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Ching L, Bourne M, Kearney T, Choudhury K, Zwart AL, Danner MT, Suy S, Esposito G, Collins S. Distinguishing Physiological Ureter Uptake From an Involved Lymph Node in Staging Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Scans: Implications for Radiation Planning. Cureus 2024; 16:e63105. [PMID: 39055460 PMCID: PMC11271162 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63105] [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] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging has become a mainstay diagnostic tool in staging unfavorable primary prostate cancer (PC) and identifying sites of recurrence in previously treated PC. One of the biggest pitfalls of PSMA imaging is rapid radionucleotide excretion in the urine via the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. The positron-emission tomography (PET) images obtained show increased radiotracer activity in these structures, which can occlude or even mimic true malignant disease. We describe the diagnostic challenges encountered in differentiating benign versus malignant disease with PSMA scans. A 78-year-old male presented to our outpatient radiation oncology office with high-risk prostate cancer. His medical history was significant for ulcerative colitis (UC). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an enlarged prostate and a Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) class 4 lesion. A subsequent transperineal biopsy confirmed unilateral Gleason 8 adenocarcinoma. A PSMA PET scan was read as increased uptake in the right prostate and a left external iliac node. The patient, having been initially informed of a positive lymph node metastasis, sought a second opinion,resulting in a CT urogram that revealed physiologic ureteral uptake. We were thus able to avoid lymph node radiation and morbidity to the surrounding bowel, already chronically inflamed with ulcerative colitis. This study demonstrates the potential for misinterpretation of PSMA uptake in the ureter as lymph node metastases. We discuss how peri-uretic activity can hinder accurate visualization of pelvic lymph node metastases. This study highlights the need for careful image interpretation of PSMA uptake patterns in order to avoid diagnostic errors and unnecessary radiation to at-risk organs in prostate cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Ching
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Matthew Bourne
- Radiology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Tim Kearney
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Karbi Choudhury
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alan L Zwart
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Malika T Danner
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Simeng Suy
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Nuclear Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sean Collins
- Radiation Oncology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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Ma TM, Ladbury C, Tran M, Keiper TD, Andraos T, Gogineni E, Mohideen N, Siva S, Loblaw A, Tree AC, Cheung P, Kresl J, Collins S, Cao M, Kishan AU. Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: A Radiosurgery Society Guide to the Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer Illustrated by Challenging Cases. Pract Radiat Oncol 2024; 14:e117-e131. [PMID: 37661040 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2023.08.011] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for localized prostate cancer (PCa) involved lengthy courses with low daily doses. However, advancements in radiation delivery and a better understanding of prostate radiobiology have enabled the development of shorter courses of EBRT. Ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy, administering doses greater than 5 Gy per fraction, is now considered a standard of care regimen for localized PCa, particularly for intermediate-risk disease. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a specific type of ultrahypofractionated radiotherapy employing advanced planning, imaging, and treatment technology to deliver in five or fewer fractions, is gaining prominence as a cost-effective, convenient, and safe alternative to longer radiotherapy courses. It is crucial to address practical considerations related to patient selection, fractionation scheme, target delineation, and planning objectives. This is especially important in challenging clinical situations where clear evidence for guidance may be lacking. The Radiosurgery Society endorses this case-based guide with the aim of providing a practical framework for delivering SBRT to the intact prostate, exemplified by two case studies. The article will explore common SBRT dose/fractionation schemes and dose constraints for organs-at-risk. Additionally, it will review existing evidence and expert opinions on topics such as SBRT dose escalation, the use of rectal spacers, the role of androgen deprivation therapy in the context of SBRT, SBRT in special patient populations (e.g., high-risk disease, large prostate, high baseline urinary symptom burdens, and inflammatory bowel disease), as well as new imaging-guidance techniques like Magnetic Resonance Imaging for SBRT delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Martin Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Colton Ladbury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Maxwell Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Timothy D Keiper
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Therese Andraos
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Emile Gogineni
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Najeeb Mohideen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, Illinois
| | - Shankar Siva
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Loblaw
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alison C Tree
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Cheung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Kresl
- Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Sean Collins
- Department of Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, D.C
| | - Minsong Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Amar U Kishan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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Trotta M, Patel KR, Singh S, Verma V, Ryckman J. Safety of Radiation Therapy in Patients With Prostate Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review. Pract Radiat Oncol 2023; 13:454-465. [PMID: 37100389 PMCID: PMC10527639 DOI: 10.1016/j.prro.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has historically been considered a relative contraindication for pelvic radiation therapy (RT). To date, no systematic review has summarized the toxicity profile of RT for patients with prostate cancer and comorbid IBD. METHODS AND MATERIALS A PRISMA-guided systematic search was conducted on PubMed/Embase for original investigations that reported gastrointestinal (GI; rectal/bowel) toxicity in patients with IBD undergoing RT for prostate cancer. The substantial heterogeneity in patient population, follow-up, and toxicity reporting practices precluded a formal meta-analysis; however, a summary of the individual study-level data and crude pooled rates was described. RESULTS Twelve retrospective studies with 194 patients were included: 5 examined predominantly low-dose-rate brachytherapy (BT) monotherapy, 1 predominantly high-dose-rate BT monotherapy, 3 mixed external beam RT (3-dimensional conformal or intensity modulated RT [IMRT]) + low-dose-rate BT, 1 IMRT + high-dose-rate BT, and 2 stereotactic RT. Among these studies, patients with active IBD, patients receiving pelvic RT, and patients with prior abdominopelvic surgery were underrepresented. In all but 1 publication, the rate of late grade 3+ GI toxicities was <5%. The crude pooled rate of acute and late grade 2+ GI events was 15.3% (n = 27/177 evaluable patients; range, 0%-100%) and 11.3% (n = 20/177 evaluable patients; range, 0%-38.5%), respectively. Crude rates of acute and late grade 3+ GI events were 3.4% (6 cases; range, 0%-23%) and 2.3% (4 cases; range, 0%-15%). CONCLUSIONS Prostate RT in patients with comorbid IBD appears to be associated with low rates of grade 3+ GI toxicity; however, patients must be counseled regarding the possibility for lower-grade toxicities. These data cannot be generalized to the underrepresented subpopulations mentioned above, and individualize decision-making is recommended for those high-risk cases. Several strategies should be considered to minimize the probability of toxicity in this susceptible population, including careful patient selection, minimizing elective (nodal) treatment volumes, using rectal sparing techniques, and employing contemporary RT advancements to minimize exposure to GI organs at risk (eg, IMRT, magnetic resonance imaging-based target delineation, and high-quality daily image guidance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Trotta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Krishnan R Patel
- Radiation Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sarah Singh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Vivek Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Jeffrey Ryckman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Parkersburg, West Virginia.
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Expanding access to rectal spacers in the United Kingdom: an examination of current evidence and an early review of data from a single institution. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/s146039692200022x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Prostate cancer is a common malignancy with rising incidence in Western countries such as the United Kingdom. In localised disease there are a variety of curative treatment modalities. Patients can be referred for surgery, or for a combination of hormonal therapies and radiotherapy (external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy). Each treatment option comes with side effects and in the case of radiotherapy one potential complication is bowel toxicity from radiation exposure. New technologies are being developed to try and mitigate the side effects and long term morbidity of this treatment, and to expand access to radiotherapy for patients who may previously have been excluded (i.e those with inflammatory bowel disease). Rectal Spacers are absorbable polyethylene glycol hydrogels injected into the perirectal space. These position the anterior rectal wall away from the prostate, subsequently minimising radiation dose to the rectum. Rectal Spacers have been introduced to National Healthcare Service (NHS) practice as part of the Innovation and Technology Payment (ITP) programme, however, their use is now under review.
Methodology and Results:
In this editorial we conduct a narrative review of some of the available evidence for Rectal Spacers, discuss their utilization within the NHS and the barriers to their wider use. We also explore preliminary dosimetry and quality of life data for use of Rectal Spacers in our centre where we have been part of the NHS ITP programme. Dosimetry data and Quality of life questionnaires were gathered from 22 treated patients and 11 matched controls. This indicated lower radiation doses to the prostate in those treated with Rectal Spacers.
Conclusion:
Rectal Spacers are an effective method to reduce radiation dose to the prostate in men treated for localised prostate cancer, however, their use remains under review in the NHS and there are a variety of barriers to upscaling their use.
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Monaco A, Sommer J, Okpara C, Lischalk JW, Haas J, Corcoran A, Katz A. Comparative results of focal-cryoablation and stereotactic body radiotherapy in the treatment of unilateral, low-to-intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Int Urol Nephrol 2022; 54:2529-2535. [PMID: 35864430 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-022-03306-1] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to compare oncologic and functional outcomes of men with unilateral, localized PCa treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus focal cryoablation (FC). METHODS Patients from our IRB-approved PCa database who underwent FC or SBRT and were eligible for both treatments were included. Patients with less than 1 year of follow-up or prior PCa treatment were excluded. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as salvage treatment or a Gleason group (GG) of ≥ 2 on post-treatment biopsy. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was evaluated with Phoenix. Functional outcomes were based on EPIC surveys. Complications were categorized with the CTCAE 5.0. Outcomes were compared using descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and Kaplan-Meier curve for failure-free survival (FFS) and BCR-free survival. P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS 68 FC and 51 SBRT patients with a median age of 68 years (48-86) and a median follow-up time of 84 (70-101) months were included in this analysis. There was no difference in tumor risk (p = 0.47), GG (p = 0.20), or PSA (p = 0.70) among the two cohorts at baseline. At 7-year follow-up, no difference in FFS was found between the two cohorts (p = 0.70); however, significantly more FC patients had BCR (p < 0.001). At 48 months, no differences existed in urinary or bowel function; however, SBRT patients had significantly worse sexual function (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION FC and SBRT are associated with similar oncologic and functional outcomes 7-year post-treatment. These results underscore the utility of FC and SBRT for the management of unilateral low-to-intermediate-risk PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Monaco
- New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, 101 Northern Boulevard, Old Westbury, NY, 11568, USA.
| | - Jessica Sommer
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone, Hospital-Long Island, 1300 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY, 11530, USA
| | - Chinyere Okpara
- Biostatistics Core, Division of Health Services Research, New York University Langone, Hospital-Long Island, 259 1st St, Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Jonathan W Lischalk
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone, Hospital-Long Island, 259 1st St., Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Jonathan Haas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Langone, Hospital-Long Island, 259 1st St., Mineola, NY, 11501, USA
| | - Anthony Corcoran
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone, Hospital-Long Island, 1300 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY, 11530, USA
| | - Aaron Katz
- Department of Urology, New York University Langone, Hospital-Long Island, 1300 Franklin Ave, Mineola, NY, 11530, USA
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Four-year quality-of-life outcomes in low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients following definitive stereotactic body radiotherapy versus management with active surveillance. World J Urol 2022; 40:2213-2219. [PMID: 35821267 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-022-04084-2] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review quality-of-life (QoL) metrics between patients who underwent definitive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) versus active surveillance (AS) for management of low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS A prospectively maintained PCa database was reviewed containing results of patient-reported QoL surveys. Patients with localized disease who chose AS or SBRT and completed at least one survey within four years of treatment were included. Patients who received salvage therapy were excluded. Survey results were compared across time using mixed-effects repeated measures analysis of covariance models that adjusted for factors significant in univariate analysis. A group x time interaction effect was examined to compare rate of change over time between AS and SBRT. P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS 148 AS and 161 SBRT patients were included. Significantly more SBRT patients had intermediate-risk disease (p < 0.0001). AS had significantly worse sexual function compared to SBRT across time. While not significant, bowel function scores were lower for SBRT patients across time points. SBRT patients had significantly lower anxiety than AS patients at 24 months (p < 0.011) and 36 months (p < 0.010). Urinary function though worse in SBRT patients at 12 months in EPIC, was not significantly different in both groups across time points. CONCLUSION SBRT patients have excellent QoL compared to AS with regard to anxiety post treatment. Though SBRT patients initially have worse urinary and bowel function than AS, scores were eventually similar in both cohorts by 48 months. SBRT patients have significantly worse sexual function post treatment. This study may help facilitate counseling in patients choosing PCa treatment.
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Repka MC, Creswell M, Lischalk JW, Carrasquilla M, Forsthoefel M, Lee J, Lei S, Aghdam N, Kataria S, Obayomi-Davies O, Collins BT, Suy S, Hankins RA, Collins SP. Rationale for Utilization of Hydrogel Rectal Spacers in Dose Escalated SBRT for the Treatment of Unfavorable Risk Prostate Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:860848. [PMID: 35433457 PMCID: PMC9008358 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.860848] [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: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review we outline the current evidence for the use of hydrogel rectal spacers in the treatment paradigm for prostate cancer with external beam radiation therapy. We review their development, summarize clinical evidence, risk of adverse events, best practices for placement, treatment planning considerations and finally we outline a framework and rationale for the utilization of rectal spacers when treating unfavorable risk prostate cancer with dose escalated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Repka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Michael Creswell
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jonathan W Lischalk
- Department of Radiation Oncology at New York University (NYU) Long Island School of Medicine, Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYCyberKnife, New York, NY, United States
| | - Michael Carrasquilla
- Department of Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Matthew Forsthoefel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jacqueline Lee
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Siyuan Lei
- Department of Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nima Aghdam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaan Kataria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arlington & Reston Radiation Oncology, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Olusola Obayomi-Davies
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA, United States
| | - Brian T Collins
- Department of Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Simeng Suy
- Department of Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ryan A Hankins
- Department of Urology, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Sean P Collins
- Department of Radiation Medicine, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
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