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Amjad R, Moldovan N, Raziee H, Leung E, D’Souza D, Mendez LC. Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Gynecologic Malignancies-A Peek into the Upcoming Evidence. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:362. [PMID: 38254851 PMCID: PMC10814353 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) has a fundamental role in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, including cervical and uterine cancers. Hypofractionated RT has gained popularity in many cancer sites, boosted by technological advances in treatment delivery and image verification. Hypofractionated RT uptake was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic and has the potential to improve universal access to radiotherapy worldwide, especially in low-resource settings. This review summarizes the rationale, the current challenges and investigation efforts, together with the recent developments associated with hypofractionated RT in gynecologic malignancies. A comprehensive search was undertaken using multiple databases and ongoing trial registries. In the definitive radiotherapy setting for cervical cancers, there are several ongoing clinical trials from Canada, Mexico, Iran, the Philippines and Thailand investigating the role of a moderate hypofractionated external beam RT regimen in the low-risk locally advanced population. Likewise, there are ongoing ultra and moderate hypofractionated RT trials in the uterine cancer setting. One Canadian prospective trial of stereotactic hypofractionated adjuvant RT for uterine cancer patients suggested a good tolerance to this treatment strategy in the acute setting, with a follow-up trial currently randomizing patients between conventional fractionation and the hypofractionated dose regimen delivered in the former trial. Although not yet ready for prime-time use, hypofractionated RT could be a potential solution to several challenges that limit access to and the utilization of radiotherapy for gynecologic cancer patients worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Amjad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh 25732, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Nataliya Moldovan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3, Canada
| | - Hamid Raziee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BC Cancer, Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3, Canada
| | - Eric Leung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - David D’Souza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Lucas C. Mendez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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Chan K, Timotin E, Chung P, Han K, Milosevic M, Schnarr K, Sur R, Bosche J, Harnett N. A two-center experience: The impact of COVID-19 on two brachytherapy programs in Ontario - virtual care, service suspension and radiation therapy workflow. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2023; 54:436-445. [PMID: 37357051 PMCID: PMC10289124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2023.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most brachytherapy (BT) procedures require general anesthesia and are therefore considered aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs). The COVID-19 pandemic impacted BT as services were prioritized by balancing the harm associated with COVID-19 infection versus the effect of delay of potentially curative treatment. This article summarizes the impact of the pandemic on BT programs in two cancer centers in a Canadian province. METHODS As part of a quality assurance project, a retrospective study was conducted for the first five months of the pandemic (March 1 to July 31, 2020). Chart review and COVID-19 related mitigation strategies were identified by BT Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapists (bCSRT) in each center using electronic medical records, departmental reports, policies and procedures. RESULTS Impact included start of virtual care (VC), shortened fractionation, suspension of services and workflow changes. Both centers implemented VC strategies to reduce clinic visits: "same-day size and treat" strategy for post-operative endometrial cancer patients and virtual patient education for all patients. BT services that were suspended were low-dose-rate and high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate treatments (Center 1), lung and esophagus HDR treatments (Center 2). Workflow changes that affected staff and patients in both centers included COVID-19 screening and the use of personal protective equipment. The centers were marginally different in workflow adjustments for AGMP procedures. Those considered high-risk AGMP and low-risk cancer were suspended temporarily with alternate treatment strategies sought for some patients. Others had temporizing treatment such as androgen deprivation therapy to facilitate oncological safe deferral of procedures. CONCLUSION Both BT programs delivered treatment to most patients with minimal delays and cancellations, where feasible. Some of the pandemic workflow changes continued to the current state of the pandemic. Long-term follow-up is needed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and treatment interruptions on oncologic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Chan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | - Peter Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathy Han
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Milosevic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kara Schnarr
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ranjan Sur
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanne Bosche
- Department of Anesthesia, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Harnett
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Leung E, Gladwish AP, Davidson M, Taggar A, Velker V, Barnes E, Mendez L, Donovan E, Gien LT, Covens A, Vicus D, Kupets R, MacKay H, Han K, Cheung P, Zhang L, Loblaw A, D’Souza DP. Quality-of-Life Outcomes and Toxic Effects Among Patients With Cancers of the Uterus Treated With Stereotactic Pelvic Adjuvant Radiation Therapy: The SPARTACUS Phase 1/2 Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Oncol 2022; 8:1-9. [PMID: 35420695 PMCID: PMC9011178 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2022.0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Adjuvant radiation plays an important role in reducing locoregional recurrence in patients with uterine cancer. Although hypofractionated radiotherapy may benefit health care systems and the global community while decreasing treatment burden for patients traveling for daily radiotherapy, it has not been studied prospectively nor in randomized trials for treatment of uterine cancers, and the associated toxic effects and patient quality of life are unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate acute genitourinary and bowel toxic effects and patient-reported outcomes following stereotactic hypofractionated adjuvant radiation to the pelvis for treatment of uterine cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Stereotactic Pelvic Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Cancers of the Uterus (SPARTACUS) phase 1/2 nonrandomized controlled trial of patients accrued between May 2019 and August 2021 was conducted as a multicenter trial at 2 cancer centers in Ontario, Canada. In total, 61 patients with uterine cancer stages I through III after surgery entered the study. INTERVENTIONS Stereotactic adjuvant pelvic radiation to a dose of 30 Gy in 5 fractions administered every other day or once weekly. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Assessments of toxic effects and patient-reported quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires C30 and endometrial EN24) were collected at baseline, fractions 3 and 5, and at 6 weeks and 3 months of follow-up. Descriptive analysis was conducted, calculating means, SDs, medians, IQRs, and ranges for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Univariate generalized linear mixed models were generated for repeated measurements on the quality-of-life scales. RESULTS A total of 61 patients were enrolled (median age, 66 years; range, 51-88 years). Tumor histologic results included 39 endometrioid adenocarcinoma, 15 serous or clear cell, 3 carcinosarcoma, and 4 dedifferentiated. Sixteen patients received sequential chemotherapy, and 9 received additional vault brachytherapy. Median follow-up was 9 months (IQR, 3-15 months). Of 61 patients, worst acute gastrointestinal tract toxic effects of grade 1 were observed in 33 patients (54%) and of grade 2 in 8 patients (13%). For genitourinary worst toxic effects, grade 1 was observed in 25 patients (41%) and grade 2 in 2 patients (3%). One patient (1.6%) had an acute grade 3 gastrointestinal tract toxic effect of diarrhea at fraction 5 that resolved at follow-up. Only patient-reported diarrhea scores were both clinically (scores ≥10) and statistically significantly worse at fraction 5 (mean [SD] score, 35.76 [26.34]) compared with baseline (mean [SD] score, 6.56 [13.36]; P < .001), but this symptom improved at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this phase 1/2 nonrandomized controlled trial suggest that stereotactic hypofractionated radiation was well tolerated at short-term follow-up for treatment of uterine cancer. Longer follow-up and future randomized studies are needed to further evaluate this treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04866394.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Leung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam P. Gladwish
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal Victoria Hospital, University of Toronto, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Davidson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amandeep Taggar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vikram Velker
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Barnes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucas Mendez
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elysia Donovan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilian T. Gien
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allan Covens
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Vicus
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Kupets
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen MacKay
- Divison of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Cheung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Loblaw
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David P. D’Souza
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
COVID-19 has transformed the care we provide to gynecologic oncology patients. In addition to directly impacting the diagnosis and treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, it has affected our patient’s ability to undergo recommended surveillance and has made an impact on every caregiver providing care during this time. Herein we review the current literature on the impact of COVID-19 on gynecologic oncology and highlight new approaches and innovations that have resulted in gynecologic cancer care as a result of the pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on the field of gynecologic oncology has been profound. In addition to directly impacting the diagnosis and treatment of women with cancer, it has also challenged the very ethics with which we practice medicine. The equitable distribution of resources is paramount to upholding the Hippocratic Oath which we all invoke. The COVID-19 pandemic has stripped this oath down to its very core, forcing all medical practitioners to scrutinize who gets what resources and when. As the pandemic continues to unfold, the question remains — in the setting of a strained and overburdened healthcare system, how do we maximize beneficence to one group of patients, while maintaining non-maleficence to others? As gynecologic oncologists, we are responsible for advocating for our patients to ensure that the quality of their cancer care is not compromised, while also not overutilizing resources that are sorely needed for the care of COVID-19 victims, and not making them more likely to succumb to COVID-19 by the very nature of the treatment we provide. The effects of the pandemic are far-reaching and broad, and many of these are yet to be determined. Future studies are needed to analyze how the above-utilized strategies in GYN cancer care during the pandemic will impact the long-term outcomes of our patients.
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Jereczek-Fossa BA, Pepa M, Zaffaroni M, Marvaso G, Bruni A, Buglione di Monale E Bastia M, Catalano G, Filippi AR, Franco P, Gambacorta MA, Genovesi D, Iatì G, Magli A, Marafioti L, Meattini I, Merlotti A, Mignogna M, Musio D, Pacelli R, Pergolizzi S, Tombolini V, Trovo M, Leonardi MC, Ricardi U, Magrini SM, Corvò R, Donato V. COVID-19 safe and fully operational radiotherapy: An AIRO survey depicting the Italian landscape at the dawn of phase 2. Radiother Oncol 2021; 155:120-122. [PMID: 33065185 PMCID: PMC7553860 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Alicja Jereczek-Fossa
- Division of Radiation Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Pepa
- Division of Radiation Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Mattia Zaffaroni
- Division of Radiation Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
| | - Giulia Marvaso
- Division of Radiation Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessio Bruni
- Radiotherapy Unit, Department of Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital of Modena, Italy
| | | | - Gianpiero Catalano
- Radiation Oncology Centre, IRCCS Ospedale Multimedica, Sesto San Giovanni/Castellanza, Italy
| | - Andrea Riccardo Filippi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Genovesi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Iatì
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Marafioti
- Division of Radiotherapy, Azienda Ospedaliera di Cosenza, Italy
| | - Icro Meattini
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Oncology Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "M. Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anna Merlotti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, S. Croce and Carle Teaching Hospital, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Marcello Mignogna
- Radiation Oncology Unit, S. Luca Hospital, Healthcare Company Tuscany Nord Ovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - Daniela Musio
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Pacelli
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Pergolizzi
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Dental Science and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Trovo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Udine General Hospital, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Maria Magrini
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University and Spedali Civili Hospital, Brescia, Italy
| | - Renzo Corvò
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Health Science Department (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Vittorio Donato
- Radiation Oncology Division, Oncology and Specialty Medicine Department, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Roma; President of AIRO (Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology), Italy
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Back to (new) normality-A CODRAL/AIRO-L survey on cancer radiotherapy in Lombardy during Italian COVID-19 phase 2. Med Oncol 2020; 37:108. [PMID: 33150476 PMCID: PMC7641253 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-020-01434-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Italy experienced one of the world’s severest COVID-19 outbreak, with Lombardy being the most afflicted region. However, the imposed safety measures allowed to flatten the epidemic curve and hence to ease the restrictions and inaugurate, on the 4th of May 2020, the Italian phase (P) 2 of the pandemic. The present survey study, endorsed by CODRAL and AIRO-L, aimed to assess how radiotherapy (RT) departments in Lombardy have dealt with the recovery. Materials and methods A questionnaire dealing with the management of pandemic was developed online and sent to all CODRAL Directors on the 10th of June 2020. Answers were collected in full anonymity one week after. Results All the 33 contacted RT facilities (100%) responded to the survey. Despite the scale of the pandemic, during P1 14 (42.4%) centres managed to safely continue the activity (≤ 10% reduction). During P2, 10 (30.3%) centres fully recovered and 14 (42.4%) reported an increase. Nonetheless, 6 (18.2%) declared no changes and, interestingly, 3 (9.1%) reduced activities. Overall, 21 centres (63.6%) reported suspected or positive cases within healthcare workforce since the beginning of the pandemic. Staff units were quarantined in 19 (57.6%) and 6 (18.2%) centres throughout P1 and P2, respectively. In the two phases, about two thirds centres registered positive or suspected cases amongst patients. Conclusion The study revealed a particular attention to anti-contagion measures and a return to normal or even higher clinical workload in most RT centres in Lombardy, necessary to carry out current and previously deferred treatments. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12032-020-01434-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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