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Daamen L, Westerhoff J, Couwenberg A, Braam P, Rütten H, den Hartogh M, Christodouleas J, Hall W, Verkooijen H, Intven M. Quality of life and clinical outcomes in rectal cancer patients treated on a 1.5T MR-Linac within the MOMENTUM study. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 45:100721. [PMID: 38274389 PMCID: PMC10808928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2023.100721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose This study assessed quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes in rectal cancer patients treated with magnetic resonance (MR) guided short-course radiation therapy (SCRT) on a 1.5 Tesla (T) MR-Linac during the first 12 months after treatment. Materials and methods Rectal cancer patients treated with 25 Gy SCRT in five fractions with curative intent in the Netherlands (2019-2022) were identified in MOMENTUM (NCT04075305). Toxicity (CTCAE v5) and QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30 and -CR29) was primarily analyzed in patients without metastatic disease (M0) and no other therapies after SCRT. Patients who underwent tumor resection were censored from surgery. A generalized linear mixed-model was used to investigate clinically meaningful (≥10) and significant (P < 0.05) QoL changes. Clinical and pathological complete response (cCR and pCR) rates were calculated in patients in whom response was documented. Results A total of 172 patients were included, of whom 112 patients were primarily analyzed. Acute and late radiation-induced high-grade toxicity were reported in one patient, respectively. CCR was observed in 8/64 patients (13 %), 14/37 patients (38 %) and 13/16 patients (91 %) at three, six and twelve months; pCR was observed in 3/69 (4 %) patients. After 12 months, diarrhea (mean difference [MD] -17.4 [95 % confidence interval [CI] -31.2 to -3.7]), blood and mucus in stool (MD -31.1 [95 % CI -46.4 to -15.8]), and anxiety (MD -22.4 [95 % CI -34.0 to -10.9]) were improved. Conclusion High-field MR-guided SCRT for the treatment of patients with rectal cancer is associated with improved disease-related symptom management and functioning one year after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.A. Daamen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Imaging and Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J.M. Westerhoff
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Imaging and Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A.M. Couwenberg
- The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P.M. Braam
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H. Rütten
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - J.P. Christodouleas
- Elekta AB, Stockholm, Sweden
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiation Oncology, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - W.A. Hall
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Radiation Oncology, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - H.M. Verkooijen
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Division of Imaging and Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M.P.W. Intven
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Radiation Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Hearn N, Leppien A, O’Connor P, Cahill K, Atwell D, Vignarajah D, Min M. Radiotherapy dose escalation using pre-treatment diffusion-weighted imaging in locally advanced rectal cancer: a planning study. BJR Open 2024; 6:tzad001. [PMID: 38352181 PMCID: PMC10860507 DOI: 10.1093/bjro/tzad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) may provide biologically relevant target volumes for dose-escalated radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This planning study assessed the dosimetric feasibility of delivering hypofractionated boost treatment to intra-tumoural regions of restricted diffusion prior to conventional long-course radiotherapy. Methods Ten patients previously treated with curative-intent standard long-course radiotherapy (50 Gy/25#) were re-planned. Boost target volumes (BTVs) were delineated semi-automatically using 40th centile intra-tumoural apparent diffusion coefficient value with expansions (anteroposterior 11 mm, transverse 7 mm, craniocaudal 13 mm). Biased-dosed combined plans consisted of a single-fraction volumetric modulated arc therapy flattening-filter-free (VMAT-FFF) boost (phase 1) of 5, 7, or 10 Gy before long-course VMAT (phase 2). Phase 1 plans were assessed with reference to stereotactic conformality and deliverability measures. Combined plans were evaluated with reference to standard long-course therapy dose constraints. Results Phase 1 BTV dose targets at 5/7/10 Gy were met in all instances. Conformality constraints were met with only 1 minor violation at 5 and 7 Gy. All phase 1 and combined phase 1 + 2 plans passed patient-specific quality assurance. Combined phase 1 + 2 plans generally met organ-at-risk dose constraints. Exceptions included high-dose spillage to bladder and large bowel, predominantly in cases where previously administered, clinically acceptable non-boosted plans also could not meet constraints. Conclusions Targeted upfront LARC radiotherapy dose escalation to DWI-defined is feasible with appropriate patient selection and preparation. Advances in knowledge This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of DWI-targeted upfront radiotherapy boost in LARC. This work will inform an upcoming clinical feasibility study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Hearn
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Alexandria Leppien
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Patrick O’Connor
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Katelyn Cahill
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Daisy Atwell
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Dinesh Vignarajah
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Myo Min
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
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Irvine I, Hayden R, Greene L, Ryan AG. An Update on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Interventional Radiology: The Future Measure of Our Success. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2023; 46:1657-1661. [PMID: 37620593 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-023-03530-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The field of interventional radiology continues to expand rapidly, offering an increasing range of alternatives to open surgical procedures. This minimally invasive imaging-guided approach promises faster recovery times and a theoretically improved patient experience; however, there is limited evidence documenting that these promises are actually delivered. Patient-reported outcomes are a way of collecting data on the patient experience increasingly used in clinical trials and the provision of surgical services and informing clinical practice across a range of elective procedures. Currently underutilised in interventional radiology, patient-reported outcomes have the potential to significantly impact how we deliver care by allowing evaluation of the perceived benefit derived by a patient after undergoing a procedure and to permit comparison with more invasive open procedures from the patient perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Irvine
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Radiology Department, University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Road, Co Waterford, Ireland.
| | - Reiltin Hayden
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Radiology Department, University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Road, Co Waterford, Ireland
| | - Laura Greene
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Radiology Department, University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Road, Co Waterford, Ireland
| | - Anthony G Ryan
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Radiology Department, University Hospital Waterford, Dunmore Road, Co Waterford, Ireland
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Couwenberg AM, Varvoglis DN, Grieb BC, Marijnen CA, Ciombor KK, Guillem JG. New Opportunities for Minimizing Toxicity in Rectal Cancer Management. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e389558. [PMID: 37307515 PMCID: PMC10450577 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_389558] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advances in multimodal management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), consisting of preoperative chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy followed by surgery with or without adjuvant chemotherapy, have improved local disease control and patient survival but are associated with significant risk for acute and long-term morbidity. Recently published trials, evaluating treatment dose intensification via the addition of preoperative induction or consolidation chemotherapy (total neoadjuvant therapy [TNT]), have demonstrated improved tumor response rates while maintaining acceptable toxicity. In addition, TNT has led to an increased number of patients achieving a clinical complete response and thus eligible to pursue a nonoperative, organ-preserving, watch and wait approach, thereby avoiding toxicities associated with surgery, such as bowel dysfunction and stoma-related complications. Ongoing trials using immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with mismatch repair-deficient tumors suggest that this subgroup of patients with LARC could potentially be treated with immunotherapy alone, sparing them the toxicity associated with preoperative treatment and surgery. However, the majority of rectal cancers are mismatch repair-proficient and less responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors and require multimodal management. The synergy noted in preclinical studies between immunotherapy and radiotherapy on immunogenic tumor cell death has led to the design of ongoing clinical trials that explore the benefit of combining radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy (mainly of immune checkpoint inhibitors) and aim to increase the number of patients eligible for organ preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M. Couwenberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Brian C. Grieb
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Corrie A.M. Marijnen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kristen K. Ciombor
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jose G. Guillem
- Department of Surgery, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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Kessels R, May AM, Koopman M, Roes KCB. The Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) study design in oncology: experience and methodological reflections. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:117. [PMID: 37179306 PMCID: PMC10183126 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01941-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A Trial within Cohorts (TwiCs) study design is a trial design that uses the infrastructure of an observational cohort study to initiate a randomized trial. Upon cohort enrollment, the participants provide consent for being randomized in future studies without being informed. Once a new treatment is available, eligible cohort participants are randomly assigned to the treatment or standard of care. Patients randomized to the treatment arm are offered the new treatment, which they can choose to refuse. Patients who refuse will receive standard of care instead. Patients randomized to the standard of care arm receive no information about the trial and continue receiving standard of care as part of the cohort study. Standard cohort measures are used for outcome comparisons. The TwiCs study design aims to overcome some issues encountered in standard Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). An example of an issue in standard RCTs is the slow patient accrual. A TwiCs study aims to improve this by selecting patients using a cohort and only offering the intervention to patients in the intervention arm. In oncology, the TwiCs study design has gained increasing interest during the last decade. Despite its potential advantages over RCTs, the TwiCs study design has several methodological challenges that need careful consideration when planning a TwiCs study. In this article, we focus on these challenges and reflect on them using experiences from TwiCs studies initiated in oncology. Important methodological challenges that are discussed are the timing of randomization, the issue of non-compliance (refusal) after randomization in the intervention arm, and the definition of the intention-to-treat effect in a TwiCs study and how this effect is related to its counterpart in standard RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Kessels
- Dutch Oncology Research Platform, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anne M May
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, STR 6.131 , P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Miriam Koopman
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kit C B Roes
- Department of Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, Section Biostatistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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