Deep regional hyperthermia with preoperative radiochemotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer, a prospective phase II trial

Mild hyperthermia with magnetic resonance- guided high intensity focused ultrasound combined with salvage chemoradiation for recurrent rectal cancer

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic recurrences from rectal cancer present a challenging clinical scenario. Hyperthermia represents an innovative treatment option in combination with concurrent chemoradiation to enhance therapeutic effect. We provide the initial results of a prospective single center feasibility study (NCT02528175) for patients undergoing rectal cancer retreatment using concurrent chemoradiation and mild hyperthermia with MR-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU).

METHODS

All patients were deemed ineligible for salvage surgery and were evaluated in a multidisciplinary fashion with a surgical oncologist, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. Radiation was delivered to a dose of 30.6 Gy in 1.8 Gy per fraction with concurrent capecitabine. MR-HIFU was delivered on days 1, 8 and 15 of concurrent chemoradiation. Our primary objective was feasibility and toxicity.

RESULTS

Six patients (total 11 screened) were treated with concurrent chemoradiation and mild hyperthermia with MR-HIFU. Tumor size varied between 3.1-16.6 cm. Patients spent an average of 228 min in the MRI suite and sonication with the external transducer lasted an average of 35 min. There were no complications on the day of the MR-HIFU procedure and all acute toxicities (no grade >/=3 toxicities) resolved after completion of treatment. There were no late grade >/=3 toxicities.

CONCLUSION

Mild hyperthermia with MR-HIFU, in combination with concurrent chemoradiation for appropriately selected patients, is safe for localized pelvic recurrences from rectal cancer. The potential for MR-HIFU to be applied in the recurrent setting in rectal cancer treatment requires further technical development and prospective evaluation.

Efficacy of mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab regimen in advanced colorectal cancer after deep hyperthermia: a single-center retrospective study

Background

This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy and safety of a modified FOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin + leucovorin + 5-fluorouracil) plus bevacizumab regimen after deep hyperthermia in advanced colorectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 80 colorectal cancer patients treated at our hospital were selected as research subjects. According to the random number table method, patients were divided into a control group (mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab) and a combination group (mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab after deep hyperthermia treatment), with 40 patients in each group. After six cycles of treatment, the objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), levels of serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), vascular epidermal growth factor (VEGF), Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores, and the occurrence of adverse events were compared between the two groups.

Results

After six cycles of treatment, the ORR in the combination group was higher than that in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The DCR in the combination group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum CEA levels in the control and combination groups after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the serum CEA and VEGF levels in the combination group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.001). The KPS scores in both groups after treatment were higher than those before treatment, and the KPS scores in the combination group after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.001). The incidence of fatigue and pain in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab after deep hyperthermia is effective in advanced colorectal cancer patients, which can effectively improve their quality of life, and the adverse events are controllable and tolerable. A randomized or prospective trial will be required to further prove these data and explore its potentiality, especially if compared to conventional treatment.

Radiotherapy combined with deep regional hyperthermia in elderly and frail patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer: quality analysis of hyperthermia and impact on clinical results

Purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) in combination with deep regional hyperthermia (HT) after transurethral removal of bladder tumor (TURBT) can be offered to elderly and frail patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).Methods: In total, 21 patients (mean age 84 years) with unifocal or multifocal MIBC received radiation to a dose of 48-50 Gy/16-20 fractions with weekly HT. The primary endpoint was the variation in temperature metrics, thermal dose expressed as cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C when the measured temperature is T90 (CEM43T90) and net power applied in target volume per each HT session. Secondary endpoints were three-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local progression-free survival (LPFS) and toxicity.Results: The temperature metrics, CEM43T90, mean and maximum net power applied did not differ significantly among the HT sessions of the 21 patients. With a median follow-up of 65 months, 52% (95% CI 32-72%) of patients had died 3 years after treatment. The three-year DFS and LPFS rates were 62% (95%CI 41-79%) and 81% (95%CI 60-92%), respectively. The three-year bladder preservation rate was 100%. Three out of four patients with local failure received a thermal dose CEM43T90 below a median of 2.4 min. The rates of acute and late grade-3 toxicities were 10% and 14%, respectively.Conclusion: The reproducibility of HT parameters between sessions was high. A moderately high CEM43T90 (> 2.4 min) for each HT session seems to be preferable for local control. RT combined with HT is a promising organ-preservation therapy for elderly and frail MIBC patients.

High-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy for rectal cancer: A state-of-the-art review

Rectal cancer is a common malignancy that requires multidisciplinary treatment. By utilizing the dose-response relationship in rectal cancer radiotherapy, increasing the radiotherapy dose can improve clinical complete remission rates. High-dose rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT) is a novel technique that delivers high doses of radiotherapy directly to the tumor via an endorectal applicator, sparing the adjacent normal tissues from excessive radiation exposure. HDREBT includes contact X-ray brachytherapy and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy. We introduce the latest developments in applicators and imaging techniques for HDREBT in rectal cancer and summarize the current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of HDREBT as a neoadjuvant, definitive, or palliative treatment option for all stages of rectal cancer patients. We also discuss the potential advantages and challenges of HDREBT in achieving organ preservation and improving the quality of life of rectal cancer patients. HDREBT has shown promising results in achieving high complete response rates, enabling nonoperative management, improving organ preservation rates, and providing effective palliation in rectal cancer patients. More studies are needed to optimize its dose and fractionation schemes in different clinical scenarios.

A positive feedback loop between ID3 and PPARγ via DNA damage repair regulates the efficacy of radiotherapy for rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of inhibitor of differentiation 3 (ID3) on radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer and to explore its primary mechanism.

METHODS

Cell proliferation and clonogenic assays were used to study the relationship between ID3 and radiosensitivity. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were performed to analyze the possible mechanism of ID3 in the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer. At the same time, a xenograft tumor model of HCT116 cells in nude mice was established to study the effect of irradiation on the tumorigenesis of ID3 knockdown colorectal cancer cells in vivo. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the relationship between ID3 expression and the efficacy of radiotherapy in 46 patients with rectal cancer.

RESULTS

Proliferation and clonogenic assays revealed that the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells decreased with ID3 depletion through p53-independent pathway. With the decrease in ID3 expression, MDC1 was downregulated. Furthermore, the expression of ID3, MDC1, and γH2AX increased and formed foci after irradiation. ID3 interacted with PPARγ and form a positive feedback loop to enhance the effect of ID3 on the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer. Irradiation tests in nude mice also confirmed that HCT116 cells with ID3 knockdown were more affected by irradiation. Immunohistochemical study showed that rectal cancer patients with low expression of ID3 had better radiotherapy efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

ID3 and PPARγ influence the radiosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells by interacting with MDC1 to form a positive feedback loop that promotes DNA damage repair. Patients with low expression of ID3 who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy can obtain a better curative effect.

Real World Analysis of Quality of Life and Toxicity in Cancer Patients Treated with Hyperthermia Combined with Radio(chemo)therapy

Hyperthermia (HT) in combination with radio(chemo)therapy (RCT) is a well-established cancer treatment strategy. This report analyses the quality of life (QoL), toxicity and survival outcomes in patients with different tumor entities who received HT in combination with RCT. The primary endpoint of this study was the assessment of QoL scale items 3 and 12 months after treatment in patients who were treated with palliative intent and curative intent, respectively. The secondary endpoints of this study were acute toxicities, 1-year overall survival (OS), and local progression-free survival (LPFS). Patients treated with curative intent experienced significant improvement in emotional functioning (EF), social functioning (SF), financial difficulties (FI) and insomnia (SL) 12 months after treatment. Patients had significantly improved FI and pain (PA) three months after palliative treatment. Acute toxicity of grade 3 or more was 26% during treatment and 4% after three months. The 1-year OS rates were 90% (95% CI: 79-96%) and 44% (95% CI: 31-59%) for patients treated with curative and palliative RCT combined with HT, respectively. Moreover, the 1-year LPFS rates were 94% (95% CI: 84-98%) for patients treated with curative intent and 64% (95% CI: 50-77%) for palliative patients. In summary, combined RCT and HT stabilized or improved QoL scale items for both curative and palliative indications.

Simulation CT-based radiomics for prediction of response after neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer

Background

To report on the discriminative ability of a simulation Computed Tomography (CT)-based radiomics signature for predicting response to treatment in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemo-radiation for locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the rectum.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated at the Universities of Tübingen (from 1/1/07 to 31/12/10, explorative cohort) and Florence (from 1/1/11 to 31/12/17, external validation cohort) were considered in our dual-institution, retrospective analysis. Long-course neoadjuvant chemo-radiation was performed according to local policy. On simulation CT, the rectal Gross Tumor Volume was manually segmented. A feature selection process was performed yielding mineable data through an in-house developed software (written in Python 3.6). Model selection and hyper-parametrization of the model was performed using a fivefold cross validation approach. The main outcome measure of the study was the rate of pathologic good response, defined as the sum of Tumor regression grade (TRG) 3 and 4 according to Dworak’s classification.

Results

Two-hundred and one patients were included in our analysis, of whom 126 (62.7%) and 75 (37.3%) cases represented the explorative and external validation cohorts, respectively. Patient characteristics were well balanced between the two groups. A similar rate of good response to neoadjuvant treatment was obtained in in both cohorts (46% and 54.7%, respectively; p = 0.247). A total of 1150 features were extracted from the planning scans. A 5-metafeature complex consisting of Principal component analysis (PCA)-clusters (whose main components are LHL Grey-Level-Size-Zone: Large Zone Emphasis, Elongation, HHH Intensity Histogram Mean, HLL Run-Length: Run Level Variance and HHH Co-occurence: Cluster Tendency) in combination with 5-nearest neighbour model was the most robust signature. When applied to the explorative cohort, the prediction of good response corresponded to an average Area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.65 ± 0.02. When the model was tested on the external validation cohort, it ensured a similar accuracy, with a slightly lower predictive ability (AUC of 0.63).

Conclusions

Radiomics-based, data-mining from simulation CT scans was shown to be feasible and reproducible in two independent cohorts, yielding fair accuracy in the prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemo-radiation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13014-022-02053-y.

Long-Term Feasibility of 13.56 MHz Modulated Electro-Hyperthermia-Based Preoperative Thermoradiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer

Simple Summary

We demonstrated that a 13.56 MHz modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) boost is feasible in neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer. Herein, we attempted to present the long-term results for this phase 2 trial. Although there are many reports on the usefulness of thermoradiochemotherapy for loco-regional control, so far, only a few cases of survival benefit exist. Thus, this study assessed whether this limitation of hyperthermia could be overcome through the mEHT method featuring an applied energy variable. Following a median follow-up of 58 months for 60 patients, mEHT boost showed comparable results with conventional hyperthermia; potential therapeutic effects were also observed. Moreover, mEHT could be considered a useful tool in combination treatment with radiotherapy owing to its low thermotoxicity and improved treatment compliance.

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of 13.56 MHz modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) boost in neoadjuvant treatment for cT3-4- or cN-positive rectal cancer. Sixty patients who completed the mEHT feasibility trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02546596) were analyzed. Whole pelvis radiotherapy of 40 Gy, mEHT boost twice a week during radiotherapy, and surgical resection 6–8 weeks following radiotherapy were performed. The median age was 59. The median follow-up period was 58 (6–85) months. Total/near total tumor regression was observed in 20 patients (33.3%), including nine cases of complete response. T- and N-downstaging was identified in 40 (66.6%) and 53 (88.3%) patients, respectively. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival were 94.0% and 77.1%, respectively. mEHT energy of ≥3800 kJ potentially increased the overall survival (p = 0.039). The ypN-stage and perineural invasion were possible significant factors in disease-free (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively) and distant metastasis-free (p = 0.011 and p = 0.034, respectively) survival. Tumor regression, resection margin status, and other molecular genetic factors showed no correlation with survival. Although a limited analysis of a small number of patients, mEHT was feasible considering long-term survival. A relatively low dose irradiation (40 Gy) plus mEHT setting could ensure comparable clinical outcomes with possible mEHT-related prognostic features.

Present Practice of Radiative Deep Hyperthermia in Combination with Radiotherapy in Switzerland

BACKGROUND

Moderate hyperthermia is a potent and evidence-based radiosensitizer. Several indications are reimbursed for the combination of deep hyperthermia with radiotherapy (dHT+RT). We evaluated the current practice of dHT+RT in Switzerland.

METHODS

All indications presented to the national hyperthermia tumor board for dHT between January 2017 and June 2021 were evaluated and treatment schedules were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Of 183 patients presented at the hyperthermia tumor board, 71.6% were accepted and 54.1% (99/183) finally received dHT. The most commonly reimbursed dHT indications were "local recurrence and compression" (20%), rectal (14.7%) and bladder (13.7%) cancer, respectively. For 25.3% of patients, an individual request for insurance cover was necessary. 47.4% of patients were treated with curative intent; 36.8% were in-house patients and 63.2% were referred from other hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately two thirds of patients were referred for dHT+RT from external hospitals, indicating a general demand for dHT in Switzerland. The patterns of care were diverse with respect to treatment indication. To the best of our knowledge, this study shows for the first time the pattern of care in a national cohort treated with dHT+RT. This insight will serve as the basis for a national strategy to evaluate and expand the evidence for dHT.

Post-operative re-irradiation with hyperthermia in locoregional breast cancer recurrence: Temperature matters

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of hyperthermia thermal dose (TD) on locoregional control (LRC), overall survival (OS) and toxicity in locoregional recurrent breast cancer patients treated with postoperative re-irradiation and hyperthermia.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 112 women with resected locoregional recurrent breast cancer treated in 2010-2017 with postoperative re-irradiation 8frx4Gy (n = 34) or 23frx2Gy (n = 78), combined with 4-5 weekly hyperthermia sessions guided by invasive thermometry, were subdivided into 'low' (n = 56) and 'high' TD (n = 56) groups by the best session with highest median cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (Best CEM43T50) < 7.2 min and ≥7.2 min, respectively. Actuarial LRC, OS and late toxicity incidence were analyzed. Backward multivariable Cox regression and inverse probability weighting (IPW) analysis were performed.

RESULTS

TD subgroups showed no significant differences in patient/treatment characteristics. Median follow-up was 43 months (range 1-107 months). High vs. low TD was associated with LRC (p = 0.0013), but not with OS (p = 0.29) or late toxicity (p = 0.58). Three-year LRC was 74.0% vs. 92.3% in the low and high TD group, respectively (p = 0.008). After three years, 25.0% and 0.9% of the patients had late toxicity grade 3 and 4, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that distant metastasis (HR 17.6; 95%CI 5.2-60.2), lymph node involvement (HR 2.9; 95%CI 1.2-7.2), recurrence site (chest wall vs. breast; HR 4.6; 95%CI 1.8-11.6) and TD (low vs. high; HR 4.1; 95%CI 1.4-11.5) were associated with LRC. TD was associated with LRC in IPW analysis (p = 0.0018).

CONCLUSIONS

High thermal dose (best CEM43T50 ≥ 7.2 min) was associated with significantly higher LRC for patients with locoregional recurrent breast cancer treated with postoperative re-irradiation and hyperthermia, without augmenting toxicity.

Long-Term Outcome in a Phase II Study of Regional Hyperthermia Added to Preoperative Radiochemotherapy in Locally Advanced and Recurrent Rectal Adenocarcinomas

Hyperthermia was added to standard preoperative chemoradiation for rectal adenocarcinomas in a phase II study. Patients with T3-4 N0-2 M0 rectal cancer or local recurrences were included. Radiation dose was 54 Gy combined with capecitabine 825 mg/m2 × 2 daily and once weekly oxaliplatin 55 mg/m2. Regional hyperthermia aimed at 41.5–42.5 °C for 60 min combined with oxaliplatin infusion. Radical surgery with total or extended TME technique, was scheduled at 6–8 weeks after radiation. From April 2003 to April 2008, a total of 49 eligible patients were recruited. Median number of hyperthermia sessions were 5.4. A total of 47 out of 49 patients (96%) had the scheduled surgery, which was clinically radical in 44 patients. Complete tumour regression occurred in 29.8% of the patients who also exhibited statistically significantly better RFS and CSS. Rate of local recurrence alone at 10 years was 9.1%, distant metastases alone occurred in 25.6%, including local recurrences 40.4%. RFS for all patients was 54.8% after 5 years and CSS was 73.5%. Patients with T50 temperatures in tumours above median 39.9 °C had better RFS, 66.7% vs. 31.3%, p = 0.047, indicating a role of hyperthermia. Toxicity was acceptable.

Clinical Evidence for Thermometric Parameters to Guide Hyperthermia Treatment

Hyperthermia (HT) is a cancer treatment modality which targets malignant tissues by heating to 40-43 °C. In addition to its direct antitumor effects, HT potently sensitizes the tumor to radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy (CT), thereby enabling complete eradication of some tumor entities as shown in randomized clinical trials. Despite the proven efficacy of HT in combination with classic cancer treatments, there are limited international standards for the delivery of HT in the clinical setting. Consequently, there is a large variability in reported data on thermometric parameters, including the temperature obtained from multiple reference points, heating duration, thermal dose, time interval, and sequence between HT and other treatment modalities. Evidence from some clinical trials indicates that thermal dose, which correlates with heating time and temperature achieved, could be used as a predictive marker for treatment efficacy in future studies. Similarly, other thermometric parameters when chosen optimally are associated with increased antitumor efficacy. This review summarizes the existing clinical evidence for the prognostic and predictive role of the most important thermometric parameters to guide the combined treatment of RT and CT with HT. In conclusion, we call for the standardization of thermometric parameters and stress the importance for their validation in future prospective clinical studies.

Photodynamic Therapy and Hyperthermia in Combination Treatment-Neglected Forces in the Fight against Cancer

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in humans. Despite the progress in cancer treatment, and an increase in the effectiveness of diagnostic methods, cancer is still highly lethal and very difficult to treat in many cases. Combination therapy, in the context of cancer treatment, seems to be a promising option that may allow minimizing treatment side effects and may have a significant impact on the cure. It may also increase the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies. Moreover, combination treatment can significantly increase delivery of drugs to cancerous tissues. Photodynamic therapy and hyperthermia seem to be ideal examples that prove the effectiveness of combination therapy. These two kinds of therapy can kill cancer cells through different mechanisms and activate various signaling pathways. Both PDT and hyperthermia play significant roles in the perfusion of a tumor and the network of blood vessels wrapped around it. The main goal of combination therapy is to combine separate mechanisms of action that will make cancer cells more sensitive to a given therapeutic agent. Such an approach in treatment may contribute toward increasing its effectiveness, optimizing the cancer treatment process in the future.