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Siva Kumar S, Bradley JA, Mendenhall NP, Mailhot Vega RB, Brooks ED, Okunieff PG, Giap F, Burchianti T, Daily K, Heldermon CD, Galochkina Z, Lee JH, Swarts S, O’Dell WG. Effects on Lung Tissue After Breast Cancer Radiation: Comparing Photon and Proton Therapies. Int J Part Ther 2024; 11:100006. [PMID: 38757081 PMCID: PMC11095095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpt.2024.02.001] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In breast cancer, improved treatment approaches that reduce injury to lung tissue and early diagnosis and intervention for lung toxicity are increasingly important in survivorship. The aims of this study are to (1) compare lung tissue radiographic changes in women treated with conventional photon radiation therapy and those treated with proton therapy (PT), (2) assess the volume of lung irradiated to 5 Gy (V5) and 20 Gy (V20) by treatment modality, and (3) quantify the effects of V5, V20, time, and smoking history on the severity of tissue radiographic changes. Patients and Methods A prospective observational study of female breast cancer patients was conducted to monitor postradiation subclinical lung tissue radiographic changes. Repeated follow-up x-ray computed tomography scans were acquired through 2 years after treatment. In-house software was used to quantify an internally normalized measure of pulmonary tissue density change over time from the computed tomography scans, emphasizing the 6- and 12-month time points. Results Compared with photon therapy, PT was associated with significantly lower lung V5 and V20. Lung V20 (but not V5) correlated significantly with increased subclinical lung tissue radiographic changes 6 months after treatment, and neither correlated with lung effects at 12 months. Significant lung tissue density changes were present in photon therapy patients at 6 and 12 months but not in PT patients. Significant lung tissue density change persisted at 12 months in ever-smokers but not in never-smokers. Conclusion Patients treated with PT had significantly lower radiation exposure to the lungs and less statistically significant tissue density change, suggesting decreased injury and/or improved recovery compared to photon therapy. These findings motivate additional studies in larger, randomized, and more diverse cohorts to further investigate the contributions of treatment modality and smoking regarding the short- and long-term radiographic effects of radiation on lung tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie A. Bradley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nancy P. Mendenhall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Raymond B. Mailhot Vega
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric D. Brooks
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul G. Okunieff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fantine Giap
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Teena Burchianti
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Karen Daily
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Coy D. Heldermon
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zhanna Galochkina
- Division of Quantitative Sciences, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ji-Hyun Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida College of Health Profession & Public Health and College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Steven Swarts
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Walter G. O’Dell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Wu XY, Chen M, Cao L, Li M, Chen JY. Proton Therapy in Breast Cancer: A Review of Potential Approaches for Patient Selection. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241234788. [PMID: 38389426 PMCID: PMC10894553 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241234788] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Proton radiotherapy may be a compelling technical option for the treatment of breast cancer due to its unique physical property known as the "Bragg peak." This feature offers distinct advantages, promising superior dose conformity within the tumor area and reduced radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, enhancing the potential for better treatment outcomes. However, proton therapy is accompanied by inherent challenges, primarily higher costs and limited accessibility when compared to well-developed photon irradiation. Thus, in clinical practice, it is important for radiation oncologists to carefully select patients before recommendation of proton therapy to ensure the transformation of dosimetric benefits into tangible clinical benefits. Yet, the optimal indications for proton therapy in breast cancer patients remain uncertain. While there is no widely recognized methodology for patient selection, numerous attempts have been made in this direction. In this review, we intended to present an inspiring summarization and discussion about the current practices and exploration on the approaches of this treatment decision-making process in terms of treatment-related side-effects, tumor control, and cost-efficiency, including the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model, the tumor control probability (TCP) model, genomic biomarkers, cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs), and so on. Additionally, we conducted an evaluation of the eligibility criteria in ongoing randomized controlled trials and analyzed their reference value in patient selection. We evaluated the pros and cons of various potential patient selection approaches and proposed possible directions for further optimization and exploration. In summary, while proton therapy holds significant promise in breast cancer treatment, its integration into clinical practice calls for a thoughtful, evidence-driven strategy. By continuously refining the patient selection criteria, we can harness the full potential of proton radiotherapy while ensuring maximum benefit for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Yi Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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McKenna K. Proton versus photon comprehensive nodal breast irradiation. Med Dosim 2023; 48:312-314. [PMID: 37716851 DOI: 10.1016/j.meddos.2023.08.005] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive nodal breast irradiation is traditionally treated utilizing 3DCRT planning with a three or four field technique. While the three or four field photon technique may be the standard of care for comprehensive nodal breast treatment, the ipsilateral lung dose and heart mean can often be of concern dependent on patient's anatomy. Standard dose constraints (200cGy x25) per the Alliance A221505 trial strive to maintain the ipsilateral V20<35% and heart mean <3Gy. Double scattering proton therapy treatment has a significant advantage over photons in reducing the ipsilateral lung and heart dose due the Spread-Out Bragg Peak and rapid dose drop off. Proton therapy in comprehensive nodal breast irradiation can be beneficial when dose constraints are exceeding in a photon plan or in the re-irradiation setting. Within this study, a comparison of ipsilateral lung and heart mean doses will be evaluated using both photon three/four field technique and double scattering proton therapy technique. A decreased ipsilateral lung V20 can be correlated to all proton plans that were conducted in the study. In all but one patient there was a decrease in the heart mean as well, which was due to patient anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly McKenna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick New Jersey.
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Mendenhall WM, Beitler JJ, Saba NF, Shaha AR, Nuyts S, Strojan P, Bollen H, Cohen O, Smee R, Ng SP, Eisbruch A, Ng WT, Kirwan JM, Ferlito A. Proton Beam Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Part Ther 2023; 9:243-252. [PMID: 37169005 PMCID: PMC10166016 DOI: 10.14338/ijpt-22-00030.1] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To discuss the role of proton beam therapy (PBT) in the treatment of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Materials and Methods A review of the pertinent literature. Results Proton beam therapy likely results in reduced acute and late toxicity as compared with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). The extent of the reduced toxicity, which may be modest, depends on the endpoint and technical factors such as pencil beam versus passive scattered PBT and adaptive replanning. The disease control rates after PBT are likely similar to those after IMRT. Conclusion Proton beam therapy is an attractive option to treat patients with OPSCC. Whether it becomes widely available depends on access.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M. Mendenhall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Beitler
- Harold Alfonds Center for Cancer Care, Maine General Hospital, Augusta, ME, USA
| | - Nabil F. Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ashok R. Shaha
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sandra Nuyts
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, Department of Oncology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Primož Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Heleen Bollen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Oded Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, Soroka Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Affiliated with Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Robert Smee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Prince of Wales Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sweet Ping Ng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Avraham Eisbruch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wai Tong Ng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jessica M. Kirwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
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Mendenhall WM, Brooks ED, Smith S, Morris CG, Bryant CB, Henderson RH, Nichols RC, McIntyre K, Klein SL, Mendenhall NP. Insurance Approval for Definitive Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer. Int J Part Ther 2021; 8:36-42. [PMID: 35127974 PMCID: PMC8768894 DOI: 10.14338/ijpt-21-00002.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine factors that influence insurance approval for definitive proton therapy (PT) for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods Between 2014 and 2018, 1592 insured patients with localized prostate cancer were evaluated and recommended to undergo definitive PT; 547 patients (34.4%) had commercial insurance, whereas 1045 patients (65.6%) had Medicare/Medicaid. Of those with Medicare, 164 patients (15.7%) had Medicare alone; 677 (64.8%) had supplemental plans; and 204 (19.5%) had secondary commercial insurance. Insurance that “covered” PT for prostate cancer implied that it was an indication designated in the coverage policy. “Not covered” means that the insurance policy did not list prostate cancer as an indication for PT. Of all 1592 patients, 1263 (79.3%) belonged to plans that covered PT per policy. However, approval for PT was still required via medical review for 619 patients (38.9%), comparative dosimetry for 56 patients (3.5%), peer-to-peer discussion for 234 patients (14.7%), and administrative law judge hearings for 3 patients (<0.1%). Multivariate analyses of factors affecting approval were conducted, including risk group (low/intermediate versus high), insurance type (commercial versus Medicare/Medicaid), whether PT was included as a covered benefit under the plan (covered versus not covered), and time period (2014-16 versus 2017 versus 2018). Results On multivariate analysis, factors affecting PT approval for prostate treatment included coverage of PT per policy (97.1% had approval with insurance that covered PT versus 48.6% whose insurance did not cover PT; P < .001); insurance type (32.5% had approval with commercial insurance versus 97.4% with Medicare; P < .001); and time, with 877/987 patients (88.9%) approved between 2014 and 2016, 255/312 patients (81.7%) approved during 2017, and 255/293 patients (87.0%) approved thereafter (P = .02). Clinical factors, including risk group, had no bearing on insurance approval (P = .44). Conclusion Proton insurance approval for prostate cancer has decreased, is most influenced by the type of insurance a patient belongs to, and is unrelated to clinical factors (risk group) in this study. More work is needed to help navigate appropriate access to care and to assist patients seeking definitive PT for prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M. Mendenhall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Eric D. Brooks
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie Smith
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Christopher G. Morris
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Curtis B. Bryant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Randal H. Henderson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Romaine C. Nichols
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Kathy McIntyre
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Stuart L. Klein
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Nancy P. Mendenhall
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Beitler JJ. We have met the Enemy and (S)He is Us. Head Neck 2021; 43:2685-2687. [PMID: 33998092 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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