Yawatachonoji, Toyokawa, Aichi 442-8561, Japan
| | - Yuto Kitagawa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Keisuke Yasui
- Division of Medical Physics, School of Medical Sciences, Fujita Health University, 1-98 Dengakugakubo Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yasunori Saito
- Department of Radiology, Fujita Health University Hospital, 1-98 Dengakugakubo Kutsukake-cho, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Shuo Sudo
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Seiya Takano
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Nozomi Kita
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Akira Torii
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Masanari Niwa
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Dai Okazaki
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Taiki Takaoka
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kawakita
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Shinichi Iwasaki
- Department of Otolaryngology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
| | - Akio Hiwatashi
- Department of Radiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8601, Japan
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Abdel-Halim CN, O'Byrne TJ, Graves JP, Akpala CO, Moore EJ, Price DL, Tasche KT, Ma DJ, Neben-Wittich MA, Lester SC, Gamez M, Price KA, Bayne HEF, Rwigema JCM, Patel SH, McGee LA, Janus JR, Nagel TH, Hinni ML, Savvides PS, Van Abel KM, Routman DM. Patterns and distribution of regional nodal involvement and recurrence in a surgically treated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cohort at a tertiary center. Oral Oncol 2023; 146:106569. [PMID: 37734203 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106569] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate and describe the patterns of regional metastases and recurrences after surgical treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OPSCC from 2006 to 2021 at a tertiary referral center. Only patients treated with surgery including a neck dissection were included. Patients with unknown human papillomavirus (HPV) status, prior head and neck cancer, distant metastases, or synchronous head and neck cancer were excluded. RESULTS A total of 928 patients were included. 89% were males, the average age was 58.6 years (range: 25.2-87.5), 874 (94%) were HPV(+), and 513 (55.3%) had a tonsil cancer. Among cN + patients, the most commonly involved levels at presentation were level II (85.2%), level III (33.3%), and level IV (9.4%). In cN0 patients, metastases were only observed in level II (16.2%) and level III (9.2%). Nodal recurrence occurred in 48 (5.2%) patients after a median time of 1.0 years (interquartile range: 0.6-2.0). Nodal recurrence incidence was similar in HPV(+) and HPV(-) patients (5.0% vs. 7.4%, p = 0.44). The most common levels for regional recurrence were ipsilateral level II (45.8%), contralateral level II (43.8%), and ipsilateral level V (25.0%). Multivariable analysis revealed that pN was a significant predictor for regional recurrence (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION There is no difference in the distribution of regional metastases and recurrences in HPV(+) and HPV(-) OPSCC patients. Our findings align with the established understanding that regional metastases predominantly manifest in the ipsilateral level II-IV at presentation. Moreover, the data support the clinical recommendation to restrict elective neck dissection in cN0 patients to ipsilateral levels IIa and III, excluding level IIb. Regional recurrence is significantly associated with pN status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadi N Abdel-Halim
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Thomas J O'Byrne
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Jeffrey P Graves
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Christeebella O Akpala
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Eric J Moore
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Daniel L Price
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Kendall T Tasche
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Daniel J Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | - Scott C Lester
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mauricio Gamez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Katharine A Price
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Samir H Patel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa A McGee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Jeffrey R Janus
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | - Thomas H Nagel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | - Michael L Hinni
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
| | | | - Kathryn M Van Abel
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
| | - David M Routman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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9
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Kang J, Chowdhry AK, Pugh SL, Park JH. Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Into Cancer Clinical Trials. Semin Radiat Oncol 2023; 33:386-394. [PMID: 37684068 PMCID: PMC10880815 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The practice of oncology requires analyzing and synthesizing abundant data. From the patient's workup to determine eligibility to the therapies received to the post-treatment surveillance, practitioners must constantly juggle, evaluate, and weigh decision-making based on their best understanding of information at hand. These complex, multifactorial decisions have a tremendous opportunity to benefit from data-driven machine learning (ML) methods to drive opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI). Within the past 5 years, we have seen AI move from simply a promising opportunity to being used in prospective trials. Here, we review recent efforts of AI in clinical trials that have moved the needle towards improved prediction of actionable outcomes, such as predicting acute care visits, short term mortality, and pathologic extranodal extension. We then pause and reflect on how these AI models ask a different question than traditional statistics models that readers may be more familiar with; how then should readers conceptualize and interpret AI models that they are not as familiar with. We end with what we believe are promising future opportunities for AI in oncology, with an eye towards allowing the data to inform us through unsupervised learning and generative models, rather than asking AI to perform specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA..
| | - Amit K Chowdhry
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Stephanie L Pugh
- American College of Radiology, NRG Oncology Statistics and Data Management Center, Philadelphia PA
| | - John H Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO.; Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO
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10
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Ma TM, Wong DJ, Chai-Ho W, Mendelsohn A, St John M, Abemayor E, Chhetri D, Sajed D, Dang A, Chu FI, Xiang M, Savjanji R, Weidhaas J, Steinberg ML, Cao M, Kishan AU, Chin RK. High Recurrence for HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer With Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy to Gross Disease Plus Immunotherapy: Analysis From a Prospective Phase Ib/II Clinical Trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:348-354. [PMID: 37141981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Maie St John
- Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Dipti Sajed
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Audrey Dang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amar U Kishan
- Departments of Radiation Oncology; Department of Radiation Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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11
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Schoenfeld JD. Proceed With Caution: Eliminating Elective Nodal Irradiation With Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 117:355-356. [PMID: 37652607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Schoenfeld
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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12
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Jelonek K, Mrowiec K, Gabryś D, Widłak P. The Metabolic Footprint of Systemic Effects in the Blood Caused by Radiotherapy and Inflammatory Conditions: A Systematic Review. Metabolites 2023; 13:1000. [PMID: 37755280 PMCID: PMC10534379 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13091000] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Response to radiotherapy (RT) includes tissue toxicity, which may involve inflammatory reactions. We aimed to compare changes in metabolic patterns induced at the systemic level by radiation and inflammation itself. Patients treated with RT due to head and neck cancer and patients with inflammation-related diseases located in the corresponding anatomical regions were selected. PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched from 1 January 2000 to 10 August 2023. Twenty-five relevant studies where serum/plasma metabolic profiles were analyzed using different metabolomics approaches were identified. The studies showed different metabolic patterns of acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, yet changes in metabolites linked to the urea cycle and metabolism of arginine and proline were common features of both conditions. Although the reviewed reports showed only a few specific metabolites common for early RT response and inflammatory diseases, partly due to differences in metabolomics approaches, several common metabolic pathways linked to metabolites affected by radiation and inflammation were revealed. They included pathways involved in energy metabolism (e.g., metabolism of ketone bodies, mitochondrial electron transport chain, Warburg effect, citric acid cycle, urea cycle) and metabolism of certain amino acids (Arg, Pro, Gly, Ser, Met, Ala, Glu) and lipids (glycerolipids, branched-chain fatty acids). However, metabolites common for RT and inflammation-related diseases could show opposite patterns of changes. This could be exemplified by the lysophosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylcholine ratio (LPC/PC) that increased during chronic inflammation and decreased during the early phase of response to RT. One should be aware of dynamic metabolic changes during different phases of response to radiation, which involve increased levels of LPC in later phases. Hence, metabolomics studies that would address molecular features of both types of biological responses using comparable analytical and clinical approaches are needed to unravel the complexities of these phenomena, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of their impact on biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Jelonek
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Mrowiec
- Center for Translational Research and Molecular Biology of Cancer, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Dorota Gabryś
- Department of Radiotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Piotr Widłak
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland;
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13
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Sher DJ, Moon DH, Vo D, Wang J, Chen L, Dohopolski M, Hughes R, Sumer BD, Ahn C, Avkshtol V. Efficacy and Quality-of-Life Following Involved Nodal Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The INRT-AIR Phase II Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3284-3291. [PMID: 37363993 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Elective neck irradiation (ENI) has long been considered mandatory when treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with definitive radiotherapy, but it is associated with significant dose to normal organs-at-risk (OAR). In this prospective phase II study, we investigated the efficacy and tolerability of eliminating ENI and strictly treating involved and suspicious lymph nodes (LN) with intensity-modulated radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC of the oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx were eligible for enrollment. Each LN was characterized as involved or suspicious based on radiologic criteria and an in-house artificial intelligence (AI)-based classification model. Gross disease received 70 Gray (Gy) in 35 fractions and suspicious LNs were treated with 66.5 Gy, without ENI. The primary endpoint was solitary elective volume recurrence, with secondary endpoints including patterns-of-failure and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS Sixty-seven patients were enrolled, with 18 larynx/hypopharynx and 49 oropharynx cancer. With a median follow-up of 33.4 months, the 2-year risk of solitary elective nodal recurrence was 0%. Gastrostomy tubes were placed in 14 (21%), with median removal after 2.9 months for disease-free patients; no disease-free patient is chronically dependent. Grade I/II dermatitis was seen in 90%/10%. There was no significant decline in composite MD Anderson Dysphagia Index scores after treatment, with means of 89.1 and 92.6 at 12 and 24 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that eliminating ENI is oncologically sound for HNSCC, with highly favorable quality-of-life outcomes. Additional prospective studies are needed to support this promising paradigm before implementation in any nontrial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation (MAIA) Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Dominic H Moon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Dat Vo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation (MAIA) Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Liyuan Chen
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation (MAIA) Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Michael Dohopolski
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
- Medical Artificial Intelligence and Automation (MAIA) Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Randall Hughes
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Baran D Sumer
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Chul Ahn
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Vladimir Avkshtol
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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14
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Benavente S. Remodeling the tumor microenvironment to overcome treatment resistance in HPV-negative head and neck cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:291-313. [PMID: 37457128 PMCID: PMC10344731 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts and refined techniques, overall survival in HPV-negative head and neck cancer remains poor. Robust immune priming is required to elicit a strong and durable antitumor immune response in immunologically cold and excluded tumors like HPV-negative head and neck cancer. This review highlights how the tumor microenvironment could be affected by different immune and stromal cell types, weighs the need to integrate metabolic regulation of the tumor microenvironment into cancer treatment strategies and summarizes the emerging clinical applicability of personalized immunotherapeutic strategies in HPV-negative head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Benavente
- Correspondence to: Dr. Sergi Benavente, Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119, Barcelona 08035, Spain. E-mail:
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15
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Ansinelli H, Gay C, Nguyen S, Morrison CM, Robbins JR. Personalized precision radiotherapy and its evolving role for human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2023; 3:72-82. [PMID: 39036313 PMCID: PMC11256722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2022.11.006] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is a unique entity with increased responsiveness to treatment and excellent oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight how an improved prognosis for HPV (+) tumors and an ever-increasing understanding of the risk factors, risk stratification, and areas of potential spread are shaping management options. Additionally, we aim to detail how advances in treatment technology on both the surgical and radiation fronts are facilitating the delivery of increasingly personalized and precise treatments. This review will describe key aspects of recent and currently-ongoing trials investigating the de-escalation and individualization of treatment in this patient cohort, and how they are building a foundation for distinct treatment paradigms for HPV (+) tumors. Further studies into the integration of biomarker-guided treatments combined with clinical trial enrollment will help ensure a future of personalized treatments and improved outcomes, both in terms of oncologic outcomes and toxicity, for patients with HPV (+) OPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Ansinelli
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tucson, United States
| | - Chris Gay
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tucson, United States
| | - Steven Nguyen
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tucson, United States
| | - Christopher M. Morrison
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tucson, United States
| | - Jared R. Robbins
- University of Arizona College of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Tucson, United States
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16
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Pollock AE, Arons D, Alexander GS, Alicia D, Birkman KM, Molitoris JK, Mehra R, Cullen KJ, Hatten KM, Taylor RJ, Wolf JS, Regine WF, Witek ME. Gross tumor volume margin and local control in p16-positive oropharynx cancer patients treated with intensity modulated proton therapy. Head Neck 2023; 45:1088-1096. [PMID: 36840723 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27308] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine if the extent of high-dose gross tumor volume (GTV) to clinical target volume (CTV) expansion is associated with local control in patients with p16-positive oropharynx cancer (p16+ OPC) treated with definitive intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT). METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with p16+ OPC treated with IMPT at a single institution between 2016 and 2021. Patients with a pre-treatment PET-CT and restaging PET-CT within 4 months following completion of IMPT were analyzed. RESULTS Sixty patients were included for analysis with a median follow-up of 17 months. The median GTV to CTV expansion was 5 mm (IQR: 2 mm). Thirty-three percent of patients (20 of 60) did not have a GTV to CTV expansion. There was one local failure within the expansion group (3%). CONCLUSION Excellent local control was achieved using IMPT for p16+ OPC independent of GTV expansion. IMPT with minimal target expansions represent a potential harm-minimization technique for p16-positive oropharynx cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel E Pollock
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Danielle Arons
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory S Alexander
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David Alicia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kayla M Birkman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason K Molitoris
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ranee Mehra
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin J Cullen
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kyle M Hatten
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rodney J Taylor
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Wolf
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - William F Regine
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew E Witek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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17
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Xu Y, Wei Y, Wang J, Zhang J, Chen X, Wu R, Liu Q, Qu Y, Wang K, Huang X, Luo J, Xu W, Zhang Y, Yi J. Postoperative radiotherapy for supraglottic cancer on real-world data: can we reduce dose to lymph node levels? Radiat Oncol 2023; 18:35. [PMID: 36814311 PMCID: PMC9945622 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-023-02228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate prognosis for reducing postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) dose to lymph node levels of supraglottic cancer (SC) on real-world data. METHOD AND MATERIALS Patients were derived from two cancer centers. In center 1, the involved nodal levels (high-risk levels, HRL) and the next level received a dose of 60.06 Gy/1.82 Gy per fraction, while the other uninvolved levels (low-risk levels, LRL) received 50.96 Gy/1.82 Gy per fraction. In center 2, all received 50 Gy/2 Gy per fraction. The rates of high-risk levels control (HRC), regional control (RC), overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULT Totally, 124 patients were included (62 in center 1, 62 in center 2). Most patients (106, 85.5%) had a stage T3/N + tumor. The median follow-up was 45 months (range 1-163 months). There were no significant differences in terms of OS (p = 0.126), RC (p = 0.514), PFS (p = 0.195) and DMFS (p = 0.834). Most regional recurrences (4, 80%) occurred within three years of treatment, and all occurred within the target volumes. No regional failure occurred in HRL in center 1, while three (3/4) failures occurred in center 2. Dose reduction prescription to HRL led to a lower HRC rate (100% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.009). While the rates of LRL control (98.4%) were equal between the two centers. CONCLUSION Compared with a standard dose, the reduced dose to involved nodal levels showed inferior regional control for PORT, while uninvolved nodal levels showed equal outcomes. A dose of 50 Gy for HRL may be an unfavorable treatment option for SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yumei Wei
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Department of Head and Neck Radiotherapy, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingbo Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianghu Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Chen
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Runye Wu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingfeng Liu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Qu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Luo
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Junlin Yi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), No17, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Hebei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Langfang, 065001, People's Republic of China.
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Reinders FC, de Ridder M, Doornaert PA, P.J. Raaijmakers C, Philippens ME. Individual elective lymph node irradiation for the reduction of complications in head and neck cancer patients (iNode): A phase-I feasibility trial protocol. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 39:100574. [PMID: 36686561 PMCID: PMC9852485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The long-term complication rate in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients caused by radiotherapy (RT) can be decreased by restricting elective neck irradiation (ENI) from large adjacent lymph node levels to only individual elective lymph nodes. The primary objective of this study is to treat the first HNSCC patients with individual elective lymph node irradiation by means of a Magnetic Resonance-linac (MR-linac) in order to assess the feasibility. Methods and analysis In this phase I feasibility study, 20 patients will be included with histologically proven cT2-4N0-1M0 HNSCC originating from the oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx, planned for treatment with primary radiotherapy and bilateral elective neck irradiation (ENI). Patients will be treated with 35 fractions in six weeks, according to the DAHANCA schedule. Individual lymph nodes inside the conventional lymph node levels will be categorized in low-risk, intermediate-risk and high-risk based on cytology, histology and imaging parameters. Low-risk and intermediate-risk lymph nodes will irradiated in 20 and 23 fractions respectively, with a fraction dose of 2 Gy (=40/46 Gy EQD2). The high-risk lymph nodes and the primary tumor will be irradiated in 35 fractions of 2 Gy (=70 Gy equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2)). To limit treatment burden, 20 fractions will be applied on the MR-linac. The last 15 fractions (sequential boost at the primary tumor, intermediate-risk and high-risk lymph nodes) will be applied on a conventional linear accelerator. The main study endpoint is the percentage of fractions that are successfully completed on the MR-linac. Ethics and dissemination With individual elective lymph node irradiation we expect less toxicity and a better quality of life for HNSCC patients. However, as the treatment time on the MR-linac will be longer (30-45 vs 15 min per fraction) we need to examine if patients can endure this new treatment concept.
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Svajdova M, Dubinsky P, Kazda T, Jeremic B. Human Papillomavirus-Related Non-Metastatic Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: Current Local Treatment Options and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5385. [PMID: 36358801 PMCID: PMC9658535 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, human papillomavirus (HPV) has caused a new pandemic of cancer in many urban areas across the world. The new entity, HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), has been at the center of scientific attention ever since, not only due to its distinct biological behavior, but also because of its significantly better prognosis than observed in its HPV-negative counterpart. The very good treatment outcomes of the disease after primary therapy (minimally-invasive surgery, radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy) resulted in the creation of a separate staging system, reflecting this excellent prognosis. A substantial proportion of newly diagnosed HPV-driven OPSCC is diagnosed in stage I or II, where long-term survival is observed worldwide. Deintensification of the primary therapeutic methods, aiming at a reduction of long-term toxicity in survivors, has emerged, and the quality of life of the patient after treatment has become a key-point in many clinical trials. Current treatment recommendations for the treatment of HPV-driven OPSCC do not differ significantly from HPV-negative OPSCC; however, the results of randomized trials are eagerly awaited and deemed necessary, in order to include deintensification into standard clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Svajdova
- Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology, General Hospital Rimavska Sobota, 979 01 Rimavska Sobota, Slovakia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavol Dubinsky
- Department of Radiation Oncology, East Slovakia Oncology Institute, 040 01 Kosice, Slovakia
- Faculty of Health, Catholic University Ruzomberok, 034 01 Ruzomberok, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Kazda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 602 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Branislav Jeremic
- School of Medicine, University of Kragujevac, 340 00 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Cao Y, Gilbert RJ, Quon H. Advances and Challenges in Treatment De-Intensification of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. CURRENT OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40136-022-00425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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21
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Target Definition in MR-Guided Adaptive Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14123027. [PMID: 35740691 PMCID: PMC9220977 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14123027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer has become more routine due to an increase in imaging quality and improvement in radiation techniques. With the availability of faster adaptive workflows, it is possible to adapt more easily to (daily) changes. MRI offers besides great anatomical imaging, also functional information about the tumor and surrounding tissue. The aim of this review is to provide current state of evidence about target definition on MRI for adaptive strategies in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Abstract In recent years, MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) has taken an increasingly important position in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast in anatomical imaging compared to computed tomography (CT), but also provides functional and dynamic information with selected sequences. Due to these benefits, in current clinical practice, MRI is already used for target delineation and response assessment in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Because of the close proximity of target areas and radiosensitive organs at risk (OARs) during HNSCC treatment, MRgRT could provide a more accurate treatment in which OARs receive less radiation dose. With the introduction of several new radiotherapy techniques (i.e., adaptive MRgRT, proton therapy, adaptive cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) RT, (daily) adaptive radiotherapy ensures radiation dose is accurately delivered to the target areas. With the integration of a daily adaptive workflow, interfraction changes have become visible, which allows regular and fast adaptation of target areas. In proton therapy, adaptation is even more important in order to obtain high quality dosimetry, due to its susceptibility for density differences in relation to the range uncertainty of the protons. The question is which adaptations during radiotherapy treatment are oncology safe and at the same time provide better sparing of OARs. For an optimal use of all these new tools there is an urgent need for an update of the target definitions in case of adaptive treatment for HNSCC. This review will provide current state of evidence regarding adaptive target definition using MR during radiotherapy for HNSCC. Additionally, future perspectives for adaptive MR-guided radiotherapy will be discussed.
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22
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Ho SY, Kao WC, Hsiao SY, Chiu SF, Lee SW, Chen JC, Shieh LT. Retrospective analysis of adjuvant radiotherapy in oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer: Feasibility of omitting lower-neck irradiation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266678. [PMID: 35404969 PMCID: PMC9000126 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Adjuvant radiotherapy is the standard of care in locally advanced head and neck cancers. The radiation field is correlated with the surgical field in the adjuvant radiotherapy setting; therefore, tailoring the irradiation field is reasonable. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers included in the cancer registry between 2015 and 2019 in the study hospital. Patients who underwent whole-neck irradiation (WNI) were compared with those who underwent lower-neck–sparing (LNS) irradiation. Results A total of 167 patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers were included in the study. Cancer recurrence was recorded in 33% of the patients. The rate of recurrence of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer at neck level IV was 8%. The 2-year incidence of level IV recurrence was lower in the WNI group than in the LNS group (2% vs. 10%; p = 0.04). The 2-year disease-free survival rates were 75% and 63% in the WNI and LNS groups, respectively (p = 0.08). Conclusion The rate of level IV recurrence was higher in the LNS group than in the WNI group. Trends of improvement in disease-free survival with lower-neck irradiation suggested that it is premature to consider LNS irradiation as daily practice in patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yow Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Kao
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Yen Hsiao
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Fu Chiu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Wei Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Chun Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tsun Shieh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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PET/CT. PET Clin 2022; 17:297-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2021.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tsai CJ, McBride SM, Riaz N, Kang JJ, Spielsinger DJ, Waldenberg T, Gelblum D, Yu Y, Chen LC, Zakeri K, Wong RJ, Dunn L, Pfister DG, Sherman EJ, Lee NY. Evaluation of Substantial Reduction in Elective Radiotherapy Dose and Field in Patients With Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Carcinoma Treated With Definitive Chemoradiotherapy. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:364-372. [PMID: 35050342 PMCID: PMC8778604 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.6416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Several de-escalation strategies for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) have focused on deintensifying gross disease treatment. Reduction of radiotherapy dose and target volume to subclinical regions may achieve good clinical outcomes with favorable patient quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE To determine outcomes from a systematic approach of reducing radiotherapy dose and target volume to the elective treatment regions in patients with HPV-associated OPC undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study included 276 consecutive patients with HPV-positive OPC receiving CCRT from March 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019. Data were analyzed from February 23 to September 13, 2021. INTERVENTIONS Elective nodal and subclinical regions received 30 Gy of radiotherapy in 15 fractions, followed by a cone down of 40 Gy in 20 fractions to gross disease for a total dose of 70 Gy. The high retropharyngeal nodal basins in the node-negative neck and bilateral levels IB and V basins were omitted. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Patients were followed up to evaluate locoregional control as the primary outcome and distant metastasis-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival as secondary outcomes. Quality-of-life data were obtained at each visit when feasible. RESULTS Among the 276 patients included in the analysis, the median age was 61 (range, 36-87) years; 247 (89.5%) were men; and 183 (66.3%) had less than 10 pack-years of smoking history. Most patients (251 [90.9%]) were White. Overall, 87 (31.5%) had cT3-cT4 disease and 65 (23.5%) had cN2-cN3 disease per the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging Manual. One hundred seventy-two patients (62.3%) completed 300-mg/m2 high-dose cisplatin therapy. During a median follow-up of 26 (range, 21-32) months, 8 patients developed locoregional recurrence, including 7 at the primary site or gross nodes that received a total dose of 70 Gy and 1 with a persistent node not previously identified as gross disease that received a total dose of only 30 Gy. The 24-month locoregional control was 97.0%; progression-free survival, 88.0%; distant metastasis-free survival, 95.2%; and overall survival, 95.1%. During treatment, 17 patients (6.2%) required a feeding tube. At 24 months, most of the QOL composite scores (jaw-related problems, pain, social contact, eating, speech, and swallow) were comparable or superior to baseline measures except for senses, dry mouth, muscular tension, and cognitive functioning, which improved over time but remained marginally worse than baseline. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study found that the evaluated de-escalation strategy for elective regions showed favorable clinical outcomes and QOL profiles. Long-term follow-up data will help affirm the efficacy of this strategy as a care option for treating HPV-associated OPC with primary CCRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Jillian Tsai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sean M. McBride
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jung J. Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Daniel J. Spielsinger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Todd Waldenberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Daphna Gelblum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Yao Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Linda C. Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kaveh Zakeri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lara Dunn
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David G. Pfister
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Eric J. Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nancy Y. Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Reinders FCJ, Heijst TCFV, Mases J, Terhaard CHJ, Doornaert PAH, Philippens MEP, Raaijmakers CPJ. Magnetic resonance guided elective neck irradiation targeting individual lymph nodes: A new concept. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 20:76-81. [PMID: 35169639 PMCID: PMC8829887 DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual elective lymph nodes can be identified using multiple Dixon T2-weighted turbo spin echo with fat suppression. Magnetic Resonance guided individual lymph node irradiation results in lower dose to the organs at risk. Especially the submandibular glands, carotid arteries and thyroid can be spared. The magnetic field on the magnetic resonance imaging - linear accelerator did not lead to increased skin dose depositions.
Background and purpose Conventional elective neck irradiation (ENI) in head and neck cancer consists of radiotherapy (RT) to the regional lymph node (LN) levels contoured on computed tomography. Hybrid Magnetic Resonance (MR) - RT modalities, such as combined magnetic resonance imaging - linear accelerators (MRLs), might enable new ENI strategies in which individual non-suspect lymph nodes (i-LNs) are targeted. In this treatment planning study, new MR-based strategies targeting i-LNs (i-ENI) were compared to conventional treatment. Materials and methods All i-LNs were delineated on MR images of ten retrospectively selected patients with T2-4aN0M0 laryngeal cancer. Three strategies were considered. Strategy A: Conventional ENI delivered with a conventional linear accelerator (35x 1.55 Gy). Strategy B: MRL-based i-ENI (35x 1.55 Gy) to the individual lymph nodes including a background dose to the conventional elective neck volumes (35x 1.03 Gy). Strategy C: Same as Strategy B, but without background dose. In all plans the dose prescription to the primary tumor was 35x 2 Gy. Mean dose (Dmean) reductions in the organs at risk (OAR) were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results Compared to conventional ENI (strategy A), significant Dmean reductions of 6.0 Gy and 8.0 Gy were observed in the submandibular glands, of 9.4 Gy and 13 Gy in the carotid arteries and of 9.9 Gy and 19.4 Gy in the thyroid for strategy B and C, respectively. Large inter-patient variations of Dmean reductions were observed in all OARs. Conclusion MRL-based i-ENI is a new promising concept that could reduce the mean dose to OARs in the neck significantly for patients with laryngeal cancer.
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Key Words
- CA, carotid arteries
- Dmean, mean dose
- ENI, elective neck irradiation
- Head and neck neoplasms
- LNs, lymph nodes
- Lymph nodes
- MRL, magnetic resonance imaging linear accelerator
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- OAR, organ at risk
- OC, oral cavity (OC)
- PCM, pharynx constrictor muscle
- PG, parotid gland
- Radiotherapy
- SMG, submandibular gland
- Squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck
- i-ENI, individual non-suspect lymph node elective neck irradiation
- i-LNs, individual lymph nodes
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris C J Reinders
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joel Mases
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Chris H J Terhaard
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Witek ME, Woody NM, Musunuru HB, Hill PM, Yadav P, Burr AR, Ko HC, Ross RB, Kimple RJ, Harari PM. Defining high-risk elective contralateral neck radiation volumes for oropharynx cancer. Head Neck 2022; 44:317-324. [PMID: 34761832 PMCID: PMC9723806 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To define the location of the initial contralateral lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with oropharynx cancer. METHODS The location of the LN centroids from patients with oropharynx cancer and a single radiographically positive contralateral LN was defined. A clinical target volume (CTV) inclusive of all LN centroids was created, and its impact on dose to organs at risk was assessed. RESULTS We identified 55 patients of which 49/55 had a single contralateral LN in level IIA, 4/55 in level III, 1/55 in level IIB, and 1/55 in the retropharynx. Mean radiation dose to the contralateral parotid gland was 15.1 and 21.0 Gy, (p <0.001) using the modeled high-risk elective CTV and a consensus CTV, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We present a systematic approach for identifying the contralateral nodal regions at highest risk of harboring subclinical disease in patients with oropharynx cancer that warrants prospective clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Witek
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, MD
| | - Neil M. Woody
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Hima B. Musunuru
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Patrick M. Hill
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Poonam Yadav
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Adam R. Burr
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Huaising C. Ko
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Richard B. Ross
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Randall J. Kimple
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
| | - Paul M. Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI
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Schaner PE, Chandra RA. Decreasing the Dose and Volume of Elective Nodal Radiotherapy in HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: How Low Can We Go? JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:372-373. [PMID: 35050319 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.6411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip E Schaner
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Ravi A Chandra
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Imaging of Complications of Chemoradiation. Neuroimaging Clin N Am 2021; 32:93-109. [PMID: 34809846 DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemoradiation for head and neck cancer is associated with a variety of early and late complications. Toxicities may affect the aero-digestive tract (mucositis, salivary gland injury), regional osseous and cartilaginous structures (osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and chondronecrosis), vasculature (progressive radiation vasculopathy and carotid blow out syndromes), and neural structures (optic neuritis, myelitis, and brain injury). These may be difficult to distinguish from tumor recurrence on imaging, and may necessitate the use of advanced MRI and molecular imaging techniques to reach the correct diagnosis. Secondary radiation-induced malignancies include thyroid cancer and a variety of sarcomas that may manifest several years after treatment. Checkpoint inhibitors can cause a variety of adverse immune events, including autoimmune hypophysitis and encephalitis.
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29
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Chen L, Riaz N, Lee N, McBride S. Current considerations for radiotherapy in HPV-associated head and neck cancer. J Surg Oncol 2021; 124:945-951. [PMID: 34617275 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated oncogenesis confers increased sensitivity to radiotherapy and HPV head and neck cancer is associated with improved patient outcomes. As such, management of HPV-related head and neck cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach that balances maximizing locoregional control with minimizing treatment-related toxicity. We highlight considerations in radiation dose and target delineation, as well as considerations for chemoradiation, postoperative radiotherapy, and single modality, definitive radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nadeem Riaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nancy Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sean McBride
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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Nuyts S, Bollen H, Eisbruch A, Corry J, Strojan P, Mäkitie AA, Langendijk JA, Mendenhall WM, Smee R, DeBree R, Lee AWM, Rinaldo A, Ferlito A. Unilateral versus bilateral nodal irradiation: Current evidence in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Head Neck 2021; 43:2807-2821. [PMID: 33871090 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the head and neck region often present with nodal involvement. There is a long-standing convention within the community of head and neck radiation oncology to irradiate both sides of the neck electively in almost all cases to include both macroscopic and microscopic disease extension (so called elective nodal volume). International guidelines for the selection and delineation of the elective lymph nodes were published in the early 2000s and were updated recently. However, diagnostic imaging techniques have improved the accuracy and reliability of nodal staging and as a result, small metastases that used to remain undetected and were thus in the past included in the elective nodal volume, will now be included in high-dose volumes. Furthermore, the elective nodal areas are situated close to the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the swallowing muscles. Therefore, irradiation of a smaller, more selected volume of the elective nodes could reduce treatment-related toxicity. Several researchers consider the current bilateral elective neck irradiation strategies an overtreatment and show growing interest in a unilateral nodal irradiation in selected patients. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the current evidence about the indications and benefits of unilateral nodal irradiation and the use of SPECT/CT-guided nodal irradiation in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nuyts
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen Bollen
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Avrahram Eisbruch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - June Corry
- Division of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Primoz Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Antti A Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, HUS Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johannes A Langendijk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - William M Mendenhall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Smee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Prince of Wales Cancer Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Remco DeBree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, UMC Utrecht Cancer Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne W M Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alessandra Rinaldo
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Udine School of Medicine, Udine, Italy
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Udine, Italy
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Thomson DJ. Reduced Dose and Volume Elective Nodal Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Challenging the Paradigm. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 109:941-943. [PMID: 33610303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Thomson
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom; Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
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Zhang X, Yang J. Role of Non-coding RNAs on the Radiotherapy Sensitivity and Resistance of Head and Neck Cancer: From Basic Research to Clinical Application. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:637435. [PMID: 33644038 PMCID: PMC7905100 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.637435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) rank as the sixth common and the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with an estimated incidence of 600,000 cases and 40-50% mortality rate every year. Radiotherapy is a common local therapeutic modality for HNC mainly through the function of ionizing radiation, with approximately 60% of patients treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. Although radiotherapy is more advanced and widely used in clinical practice, the 5-year overall survival rates of locally advanced HNCs are still less than 40%. HNC cell resistance to radiotherapy remains one of the major challenges to improve the overall survival in HNC patients. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are newly discovered functional small RNA molecules that are different from messenger RNAs, which can be translated into a protein. Many previous studies have reported the dysregulation and function of ncRNAs in HNC. Importantly, researchers reported that several ncRNAs were also dysregulated in radiotherapy-sensitive or radiotherapy-resistant HNC tissues compared with the normal cancer tissues. They found that ectopically elevating or knocking down expression of some ncRNAs could significantly influence the response of HNC cancer cells to radiotherapy, indicating that ncRNAs could regulate the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiotherapy. The implying mechanism for ncRNAs in regulating radiotherapy sensitivity may be due to its roles on affecting DNA damage sensation, inducing cell cycle arrest, regulating DNA damage repair, modulating cell apoptosis, etc. Additionally, clinical studies reported that in situ ncRNA expression in HNC tissues may predict the response of radiotherapy, and circulating ncRNA from body liquid serves as minimally invasive therapy-responsive and prognostic biomarkers in HNC. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current function and mechanism of ncRNAs in regulating the sensitivity of HNC cancer cells to radiotherapy and comprehensively described the state of the art on the role of ncRNAs in the prognosis prediction, therapy monitoring, and prediction of response to radiotherapy in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixia Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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