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Humphrey P, Dures E, Hoskin P, Cramp F. Patient Experiences of Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Hearing the Patient Voice Through Qualitative Interviews. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:902-911. [PMID: 38154511 PMCID: PMC11183299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.12.016] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brachytherapy for gynecological cancer is reported to cause pain, anxiety, and distress with no clear guidance for optimizing patient experiences. The aim of this study was to explore patient experiences of brachytherapy and views on improvement. METHODS AND MATERIALS Semistructured interviews were undertaken with patients who had received brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Two cohorts were recruited: cohort 1 had recently had brachytherapy, and cohort 2 was a year post brachytherapy. Four recruitment sites were selected, where brachytherapy is given in different ways, some with short day case procedures and others having 1 or 2 overnight stays with applicators in place. Consecutive patients were invited to interview. Participants were asked to retell their brachytherapy story, with views on their care and ideas for improvement. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and data analyzed following Braun and Clarke's method for reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirty-five interviews were conducted (20 in cohort 1 and 15 in cohort 2). Participant's ages ranged from 28 to 87 years. The interview duration ranged from 22 to 78 minutes. Difficult and traumatic experiences were reported, including periods of severe pain and perceptions of poor care. However, some participants described positive experiences and what went well. Three themes were developed: (1) how the patient got through it, (2) unpleasantness, discomfort, and the aftermath, and (3) emotional consequences and trauma. Some aspects of medium and long duration brachytherapy were found to be more problematic compared with short duration brachytherapy. Exploring experiences at 1-year post brachytherapy has provided insights into the long-lasting impact of brachytherapy experiences. CONCLUSIONS Hearing the patient voice has demonstrated that further work is needed to improve patient care in modern brachytherapy techniques using different regimens and durations, to minimize difficult and traumatic patient experiences. Study insights will inform future work to develop clinical care recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Humphrey
- College of Health, Science & Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom; Bristol Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma Dures
- College of Health, Science & Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Cramp
- College of Health, Science & Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Portocarrero-Bonifaz A, Syed S, Kassel M, McKenzie GW, Shah VM, Forry BM, Gaskins JT, Sowards KT, Avula TB, Masters A, Silva SR. Dosimetric and toxicity comparison between Syed-Neblett and Fletcher-Suit-Delclos Tandem and Ovoid applicators in high dose rate cervix cancer brachytherapy. Brachytherapy 2024; 23:397-406. [PMID: 38643046 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2024.03.003] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare patient and tumor characteristics, dosimetry, and toxicities between interstitial Syed-Neblett and intracavitary Fletcher-Suit-Delclos Tandem and Ovoid (T&O) applicators in high dose rate (HDR) cervical cancer brachytherapy. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed for cervical cancer patients treated with 3D-based HDR brachytherapy from 2011 to 2023 at a single institution. Dosimetric parameters for high-risk clinical target volume and organs at risk were obtained. Toxicities were evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. RESULTS A total of 115 and 58 patients underwent Syed and T&O brachytherapy, respectively. Patients treated with Syed brachytherapy were more likely to have larger tumors and FIGO stage III or IV disease. The median D2cc values to the bladder, small bowel, and sigmoid colon were significantly lower for Syed brachytherapy. Patients treated with Syed brachytherapy were significantly more likely to be free of acute gastrointestinal (44% vs. 21%, p = 0.003), genitourinary (58% vs. 36%, p = 0.01), and vaginal toxicities (60% vs. 33%, p = 0.001) within 6 months following treatment compared to patients treated with T&O applicators. In contrast, Syed brachytherapy patients were more likely to experience late gastrointestinal (68% vs. 49%, p = 0.082), genitourinary (51% vs. 35%, p = 0.196), and vaginal toxicities (70% vs. 57%, p = 0.264). CONCLUSIONS Syed-Neblett and T&O applicators are suitable for HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer in distinct patient populations. Acute toxicities are more prevalent with T&O applicators, while patients treated with Syed-Neblett applicators are more likely to develop late toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Portocarrero-Bonifaz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY; Physics Department, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru.
| | - Salman Syed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Maxwell Kassel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Grant W McKenzie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Vishwa M Shah
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Bryce M Forry
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Jeremy T Gaskins
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences, Louisville, KY
| | - Keith T Sowards
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Thulasi Babitha Avula
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Adrianna Masters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Scott R Silva
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
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Chuk E, Yu C, Scott AA, Liu ZA, Milosevic M, Croke J, Fyles A, Lukovic J, Rink A, Beiki-Ardakani A, Borg J, Skliarenko J, Conway JL, Weersink RA, Han K. Clinical Outcomes of 3 Versus 4 Fractions of Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024:S0360-3016(24)00745-4. [PMID: 38936633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Magnetic resonance image-guided brachytherapy is essential in the management of locally advanced cervical cancer. This study compares disease and toxicity outcomes in cervical cancer patients treated with 24 Gy/3 fractions (Fr) versus the conventional 28 Gy/4 Fr. METHODS AND MATERIALS This retrospective study included 241 consecutive patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 stage IB to IVA cervical cancer treated with definitive chemoradiation between April 2014 and March 2021. Disease-free survival (DFS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Cumulative incidence of local failure (LF), distant failure (DF), and G2+ gastrointestinal (GI), urinary and vaginal toxicity were estimated using the cumulative incidence function with death as a competing risk and compared using Gray's test. RESULTS Of the 241 patients, 42% received 24 Gy/3 Fr and 58% received 28 Gy/4 Fr. With a median follow-up of 3.2 (range, 0.2-9.2) years, there were 14 local, 41 regional nodal, and 51 distant failures in 63 (26%) patients. No significant differences were found between the 24 Gy/3 Fr and 28 Gy/4 Fr groups in 3-year DFS (77% vs 68%, P = .21), the 3-year cumulative incidence of LF (5% vs 7%, P = .57), DF (22% vs 25%, P = .86), G2+ GI toxicity (11% vs 20%, P = .13), or G2+ vaginal toxicity (14% vs 17%, P = .48), respectively. The 3-year cumulative G2+ urinary toxicity rate was lower in the 24 Gy/3 Fr group (9% vs 23%, P = .03). CONCLUSIONS Patients with cervical cancer treated with 24 Gy/3 Fr had similar DFS, LF, DF, GI, and vaginal toxicity rates and a trend toward a lower G2+ urinary toxicity rate compared with those treated with 28 Gy/4 Fr. A less resource-intensive brachytherapy fractionation schedule of 24 Gy/3 Fr is a safe alternative to 28 Gy/4 Fr for definitive treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Chuk
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Candice Yu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aba Anoa Scott
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhihui Amy Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Milosevic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Croke
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Anthony Fyles
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jelena Lukovic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alexandra Rink
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Akbar Beiki-Ardakani
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jette Borg
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julia Skliarenko
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jessica L Conway
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert A Weersink
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathy Han
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Radiation Medicine Program, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Wang L, Ding Y, Bruno TL, Stafford RJ, Lin E, Bathala TK, Sanders JW, Ning MS, Ma J, Klopp AH, Venkatesan A, Wang J, Martirosyan KS, Frank SJ. A Novel Positive-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Line Marker for High-Dose-Rate (HDR) MRI-Assisted Radiosurgery (MARS). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1922. [PMID: 38792000 PMCID: PMC11119838 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can facilitate accurate organ delineation and optimal dose distributions in high-dose-rate (HDR) MRI-Assisted Radiosurgery (MARS). Its use for this purpose has been limited by the lack of positive-contrast MRI markers that can clearly delineate the lumen of the HDR applicator and precisely show the path of the HDR source on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. We investigated a novel MRI positive-contrast HDR brachytherapy or interventional radiotherapy line marker, C4:S, consisting of C4 (visible on T1-weighted images) complexed with saline. Longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2) for C4:S were measured on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing filled with C4:S as an HDR brachytherapy line marker was tested for visibility on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences in a tissue-equivalent female ultrasound training pelvis phantom. Relaxivity measurements indicated that C4:S solution had good T1-weighted contrast (relative to oil [fat] signal intensity) and good T2-weighted contrast (relative to water signal intensity) at both room temperature (relaxivity ratio > 1; r2/r1 = 1.43) and body temperature (relaxivity ratio > 1; r2/r1 = 1.38). These measurements were verified by the positive visualization of the C4:S (C4/saline 50:50) HDPE tube HDR brachytherapy line marker on both T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. Orientation did not affect the relaxivity of the C4:S contrast solution. C4:S encapsulated in HDPE tubing can be visualized as a positive line marker on both T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. MRI-guided HDR planning may be possible with these novel line markers for HDR MARS for several types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.W.); (E.L.)
| | - Yao Ding
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Teresa L. Bruno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.L.B.); (M.S.N.); (A.H.K.)
| | - R. Jason Stafford
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.J.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Eric Lin
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.W.); (E.L.)
| | - Tharakeswara K. Bathala
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.K.B.); (A.V.)
| | | | - Matthew S. Ning
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.L.B.); (M.S.N.); (A.H.K.)
| | - Jingfei Ma
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.J.S.); (J.M.)
| | - Ann H. Klopp
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.L.B.); (M.S.N.); (A.H.K.)
| | - Aradhana Venkatesan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.K.B.); (A.V.)
| | - Jihong Wang
- Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (Y.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Karen S. Martirosyan
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78500, USA;
| | - Steven J. Frank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.L.B.); (M.S.N.); (A.H.K.)
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Ross DH, Gomez K, Harmon G, Mysz ML, Shea SM, Goldberg A, Liotta M, Potkul R, Winder A, Lee B, Jackson J, Roeske JC, Small W, Harkenrider MM. Evaluating outcomes and toxicities for a newly implemented MRI-based brachytherapy program for cervical cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2024; 183:33-38. [PMID: 38492475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2024.03.003] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We report an updated analysis of the outcomes and toxicities of MRI-based brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer from a U.S. academic center. METHODS A retrospective review was performed on patients treated with MRI-based brachytherapy for cervical cancer. EBRT was standardly 45 Gy in 25 fractions with weekly cisplatin. MRI was performed with the brachytherapy applicator in situ. Dose specification was most commonly 7 Gy for 4 fractions with optimization aim of D90 HR-CTV EQD2 of 85-95 Gyα/β=10 Gy in 2 implants each delivering 2 fractions. RESULTS Ninety-eight patients were included with median follow up of 24.5 months (IQR 11.9-39.8). Stage IIIA-IVB accounted for 31.6% of cases. Dosimetry results include median GTV D98 of 101.0 Gy (IQR 93.3-118.8) and HR-CTV D90 of 89 Gy (IQR 86.1-90.6). Median D2cc bladder, rectum, sigmoid, and bowel doses were 82.1 Gy (IQR 75.9-88.0), 65.9 Gy (IQR 59.6-71.2), 65.1 Gy (IQR 57.7-69.6), and 55 Gy (IQR 48.9-60.9). Chronic grade 3+ toxicities were seen in the bladder (8.2%), rectosigmoid (4.1%), and vagina (1.0%). Three-year LC, PFS, and OS were estimated to be 84%, 61.7%, and 76.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION MRI-based brachytherapy demonstrates excellent local control and acceptable rates of high-grade morbidity. These results are possible in our population with relatively large volume primary tumors and extensive local disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan H Ross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Kayeromi Gomez
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Biostatistics Collaborative Core, Clinical Research Office, Health Sciences Campus. Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Grant Harmon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Michael L Mysz
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Steven M Shea
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Ari Goldberg
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Margaret Liotta
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Ronald Potkul
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Abigail Winder
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Brian Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Jacob Jackson
- Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - John C Roeske
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - William Small
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Matthew M Harkenrider
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA; Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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Eustace N, Liu J, Ladbury C, Tam A, Glaser S, Liu A, Chen YJ. Current Status and Future Directions of Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1031. [PMID: 38473388 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16051031] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The standard of care for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is definitive chemoradiation followed by a brachytherapy boost. This review describes the current status and future directions of image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. METHODS A systematic search of the PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed, focusing on studies published within the last 10 years. The search queried "cervical cancer [AND] image-guided brachytherapy [OR] magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [OR] adaptive brachytherapy". DISCUSSION The retroEMBRACE and EMBRACE-I trials have established the use of MRI as the standard imaging modality for brachytherapy application and planning. Quantitative imaging and radiomics have the potential to improve outcomes, with three ongoing prospective studies examining the use of radiomics to further risk-stratify patients and personalize brachytherapy. Another active area of investigation includes utilizing the superior soft tissue contrast provided by MRI to increase the dose per fraction and decrease the number of fractions needed for brachytherapy, with several retrospective studies demonstrating the safety and feasibility of three-fraction courses. For developing countries with limited access to MRI, trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) appears to be an effective alternative, with several retrospective studies demonstrating improved target delineation with the use of TRUS in conjunction with CT guidance. CONCLUSIONS Further investigation is needed to continue improving outcomes for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with image-guided brachytherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Eustace
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
| | - Jason Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
| | - Colton Ladbury
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
| | - Andrew Tam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
| | - Scott Glaser
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
| | - An Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91105, USA
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Herndon RC. Functional information guided adaptive radiation therapy. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1251937. [PMID: 38250556 PMCID: PMC10798040 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1251937] [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] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Functional informaton is introduced as the mechanism to adapt cancer therapies uniquely to individual patients based on changes defined by qualified tumor biomarkers. Methods To demonstrate the methodology, a tumor volume biomarker model, characterized by a tumor volume reduction rate coefficient, is used to adapt a tumor cell survival bioresponse radiotherapy model in terms of therapeutic radiation dose. Tumor volume, acquired from imaging data, serves as a surrogate measurement for tumor cell death, but the biomarker model derived from this data cannot be used to calculate the radiation dose absorbed by the target tumor. However, functional information does provide a mathematical connection between the tumor volume biomarker model and the tumor cell survival bioresponse model by quantifying both data sets in the units of information, thus creating an analytic conduit from bioresponse to biomarker. Results The information guided process for individualized dose adaptations using information values acquired from the tumor cell survival bioresponse model and the tumor volume biomarker model are presented in detailed form by flowchart and tabular data. Clinical data are used to generate a presentation that assists investigator application of the information guided methodology to adaptive cancer therapy research. Conclusions Information guided adaptation of bioresponse using surrogate data is extensible across multiple research fields because functional information mathematically connects disparate bioresponse and biomarker data sets. Thus, functional information offers adaptive cancer therapy by mathematically connecting immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy cancer treatment processes to implement individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Craig Herndon
- Hillman Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Williamsport, PA, United States
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Kumar R, Sherwani Z, Lopez M, Vergalasova I, Zhang X, Eckroate B, Hollingsworth J, Girda E, Hathout L. Disparities in brachytherapy utilization in cervical cancer in the United States: A comprehensive literature review. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 179:79-84. [PMID: 37944329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.10.020] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Brachytherapy (BT) is an integral component of treatment for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer, significantly improving local control and overall survival. There is an overall trend of decreased utilization of BT in United States (US) in the last few decades with around 50% of patients being treated without BT. The cause of decreased utilization is multifactorial including physician comfort, facility volume, low reimbursements rates and costs of starting and maintaining a brachytherapy program. This decrease coincides with an increase in the use of newer advanced techniques like intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) boost resulting in inferior oncological outcomes and increased toxicity. Moreover, racial and socioeconomic disparities in BT utilization have been widely reported in the US. Various factors including age, race, socio-economic status, location, facility type, facility volume and insurance status result in limited access to brachytherapy, which jeopardizes oncologic outcomes. This comprehensive review discusses the BT utilization in the US, examines the impact of race and socioeconomic factors on BT utilization, and highlights its impact on outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Zohaib Sherwani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Melissa Lopez
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Irina Vergalasova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Brett Eckroate
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jessie Hollingsworth
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Eugenia Girda
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Lara Hathout
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America.
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Cobussen A, Petric P, Wulff CN, Buus S, Spejlborg H, Nielsen SK, Traberg A, Meisner B, Hokland S, Lindegaard JC. Clinical outcomes using a 3D printed tandem-needle-template and the EMBRACE-II planning aims for image guided adaptive brachytherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:1470-1478. [PMID: 37594195 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2246642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive local disease or narrow vagina may compromise brachytherapy (BT) in patients with cervical cancer. This is the first study to analyze long-term outcomes of using 3D printed vaginal tandem-needle templates (3DP TNT) for transvaginal insertion of needles in parallel (P) or parallel and oblique (P&O) direction to the tandem. MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients treated with BT using 3DP TNT from 2015-2020 were included. Decision to use a 3DP TNT and preplanning were made after 4-5 weeks of external beam radiotherapy, based on gynecological examination and MRI with a tandem-ring applicator in situ. The TNT was 3D-printed in house consisting of a circular template with P&O holes for guidance of plastic needles and a shaft fitting the uterine tandem. Thus, the radioactive source was never in direct contact with the 3DP TNT. The TNT was 3D printed in a standard or personalized configuration. Planning aims were based on the Embrace II protocol. RESULTS 101 patients (median age of 63 years) were included: 49 with P needles only and 52 with P&O needles. Personalized TNT was used in 19 patients in the P&O group. Performance status (WHO) was > 0 in 48%. FIGO2018 stage III-IV was present in 77%. T-score at diagnosis and BT was 9.1 and 6.3 respectively, with a significantly higher T-score in the P&O compared to P group. The mean high-risk CTV D90 was 93 Gy with no significant difference between the two groups. Three-year local control rates were 85%, 95%, 75% for the overall, P- and P&O group respectively and 68%, 80% and 56% for cancer specific survival. Grade ≥3 treatment related complications were observed in 10 (10%) patients. CONCLUSIONS 3DP TNT for BT in cervical cancer provides successful management of very extensive local disease and/or unfavorable anatomy with the possibility for treatment individualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cobussen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiation Oncology, MAASTRO clinic, the Netherlands
| | - Primoz Petric
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zürich University Hospital, Switzerland
| | | | - Simon Buus
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anders Traberg
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Meisner
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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10
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Zhong J, Kobus M, Maitre P, Datta A, Eccles C, Dubec M, McHugh D, Buckley D, Scarsbrook A, Hoskin P, Henry A, Choudhury A. MRI-guided Pelvic Radiation Therapy: A Primer for Radiologists. Radiographics 2023; 43:e230052. [PMID: 37796729 DOI: 10.1148/rg.230052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Radiation therapy (RT) is a core pillar of oncologic treatment, and half of all patients with cancer receive this therapy as a curative or palliative treatment. The recent integration of MRI into the RT workflow has led to the advent of MRI-guided RT (MRIgRT). Using MRI rather than CT has clear advantages for guiding RT to pelvic tumors, including superior soft-tissue contrast, improved organ motion visualization, and the potential to image tumor phenotypic characteristics to identify the most aggressive or treatment-resistant areas, which can be targeted with a more focal higher radiation dose. Radiologists should be familiar with the potential uses of MRI in planning pelvic RT; the various RT techniques used, such as brachytherapy and external beam RT; and the impact of MRIgRT on treatment paradigms. Current clinical experience with and the evidence base for MRIgRT in the settings of prostate, cervical, and bladder cancer are discussed, and examples of treated cases are illustrated. In addition, the benefits of MRIgRT, such as real-time online adaptation of RT (during treatment) and interfraction and/or intrafraction adaptation to organ motion, as well as how MRIgRT can decrease toxic effects and improve oncologic outcomes, are highlighted. MRIgRT is particularly beneficial for treating mobile pelvic structures, and real-time adaptive RT for tumors can be achieved by using advanced MRI-guided linear accelerator systems to spare organs at risk. Future opportunities for development of biologically driven adapted RT with use of functional MRI sequences and radiogenomic approaches also are outlined. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Zhong
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Marta Kobus
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Priyamvada Maitre
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Anubhav Datta
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Cynthia Eccles
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Michael Dubec
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Damien McHugh
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - David Buckley
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Andrew Scarsbrook
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Peter Hoskin
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Ann Henry
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
| | - Ananya Choudhury
- From the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (J.Z., A.S., A.H.) and Department of Biomedical Imaging (D.B.), University of Leeds, 6 Clarendon Way, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9LH, England; Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, England (J.Z., A.S., A.H.); Department of Radiation Oncology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.K.); Radiation Therapy Research Group (M.K., P.M., A.D., C.E., M.D., P.H., A.C.) and Division of Cancer Sciences (D.M.), University of Manchester, Manchester, England; and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, England (P.M., C.E., M.D., D.M., P.H., A.C.)
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11
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Vittrup AS, Spampinato S, Jensen NBK, Tanderup K, Kirchheiner K, Pötter R, Nout R, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM. In Reply to Murakami et al. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:964-965. [PMID: 37355314 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Spampinato
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Pötter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Remi Nout
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Suvaal I, Kirchheiner K, Nout RA, Sturdza AE, Van Limbergen E, Lindegaard JC, Putter H, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, Chargari C, Tanderup K, Pötter R, Creutzberg CL, Ter Kuile MM. Vaginal changes, sexual functioning and distress of women with locally advanced cervical cancer treated in the EMBRACE vaginal morbidity substudy. Gynecol Oncol 2023; 170:123-132. [PMID: 36682090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The EMBRACE-vaginal morbidity substudy prospectively evaluated physician-assessed vaginal changes and patient-reported-outcomes (PRO) on vaginal and sexual functioning problems and distress in the first 2-years after image-guided radio(chemo)therapy and brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. METHODS Eligible patients had stage IB1-IIIB cervical cancer with ≤5 mm vaginal involvement. Assessment of vaginal changes was graded using CTCAE. PRO were assessed using validated Quality-of-Life and sexual questionnaires. Statistical analysis included Generalized-Linear-Mixed-Models and Spearman's rho-correlation coefficients. RESULTS 113 eligible patients were included. Mostly mild (grade 1) vaginal changes were reported over time in about 20% (range 11-37%). At 2-years, 47% was not sexually active. Approximately 50% of the sexually active women reported any vaginal and sexual functioning problems and distress over time; more substantial vaginal and sexual problems and distress were reported by up to 14%, 20% and 8%, respectively. Physician-assessed vaginal changes and PRO sexual satisfaction differed significantly (p ≤ .05) between baseline and first follow-up, without further significant changes over time. No or only small associations between physician-assessed vaginal changes and PRO vaginal functioning problems and sexual distress were found. CONCLUSIONS Mild vaginal changes were reported after image-guided radio(chemo)therapy and brachytherapy, potentially due to the combination of tumors with limited vaginal involvement, EMBRACE-specific treatment optimization and rehabilitation recommendations. Although vaginal and sexual functioning problems and sexual distress were frequently reported, the rate of substantial problems and distress was low. The lack of association between vaginal changes, vaginal functioning problems and sexual distress shows that sexual functioning is more complex than vaginal morbidity alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Suvaal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Zone K6-T, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - K Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R A Nout
- Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A E Sturdza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J C Lindegaard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - H Putter
- Department of Medical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - I M Jürgenliemk-Schulz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C Chargari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute Gustave-Roussy, Paris, France
| | - K Tanderup
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - R Pötter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - C L Creutzberg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - M M Ter Kuile
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Zone K6-T, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
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13
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Hermesse J, Pleyers C, Gennigens C, De Cuypere M, Lovinfosse P, Seidel Statistician L, Coucke P, Kridelka F. Outcome analysis of HDR compared to PDR IGABT in locally advanced cervical cancer: a single-center cohort analysis. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:141-148. [PMID: 35943555 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-022-01982-7] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This monocentric study aimed to assess the impact of technical advancement in brachytherapy (BT) on local control (LC) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS Since 2010, 211 patients with LACC have been treated with 45/50.4 Gy or 60 Gy radiochemotherapy (RTCT) followed by image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) at the authors' institution. In 2013, combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy (BT IC/IS) was implemented and in 2018, pulsed-dose-rate BT (PDR-BT) was replaced by high-dose-rate BT (HDR-BT). LC, CSS, and morbidity according to the RTOG/EORTC scoring system were analyzed. Dose-volume parameters for the high-risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) and organs at risk (OAR) were reported. RESULTS While 27 (12.8%) patients died of LACC, complete local remission was achieved in 199 (94.3%). Local relapse decreases with a high D95 in the HRCTV (hazard ratio, HR = 0.85, p = 0.0024). D95 in the HRCTV is lower after 60 Gy even if interstitial BT is used. Mean D95 in the HRCTV is 78.2 Gy, 83.3 Gy, and 83.4 Gy with PDR-BT IC, PDR-BT IC/IS, and HDR-BT IC/IS, respectively, after 45/50.4 Gy. D2 cc of OARs is significantly reduced by using interstitial BT. The mean rectum and sigmoid D2 cc are about 61.5 Gy with PDR-BT IC/IS and significantly decreased with HDR-BT IC/IS. This translates into a low fistula incidence. A very low rate of severe gastrointestinal (3.4%) and genitourinary (2.3%) toxicity was observed with HDR-BT IC/IS. CONCLUSION This large monocentric study provides further evidence that implementation of BT IC/IS has an impact on D95 in the HRCTV, LC, and CSS. There are no differences between HDR and PDR in terms of efficacy, D95 in the HRCTV, and toxicity grade ≥ 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Hermesse
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium. .,Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, Centre François Baclesse, Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg. .,CHU Sart Tilman, Avenue de l'hôpital 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium. .,Centre François Baclesse, 51 Rue Emile Mayrisch, 4240, Esch sur Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Clémence Pleyers
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Christine Gennigens
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Pierre Lovinfosse
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Oncological Imaging, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe Coucke
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Kridelka
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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14
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Spampinato S, Tanderup K, Lindegaard JC, Schmid MP, Sturdza A, Segedin B, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, De Leeuw A, Bruheim K, Mahantshetty U, Chargari C, Rai B, Cooper R, van der Steen-Banasik E, Sundset M, Wiebe E, Villafranca E, Van Limbergen E, Pieters BR, Tee Tan L, Lutgens LCHW, Hoskin P, Smet S, Pötter R, Nout R, Chopra S, Kirchheiner K. Association of persistent morbidity after radiotherapy with quality of life in locally advanced cervical cancer survivors. Radiother Oncol 2023; 181:109501. [PMID: 36720348 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the association of persistent morbidity with different aspects of quality of life (QOL) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) survivors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Longitudinal outcome from the EMBRACE-I study was evaluated. Patient-reported symptoms and QOL were prospectively scored (EORTC-C30/CX24) at baseline and regular follow-ups. Physician-assessed symptoms were also reported (CTCAEv.3). Persistent symptoms were defined if present in at least half of the follow-ups. QOL items were linearly transformed into a continuous scale. Linear mixed-effects models (LMM) were applied to evaluate and quantify the association of persistent symptoms with QOL. Overall QOL deterioration was evaluated by calculating the integral difference in QOL over time obtained with LMM for patients without and with persistent symptoms. RESULTS Out of 1416 patients enrolled, 741 with baseline and ≥ 3 late follow-ups were analyzed (median 59 months). Proportions of persistent EORTC symptoms ranged from 21.8 % to 64.9 % (bowel control and tiredness). For CTCAE the range was 11.3-28.6 % (limb edema and fatigue). Presence of any persistent symptom was associated with QOL, although with varying magnitude. Role functioning and Global health/QOL were the most impaired aspects. Fatigue and pain showed large differences, with reductions of around 20 % for most of the QOL aspects. Among organ-related symptoms, abdominal cramps showed the largest effect. CONCLUSION Persistent symptoms are associated with QOL reductions in LACC survivors. Organ-related symptoms showed smaller differences than general symptoms such as fatigue and pain. In addition to optimizing treatment to minimize organ-related morbidity, effort should be directed towards a more comprehensive and targeted morbidity management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Spampinato
- Danish Center for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Danish Center for Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jacob C Lindegaard
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Maximilian P Schmid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Alina Sturdza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Barbara Segedin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ina M Jürgenliemk-Schulz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Astrid De Leeuw
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kjersti Bruheim
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530053, India.
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
| | - Rachel Cooper
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7LP, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Marit Sundset
- Clinic of Oncology and Women's Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Ericka Wiebe
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2, Canada.
| | - Elena Villafranca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
| | - Erik Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bradley R Pieters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Li Tee Tan
- Oncology Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Ludy C H W Lutgens
- Maastricht Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO) clinic, 6229 ET Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood HA6 2RN, United Kingdom.
| | - Stéphanie Smet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Turnhout, 2300 Turnhout, Belgium.
| | - Richard Pötter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Remi Nout
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai 410210, India.
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Vittrup AS, Kirchheiner K, Pötter R, Fokdal LU, Jensen NBK, Spampinato S, Haie-Meder C, Schmid MP, Sturdza AE, Mahantshetty U, Hoskin P, Segedin B, Bruheim K, Rai B, Wiebe E, van der Steen-Banasik E, Cooper R, Van Limbergen E, Sundset M, Pieters BR, Kirisits C, Lindegaard JC, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, Nout R, Tanderup K. Overall Severe Morbidity After Chemo-Radiation Therapy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Results From the EMBRACE-I Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023:S0360-3016(23)00007-X. [PMID: 36641039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate overall severe late morbidity (grade ≥3) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with chemo-radiation therapy and magnetic resonance image guided adaptive brachytherapy within the prospective EMBRACE-I study, and to compare the results with published literature after standard radiograph based brachytherapy (BT). METHODS AND MATERIALS From 2008 to 2015 the EMBRACE-I study enrolled 1416 patients. Morbidity was assessed (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0) every 3 months the 1st year, every 6 months the second and third year, and yearly thereafter and 1251 patients had available follow-up on late morbidity. Morbidity events (grade 3-5) were summarized as the maximum grade during follow-up (crude incidence rates) and actuarial estimates at 3 and 5 years. To compare with the published literature on standard radiograph based BT, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scores from the EMBRACE-I study were retrospectively converted into a corresponding score in the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer system. RESULTS In total, 534 severe events occurred in 270 patients; 429 events were grade 3 and 105 were grade 4 events. Actuarial estimates for grade ≥3 gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), vaginal and fistula events at 5 years were 8.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.9%-10.6%), 6.8% (95% CI, 5.4%-8.6%), 5.7% (95% CI, 4.3%-7.6%), and 3.2% (95% CI, 2.2%-4.5%), respectively. The 5-year actuarial estimate for organ-related events (GI, GU, vaginal, or fistula) was 18.4% (95% CI, 16.0%-21.2%). The 5-year actuarial estimate when aggregating all G≥3 endpoints (GI, GU, vaginal, fistulas, and non-GI/GU/vaginal) was 26.6% (95% CI, 23.8%-29.6%). Thirteen patients had a treatment-related death, 8 of which were associated with GI morbidity. CONCLUSIONS This report assesses severe morbidity from the largest prospective study on chemo-radiation therapy and image guided adaptive brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer to date. Severe late morbidity was limited per endpoint and organ category, but considerable when aggregated across organs and all endpoints. The late morbidity results in the EMBRACE-I study compare favorably with published literature on standard radiograph based BT for GI morbidity, vaginal morbidity, and fistulas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Pötter
- Department of Radiation therapy, Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | | | - Sofia Spampinato
- Department of Oncology Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Maximilian Paul Schmid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Emiliana Sturdza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Peter Hoskin
- Cancer Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Segedin
- Department of Radiation therapy, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kjersti Bruheim
- Department of Oncology, The Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiation therapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ericka Wiebe
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Cooper
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marit Sundset
- Clinic of Oncology and Women's Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bradley Rumwell Pieters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Kirisits
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna/General Hospital of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Remi Nout
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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16
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Schmid MP, Lindegaard JC, Mahantshetty U, Tanderup K, Jürgenliemk-Schulz I, Haie-Meder C, Fokdal LU, Sturdza A, Hoskin P, Segedin B, Bruheim K, Huang F, Rai B, Cooper R, van der Steen-Banasik E, Van Limbergen E, Pieters BR, Petric P, Ramazanova D, Ristl R, Kannan S, Hawaldar R, Ecker S, Kirchheiner K, Tan LT, Nout R, Nesvacil N, de Leeuw A, Pötter R, Kirisits C. Risk Factors for Local Failure Following Chemoradiation and Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided Brachytherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Results From the EMBRACE-I Study. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:1933-1942. [PMID: 36599120 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report clinical and treatment characteristics, remission and failure patterns, and risk factors for local failure (LF) from the EMBRACE-I study. MATERIALS AND METHODS EMBRACE-I was a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study on magnetic resonance imaging-based image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (MR-IGABT) in locally advanced cervical cancer. Treatment consisted of external beam radiotherapy, concurrent chemotherapy, and MR-IGABT. LF was defined as progressive or recurrent disease in the cervix, uterus, parametria, pelvic wall, or vagina. Competing risk analysis was used to estimate local tumor control (LC) and Cox proportional regression models for multivariable analysis and dose-response analysis. RESULTS One thousand three hundred eighteen patients with a median follow-up of 52 months were available for this analysis. Eighty-one patients had persistent disease 3 months after end of treatment. Of those, 60 patients achieved LC at 6-9 months without further treatment, whereas 21 patients had progressive disease. In addition, 77 patients developed a local recurrence after complete remission comprising a total number of 98 LFs. LFs were located inside the MR-IGABT target volumes in 90% of patients with LF. In multivariable analysis, histology, minimal dose to 90% of high-risk clinical target volume (CTVHR), maximum tumor dimension, CTVHR > 45 cm3, overall treatment time, tumor necrosis on magnetic resonance imaging at diagnosis, uterine corpus infiltration at diagnosis and at MR-IGABT, and mesorectal infiltration at MR-IGABT had significant impact on LF. Dose-response analysis showed that a minimal dose to 90% of 85 Gy to the CTVHR led to 95% (95% CI, 94 to 97) LC 3 years postintervention for squamous cell in comparison to 86% (95% CI, 81 to 90) for adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma histology. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrates the safety and validity of the GYN GEC-ESTRO/ICRU-89 target concept and provides large-scale evidence for dose prescription and new risk factors for LF in MR-IGABT in locally advanced cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian P Schmid
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ina Jürgenliemk-Schulz
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Radiation Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lars U Fokdal
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Alina Sturdza
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Segedin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kjersti Bruheim
- The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Department of Oncology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fleur Huang
- Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Department of Oncology, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rachel Cooper
- St James's University Hospital, Leeds Cancer Centre, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Bradley R Pieters
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Primoz Petric
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dariga Ramazanova
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robin Ristl
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sadhana Kannan
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Rohini Hawaldar
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Stefan Ecker
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Li Tee Tan
- Cambridge University Hospitals, Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Nout
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole Nesvacil
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Astrid de Leeuw
- University Medical Centre Utrecht, Department of Radiation Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Richard Pötter
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Kirisits
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Radiation Oncology- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
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Lee TH, Kim KS, Kim HJ, Choi CH, Kang S, Eom KY, Wee CW, Song YS, Park NH, Kim JW, Chung HH, Kim HS, Lee M, Kang HC. Image-Guided Versus Conventional Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Experience of Single Institution with the Same Practitioner and Time Period. Cancer Res Treat 2023; 55:258-269. [PMID: 35952716 PMCID: PMC9873328 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2022.418] [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: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to compare treatment outcomes and toxicity profile between imaged-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) versus conventional brachytherapy (CBT) performed by the same practitioner during the same time period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Medical records of 104 eligible patients who underwent brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty patients (48.1%) underwent IGBT, and 54 (51.9%) patients underwent CBT. All patients underwent concurrent chemoradiation with cisplatin. High-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy with dose prescription of 25-30 Gy in 4-6 fractions was performed for all patients. Late lower gastrointestinal (GI) and urinary toxicities occurred more than 3 months after the end of brachytherapy were included for comparative and dosimetric analyses. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 18.33 months (range, 3.25 to 38.43 months). There were no differences in oncologic outcomes between the two groups. The IGBT group had lower rate of actuarial grade ≥ 3 toxicity than the CBT group (2-year, 4.5% vs. 25.7%; p=0.030). Cumulative equieffective D2cc of sigmoid colon was significantly correlated with grade ≥ 2 lower GI toxicity (p=0.033), while equieffective D2cc of rectum (p=0.055) and bladder (p=0.069) showed marginal significance with corresponding grade ≥ 2 toxicities in the IGBT group. Half of grade ≥ 3 lower GI toxicities impacted GI tract above the rectum. Optimal thresholds of cumulative D2cc of sigmoid colon and rectum were 69.7 Gy and 70.8 Gy, respectively, for grade ≥ 2 lower GI toxicity. CONCLUSION IGBT showed superior toxicity profile to CBT. Evaluating the dose to the GI tract above rectum by IGBT might prevent some toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hoon Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Kyung Su Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hak Jae Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Institute of Radiation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Chang Heon Choi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Seonghee Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Keun-Yong Eom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam,
Korea
| | - Chan Woo Wee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Yong Sang Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Noh Hyun Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jae-Weon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyun Hoon Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hee Seung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Maria Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hyun-Cheol Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul,
Korea,Department of Radiation Oncology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
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18
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Comparative Analysis of 60Co and 192Ir Sources in High Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194749. [PMID: 36230672 PMCID: PMC9563337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy (BT) is an essential treatment for cervical cancer, one of the most prevalent gynecological malignant tumors. In HDR BT, high radiation doses can be delivered to the tumor target with the minimum radiation doses to organs at risk. Despite the wide use of the small HDR 192Ir source, as the technique has improved, the HDR 60Co source, which has the same miniaturized geometry, has also been produced and put into clinical practice. Compared with 192Ir (74 days), 60Co has a longer half-life (5.3 years), which gives it a great economic advantage for developing nations. The aim of the study was to compare 60Co and 192Ir sources for HDR BT in terms of both dosimetry and clinical treatment. The results of reports published on the use of HDR BT for cervical cancer over the past few years as well as our own research show that this treatment is safe and it is feasible to use 60Co as an alternative source.
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Tramacere F, Lancellotta V, Casà C, Fionda B, Cornacchione P, Mazzarella C, De Vincenzo RP, Macchia G, Ferioli M, Rovirosa A, Gambacorta MA, Colosimo C, Valentini V, Iezzi R, Tagliaferri L. Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction in Cervical Cancer Patients after Different Treatment Modality: A Systematic Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58091223. [PMID: 36143900 PMCID: PMC9504584 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women. Chemo-radiation followed by interventional radiotherapy (IRT) is the standard of care for stage IB–IVA FIGO. Several studies have shown that image-guided adaptive IRT resulted in excellent local and pelvic control, but it is associated with vaginal toxicity and intercourse problems. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the dysfunctions of the sexual sphere in patients with cervical cancer undergoing different cervix cancer treatments. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search using Pub med, Scopus and Cochrane to identify all the full articles evaluating the dysfunctions of the sexual sphere. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for ongoing or recently completed trials, and PROSPERO was searched for ongoing or recently completed systematic reviews. Results: One thousand three hundred fifty-six women included in five studies published from 2016 to 2022 were analyzed. The median age was 50 years (range 46–56 years). The median follow-up was 12 months (range 0–60). Cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery) negatively affected sexual intercourse. Sexual symptoms such as fibrosis, strictures, decreased elasticity and depth and mucosal atrophy promote sexual dysfunction by causing frigidity, lack of lubrication, arousal, orgasm and libido and dyspareunia. Conclusions: Physical, physiological and social factors all contribute to the modification of the sexual sphere. Cervical cancer survivors who were irradiated have lower sexual and vaginal function than the normal population. Although there are cures for reducing discomfort, effective communication about sexual dysfunctions following treatment is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tramacere
- S.C. Radioterapia, ASLBR Ospedale “A. Perrino” Brindisi, 72100 Brindisi, Italy
| | - Valentina Lancellotta
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Calogero Casà
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Fionda
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0630153754
| | - Patrizia Cornacchione
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Ciro Mazzarella
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Pasqualina De Vincenzo
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Woman Health Area, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Macchia
- Radiation Oncology Unit, Gemelli Molise Hospital, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
| | - Martina Ferioli
- Radiation Oncology Center, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angeles Rovirosa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Fonaments Clinics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Antonietta Gambacorta
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Colosimo
- Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Iezzi
- Istituto di Radiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Medicine, Catholic University, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- UOC Radioterapia Oncologica, Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00128 Rome, Italy
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Lin H, Wang D, Li H, Wu C, Zhang F, Lin Z, Yao T. Survival, treatment pattern, and treatment outcome in patients with cervical cancer metastatic to distant lymph nodes. Front Oncol 2022; 12:952480. [PMID: 36033481 PMCID: PMC9402899 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.952480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer with nodal involvement beyond the pelvis was considered as distant nodal metastasis in the previous International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging system. With the improvement of cancer-directed therapies, some of these patients can receive curative treatment. Classifying them as distant metastasis may result in underestimation of their prognosis as well as undertreatment. However, limited research has been conducted on the survival and treatment pattern in distant lymphatic metastatic cervical cancer. Objective To investigate the survival, treatment pattern, and treatment outcome of patients with cervical cancer metastasized to distant lymph nodes (DLN) beyond the pelvis. Methods Patients with stage III-IV cervical cancer from 1988 to 2016 were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program. The cancer cause-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression, subgroup analysis, and propensity score-matched analysis. Results Of 17783 patients with stage III-IV cervical cancer, patients with distant nodal disease beyond the pelvis (n=1883; included para-aortic lymph nodes metastasis) had superior survival compared to those with pelvic organ invasion or with distant organ(s) metastasis (5-year CSS, 32.3%, 26.3%, and 11.5%, respectively; adjusted P<0.001). The T stage significantly affected the survival of patients with positive DLN (5-year CSS for T1, T2, and T3: 47.3%, 37.0%, and 19.8%, respectively, adjusted P<0.01). For patients with positive DLN, combination radiotherapy (external beam radiotherapy [EBRT] with brachytherapy) prolonged CSS compared to EBRT alone (5-year CSS, 38.0% vs 21.7%; propensity score-adjusted HR, 0.60; 95% CI 0.51-0.72; P<0.001). Despite the superiority of combination radiotherapy, EBRT was the most frequently used treatment after 2004 (483/1214, 39.8%), while the utilization of combination radiotherapy declined from 37.8% (253/669) during 1988 through 2003 to 25.2% (306/1214) during 2004 through 2016. Conclusion Patients with cervical cancer metastasized to DLN have favorable survival compared to those with pelvic organ invasion or with distant organ(s) metastasis. Their prognosis is significantly affected by local tumor burden and local treatment. Adequate and aggressive local radiotherapy, such as image-guided brachytherapy, can be considered for these patients to achieve better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoliang Lin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyan Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuling Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengqian Zhang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Lin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongqiu Lin, ; Tingting Yao,
| | - Tingting Yao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongqiu Lin, ; Tingting Yao,
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21
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Tharavichitkul E, M. Galalae R. Ultrasound-Guided Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer - A Tool for Quality Improvement in Brachytherapy? Radiat Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.101853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, brachytherapy is one of the major components to treat inoperable cervical cancer. Brachytherapy yields a higher dose to the target (cervix) while sparing normal tissues. Developments of brachytherapy stepped forward in the previous decade by image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT) turning brachytherapy from point-based planning to volume-based planning and IGBT improves the treatment quality for cervical cancer. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) is utilized in brachytherapy and showed promising results internationally. However, in a limited-resource area, the implementation of IGABT is difficult due to many causes (manpower, equipment, or budgets). To improve the quality in limited resources, ultrasound is introduced. The utilization of ultrasound in brachytherapy practice is to prevent uterine perforation during application. With present data, measurement by ultrasound showed the correlation to MRI measurement in uterine dimensions. With these aspects, there are many researches using ultrasound to improve the quality of treatment in brachytherapy, for example, to guide contouring on CT or to support brachytherapy planning. The use of ultrasound improves the quality of brachytherapy in comparison to conventional planning and supports the improvement in brachytherapy for cervical cancer.
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22
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Tharavichitkul E, Jia-Mahasap B, Muangwong P, Chakrabandhu S, Klunklin P, Onchan W, Tippanya D, Nobnop W, Watcharawipha A, Kittidachanan K, Galalae RM, Chitapanarux I. Survival outcome of cervical cancer patients treated by image-guided brachytherapy: a 'real world' single center experience in Thailand from 2008 to 2018. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2022; 63:657-665. [PMID: 35719089 PMCID: PMC9303615 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrac025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to evaluate the survival outcome of cervical cancer patients treated using image-guided brachytherapy (IGBT). From 2008 to 2018, 341 patients with cervical cancer were treated by radical radiotherapy. IGBT (by computed tomography [CT] or transabdominal ultrasound [TAUS]) was used to treat all of these patients. The characteristic data and patient status after treatment were recorded. All data were evaluated for survival outcome analysis. From a total of 341 patients, 295 patients were analyzed and 46 patients were excluded due to data missing in the survival outcomes. At the median follow-up time of 48 months (IQR 30-80 months), The 4-year local control, progression-free survival and overall survival rates were 89.5%, 74.9% and 69.1%, respectively. For overall survival, the size (> 5 cm), pathology (non-SCCA), stage (stage III-IV by FIGO 2009), lymph node (LN) (presented) and overall treatment time (OTT) (> 56 days) showed statistical significance in univariate analysis while non-SCCA pathology, advanced stage, presented LN and longer OTT showed statistical significance in multivariate analysis. In conclusion, our analysis reports a 4-year overall survival rate of 69.1%. Non-SCCA pathology, advanced stage disease, LN presence and longer OTT showed worse prognostic factors in multivariate analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekkasit Tharavichitkul
- Corresponding author. The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. Email;
| | - Bongkot Jia-Mahasap
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pooriwat Muangwong
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Somvilai Chakrabandhu
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Pitchayaponne Klunklin
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wimrak Onchan
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Damrongsak Tippanya
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Wannapa Nobnop
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Anirut Watcharawipha
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Kittikun Kittidachanan
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Ravan M Galalae
- MedAustron Ion Therapy Center, Wiener Neustadt 2700, Austria
- Faculty of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel 24118, Germany
| | - Imjai Chitapanarux
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Northern Thailand Radiation Oncology Group, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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23
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Dankulchai P, Harn-Utairasmee P, Prasartseree T, Nakkasae P, Trikhirhisthit K, Sithiwong W, Thephamongkhol K, Petsuksiri J, Apiwarodom N, Iampongpaiboon P, Chansilpa Y. Vaginal 11-point and volumetric dose related to late vaginal complications in patients with cervical cancer treated with external beam radiotherapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy. Radiother Oncol 2022; 174:77-86. [PMID: 35839936 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the vaginal 11-point and volumetric dose-toxicity relationships in definitive cervical cancer radiotherapy. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patients with cervical cancer with a complete response of at least 12 months was performed. Additional per vaginal examinations and patient-scoring questionnaires on the date of patient enrolment were assessed for vaginal strictures. Retrospective dosimetric analysis of vaginal 11-point and volumetric doses was performed with descriptive and probit analyses to investigate dose-toxicity relationships. RESULTS Ninety-seven patients were included in the study, with a 20-month median follow-up. The incidence rate of grade 3 vaginal strictures was 22.7%. A comparison between patients with grade 1-3 vaginal strictures revealed significant differences in age, stage, initial tumour size, and vaginal involvement. PIBS + 2, PIBS, PIBS-2, D + 5, and D2cc were all significantly different among grade 1-3 vaginal strictures and showed significant probit coefficients. The lateral dose points were significantly higher in grade 2 strictures, but negative probit coefficients failed to establish causal inferences. Post-estimation analyses yielded effective doses (ED) for 15% and 20% probability of grade 3 vaginal strictures (ED15 and ED20) for PIBS + 2 at 57.4 and 111 Gy3, respectively. PIBS-2 yielded an ED20 of 7 Gy3. D + 5 yielded positive ED10, ED15, and ED20 values of 52.2, 66.6, and 78 Gy3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a significant relationship between age, tumour size, and lower-third vaginal involvement with the incidence of vaginal toxicity. The goal of a cumulative radiotherapy dose of ≤ 55 Gy3 to PIBS + 2, ≤5 Gy3 to PIBS-2, and ≤ 65 Gy3 to D + 5 points may reduce the risk of grade 3 vaginal stenosis to less than 15-20%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pittaya Dankulchai
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand.
| | | | - Tissana Prasartseree
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Pitchayut Nakkasae
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Kyrhatii Trikhirhisthit
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Sawanpracharak Hospital, Nakhon Sawan, Thailand
| | - Wiwatchai Sithiwong
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Kullathorn Thephamongkhol
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Janjira Petsuksiri
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Nantakan Apiwarodom
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Porntip Iampongpaiboon
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Yaowalak Chansilpa
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
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24
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Li F, Shi D, Bu M, Lu S, Zhao H. Four-Dimensional Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:870570. [PMID: 35860574 PMCID: PMC9291247 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.870570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PurposeThe ICRU/GEC-ESTRO released the ICRU Report No. 89, which introduced the concept of four-dimensional brachytherapy and ushered in a new era of brachytherapy for cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the local control and late toxicity of four-dimensional brachytherapy in cervical cancer through a systematic review and to reveal the dose-response relationship between the volumetric dose paraments and the local control rate via a probit model.Material and MethodsWe identified studies that reported the HR-CTV D90 and local control probabilities by searching the PubMed Database, the Web of Science Core Collection and the Cochrane Library Database through February 1st, 2022. Regression analyses were performed between the HR-CTV D90 and the local control probability using a probit model.ResultsNineteen studies enrolling 3,616 patients were included. The probit model showed a significant relationship between the HR-CTV D90 value and IR-CTV D90 Vs. the local control probability, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively. The D90 for HR-CTV and IR-CTV corresponding to a probability of 90% local control was 79.1 GyEQD2,10 (95% CI:69.8 – 83.7 GyEQD2,10) and 66.5 GyEQD2,10 (95% CI: 62.8 - 67.9 GyEQD2,10), respectively. The limits for the prescribed dose of 85 GyEQD2,10 for HR-CTV D90 theoretically warranted a 92.1% (95% CI: 90.2% - 95.3%) local control rate, and 87.2% (95% CI: 82.4% - 91.8%) local control probability was expected for 65 GyEQD2,10 to IR-CTV D90. The probit model showed no significant relationship between the D2cc to organs at risk and the probability of grade 3 and above gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity.ConclusionsFour-dimensional brachytherapy takes into account uncertain factors such as tumour regression, internal organ motion and organ filling, and provides a more accurate and more therapeutic ratio delivery through adaptive delineation and replanning, replacement of the applicator, and the addition of interstitial needles. The dose volume effect relationship of four-dimensional brachytherapy between the HR-CTV D90 and the local control rate provides an objective planning aim dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mingwei Bu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guowen Medical Corporation Changchun Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Shuangchen Lu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongfu Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Hongfu Zhao,
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25
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Prisciandaro J, Zoberi JE, Cohen G, Kim Y, Johnson P, Paulson E, Song W, Hwang KP, Erickson B, Beriwal S, Kirisits C, Mourtada F. AAPM Task Group Report 303 endorsed by the ABS: MRI Implementation in HDR Brachytherapy-Considerations from Simulation to Treatment. Med Phys 2022; 49:e983-e1023. [PMID: 35662032 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Task Group (TG) on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Implementation in High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy - Considerations from Simulation to Treatment, TG 303, was constituted by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine's (AAPM's) Science Council under the direction of the Therapy Physics Committee, the Brachytherapy Subcommittee, and the Working Group on Brachytherapy Clinical Applications. The TG was charged with developing recommendations for commissioning, clinical implementation, and on-going quality assurance (QA). Additionally, the TG was charged with describing HDR brachytherapy (BT) workflows and evaluating practical consideration that arise when implementing MR imaging. For brevity, the report is focused on the treatment of gynecologic and prostate cancer. The TG report provides an introduction and rationale for MRI implementation in BT, a review of previous publications on topics including available applicators, clinical trials, previously published BT related TG reports, and new image guided recommendations beyond CT based practices. The report describes MRI protocols and methodologies, including recommendations for the clinical implementation and logical considerations for MR imaging for HDR BT. Given the evolution from prescriptive to risk-based QA,1 an example of a risk-based analysis using MRI-based, prostate HDR BT is presented. In summary, the TG report is intended to provide clear and comprehensive guidelines and recommendations for commissioning, clinical implementation, and QA for MRI-based HDR BT that may be utilized by the medical physics community to streamline this process. This report is endorsed by the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gil'ad Cohen
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Perry Johnson
- University of Florida Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | | | - Ken-Pin Hwang
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Sushil Beriwal
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Firas Mourtada
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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26
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Zhou Y, Rassy E, Coutte A, Achkar S, Espenel S, Genestie C, Pautier P, Morice P, Gouy S, Chargari C. Current Standards in the Management of Early and Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Update on the Benefit of Neoadjuvant/Adjuvant Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102449. [PMID: 35626051 PMCID: PMC9139662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cervical cancers is a human papillomavirus infection-induced gynecologic cancer. Due to the uneven access to prevention measures in the world, it is still a leading cause of cancer death in women in low- and middle-income countries. The mainstay of treatment for early-stage cervical cancers is upfront surgery. Clinical trials confirmed the place of adjuvant radiotherapy to improve disease control, but also highlighted the need for a careful selection of patients prior to surgery, in order to avoid the cumulative morbidities of each treatment. In locally advanced cervical cancers, the standard of care remains concurrent pelvic chemoradiotherapy followed by an image-guided adaptive brachytherapy boost allowing for dose escalation and leading to a very high probability of local control. Systemic failures remain a major concern, and neoadjuvant or adjuvant approaches in this context are discussed in the light of recent literature. Abstract Globally, cervical cancers continue to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. The primary treatment of patients with early-stage disease includes surgery or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. The main challenge in treating these patients is to maintain a curative approach and limit treatment-related morbidity. Traditionally, inoperable patients are treated with radiation therapy solely and operable patients undergo upfront surgery followed by adjuvant (chemo) radiotherapy in cases with poor histopathological prognostic features. Patients with locally advanced cervical cancers are treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy followed by an image-guided brachytherapy boost. In these patients, the main pattern of failure is distant relapse, encouraging intensification of systemic treatments to improve disease control. Ongoing trials are evaluating immunotherapy in locally advanced tumours following its encouraging efficacy reported in the recurrent and metastatic settings. In this article, clinical evidence of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatments in cervical cancer patients is reviewed, with a focus on potential strategies to improve patients’ outcome and minimize treatment-related morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuedan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 80000 Amiens-Picardie, France; (Y.Z.); (A.C.)
| | - Elie Rassy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 94800 Villejuif, France; (E.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Alexandre Coutte
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, 80000 Amiens-Picardie, France; (Y.Z.); (A.C.)
| | - Samir Achkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 94800 Villejuif, France; (S.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Sophie Espenel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 94800 Villejuif, France; (S.A.); (S.E.)
| | - Catherine Genestie
- Department of Pathology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Patricia Pautier
- Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 94800 Villejuif, France; (E.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Philippe Morice
- Department of Surgery, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France; (P.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Sébastien Gouy
- Department of Surgery, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Center, 94800 Villejuif, France; (P.M.); (S.G.)
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Centre, 94800 Villejuif, France; (S.A.); (S.E.)
- Correspondence:
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Wang J, Zhang KS, Liu Z, Wang T, Wang RH, Zhang FQ, Yu L, Wang YL, Wei LC, Shi M, Li S, Liu BG, Shi F, Su J, Yuan W, Zhang QY, Zhang J. Using New Vaginal Doses Evaluation System to Assess the Dose-Effect Relationship for Vaginal Stenosis After Definitive Radio(Chemo)Therapy for Cervical Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:840144. [PMID: 35515128 PMCID: PMC9063038 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.840144] [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: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The study aims to investigate if a relationship exists between vaginal doses and vaginal stenosis (VS) using posterior-inferior border of symphysis (PIBS) points and the International Commission on Radiation Units-Rectum (ICRU-R) point evaluation system for definitive radio(chemo)therapy in locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods and Materials From a vaginal dose study in China, 351 patients were prospectively assessed. For every reference point of the PIBS system and ICRU-R point was calculated for all BT and summed with EBRT. Pearson's chi-square test and Student's unpaired t-test compared variables with and without vaginal stenosis (VS) G ≥2. The risk factors were assessed for VS G ≥2 in multi- and univariate analyses through Cox proportional hazards model followed by a dose-effect curve construction. The VS morbidity rate was compared via the log-rank test using the median vaginal reference length (VRL). Results The patients (38-month median follow-up) had 21.3% three-year actuarial estimate for VS G ≥2. Compared to G <2 patients, VS G ≥2 patients received higher doses to PIBS points except for PIBS - 2 and had significantly shorter VRL. VRL (HR = 1.765, P = 0.038), total EBRT and BT ICRU-R point dose (HR = 1.017, p = 0.003) were risk factors for VS. With VRL >4.6 cm, the 3-year actuarial estimate was 12.8% vs. 29.6% for VRL ≤4.6 cm. According to the model curve, the risks were 21, 30, and 39% at 75, 85, and 95 Gy, respectively (ICRU-R point dose). Conclusions PIBS system point doses correlated with late vaginal toxicity. VRL combined with both EBRT and BT dose to the ICRU-R point contribute to VS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai-Shuo Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hanzhong Center Hospital, Hanzhong, China
| | - Zi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui-Hua Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fu-Quan Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lang Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Li Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Li-Chun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mei Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The 940th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support force of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, China
| | - Bao-Gang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Fan Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin Su
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi Ying Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, China
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Hande V, Chopra S, Kalra B, Abdel-Wahab M, Kannan S, Tanderup K, Grover S, Zubizarreta E, Rubio JAP. Point-A vs. volume-based brachytherapy for the treatment of cervix cancer: A meta-analysis. Radiother Oncol 2022; 170:70-78. [PMID: 35259419 PMCID: PMC10042219 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2022.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & PURPOSE To report disease-free survival (DFS) for volume-based and point-A based brachytherapy (BT) in locally advanced cervical cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of studies assessing the effects of point-A and volume-based brachytherapy on 3-year DFS. Studies including stage I-IVA cervical cancer patients were included if standard treatment of concomitant chemo-radiotherapy and high-dose- or pulsed dose rate BT was delivered. The primary outcome was 3-year DFS, and secondary outcomes were 3-year local control (LC), 3-year overall survival (OS) and late toxicity. A random-effects subgroup meta-analysis was done. RESULTS In total, 5499 studies were screened, of which 24 studies with 5488 patients were eligible. There was significant heterogeneity among point-A studies (1538 patients) (I2 = 82%, p < 0.05) relative to volume-based studies (3950 patients) (I2 = 58, p = 0.01). The 3-year DFS for point-A and volume-based studies were 67% (95% CI 60%-73%) and 79% (95% CI 76%-82%) respectively (p = 0.001). Three-year LC for point-A and volume-based studies were 86% (95% CI 81%-90%) and 92% (91%-94%) respectively (p = 0.01). The difference in 3-year OS (72% vs. 79%, p = 0.12) was not statistically significant. The proportion of prospectively enrolled patients was 23% for point-A studies and 33% for volume-based studies. There was no difference in late grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal (3% vs. 4%, p = 0.76) genitourinary toxicities (3% vs. 3% p = 0.45) between the two groups. CONCLUSION Volume-based BT results in superior 3-year DFS and 3-year LC. In the absence of randomized trials, this meta-analysis provides the best evidence regarding transition to 3D planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Hande
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India; Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India.
| | - Babusha Kalra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - May Abdel-Wahab
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sadhana Kannan
- Department of Epidemiology and Clinical Trials Unit, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhaba National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States; Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Eduardo Zubizarreta
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jose Alfredo Polo Rubio
- Applied Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy Section, Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Chopra S, Goda JS, Mittal P, Mulani J, Pant S, Pai V, Kannan S, Deodhar K, Krishnamurthy MN, Menon S, Charnalia M, Shah S, Rangarajan V, Gota V, Naidu L, Sawant S, Thakkar P, Popat P, Ghosh J, Rath S, Gulia S, Engineer R, Mahantshetty U, Gupta S. Concurrent chemoradiation and brachytherapy alone or in combination with nelfinavir in locally advanced cervical cancer (NELCER): study protocol for a phase III trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055765. [PMID: 35387819 PMCID: PMC8987785 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In locally advanced cervical cancer, nodal, local and distant relapse continue to be significant patterns of relapse. Therefore, strategies to improve the efficacy of chemoradiation are desirable such as biological pathway modifiers and immunomodulating agents. This trial will investigate the impact of nelfinavir, a protease inhibitor that targets the protein kinase B (AKT) pathway on disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS AND ANALYSIS Radiosensitising effect of nelfinavir in locally advanced carcinoma of cervix is a single-centre, open-label, parallel-group, 1:1 randomised phase-III study. Patients aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of carcinoma cervix stage III are eligible for the study. After consenting, patients will undergo randomisation to chemoradiation and brachytherapy arm or nelfinavir with chemoradiation and brachytherapy arm. The primary aim of the study is to compare the difference in 3-year DFS between the two arms. Secondary aims are locoregional control, overall survival, toxicity and quality of life between the two arms. Pharmacokinetics of nelfinavir and its impact on tumour AKT, programmed cell death ligand 1, cluster of differentiation 4, cluster of differentiation 8 and natural killer 1.1 expression will be investigated. The overall sample size of 348 with 1 planned interim analysis achieves 80% power at a 0.05 significance level to detect a HR of 0.66 when the proportion surviving in the control arm is 0.65. The planned study duration is 8 years. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial is approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee-I of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (reference number: IEC/0317/1543/001) and will be monitored by the data safety monitoring committee. The study results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed scientific journals, and conference presentations. Study participants will be accrued after obtaining written informed consent from them. The confidentiality and privacy of study participants will be maintained. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2017/08/009265) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03256916).
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital and Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jayant Sastri Goda
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital and Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Prachi Mittal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jaahid Mulani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sidharth Pant
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Venkatesh Pai
- Clinical Biology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sadhna Kannan
- Department of Biostatistics, Tata Memorial Hospital and Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kedar Deodhar
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manjunath Nookala Krishnamurthy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Santosh Menon
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital and Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mayuri Charnalia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sneha Shah
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Bio-Imaging, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Venkatesh Rangarajan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Bio-Imaging, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vikram Gota
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Lavanya Naidu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sheela Sawant
- Department of General Medicine, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Praffula Thakkar
- Department of General Medicine, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Palak Popat
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jaya Ghosh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sushmita Rath
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Seema Gulia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Reena Engineer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sudeep Gupta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Lichter K, Anakwenze Akinfenwa C, MacDuffie E, Bhatia R, Small C, Croke J, Small W, Chino J, Petereit D, Grover S. Treatment of cervical cancer: overcoming challenges in access to brachytherapy. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:353-359. [PMID: 35227148 PMCID: PMC9997721 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2047936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brachytherapy is an essential component of the cervical cancer treatment paradigm as it contributes to improved clinical outcomes and overall survival. Yet brachytherapy remains globally underutilized, with disparities in access at both national and international levels. AREAS COVERED The review explores current brachytherapy utilization practices and efforts being undertaken to address barriers to implementation in low-, middle-, and high-income countries, and how these efforts are projected to impact future brachytherapy access. The content presented is based on a review of published literature and the authors' collective clinical experiences. EXPERT OPINION There exists a tremendous opportunity to expand access to essential brachytherapy services for women with cervical cancer. Many national and international brachytherapy efforts exist; yet it remains imperative that such focused efforts continue to grow and provide further access to this critical treatment modality for women in need worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Lichter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Emily MacDuffie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rohini Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christina Small
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer Croke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - William Small
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Junzo Chino
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke Cancer Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Petereit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Care Institute at Monument Health, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Surbhi Grover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Chi Y, Pan Y, Zhang N, Han D, Guo X, Mao Z, Cheng G. Clinical Outcomes of MRI-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for Each Fraction in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Single Institution Experience. Front Oncol 2022; 12:841980. [PMID: 35372065 PMCID: PMC8968417 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.841980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes of MRI-guided adaptive brachytherapy (MR-IGABT) for each brachytherapy fraction in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods and Materials A retrospective analysis was performed on 97 consecutive patients with LACC treated with 44.0–50.4 Gy external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± concurrent platinum-containing chemotherapy followed by 4 × 7 Gy MR-IGABT between September 2014 and April 2019. Intracavitary (IC)/interstitial (IS)/hybrid intracavitary and interstitial (IC/IS) brachytherapy was used in MR-IGABT. Brachytherapy planning and dose reporting followed the GEC-ESTRO recommendations. Clinical outcomes including overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), local control (LC), and treatment-related toxicity evaluated by the RTOG criteria were analyzed. Kaplan–Meier and univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the prognostic factor. Results Median follow-up was 21.1 months. Median dose to 90% (D90) of the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) was 91.7 Gy (range 76.7~107.2 Gy). Two-year OS, CSS, PFS, and LC were 83.5%, 84.1%, 71.1%, and 94.8%, respectively. Four patients (4.1%) suffered from grade 3 late gastrointestinal radiation toxicity, and no other grade 3 or greater radiation toxicity occurred. Initial HR-CTV was an independent factor of OS (p = 0.001, HR = 1.018/cm3), PFS (p = 0.012, HR = 1.012/cm3), and LC (p = 0.011, HR = 1.028/cm3). The HR-CTV D90 (p = 0.044, HR = 0.923/Gy) was an independent factor of PFS. Age was an independent factor of LC (p = 0.010, HR = 1.111/year). Conclusion For patients with LACC, MR-IGABT was effective and safe. It showed favorable LC, OS, and minimal toxicity. Moreover, initial HR-CTV, HR-CTV D90, and age were significant prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunbo Chi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Gynecology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dongmei Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhuang Mao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guanghui Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Guanghui Cheng,
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Sturdza AE, Knoth J. Image-guided brachytherapy in cervical cancer including fractionation. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2022; 32:273-280. [DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2021-003056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Image-guided brachytherapy in cervical cancer has been developed to be a feasible and very efficient component of the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer in addition to concurrent chemoradiation treatment. This technique allows effective dose coverage of the target while sparing the organs at risk through adjustment of the implants (intracavitary and interstitial needles) and multi-pararametric three-dimensional treatment planning. Emerging evidence from prospective studies shows a high rate of local control throughout all stages, superior to two-dimensional brachytherapy, with limited toxicity for each organ site. This is associated with a high rate of pelvic control and overall survival. Based on clinical evidence, there is a dose–effect relationship for both disease and morbidity endpoints from which clear dose constraints for the target and organs at risk were derived. This review gives an overview of the major milestones that occurred in the development of image-guided adaptive brachytherapy in the last two decades, including outcome data and a summary of the hard and soft dose constraints recommended for targets and organs at risk.
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Horeweg N, Mittal P, Gradowska PL, Boere I, Nout RA, Chopra S. A systematic review and meta-analysis of adjuvant chemotherapy after chemoradiation for locally advanced cervical cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 172:103638. [PMID: 35189325 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy to chemoradiation improves overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic searches in the databases of PubMed, Embase and Web of Science yielded 881 articles. Two reviewer authors independently selected 31 articles for full text review and deemed eight studies eligible for inclusion. Two were randomised controlled trials (RCT), one was a large (n=609) matched-case study and the remaining were small retrospective cohort studies; in total 2,150 patients. Risk of bias assessment showed that the RCTs were at low risk and all other studies were at high risk of bias. Pooled hazard ratios for OS and PFS were 0.78 (95%CI 0.45-1.33, p=0.36) and 0.85 (95%CI 0.65-1.10, p=0.22), respectively. Analysis stratified by study design and sensitivity analysis showed similar results. Funnel plots showed significant publication bias due to a lack of small studies with negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanda Horeweg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Prachi Mittal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Homi Bhabha National Institute, 400012, Mumbai, India.
| | - Patrycja L Gradowska
- Department of Hematology - HOVON Data Center, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, P.O. box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ingrid Boere
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, P.O. box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Remi A Nout
- Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, P.O. box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Homi Bhabha National Institute, 410210 Mumbai, India.
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Brachytherapy for the Conservative Treatment of Female Peri-Urethral Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030845. [PMID: 35159114 PMCID: PMC8834286 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030845] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Peri-urethral cancers (PUC) are rare tumors. Brachytherapy (BT), either monotherapy or combined with radiation therapy, is a preferred treatment option to spare the morbidity of surgery and achieve organ preservation. We report, to the best of our knowledge, the largest experience of brachytherapy among women with PUC. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective review of the medical records of female patients with PUC who underwent low- or pulse-dose-rate BT with or without external beam radiotherapy at Gustave Roussy between 1990 and 2018. Patients were categorized according to the treatment intention into a primary and recurrent group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, and the Cox proportional-hazard model was used for univariate analysis. Brachythewharapy-related adverse events were reported according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4. Results: We identified 44 patients with PUC who underwent BT. Of the 44 patients, 22 had primary tumors and 22 had recurrent tumors. Histologies were mainly adenocarcinoma (n = 20) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 14). The median prescribed dose was 60 Gy for the 24 patients treated with BT alone and 20 Gy (IQ range: 15-56.25 Gy) for the 20 patients treated with BT in combination with EBRT. With a median follow-up of 21.5 months (range 7.5-60.8), a total of six patients experienced local relapse (17.5%). The 2-year overall survival probability was 63% (95%CI: 49.2-81.4%). The most common toxicities were acute genito-urinary grade 1-2 toxicities. At the last follow-up, four patients experienced focal necrosis. Conclusions: In this cohort of women with PUC undergoing BT, we observed an 80% probability of local control with acceptable morbidity. Though survival was poor, with high metastatic relapse probability, BT was useful to focally escalate the dose and optimize local control in the context of an organ sparing strategy.
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Singhal S, Veeratterapillay J, Locks S, Morgan D, Patil R. Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer and its Impact on Clinical Outcome. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2022; 34:442-451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2022.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Alsner J, Overgaard J, Tramm T, Lindegaard JC. Hypoxic gene expression is a prognostic factor for disease free survival in a cohort of locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the uterine cervix. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:172-178. [PMID: 34586924 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1979249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumour hypoxia in locally advanced squamous cervical cancer (LACC) has been shown to be of substantial prognostic importance. The aims of the present study were therefore to investigate if hypoxia could be identified by a newly validated hypoxic gene expression classifier and used as a prognostic factor for disease free survival (DFS). MATERIAL AND METHODS Paraffin embedded biopsies were obtained from 190 patients with LACC with squamous cell carcinoma treated 2005-2016 with chemo-radiation and image guided adaptive brachytherapy. Analysis of hypoxia was successful in 183 patients (96%). Hypoxic classification of tumours into 'more' or 'less' hypoxic was based on 15 genes using the same method as in a prospective head and neck cancer trial (NCT02661152). HPV was genotyped using INNO-LiPA. Local tumour invasion was evaluated by the T-score. Primary endpoint was DFS analysed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. Events were death of any cause, persistent disease, or recurrence. RESULTS The FIGO2009 stage distribution was IB-IIA 9%, IIB 64%, and III-IVA 27%, and mean T-score was 7.2. Pathological nodes were present in 53%. Median observation time was 5.2 years. Local control rate at 5 years was 96%, and pelvic (loco-regional) control 91%. Overall, 36% of the tumours were classified as 'more' hypoxic. The frequency of 'more' hypoxic tumours increased with local tumour intrusion (30% for T-score 0-9 vs. 55% for T-score ≥10, p = 0.004). Hypoxia was associated with decreased DFS in univariate, HR 1.71 (1.04-2.82), and multivariate analysis, HR 1.75 (1.04-2.92), and the effect was particularly observed among tumours with a T-score ≥10. HPV 16/18 was not associated with improved DFS in neither in univariate nor in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION Hypoxic gene expression is a prominent prognostic factor for DFS in LACC with SCC histology and should be considered for treatment stratification in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Alsner
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Trine Tramm
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Kedves A, Gulyban A, Glavak C, Toller G, Völgyi Z, Faour A, Bálint A, Petrási B, Rák T, Lakosi F. Retrospective validation of coverage probability based simultaneous integrated nodal boost in locally advanced cervical cancer: a mono-institutional analysis. Acta Oncol 2022; 61:202-205. [PMID: 34460340 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2021.1971293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andras Kedves
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Diagnostics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Akos Gulyban
- Medical Physics Department, Jules Bordet Institut, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Csaba Glavak
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Gabor Toller
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Völgyi
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Amer Faour
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - András Bálint
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Petrási
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Tibor Rák
- Department of Gynecology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Lakosi
- Dr József Baka Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Somogy County Kaposi Mór Teaching Hospital, Kaposvár, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Diagnostics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Vojtíšek R, Hošek P, Sukovská E, Kovářová P, Baxa J, Ferda J, Fínek J. Treatment outcomes of MRI-guided adaptive brachytherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer: institutional experiences. Strahlenther Onkol 2022; 198:783-791. [DOI: 10.1007/s00066-021-01887-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Swamidas J, Jain J, Nesvacil N, Tanderup K, Kirisits C, Schmid M, Agarwal P, Joshi K, Naga P, Ranjan Khadanga C, Gudi S, Gurram L, Chopra S, Mahantshetty U. Dosimetric impact of target definition in brachytherapy for cervical cancer – Computed tomography and trans rectal ultrasound versus magnetic resonance imaging. Phys Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 21:126-133. [PMID: 35257030 PMCID: PMC8897631 DOI: 10.1016/j.phro.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the dosimetric impact of target volume delineation in Computed Tomography (CT) with assistance from Trans Rectal Ultrasound (TRUS) as compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image-based brachytherapy for cervical cancer. No statistically significant systematic difference was found between MRI and CT for target structures. However, considerable variations were seen on individual patient level which needs to be considered during clinical practice, which also needs further investigations. Current findings provide useful information to optimally utilize various imaging modalities for brachytherapy planning. Although, CT + TRUS based delineation of target volume, appear promising, MRI remains the gold standard.
Background and Purpose Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based target definition in cervix brachytherapy is limited by its availability, logistics and financial implications, therefore, use of computed tomography (CT) and Trans Rectal UltraSonography (TRUS) has been explored. The current study evaluated the dosimetric impact of CT + TRUS based target volumes as compared to gold standard MRI. Methods and Materials Images of patients (n = 21) who underwent TRUS followed by MRI and CT, were delineated with High-Risk Clinical Target Volume in CT (CTVHR-CT) and in MRI (CTVHR-MR). CTVHR-CT was drawn on CT images with TRUS assistance. For each patient, two treatment plans were made, on MRI and CT, followed by fusion and transfer of CTVHR-MR to the CT images, referred as CTVHR-MRonCT. The agreement between CTVHR-MRonCT and CTVHR-CT was evaluated for dosimetric parameters (D90, D98 and D50; Dose received by 90%, 98% and 50% of the volumes) using Bland-Altman plots, linear regression, and Pearson correlation. Results No statistically significant systematic difference was found between MRI and CT. Mean difference (±1.96 SD) of D90, D98 and D50 between CTVHR-MRonCT and CTVHR-CT was 2.0, 1.2 and 5.6 Gy respectively. The number of patients who have met the dose constraints of D90 > 85 Gy were 90% and 80% in MR and in CT respectively, others were in the borderline, with a minimum dose of 80 Gy. The mean ± SD dose-difference between MR and CT plans for bladder was significant (5 ± 13 Gy; p = 0.12) for D0.1cm3, while others were statistically insignificant. Conclusion CT + TRUS based delineation of CTVHR appear promising, provide useful information to optimally utilize for brachytherapy planning, however, MRI remains the gold standard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamema Swamidas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Corresponding author at: Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India.
| | - Jeevanshu Jain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Nicole Nesvacil
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Clinical Medicine – The Department of Oncology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christian Kirisits
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Max Schmid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Priyanka Agarwal
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Varanasi, India
| | - Kishore Joshi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Pushpa Naga
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Chira Ranjan Khadanga
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Shivakumar Gudi
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Lavanya Gurram
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Vishakhapatnam, India
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Koerner SA, Baig T, Kim H, Rodríguez-López J, Keller A, Beriwal S. Can we reduce dose to ureters as avoidance organs for MRI based brachytherapy for cervical cancer? A dosimetric feasibility study. Brachytherapy 2021; 21:202-207. [PMID: 34980569 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2021.11.002] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ureteral stenosis (US) is an underreported complication of brachytherapy (BT) for cervical cancer (CC), with limited data on toxicity risk reduction. A previous study demonstrated ureter EQD2 D0.1cc > 77 Gy correlated with US development. We sought to assess feasibility of this constraint while maintaining similar HR-CTV coverage. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with locally advanced CC treated with EBRT plus HDR MRI-based brachytherapy boost without hydronephrosis at diagnosis and with ureter dose EQD2 D0.1cc > 77 Gy were included. Replan was attempted to achieve HR-CTV D90 ≥ 80-85 Gy and ureter dose reduction. Ureter distance from lateral margin of HR-CTV and tandem was recorded. t-test was performed to compare ureteral dose and HR-CTV D90. RESULTS Of 25 patients were identified. Hundred percent received 45 Gy in 25 fractions to the pelvis ± paraaortic lymph nodes and 80% receiving median additional parametrial dose of 5.4 Gy. Replan meeting ureteral dose of ≤77 Gy was feasible in 18 of 25 patients, with a reduction in median ureter D0.1cc from 82.3 to 76.8 Gy (p < 0.001). Median HR-CTV D90 was similar (84.7 vs. 85.0 Gy). Replan achieved D0.1cc ≤77 Gy in 56% of patients who experienced US. All unilateral US cases occurred in the ureter closest to HR-CTV. CONCLUSIONS Optimization to reduce ureter dose to ≤77 Gy is feasible when ureters are visible and contoured. Ureters may be considered as potential OAR during MRI-based brachytherapy treatment. Reduced ring to tandem total reference air kerma (TRAK) ratio may provide an additional metric by which to lower US risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean A Koerner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Tanvir Baig
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hayeon Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Joshua Rodríguez-López
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Andrew Keller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sushil Beriwal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA.
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Gupta A, Dey T, Rai B, Oinam AS, Gy S, Ghoshal S. Point-Based Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer With Limited Residual Disease: A Low- and Middle-Income Country Experience in the Era of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1602-1609. [PMID: 34843375 PMCID: PMC8624033 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients with cervical cancer with limited residual disease at brachytherapy (BT) treated with point-based dose prescription. METHODS Patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix treated with computed tomography (CT)-based intracavitary BT were considered for analysis. Patients with good response to external beam radiotherapy and limited residual disease suitable for intracavitary BT alone were included. Postapplication CT scans were performed before each fraction and individual plans were made for each session. The dose per fraction was 9Gy high dose rate, prescribed to point-A. Two sessions were planned, 1 week apart. The organs at risk were contoured, and cumulative dose-volume histograms were computed. Local control, pelvic control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were evaluated and late toxicities were documented. RESULTS Four hundred ninety patients were included. Overall, 79.8% had International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB2 to IIB disease and 20.2% had stage III to IVA disease. Median dose at point A (EQD210Gy) was 74.4 Gy (interquartile range [IQR] 72.3-74.5 Gy) and median D2cc (EQD23Gy) for bladder, rectum, and sigmoid were 82.5 Gy (IQR, 65.5-90.8 Gy), 66.5 Gy (IQR, 60.7-75.7 Gy), and 54.1 Gy (IQR, 50.5-77.3 Gy), respectively. At a median follow-up of 62 (IQR, 33-87) months, the 5-year local and pelvic control rates were 90.1% and 88.3%, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival was 80% and overall survival was 88%. Rates of grade 3-4 bladder and rectosigmoid toxicities were 6.93% and 4.08%, respectively. CONCLUSION In patients with limited residual disease at BT, point-based dose prescription with CT planning results in good local control and acceptable toxicity. In a resource-constrained setting, patients may be triaged to receive point-based BT or magnetic resonance imaging–guided adaptive BT depending on the extent of residual disease. Point-based brachytherapy can be utilized in cervical cancer with limited residual disease after external RT
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Gupta
- Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Treshita Dey
- Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arun S Oinam
- Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Srinivasa Gy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sushmita Ghoshal
- Department of Radiotherapy, Regional Cancer Center, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Comparative dosimetry of brachytherapy treatment planning between a volume-based plan by CT and a point-based plan by TAUS in CT datasets for brachytherapy. JOURNAL OF RADIOTHERAPY IN PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s1460396921000595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Aim:
To evaluate comparative dosimetry of brachytherapy treatment planning between a volume-based plan by computed tomography (CT) and a point-based plan by transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) in CT datasets for brachytherapy.
Materials and methods:
From 2019 to 2021, 59 different datasets of CT images were collected from 38 patients treated by intracavitary brachytherapy with tandem ovoid or tandem ring applicators. At that time, TAUS was performed to prevent uterine perforation and to evaluate topography of the cervix during application. In volume-based planning by CT, the target dose was used to keep the dose at 90% of high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV), to give a dose of at least 7Gy, while in the point-based plan by TAUS, the target dose was used to keep the minimum dose to eight cervix reference points (measured by TAUS), to give a dose of at least 7Gy. The doses to targets and organs at risk were evaluated and compared between volume-based planning by CT and the point-based plan by TAUS.
Results:
Of 59 fractions, a tandem ovoid applicator was used in 48 fractions (81·3%). In the volume-based plan by CT, the mean doses to HR-CTV(D90), intermediate-risk clinical target volume (IR-CTV)(D90), bladder(D2cc), rectum(D2cc) and sigmoid colon(D2cc) were 7·0, 3·9, 4·9, 2·9 and 3·3 Gy, respectively, while in the point-based plan by TAUS, the mean doses to HR-CTV(D90), IR-CTV(D90), bladder(D2cc), rectum(D2cc) and sigmoid colon(D2cc) were 8·2, 4·6, 5·9, 3·4 and 3·9 Gy, respectively. The percentages of mean dose differences between TAUS and CT of HR-CTV(D90), IR-CTV(D90), bladder(D2cc), rectum(D2cc) and sigmoid colon(D2cc) were 17·7, 19·5, 20·5, 19·5, 21·3 and 19·8%, respectively. With the target dose to the point-based plan by TAUS (7 Gy to the cervix reference points), this was close to D98 of HR-CTV with a mean percentage of difference of 0·6%.
Findings:
The point-based plan by TAUS showed higher values to targets and organs at risk than the volume-based plan by CT. With the point-based plan by TAUS, it was close to D98 of HR-CTV.
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Spampinato S, Jensen NBK, Pötter R, Fokdal LU, Chargari C, Lindegaard JC, Schmid MP, Sturdza A, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, Mahantshetty U, Hoskin P, Segedin B, Rai B, Bruheim K, Wiebe E, Van der Steen-Banasik E, Cooper R, Van Limbergen E, Sundset M, Pieters BR, Lutgens LCHW, Tan LT, Villafranca E, Smet S, Jastaniyah N, Nout RA, Kirisits C, Chopra S, Kirchheiner K, Tanderup K. Severity and persistency of late gastrointestinal morbidity in locally advanced cervical cancer: lessons learned from EMBRACE-I and implications for the future. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 112:681-693. [PMID: 34678431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate patient- and treatment-related risk factors for physician-assessed and patient-reported gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms after radio(chemo)therapy and image guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Of 1416 patients from the XXX study, 1199 and 1002 were prospectively evaluated using physician-assessed (CTCAE) and patient-reported (EORTC) GI symptoms, respectively. CTCAE severe grade (G≥3) events were pooled according to the location in the GI tract (anus/rectum, sigmoid and colon/small bowel). CTCAE G≥2 and EORTC "very much" and "quite a bit"+"very much" scores (≥"quite a bit") were analyzed for individual symptoms with Cox regression. Logistic regression was used for persistent G≥1 and EORTC ≥"quite a bit" symptoms, defined if present in at least half of follow-ups. RESULTS Incidence of G≥3 events was 2.8%, 1.8% and 2.3% for G≥3 anus/rectum, sigmoid and colon/small bowel events, respectively. Among G≥2 symptoms, diarrhea and flatulence were the most prevalent (8.4% and 9.9%, respectively). Among patient-related factors, baseline morbidity, increasing age, smoking status and low body-mass-index were associated to GI symptoms with different impact. Among treatment-related factors, rectum D2cm3 and ICRU recto-vaginal reference point (RV-RP) correlated with G≥3 anus/rectum events, and moderate/persistent diarrhea, proctitis, bleeding, abdominal cramps and difficulty in bowel control. Bowel D2cm3 correlated with G≥3 sigmoid and colon/small bowel events, and moderate/persistent diarrhea and flatulence. For external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), prescription dose correlated with G≥3 anus/rectum, diarrhea and difficulty in bowel control. Patients with large lymph-node boost (V57Gy) were at higher risk for G≥3 sigmoid events, moderate/persistent diarrhea, proctitis and cramps. CONCLUSION The analysis showed that both EBRT and IGABT contribute to GI symptoms after LACC treatment. Rectum D2cm3, ICRU RV-RP and bowel D2cm3 are risk factors for GI morbidity. The risk for various symptoms was lower with an EBRT prescription of 45Gy than 50Gy, and increased with larger V57Gy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Spampinato
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Nina B K Jensen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Richard Pötter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lars U Fokdal
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiotherapy, Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Maximilian P Schmid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Sturdza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Segedin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of medicine, University of Ljubljana
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kjersti Bruheim
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo Norway
| | - Ericka Wiebe
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Cooper
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marit Sundset
- Clinic of Oncology and Women's Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bradley R Pieters
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ludy C H W Lutgens
- Maastricht Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO) clinic, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Li Tee Tan
- Oncology Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Villafranca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Stéphanie Smet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Algemeen Ziekenhuis Turnhout, Turnhout, Belgium
| | - Noha Jastaniyah
- Radiation Oncology Section, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Remi A Nout
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Kirisits
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supriya Chopra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Kirchheiner K, Smet S, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, Haie-Meder C, Chargari C, Lindegaard JC, Fokdal LU, Spampinato S, Schmid MP, Sturdza A, Mahantshetty U, Segedin B, Bruheim K, Rai B, Cooper R, Van der Steen-Banasik E, Wiebe E, Sundset M, van Limbergen E, Villafranca E, Westerveld H, Tan LT, Pötter R, Tanderup K, Nout RA. Impact of Vaginal Symptoms and Hormonal Replacement Therapy on Sexual Outcomes After Definitive Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Results from the EMBRACE-I Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 112:400-413. [PMID: 34478833 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate patient-reported sexual outcomes after chemoradiation therapy and image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer in the observational, prospective, multicenter EMBRACE-I study. METHODS AND MATERIALS Sexual outcomes were assessed prospectively with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Qualify of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-CX24) at baseline and follow-up. Crude incidence and prevalence rates of sexual activity, vaginal functioning problems (dryness, shortening, tightening, pain during intercourse), and sexual enjoyment were evaluated. Associations between pain during intercourse and vaginal functioning problems or sexual enjoyment were calculated, pooling observations over all follow-ups (Spearman correlation coefficient). In patients who were frequently sexually active (≥50% of follow-ups), the effects of regular hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) on vaginal functioning problems were evaluated (Pearson χ2). RESULTS The analysis involved 1045 patients with a median follow-up of 50 months. Sexual activity was reported by 22% of patients at baseline and by 40% to 47% of patients during follow-up (prevalence rates). Vaginal functioning problems in follow-up were dryness (18%-21%), shortening (15%-22%), tightening (16%-22%), pain during intercourse (9%-21%), and compromised enjoyment (37%-47%). Pain during intercourse was significantly associated with vaginal tightening (r = 0.544), shortening (r = 0.532), and dryness (r = 0.408) and negatively correlated with sexual enjoyment (r = -0.407). Regular HRT was associated with significantly less vaginal dryness (P = .015), shortening (P = .024), pain during intercourse (P = .003), and borderline higher sexual enjoyment (P = .062). CONCLUSIONS Vaginal functioning problems are associated with pain and compromised sexual enjoyment. Further effort is required for the primary prevention of vaginal morbidity with dose optimization and adaptation. Secondary prevention strategies, including HRT for vaginal and sexual health after radiation therapy in locally advanced cervical cancer, should be considered and sexual rehabilitation programs should be developed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Stéphanie Smet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, AZ Turnhout, Turnhout, Belgium; Iridium Cancer Network, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Cyrus Chargari
- Department of Radiotherapy, Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Lars U Fokdal
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sofia Spampinato
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maximilian P Schmid
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alina Sturdza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Homi Bhabha National Institute, India
| | - Barbara Segedin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kjersti Bruheim
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rachel Cooper
- Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ericka Wiebe
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Marit Sundset
- Clinic of Oncology and Women's Clinic, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Erik van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elena Villafranca
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hospital of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Henrike Westerveld
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Li Tee Tan
- Oncology Centre, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Pötter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Remi A Nout
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Charra-Brunaud C, Salleron J, Menoux I, Peignaux K, Ducassou A, Petit A, Pommier P, Barillot I, Serre AA, Thomas L, Delannes M, Thibouw D, Antoni D, Renard S, Peiffert D. [Dose optimization in 3D pulsed dose rate brachytherapy for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer: A French multicenter phase II trial]. Cancer Radiother 2021; 26:474-480. [PMID: 34301498 DOI: 10.1016/j.canrad.2021.06.030] [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: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We present the results of the PHRC Tridicol, a prospective French phase II study whose objective was to increase the dose delivered to the target volume during brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancers. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eight centers included 48 patients, treated with concomitant radiochemotherapy, then uterovaginal brachytherapy. RESULTS The median follow-up was 63 months. The dose of brachytherapy delivered in biological equivalent dose (EQD2) to 90% of the High Risk CTV (D90 CTV HR) was 80Gy in median dose. The 5-year local control rate (LC) was 84%, close to the hypothesis of 86.7%. The rate of severe complications (grade 3-4) was 23% at 5 years. The rectal dose was correlated with the risk of severe complications. CONCLUSION HR CTV dose was below the target (85Gy) due to low use of parametrial interstitial needles, as the centers did not always have an adequate applicator, or were at the time at the beginning of their learning curve. The 5-year LC rate was improved compared to that of the comparable STIC PDR group (78%) but lower than the retroEMBRACE cohort of GEC ESTRO (89%). The complication rate was higher than in the comparable group of STIC PDR but close to that of retroEMBRACE. Training brachytherapy teams in interstitial implantation or referring patients to referral centers should help improve the therapeutic index of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Charra-Brunaud
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, route de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France.
| | - J Salleron
- Service de biostatistique, Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, route de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - I Menoux
- Service de radiothérapie, Centre Paul-Strauss, 3, rue de la Porte de l'Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - K Peignaux
- Service de radiothérapie, Centre GF-Leclerc, 1, rue du Professeur-Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - A Ducassou
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut Claudius-Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, 20-24, rue du Pont Saint-Pierre, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - A Petit
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut Bergonié, 229, Cours de l'Argonne, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - P Pommier
- Service de radiothérapie, Centre Léon-Berard, 28, Prom.-Léa-et-Napoléon-Bullukian, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - I Barillot
- Service de radiothérapie, CHRU de Tours, Hôpital Bretonneau, 2, boulevard Tonnellé, 37000 Tours, France
| | - A A Serre
- Service de radiothérapie, Centre Léon-Berard, 28, Prom.-Léa-et-Napoléon-Bullukian, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - L Thomas
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut Bergonié, 229, Cours de l'Argonne, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - M Delannes
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut Claudius-Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, 20-24, rue du Pont Saint-Pierre, 31300 Toulouse, France
| | - D Thibouw
- Service de radiothérapie, Centre GF-Leclerc, 1, rue du Professeur-Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - D Antoni
- Service de radiothérapie, Centre Paul-Strauss, 3, rue de la Porte de l'Hôpital, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - S Renard
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, route de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - D Peiffert
- Service de radiothérapie, Institut de cancérologie de Lorraine, route de Bourgogne, 54519 Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
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Williamson CW, Liu HC, Mayadev J, Mell LK. Advances in External Beam Radiation Therapy and Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2021; 33:567-578. [PMID: 34266728 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The standard of care for the definitive treatment of locoregionally advanced cervical cancer is external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with concurrent chemotherapy followed by a brachytherapy boost. Historically, EBRT was delivered via a two-dimensional technique based primarily on bony landmarks. This gave way to three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, which allows for dose calculation and adjustment based on individual tumour and patient anatomy. Further technological advances have established intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) as a standard treatment modality, given the ability to maintain tumoricidal doses to target volumes while reducing unwanted radiation dose to nearby critical structures, thereby reducing toxicity. Routine image guidance allows for increased confidence in patient alignment prior to treatment, and the ability to visualise the daily position of the targets and organs at risk has been instrumental in allowing safe reductions in treated volumes. Additional EBRT technologies, including proton therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy, may further improve the therapeutic index. In the realm of brachytherapy, a shift from point-based dose planning to image-guided brachytherapy has been associated with improved local control and reduced toxicity, with additional refinement ongoing. Here we will discuss these advances, the supporting data and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Williamson
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - H C Liu
- La Jolla Center for Precision Radiation Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - J Mayadev
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - L K Mell
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA; La Jolla Center for Precision Radiation Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA.
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Tan LT, Tanderup K, Nappa A, Petric P, Jürgenliemk-Schulz IM, Serban M, Swamidas JV, Palmu M, Duke SL, Mahantshetty U, Nesvacil N, Pötter RC, Nout RA. Impact of transitioning to an online course - A report from the ESTRO gyn teaching course. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2021; 29:85-92. [PMID: 34189283 PMCID: PMC8220299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In 2020, the ESTRO course on image-guided radiotherapy and chemotherapy in gynaecological cancer was converted into an online version due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper describes the change process and evaluates the impact on participants compared with previous live courses. Methods and materials The 2019 live course contained 41 h of educational content, comprising 33 h of synchronous activities (lectures, interactive activities, videos) and 8 h of homework (contouring, dose planning). For the online course, the lectures were provided as pre-course material (11 mandatory, 22 optional). Contouring/dose planning homework was unchanged. The synchronous sessions were reconfigured as six 2-hour webinars (total educational content ~38 h).Participant numbers/characteristics, engagement and satisfaction for six live courses and the online course were compared. Results Participant numbers for the online and live courses were similar (90 vs. mean 96). There were more participants from outside Europe (28% vs. mean 18%) and more non-doctors (47% vs. mean 33%). Proportion of participants responding to the pre-course questionnaire was similar (77% vs. mean 78%) but post-course questionnaire response was lower (62% vs. mean 92%).43% participants viewed ≥75% of mandatory lectures before the webinars. 86% viewed the optional lectures. Submissions of contouring and dose planning homework was higher (contouring 77%-90% vs. 56%-69%, dose planning 74%-89% vs. 29%-57%).96% (47/49) participants rated the online course as Excellent (43%) or Good (53%). Overall satisfaction was similar (4.4 vs. mean 4.6). Conclusion Participant satisfaction and engagement with the online course remained high despite less contact time with faculty.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Tan
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom
| | | | - A Nappa
- European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Petric
- Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - M Serban
- McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - M Palmu
- European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - S L Duke
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - R A Nout
- Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Martins J, Vaz AF, Grion RC, Costa-Paiva L, Baccaro LF. Topical estrogen, testosterone, and vaginal dilator in the prevention of vaginal stenosis after radiotherapy in women with cervical cancer: a randomized clinical trial. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:682. [PMID: 34112100 PMCID: PMC8191143 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08274-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the effects of different therapeutic options to prevent the evolution of vaginal stenosis after pelvic radiotherapy in women with cervical cancer. METHODS open-label randomized clinical trial of 195 women, stage I-IIIB, aged 18-75 years, using topical estrogen (66), topical testosterone (34), water-based intimate lubricant gel (66), and vaginal dilators (29) to assess the incidence and severity of vaginal stenosis after radiotherapy at UNICAMP-Brazil, from January/2013 to May/2018. The main outcome measure was vaginal stenosis assessed using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) scale and percental changes in vaginal volume. The women were evaluated at four different times: shortly after the end of radiotherapy, and four, eight, and 12 months after the beginning of the intervention. Statistical analysis was carried out using Symmetry test, Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple regression. RESULTS the mean age of women was 46.78 (±13.01) years, 61,03% were premenopausal and 73,84% had stage IIB-IIIB tumors. The mean reduction in vaginal volume in the total group was 25.47%, with similar worsening in the four treatment groups with no statistical difference throughout the intervention period. There was worsening of vaginal stenosis evaluated by CTCAE scale after 1 year in all groups (p < 0.01), except for the users of vaginal dilator (p = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS there was a reduction in vaginal volume in all treatment groups analyzed, with no significant difference between them. However, women who used vaginal dilators had a lower frequency and severity of vaginal stenosis assessed by the CTCAE scale after one year of treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-23w5fv . Registered 10 January 2017 - Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumara Martins
- Radiotherapy Section, Woman's Hospital - Caism/Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Francisca Vaz
- Radiotherapy Section, Woman's Hospital - Caism/Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Regina Celia Grion
- Radiotherapy Section, Woman's Hospital - Caism/Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Lúcia Costa-Paiva
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, SP, 13083-881, Brazil
| | - Luiz Francisco Baccaro
- Department of Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas - UNICAMP, Rua Alexander Fleming, 101, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz, Campinas, SP, 13083-881, Brazil.
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Serban M, Fokdal L, Nielsen SK, Hokland SB, Hansen AT, Spejlborg H, Rylander S, Petric P, Lindegaard JC, Tanderup K. Characterization of combined intracavitary/interstitial brachytherapy including oblique needles in locally advanced cervix cancer. Brachytherapy 2021; 20:796-806. [PMID: 33994344 DOI: 10.1016/j.brachy.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize and report on dosimetric outcomes of image guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) using intracavitary and interstitial (IC/IS) applicators including oblique needles (O-needles) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS AND MATERIALS Twenty LACC patients treated with radio-chemotherapy and offered IC/IS-IGABT including O-needles were analyzed. An in-house 3D-printed vaginal template was used to steer the needles parallel and obliquely in relation to the tandem, supplemented with free-hand needles if needed. Implant characteristics and loading patterns were analyzed. Using the equivalent dose in 2Gy-fractions (EQD2) concept, cumulative (EBRT+BT) V85, V75, V60Gy, targets/OARs doses and high dose volumes (150%, 200% and 300% (100% = 85 Gy EQD210)) were evaluated. RESULTS Median(range) tumor width at diagnosis was 5.5(3.6; 7.5)cm; CTVHR volume was 45(23; 136)cm3 with maximum distance from tandem to CTVHR border of 3.4(2.5; 4.8)cm. T-stage distribution was IIB/III/IVA in 6(30%)/9(45%)/5(25%) of patients. At BT, 13(65%) patients had distal parametrial/pelvic wall infiltration. Median(range) number of needles per patient was 11(8-18). Average distribution of intrauterine, vaginal and interstitial dwell times were 31%, 25% and 44%, respectively. Median(range) dwell-time per dwell position was 11(2-127)% of average point-A based standard loading. Median V85Gy/V150%/V200%/V300% were 85(38; 171)/41(21; 93)/22(12; 41)/7(4; 19) cm3; CTVHR D90% was 93(83; 97)Gy EQD210; bladder/rectum/sigmoid/bowel D2cm3 were 78(64; 104)/65(52; 76)/59(53; 69)/61(47; 76)Gy EQD23. CONCLUSIONS The use of O-needles in patients with large and/or unfavorable tumors resulted in excellent target coverage and OARs sparing. Intrauterine and vaginal loadings were reduced compared to standard loading and almost half of the loading was shifted into IS needles. This was achieved with gentle loading in the majority of dwell positions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Serban
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Medical Physics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Lars Fokdal
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Harald Spejlborg
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susanne Rylander
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Primoz Petric
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Sturdza AE, Pötter R, Kossmeier M, Kirchheiner K, Mahantshetty U, Haie-Meder C, Lindegaard JC, Jurgenliemk-Schulz I, Tan LT, Hoskin P, van Limbergen E, Gillham C, Segedin B, Tharavichitkul E, Iturre EV, Fokdal LU, Polterauer S, Kirisits C, Tanderup K. Nomogram Predicting Overall Survival in Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Treated With Radiochemotherapy Including Image-Guided Brachytherapy: A Retro-EMBRACE Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 111:168-177. [PMID: 33932530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To present a nomogram for prediction of overall survival (OS) in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) undergoing definitive radiochemotherapy including image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT). METHODS AND MATERIALS Seven hundred twenty patients with LACC treated with radiochemotherapy including IGABT in 12 institutions (median follow-up 56 months) were analyzed; 248 deaths occurred. Thirteen candidate predictors for OS were a priori chosen on the basis of the literature and expert knowledge. Missing data (7.2%) were imputed using multiple imputation and predictive mean matching. Univariate analysis with a multivariable Cox regression model for OS stratified by center was performed. Stepwise selection of predictive factors with the Akaike Information Criterion was used to obtain a predictive model and construct a nomogram for OS predictions 60 months from diagnosis; this was internally validated by concordance probability as a measure of discrimination and a calibration plot. RESULTS Thirteen potential predictive factors were evaluated; 10 factors reached statistical significance in univariate analysis (age, Hemoglobin, FIGO Stage2009, tumor width, corpus involvement, lymph node involvement, concurrent chemotherapy, dose to 90% of the high-risk clinical target volume, volume of CTV at the first brachytherapy [CTVHRVolumeBT], overall treatment time [OTT]). Four factors were confirmed significant within the multivariable Cox regression model (FIGO Stage2009, lymph node involvement, concurrent chemotherapy, CTVHRVolumeBT). The predictive model and corresponding nomogram were based on 7 Akaike Information Criterion-selected factors (age, corpus involvement, FIGO Stage2009, lymph node involvement, concurrent chemotherapy, CTVHRVolumeBT, OTT) and showed promising calibration and discrimination (cross-validated concordance probability c = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS This is the first nomogram to predict OS in patients with LACC treated with IGABT. In addition to previously reported factors (age, FIGO2009 stage, corpus involvement, chemotherapy delivery, OTT, lymph node involvement), status of primary tumor at the time of brachytherapy seems to be an essential outcome predictor. These results can facilitate individualized tailoring of treatment and patient counseling during the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Emiliana Sturdza
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Richard Pötter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Kossmeier
- Department of Statistics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Kirchheiner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Umesh Mahantshetty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr. Mahantshetty Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Christine Haie-Meder
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Ina Jurgenliemk-Schulz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Li Tee Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Cambridge University Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erik van Limbergen
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Experimental Radiation Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Charles Gillham
- St Lukes Radiation Oncology Network, Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Ekkasit Tharavichitkul
- The Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | - Stephan Polterauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology Group Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Kirisits
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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